Running; it gets your heart pumping, trims your waistline and cleanses the soul. There is nothing like a good run to start or end your day. Do you like to run?

{Top & Bottoms c/o Boohoo Fit}
In the past, we used to run all of the time.

Collectively we’ve each run several races on our own, but a couple of years ago we decided to train for and run a half marathon together. With only one baby in tow, we would take turns pushing the jogging stroller and spend weekends seeing how many miles we could run. It was Valentine’s day themed and it just so happened to snow that day. We passed the finish line, but it wasn’t pretty. 13.1 miles in the freezing cold, soaking wet, just isn’t fun.

So we took a break from races after that, but it didn’t kill our love of running! Now we just run for fun and for our health. If you’re new to running and want to get started in a routine we have a few tips for you:

Start Slow! Don’t take to running thinking you’re going to run several miles your first day. Start with a small distance, like a mile and don’t attempt to run the entire thing. Begin with a brisk walk to warm up and try running for a minute and walking for a minute. If you go too hard too fast, you’ll end up with painful shin splints and possible injuries! If you continue to build on your endurance, you’ll be running miles in no time.

Run In Intervals This is kind of like taking it slow, but for a different reason. If you’re running for fitness, intervals are where it’s at! You will get more out of your run if you vary your pace, rather than a long steady pace.

{Shoes c/o Boohoo}Nail Down A Playlist Music makes any workout better! Take to the trail or the treadmill with your favorite playlist and you’ll be sure to keep up the hard work for miles!

Find A Friend Some people prefer to run alone, clear their thoughts and decompress. But, running with a friend is so much fun! While you gossip and catch up, you won’t even realize how far you’ve run.

Don’t forget to stretch and warm-up Treat your muscles kindly! Start with a brisk five minute walk to warm-up before taking to running and follow up with a nice ten minute stretch.

We teamed up with Boohoo to bring you our favorite lower body stretches that can be incorporate into your stretch routine as they challenge all of us to get out for a run!

So, are you a running veteran or thinking about taking on a race or two? What tips do you have?

– Brooke & Erica