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May 17

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Blogger On The Run: Mile Posts

We’re bursting at the seams with excitement over this week’s Women’s Running magazine Blogger On The Run- Dorothy from Mile Posts! This incredibly busy mom of three finds time to squeeze in training for marathons while inspiring her readers each step of the way.  You may remember Dorothy from a video we posted not that long ago about Finding Your Strong (we’ll include the video at the bottom of this post for those who want to view it again- it’s that good!). Read on and learn how Dorothy follows her own mantra to Dream Big:

Dorothy's mantra- Dream Big!

WR: How would you describe yourself? (Dorothy chose to describe herself in 26.2 words- we LOVE it!)

D:  Happy. Runner. Mother. Sister. Daughter. Wife. Friend. Dreamer. Marathoner. Racer. Coach. Writer. Blogger. Optimist. Pessimist. Giggler. Smiler. Determined. Faithful. Kind. Loving. Sincere. Motivated. Hugger. Strong. Stroller Runner.

WR: How did you begin running?

D: I gained a lot of weight when I went to college and was on a very unhealthy downward spiral. When I hit what I would call rock bottom my mom offered to pay for anything related to running in an effort for me to fall in love with her sport. She felt that it would help me not only physically, but mentally to run. I decided there was no harm in trying. The worst that could happen was that I would fail and at that point I was willing to try just about anything.

I won’t say I fell in love with running over night. It was hard but each run I went on motivated me to the next one. If it was a bad run I wanted to get back out there and have a good one and if it was a good one where I felt that *runner’s high* - I wanted to run again so I could get to that place again. In 2003, after I graduated from college, I moved in with my mom and she asked me to train for a marathon with her. I agreed. I probably wouldn’t have made it to the finish line if it weren’t for her waking me up every day at 6 am to go run. Once I crossed the finish line of my first marathon I was in love and forever hooked on the 26.2 distance.

Mother (Lesley) and daughter share a love of running!

WR: What keeps you running and training?

D:  My kids. They remind me that I am unconditionally loved. The Marathon.It reminds me that things that are worth it in life are most likely going to be hard. What you put into life you get back out of it. Same goes for the marathon. It will reward you in more ways than you can imagine if you give it the chance.

Carrying on the mother/daughter tradition with her own daughter, Chloe!

WR: What’s your favorite race memory?

D:  My favorite race memory is from the B & A Trail Marathon 2010. I went to this race alone and didn’t know anyone running. There were early starters so I really didn’t know what place I was in the entire race. 50 yards from the finish line I saw them raising a banner for me to break. I started to cry. I’ll never forget this woman that was there with her daughter. Right after I crossed I asked her if I really won. She said YOU DID IT GIRL. YOU DID IT. She gave me the biggest hug and didn’t let go. Her daughter was looking on and she told her that it was okay – I was crying tears of joy. I have no idea who this woman was but that hug and that moment will stick with me for life. The race was small so there was no runner tracking – I loved that for a moment in time – my win and my time was just mine. My family and friends had no idea. I went and sat down and just soaked it all in before I called anyone to tell them my news.

Check out this post-race smile after the 2012 B & A Trail Marathon!

WR:  How do you reward yourself for accomplishing your training/running goals?

D:  Cupcakes! In all seriousness sometimes I do reward myself with food but more often than not the personal satisfaction I get is enough. I get excited to tell that little doubting voice in my head to SHUTUP. The only limits in my life are those I place on myself. When I hit a goal I let myself dream a little bigger and don’t allow it to scare me. Of course I will admit that from time to time I do go shopping as a reward. The lure of a new purse has pushed me through many hard miles at the end of a marathon.

You’re hooked, right? Head on over to Mile Posts to read more!

We love how Dorothy quiets the self doubt that sometimes creeps in by telling it to “Shut Up!” How do you deal with self doubt?  

50 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS – DAY 16

Today’s prize. . .

1 Running Outfit FROM TITLE NINE

Win a Running Outfit from Title Nine. This package includes a Reflective Run Cap, Paradigm Top, Paradigm Zip Neck, Endurance Capri and Essential Socks to keep you running your best this spring in any weather. Worth $198, titlenine.com

How to enter. . .

  • Comment on this post to be entered to win.
  • If you share our post on Twitter or Facebook, mention this in the comment and your entry will count twice. One comment per email address will be allowed each day.
  • Winner(s) will be announced the following day at the bottom of the blog post. Check in tomorrow to see if you won.
  • Good luck!!

Yesterday’s winner. .

Congratulations to Natalie Conrad who won a RACEDAY Books Pink Book Training Diary. Please email Jessica@womensrunning.com with your mailing address to claim your prize!

Saucony’s “Find Your Strong” Video contest, featuring our Blogger On The Run- Dorothy Beal:

May 16

404 Comments

Yoga For Runners

Attention ladies! Get the soapbox ready. Hold onto your yoga mats and strike a pose. Women’s Running is on a mission to help you fall in love with yoga for runners. Check out this quick video from our friends at fitsugar for a few simple poses to incorporate into your daily schedule:

Go ahead, delve into the world of yogi bliss. We bet you’ll be joining us on this soapbox in no time!

How do you take care of your muscles after running?

50 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS – DAY 15

Today’s prize. . .

1 RACEDAY BOOKS Pink Book Training Diary

Win a Pink Book Training Diary from RACEDAY Books, the perfect place to store all your race memorabilia from bib numbers to finish-line photos. Worth $55, racedaybooks.com

How to enter. . .

  • Comment on this post to be entered to win.
  • If you share our post on Twitter or Facebook, mention this in the comment and your entry will count twice. One comment per email address will be allowed each day.
  • Winner(s) will be announced the following day at the bottom of the blog post. Check in tomorrow to see if you won.
  • Good luck!!

Yesterday’s winner. .

Congratulations to Nichole Roberts who won a Portable Suspension Trainer by TRX. Please email Jessica@womensrunning.com with your mailing address to claim your prize!

 

May 15

528 Comments

Women Run The USA

Let’s face it – we know women run this country, and now the results of the 2012 Women’s National Runner Survey conducted by Running USA confirm our premonitions. With over 7 million road race female finishers in 2011, it’s hard not to agree that women are taking the sport of running by storm. After all, women comprised 53% of event finishers nationwide.

It’s no wonder that women are rising in the sport of running, considering the amazing top female athletes who’ve paved the way for us. Can you name the top US female record holders for the distances listed below?  Test out your knowledge by click on each category to reveal the answer…

If you had to choose one woman who inspires you to run, who would you choose? 

50 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS – DAY 14

Today’s prize. . .

1 trx Suspension Trainer

Win a Suspension Trainer by TRX. This package includes a portable total-body training system, a TRX Door Anchor, a Basic Training DVD and Quick Start Guide to build strength, increase flexibility and develop core stability. Worth $200, trxtraining.com

 How to enter. . .

  • Comment on this post to be entered to win.
  • If you share our post on Twitter or Facebook, mention this in the comment and your entry will count twice. One comment per email address will be allowed each day.
  • Winner(s) will be announced the following day at the bottom of the blog post. Check in tomorrow to see if you won.
  • Good luck!!

Yesterday’s winner. ..

Congratulations to Amanda Stanzel and Jen Gilbert who won VIP Subscription Packages to Women’s Running. Please email Jessica@womensrunning.com with your mailing address to claim your prize!

 

 

May 14

638 Comments

Shake Your Groove Thing

We couldn’t help but giggle when we came across this video, which features “dance walking.” We know it’s not “dance running,” but still…if we’re being completely honest, there are times we all feeling like busting out some moves to the groovy tune pumping through our headphones. In fact, one of our staffers at Women’s Running even admitted to throwing air punches (mid-run we might add) every time her favorite Jay Z song plays. Check out this video (and we dare you not to shake your toosh as you watch!):

What song makes you want to break it down during a run?

50 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS – DAY 13

Today’s prize. . .

2 vip subscription packages to Women’s Running

Win 1 of 2 VIP Subscription Packages to Women’s Running. Each package includes a 20-issue subscription, Women’s Running visor and a tech tee. Worth $150 each, womensrunning.com

 How to enter. . .

  • Comment on this post to be entered to win.
  • If you share our post on Twitter or Facebook, mention this in the comment and your entry will count twice. One comment per email address will be allowed each day.
  • Winner(s) will be announced the following day at the bottom of the blog post. Check in tomorrow to see if you won.
  • Good luck!!

Yesterday’s winner. . .

Congratulations to Kim Kline who won Brooks Pure Project Running Shoes. Please email Jessica@womensrunning.com with your mailing address to claim your prize! 

May 13

418 Comments

Every runner knows…

“As every runner knows, running is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are.” -Joan Benoit Samuelson

50 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS

Today’s prize. . .

1 pair of BROOKS PureConnect Running Shoes

 

 

Win a pair of Pure Project running shoes by Brooks. Lightweight, breathable fabric and flexible material work together to help you find your natural stride. Worth $90, brooksrunning.com

 

How to enter. . .

  • Comment on this post to be entered to win.
  • If you share our post on Twitter or Facebook, mention this in the comment and your entry will count twice. One comment per email address will be allowed each day.
  • Winner(s) will be announced the following day at the bottom of the blog post. Check in tomorrow to see if you won.
  • Good luck!!

 

Yesterday’s winner. . .

Congratulations to Traci McGowan, Jamie Barba, Kim Hammel, Krista Sadlers, Kim Hammel, Collen Wait, Jill Christman, Susan Lytte, Linday@runningwithtongs and Debra Dahler, who won Muscle Soak Bath Salts from San Francisco Bath Salts. Please email Jessica@womensrunning.com with your mailng address to claim your prize!

May 12

234 Comments

50 Days of Giveaways: Day 12

Need a some inspiration for your Saturday run?

Find more “Hey Runner Girl” chuckles at heyrunnergirl.tumblr.com.

 

50 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS

 Today’s prize. . .

10 2 lb. bags of Muscle Soak Bath Salts from SAN FRANCISCO BATH SALTS

Win one of 10 two-pound bags of Muscle Soak Bath Salts by San Francisco Bath Salts. Eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils soothe and revive tired, aching muscles. Worth $15 each, sfbsc.com

 How to enter. . .

  • Comment on this post to be entered to win.
  • If you share our post on Twitter or Facebook, mention this in the comment and your entry will count twice. One comment per email address will be allowed each day.
  • Winner(s) will be announced the following day at the bottom of the blog post. Check in tomorrow to see if you won.
  • Good luck!!

Yesterday’s winner. . .

Congratulations to @katiedidpro who won a pair of Post-Run Women’s Slippers by Cushe. Please email Jessica@womensrunning.com with your mailing address to claim your prize!

May 11

440 Comments

Editor’s Corner: Marathon Lessons

Time flies. I feel like I just started training for the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, and all of a sudden the race is nine days away. Preparing for a marathon is always tough, and for me this time was no exception. But the great thing about a training cycle is that you learn a few new pearls of wisdom each time around the block. Here are three running truisms that I gained a new appreciation for in the past 12 weeks.

Marathon Training: How Dummies Get Smarter

1. Hydrating makes a HUGE difference.

I always knew hydration was important. But marathon training in hot and sticky Florida really drove this point home. Did you know that just one pound of water loss can negatively impact performance by upwards of 10 percent? That’s the difference between a 4:00 and 3:36 marathon! Too many runners (myself included) are afraid of getting a “sloshy stomach” or think they don’t really need water right now. You do! I finally came to terms with the fact that the occasional slosh is so worth the performance benefits.

Nathan Sprint Bottle, My Favorite Long Run Accessory

2. A running partner is invaluable.

This doesn’t come as a shock to anyone with a running buddy. They are the best. I love running with company, but I’d never had a friend who was preparing for a marathon at the same time as me before. While training for Cleveland, I did the majority of my long runs with my good friend Christine. There was a moment 18 miles into a particularly grueling 20-mile run when I realized: If she weren’t here, I’d probably be walking right now. Even though my calves were on fire, I didn’t want to let Christine down. I can’t think of better motivation than that.

 

 3. More isn’t always better.

Just six months ago, I didn’t think I’d ever be able to run another marathon. I may have a flair for the dramatic, but it’s true. I’d been injured for six months, unable to run more than a mile, and the pain showed no sign of stopping. Thankfully, I got better. But I learned in the process to back off before nagging discomfort turns into full-blown pain. Maybe if I pushed a little harder or ran a little farther, I could finish the marathon on Sunday with a slightly faster time.  Who cares? I got through four months of training and feel confident that I’ll be running many more marathons to come. That makes me happier than a P.R. ever could.

One day!

I want to know: What lessons have you learned from running? Share your wisdom here or on Twitter @JessieSebor.

 

50 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS

Today’s prize. . .

1 Pair of CUSHE Post-Run Slippers

 

One lucky reader will win a pair of Cushe Post-Run Women’s Slippers. The shoe’s breathable canvas lining paired with a microfiber in-sock provides maximum comfort post-run. Worth $50, cushe.com

How to enter. . .

  • Comment on this post to be entered to win.
  • If you share our post on Twitter or Facebook, mention this in the comment and your entry will count twice. One comment per email address will be allowed each day.
  • Winner(s) will be announced the following day at the bottom of the blog post. Check in tomorrow to see if you won.
  • Good luck!!

 

Yesterday’s winner. .

Congratulations to Tennille Wade who won a 2-person stay at Active at Altitude running camp. Please email Jessica@womensrunning.com with your mailing address to claim your prize!

May 10

432 Comments

Blogger On The Run: Victoria Runs

We’re delighted to share this week’s Women’s Running magazine Blogger On The Run- Victoria from Victoria Runs! This busy newlywed recently finished her first full marathon and went on to coach a group of runners preparing for a 5K . Check out what she recently shared with us:

Check out Victoria- a newlywed runner!

WR: How would you describe yourself?

V:  I am a newlywed who is living life to the fullest, but still navigating ways to be healthier. We live in Savannah, Georgia; so we have an abundance of outdoor fun at our doorstep mixed with the eclectic downtown that late 20 (gulp- almost 30!) something’s like to partake in!

WR: How did you begin running?

V: I have always run a mile or two, maybe the occasional 5k. I worked out at the gym but my weight always fluctuated. After a failed marathon attempt four years ago, I decided to try again when Rock ‘n’ Roll came to Savannah. So I signed up with Fleet Feet’s training program and worked hard for 10 months (and yes, I did finish – Wahoo!). I have stuck with running and even am a coach with Fleet Feet and just coached my first group to their first 5k!

Love that mid-race smile!

WR: What keeps you running and training?

V:  I still have a few pounds that I want to lose and while that is a motivating factor – I just love to run. I love to sweat and to push myself. Training for races and adjusting my plan accordingly keeps me on my toes. I am working on adding more cross training into my routine. That is something I lacked while training for the Savannah Full Marathon.

WR: What do you hope your readers will get from reading your blog?

V:  I hope that my readers will see that I am just an everyday girl, while sometimes sassy, trying to be healthy while still enjoying all life has to offer.

A well earned marathon medal!

WR:  How do you reward yourself for accomplishing your training/running goals?

V:  I try to reward myself with my running gear or a pedicure after a large race. After the marathon, I rewarded myself with a massage. But I think it is important to focus on small rewards because if you are constantly training with no rewards, eventually I know it would become mundane and not fun.

Want to know more? Head on over to Victoria Runs to read more!

Victoria recommends rewarding yourself for accomplishing a running goal – how do you reward yourself?

50 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS – DAY 9

Today’s prize. . .

1 stay FOR TWO at Active at Altitude running camp

Win a three-night, four-day stay for two at Active at Altitude Running Camp in Estes Park, Colo. This package includes complimentary meals, daily training sessions and a visualization workshop, built to strengthen your stride as well as your spirit.  (Airfare not included). Worth $850, activeatalitiude.com

 How to enter. . .

  • Comment on this post to be entered to win.
  • If you share our post on Twitter or Facebook, mention this in the comment and your entry will count twice. One comment per email address will be allowed each day.
  • Winner(s) will be announced the following day at the bottom of the blog post. Check in tomorrow to see if you won.
  • Good luck!!

Yesterday’s winner. .

Congratulations to Stacy Alvey who won a Moving Comfort Running Outfit. Please email Jessica@womensrunning.com with your mailing address to claim your prize!

May 9

787 Comments

Murphy’s Law For Runners

Have you ever lined up at the start line of a race to find your GPS watch is dead? How about finding out your best friend’s wedding date falls on the day of your big race? All runners experience Murphy’s Law moments from time to time. Check out this compilation we found from theRUNiverse.com:

What Murphy’s Law moment have you experienced as a runner?

50 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS – DAY 8

Today’s prize. . .

1 MOVING COMFORT running outfit 

 Win a running outfit provided by Moving Comfort. This includes a Distance Tank, with a built-in bra for maximum support, and a matching pair of functional but fashionable Momentum Shorts. Worth $108 total, movingcomfort.com

 How to enter. . .

  • Comment on this post to be entered to win.
  • If you share our post on Twitter or Facebook, mention this in the comment and your entry will count twice. One comment per email address will be allowed each day.
  • Winner(s) will be announced the following day at the bottom of the blog post. Check in tomorrow to see if you won.
  • Good luck!!

Yesterday’s winner. . .

Congratulations to Eva Krisel who won an Elite Core Bench. Please email Jessica@womensrunning.com with your mailing address to claim your prize!

May 8

427 Comments

Running Adds Years To Your Life

Just another reason to love running...

We’ve known all long that running is good for our health, but a new study from Denmark takes this notion one step further by concluding running can actually add years to our lives. Researchers found that women who ran an average of 2.5 hours a week, at a slow or average pace, lived 5.6 years longer than non-runners. Over the 35 year testing period, the risk of death was 44 percent less for the group of runners. Peter Schnohr, head cardiologist of the Copenhagen Heart Study, determined that balancing time dedicated to running is key for those who want to reap life extending benefits. Study participants who ran between 1 and 2.5 hours per week achieved the best results. Schnohr went on to compare running in moderation to that of drinking alcohol by saying, “The relationship appears much like alcohol intake. Mortality is lower in people reporting moderate jogging, than in non-joggers or those undertaking extreme levels of exercise.” He described the ideal pace for running as the pace that leaves you feeling a little bit breathless, but not gasping for air.

Though it's not the fountain of youth (darn!) running has many health benefits!

The bottom line – keep on running ladies, but be cautious to maintain a healthy relationship with exercise :) .

Besides the health benefits, why do you run? 

50 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS – DAY 7

Today’s prize. . .

1 Vicore fitness elite core bench

 Win an Elite Core Bench by Vicore Fitness. The Vicore Body-Link System promotes balance, coordination, better posture and physiology by forcing you to work your core. Worth $459, vicorefitness.com

 How to enter. . .

  • Comment on this post to be entered to win.
  • If you share our post on Twitter or Facebook, mention this in the comment and your entry will count twice. One comment per email address will be allowed each day.
  • Winner(s) will be announced the following day at the bottom of the blog post. Check in tomorrow to see if you won.
  • Good luck!!

Yesterday’s winner. . .

Congratulations to Betty Hodge who won a pair of Polk Audio UltraFit 500 Sports Headphones. Please email Jessica@womensrunning.com with your mailing address to claim your prize!

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