Tag Archives: running

{Monday Motivator} Run pretty, run fast!

Posted in Monday Motivators, Motivation & Happiness by

By Emily McLaughlin

This week I checked in with Robyn from Run Pretty Run Fast, a blog about “running fast with style.” I’ve been following Robyn’s blogging about race training and favorite running gear for some time now. Recently, I reached out to ask the genius behind Run Pretty Run Fast a few questions about where she find motivation in her day-to-day life. Read on to see what Robyn had to say:

Click to learn more about Robyn.

Click to learn more about Robyn.

What made you start blogging? 

I was working on a leadership book for a class I was teaching and it had us list our talents and passions.  My list was remarkably short.  Outside of running what else was I doing that I was good at and passionate about?  Well I loved writing but was I any good at it?  Not so sure but this leadership talked about the importance of practice and to me that clearly made sense with running so why wouldn’t it make senses with writing?  So the blog was born!

What was the inspiration behind Run Pretty Run Fast?

I struggled with naming my blog for a while.  I sought friends feedback… and nothing.  How does one name their blog?!  Then one day I saw someone use the hashtag #runprettyrunfast and I just knew it was the prefect blog title.  I love running fast but I’ve also always loved style and fashion so it seemed like a good fit (though most of my post really are about running).

What is your favorite piece of running gear (practical, fashionable or both)?

Do I have to pick one?! I have three go to brands right now:  Oiselle, lululemon and Nike (I am from Eugene).  I’m obsessed with Oiselle’s Lesley Running Tight and distance shorts.  The Lesley Tight’s material is perfect for colder running and holds-up really well in the rain and the fit is super flattering.   The distance shorts are the most flattering shorts I own, not too long not too short and also great in the rain.  It’s my go to short for any workout with lots of pockets and great range of motion for fast days.

lululemon has my two go to pieces:  the racer back tank and all sport bra (you don’t even want to know how many of these I own).  The cuts are simple and the colors are great and the function can’t be beat (I mean it’s hard to find a good flattering sports bra right?).  I also love the tanks because they are nice and long (and lulu will hem them if they are too long for you).

Finally I’m in love with Nike’s Pro line long sleeve and short sleeve shirts.  I have to size up in them or they are way too tight but I love the length and the fabric is the prefect about of st retch and weight.  The line is very flattering (but again I’d recommend sizing up or they might be too tight- they are supposed to be a base layer).

Do you have races planned for 2013? What are you training for now?

Right now my plan is to run the Eugene Half in April and Ojai full in May.  I’ve been sidelined with and injury for most of February and part of March so we’ll see how quickly I bounce back!  This summer I’ll run some local races and of course relay races (my favorite).  I plan on running Ragnar NWP, will hopefully land on a Hood to Coast team and then I’m looking at a few other Ragnars.  Depending on how Ojai goes I’ll most likely race a fall marathon but that’s still a bit TBD.

Who (or what) inspires you most? Is there a person you look up to? Is there a quote you like to live by?

My dad has always inspired me.  He started running when he was 40 and he couldn’t run around the block.  By the time he was 55 he was running sub 3 hour marathons.  In high school I used to run with him and his masters running group, they are some of my most cherished memories.

The other two people who have inspired me are Harland Yriarte and Cathie Bellamy Twomey.  Harland runs a running camp (Steens Mountain Running Camp) for high school kids that pretty much changed my life.  My first trip to camp was after I found out I had cancer.  It was easily removed but I was still struggling with it.  He taught me that life was hard and we all had obstacles to overcome and that we could sit there and feel sorry for ourselves or get up and over come them… I chose the latter.  My second summer at camp was 8 months after nearly dying from a misdiagnosed ruptured appendix and I continued to learn what it meant to work hard and fight for something.

Cathie’s a former world-class runner that helped me high school and college.  She’s incredibly inspirational and often time believed in me more than I believed in myself.  She was always there to talk me through my doubts and push me to be the best runner that I could be.

I’d say my faith in God and Jesus is what really grounds me though.  I might be hard to explain but I really do think running is a gift.  I’ve met so many amazing people and friends through running and learned a lot about myself.  It’s also been a great outlet for me.  There’s nothing like and early morning run before the world is awake.  It’s one of my most favorite times of the day.  I try to have fun on my blog (I think humor is medicine for the soul) but I think I’m able to have fun because I know it’s a gift and I’m thankful for it.

~

Thank you, Robyn, for sharing your story! You can follow Robyn’s journey on her blog, Run Pretty Fun Fast. Stay healthy, stay happy, stay motivated, everyone!

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6th Annual Jingle Bell 5k

Posted in Boston You're My Home, Fitness by

By Emily McLaughlin

I completed my first 5k today! (Well, the first one I was serious about–we aren’t counting the UMass Homecoming 5k Halloween weekend.) This weekend has been amazing for a few different reasons. Some of my friends know already, but I have some big, big news to announce… in my next blog post. ;)

This morning I ran the 6th Annual Jingle Bell 5k in Somerville, MA with Ryo and a few of my lovely friends. Even after having a few (or several) drinks the night before at Ryo’s magically extravagant company party, I was feeling pretty great! I had a breakfast sandwich, hydrated to the best of my ability, then we headed on over to Somerville to meet up with thousands of Santas, reindeer, elves and other holiday characters.

It was pretty chilly, but the wintry weather mix held off until well after the race was over. I wasn’t too confident about running in the cold this morning, but I still preformed pretty great! I didn’t have to stop to stretch or walk at all. Here are my results (and Ryo’s too since we crossed the finished line around the same time):

Screen Shot 2012-12-16 at 5.21.16 PM

This is definitely a race I would like to take part in annually. There was so much holiday cheer… and so many Santa appearances! Here are some more photos, most stolen from my friends… thanks, everyone!:

Jennie, Jess and I before the race.

Jennie, Jess and I before the race.

In front of us at the start line.

In front of us at the start line.

Behind us at the start line.

Behind us at the start line.

So excited to see our friend, Holly!

So excited to see our friend, Holly!

Right after the start.

Right after the start.

Post race... Ryo is sooo happy. ;)

Post race… Ryo is sooo happy. ;)

Another post race pic.

Another post race pic — Jennie, Jess, me and Brian.

Happy holidays, everyone!

P.S. Things I am looking forward to in the near future:

1. Announcing my big news!

2. NYC this coming weekend.

3. My first Rockette’s show (while in NYC).

4. Family time at Christmas.

5. Sweater parties.

6. NYE!

Health and fitness: Holiday wish list

Posted in Fashion, Fitness, Food & Diet by

By Emily McLaughlin

With Black Friday around the corner and holiday shopping in full swing, I thought I’d put my health/fitness wish list out there. ; ) There are a few things I do need (i.e. a new gym bag, some cold-running gear, a fresh yoga mat), but there are also some things I have seen here and there that I long for… plus, it’s nice to dream.

1. Gym bag
This medium-sized bag features an inside compartment for (dirty, smelly) sneakers and a sleeve to keep your laptop safe. Another great feature is the water-resistant fabric, protecting your things from nasty weather. A gym bag like this is perfect for someone who works out immediately before/after work or school.

2. Yoga jewelry
I am obsessed with all of this yoga jewelry, especially the gold lotus bracelet (hint, hint). Click the image to visit the Etsy store and buy one for the Yogi you love.

3. Yogi bundle
Another great gift for your yoga-lover is this “Breathe, Bind & Align Package” from Manduka. These props are great to have around when practicing at home post-run, etc. This particular bundle starts at $110, but you can find these pieces a little cheaper elsewhere, I’m sure.

4. Running shoe
I swear by these lightweight Nike Frees because they have done wonders for my shin splints and feel like slippers. From day one, they were a perfect fit and I have never had a problem. Buy a pair created by Nike or let your loved one customize a pair themselves — the possibilities are endless. (I know, because I just spent 30 minutes playing around.)

5. Stick roller
This I need. Anyone who has used one of these after a rough workout knows why. These rollers are amazing, and this one is travel-sized (!) so it will fit perfectly in that gym bag I mentioned earlier. Use this roller after a long run to speed your recovery and soothe your sore muscles.

6. Paring knife
Every health nut needs a good paring knife for fruits and veggies. I like knives with the guarders because you can throw them in a lunch bag or backpack without worrying about getting jabbed when you go rummaging for food later on.

7. Travel mat
I saw this mat on a FitSugar’s holiday wish list. The Jade yoga mat is only 1/8″ thick, making it light and great for travel. If you are gifting for a regular Yogi, who enjoys close-contact with the ground, this is the mat to get. If you are buying for someone who is newer to yoga, or might enjoy a little more cushion in their mat, go with something thicker.

8. Run gloves
Of course, no list would be complete without my lululemon must-haves. I have these Brisk Run Gloves and they are… by far… my favorite running accessory in the cold months. The gloves have reflectors and iPhone-friendly fingertips — what more could you ask for?! However, lulu advises that you don’t text with the gloves on — I can confirm that it is a little difficult to send a quick text with the gloves on completely… but it’s not impossible.

9. Toasty tights
Another pick from lululemon are these Toasty Tech Tights. Features include: four pockets, reflectors, a high-rise waist, full-length leg and lulu’s Tech Fleece fabric for warmth. These pants have a high price tag ($118), but if they are for that special someone, who is always bracing the cold to run… it’s worth it. I want ‘em.

10. Workout turtleneck
My last wish list pick… another lululemon find. This Run Swiftly Turtleneck is lightweight, but will keep you nice and toasty during winter workouts. My neck is always cold when I head outside for a run, but I never want to wear anything too thick like a scarf or fleece neckwarmer. This seems perfect.

Happy holidays, everyone! Enjoy your Thanksgiving and stay safe while Black Friday shopping!

3 Safety tips: Exercising outside post-hurricane

Posted in Do Good & Feel Good, Fitness by

By Emily McLaughlin

The view down my street — only a few branches down.

All is quiet in Watertown, MA post-Sandy. I went for a little exploratory jog around the neighborhood this afternoon (taking my normal route) and am pleased to report that I did not run into any crazy road blocks. The banks of the Charles seemed to have crept up closer to the Healthy Heart Trail, the sidewalk was covered with a blanket of leaves and I almost tripped over a few twigs — but there was no major damage. We were very lucky to have such a small amount of damage in my neighborhood.

Back on the South Shore, there were quite a number of trees down — enough to give my younger sisters two days off from school in Pembroke. In NYC, the damage of the hurricane was absolutely devastating. My co-worker send me a link to a few crazy photos out of Manhattan: http://elitedaily.com/elite/2012/breaking-news-manhattan-water-photos/

Count your blessings, Massachusetts.

If you are going stir-crazy from being stuck inside the past couple days, definitely get a quick walk or jog in if your neighborhood is safe. I’m sure you’ve heard this from the news, your grandmother and your mother, but take all necessary precautions when heading outside. Here are three quick tips:

Try to avoid puddles, especially if any wires when down around you — you could get electrocuted or risk ruining your sneakers. (oh my!)  There is no telling how deep some puddles are especially with a blanket of leaves on the ground so do your best to jump over or mosey around pools of water.

Be careful not to slip or trip as you go on your way. This might seem kind of  ’duh,’ but if you start to get in the zone, you might forget where you are or what’s below you. If you are running outside, odds are there are leaves and twigs everywhere… just be careful!

Look out for neighbors in need as you explore your neighborhood in the next few days. In other words, be a good Samaritan and help a  sista’ out. If you are out sweeping your front steps or sidewalk, do the same for your neighbor. If you are walking down the sidewalk and there is a big branch obstructing a driveway, hanging off a fence or blocking a staircase, use those muscles you work so hard for and move it. You never know how much this small deed might mean for someone else. Do good to feel good — it’s healthy.