Top Jogging Strollers
Hands down, my favorite piece of baby gear is my jogging stroller. I started using it when my daughter was three weeks and it proved to be a lifesaver. I didn't need a babysitter to go for a run! Now that I have two little ones, I can't wait to use my double jogging stroller, once it warms up a little. If you're in the market for a jogging stroller, check out these top single jogging strollers and double jogging strollers.
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Find Love on the Run
Valentine's Day is a great chance to think about all the reasons you love running. But even though you can have a healthy, long-lasting relationship with running, it won't buy you gifts or keep you warm at night. So if you're single and looking to find a mate who enjoys running, try some of these ideas:
Join a local running club. Most local road running clubs offer regular group runs, and they're a great way to meet new people. Clubs also organize social activities, such as dinners and outings to running trails or out-of-town races. Check out Road Runners Club of America to find the club closest to you.
Find a charity group training program. Many not-for-profit organizations offer coaching and cover race expenses in exchange for your fund raising efforts. You'll meet lots of charity-minded people who also share your interest in running.
Get involved with local road races. Whether you're running or volunteering at a local road race, it's easy to start up a conversation with someone about the race or running in general. Make sure you stay for the post-race food and awards -- it's a great chance to socialize with other runners.
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Go for a Romantic Run
Valentine's Day is tomorrow and -- while it may not be romantic -- a leisurely run is a fun and healthy way to spend time with your significant other.
If you've never run with your sweetie before, here are some tips for making it an enjoyable experience:
- Get creative. When your training goals and programs don't match up, you may need to get a little creative. If you can't do an entire run together, you could always warm up together, do your own run, and then meet up again for a cool-down and stretching.
- Be supportive. Do your best to make your sweetie feel good about the workout. Don't yell or criticize him or her during the run. Try to make supportive and motivational comments while you're running and after you finish.
- Don't try to show off. This isn't the time to push your limits or prove that you're much faster than your significant other. Chances are, you both probably know who is the stronger runner -- there's no reason to prove it during a run together. If you try to show off too much, your partner may just get frustrated and not want to run with you again.
Get more tips for running with your significant other.
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How to Start Running - Again
Are you ready to start running again after a long break? Getting into running can sometimes be harder the second time around because it's frustrating to know you were once able to run farther and faster. Whether you've taken an extended break from running because of an injury or lack of motivation, here's some advice to make your transition easier.
Follow a training schedule. When you first started running, you may have followed a beginner training schedule to learn how to run and help you stay motivated. There's nothing wrong with going back to that schedule or another beginner runner program to help you establish a regular running habit and avoid getting injured.
Avoid doing too much too soon. Don't increase your overall weekly mileage by more than 10 percent per week. Keep all your runs at an easy, conversational pace for at least 6-8 weeks, until you have a good running base established.
Cross train to build fitness. Cross training in between your running days is a way to increase your endurance and strength without running too much and risking injury. Examples of good cross training activities for runners include swimming, aqua jogging, cycling, strength training, yoga, and Pilates. Pick an activity that you enjoy so that you know you'll stick to it.
Think positive. Don't put pressure on yourself to get to your previous level. Set small goals so that you feel good and get a confidence boost when you reach a milestone. They'll be plenty of time to train hard to beat your PRs. Just try to enjoy running as you gradually and safely build up your endurance.
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Motivation Tip: Adopt a New Runner
When you first started running, did you have someone who served as a running mentor for you? He or she may have given you information about recommended gear, running books, where to run, or the best races to run.
If you have some experience with running now and feel comfortable sharing your knowledge, you may want to adopt a new runner of your own. Offer your free advice to a friend or family member who's new to running. If they're looking for help (some may be just fine on their own), you can provide your newbie runner with some basic training advice and gear knowledge and, more importantly, much-needed encouragement.
Consider going on some runs with your newbie. Although running with him or her may not be challenging physically for you, watching a new runner get excited about running will help renew your own motivation to run.
Get more tips on how to help beginner runners.
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Share Your Favorite Running Songs
Ever find a song that gets you moving so much that you just keep repeating it over and over again on your iPod? Or is that just me? Lately I've been listening to Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain" while I'm on the treadmill. Her voice is so powerful and really keeps me motivated to keep going.
If your running motivation could use a little boost, finding some new running tunes may help. Check out other runners' favorite running songs and get fellow runners pumped up for their runs by adding a few of your own. Let us know which ones you could listen to over and over again!
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Running Quotes from Running Shoe Companies
Marketing experts at running shoe companies are great at coming up with short, memorable lines about running. You don't even have to be an athlete to be familiar with Nike's "Just Do It" slogan. But Nike and other companies have come up with plenty of other motivational quotes to get you inspired to keep running. Here are a few of my favorites:
"Running releases more than just sweat."
- Asics
"A run begins the moment you forget you are running."
- Adidas
"Happiness is pushing your limits and watching them back down."
-New Balance
"The only one who can tell you 'you can't' is you. And you don't have to listen."
-Nike
Read more running quotes from running shoe companies.
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Motivation Tip: Run on Monday
When I'm planning out my weekly workouts, I always try to make sure I get a run or workout in on Monday. Why Mondays? Starting out the week with a run sets the tone and pattern for the rest of the week. You're beginning the week the way you want the rest of it to go.
Running on Monday also helps if you know you want to get in a certain number of runs during the week. It means that you're starting the week with one already under your belt and some miles in the bank. Feeling that sense of accomplishment so early in the week gives you a boost of motivation and confidence that you can take through the week.
Also, social events are less likely to pop up on a Monday evening, so your evening running plans are unlikely to get derailed by a last-minute invitation to dinner. You can make it to the gym without feeling like you're missing out on something. And, let's face it, Mondays can be stressful! Running is a great stress reliever and a good way to help you deal with the challenges of a new week.
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Post-Super Bowl Calorie-Busting Workout
Feeling a little guilty about overindulging yesterday during the big game? Try one of these speed workouts today to burn some major calories and ease your guilt.
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Avoid Super Bowl Splurging
When I was out for my run today, I couldn't help but think that I would be consuming all the calories I was burning (and then some) during a Super Bowl party later today. Although running is an efficient way to burn calories, I have to remind myself that it doesn't give me carte blanche to eat whatever I want today, or any day. I'm definitely going to try to make some healthy choices and watch those portion sizes.
Enjoy the game (and the commercials)! And, since I live in the New York area, I have to say: GO GIANTS!
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