The following piece was written by one of our catalog models and running friends who recently ran her first marathon. She used to dread the idea of running more than one mile. Now, she’s conquering 26.2 of them.

I’ve never considered myself much of a runner. In fact, I used to hate the thought of running more than a mile, but two weeks ago I surprised myself and completed my first full marathon. Prior to running the marathon, I’d completed one 5k and one half-marathon. I certainly don’t have the resume you might expect from a marathoner, but it just goes to show that you don’t have to be that experienced to accomplish your goals.

One of the hardest things about running a marathon is finding the motivation to train. As a skilled procrastinator, I knew that I had to sign up for a race—that way I couldn’t make any excuses! I chose the Eugene Marathon and signed up with my favorite running buddy–my sister. She was actually the one that nudged me in the direction of running in the first place. I then found a training plan that fit my schedule and ability level. (If you’re looking for a training plan, Hal Higdon has great plans for all levels of runners.) I made sure to schedule my training into my week to keep myself from feeling too overwhelmed. Setting little milestones throughout my training was a fantastic motivator.

When it comes down to it, one of my primary reasons for running a marathon was to show myself what I’m capable of. It’s too easy to tear myself down when life gets challenging, and I find that setting a goal and working hard to achieve it is a really effective confidence booster. And crossing that finish line with my sister beside me, well, there’s no better feeling. We ran the whole race together and supported one another through the blistered feet and sore legs.

While I had some challenges moving from the half-marathon to a full marathon, like dealing with injuries or finding the right ways to sustain and hydrate myself, I knew that it’s something I could work through—because with each mile, I was showing myself how strong I am. I really struggled with the longer runs the first few weeks of my training, but before I knew it I was able to run 20 miles without feeling like passing out halfway through. And I know that as I continue with running, I’ll get better and better at the sport, even if my whole body aches for a few days. I remind myself that it’s all about finding my stride and committing to doing something for myself.

Crossing the finish line was an unbelievable feeling, and I am really looking forward to signing up for another race to see if I can beat my previous time. I am even thinking of setting a new goal for myself to qualify for the Boston Marathon—something that seems so out of reach right now, but then again, at one point I thought running more than a mile was something I would never do.

Marathon Training tips:

1. Schedule your training ahead of time to work around the other things you have going on. If you don’t have a set time and day for each run, then before you know it the days have gone by and you haven’t gone on a run.

2. Never skip your long run! It’s okay to miss a workout every once in a while, but if you’re going to skip one, make sure it’s one of your short runs. The long runs are too critical to your training to miss.

3. Invest in good socks and great shoes.I know running shoes can be pricey, but trust me, a good pair of kicks is worth it. And nice socks made a huge difference in blister prevention for me, as well.

4. Use a GPS or running app on your smartphone or iPod to keep you motivated. I used RunKeeper. They even have training plans that you can download, follow, and use to set goals for yourself.

I recently received my very first Electra Tank, and it instantly became one of my favorite Stonewear pieces.  The cute, square cut neckline gives you plenty of room to stay cool, while also offering modest coverage. I particularly love the fit, how the top portion hugs you just right. This allows you to take advantage of the inner floating bra so that you can use this as a workout top.  And with the bottom part of the shirt being slightly looser, you have a margin of give through the middle. It’s a fantastic design–extremely comfortable with a flattering fit.  The 23’ length is perfect, and hits your hips at just the right place.

While Stonewear Designs offers a great variety of active tops with unique and fun back designs, the Electra Tank offers a more conservative, fully covered back–while still leaving you with plenty of range of motion and freedom. Because of this, I think it’s fantastically versatile, and I’ve found that I can really wear it for anything.

Since hiking is my favorite activity, I need to point out that the Electra Tank is also well suited to wear along with a backpack.  The shoulders are wide enough for your pack straps to lay against, and your back is also completely and smoothly covered–preventing any chaffing from your pack (or sunburn!).  Add that fantastic Dryflex fabric to wick away moisture, dry quickly, and keep you cool and you’ve got yourself an excellent hiking top.

On the day this photo was taken, I was hoping to sneak away from work early and go for a Spring hike with my friends. Should I bring along some hiking clothes, and try to find a place to change? No need! I wore the Electra Tank (with Rockin Capris and Jacket) right to the office, only with different shoes. It easily translates to business casual attire, while leaving you ready to go outside and immediately play in your also activewear Stonewear!

So get to know that pretty Electra Tank. I guarantee you’re going to love her.

Check out the Electra Tank on our website.

Read more from Tami on her blog, Colorado Mountain Mom

Haley Dahle with her two children

By Stonewear Designs Grassroots Team Member Haley Dahle

As a single mom and runner, I’ve had to get pretty creative when trying to log miles (or even work out in general). Over the last few years, I’ve found a few solutions that eliminate any possible excuses I can come up with.

1. Learn to love (or at least tolerate) the treadmill. Now, I’m not normally a fan of the treadmill. But sometimes when you need to run, it might be your only option. In the winter when it’s too cold or impossible to get the kids outside for a run, the treadmill will be there. Let the kids watch a movie, give them their tablet/video game or a book to read while you run. Want to have even more fun? Let them control your speed/incline!

2. Get familiar with the track at your local high school. I’ve recently discovered the track at our local high school is available for public use. Take your kids with you to the track and let them run along with you. If you’d actually like to run at a decent pace, have them play in the middle of it while you literally run circles (ovals?) around them. Tracks are usually great for running stairs as well if you want to mix it up; and to keep them included, have your kiddos help you count laps or stairs.

3. Enlist your wheeled friends. If your kiddos are little, invest in a jogging stroller and take them on the run with you. If your kiddos are bigger, have them ride their bikes alongside you (or ahead of you). Right now the speed in which my kids can peddle is a perfect pace for an easy run for me. And when you get your kiddos involved with your fitness, you’re teaching them that being active and healthy is a family affair, and that will be a valuable lesson that will stick with them for life.

4. Find another running mom and take turns babysitting for one another and running during your free time. It’s a win/win for both moms and kids. The kids get a play date and social time with other kids and you get some literally “free” free time.

5. And lastly, if you are all out of options and still need to work out, slow it down to their level. Take your kids for a walk or a hike with you. Or skip the miles all together and make it a cross training day; take them to the playground and utilize the equipment there for an impromptu strength training session.

Read more from Haley on her blog Climb Run Lift Mom

Melissa Love (left) in the Lynx Pullover and Rockin Capris and Lizzy Scully (right) in the Pika Jacket.

Take care of yourself this weekend with this wellness tip from Stonewear Grassroots Team Member Melissa Love:

Make time to walk and talk with a friend.

Friends are good for our wellbeing. A good friend makes us feel loved and accepted. A good friend is always a sounding board for what is happening in our lives–past and present.  In our busy lives, many of us end up communicating so much through our cell phones, text messages, Facebook and email.  It feels good to make time to  just walk, talk, and enjoy nature and each other’s company.

What’s your favorite activity to do with your gal pals? Tell us on Facebook.

Cassie with her running partner, Anne, at the Horsetooth Half-Marathon. These runnings ladies are wearing the Shimmy Tee.

1. Find a running partner. If you hold each other accountable and support one another, you’ll achieve far more than you could imagine!
2. Sign up for a race. This will remind you why you’re doing what you’re doing on those days you just don’t feel like hitting the track, trail, or treadmill. Plus, having a specific number and deadline will give you some concrete goals that you don’t have to come up with yourself.
3. Must have music! Planned playlists or Pandora will work. Check out my running playlist.
4. Get a comfortable pair of shoes. This is huge! You have to be comfortable if you want to succeed. And a quality pair of shoes suited for your unique feet is of the utmost important. Some of us need stability shoes, others need neutral ones. Head into your local running shop and ask them to assist you in finding the perfect fit.
5. Equip yourself with the perfect running attire.  This will make you feel good and keep you running. Right now my favorite pieces to run in are the Liberty Capri pants and the Shimmy Tee.
   

   Cassie in some of her favorites from the upcoming Fall 2013 line

6. Find a scenic trail and switch it up to keep thingsinteresting. Getting outside, breathing fresh air, and enjoying the view will be both rejuvenating and inspiring.
7. Set a goal for yourself before leaving the house. How many miles do you want to run? What do you want your time to be? Pat yourself on the back when you reach your goal, and then ask yourself: Can I go the extra mile?
8. Eat a snack before the run so you have energy to keep going. I eat something small about an hour beforehand. Your car can’t run on empty, and neither can you!
9. Running apps keep you going. If possible use MapMyRun or a similar app so you are aware of your mileage and pace. This always helps me push myself a little harder.
10. Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water before the run (a friend once told me to make sure your pee is clear). If you plan to run more than an hour, bring water with you.

Read more about Cassie’s half-marathon prep! Tell us on Facebook, how do you motivate yourself?

Here’s how you do it:

1. Begin laying on your back with your knees bent and hands behind your head.

Melissa is wearing the Olympia Tank and Rockin Capri

Note: It’s best not to lace your fingers, as you don’t want to over pull on your neck.

2. Bring your knees into “table top” position one at a time while coming into a “crunch.”

3. Stay crunched (upper abdominal curl forward) while rotating your right shoulder towards your left knee.

4. Lower one leg while the other stays at a 90-degree angle (table top position)

5. Stay crunched forward and switch sides, now turning your left shoulder towards your right knee.

6. Do 10 twists on each side.

Tips:

1. Focus on keeping your lower abdominal region as flat as possible.

2. Keep your elbows wide.

3. Go slowly, really feeling focusing on your abs.

Note: Any new exercise should be approached with caution and one should never exercise through pain. If you feel pain, stop.

Want to see some more core exercises from Melissa? Check out her Ab and Core Exercise Video.

Like Melissa’s outfit? Check out the Olympia Top and Rockin Capri on our website.

Doing a test run of some Fall 2013 Stonewear items, including the Dash Pant and Alpha Hoody!

By Cassie Strid

As each January 1 rolls around, so do my hopes that this will be my golden year. It’s the year I’ll get fit. I’ll accomplish my goals. I’ll be more active. And as every January 1 rolls away, so do some of my resolutions. This new year was no different in terms of goal setting, but it has been different in terms of follow-through.

My first step towards my goals? I enlisted a running partner. Together, we decided the best way to stick to my fitness plans would be to sign up for a race. I decided on the Horsetooth Half-Marathon located in my hometown of Fort Collins, Colo. After a resting period during the cold winter months and the busy holiday season, I’m now fully focused on training. In mid-January, I dragged myself outside to start running. Now that it’s April I’m realizing how far I’ve come since January.

Once I signed up for the race I decided there was no going back. So right now, that’s my number one enticement, because I surely don’t want to go out there and feel like I failed myself. I want to go out there and feel pride about what I’ve done for my body and what it’s done for me.

The view from my lunchtime running trail. Lack of motivation is less of a factor with this view!

Getting started is definitely the hardest part. And I find that the longer I take off, the harder it is to get back into it. Stepping out my front door into the bitter cold isn’t much of a motivator. But I remind myself of my goals, and how pushing through to run in the (albeit dark and torturous) freezing cold will make me feel about myself. Not to mention, I’m looking forward to reaping the benefits of running so much—my favorite skinny jeans are waiting for me in my closet! But really, the main reason I’m training so hard is because I want to confidently say that I’ve achieved this dream of mine—and I’ll be able to say, with pride and enthusiasm, that this is my sport.

As I began running more consistently, I started to crave my runs. I remember the first time I ran four miles this season felt like the. Hardest. Run. Ever. But then came mile 5. Then 6. Then 7. And just last week I ran my first 9.5 miles of the year. I felt great. I felt so accomplished and felt like my heart, soul, and body were all thanking me for pushing what I once thought were my limits, but that I now know are my strengths.

Tell us on Facebook, how do you motivate yourself? Stay tuned for Cassie’s 10 Get Running Tips later this week!