Go-To Blogs For Running Inspiration!
Besides a doable training plan, a solid pair of sneakers and a motivating playlist, I’ve found that gathering inspiration and tips from those who have run before me has been helpful. One of the most abundant sources for “runspiration?” Fellow bloggers!
There are plenty of half-marathoners among the amazing individuals I previously featured in my blogroll posts (shout-out to Jenn, Madison, Caitlin, Tina, Ashley and Carla!) but I thought I’d highlight a few more motivational athletes whose blogs I turn to on a regular basis for helpful hints. These long-distance ladies also provide a kick in the pants—if they can make 26.2 look like a blast, I can surely knock out 13.1 in a couple months!
- Synopsis: Jess, who went to school for exercise science and is a personal trainer, reviews workout classes, shares playlists and provides exercise tips.
- Why I love it: Beyond being a general fitness all-star, Jess is an avid racer who is back in training after taking time for injury recovery. Her weekly “Say It, Do It” posts, which encourage reader interaction, are fantastic for accountability.
- Sample post: The Moment You Felt Like a Real Runner
- Synopsis: Ali shares her training plans, tips from her awesome running coach and her favorite foods that fuel all of her workouts (she ran more than 160 miles in January alone)!
- Why I love it: This marathoner is very candid about her runs—including both the good and the bad—and serves it all up with a hefty dose of humor. Plus, her “I Heart Sweat” motto is just plain awesome. I dare you to read more than one of Ali’s posts and not be inspired to lace up your shoes!
- Sample post: The Things I’m Doing To Become a Better, Stronger, Faster Runner
- Synopsis: Meghann “can’t imagine a life without running” since she lost 25 pounds a few years ago. A finisher of mud runs, triathlons and everything up to ultramarathons, she is one tough cookie. The habit is all in the family too—Meghann has a super-fit siblings who often make appearances during training and events.
- Why I love it: Any running blog round-up would not be complete without Meghann, who just got engaged during the Ragnar Relay (an overnight 200-mile team race). So now we get to tag along during her workouts and her wedding planning!
- Sample post: A New Race Book
- Synopsis: After losing 50 pounds, Theodora fell in love with running and now shares awesome race recaps along with her general reflections about staying fit and keeping the weight off.
- Why I love it: It’s a blast to follow along as Theodora breaks PR after PR and rocks her long training runs (which often wrap up at a bagel shop. A carb fan—my kind of girl!).
- Sample post: 7 Tips To Stay Healthy Even When You’re Busy
I know I’m missing plenty of fantastic running blogs, so please share your favorites in the comments—especially if it’s yours!
Quote to consider this week:
“If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for 20 years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.” —John Bingham
