Guys. Fall is officially in full swing.

Sure this means the days are getting shorter and darker a lot earlier… but for me, it also means running starts to pick back up. Because there’s nothing better than feeling a cool breeze in the air and hearing the leaves crunch under your steps. 

In partnership with one of my favorite high performance brands, Brooks Running, that happens to be headquartered in my neighborhood of Fremont alongside the best running trails in Seattle, the Burke-Gilman, I’ve created this post that shares my journey with running and this amazing brand.

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SHOP THE EDIT

DASH HOODIE NIGHTLIFE| GREENLIGHT TIGHT NIGHTLIFE | LEVITATE 2 | HOT SHOT SPORTS BRA | LSD JACKET

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My Running Journey

I’ll be honest. I used to HATE running. Like with a passion. 

I remember having to do it in grade school during PE class for games we’d play, or relay races. It was awful. My lanky legs just didn’t quite understand it — which is probably why I opted for cheerleading as my sport.

Then in high school, I got more into working out. I’d do Tai Bo with Billy Blanks and 8 Minute Abs in my bedroom, while forcing myself to go on runs in my suburbian neighborhood. When I decided to challenge myself more in the sports department, I joined the soccer team. My coach put me as a forward, because he said I was fast, which instantly gave me more confidence around running.

Though, fun yet embarrassing fact — I may have been fast, but this athletic champ severely lacked at aiming, as I managed to score a record-breaking total of one goal in all four years. Yikes…

Finally, once I hit college, I got into a regular workout routine —  you know, to keep off the ‘freshman fifteen’ ;). So I took on running on the treadmill at the gym and joining other girls in my sorority for runs around campus. 

Post college, I’d do 5Ks with other runner friends every other month and then finally found myself entering 10Ks and half marathons. Running simply became my thing. 

Another fun, yet less embarrassing fact — I hit a 7:30 minute mile personal record in 2016. Yay, go me!

Since then, in my upper 20s / early 30s, I’ve kept up running, though I don’t do it as vigorously as I used to in my early 20s. I’ve found a healthy balance that works for my body. Running every day or every other day for me can be hard on my knees, and so by mixing it in with other strength training workouts like yoga, barre and weights, I’ve found the perfect recipe for fit and satisfied.

Why I Run

Running to me means so much more than staying fit. I run because of…

// Endurance

As you run mile after mile, your lungs gain capacity. Strong lungs can lead to an overall healthier body and increased endurance. I love when my body can fight through the initial struggle and strengthen internally over time. 

// Mental Clarity

Running can provide an insane amount of overall mental health such as steady focus, sounder sleep and clearer thoughts. I come up with some of my best ideas during runs and know that after I finish, I have the motivation I need to complete any task.

// Leg Toning

As the powerhouse, your legs can get one mean workout during a run. They allow you to sprint when needed, go up and down hills and get you to the finish. I account my years of running to the toned shape of my legs and defined calf muscles.

// Stress Relief

Running boosts the brain’s serotonin levels which essentially can make you more relaxed. This form of exercise is so calming to the mind. When I’m feeling overwhelmed or like I can barely breathe, a run literally cures all.

// Weight Control

The amount of calories you can burn during a run is up there — especially if it’s a long distance run. With this, comes a more slender figure and I love the physique my body morphs into when I’m in running shape.

// Happiness

There’s nothing better than the high you get during and after a run. It’s euphoric and it’s proven that runners are straight happy people. I truly see a boost in my mood from running — hence the whole “runner’s high” thing.

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Running With Brooks Shoes

As someone who’s run for 15 years, I’ve had my fair share of learnings around things to do and things not to do. 

Stretching for instance, is a definite. So is proper training. I’ve torn ligaments in my knee during my first half-marathon from lack of both. 

Another absolute definite in my book is finding the right shoes — and I’m proud to say I’ve been hooked on Brooks as my trusted running shoe brand for the last 5 years. 

It took me awhile to learn what shoe worked for me, but after finally going to their expert team of specialists and learning that I tend to over-pronate slightly and need neutral support, I have remained loyal to the brand that’s served me no wrong.

Brooks Trailhead uses a process called Run Signature to help determine the best shoe for the way you run. If you’re local, it basically consists of doing a couple of squats and running for a few minutes on a treadmill – the whole process takes less than 10 minutes and then recommends a couple of shoe options to try! If you’re not in the Seattle area, you can utilize their online shoe finder — check it out.

Sticking with Brooks and making sure I’m rotating pairs out regularly according to use, has kept my body happy and in great shape for running. 

Hence their motto, “Run Happy” 🙂

Over the years, I’ve dabbled in a variety of Brooks Running shoes — from the Ghost to the PureFlow to the PureCadence and now, my favorite thus far — the Levitate 2.

The Levitate 2 kills it in the areas that are important for me and running:

• bounce — DNA AMP technology offers springy steps and extra cushioning
• support — neutral with a medium, high arch – perfect for my slight over-pronating needs
  
• material — flexible Fit Knit making it feel like a stretchy glove, with extra heel wrap
• style — futuristic, modern and the grey on grey monochromatic style I love (with several other colors to choose from)

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Shop the Brooks Fall 2018 Collection

But it doesn’t stop there. I had the opportunity to attend a preview of this year’s Fall Collection by Brooks and fell in love with several pieces from their new line. 

My favorite — which I’m mostly rocking in this post — the Nightlife Collection. This collection is meant for this time of year — when the long, sun-filled days turn to short, dark-filled nights. 

Each piece leads with black (my favorite) and is accented with a neon yellow coloring with high-reflecting material placed in critical motion zones to help you remain visible at all hours of the day and night. I love the 24 hour safety / 360 degree visibility that Brooks is offering with this line. 

// Dash Hoodie

The hoodie is lightweight, has a relaxed fit, and is super soft. It offers a hooded back and sleeves with thumbhole for your hands — which is a MUST with any running top. 

// Greenlight Tight

The tights are super comfortable with a high waist and cropped length, which I prefer for ultimate movement on a run. I love the gradient color that elongates the legs and aids in any figure. 

// Hot Shot Bra

The sports bra that screams functional, yet sexy. I love how modern and minimal this piece is. The shape caters to all shapes — whether you’re shallow like me or full. And the back strap details — swoon! 

// LSD Jacket

And finally, the jacket — perfect for over a bra or over the hoodie, depending on the weather. I’m in love with how lightweight the piece feels when wearing, and the reflective detail with an extra emphasis on the back is killer.  

If you’re an avid runner like me who’s seeking fresh gear for the dark, cool weather ahead — give Brooks a try. 

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SHOP THE FALL COLLECTION EDIT

DASH HOODIE NIGHTLIFE| GREENLIGHT TIGHT NIGHTLIFE | LEVITATE 2 | HOT SHOT SPORTS BRA | LSD JACKET

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Thank you Brooks Running, for sponsoring this post. You truly allow me to #RunHappy :)!

Lover of Brooks as well? Digging this new collection? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay well my friends. 

// cb ✌????

photos : Elisa of E for Elisa

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