Chocolate Beet Protein Post-Run Donuts

With a 3:1 carb to protein ratio, these Chocolate Beet Protein Post-Run Donuts are a perfect snack for workout recovery. With enough sweetness to satisfy your cravings and hidden beet juice for added benefits, you'll be able to fool even the pickiest of eaters with this good-for-you donut.

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Donut lovers unite! And bring along your chocolate loving friends. Today's post isn't going to be filled with any fluff because I just want to get to the recipe. It's just like getting ready for a run or any workout - the more you procrastinate, the longer it will take you to finish. So stop procrastinating and start enjoying these good-for-you donuts.

Click to tweet: Good-for-you post-run donut?! Sign me up!

These Chocolate Beet Protein Post-Run Donuts are filled with good fats, lots of protein, and a substantial amount of carbs to help you recovery properly after your tough workouts. You'll hear all types of ratios, depending on who you are talking to, in regards to how much carbs and proteins you should be consuming after working out. But I think it will be unanimous that you SHOULD be getting an adequate amount of protein within 30-60 minutes of your sweat-sesh. And in case you were wondering, these donuts have a 3:1 carb to protein ratio, which help restore glycogen levels and impact lean muscle mass growth. *I am not a registered dietician. Please consult a professional when it comes to your fitness, nutrition, and health needs.

Last October, I shared the benefits of beets with a beet brownie recipe. Those beet brownies and these chocolate beet protein donuts share all those amazing benefits - can help lower blood pressure, increase stamina, and reduce swelling. Those are all winning benefits in my book.

Whoever you make these post-workout donuts for won't be able to tell you didn't buy them from a bakery. The glaze on the outside gives the donuts a nice bite and subtle sweetness that all donuts just must have!

Click to tweet: Recovery protein donuts with a very secret ingredient.

Chocolate Beet Protein Post-Run Donuts

Recipe by a traveling Wife

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 8-10 minutes
Yield: 6 donuts

Macros per donut: 190.5 calories | 26 g carbs | 6 g fat | 9 g protein

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup All Purpose Flour
• 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (I used Market Pantry® Vanilla Whey Protein Powder)
• 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder
• 1/4 cup White Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• Pinch Salt
• 1 Egg
• 1/4 cup Beet Juice
• 1/4 cup Protein Almond Milk, unsweetened vanilla (I used Orgain®)
• 1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• 2 tablespoon Dark Chocolate Morsels
• 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup - 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 2 - 8 tablespoon Protein Almond Milk, unsweetened vanilla

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix dry ingredients together - AP Flour, Vanilla Protein Powder, Cocoa Powder, White Sugar, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, and Salt.
3. Make a small well in the middle of dry ingredients. Add liquid ingredients to the well - Egg, Beet Juice, Almond Milk, and Greek Yogurt.
4. In a microwave safe bowl, slowly melt together Dark Chocolate Chip Morsels and Coconut oil on high in 15-30 second intervals. Once melted, add melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract to donut batter and mix in until well incorporated.
5. Place donut batter in a piping bag or sandwich bag to help fill donut pan.
6. Spray donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and fill 2/3 full. These donuts will rise.
7. Bake 8-10 minutes or until donuts spring back to the touch.
8. Allow to cool in donut pan for at least 20 minutes.
9. In a medium bowl, add powdered sugar. Slowly mix in Protein Almond Milk one tablespoon at a time until desired thickness for glaze.
10. Dip cooked donuts into glaze or drizzle glaze on donuts with spoon.
11. Allow glaze to set then enjoy!

What is your favorite post-workout recovery snack?

Did you previously know about all the wonderful benefits of beets?

Love this recipe? Check out my previous post-run protein packed donuts. 

Don't forget to Pin this for later. 

13 Running And Fitness Instagram Accounts That Will Feature You

Growing your Instagram followers can be as simple as being featured on a large Instagram feature account. Below is a list of 13 Instagram feature accounts that share all things running and fitness. 
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Are you familiar with Instagram feature accounts? These are accounts that are dedicated to featuring posts typically with a specific topic or community in mind. But how can these help you grow your Instagram followers? Simply by using the relevant hashtags on your post, you are joining the community of like minded people. Not only that, your post could be featured to thousands of potential followers.

I've combed through Instagram and found you 13 running and fitness Instagram feature accounts that you should be aware of. Be sure to study each account and follow their requirements for the best changes of being featured.

Click to tweet: 13 Instagram feature accounts to follow and tag for running and fitness.

1. @runnerlandofficial 20.6k followers
Features specifically running photos. Their requirements to be featured are to follow their account and tag #runnerland in your photos. The types of photos they repost include a lot of landscaping with runners in a distance.

2. @running_life_inspiration 62.4k followers
As their handle suggests, they feature running posts. Their only requirement to be featured is to tag #runninglifeinspiration. Their favored images are ones with quotes.

3. @runnershoutouts 42.2k followers
To get a 'shoutout' on their account, you'll need to follow them and tag #runnershoutous with your running based photos. They tend to 'shoutout' images that are angled from the ground up.

4. @runitfast 68.1k followers
A running specific feature account. To be featured, all you need to do is tag #runitfast. They feature all types of action running shots.

5. @runshots 14.3k followers
If you are posting a solo running shot, follow and tag #runshots to be featured. They also have another account for cycling, if that's your thing.

6. @CyclingShots 82.2k followers
This account features all things cycling, from riding shots to just images of your ride. You'll want to follow the account and tag #cyclingshots or #goprocycling.

7. @infinitejoggers 11.4k followers
Featuring all things running and action running shots. To be featured, simply tag #infinitejoggers.

8. @inspiringwomenrunners 3,658 followers
This accounts is dedicated to women runners of all levels. They feature action running shots, post run medals, and all things that bring joy. The requirements to be featured are to follow the account and tag #inspiringwomenrunners.

9. @instarunners 207k followers
They share all things running, including finishing medal posts. To be featured, you'll need to follow their account and tag #instarunners.

10. @runnerscommunity 110k followers
They have a large following but only feature one runner a week. You'll want to follow their account and tag #runnerscommunity and #rcrunneroftheweek

11. @runstagrammm 6,179 followers
If you like taking photos of you flying high while running, this feature account is for you. Make sure you follow their account and tag #runstargrammm to be featured.

12. @runnersrepost 3,875 followers
This account tends to feature solo running shots. The requirements to be featured are to follow their account, as well as, tag them and their hashtag (#runnersrepost).

13. @endurestrong 6,076 followers
This account is for all things fitness and for all levels. Simply just tag #endurestrong with your fitness post to be featured.

Click to tweet: Easiest way to grow your Instagram followers.

And just because we are on the topic of Instagram, are you following me yet?

A photo posted by Jenn - a traveling Wife (@atravelingwife) on Feb 29, 2016 at 3:01pm PST

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Want to save this information for future use? Make sure to Pin it to Pinterest.
Are their any other running or fitness Instagram feature accounts?
Have you ever had your fitness post featured on Instagram?
Just for fun, comment 'Happy Friday' below. 

FITNESS 2015

I can fitness whole pizza in my mouth! But really, the past few weeks have been more about celebrating and less about fitness. Sure, I went out for a short rainy run on Christmas Eve and a 2 mile run on Christmas Day.

A photo posted by Jenn (@atravelingwife) on Dec 24, 2015 at 9:05am PST

Now I'm planning out my 2016 goals and reminders. I also think it's now appropriate to remember where this year has taken me. Follow me on my fitness journey throughout 2015.
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Running Through A Haunted Town

How To Stay Motivated During Fall And Winter

I shared three very fun and inspiring ways to stay motivated during the hardest times of the year - when the weather isn't in out favor.

Click to tweet: Tips for staying motivated during Fall & Winter. 

DIY Sanitizing Wipes

How To Run [or workout] Confidently Outside
I used to be so embarrassed to run outside or workout in public. Here I shared my tips so you too can workout confidently.

Click to tweet: Fake it 'til you make it - become a confident runner.

How To Eat Healthy While Being A Runner 
While I am no dietician, I think we all can agree that shopping the exterior of the grocery store is ideal. There are some other very useful ideas for choosing to eat a healthier lifestyle in that post as well.


Runners Should Not Eat Whatever They Want
Because let's face it, that beer and pizza will not make you run faster!

Running Streak - 50 Days
Running Streak - 20 Days
Running Streak - 10 Days
Because streaking is AWESOME!

Click to tweet: Let's go streaking! 

Why You Should Limit Your Fruit Intake 

Five Ingredients To A Healthy Lifestyle

Fitness Inspiration
Your don't have to pay to get a good workout in.
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Click to tweet: Fitness round-up 2015.

Where has your fitness journey taken you this year?

Running Through A Haunted Town

A and I woke up before the sun on Saturday, October 24th for our 1.5-hour drive to beautiful Frederick County, MD. We watched the sun rise and it illuminated the orange, red, and yellow topped trees. Seriously, such a beautiful sight.

It was a perfect fall morning - crisp air and a whopping 50-something degrees. Groups of people corralled in groups drinking coffee, bundled in their pristine running attire. Most people were meeting with old friends and meeting new friends - chatting about where they are from, if they ran the race before, and just holding general conversations.

The lines started forming for the temporary restrooms. There were 3 stalls for 286 runners and the line continued to grow and grow. Little did we know that the race would start in that direction and now was the time to go, if you know what I mean.

Everyone lined up and continued to practice their warm-up routine while the national anthem played. And then, we were off. We all followed this nice gentleman below through the streets of Burkittsville,  up historic Spook Hill, through Boordy Winery Vineyard, historic Union Cemetery, Guyton's Farm, and Distillery Lane Ciderworks' Orchard.

We ran by beautiful buildings and churches, through gravel and dirt. The sights and the sounds of this 152 person town were outstanding. Even though this town is one of the most haunted places in America, no spirits were witnessed during this race.

Click to tweet: Running through one of America's most haunted towns. 

Click to tweet: Must-Do race for Oct/Nov - put it on your list.

In 2014, this particular race gained national attention by Competitor.com as a must-do race in October/November across the U.S. The race was also featured on RunnersWorld.com this year for 10 Great Halloween Runs. Being that A and I move around frequently, we are always excited to try unique races. We must agree, this is a must-do race if you can make it to the area.

I didn't do too much cross training, but I wasn't really trying to run the race for time. I really wanted to enjoy the scenery and experience with A.

A ran by my side the entire 4 miles. We finished 114 and 115 out of 286 with a time of A - 39:58 and Myself - 39:59. That put us at about a 10 min/mile pace and I'd say that's not bad.

Spook Hill Cider and Wine 4 Mile Race offered a variety of refreshments after the race - water, fresh cider, bagels, and bananas. I enjoyed my share before walking down the street to Distillery Lane Ciderworks to pick up some cider and wine.

What is the most unique race you participated in?
Have you ever traveled to Frederick County, Maryland?
What is your favorite post race refreshment?

How To Run [or workout] Confidently Outside

A big thank you to Soxxy for providing me compression sox to help me become a more confident runner. 
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Have you ever tried to workout outside because the weather was absolutely amazing, only to feel self-conscious and slack at your workout? I've been there. In fact, this all started with running. Growing up, I was never really good at any particular sport but I wanted to be a runner. You know, effortlessly go out for 5+ miles and hardly break a sweat or turn red in the face.

That's not me, and that's not most people. 

But everything with practice gets easier and turns you into an expert, of sorts. So today I want to talk about how you can feel confident while running outside. These tips can also be useful if you want to feel confident while working out outside.

Train with like-minded people. 

If you are out running your neighborhood and no one else is running, all eyes are on you. Running with a partner or group of people is also good motivation as they encourage you to push harder. But what do you do if you don't have anyone to run with?

Find a route that other runners use.

You won't feel like such an outcast if you are running around other athletes (like I stated above). I like to go to a local park or converted railroad and just run. Most runners will wave to each other, smile, or talk. It's some good motivation to keep going and run for more time or distance. 

Click to tweet: Check out these tips to gaining confidence while running outside.

Observe other runners.

Everyone runs at their own pace, with their own form, and for their own reasons. Don't get so hung up about your heavy breathing, flushed face, or stomping feet. I mean, we all start somewhere, right? Persistence and practice is key.

Fake it 'til you make it.
More like practice and be consistent because soon it will become easy - almost effortless. You at least put the effort in to get out and workout. Congratulate yourself and forget about all the stares or side-eyes that you receive.

Wear clothes that make you feel confident.
This was really important to me when I first started running outside. I wanted people to think that I was an actual runner so I went for the more professional gear. Then I became more confident and left the house wearing almost anything. Although, from my more novice times until now, I have been a huge fan of compression socks. I used to wear them because I thought they were cool but I have since learned their benefits - increase circulation, decrease swelling, and decrease muscle soreness.

Click to tweet: Fake it 'til you make it - become a confident runner.

The Orion Soxxy Compression Sox are one of my favorites. Not only are they super soft, but they are so easy to get on. If you are familiar with compression socks at all, you would know that it's possible to break out into a sweat just trying to get them on. I'm not kidding. I don't have that problem with these.

Do you try to get some exercise in while being outdoors?
Have you ever been self-conscious about running outside?
Are there any other confidence building tips that I missed?

How To Eat Healthy While Being A Runner

These tips for eating healthy while being a runner were inspired by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. Thank you for compensating this shop and delivering great products chock-full of protein. All opinions are mine alone. #AlmondMilkUpgrade #CollectiveBias

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Running is hard. Can I get an amen? I mean, even prior to finding an interest in running, running was hard. Now that I dedicated time towards a running streak, it is still hard. But, spoiler alert! 

I failed at my running streak. 

I know, I know! Shame on me. However, I successfully completed 75 days and then couldn't muster up the strength to run through an ankle injury. It never really is a good idea to try and push through an injury because it will likely lead to more injuries.

I have shared with you what I learned while running 20 days straight. I have also shared the seven ways I knew I was addicted to running - even though it's hard. And lastly, I shared why runners should not eat whatever they want - even though they want to. Now today, I have another really fun, but important post for you about how to eat healthy while being a runner. 

Click to tweet: Five tips for healthy eating while running.

This all goes back to runners should not eat whatever they want, right? We run x amount of miles each week or month and get cravings for nearly any and every thing. Even if you are not a runner, I am sure most of these tips will be beneficial to you, plus there is a sneaky recipe included in this post. 

Shop the perimeter of the grocery store. Did you know that a majority of processed foods can be found in the center aisles of a grocery store? I find it best to stick to the large circle around the store. This is where I can find my produce, meat, dairy, etc. These types of foods provide essential nutrients that are needed for everyone, especially runners. Also, if your house is stocked with healthier options, you will have no choice but to reach for those when cravings strike.

All things in moderation. I do not think it is a good idea to have a 'treat' meal for working out, but I do agree that you should never deny yourself simple life pleasures. With the holidays coming up, allow yourself a few sweets here or there, but don't make a game out of it. You should be treating your body with an epsom salt bath to aide those sore muscles from running rather than that huge chocolate cake. 

Protein. As a runner, I have been guilty of eating tons of carbs and forget about protein. Protein is so essential for energy and can help repair damage from training. The hardest part for me was to find alternatives to traditional protein because one can only eat so much chicken. Am I right?! I have found that the Orgain Organic Protein Almond Milk® helps tremendously with versatility. I can put it in my cereal, coffee, baking items, chia pudding (recipe below), or mix it with my whey protein powder. The most impressive part is that it contains 10 times the amount of protein compared to leading almond milk brands - more protein to help us runners. 

Don't eat the same foods every day. I know a lot of people that are training for something specific tend to stick to a strict diet - only eating the same foods everyday because they know it gives the results they are looking for. I will bet those same people eating a strict diet are missing some vital nutrients that they would get if they ate a variety of food. Not only will you be able to achieve these nutrients, you might be able to cut back on cravings for not so healthy options. I like to think of it as eating the rainbow. 

Eat multiple small meals throughout the day rather than three large meals. Have you heard that runners are hungry ALL THE TIME. It's true, especially if they are eating only three meals a day. It's important to eat smaller meals more often to keep energy levels up and help stabilize glucose levels. Runners and non-runners alike, I don't know anyone that doesn't want to eat food all day long. 

One of my favorite ways to get a quick, protein-filled snack is to eat chia pudding. I think it fits into each of the five tips I provided above - most of the ingredients are from the perimeter of the grocery store, you can customize the sweetness, flavorings, and ingredients each time, and it is chock-full of protein. Check out two simple recipes below.

Chai Chia Pudding
original recipe from a traveling Wife
nutrition: 217 calories | 9.1g Fat | 9.5g Carbs | 11.5g Protein

Ingredients:
- 6 ounces (3/4 cup) Orgain Organic Protein Almond Milk®
- 2 Tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon chai seasoning

Directions:
- Mix all ingredients together then chill for a least 4 hours
- Enjoy!

Click to tweet: Yum >> Chai Chia Pudding and Pumpkin Chia Pudding.

Pumpkin Chia Pudding
original recipe from a traveling Wife
nutrition: 226 calories | 9.2g Fat | 11.4g Carbs | 11.7g Protein

Ingredients:
- 6 ounces (3/4 cup) Orgain Organic Protein Almond Milk®
- 2 Tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- 1.5 Tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions:
- Mix all ingredients together then chill for a least 4 hours
- Enjoy!

If you head to Walmart between 9/21 and 10/24, here's a $1.50 off offer to use on any (1) container of Orgain Organic Protein Almond Milk®.

Have you tried chia pudding before?
What's your favorite tips for eating healthy?
Are you training for anything fun?
Have you ever tried Orgain Organic Protein Almond Milk®?

Runners Should Not Eat Whatever They Want

This post is brought to you with the help of Balance Bar. Thank you for feeding my soul and offering to feed my friends with a special giveaway. Also, this post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your continued support. 

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I can eat whatever I want because I will be running xx miles later.

I can eat whatever I want because I ran xx miles this morning.

Have you heard these two statements before or have you been guilty of saying them yourself? I know I've been there. In the past I judged the amount and quality of food I would be eating based solely on my physical activity - I ran for my food. If I wanted a beer or two at 11am, I wouldn't hesitate because I went out and ran 2-4 miles. I mean, I already burned those calories, right?!

Click to tweet: Don't run to eat - read more.

This is a completely wrong way of thinking. It's not good for your body, let alone your goals. Let's say you have a running goal for a new PR distance or PR time. None of this will happen with poor fuel. Yep, fueling the body is the only way to achieve physical goals. But please remember, I am not a professional or licensed dietician. The correct way runners should be thinking about food is to feed the run. Load up on healthy foods that will nourish your body.

I am still learning to fuel my body the correct way while still enjoying life. If I want to enjoy some pizza, I will - all in moderation. But to only eat pizza, fried chicken, candy, and beer because I ran xx miles is not a good way of thinking.

Recently I have been grabbing the Balance Bar chocolate mint cookie crunch. The 40/30/30 balance helps keep me on track with my macros, when I actually calculate them, and the protein helps repair my tired, achy muscles.

I highly, highly, highly recommend you give these a try. Not only are they balanced well and provide a substantial amount of protein, but they are delicious. Like I-could-eat-5-of-these-a-day delicious! This has not occurred but might in a day's rage of hunger. 

Balance Bar sent me this lovely box to chomp away on and you could receive one too. Just check out the Giveaway Tools' box below to enter. And just for your own sake, I suggest you buy yourself a box because if you win, they will not last long!!

Click to tweet: Do you eat to run or run to eat?

Entry-Form

Do you run to eat or eat for running?

Running Streak - 50 Days

This post contains sponsored items from Holloway. Thank you for your continued support.
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Happy Hump Day. Is anyone else sick of browsing through their social media accounts only to be greeted by bums of all sizes for Hump Day? Maybe I should have reconsidered all of the photos for this post to be my arse...

Back to the topic at hand. I just got back from an asthma induced mile run. In case you missed it, I challenged myself to run every single day - a running streak if you will. When I started out I didn't put an end date to my running streak because I really thought I wouldn't stick with it. Here I am at day 50 and I'm putting it in writing that I want to run until December 31st.

That's tough because I don't have a gym membership and I don't own a treadmill. Running outside is my only option so I am hoping the weather will be nice to me here. Even if I have to get out A's snowshoes, I will accomplish one mile every day.

My last few running posts focused on what I learned while running each day. I haven't really learned anything new besides learning what clothes are the most comfortable and are least likely to chafe - more on that later. Today I wanted to share the 7 ways I know I am addicted to running (in a good way). Can you relate to any of them?

Click to tweet: Seven ways you know you are addicted to running.

My life revolves around running. I wake up and put on athletic clothes and drink my coffee. I then muster up the strength and willpower to get out and run. After running I shower and put on new athletic clothes. I LIVE in athletic clothing. However, I think most of you can relate to the yoga pant, gym shorts attire.

I don't care what people think of my running. Whether I can hardly catch my breath or if I am just galloping down the street, I'm sure it's not cute. I use to have slight anxiety about getting out each day for a run - from having matching outfits to sleekly styled hair. Now I am lucky if I even put on fresh clothes rather than the ones I wore the previous evening.

Most people I follow on social media are runners. Don't hate me if I unfollowed you because you were posting photos of your kids, decor, or travel adventures. I have really been getting a lot of motivation from social media to keep running each day. Most days I only run a mile because, hello - hills, but these folks are running 6+ miles each day. That's my motivation.

FOMO. Have you heard this acronym yet - fear of missing out? This technically relates to social media but I fear that if I skip a day of running that I might miss a new PR time. Or I might get out for one mile and want to run three. Or I fear that I might miss some beautiful scenery while running the neighborhood or local park. I have a major fear of missing out on the joys of running if I miss a day.

Running is my cure. If I'm feeling down or have a headache I lean towards running rather than medication. Usually the run helps lift my mood,. My headache, it doesn't exist during the run but will likely return once I'm done.

I've become an expert with routes. This route is exactly 1 mile, that way will be 1.25 miles, if I do this circle it will be 2.25 miles. My neighborhood is small and there are tons of hills so I have created multiple running circles to accomplish my runs. I have yet to feel confident enough to cross major roads on my own - call me a child, I don't care.

I haven't worn clothes out of my closet in weeks. Like mentioned in the previous confessions, I mostly wear athletic clothing. Luckily I have had some items sent to me for review and, honestly, those are the items I grab most often. They are housed in my nightstand so they are super convenient to grab.

Thank you to Holloway for sending me the most comfortable precision tank (medium) and boundary shorts (medium). And as a fun little offer, they are hosting a wonderful giveaway. Be sure to enter if you are interested in new fitness gear. But really, who isn't?!

Click to tweet: $250 shopping spree from @hollowaysports? I think it's time to enter the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Follow along with my running journey by clicking the images below.

What is your favorite brand of fitness gear?

Running Streak - 20 Days

I opened up my weather app this morning and it said, "It's like a [effin] oven outside. Just get naked, now - it's ice cream time." So I put on my shorts and went out for a run.

I'm crazy, just crazy.

Today marks day 21 of my running streak and I am not hurting all over the place like I was at day 10. My calves still get extremely tight during and immediately after my run but I blame this on my cheap running shoes and lack of warmup.

Because I am all about the whole sharing is caring notion, I wanted to share with you what I learned during my 20 day running streak. This is coming to you on day 21 because my run last night was late - don't hate. 

- I have learned that the later in the day I get out to go running, the longer my time will be. You can basically add 30 seconds for every hour after 9am.

- I have learned that running on trash pickup day is no fun. Especially if it is super humid. Good thing I don't have issues with gagging.

- I have learned to enjoy running by myself. I used to 'pretend' to run if I were to go on my own. But now, now I can really get out there and enjoy it.

- I have learned that I don't really like wearing shorts while running. If this hot-as-hell weather would just go away, I could go back to my tights.

- I have learned that compression socks are my favorite thing ever. I wear them as long as I can after running before I need to look appropriate again. Who am I kidding? I work from home - there is not appropriate attire ever. 

I have not been sharing my daily check-ins with you all on Instagram like I did the first 10 days. If you liked the check-ins, just let me now and I will start doing the again. Either way, here are my run times for days 11-20 of my running streak.

day 11 - 1.88 miles // 9:18 pace
day 12 - 1 mile in 8:53
day 13 - 1 mile in 8:30
day 14 - 1 mile in 8:43
day 15 - 1 mile in 8:41
day 16 - 1 mile in 8:50
day 17 - 1 mile in 9:01
day 18 - 1 mile in 8:24
day 19 - 2 miles // 9:54 pace
day 20 - 1 mile in 8:13

Click to tweet: See what @atravelingwife has learned on her 20 day running streak! http://bit.ly/1LT1VPc #runningstreak #20days #fitfluential

That's 24 miles in 20 days. With family coming into town next week and for a few weeks in September, I am making it my goal to stick with this. Here's to another 20 days. Then another 20, and another 20.

Do you run for time or distance? 

Interested in what I learned during my first ten days of running - click the image below.

Streaking

I have a confession to make. I'm a streaker.

I'll let you take that in for a moment.
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Did you think I was referring to myself as a naked college student frolicking down the hall of my dorms? That's not quite the streaking I am talking about - at least not today. I am talking about a running streak.

Apparently there is an entire association dedicated to running every single day, at least one mile a day, and it's called running streak.

I have always liked running but I am terrible at it. I don't know how to breathe (plus I have asthma), I don't know anything about form, and I don't know how to run longer distances. There is so much for me to learn and now I am actually going to take the time to learn.

Ten days ago I started running. I went out and ran one mile. Then the next day I went out again for another mile. Day three came around and I laced up my shoes once more. And here I am, day ten done and I am ready for more.

My neck is tight and my calves burn so bad that I can hardly walk down the stairs, but there is something about a challenge that keeps me wanting more.

Sure ten days is nothing to you 'professional' runners. For me, this is a record and one that I am proud of. However, over these ten days I have learned a lot. A lot about running and a lot about myself.

How funning is the center row of the collage? I couldn't have made that up myself if I tried!!

- I have learned that running without music is like its own type of meditation. I can listen to the birds, listen to my feet step one in front of the other, and I can listen to my breath - the sound of a dyeing elephant.

- I have learned that breathing is everything. Breathing in and out during a run is important.

- I have learned that running on a humid day is bad. Running humid day after humid day isn't all that bad. You actually kind of get used to the humidity.

- I have learned that hills and I don't get along.

- I have learned that my old cotton gym shorts work just as well as any wicking material. If it's humid as hell outside, I am going to be dripping with sweat anyways.

If you follow me on Instagram then you will have seen my daily check-ins. I don't include my run time or my distance because I feel like there is so much competition to get out and run faster and further. This is not my goal. Yes, it feels great when my run was quicker than the day prior but I am more focused on just getting out each and every day. For sake of keeping track and giving you some motivation, I will share my times and distances here.

day one - 1 mile in 8:48

day two - 1 mile in 9:10

day three - 1 mile in 9:01

day four - 1 mile in 9:14

day five - 1 mile in 8:59

day six - 1 mile in 8:38

day seven - 1 mile in 8:44

day eight - 1 mile in 9:05

day nine - 1 mile in 8:22 (morning)

               - 1.8 miles average 9:38

day ten - 1 mile in 8:40

There you have it. In the past 10 days I ran 11.8 miles and I am feeling pretty good. I do know that I should probably invest in better shoes if I am going to run longer distances. My shoes from over 5 years ago probably don't have the best support - hence my aching neck.

Do you like to share your run time and distance on social media? Have you ever challenged yourself to a run streak?