Half Marathon Week

As I prepare for this weekend of running my first half marathon it makes me think if why I started back running to begin with. Justin has been an incredible inspiration. Even though he hates to run he started with me so we could have a goal to reach together! I cannot wait to meet him at he finish line even though he will finish way before me. (My little legs just don't keep up). If you have a significant other or just a friend it's an amazing thing to do together. You have something fun together and its accountability. It's amazing how much harder you want to push yourself when you have someone right beside you encouraging you the whole way.
I also think of my friend Erin. This girl is incredible! She ran her first marathon last year and has run several halves. She is the one who encouraged Justin and I to actually train for a WHOLE MARATHON in march :) Erin is an incredible inspiration to me. She always ask me how running is going and tells me how her runs went for the day. When I've had a bad run she's always the first one to tell me to not stop trying that even she has bad days ( which I don't believe). We share healthy recipes and ways to be active. She is also the one who encouraged me to try being a vegetarian. I am so thankful I am now, it makes a huge difference in running :) also she is a yoga instructor and of course showed me how important yoga and stretching can be.
I encourage you to find those people in your lives who encourage you to stay healthy and never give up on something you know you can accomplish.
God has also been my #1 inspiration. He reminds me all the time that my "talent" comes from him. If I ever give up I'm reminded of this, how I should run for his glory and for those who cannot run. Frequently I remind myself of how blessed I am to be able to run freely and whenever I want. Some people would do anything to run or even use their legs. For those of us who can remember how blessed we are and use your talent and ability :)
Wish me good luck this weekend as I meet my first big goal in running! I'm overwhelmed with excitement and will definitely post pictures.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. ( 1 Corinthians 9:24)

Remember PEACE, LOVE, and FITNESS :)

The RIGHT shoes for you.

It's easy for us girls to want the most fashionable shoes on the market to run or "work out" in. If you truly are serious about running you have to put the fashion side of our personalities to the side. I can definitely say I have done this, wanting the most popular shoe at the time. I bought a new pair of Nike Free before ever even walking a few feet in them. Of course when I began running in these I found out the hard way after developing shin splints and one very sore back. For some of you these may be the right shoes for you and you didn't chose them due to the fancy designs or bright colors. I now run and train in Saucony Kinvara 3. This shoe is As light as the Free which is one of my favorite things about them. I loved the flexibility of my old shoes as well, but due to having back problems in the past the Free did not have the support I needed. The amazing people at Greenville Track club actually cut the bottoms of my Kinvara 3's to make them just as flexible. They allowed me to run outside in differebt shoes before I purchased them to make sure they where truly comfortable.
Another factor to play into shoes is how high or low of an arch you have. For me I have an extremely high arch so I have to place inserts in my running shoes to support the gap between the heel and my toes. Others have vey flat feet. Below I have listed recommended type of shoes for arch time.
http://www.asicsamerica.com/shoe-fit-guide/

Did you know how you can also help with running based on the way you tie your shoes? I ran across this amazing blog in Pinterest that determines how shoes souls be tied to best benefit you and your run. Check this running blog out :)

http://katierunsthis.com/2011/10/04/running-shoe-lacing-techniques/

So remember leave the fashionable shoes to our nights out with the girls, date nights, or church. Try lots of different shoes on not just the ones your best friends have or the ones you think are "cute". The better fit you have for your foot the better your performance. Also it helps you to prevent injuries.