Ten Reasons Why…

(Craft CTM Ultra 2 Running shoes, Stance Montalvo Tab Running Socks, Varley Kallin Running Shorts, The NorthFace Simple Logo Tri-Blend Tank, Basin and Range French Terry 1/2-Zip Pullover, Sunski Ventana Polarized Sunglasses)

Good morning, everyone!  I have a sponsored post today with Backcountry and ShopStyle.  I hope you enjoy the post and find something to add to your spring running wardrobe (because running clothes > real clothes IMO;).   Don’t forget to check out the discount code HUNGRYRUNNERBC to get 15% off your first order at Backcountry.com (exclusions apply).

We made it to my favorite time of year to run!  I can still see some snow in the mountains, but my runs include shorts and a tank top.  Most of the trails have more green than normal, with pops of flowers throughout the miles.  We deserve these sights after some cold, cold months.

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(These Varley Kallin Running Shorts are so lightweight, and the thick waistband is a must for me)

No matter what season we are in, getting outside to connect with nature is essential for my mental health.  The entire family is happier if I get outside each day because I am more patient and happy when I do.

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(Craft CTM Ultra 2 Running Shoes)

Backcountry is all about getting EVERYone outside and moving.  No matter what brings you joy outside, Backcountry loves helping people connect with nature, whether going on huge adventures or for a walk around the block.

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Backcountry offers amazing outdoor brands to help make your experience very comfortable—> Everything from Arc’Teryx, Patagonia, Fjallraven, Black Diamond, and so many more.

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I’m not only obsessed with their run gear, but I love everything they offer for spending the rest of the day chasing around the kids at the park, on their bikes, or in the yard.

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(Patagonia Home Water Trout Pocket Responsibili-Tee)

My favorite runs are the ones that require some lightweight running sunglasses.

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(Sunski Ventana Polarized Sunglasses, Stance Montalvo Tab Running Sock)

To end things off today, I’ve been thinking a lot about something… The last few weeks of cross-country coaching at the elementary school have been incredible.  The biggest thing I’ve noticed so far in coaching is that while some of these kids don’t care much about running yet, ALL of these kids are benefiting from being outside and moving.  It’s almost like we were made to be outside. I wanted to share some of my favorite benefits of being outside, and I would love to hear about yours in the comments.

*It is my favorite energizer.  Without fail, if I feel tired indoors, I feel alive again as soon as I go outside.

*”Lowers your blood pressure and reduces stress- Spending time walking among or simply looking at trees lowers blood pressure and reduces the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline.” (source)

*It has brought me some of my best friends… The conversations I have outside with friends always tend to be so much deeper with fewer distractions.  There is something so easy about sharing your thoughts and feelings when doing something hard together outside on the run.

*”Want to age gracefully?  Going outside every single day may be the key.  One study showed those in their 70s  who spent time outdoors every day had fewer complaints of common aging pains than those who didn’t.”  (source)

*Being in nature helps me to remember to be playful.  When I am inside, I am all about the to-do lists, cleaning, and work but put me outside, and I remember how to play again.

*I have found that my best problem-solving always happens when I am outside.  I can see the situation so much more clearly when breathing in the fresh air and having the sun beat down on my face.  It helps me see the bigger picture and stop sweating about the small stuff.

*Andrew takes outdoor breaks after every 30 minutes of studying.  A few minutes of being outside helps me, Andrew, and the kids focus better on whatever task we are working on.

*”Sun exposure increases vitamin D levels and helps optimize hormones” (source) YES, PLEASE.

*MY SLEEP after a day outside is so much better vs. the days I am inside more.  I sleep like a rock when I get outside during the day.

*”Being outside in natural light can be helpful if you experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that affects people during particular seasons or times of the year.  And people tell us that getting into nature has helped them with many other types of mental health problems” (source). I’ve always noticed that with each mile of my run, my anxiety decreases more and more.

Use the code HUNGRYRUNNERBC to get 15% off your first order at Backcountry.com (exclusions apply).  My favorites are all from the “New Arrivals” page, I want everything they offer there!

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Tell me your favorite benefits of getting outside for you?

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20 comments

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That Patagonia tee is so cute!

I love being outside and so do my kids and husband. We are all our best selves when we spend a lot of our time outdoors! I follow 1000 Hours Outside on instagram and am trying it with my kids…everyone loves it and sleeps so well when we are getting a couple of hours a day outside.

Hope you’re having a great day!

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Thank you Meghan, it is Andrew’s new favorite too! “We are all our best selves when we spend a lot of our time outdoors!” I could not agree more. Thank you for telling me about that account! I just started following them because of you, I cannot wait. I hope you have a great day too!

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I love that 1/2 pullover you’re wearing and will need to get one once I clean out my closet.

Getting outside forces me to slow down! Taking my dog out during lunch on days when I’m not in the office is the best to reset in the middle of the work day.

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Yes yes yes! It is so comfy and goes with everything. PS now you are making me want to go through my closet ha. Amen to that… we all need to slow down a bit more too! Love that you can get out and reset with your pup. Have a happy Thursday, Maureen!

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I love everything that you picked out!
I’m having troubles with the Promo code on their website – hopefully it’s resolved soon because you’ve definitely influenced me on a few items. :)

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OH NO!! I just emailed them! I’ll let you know the second I hear back from them:). Thank you, Jamie and I hope your day is off to a great start!

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Thank you so much!

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They just got back to me! Thank you for letting me know! Here is the new code: HUNGRYRUNNERBC

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I seriously love the selection at Backcountry! I can get a water filter for camping and a pair of my favorite shoes at the same place! I might have to try those Craft shoes so I can match you and Tommy Rivs! ?

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I think you need to!! They really make it so easy to get everything you need to get outside in one stop! Have a beautiful day, Jenn!

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Hi! Being outside is fantastic…….but Ohio weather is crazy right now. One day it is 75 degrees, the next it’s snowing! WHAT? Make up your mind, Mother Nature!

Do you run with a phone? If so, where do you put it? In a pocket? Elsewhere? Just your watch?

Thanks!

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Hey Kelly! Ohio needs to figure out it is spring! I use a Koala Clip when I run! My code HRG10 can get you 10% off! I’ve loved these for years now. Have a great day!

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I turned 58 yesterday, so the aging gracefully part is important! My grandmother walked 2 miles everyday and she was the Energizer bunny. She fell when she was almost 90 and did not break any bones. I want to be like her ;)

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Happy happy birthday yesterday, Kathy! I hope it was the perfect day and I love hearing about your grandma. I want to be like her too!

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Hi Janae! I love camping when there is no bugs and just laying down and staring at the stars at night. That’s my favorite part!
Happy Thursday!

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Ohhhhh that sounds heavenly right now! I hope you get plenty of that this summer. Thanks Amy, you too!

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it’s just fun…..I run out of a local club on Tuesdays and Sundays and cannot believe how people can run on a treadmill, facing into the gym….I’ve asked if we can just turn the power off to those treadmills and force all those on them to run outside with us…..yesterday, even though it rained and snowed all day, the sun came out and we had a great evening run with my other run club…..Sunday morning’s are even better…..
today’s chore is packing for the trip to Vancouver to run and work at the expo, and planning to pack as minimal as possible…..I’m staying and an airb&b that has laundry…but, Vancouver, will it be nice, will it rain, do I even need a jacket…and, well, how much stuff will I buy while I’m there?……

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Your run club sounds like so much fun! I hope you have the best time in Vancouver!

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I sleep so much better if I have had fresh air!

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being in the sun changes everything! as a pediatric optometrist, i tell all the kids (and parents) to get outdoors. it’s actually scientifically shown that it can prolong their need for glasses, or push off myopia. so enjoy ?

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