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Be a Runner! Fusing Fitness with Technology for a Smarter Workout

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BioSport #CollectiveBias #sponsoredYou might have read about my recent trip to Walt Disney World to complete the Dopey Challenge. The challenge required me to run 48.6 miles over 4 consecutive days. And I did it! Running is something I’ve grown to appreciate; it keeps me healthy, gets me outdoors, and is a joint hobby with my spouse. As the year begins anew and many make fitness and health resolutions, I want to encourage more people to try running as a sport so here are my 5 tips for becoming a runner, including fusing fitness with technology for a smarter workout. #BioSport #CollectiveBias

1. TIMES DON’T MATTER!

As a beginning runner you’re probably not going to be winning races or competing head to head with others, so don’t fret over times! My hubby is all about his time and he’s been able to place in his age group at a few races. However, I highly doubt that will ever be me! I run to enjoy the atmosphere and feel good using my muscles, and I also don’t spend a lot of time training to be a faster runner. There’s nothing wrong with having a slower pace than others, just get out and get active. One of my favorite ways to run was introduced to me by the runDisney coach and it’s a run/walk method. You can start off running even one minute then walking a minute, then repeat. You just keep increasing your run time length and pretty soon you can run for ten minutes and walk a minute, then repeat. I’ve found it’s a great way to keep a consistent pace as well as helping prevent injury.

Running Quote - Whether it's a 14 minute mile or a 7 minute mile, it's still a mile | StuffedSuitcase.com

Don’t worry about your time – just run!

2. RUNNING PARTNER

One of the best things for motivating me to run is my husband. We’ve found it to be a hobby for both of us and often take off at lunch to run then grab lunch together. Sharing a fitness goal and interest has been great for our marriage, plus it keeps us motivated when the other is saying we need to run. If you’re able to run with your spouse, I recommend it! If not, find a friend who you can arrange a schedule of running times. It helps you get out if you know that other person is expecting you to be there. If you flake out, you’re affecting their health too. That’s a great motivator!

Find a running partner

My running buddy – my hubby!

3. TECHNOLOGY

Running is so amazing with a smartphone these days! Fusing fitness with technology for a smarter workout means you can track your progress, monitor your heart rate, listen to your favorite tunes, and share your workouts with your friends. My favorite routine is to grab my smartphone and running belt, plug in my Intel SMS Audio BioSport Earbuds, load my favorite Spotify running music playlist, and open my RunKeeper app to track my running. While running I’m listening to music with my great sounding Intel SMS Audio BioSport Earbuds which are also tracking my heart rate at the same time. It’s amazing technology that allows the headphones to measure my heart rate through the ear and send it to my phone via the gold plated jack. Just say bye bye chest strap – no need to wear that bulky strap around your chest to monitor heart rate because these earbuds are all you need. Knowing your heart rate will help you dial in your comfortable pace and know when you can push a little more or need to slow down a bit. Also, having fun maps and graphs to share with your friends is always a great part about having technology become a part of your running routine. I purchased my Intel SMS Audio BioSport Earbuds from Amazon where I chose the great yellow color, or you can also buy direct from SMSAudio.com and save 20% with the promo code BioSport20 (US only – expiration date: 1/31/15).

Fusing Fitness with Technology for a smarter workout with distance, pace, heart rate tracking plus listening to your favorite music

Run with your favorite tunes while tracking your run distance and pace

Running-with-Technology-Intel-SMS-Audio-BioSport-Earbuds

Find your favorite playlist, start your RunKeeper app, see your results!

4. GEAR

When you become a runner it’s like a free pass for shopping for new things. Starting with the basics, get a great pair of shoes from a running store (get fitted please!), a belt or armband to hold your smartphone, some great headphones that fit well in your ear (bonus the Intel SMS Audio BioSport Earbuds fit well and include heart rate monitoring!), comfortable workout clothes for the season, and the RunKeeper app (free – elite membership offered which you get a free month of with the purchase of the Intel SMS Audio BioSport Earbuds). As you progress you can purchase more running clothing, add in some running socks, perhaps a running hat and water bottle, as well as a multitude of nutrition options.

Basic running gear to start off your goal of becoming a runner

My favorite running gear!

5. SIGN UP FOR A GOAL

Earlier I mentioned my 48.6 mile challenge, and that was quite an event to look forward to. When I first started running I had the Tinkerbell half marathon on the horizon and it was my goal and focus for my running workouts. Having a fun race to look forward to will help encourage you to exercise and get out running so you don’t waste the race money or miss the chance to participate. The feeling of crossing the finish line after your first big race is something I can’t describe with words. It’s amazing! So, sign up to do something awesome, then work to make sure it happens!

Running through the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World for Marathon and Dopey Challenge

Running Goal! Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World!

Have you made a fitness resolution / goal for the new year? I’d love to hear about your goal and what you’re doing to be successful, comment below!

Are you already a runner? Share below your favorite running motivation or tip!

Did you make a fitness resolution? Here are 5 tips to help you get into the sport of running and help live a healthy and active life! StuffedSuitcase.com

5 Tips for Getting Started Running – Be a Runner!

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Dionne Baldwin

Tuesday 20th of January 2015

Thanks for these tips. I appreciate the reminder that time doesn't matter, unless you're training for a race of course. :-) I feel so good about my effort when I can run a mile or two without stopping, even if my pace is just above a walk. That water bottle is going on my wish list!

Kimberly

Monday 2nd of February 2015

Fabulous Dionne! Just getting out and getting your body into a habit of being active is so worth it! Best of luck in making running a part of your life!

Andrea Kruse

Sunday 18th of January 2015

Great tips! Yes, destination races sound like so much fun. I am currently spending some quality time with my treadmill, but when the gloomy OR weather passes, I would love to get out for a fun run. #client

Kimberly

Monday 2nd of February 2015

Living in Seattle I absolutely hear you on the gloomy running. We have a treadmill too, but I've really started to hate it! :)

Emma

Saturday 17th of January 2015

Thank you so much for sharing this, it is so helpful! I am trying to get into running (well jogging to start with) at the moment. I was always a sprinter at school (many years ago) so long distances have always been tricky!

I am also using technology as I jog. I have an iPhone and I have started with the Couch to 5k app (5k runner free) and endomondo plus I listen to the music!

Thanks again!

Em :)

Kimberly

Sunday 18th of January 2015

Great job Emma! It's a good plan to start easy and work your way up. Using technology while running is so helpful and I love having a history of my workouts and how my speed and distances have improved over time! Take care!

Lance | Trips By Lance

Thursday 15th of January 2015

I've been a runner for going on 31 years and I have the knees without cartilage to prove it. My advice: Today is the first day. Your training program doesn't start tomorrow or next week or when you have time. It starts today. Today is always the best day to start something. You can never create a fitness routine if you don't start. Secondly, start short. I helped a high school friend 20 years ago who had never run and was in terrible shape become a crazy addicted runner today who won't go a day without running. I took her on a run and she could only make it to the next mailbox before stopping to walk. So we walked to the next one and then I told her to run to the mailbox after the next one. Set small goals and gradually build on them.

Kimberly

Friday 16th of January 2015

Great tips Lance! I agree that starting slow and short is a great way to get started. I still use that technique to get up hills!

Amanda O.

Thursday 15th of January 2015

I've been a "wannabe" runner for years, and this year I made it my resolution to become an ACTUAL runner, and not just a wannabe one. I started by just doing a few cardio workouts a week, but will start incorporating a few treadmill runs soon. (I live in the Chicago area and it's WAY TOO COLD to start running outside!)

Kimberly

Friday 16th of January 2015

Hi Amanda! Good for you! When I began running I bought a treadmill because it was winter in Seattle which means lots of rain. Now, I hate my treadmill and will choose the outdoors as long as it's not raining. :) Hope you have some fun races on the horizon to help you stay motivated!