The 'Run Run' Sisterhood

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, one of my goals for 2011 is to gradually build my exercise routine from fast-paced walking to running. I’m making more progress on the treadmill and while I haven’t set my sights on a 5k or mini-marathon yet, I feel good about what I’ve achieved so far.

Like many bloggers, I look for inspiration from my girlfriends, as well as from other bloggers and blogs. I began searching Blogland for who’s out there running, living healthy lives and offering advice on how to do so. One of the more popular bloggers of this genre is Skinny Runner. An avid marathon and recreational runner, she offers helpful advice on running gear, races to join and healthy eating. And for additional inspiration, she provides links to other other female runner blogs – a “Run Run Sisterhood,” if you will. Best of all, her posts are fun and upbeat.

In one of her posts, she answered many questions readers had posed about the gear she wears; everything from the shoes to her headband. I totally agree with her advice on finding the right shoe for your foot and not just going with what the running magazines are touting as the “it” shoe for 2011. For instance, last week I went to purchase new running shoes at my favorite locally-owned running store, Footworks. (Yeah, I just bought a pair of trail shoes over the holidays, but I also need a running shoe. Let’s analyze my spending habits another day, shall we?) They measured and analyzed my feet. My right foot pronates (rolls inward), so they took that into consideration when searching for the right shoe for me. Keep this in mind when shopping for gear - find a running store that will be willing to do this. At most smaller, locally-owned running stores, this is standard practice.

In addition to walking and running, my friends and I are always look for new, affordable fitness opportunities to help "shake up" our exercise routines, which is really helpful during the dreary winter months. We e-mail each other suggestions, such as Pure Barre, Zumba or cycling classes. It's a great way to stay motivated and socialize with your friends.

If fitness is one of your goals for 2011, what are you doing? What motivates you? Any great fitness/health blogs you'd like to recommend?

Happy Tuesday, everyone!
Images from Title 9 and Skinny Runner