National Runner's Month x Dick's Sporting Goods

How fitting is it that May -- my birthday month -- is also National Runners Month? Just like my birthday, I’m celebrating my favorite pastime all month long by teaming up with Dick’s Sporting Goods for their See You Out There Campaign.

In addition to sharing more about my own personal running journey, I’m inviting you to get motivated and moving with weekly running challenges and incredible giveaways from brand partners.

Week One: National Runners Month is here and I am challenging you to start strong with me. Whether you’re training for a marathon or discovering the joy of running for the first time, log a run this week and tag your progress using @DicksSportingGoods and #SeeYouOutThere for a chance to win a pair of Brooks running shoes. Will it be easy? Nope. Will it be worth it? Absolutely.

Week Two: Running is in my blood. Both my father and older brother ran collegiate track before me and I was circling the cinder for fun long before joining my first competitive cross country team at 12 years old.

I’ve experienced incredible highs like winning championships, traveling, forming bonds with amazing athletes from all over the world through my sport, but also heartbreaking defeats and excruciating injuries.

As wonderful as it feels to cross the finish line first, my gold medals haven’t made me as strong as the races I barely finished. The hardest part of any run is not to begin but to keep going when every ounce of your being tells you to quit.

This week, lace up those running shoes and push yourself to go a little faster, a little further.
Snap a photo of your run and tag @DicksSportingGoods and #SeeYouOutThere to win a virtual training session with a Nike running coach.

Week Three: The most common complaint I hear from friends who are new to running is, “It’s SO boring!” and my advice is always the same -- get off the treadmill and try a new route. In addition to beating boredom, changing your running routine is proven to prevent overuse muscle injuries and keeps your brain sharp.

As a travel writer, my career afforded me the opportunity to explore new destinations by squeezing in morning runs before days packed with client meetings. Lately, I’ve embraced the beautiful city in which I live with runs in nearby parks and along riverfront trails.

This week, tag your running photos @DicksSportingGoods & #SeeYouOutThere for a chance to win sustainable running gear from Adidas.

Week Four: This is it, fam. If you’ve stuck with me, you made it to the final week of #NationalRunnersMonth. Now it’s time to reflect on how we pushed ourselves to improve our physical and mental wellness.

After your run, stretch, hydrate and look back to see how far you’ve come. Share what you’ve accomplished this month on your running journey and tag @dickssportinggoods for your chance to win a pair of @hokaoneone running shoes.

Thank you to everyone who participated, I hope to SEE YOU OUT THERE!