I didn’t grow up a runner. Heck, I wasn’t very much into any sort of sport or fitness. I was that stereotypical book nerd who just studied, studied, studied. It wasn’t until I started college and put on some extra pounds that I decided I needed to do something to try and lose weight. Running seemed easy enough so that’s what I did. I remember the first time I headed out to the streets and I barely made it 1 mile before feeling completely winded. I absolutely hated it. I was running with the sole purpose of trying to lose weight, and it was miserable.
I’m persistent by nature though, so I stuck with it and started to get more motivated as I saw results after a few months. My runs started getting easier — I had built up my stamina and found a couple great tricks that helped me keep on pushing even when I felt like quitting: envisioning someone running in front of me and trying to “catch” that person as well as having a really great playlist with a beat that I could use for pacing. I found that as my classes got tougher, running really helped clear my mind and there were even a couple eureka problem-solving moments as I was able to get a fresh perspective. Running soon became a constant in my life and I grew to love the sweaty but happy post-run high. Even post-college and in my 20s, running was always something I could turn to in the midst of all the ups and downs of my life.
Fast forward to life in my 30s and now a mother of two little ones. I don’t get to go out running as often as I’d like but now that it’s warming up, I’m taking every opportunity to get out on the running trails again. There are days when my mind starts to get frazzled from negotiating toddler tantrums and I can feel my patience wearing thin. It’s those times that I know the fresh air, the rhythmic pounding of the pavement beneath my feet, and that burning feeling in my lungs is just what I need to come back fresh and ready to be a better version of myself for me and my family.
This summer, Adrian and I are talking about doing our first family 5K. I just love the camaraderie of races and hope that it’ll be a way to get Dylan into the fun of running (the boy already races me around the house all the time!). The Zappos Bay to Breakers race is this weekend and it’s one of my favorite races to look at pictures of simply because of the crazy costumes runners will wear! The event is sponsored by Zappos, one of my favorite online stores because of it’s amazing selection of clothing (including athletic gear like I’m wearing above), shoes, accessories as well as their fast shipping and free 365-day return policy!
Disclosure: I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
P.S. In case you missed it:
- Leaves + Daisies Mesh High-Low Dress – So perfect for spring!
I love your running gear!
I ran my first 10K race last week with my father, and it was amazing.
A beautiful jewelry!
I'll scoop myself a pair of the so so cute Blank Denim Cuffed shorts!! I love the way they look in the back!!
Prob a new summer dress!
I would luv a leggy light breezy sheer dress!
OMG…. I need to run more. I've never really been an active person and recently got a gym membership….that has been sitting unused for 2 months now. The last time I ran, I swear I twisted my intestines. It hurt so bad. I have yet to even make a mile nonstop. I am so sad. Thanks for the boost in motivation!
P.S. I gave you a little shout out on my post today. 🙂 Keep up the good work.
I'd get
SoludosClassic Striped Espadrilles 🙂
I'd like the
MadewellSnake Cuff Bracelet.
Shayebel Classic Flare Jeans
Oh thank you so much for the shoutout! As for running, just do as much as you can (even super slowly!) and stick with it. It gets easier over time and I've come to really love it!
If I was the lucky winner, I would buy the womens
Blank DenimVegan Leather & Ponte Jacket
would buy new clothes.
I would get the Blank Denim Cuffed Shorts.
new pair of sandals!
I would get the Oliveira Wrap Sandals by Free People
I would use it toward The Jetset Diaries Mulher Bonita Dress!
Lovely sportswear!
Made in Mauve // Bloglovin
I would definitely get the michael kors watch
I lost some weight so I would love to get a cute flowy maxi dress for weekend getaways that I'm planning.
I would probably get the Splendid Venice Indigo Bomb Tank.
Thanks so much.
Your outfit is so cute! Glad you are getting into running – it's a fun thing to do as a family!
I like the Kate Spade New York Willa Ballet Flats
http://www.shopbop.com/kappa-woven-flat-sandals-sigerson/vp/v=1/1589281036.htm?folderID=2534374302206638&fm=other-shopbysize&colorId=72356
I would get the Alice + Olivia Jayce drop waist skirt.
I would get new sunglasses! I haven't had a decent pair in ages.
I would get new shoes!
I would get the Calvin Klein Underwear Launch Slip
I'd buy some nice lingerie!
I like the Original Canvas Commando Boots
I would get the Kate Spade continental wallet or use the gc toward a handbag. Nice!
Diana C
I'd buy one of their cute bralettes!
I would love to get a new dress!
I'd get a pair of Soludos espadrilles!
I love the Rachel Pally Ursula skirt – thanks 🙂 xooxoxo
Shirtdress with Triple Stripes looks so cute
I like the lesly dress
I would get the JOA Striped Lace Top. Cute!
I'd get a Midi skirt, been wanting one for ages!
[email protected]
WAnt some nice flats for summer
[email protected]
I would get the black Tory Burch bucket bag
I would love to get some WildFox sunnies 🙂
I would use it towards a Michael Kors purse
Cute and little and sporty. Pretty cool outfit here, and I applaud your motivation to remain fit. Nice post here.
johnbmarine.blogspot.com
I would get a new pair of sandals – my ones from last year are worn out because I wore them LITERALLY. EVERY. DAY.
I think I'd get the BB Dakota Oleta dress! Perfect LBD and on sale!
Killeen- I have to win this lol. I know exactly what i want now- Tory burch flat sandals! I think it was you, who I saw a gold pair on and fell in love. Nordstrom has the pair that I really want called the chandler on sale for $175. But shopbop has these
http://www.shopbop.com/moore-flat-thong-tory-burch/vp/v=1/1513206026.htm?fm=search-shopbysize&os=false#reviewsArea
Or the miller black popple color….I don't know of the metal medallion would bother me though….
I so want the gold chandlers but can't see spending $175 on sandals lol… A bag maybe….although I did just get offered a promotion at work so maybe I can use that as an excuse….but can't wear them to work haha….
Anyway, just wanted to pop in and tell you what I decided to get if I win….
🙂
I WOULD LET MY 17 YEAR OLD GRAND DAUGHTER PICK SOMETHING OUT FOR HERSELF.
I would get the The Laundry Room Lanikai Dress.
I'd finally treat myself to a quality purse. I'm still deciding.
oooh! I would choose a beautiful boho Free People piece!
I'd get a Free City big dove tank. Thanks!!
I would love to get the Cheap MondayWaist Dress
The pineapple print trend for this summer is so cute! Love the T-shirt featured, it's perfect for this season!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
I'd get the
L'Agent by Agent Provocateur
I would get the Free People Printed Maxi Dress.
I love the MOTHER – The Looker Ankle Fray Jeans
I would get the
SchutzErlina Lace Up Sandals
I like the Saylo rLissa Dress
I like the Rory Beca pleated flare dress.
Sincerely Jules Making Magic
I love the
Free PeoplePrinted Maxi Dress
i really like the beauty bandits shorts !! super cute
I would get some Kate Spade office supplies or a romper!
I might get the Kent Cardigan!
I would get the Rosie Pope Sloane Maternity Dress!
I'd most likely get a pair of Kate Spade pumps OR that lovely pair of Madewell slides I just spotted!
I like theAmalfi Jumpsuit
Thanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
I would love to get a summer dress! Kimmy Ripley
i would probably get the classic Converse Chuck Taylor All Star high tops, updated with sherpa lining for extra warmth. Lace-up closure or….. the Tory Burch wallet in striped faux leather accented with a polished logo medallion
I love the lace print!
I would get some of the
STANCETemple Low Rider Socks.
I would get the
ules Smith
Ascending Crystal Left Ear Crawler, it looks absolutely gorgous!
I would get the Jennifer Meyer Jewelry Mini Star Stud Earrings
I would buy the Cheap Monday Strappy Dress.