Staying Active in Winter

This post is #sponsored by Finish Line.
All opinions are 100% honest & completely my own.

Christmas is without a doubt my favorite holiday – I love the decorating, baking & fun activities that this time of year brings.  But, let’s face it, it’s also an incredibly busy season that can end up being quite stressful.  From school programs to parties to shopping, our schedules often get so booked that we don’t have time to take a break & recharge.  I’m a big believer in prioritizing self-care and one of the best ways to do that, for me, is getting exercise – in my opinion, it’s the greatest stress reliever there is!

After my daughter was born, I took up running and it quickly became my favorite form of cardio.  Unlike other workouts I do (like pilates, Zumba & yoga), running allows me the chance to process thoughts & feelings that I otherwise wouldn’t have the time to fully explore.  Once I get into a rhythm, I don’t have to focus on my pace or my breathing and I can use that time to think…which is why I believe that running is better for my mental health than any other physical activity I could do.  In fact, my best brainstorming & planning is done when my feet are hitting the pavement.

So, even with the craziness of the holiday hustle, I encourage you to be purposeful about setting aside some time for yourself.  Get moving & break a sweat – you’ll be amazed by how much more relaxed & well-balanced you will feel afterwards.  And, what better way to get motivated to do that than with a new pair of cute sneakers?!

As much as I love a good budget find, I’ve learned over the years that it’s worth it to invest in a good pair of sneakers.  Even though this often means spending a bit more upfront, it pays to have the support & cushioning that I need to protect my joints.  What I like about these running shoes from #FinishLine is that the tongue & upper are all one piece, which not only makes them more comfortable, but you don’t have to worry about any sliding around or discomfort while you’re moving.  These come in 6 different colors (including a gorgeous burgundy hue), but I loved the pink stitching on these & that they’re neutral enough to pair with all my activewear.

My old sneakers had been well-loved for the past 5 years and I don’t think I realized how clunky & heavy they were until I switched to these, which are much more lightweight.  I like that the insole is removable – I take mine out, spray them with a deodorizer & leave them out to dry overnight, which helps gets rid of any odors & bacteria.

I typically go up half a size in running shoes because my feet swell a bit as I’m working out.  But, these have a slightly wider forefoot so I was able to go with my usual size.  And don’t worry, if you’re not a runner, these are just as excellent for walking!  I’ve been wearing them when I take the dog for walks around the neighborhood too – the cushioning & support is excellent for short or long distances.

What I’m wearing:
c/o adidas PureBOOST GO Running Shoes