Hiii!

As you guys may know, running has always been challenging for me! I’ve incorporated cardio in the past but never stuck to it consistently- so, this year, Im challenging myself to run more and find ways to make it fun and enjoyable!

Why am I doing this? Running is a great way to increase your overall level of health and endurance! It helps increase lung function, cardiovascular health, builds stamina and even boosts your immune system. It’s also an amazing way to relieve stress and any pent up negative energy- hello happy hormones!

That being said, I won’t be training for marathons or anything like that because thats just not me! I’m running to build stamina and strong legs and to find a happy balance of cardio and strength training.

With that being said, here are 5 ways I’m going to make running fun:

1. NIKE RUN CLUB APP + 5 MONTH RUN CHALLENGE!

Let’s be real….I need something/ someONE to hold me accountable. I also love tracking my progress with any fitness challenge I do to stay motivated, so Ill be using the Nike Run Club app plus doing the fun 5 month challenge! I’ll be going at my own pace and what feels right for my body- but this guided challenge has me SO EXCITED! I love that there is a coach guiding you through the runs and how you have the ability to structure your runs according to your wants and needs. It also tracks your pace, distance, heart rate and mile splits, which will come in handy when I want to see how I improve over the next few months.

I’ll leave the run challenge details and how to download the app here! Invite your friends too and we can all keep each other accountable!!

2. RUNNING ON A MANUAL TREADMILL

Since I do go to the gym several times a week, I want to make sure I can incorporate my new running routine while I’m there. I’ll be hoping on the manual treadmills at my gym which are soooo good for building strong calf and leg muscles! You literally move the belt manually by running on it. It has more of a resistance than a regular treadmill so it’s a great cardio and strength workout.

3. NEW SHOES

Buy new running shoes! New workout gear makes any girl feel fly~ I recently got the Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 shoes and they feel like clouds! You know how everyone has their FAVORITE leggings that just fit, feel, and look soo nice on? Well these shoes are that for me when it comes to running! They are super comfy, fits snug, and I could see myself walking for long long distances in them no problem. This particular design and color way is launching this spring, so be on the look out for them! You can also preview some of them down below!

Besides feeling super fresh in them, shoes are really important when it comes to running. You have to think about things like proper sole and foot support, plus the weight of the shoe! These Epic Reacts are really lightweight and breathable, which is a must for me when it comes to exercise.

4. HIIT STYLE INTERVALS

Running long distances at one speed is boring to me. My mind races too much for me to want to get through the whole run! This is why I’ll be incorporating HIIT style interval running workouts to make it more fun. Not only will I improve my strength and endurance, the workout will be shorter too. An example HIIT workout is sprinting at FULL SPEED for 1 minute, power walking for 1 minute, sprinting FULL SPEED and walking until you reached 15 minutes. you’ll be drenched in sweat like you were in the sauna for half an hour. Talk about a good sweat detox!

5. HIKING TRAILS

Lastly, I’m taking Simba on some fun and challenging hikes! Living in LA, there are so many hiking trails to take advantage of and running uphill will also be great for my booty gains to. Plus working out with Simba is so fun because he can keep going and going and going : P

There you have it! As you can see, I’m going to ease my way into running and make it fun so that I learn to love it and keep it as a consistent workout within my routine. If you aren’t much of a runner like me, encourage you to try it out and download the Nike Running Club app so we can keep each other accountable :)

K guys guess I’m lacing up! Wish me luck!