For those of you who are looking to get into running, fall is the perfect time! The cooler temperatures and changing leaves provide a perfect atmosphere for runners of all experiences. But before you jog out the front door, read these tips to keep you running strong:
- Safety. With cooler temperatures come shorter days. Make sure to invest in some reflective gear to increase your visibility to cars and consider joining a running group and grabbing a friend for safety in numbers and that extra push!
- Health. If you are a true novice or getting back into it after a hiatus, make sure to take it easy. Incorporating walk breaks will help you increase your endurance slowly and keep your muscles pliable and joints lubricated without sacrificing fitness. Consider an app like Couch to 5k to keep you on schedule. If you're super sore or sick, skip that day and rest or stretch. Injuries happen when runners push themselves too far and too fast.
- Stretch. Warm up your muscles and joints before your run with a walk and/or some dynamic stretches. Static stretching before a run can result in pulled muscles so save those for after your run.
- Hydrate. Drinking water all day is necessary, not just right before, during or after your run (although these are equally important!). Make sure you are drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day.
- Shoes. Go to your local running store and have an assessment done. Most stores will do it for free! They videotape you jogging on a treadmill and slow it down to watch your ankles and make sure that you buy a shoe with the correct support. This is very important for your knees and hips. Your body is amazing and will compensate naturally for weak muscles or improper gait, but you don't want to force that to happen. Give your knees and hips the proper support and from your feet and you will be unstoppable!
Most importantly, have fun! Running should bring joy to your fitness routine so tweak as necessary! Run with music or without, train for a race or just run to run. Its your time!
Share your joy of running with us on Twitter/Insta #GBrunner. Happy Trails!
1. Fashion Illustration Print, Mary Katrantzou by Anum Tariq
2. A Little Birdy by Jamel Saliba
3. Bubble Gum By Anna Hammer
4. Fashion Illustration Original Watercolor Painting Art
By Sam Bell Creative
5. About A Pearl By Leigh Viner
I'm one of those people who is always cold. 500 blankets, always have a sweater, pack some fuzzy socks in your bag- just in case. But cardigans are always a need-now piece no matter the temperature. As we transition into fall, there are four key cardigans every fashionista should have in their wardrobe.
- Signature: This classic style is a must-have in all basic colors. Make sure to focus on the fit. Find some great options at Old Navy and H&M as well as Lilly Pulitzer
- Long: Not much beats a chunky sweater and the cocoon silhouette will quickly become a favorite. Right now, you may want to opt for lighter fabrics like acrylic and cotton.
- Bold: Don't be afraid to go for the pop of color! These statement pieces can bring any outfit from "blah" to "BANG!" Consider these options from J.Crew, which seamlessly transitions from summer to fall
- Boyfriend: they can look perfectly polished (personal favorite!) or effortlessly relaxed
Fall Fashion is right around the corner, but don't rush sweater season!
Savor these last few sweet drops of summer and stay in style.
- Light Fall Cardigans can be put in your purse for when happy hour runs a little long. Make it a statement color to bring a pop as an accessory to your purse as well as to your outfit!
- Denim Jackets are always a safe bet. Throw one over your shoulders for an edgy look when your happy hour runs late!
- Linen Pants come in fun colors and add the coverage you will want without sacrificing your breezy summer style!
- A loose knit pullover sweater like this one from J.Crew pairs well with jeans or over a summer dress without adding bulk
How do you transition your summer wardrobe into fall? Tell us on twitter/insta! #girliebeeFALL
Summer may be ending, but the height of tomato season is upon us! A few tips for picking, keeping and eating these summer fruits:
- Know your types of tomatoes. If you're looking for a thick slab of tomato to top off your burger, go for a substantial variety like the beefsteak. If your salad needs a little sweetness, try halving some cherry or grape tomatoes! More descriptions can for tomato varieties can be found here.
- Make sure there are no soft spots. If you don't have a green thumb and are picking your tomatoes from the grocery store or farmer's market, make sure there are no bruises. Unlike other fruits, you make not be able to see a bruise on a tomato, but you can feel it. Skin should be taught and firm all the way around. Soft spots can indicate that the tomato has been sitting on that side for too long.
- Tomatoes should smell like, well, tomatoes. Everyone knows what a tomato should smells like. Before placing them in your cart, pick it up and take a whiff of the stem. It should be fragrant and fill your mind with summer thoughts.
- The fridge and tomatoes are NOT friends. The cold temperatures of the fridge can turn your tomatoes mealy. Instead, keep them on a place or in a shallow bowl to foster air circulation and out of direct sunlight. If you are saving one that you have already cut into, cover the cut end with saran wrap.
