Five Things a New Runner Needs

When I started running, about four years ago, I couldn’t image that I would have several 5ks under my belt and actually miss it when an injury side-lined me. Here I am though, a year after an extremely bad sprain stopped me from regularly running and I miss it terribly. So, since I haven’t started up again I thought I would write about running. That’s close right? To be honest I’m a little scared to start running again. I know that it is going to be feel like I’ve never run.

So what does a new runner need?

Arming yourself with the right tools to start your running journey is important, and whether you are running solo or finding a partner, setting yourself up for success before you even step out the door is a surefire way to keep running!

1. A good app

When I started running I started with ‘Couch to 5K’. I chose an app and started going. But by the third week I was like I’m going to keep on running when it tells me to walk!! Sticking to the app was hard for me becuase I was ready to run for longer distances sooner than the app had me. However, I would still recommend this type of app for anyone that wants to start running who has never really been a runner, is nervous about starting to run, or just wants some guidance.

I quickly found myself using the Nike Run app and here’s why! It encourages you through the run and gets your friend to as well. Nothing is better for one’s self esteem than to have a round of applause break through your music when someone has given you a thumbs up. It gives you badges for achieving a certain number of runs, miles and keeps track of your pacing. It’s also amazing because it can help you figure out when you need to get a new pair of shoes! I know its crazy to think about, but running in worn out shoes is not good guys!

2. Good Running Shoes

This segways nicely into my next item. A good pair of running shoes can make or break your run. When I started running I just grabbed my tennis shoes that I had. I couldn’t even tell you when I bought them, but I used them to run and that was not a good idea. So I marched myself over to the store and snagged a new pair of shoes. I’m a Saucony fan. Its just the brand I like. They are quality shoe with a less than a $100 price tag! I’m sold!! But do your research. If you have a flat food or high arch look for a shoe that works best in research and try them on with your running socks. Don’t be afraid to jump around in the store. Totally did that!!

3. Support!

So maybe this next one isn’t for every runner, but I’m speaking to my well-endowed ladies specifically. This issue is probably the number one reason I wasn’t a runner after my brief foray into middle school track, which I loved by the way. Thankfully the clothing, workout and fashion industries have gotten a million times better and realized that girls with big chests would also like to run without killing themselves. I’ve tried so many bras, but I have two that have become my tried and true standbys.

 Under Armour Compression Bra

This one on Amazon was as close as I could find to my original bra. I purchased it at the Base Exchange and from what I can tell they no longer make the exact one that I had. Mine is the Underarmour Heat Gear Compression sports bra. This one looks close and could be a newer version. Under Armour has really stepped up their game with sports bras and now have a whole line of super supportive ‘high support’ sports bras that I’m going to have to try.

The second is also one that I can’t find anymore at Old Navy, but they too have stepped up their game in the support arena. The bra I have has wicking and a thick band. It doesn’t dig into my shoulders AND I can comfortably wear an xl and run. I’m going to be honest with you guys and tell you that as a DDD that is insanity!!!

4. Muscle Rub

Self- care post run is super important, especially if you want to get back up there again. I was given this muscle rub by my dear friend, who actually owns and makes this product so I am a little partial. However I will say I have continuously gone back to purchase this item on my own, so you know its good. She also added a muscle bath soak recently and its heaven!!! The tin of the rub utilizes natural ingredients, using essential oils, capsacian, st jonn’s wart and arnica! Love it!! It also lasts for forever, which is a huge selling point. So while you might initially freak out at a $17 price point…just forego  2 1/2 Starbucks and do yourself a favor. Trust me. Sugar + Spruce knows what they are doing.

5. A good play list

Do not underestimate the power of a good play list. I have very rarely altered mine, and it includes songs that I don’t usually listen to outside of the running. You need a certain song to make up that playlist, that keeps you moving and energized. If you have songs that you love on your playlist I’m always looking for more so make sure to leave them in the comments or tweet at me!!!

Best songs for your running playlist!! #runnergirl #whorunstheworld #momsrunthisworld #curvygirlontherun Click To Tweet
other must-haves given to me by recommendation (but I haven’t tried yet!)

Megababe products are one of the most recommended products to me. Its on my list, but I haven’t gotten around to it yet! But so many of my blogger babe friends have recommended it so I know its good!!! I can’t wait to add it to my life!!!

so, find a good 5k and reach your goals guys!! I love the glow run and color run 5ks!!
if you have favorite products or songs for your playlist share them in the comments below.
Products for new runners

 

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#RCgetsfit Body with Body By Ginny and the Total Wellness Challenge



The year is definitely underway, and I really can’t believe it is the middle of February! I’m excited though because this month I am kicking off a really fun partnership with Body by Ginny. In general my relationship with my body has been an interesting one; but probably not unlike many women out there. I’ve gone through times where I loved it, hated it, and felt indifferent. I’ve been a gym girl {prepping for my wedding and post-partum baby number 1}, P90x-er and Herbalife. I became a runner when we moved to the DC area, thanks to my neighbor. Motivating myself to work out has never really been an issue. I plan, I journal, I organize myself and I can stick with the program. But losing weight is still a challenge. Thanks why I’m thankful for the opportunity to check out Ginny and her program, keep you guys posted on the progress and hopefully be someone’s inspiration. It’s truly a blessing for me; and if just one person is inspired by it then I will be thrilled.

So who is Ginny? Ginny is a Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Trainer and Certified Holistic Health Coach. She has partnered with her team to bring health and wellness programs to the Alexandria and McLean area for over 10 years! If you visit Ginny’s website you will find Class information, Nutritional Health, sign-ups to participate in challenges, blog links with recipes and advice and work-outs! Yes, Ginny even has some free workouts on her site. I have to tell you that this is a huge selling point for me. You can get a little taste of what Ginny has to offer, and she gives it to you for free. I love that!

Ginny is preparing to launch her Total Wellness Challenge {TWC} here in a week and I’m here to encourage you to check it out. If you are looking for something like this that is local to the DC area this is your opportunity. We’ve all seen the pure online challenges, and those are great, but if you live in the Alexandria/McLean area this is your opportunity to have a challenge connected to someone that is close to you, and a community that is right here. For someone like myself, this particular part of the Challenge makes all the difference. 
The TWC is a 30 day challenge, with a fun twist. Part of the challenge includes posting daily reflections. By doing so you get lifestyle points. More posting, more points! Its going to be so fun. For first-time challenge folks you pay $39 and you receive food lists, meal plans, recipes, exercise ideas, home workouts and printables. Thirty-nine dollars for all of that, and you aren’t required to by any type of food, or shakes, or additional workout programs on top of that. Another check in the win column for Ginny and her crew. Sign up for the challenge, and learn more, here.
Make sure you are following me over on Instagram and with the hashtag #RCgetsfit to keep up on my progress and my thoughts throughout the program. 
Connect with Ginny and the gang over at BbG Fitness

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post courtesy of TWC. However, all opinions are my own. Another example: I received a complimentary service from TWC. However, no other compensation received.

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Rhe’s Bookshelf – Lean Body, Fat Wallet

Summary – What would you do if you finally lost all your excess weight or had energy to burn? How different would your life be if you were completely out of debt and in control of your finances? And what if you could do both at the same time with just a few simple and sustainable lifestyle changes?

Ellie Kay and Danna Demetre are life experts in two seemingly different fields—finance and fitness. Working together, they have made a remarkable discovery—the principles and habits that are good for your wallet are equally good for your body.
The simple and practical teaching in this “two for one” bargain of a book will help you put those principles and habits to work in your life and create a sustainable and satisfying lifestyle.

                                      

Review – You might look at this book think, “what the what?! How could these two things possibly work together in a book.”  I sort of thought the same thing, but was intrigued enough to want to read it.  Another thing that grabbed me was the fact that Ellie Kay is a military spouse, succeeding financially, getting out of debt, all on a military paycheck.  If you ask many milspouses they will probably say finances are hard.  There are a myriad of factors that play into this for sure – moving, difficulting getting jobs and uncertainty.  And for women this means stress.  I know for me this is true.  Struggling with whether or not to get a job, is it worth it?  Staying home with my children is really important to me.  So, what do I do?  Believe me finances and my journey in weight loss are probably some of the most stressful things in my life.  And for the most part fiances has always been.  Being scared to spend, struggling with the prospect of saving, buying a car, buying a house.  Who knew they were so related.

What I really enjoyed about this book was the fact that not only does it talk about both of these things, that they are related and that you can change it; but the book actually tells you how to do this.  It does this with helpful tips and tricks that one can actually accomplish.  These are things you, I mean we, can do.  It’s not easy and it isn’t an overnight change.  It takes dedication and commitment, but it can be done.  This book can also be a pick me up, a recharge, when you need it.  It’s also a book that you will probably find yourself passing along to your friends.

5 out 5 stars

**I received this book in partnership with Booksneeze/BookLook.  I was not compensated for this post.  My thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Fitness Confidential – It’s not About Fitness

“This is a sponsored post.  Cammo Style Love received the products mentioned in this post as well as compensation.  I still strive to provide honest and open opinions and commentaries for my readers.  All of this is in accordance with FTC guidelines 16 CFR , Part 255 set up to define the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.
America’s Angriest Trainer, Vinnie Tortorich, exposes the nasty underbelly of the fitness industry while getting you into the best shape of your life. For over 20 years, Vinnie has been Hollywood’s go-to guy for celebrities and athletes looking to get fit fast. Now, in this hilarious and often r-rated memoir, he holds nothing back. What’s the best piece of fitness equipment money can buy? What’s the fastest way to lose weight: diet or exercise? Why are health clubs worse than used car lots? In FITNESS CONFIDENTIAL, Vinnie tells all. So get ready to get fit, get inspired and get the dirt with Hollywood’s most outrageous personal trainer!
Summary: When I was asked to review this book, there was a couple seconds that I almost hesitated.  I’m not really into to fitness books and dieting books.  In fact they kind of scare me.  They do one of two things, set me up for failure or make me want to throw things.  This book didn’t do either of those things.   I know right?!  This is not a fitness book, and this is not a diet book either.  One of the main things that I loved about it was the fact that he spent a good amount of time talking about how all those diet and fitness crazes don’t work and how celebrities are like us, and just all these amazing little tidbits that I’m dying to share with you but I don’t want to give away.  His totally “I’m calling you on your BS” way of laying it all out there and the realness of him makes you absolutely love love love him.  I’ve been perusing his website and listening to some of his pod casts. I don’t do New Year’s Resolutions, and I probably won’t start now.  However I will continue to work on the things I’ve been working on, with maybe a little more focus.  There were thoughts and ideas that I already had, and he confirmed them.  Instead of trying to make me believe in some health myth, he actually reinforced practical ideas that I had already!  Since when does any fitness or health guru do that?   Vinnie delivers practical advice with practical application.  Seriously, anyone can do this!  
Make sure to check out Vinnie’s website, listen to some of his podcasts, check out some of the things he’s got to say.
You can purchase Vinnie’s Book on Amazon in paperback or kindle formats.
One of my lucky readers has a chance to win their own digital copy of the book (yay!!!) and a $25 Amazon gift card.  Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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#FitnessFriday – Under Armour Makes Me Run!

One of my goals this year is to become Fit Fluential….I mean, I can’t ever actually imagine myself being as amazing as some of my fellow mommy bloggers that are my inspirations; but I’d like to think I can show how someone can go from nothing to something, with three kids and a husband that is frequently busy.  It’s really hard to find the time to work out; and I’m just so dang tired that at this point in my life getting up at 5:30 isn’t something I can imagine myself doing.  On top of all that its never been easy for me – losing weight that is.  On the flip side of that I don’t fluctuate much either.  Before I had my kids, which are my main weight gain issues, my only other significant weight gain is when I quit dancing.  To inspire myself and not get bored, which I find myself easily doing, I decided to pull out my phone and find myself some apps.  I came across an app for Couch to 5K (more on that later – I’m such a tease).  After I decided to give it a whirl, my immediate thought was, “what about the ladies?”  I happen to be fairly well endowed, what can I say.  This is one of the reasons why I don’t even go there with running.  The last time I ran was before I got married…so eight years ago?

The hubby suggested we head over to the BX and see what we could find.  I was freaking out over what I would use?  I mean, am I going to be doubling up here?  Then the gates of heaven opened and Under Armour shown brightly before me.  It was affordable too.  The prices at the BX were amazing.  The Under Armour maximum impact, compression bra is what I discovered.  Locating it online hasn’t been easy, but they have lots of other similar bras that look amazing.  If you’re military head over to your local BX and see what you can find.

I’ve been doing the couch to 5k here for a couple of weeks now, and I’m really excited and proud of myself.  I would never have imagined myself doing it.  Having done some P90X and not being in Reno, with its high elevation, is one of the reasons why I think I’m doing so well.  Maybe I was just being too hard on myself before.  I can’t wait to keep updating you all on my journey this year.  
check out some of these great links:
Madeline @ Food, Fitness, and Family – bloggy inspiration and fellow MilSpouse  
Maria @ Lift Love Life – bloggy inspiration and fellow MilSpouse
My Couch to 5K app – C25K by Zen Labs
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 visit www.JillConyers.com for her Fitness Friday Link up!! 
Have a Happy Weekend!!!
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