When the news that Eliza Fletcher was kidnapped, attacked, and killed while on a morning run broke, it rocked me. She lived in my state. She was a runner. She had kids and a husband. She ran the same Disney races that I love. How could this happen? Questions, feelings, and fears raced through my mind for days and I was glued to social media as the hunt was on for finding her. Unfortunately it didn’t end as we all wanted it to, with Eliza going home safety to her little family, but it did teach lessons, and give some reminders to me (10 tips for staying safe while running to be exact!) Living ..read more

Running can be tough but it is a very effective physical activity. However, for beginners, running is not always easy to start. It’s important to start slow and give yourself the time to grow into the activity. The first few runs are likely to be tough on the body. So in order to take things slowly, it’s best to focus on simple goals. Rather than going for the longest distance in the shortest time, focus on handling the distance first. It helps prepare your body for further challenges. You will grow stronger and fitter over time. Many beginners agree that working out with a buddy plays a big ..read more

Are you a runner? Then you’re familiar with the effect of regularly hitting the pavement to train on your body. From hurting your Achilles to plantar fasciitis, to IT band pain (me!) running injuries are common among new runners and even seasoned athletes. According to statistics, 30 to 75 percent of runners in the US experience injuries annually. Wow! A superficial injury can kick you out of a race you were looking so much forward to, yet you can use these odds to your advantage. Do you want to know how? Here are four ways you can prevent injuries running. Image Credit Wear the correct foot ..read more

Running is one of the best exercises you can do to improve your physical fitness and cardiovascular health. People who love running outdoors get the added benefit of fresh air and also reconnecting with nature. Even with all those benefits, running is a high-impact exercise, so it’s essential not to overdo it. (I have unfortunately done this many times int he past!) To support your body in your running practice, yoga is something you may want to consider. Keep reading for 5 reasons runners should try yoga. Pexels 1 . Breathing techniques During yoga classes, you are encouraged to breath ..read more

From taking on a Couch25k program, to attempting your first half marathon, we all know about the benefits of running for our bodies –  fat loss, toned limbs, and better cardiovascular health. What we aren’t always so clear on is the other huge benefit that regular runs have to offer us. I’m talking about our mental health. Many runners find that their routine quickly becomes integral to their wellbeing and happiness, and becomes a vital tool in helping to manage challenges in their life and provide a constructive response to negative things such as anger or anxiety. Taking care of your body a ..read more

The runDisney princess half marathon weekend is one of my favorites. It’s a fun girls weekend where you get some awesome new bling at the end. What could be better? That being said, being prepared can make or break your experience, so I am here to offer some of my best tips for running this race. Good luck! 1. Know the course. If you plan properly, you will know where the hilly overpasses are, where you can use a “real” bathroom on the course, and where the aid stations and med tents are located. Knowing this information can help you plan your fueling and pace for the event, and make you feel ..read more

*10 Tips for running in the heat originally published in 2016, updated June 2019* As the weather warms up, it’s wise to take a few minutes to think about how this will change your runs. (because newsflash: it will change them, especially if you live in the south like me!)  If you don’t plan ahead, you may be setting yourself up for failure (or heat stroke!) so be careful and make sure you are prepared. Here are my 10 best tips for running in the heat. 10 tips for running in the heat 1.) Sunscreen sunscreen sunscreen! Also, for really long runs, I reapply after an hour. I try to find more “swea ..read more

*Original post date 2016, updated May 2019* When you think of getting fit and healthy, you don’t have to also see lots of dollar signs. There are ways to be healthy, get fit, and reach your goals without breaking the bank. You only have one body, so it needs to be a priority when it comes to the money you spend in your budget. Check out my 5 tips below for help: 1.) Really do some thinking about your gym membership. If you go to your gym 4 times a week and use multiple pieces of equipment, the pool, the childcare, etc. then you should probably stick with it. But, if you go to the gym 3 times ..read more