Once a Runner

Few books capture the feelings of a runner.  The thrill, speed, challenge, love of running is hard to put down in words.  When people ask "How can you do that?" or "Why would you want to run that far?", I simply reply "Because I Love It".  

Once a Runner by John L. Parker, Jr. has truly embodied the thoughts and pains of a competitive runner.  Whether you are a collegiate, professional, or everyday runner, this book is a must for your reading list.  It gives you the ambition and drive to get off your couch and pound out 60 quarter miles.    

Cold Running Gear

With the wind chills below zero, a runner needs to bundle up in light, warm layers.  Here is some of my favorite cold weather picks for all my winter running girls.

15 Ways to Use Vaseline

Outside air, sweat, and stress on my body from running have caused some of the ugliest results one has ever seen.  Especially now with the cold really setting in, I have a constant dry, itchy, and flaky feeling all over my body (I paint a beautiful picture of me, don't I).

So, I would like to give a shout out to one of my favorite products that protects and heals my skin...Vaseline!

Here is a list of 15 ways to use Vaseline:

Recovery Monday

After long or intense runs, recovery is key.  My new obsession is using a foam roller to stretch and massage sore muscles.  This inexpensive piece of equipment is a must for any athlete.

Here is a workout that I like to use from Women's Health Magazine:

Buy your foam roller today!  Here are a few that I like:

Gaiam Green Restore Foam Roller (Target)

This roller is shorter and easier to store/carry with you.  It also comes with a 15 minute workout DVD.

Fitness Gear 24" Foam Roller (Dick's Sporting Goods)

This roller is at a good price.  Also, I like the texture and density of the roller.

Long Run Guidance

Sundays are my long run days while training for the Fargo Marathon, and I always feel like I need some help along the way.  At times I find myself repeating strong words to encourage my next steps.  Here are some powerful words to support your next long endeavor.

Why Do You Run?

Can you fill in the blank?  It is a simple phrase, but there are thousands, maybe millions, of reasons why we run.  There is a spectrum of justifications: relieve stress, test limits, fitness, disease prevention, time alone, time with friends, weight loss, freedom, strength.

We all put one foot in front of the other, but the picture in our minds varies.  The reason we run changes how we run.  If you are a person who enjoys the company of another runner, your pace encourages being able to talk; however, if you are trying to become faster, you use interval training (and we all know the lack of breath we have during intervals).

I encourage you to fill in the blank.  Even print it off (click here for printable) and put it on your fridge.  Setting goals is the first step to understanding who you are as a runner.  It will push you to become the person and runner you are looking to be.

Beauty Run Gear

Welcome Runners

Run. Eat. Pray. is a blog dedicated to all my fellow runners.  I am on a journey to make myself stronger and better with every step, and I want to share my training, nutrition, and motivation finds along the way.  Also, for those who are crafty or teachers head over to my other blog Living the Teaching Life.