Today: National Running Day {and an OrthoLite giveaway}
[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false]Welp, I broke my summer run streak by accident earlier this week. Note to self: run in the morning when there’s even the slightest chance work will get in the way at night.
A missed day is no reason to fall of the bandwagon entirely, though. Especially when it’s National Running Day.
This run streak business has been a great reminder that on some days, a mile is perfectly enough. And that all you really need is a good pair of shoes and a bit of motivation. All the gadgets in the universe won’t run for you, and sometimes, they just get in the way. (Other times, it feels like Lady Gaga is running for me. Let’s be serious.)
I’ve stressed before (in my sternest writing voice) the importance of getting fitted for a good pair of kicks. It’s the best way to ensure you’re running in a shoe that was made for you, protecting you from needless injury (fingers and toes crossed). Once you’ve got your perfect-for-you shoes, there’s still room for customization. Is it me, or do most stability shoes look like robot feet? Thank goodness for fun colors and flashy shoe laces. My favorite way to customize lately, though, isn’t just for show. In fact, I’m the only one (besides you, now) who knows they’re there.
The lovely people at OrthoLite sent me a free pair of their performance insoles, which were designed to fit athletic shoes. You may already be wearing OrthoLite insoles without knowing it, as they are built into the top brands of athletic shoes and outdoor boots (Reebok, adidas, New Balance, Nike, Under Armour, etc.). Unfortunately, many other brands cut production cost by scrimping on their insoles (not cool, bro), despite the impact an insole can have on fit, comfort, and performance.
I slipped my insoles into my running shoes the day the arrived and immediately noticed the difference. While my shoes fit great to begin with, the addition of insoles make them feel surprisingly cushier and springier (shockingly, those are both actual words), without adding any weight. I rarely wear socks when I run, so I really appreciate how soft and smooth these insoles are.
An added bonus: these little guys are fully washable. Not that my feel smell. They don’t. Regardless of what Clark tells you.
Want to customize your own running shoes with OrthoLite insoles? I’ve got three pairs to give away. To enter, please leave a comment below, completing this sentence I run…
Just getting started? Feel free to share what excites you most about running. For additional entries (please leave a comment to be sure your additional entries are counted):
- Tweet: Happy Running Day! I want to win @OrthoLite insoles from @ElizabethEv: http://wp.me/pySBS-1EY
- “Like” OrthoLite on Facebook or follow them on Twitter
- Happy Birthday to my incredible Dad. I love you!
- Looking for a group to run with? There might be one in your ‘hood.
- Packing the bug spray for tonight’s soccer game
Let’s hear it: Why do you run? What excites you most about running?
Comments (29)
Dominique xoxox
June 6, 2012 at 7:49 am
I run because it always makes me feel strong and confident- even the bad ones!
Dominique xoxox
June 6, 2012 at 7:49 am
I tweeted!
Dominique xoxox
June 6, 2012 at 7:50 am
I followed!
lindsaymwright
June 6, 2012 at 8:29 am
I run because I’m scared of bears. 😉
lindsaymwright
June 6, 2012 at 8:30 am
Like them on FB!
lindsaymwright
June 6, 2012 at 8:30 am
Tweeted!
Darbi
June 6, 2012 at 8:38 am
I run because it makes me feel amazing and I love setting new race goals and beating them!
funandfearlessinbeantown
June 6, 2012 at 9:11 am
I run because it challenges me!
tiff
June 6, 2012 at 9:30 am
Running makes me appreciate the alone time and the ability to think about everything and nothing at the same time!
maureen
June 6, 2012 at 9:50 am
I run because otherwise I am a crazy woman (it gets my energies going) and it keeps me sane.
artistandathlete
June 6, 2012 at 11:16 am
I run for people who want to but are unable.
ericathomas (@302Erica)
June 6, 2012 at 11:45 am
I run for the feeling I get when I finish!
ericathomas (@302Erica)
June 6, 2012 at 11:47 am
I tweeted
ericathomas (@302Erica)
June 6, 2012 at 11:48 am
I just followed them on twitter
Jen
June 6, 2012 at 12:56 pm
I run… to challenge myself!
Jen
June 6, 2012 at 12:57 pm
I liked OrthoLite on Facebook
mom27g
June 6, 2012 at 1:21 pm
I run because it makes me feel whole and strong!!!
Theresa
June 6, 2012 at 1:22 pm
I run to tap into my inner cheetah, and to eat cheetos afterwards.
mom27g
June 6, 2012 at 1:22 pm
I tweeted your giveaway 🙂
mom27g
June 6, 2012 at 1:23 pm
I like ortholite on facebook and am following them on twitter 🙂
Michelle
June 6, 2012 at 2:36 pm
I run to prove to myself that I can do it if I put all into it
arielle
June 7, 2012 at 10:21 am
I run because it’s the closest a human can come to flying!
nik
June 7, 2012 at 7:08 pm
I run to find my strength. Physically, mentally and spiritually.
And to keep my sense of humor…there’s something about letting everything else go and running outdoors with the imperfect, sometimes rainy, sometimes freezing, sometimes mosquito-ridden but gloriously beautiful and charmingly quirky world that keeps things in perspective. 🙂
Kristi @ lifesprinkles
June 8, 2012 at 12:19 pm
I run for the endorphins and the sweat and the feeling of freedom it gives me. I love those runs where my runner’s high kicks in after 2-3 miles and I feel like I can run forever. 🙂
Kristi @ lifesprinkles
June 8, 2012 at 12:22 pm
tweeted!
Kelly Nigl (@kellynigl)
June 8, 2012 at 2:05 pm
I run because I can! Also because I enjoy that it challenges me and I know it is good for me in the long term.
Anne
June 8, 2012 at 3:04 pm
I like running because I enjoy the fresh air and scenery while I exercise. It is also great for burning calories and fat. I love to eat a good meal and have an occasional glass and wine. Running regularly prevents me from gaining weight or depriving myself.
Stephanie
June 9, 2012 at 1:53 pm
I run to get faster at running. It’s a vicious cycle! 🙂 Also I run so I can be fit and awesome like you and other fitfluential people 😛
Also, you said you don’t wear socks when you run? How long have you done this? What brought on this decision? Is this a trend among runners?
Elizabeth
June 10, 2012 at 11:54 am
Hi Steph, I haven’t worn socks on shorter runs in years. I just prefer the feel, and luckily (knock on wood) never get blisters or other issues. I do, however, wear socks on long runs, as I think the extra cushioning and compression help. Just a matter of personal preference. 🙂