Meet Inspiring Runner Arie Rich!

Happy Monday! I hope everyone's weekend was great! I had the chance to do The Color Run with some friends and had an absolute blast. I highly recommend doing this race with a group as that makes throwing color on each other that much more fun!

I have been so busy this past weekend and today that I almost had to post my Monday runner feature on Tuesday. Alas, I must admit that I procrastinated a bit. The weekend was filled with so much running, bouldering and fun that I just didn't have time to sit in front of my computer and write. I do not want you to miss out on this VERY inspiring runner! 

Today I would like to introduce you to Ariette, or as I know her, Arie Rich. Arie lives in New York, NY and is an administrative assistant. She is very active and a new runner! I have had the privilege of getting to know her through social media this past year and knew I had to share her story with my readers. Her blog is pretty awesome too, check it out: kmpblog. Without further adieu, meet Arie Rich! 

How Many Years Have You Been Running: Less than a year. About 7 months.

How did you get into running? Can you share your running history?

I used to hate running, not sure how I got into it... All I know is that on my birthday this year,  January 22, 2013, I was motivated to give running a try.  It all started when I registered for the Nike Virtual 10K race, and then the rest was or is history... To date I've  done: one 5K, one 5 miler, three 10k and one half marathon. In the coming months I will be doing: one 4 miler, one 10 miler, 2 half marathons and one full marathon. 

Before you couldn't get me to run past 2 miles, I still can't believe I'll be running my first marathon this Fall.

How do you train? Are you a part of a running group? Do you prefer running with a group or alone?

Ever since I started running I've been using the Nike Race Coach for all my trainings (10K, Half and Full). It has worked very well and it is easy to follow and stick to. I’m not part of a run club or group yet. Although, I’ve been tempted and have been asked to join Nike Run Club several times, at the moment I haven’t find the time to fit it into my running/training schedule, as their run days are different than my train days and it would throw me off. I also find that I don’t mind running alone. I like to go at my own pace and not feel like I’m competing or trying to keep up with someone else’s pace.

What is your favorite memory from running?

My favorite memory from running was when I was training for my first 10K. The time when I broke past two miles, ran 6 miles and felt unstoppable. Also, during my training I’ve noticed that my pace was getting better, so I would get emotional when my Nike Running app would give me a summary of my run and say how I ran my fastest mile or 5K, that made me realize that I can do this.

What race(s) is your favorite? Why?

Being a new runner, I can’t say I have a favorite race yet, but based off the ones that I’ve done so far in NYC, I found the 5 Boro Series are fun. The Brooklyn Half was great because you got to see a lot of places in Brooklyn and finish the race at Coney Island and enjoy a large beer after. I also enjoyed the Queens 10K at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, because the park has amazing landmarks and statues, and lots to take in. It is a great run, to take amazing pictures with really awesome backgrounds.

What advice do you have for new runners?

Good question. Running is not easy and it does take a lot of motivation. Like I mentioned before I hated running, you can ask my friends that have been running for years, I just thought running was hard and it hurt. LOL. I never understood why anyone would run for an hour. I laugh at all this now because it is funny and when I think about it, now all I want to do is run for hours, anything shorter would be torture.

What got me into running was the fact that I was doing it to achieve a goal. My goal was to train and do a 10K. I didn’t do it for weight loss, or for “fun.” Below are a few tips for new runners:

1. Set a goal and stick to it.
2. Don’t run past 5 or 6 miles on the treadmill. It’s not fun. I believe long runs should be done outside, on an early morning, down a long path. You’ll see what I mean.
3. Get fitted for running shoes. Don’t get caught up with the brand, but go to a running store that will do a gait analysis and try on several different shoes. What’s good for me, might not be good for you.
4. Don’t give up. Stick to your plan, if today’s run says to do 5 miles, do your 5 miles, don’t stop. If you get tired, slow down. Always finish your run! That is so important.
5. Don’t push yourself too hard. Don’t worry so much about your pace or try to beat your personal best. Enjoy the run, it’ll get easier.

How do you use your blog/social media to influence your running?

I have been blogging since 2008. In my blog I would share tips and info that I would find useful. Ever since I started running I’ve been sharing my running stories with my readers, and I’ve noticed that people are interested in this stuff. I get emails and messages via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram from friends/followers that are inspired by my active lifestyle and want to learn more. I love that by me being active and doing something I’m currently enjoying, I can be inspiring to others.

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule, work, etc…?

Now that I’m training for a marathon, everything I do kind of revolves around my marathon training schedule. Except for work. Monday through Friday I run and/or weight train after work. On the weekends I either rest or wake up early and do my long runs.

Do you have any favorite running gear our readers should know about (shoes, tights, etc)?

Ha! Running is great because it gives me a reason to buy tons of running tights and new workout outfits. Yes, I believe you should look good during your runs or workouts. The days of long baggy t-shirts and sweatpants or basketball shorts are long gone. If you look good, you’ll feel good and you’ll have a great run. I like to get Nike tights, they are comfortable, colorful, different. I own quite a few pairs of Nike tights. Also, a few compression shorts are really great for the summer. I like compression shorts because they don’t rise up when you’re running. Last but not least, sneakers. I own several pairs of sneakers, mostly Nikes because they seem to work well for me. I’ve tried other brands and they cause painful blisters by my ankles, maybe the sizing is different. I also own Vibram FiveFingers shoes, these are great for training and barefoot running. Eventually my goal is to be able to run long distance in barefoot shoes.

Advice From Arie!

A few things to remember:

1. Don’t think too much about running or when you will start running. Just do it!
2. Read up on running books. Some of my favorite books so far are: ChiRunning, Eat & Run, and Born to Run.
3. Find what type of running works for you. Are you a short distance or a long distance runner? Running fast or far might not be for everyone.
4. Don’t be afraid to sign up for a marathon. If you’ve ran 3-4 half marathons, you can definitively do a full marathon. Feel the fear and do it anyway.

I would like to give a shout out to Arie for being my featured runner! I'm sure after reading Arie's great advice and learning about her running journey you are as inspired as I am by her! I can't wait to officially meet her at the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco this coming October. Until then, I'll be following her journey on social media and training virtually with her for 26.2 miles of glory! Why don't you join me?

Follow Arie:

Blog: http://kmpblog.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/arierich

FB: http://www.facebook.com/arierich

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/arierich

If you have any questions for Arie or myself please leave a message in the comments below and we'll get back to you! Happy Running!

~Karen

Race Training and Getting Out of a Rut!

My race season officially begins the weekend of August 23-24, when I will tackle Hood to Coast with my wonderful Nuun Hydration teammates on Team Lemonade! To say that I'm excited would be an understatement. I even tried to start packing today, until I realized I'm going to need all my running clothes before I leave. Have you ever been this excited about a race? I have to say that the Nike Women's Marathon last year was pretty close. I may have been even more excited because of all the buildup from Nike Women for that women's only event.

Time to add to my race bib collection!

Hood to Coast is an event that I have always wanted to take part in. In fact, this last year I applied in the lottery. I wrote a check, sent in my registration and was rejected. I was so disappointed! I grew up in Oregon and I know how special this event is. Even through I couldn't see it at the time, I was turned down for a reason and that reason was that now I have a chance to run the race with amazing women bloggers, have fun, network and party all weekend long! Thank you team Nuun! Can't wait to run with you this month!

My Hood to Coast training has really just been part of my current marathon training plan for the Nike Women's Marathon in October. I feel pretty strong, but it is getting very hard to get out and go for my long runs! Since I moved, I have not found a place I like to run at yet. I loved my old town and now I feel a little bit lost on my runs. It's getting tough and I don't know what I will do on my first 20 miler! If you have any tips for spicing up a run in a new area I would love to hear them!

I also have a Spartan Race coming up the week after my marathon, so I am trying to incorporate a lot of strength training in with my marathon training. I'm hoping they work together and make me strong in each race. Have you ever trained for two different events at the same time? How did you feel you juggled both forms of training?

One of the recent quotes that I have been trying to incorporate into my training strategy is "Train insane or remain the same." I feel like sometimes when I train by myself I don't push myself as hard as I can and I have really been suffering from this lately! I recently did a fitness assessment and took a few bootcamp classes to mix up my routine. I am definitely not where I want to be (I want to be back to my fit college basketball days) but I am still doing very well. The classes kicked my butt and the trainer made me do advanced moves, so I guess I'm not that bad off, I just have been feeling a little out of my rhythm since the move. Adjusting to a new place and gym takes time and I am probably just being impatient! I am hoping you can all keep me accountable! I am going to focus on giving 100% in all my workouts and getting back on track in August.

Thanks for all your support and I wish you all the best in your training! Have any tips for me? Leave them in the comments below!

~Karen

The Color Run is Coming to a City Near You!

You have probably heard of The Color Run. If you haven't then now is your chance to be a part of one of the best races around! The Color Run is in cities across the United States and abroad so you can find a race near you very easily! To find a location click here. I actually had the privilege of participating in my first Color Run last year and I had so much fun! There was a group of five ladies that got together to do the race and we rocked it! 

The thing that is really inviting about The Color Run is that this race is more about the experience than the timed finish. In fact, the race isn't even officially timed! This gives you the chance to enjoy the fun of being blasted with color throughout each kilometer. Take time to dance through the color and get it all over you! You want to look like a rainbow when you finish! Jump, twirl or dive through the color, whatever you prefer, just make sure to have fun!

The Color Run is known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet because it celebrates healthiness, happiness, individuality and giving back to the community. The Color Run chooses a local charity to partner with at each event. The Sacramento race is supporting Girls on the Run! Run the happiest race of your life and then stay for the fabulous "Color Festival" at the end of the race! There are only two rules you need to follow to succeed at The Color Run: Wear white at the starting line and finish plastered in color! What are you waiting for? Sign up now! Just for you, my lucky readers, I have an exclusive discount code for any city that is not sold out. Enter code: COLOR5OFF at checkout to receive your discount. 

We all know races are more fun with friends, so why not sign up as a team? Get together at least four friends and you can all register together and you can still use the discount code for an extra $5 off the already discounted group registration, brining the total saved to $10 off! How does a “Color Team” work compared with a solo runner? Pretty simple, you register as a (4 minimum/infinity max) unit rather than as an individual.  You get to pick a groovy custom team name.  You then get to run/walk together and “help” each other get really colored up over the five color kilometers.  There is no “relay” component and team members can finish together as a unit or separately. Sounds fun, right?

I hope by now I have convinced you that this run is going to be the most fun you have ever had racing and you are just itching to sign up. This run is perfect for anyone - 2 year olds to 80 year olds, first time runners to Olympic athletes. If you need further convincing check out the following video. While the discount code works at all races that are not sold out, I recommend you sign up for the Sacramento, CA race happening this weekend. If you do be sure to find me and say hi! 

Have you run The Color Run before? If so what was your favorite part? If you haven't run one yet now is your chance to see what it's all about! 

I Need Your Help to Get to the EspnW Summit

I received an amazing email invitation today from espnW! I received an invite to their fourth annual Women + Sports Summit. This summit brings top women athletes, influencers and industry leaders together to network and learn from each other to advance women's sports initiatives. Not only will top leaders from espnW, the WNBA, and Olympic athletes be there, but also Amy Jo Martin, the co-founder of Digital Royalty (who I have learned a lot of my social media skills from). I would love to meet her here! Since the Summit Registration Fee is a bit out of my price range I thought I would reach out to my readers and see if you would be willing to help! 

I love blogging and sharing my fitness journey with you all and this is the perfect opportunity to share with you an inside look at the espnW Summit. I will be blogging and sharing my experience during the entire event. If you would like to donate to my Summit Fund you can read more about the event and donate at this link: http://gogetfunding.com/project/espnw-women-and-sports-summit. Any amount helps! I really appreciate anything you can do to help, your support means the world to me and you are one of the reasons I was invited to the Summit!

If you have any fundraising ideas I am open to them as well! I have worked hard to work with women in sports, motivate women to push past their barriers and this opportunity would be invaluable to me. Thank you for being such loyal followers! Have you had an opportunity like this before? Do you have any ideas for me? Let me know in the comments below!

~Karen

Motivational Monday: Meet Elizabeth Rehmer!

Inspiring runners can be found all over the world. At each and every race I find that there are runners that have overcome enormous odds to get where they are and who keep working hard everyday to become better runners and better people. When runners share their love of running with others they give back to a community that keeps giving. 

Today's Monday Motivational Runner post is from Elizabeth Rehmer! I met Elizabeth last year through the Nike Women's Marathon! We trained virtually together and then met for a great weekend with Nike Women. Elizabeth is so inspiring to me because she follows here passions and her dreams and keeps motivating others through her daily life. 

Elizabeth is from Livingstone, Montana and is the owner and instructor at her private personal training and Pilates studio where she also does massage. This place sounds like heaven to me! I asked her to share her running and fitness story with me to inspire others! 

How Did You Get into Running?

I have been running since I was 9 (I am 36). I began running with my Pops and I just kept at it for cross training for other athletics.  I love both group runs and running solo.  Running is my moving meditation and I simply enjoy it.  I have always been careful to maintain this perspective and not turn running into a chore.  I feel fortunate that my body can handle it and I don't take that for granted.  

What is Your Favorite Memory from Running?

I have soooo many great running memories, however one of the best was running the Boston Marathon. Also, after running my first full marathon where I was chatting with a marathon maniac, he told my husband at the finish that he better be prepared because I was a lifer marathoner!!  I had even told him I only wanted to run one to see if I could.  At the finish he laughed and said, "we'll see!"  Needless to say he was right!

How Do You Use Blogging and Social Media to Influence Your Running?

I love social media for that extra push when you need some motivation.  Also, if you ever have a question there is someone to ask.  I find it a really positive, supportive community.  

Do You Run For a Cause? How Does This Influence Your Approach To Running?

I have an ongoing site where I raise money, "Cancer can Suck it!" http://www.crowdrise.com/turtlegirl00/fundraiser/elizabethrehmer. I have lost several people near and dear to me to cancer and have several others close to me currently seeking treatment.  At times I felt so helpless and figured this was a way I could help.  If I am having a tough time on a run or lacking in motivation, I will think of those that can't and it usually helps.

What Advice Do You Have For New Runners?

For those new to running, simply take it slow and do your strength training and stretch!  I firmly believe one should get in shape to run, not run to get in shape.  It is an amazing outlet mentally and has so many fantastic physical benefits as long as you listen to your body.  And some days still simply suck, but its the day after that, that is usually AMAZING!! :)  So keep at it!

Elizabeth is an incredibly inspiring runner. To follow her journey check out her blog at: sewrunningcrazy.blogspot.com. Elizabeth is also incredibly talented at sewing and shares her projects in her posts, so be sure to stop by her blog and say hi!

Have a question for Elizabeth? Post it in the comments below! For extra motivation be sure to follow her on her social sites:

Follow on Twitter: @turtlegirl00

Follow on Instagram: @turtlegirl00 

Esprit de She Palo Alto and Giveaway!

Inspiration. Motivation. Celebration. The Esprit de She Palo Alto race is coming up very soon! I am getting very excited for this fun 5k race in the Bay Area! On August 1st, I will run with like-minded women for health and fitness. The race will be held at the Baylands Nature Preserve and will be the last event there before the park closes to undergo two years of renovations. This event is different because it's a Thursday evening race and there are activities going on all day and the following week to celebrate your accomplishments! Check out this video below of the Esprit de She event in Houston, TX for a taste of what the Palo Alto event will be like. 

Ladies at the Houston Esprit de She Race

I am excited to head into the city to enjoy this fun race with friends. With packet pick-up on race day that makes it easy to just head to the event early, get my bib and get ready to race. All participants receive a custom designed, tri-blend lifestyle tank and a functional race bag to use for many years after the race! Yay for race swag! The tank looks really cute!

The race starts at 6:15 in the evening and there will be a post race rendezvous and night market following the fun. Also on site will be a bubbly bar, beauty bar, tasty tapas, music and local vendors before and after the race. If you haven't signed up for the race there is still time! You can sign up at EspritdeShe.com. What are you waiting for? Join me at this fun race! 

The following week there will be various other activities for race finishers. On August 2nd, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. there will be A Toast to You at the Athleta store in Town and Country Village. You can come to this and celebrate with friends and family at this event featuring mini-massages and cool refreshments. Can't make it on the 2nd? Come to the second celebration on August 8th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Seriously ladies, run this race and you'll keep partying and celebrating for the following week!

Athleta Sun Visor  Giveaway!

Since the race is put on by Lifetime Fitness and Athleta, and I am an ambassador for the event, I have a special giveaway for my lucky readers! You can have the chance to win this awesome running visor and gift pack from Athleta and Esprit de She just by entering my giveaway below! What are you waiting for? Enter to win and then head on over to Espritdeshe.com and sign up for the race! See you in Palo Alto ladies! (Sorry guys, this is an all women's race!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NTC Has Come to Nike San Francisco

I'm so excited for this post because I finally got to attend a Nike Training Club class in San Francisco on Tuesday night! I keep hearing how amazing all these classes are and even though I live two hours away, I knew sometime I would cave and make the drive! I finally got my chance and I took full advantage! 

Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in the Fog.

I started the drive in the afternoon, and after a quick stop at a Costco and the Nike Outlet in Petaluma, I was on my way. It only took me about two hours to get to San Francisco so I was happy I seemed to have missed all the traffic. The toll booth I had to go through seemed to be down for some reason so I should be expecting my charge in the mail soon. Gotta love the toll roads! I arrived at Nike's Temporary Store in San Francisco just outside of Union Square about 30 minutes before NTC began. They are renovating their current store and I can't wait to see what they have done to the place. Their old layout was amazing, so I can only imagine what the upgrade might be. The temporary store is nice, but it was quite small. I looked around at the new products and amazingly didn't purchase anything! So surprising for me! 

While I was perusing the store Joselynne Boschen stopped me and said she recognized me from my Instagram feed! I really can't tell you how much this meant to me. It's really exciting to be recognized by a Nike Elite Trainer. She is one of my role models and I hope that I can be a Nike Trainer someday soon as well. She flew up from her LA studio, Alpha Venice, to teach us all NTC and let me tell you, I have been sore for two days! It always hits harder on the second day. Before I get ahead of myself, let me tell you how the workout went down!

Check-in Table for NTC

I was one of the first people to check in for NTC and got to pick up my tank top, NTC towel and water. Unfortunately they only had size large left in the tanks, but I'm using that as an excuse to come back again, to get a smaller size! I waited for a bit as people began to file in to the store and check-in as well. I got to meet one of the Nike Running College Brand Ambassadors, Samantha, and she was so nice! Nike, you chose a great ambassador! She's training for the Nike Women's Full Marathon so I'm excited to meet up with her again during NWM weekend, if not sooner! She introduced me to some of her friends and of course we took some photos!

Samantha and I at NTC!

After the photo session we headed out of the store and up a block to a large cement platform. Here, our amazing trainer, Joselynne, was waiting to kick our booties! There were easily over 100 people in attendance and the place was packed! We were asked to make sure we didn't block the entrances to the nearby stores. I was amazed at how many people came out and inspired. I really had to push myself and the friendly competition took everything up a notch.

Joselynn Demoing A Drill!

For those of you who don't know about NTC it is a class developed by Nike trainers based on continual movement and it is no joke! Even during demonstrations we were to keep moving. We started class with a light warmup and then the fun (torture?) began. We did burpees, planks, squats, plyos, mountain climbers, jumping jacks, ab work, partner drills and more. I was sweating up a storm and my muscles were shaking by the time the workout was over. For our final drill we all gathered in a circle and did 10 mountain climbers each, holding a plank while waiting for our group to finish. This was a new drill for me. It was hard, but fun to cheer on the others in the circle.

We finished the workout with some light stretching, which I always need more of and then I snapped a quick picture with Joselynne and Samantha! After all, I can't miss out on this photo opportunity! I'm not sure who is teaching the NTC class next week, but you really don't want to miss this! I would love to be an NTC Trainer and that is on my goal list. With NTC classes close to me now, I could see myself getting certified and leading out in SF. It would be a dream come true! NTC trainers are tough and really inspire those around them.

Me, Joselynne and Samantha After Our Sweat Session!

I also toured the store and tried to find someone who could help me plan a visit and NTC class from Leah Kim, Nike's Global Yoga Ambassador and NTC yoga workout creator. I really hope that I can one day take a class from her. She has really inspired me to do more yoga and I hope to see her in a store in Nor Cal soon! An NTC Yoga session from Leah Kim would be just what San Francisco needs to help rejuvenate after a long workout.

Nike Flyknit Display

The Nike SF store had a lot of fun displays and one of them was the Flyknit case. Inside showcases the drawings, knit and final shoe product. It's interesting to see the design process. Fascinating stuff that really makes me appreciate what designers do.

Run Club and NTC Wall at the Store

Nike San Francisco is really catering to the local athlete and making them train stronger. I find it inspiring that they are offering free classes and run clubs, just like the Athleta stores do. With the Nike Women's Marathon coming up in a few months I can really see them wanting to help athletes train, stay injury free and win! 

If you are near the Bay Area be sure to stop by the Nike store to see about taking a class. Nowhere is too far to come for this. I drove two hours, one way, to get there. Who can top that? I challenge you to take a live NTC class and you'll see the difference. Can't make a class? Download the free app today to take your training to a whole new level.

Have you ever been to an NTC class? Tell me in the comments below what you thought!