My Favorite Running Gear from Lululemon

I used to be really skeptical of running clothes from Lululemon. The needs of a runner are much different than someone wearing clothes for yoga or other workouts. Between fit, pockets, and ventilation, you want clothing that is specially designed for the demands of running. Over the years, Lululemon’s running specific gear has become really good, and most of my staple pieces are from them. I also appreciate that they consistently offer the same products, year after year, with only minor changes. This way you don’t have to start over every time you need something new.

Since we’re getting into the best running weather of the year, I wanted to share some of my favorite pieces that I keep using (and would buy again!).

My Return to Running After an Injury

A few months ago, I shared that I had to take time off of running due to an injury. I ended up having a stress fracture at the top of my tibia, as well as swelling in the fat pad of my knee, that was causing my kneecap to move around and pinch when I ran (ouch!). After 11 weeks off of running, physical therapy, and a steroid injection, I was cleared to rebuild running.

How I Stay Motivated to Run in the Winter

Running in the winter is challenging, especially if you live in a climate with an extreme winter like Minnesota! I don’t love the cold, but I’ve learned to live with it. Of course, you can always hop on a treadmill and get your run in, but I’ve found getting outside in less than ideal conditions makes me a stronger runner come spring. Outdoor winter runs can also be really fun and beautiful when you learn to embrace them.

Over the years, I’ve discovered a few tips and tricks to ensure I keep my motivation all winter long!

Gentle Resolutions for 2021

2020 didn’t turn out the way any of us had planned and my guess is that you have at least one goal that had to fall by the way side. Ask me how dating this year went LOL! I think that its really important to give yourself grace and pat yourself on the back for just surviving the year. The new year might seem like the time to make aggressive goals to get yourself back on track, but those life changing resolutions often fail.

Instead, I like to make small changes that I can build upon over time. I think of it like tiny bricks– one brick doesn’t make a big difference but adding brick by brick can build anything! Instead of a crash diet you force yourself to do for 30 days before going back to the same eating habits, what if you tried changing what you eat for breakfast each day to a healthier option? This change is much more sustainable and can end up making a greater impact over the course of a year than a few weeks of extremes.

Image via Pinterest

Start with one or two of these gentle resolutions, and then try to build upon them each month. You’ll build better habits that will only grow with time!

Secrets to Become a Faster Runner

Over the last 6 years, I went from non-runner to a 3 time marathon runner. The strangest thing about running is that there are times you see a ton of progress, but then there are times when you go for months and months and feel like you have gained nothing. This summer, has been one of those plateau periods for me, but then I ran a mile PR of 5:29!

There are some specific things that I have learned and tried to become a faster runner. It’s actually not always about running more, or even running faster all the time! I thought I would share some of my biggest secrets!

Twin Cities Virtual One Mile Race Recap

I haven’t had very many race recaps this year because all of my races have either been moved to virtual or have been cancelled. I didn’t think that I would be a fan of virtual races because the race environment is what makes races special and fun. But, after months of running without any challenge, virtual races are better than nothing!

The Twin Cities One Mile race is always a fun one for me. I never run just a mile for speed, so I never know how it will turn out. I was really nervous about running this one virtually, because in previous years, the crowd and competition have definitely been a huge help.