You guys. I started running.

Well running is a loose term. I’m working on becoming a runner. How’s that? I’ve never been a fan of exercise – not one of those girls who loves to go to the gym. But as I get older, I realize it’s so important for my heart health as a woman and just for my general mental and physical well-being.

I don’t know what happened, but something switched in me and I just decided that I’m going to start running. It also helps that I have a group of a super supportive girlfriends who run with me! Though we’re spread out, we text each other on workout mornings to report our progress and hold each other accountable. We also share tips and recipe ideas – it is so wonderful! They are a big part of the reason why I’m sticking with this. Also, like I said – I just decided one day that I was going to do it. I think that’s true of so many things we do in our lives, we have to just show up and do it. We have to make a conscious decision and move forward. Not everything is easy or even enjoyable, but we do these small daily steps to lead to something bigger.

In the short of amount of time I have been a runner, I can say the two most important things to get started as a runner are proper shoes and using an app. I use a Couch To 5k app that helps me pace myself and has guided me to work my way up. I didn’t expect to just go out there and run a 5k. I needed to train and prepare. So be realistic with yourself! But use the app – it’s a big help. I’m assuming most of the apps are the same, but they basically make you alternate between running and walking for various intervals until you get up to running a 5k. Also, proper shoes are critical to protecting your knees as you start to run. I really recommend going to a running store and getting a proper fitting – they will give you so many tips on buying the right running shoes. There’s a whole section on shoes below, read it! 🙂

For those of you who are like me and never thought you could run or don’t even know how to begin, I’ve compiled a list of resources and articles to get you started running. Hope this helps!

H O W  T O  S T A R T

S H O E S

F U N  S T U F F

C R O S S T R A I N I N G

P I N T E R E S T / I N S T A G R A M

M E A L P L A N N I N G / D I E T 

How fun is this street art I saw in Los Angeles during a recent run? That’s another part of running that I really enjoy, it’s been helping me to get out and see things I wouldn’t normally pay attention to!

Are you a runner? Any tips you’d like to share?

XO

Mae