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!
Jennifer says
I love your running gear!
I ran my first 10K race last week with my father, and it was amazing.
Paulina Rios says
A beautiful jewelry!
Dana Truitt says
I'll scoop myself a pair of the so so cute Blank Denim Cuffed shorts!! I love the way they look in the back!!
sissy kat says
Prob a new summer dress!
CHRIS HOEY says
I would luv a leggy light breezy sheer dress!
Petite Hmong Mommy says
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.
Petra Kos says
I'd get
SoludosClassic Striped Espadrilles 🙂
Courtnie says
I'd like the
MadewellSnake Cuff Bracelet.
bleushman says
Shayebel Classic Flare Jeans
Kileen says
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!
Natalie says
If I was the lucky winner, I would buy the womens
Blank DenimVegan Leather & Ponte Jacket
bilqees bano says
would buy new clothes.
Tea Šainović says
I would get the Blank Denim Cuffed Shorts.
daydreamsun3 says
new pair of sandals!
Calli says
I would get the Oliveira Wrap Sandals by Free People
laroyal06 says
I would use it toward The Jetset Diaries Mulher Bonita Dress!
Made in Mauve says
Lovely sportswear!
Made in Mauve // Bloglovin
Julie says
I would definitely get the michael kors watch
Kenya F says
I lost some weight so I would love to get a cute flowy maxi dress for weekend getaways that I'm planning.
Christy DuBois says
I would probably get the Splendid Venice Indigo Bomb Tank.
Thanks so much.
Lauren says
Your outfit is so cute! Glad you are getting into running – it's a fun thing to do as a family!
Annabellainla says
I like the Kate Spade New York Willa Ballet Flats
Dania Dania says
http://www.shopbop.com/kappa-woven-flat-sandals-sigerson/vp/v=1/1589281036.htm?folderID=2534374302206638&fm=other-shopbysize&colorId=72356
Emily Smith says
I would get the Alice + Olivia Jayce drop waist skirt.
Grace says
I would get new sunglasses! I haven't had a decent pair in ages.
Harry Miller says
I would get new shoes!
julie murphy says
I would get the Calvin Klein Underwear Launch Slip
Verena says
I'd buy some nice lingerie!
Petra Huffmire says
I like the Original Canvas Commando Boots
Diana C says
I would get the Kate Spade continental wallet or use the gc toward a handbag. Nice!
Diana C
Nikolina Vukelić says
I'd buy one of their cute bralettes!
Amy says
I would love to get a new dress!
Denise L says
I'd get a pair of Soludos espadrilles!
Courtney Bella says
I love the Rachel Pally Ursula skirt – thanks 🙂 xooxoxo
nadya kotik says
Shirtdress with Triple Stripes looks so cute
Lee Peck says
I like the lesly dress
Susan Chester says
I would get the JOA Striped Lace Top. Cute!
Mehr Salman says
I'd get a Midi skirt, been wanting one for ages!
[email protected]
Yaroslava Elenidou says
WAnt some nice flats for summer
[email protected]
Nancy says
I would get the black Tory Burch bucket bag
Kellie says
I would love to get some WildFox sunnies 🙂
jandsfox_143 says
I would use it towards a Michael Kors purse
John Marine says
Cute and little and sporty. Pretty cool outfit here, and I applaud your motivation to remain fit. Nice post here.
johnbmarine.blogspot.com
Veronica Urbaniak says
I would get a new pair of sandals – my ones from last year are worn out because I wore them LITERALLY. EVERY. DAY.
Jennifer Williams says
I think I'd get the BB Dakota Oleta dress! Perfect LBD and on sale!
PrettyLittleLiar412 says
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….
🙂
Tamara says
I WOULD LET MY 17 YEAR OLD GRAND DAUGHTER PICK SOMETHING OUT FOR HERSELF.
veraprunn says
I would get the The Laundry Room Lanikai Dress.
Faith says
I'd finally treat myself to a quality purse. I'm still deciding.
Cassandra Zavis says
oooh! I would choose a beautiful boho Free People piece!
Leslie Richman says
I'd get a Free City big dove tank. Thanks!!
Lisa Garner says
I would love to get the Cheap MondayWaist Dress
Prudence Yeo says
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
brandy c says
I'd get the
L'Agent by Agent Provocateur
BreanneT says
I would get the Free People Printed Maxi Dress.
Stephanie Larison says
I love the MOTHER – The Looker Ankle Fray Jeans
sexybrat says
I would get the
SchutzErlina Lace Up Sandals
Lisa Pecora says
I like the Saylo rLissa Dress
Erica Carnes says
I like the Rory Beca pleated flare dress.
cpsnsamples says
Sincerely Jules Making Magic
tinareynolds says
I love the
Free PeoplePrinted Maxi Dress
amy deeter says
i really like the beauty bandits shorts !! super cute
Erica Leff says
I would get some Kate Spade office supplies or a romper!
Sue J says
I might get the Kent Cardigan!
Samantha says
I would get the Rosie Pope Sloane Maternity Dress!
Annick says
I'd most likely get a pair of Kate Spade pumps OR that lovely pair of Madewell slides I just spotted!
slehan says
I like theAmalfi Jumpsuit
Thanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
Kim Ripley says
I would love to get a summer dress! Kimmy Ripley
jules mcnubbin says
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
Inge Yuwono says
I love the lace print!
Linda B says
I would get some of the
STANCETemple Low Rider Socks.
Melanie Comello says
I would get the
ules Smith
Ascending Crystal Left Ear Crawler, it looks absolutely gorgous!
Sand says
I would get the Jennifer Meyer Jewelry Mini Star Stud Earrings
aekz2 says
I would buy the Cheap Monday Strappy Dress.