This week for our Bloggers on the Run feature please join with me in welcome Lauren from The Bikini Experiment.  You may recognize her from her guest post on my blog several weeks ago.

Name: Lauren

Blog: http://www.thebikiniexperiment.com

When did you first start blogging and why?

I discovered healthy living blogs about two years ago and loved reading them on a daily basis. I connected with regular women like me who wanted to embrace a positive and healthy lifestyle. They also faced some of the issues that I did so it became a great source of information for me. If I was traveling a lot for work to see how others found ways to fit in a workout on their trips. It was so interesting to see that there was such a strong community that shared the same interests and goals. I knew I wanted to be part of that network.

I also love to write and did a lot of writing as a marketing manager at a large corporation, but it was not really topics that were a source of passion for me. A blog became an outlet to focus my energies on what I was learning and wanted to share with others.

 

What is your most helpful blogging tip?

Blog for yourself! You truly have to love the process and enjoy doing it. Of course I want other people to discover my blog and like what I am sharing so they visit it on a regular basis. As a very new blogger I know that the people closest to me are the only ones checking out my blog on a regular basis. It’s about putting in the time and effort which I believe leads to find your audience.

 

What is your favorite fitness activity?

I like to hike and do yoga because I really enjoy those activities. When it comes to my fitness routine I prefer going to the gym where I can zone out. My favorite workouts are circuit-style routines that move from one exercise to the next so I am maximizing my time and keeping things interesting.

 

What motivates you?

I am a firm believer that staying in shape is a lifestyle. It cannot only be because you want to look good when summer rolls around or you have a vacation or wedding on the horizon. I workout for my health and to feel good. That is my focus.

 

What has fitness changed about your life?

It has certainly made me mentally and physically stronger. It has also really changed my priorities in terms of my lifestyle. It has impacted so many things included how I spend my free time as well as my money. Of course you can workout outside or in your home, but I prefer how distraction-free the gym can be. Also, I’ve never lived anywhere that I could be outside year round. A gym membership is a non-negotiable expense for me whereas years ago I would have seen it as an easy cut.

 

What is your favorite pump up song?

Fighter – Christina Aguilera. It never fails to get me going!

 

What is your favorite running distance?

A 5K which I know is not very far at all. I am a relatively new runner and would like to work up to a 10K as a future goal. Running sprints is also a great workout.

 

What is your favorite motivational quote/mantra?

You”ll never regret a workout. When I have days when I’m not in the mood to get to the gym I remind myself that I am usually fine once I get there. Even if I have off days where I feel sluggish or tired I am always grateful I did a workout or went to an exercise class.

 

What is your favorite piece of running/fitness gear?

I love warm up jackets with thumb holes! They are a new discovery and when the weather is cold they keep my hands warm.

 

What is your favorite “treat”?

Wine and chocolate!

 

What is a long term running or fitness goal you have for yourself?

I have had a shoulder injury that I have been dealing with for about two years and it’s been incredibly frustrating. I have improved significantly over the past few months and once I am fully recovered I would like to add in a lot of weight-based training that I have not been able to include in my workouts while I’ve been healing.

 

Tell us something unique about yourself.

I really love learning about and trying new things. I am naturally a very curious person and I think this quality has been a catalyst for change in me. I am a completely different person that I was ten years ago in multiple ways.

 

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is starting out running, what would it be?

Be realistic in your goals. Running was always a challenge for me and I remember my first goal was to run 10 minutes without stopping and then 15 minutes. It is a process to get where you want to be.

 

How do you find/make time to train?

Great question! I think if anything is a priority you can find time for it. One idea is to keep a log of your free time for a week or so and see where there are opportunities. Maybe instead of happy hour twice a week you could go once and meet a friend for a run or a yoga class that other night instead. Cut down on your television or social media time. It all adds up! Lastly be very organized and always have your gym clothes on hand.I have found if I go home after work it can be very hard to get out the door again.

 

What’s an accomplishment you are most proud of?

I am proud of the fact that I choose to stay optimistic no matter what the circumstances. We all have disappointments, set backs and heart breaks. I am confident that our perception of the world is what matters most. I certainly have my bad days like anyone else, but you have to believe in yourself and your dreams. That is what I try to do every day. Always strive to live with a grateful heart.

 

Head over to Lauren’s blog and check it out! You can also find her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

If you would like to be featured in the Bloggers on the Run feature – please go here.