Please join me in welcoming Nikki from Grab Your Kicks on this week’s Bloggers on the Run blogger feature!

Name: Nikki

Blog: http://www.grabyourkicks.com/

 

When did you first start blogging and why?

I originally started my blog in 2012 after my husband and I decided to run our first half marathon. I thought it would be a good way to document our training. I even came up with the name “grab your kicks” at that time. I posted all of ONE post and then didn’t stick with it. After discovering other running blogs last year, I decided I’d like to start my own because I love to share my passion of running with others. I remembered and still had access to that wordpress blog I started a year earlier and picked it up from there! I love connecting with others who have similar goals because it’s inspiring and keeps me going!

 

What is your most helpful blogging tip?

Have easy to access social media buttons. It’s a pet peeve of mine when I want to follow a blogger, but can’t find their social media buttons. Please get Twitter! It’s one of the best ways to communicate with other bloggers and share favorite posts.

 

What is your favorite fitness activity?

Definitely running. I love the freedom of the open road and that I don’t need much else than myself. I can run (pretty much) whenever I want. Although I enjoy running in groups, I really enjoy the “me time” running provides. I find the most inspiration for blogging out on my runs. I blog about running, but on the flip side, I run to get blog ideas!

 

What motivates you?

I used to be motivated externally, meaning only by others. I didn’t exercise for myself and my health. Rather, I did it because that’s what I thought I “should” do. I remember only running when other cars passed me because that’s how I wanted to be perceived. Now it’s a completely different story. I’m inspired by others and know that if they can do, I can do it too. I know now how important exercising is for my body and my mind.

 

What has fitness changed about your life?

Fitness has changed my level of confidence. I have always been on the quieter side and have felt uncomfortable in large groups of people. Running and fitness have given me the confidence to talk to people I don’t know and become a leader. Most recently, I became a certified teacher in Group Centergy which is a yoga/pilates fushion class produced by Mossa. I never would’ve thought I’d have the guts to get up in front of big groups of people and teach. I’d doing it though! I actually really enjoy getting up on stage every week and sharing my love of the class with others.

 

What is your favorite pump up song?

“Remember the Name” by Fort Minor

 

What is your favorite running distance?

The half marathon is my favorite because it takes some serious training time, but not as much as a full. I feel there are more “serious” runners there too, which I love because those are my people!

 

What is your favorite motivational quote/mantra?

Every mile earned, never given.

 

What is your favorite piece of running/fitness gear?

I love my FlipBelt. No more messing with armbands that never fit my chicken arms right. I can fit my keys, fuel, and phone in it for long runs.

 

What is your favorite “treat”?

I love dark chocolate brownies made with a can of pumpkin. It’s super easy to mix together a box of brownie mix and pumpkin, pop it in the oven, and enjoy the chocolately deliciousness.

 

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

I’ve been thinking more about a triathlon. I would love to challenge myself to be a more well rounded athlete. I know I could do it, but I have to get myself to commit to proper training. Throwing on my sneakers is much easier at the moment.

 

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

Just keep going and don’t get too hung up on the numbers. Running is a sport and although anyone can throw on their running shoes, it takes practice just like any other sport. It’s important to start out with good form too so you stay injury free.

 

How do you find/make time to train?

I schedule it in and make a commitment. I think about how much better I’ll feel after a good work out. Sometimes I have late meetings at work and miss a class I planned on attending. If that happens, I do a workout video at home or go for a run.

 

What’s an accomplishment you are most proud of?

I’m most proud of running my second half marathon last September. I PR’d with a time of 2:02, 50 minutes faster than the first half marathon I ran. I trained properly and it showed! This year I’m hoping to get that elusive sub-2.

 

Nikki is an awesome girl and you should go check out her blog! You can also find her on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.

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