Strength training is an integral part of any workout schedule. In this post, I talk about 5 reasons women should strength train, plus how to fuel your body for building muscle. Thank you to Kroger for helping me share this post with you. Several years ago, I threw my back out. It happened with the…
How to Get 10,000 Steps When You Work All Day
We all know we need to move more, but how do you get 10,000 steps when you work all day? I have plenty of tips for you! Thank you to Kroger for helping me share this post with you. We’ve all heard it – weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle just doesn’t happen without…
Running: Consistency & Motivation
Whether you’re just starting a running program or have been running for years, it’s always great to pick up some tips on maintaining consistency and motivation. Here are my best tips! When I tried to figure out why it’s been so long since I’ve written about running, it took awhile to come up with an…
Hummus Linguini with Zucchini {Exercise Challenge}
Kick up your exercise routine and protein-rich meals with this easy and flavorful Hummus Linguini with Zucchini pasta recipe. Thank you to Sabra for helping me to share this recipe with you. It’s time to kick off the second week of the Healthy New Year 6 Week Challenge that I’m hosting with my friend Liz…
The Boston Marathon 2014: Redemption
From sorrow to celebration, our trip to the Boston Marathon 2014, one year after being so close to the site of the first bomb, was nothing short of incredible. We took back the day. And when I say “we”, I mean our family, the running community, the city of Boston and everyone who watched the…
Run Like a Girl: My Favorite Things
Getting ready for spring running? Here is a list of some of my favorite running gear, from shoes to skirts. Plus, looking forward to upcoming races. It was a big day for my son (M). Two weekends ago, he ran his first 10k race, with my husband pacing him the whole way. It was a…
Run Like a Girl: How to Choose a Race
Race season is upon us, and it’s time to set your running goals and choose a race. Here are a few tips to help you do that. In theory, keeping ourselves healthy and in shape should be all the motivation we need to pull ourselves out of bed and lace up the running shoes. But…
Run Like a Girl: Get Faster with Hill Workouts
Ramp up your running with these tips for hill workouts! Get stronger and faster with a little extra effort each week. Once again, I am excited to welcome back Cindy BeMent of Kicking It In (running coach extraordinaire). And she’s ready to kick our booties! In my last Run Like a Girl post, I talked…
Run Like a Girl: How to Run Uphill
Let’s be real…running uphill isn’t easy. But here are some tips and tricks for how to run uphill that will make you a more efficient runner. There is no such thing as an easy uphill run, as least not in my world. However, I have come to appreciate the hills, in a “make me stronger”,…
Run Like a Girl: What to Eat Before a Run
Figuring out what to eat before a run can be confusing. Should you eat a snack or a full meal, and are some options better than others? Here are tips and tricks to help you succeed. “What do you eat before a run?” I feel like I’m opening Pandora’s box by asking this question. It…
Run Like a Girl: Focus on the Process
Whether you’re training to run your first 5k or tenth 50-miler, this motivational post urges you to focus on the process. Let’s do this together! Photo credit: Marathonfoto.com As the next part of my Run Like a Girl challenge (I’m so excited to have so many of you along on the journey), I am beyond…
Run Like a Girl: The Benefits of Running with Others
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned runner, there are many benefits to running with others. Plus, check out the tips on finding a running partner. As I talked about last week in Run Like a Girl: How I Started, 2 Blocks At A Time, my first steps towards consistent running and eventually training for my…
Run Like a Girl: How I Started, 2 Blocks At A Time
When I wrote in my Run Like a Girl Challenge kick-off post (#runwithdara) that I was only able to run two blocks at a time when I first started, I meant it. When I tell people that I have run several half-marathons and one full marathon, they inevitably say, “Oh, I could never do that….
Run Like a Girl: Lacing Up Together {A Challenge}
It’s time to lace up those running shoes and hit the road. I’m introducing a new section on my blog and issuing a challenge to you! Use hashtag #runwithdara on social media. Everyone deserves to give themselves a gift every now and then. While there’s something to be said for a rockin’ pair of new…
Running in Cold Weather: My Tips & Tricks
If you saw the photo I posted on Instagram and Facebook (scroll down to see it), it’s likely that you’re asking yourself, “Why would I want to take cold weather running advice from this crazy lady?” Okay, I kind of see your point. But hear me out. If I’m able to continue my runs when…
Healthy Eating Tips & Tricks for the Holidays
Do you struggle with keeping off those five pounds that creep on during the holidays? This post is full of tips and tricks for healthy eating and exercise amidst the Christmas cookies and holiday parties. The quote above is something I need to tattoo to my forehead, post on the fridge and listen to in…
My First Marathon: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
It’s done, and I did it! It’s been a little more than a week since I completed running my first marathon. Portland, Oregon was the amazing backdrop for the event, and it truly was an experience to remember. When I posted Marathon Training (The True Story), I was blown away by all of the supportive…
Marathon Training (The True Story) & Carbo-Loading Pasta Recipes
It’s been quite a year. Looking back, it’s hard to believe that one year ago, I was 30 pounds heavier (see the “before” photos), intensely unhappy about where I was with my appearance and fitness level and wallowing in self-pity (oh, there were a lot of tears). And now, here we are. It’s two days…
Red Faced Runners Update: Our New Site!
I have some exciting news! It’s been a couple of weeks since I posted about the Red Faced Runners 5k Challenge. Cindy did an amazing job of walking us through her 10 tips for running a 5k, as well as providing an easy-to-follow training plan. So many of you set aside your fears and bravely…
Rhubarb Margarita Recipe, Running Update & TV Cooking Segment
I have a mish-mash of topics for you today and a couple of exciting updates. We’ll start with a Rhubarb Margarita recipe that is sure to become a summertime favorite (even the guys will like this one), then move on to an update about the running side of my life (the butterflies are fluttering already)…