Guest Post: Meg from Borrowed Heaven

My sweet friend Meg was kind enough to put together a post today about something you would never find coming from me: running tips. She also included a little bit about her wonderful self, her blog, and her giveaway, so after you read her post here make sure you visit her blog and enter for a chance to win a bunch of awesome goodies from Meg! 
Hi Joyful readers! I'm Meg!

I'm so happy to be one of Allie's sponsors this month.  Hers was one of the first blogs I started reading, so I thought it would only be fitting to support her.

I'm here today to tell you a little more about my blog, give you a few running tips, and of course offer you a chance to join in on a fun giveaway I'm hosting!

First of all, about me/my blog.  I'm a Rhode Island girl, living in Connecticut with my boyfriend, roommates, and kitties, working for a kids' golf oriented non-profit, and loving it.  That's it!  What kind of blog do I have?  Well, there are some recipes, funny posts, a few photos, a bit about my style and running, Pinterest attempts [gone right and wrong], and a house getting a full diy makeover as I type.

... basically your typical 20-something's blog.  You should come check it out!

recent cupcake and diy projects!

Next on the agenda: running tips.
Alright, I know what you're thinking, "Oh great, another person trying to push New Year's Resolutions on me."  I promise, these aren't intense, and some of them are actually fun.  I don't know about you, but this is the time when my resolutions start to slip, so maybe one of these will motivate you! Here are my 7 lucky things/tips to remember:

1. Make yourself a great running mix.  Running is more than just physical for me; it's mental.  I get bored if I don't have my iPod.  I choose a mix of upbeat current music and some 90s jams to keep me laughing and singing in my head.
2. Safety: Run against traffic.  You'll see cars and they'll see you.  If running at night, wear a headlamp and reflective clothing.
3. Change it up a couple days a week.  Go on a bike ride, or swim, or use an elliptical at a gym.  It'll work out different parts of your body.
4.  Only have 15 minutes to spare?  Go for a run anyway.  Why not, right?  It'll keep you from getting out of "work-out-mode."
5.  Running 8-15 miles a week increases your aerobic capacity, aka your body will be able to use more oxygen while exercising and it'll feel easier to workout.
6.  Stay loose: When you're running, don't clench fists or hold onto your iPod.  Both of these make your body more tense.
7.  Use a race as a motivator.  Even if it's only a 5k, find a race every couple of months in which to compete.  It makes you feel like you're working towards something.  Active has a great list of races and there are Color Me Rad races in every corner of the U.S. - they are the most fun ever.

My favorite races have been from Run Disney.  I just got back from a mini-vacation in California, running the Tinker Bell Half Marathon.  And I know what you're thinking, "She flew across the country to run a race?? That's both a waste of a good vacation and money!"  If you ever ran a Run Disney race, you would feel differently.  They are amazing experiences and so motivating!

Last year, I ran my first half marathon and LOVED IT, so I decided to go for the coveted "Coast to Coast" medal this year.  Crazy, right? Yeah, I know.  My East Coast race will be the Wine and Dine Half Marathon in Orlando in November.  Any bloggers care to join??

 

last year and this year

"Tink Half" weekend was amazing.  I ran the Neverland 5k with my parents on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday.  Both involved getting up before 4 am, a lot of music, running through Disneyland and California Adventure, photos with characters, over 15,000 of my closest friends, and a little bit of pixie dust!  For a full recap, visit my blog here.

Last but not least, the giveaway!  I recently hit 100 followers and decided to host a giveaway with a few of my favorite things from a few of my favorite places including, but not limited to: Disneyland, Bath and Body Works, Ikea, and Novica.  Stop on over to Borrowed Heaven, say hello, and enter!

Thanks again to Allie for allowing me to say hello to all of you!  Happy blogging!