Top 25 Inspirational Running Blogs For Women in 2016
Running is fabulous way to get in shape and achieve your fitness goals. No matter what kind of runner you are, however, you will likely face challenges at some point along your running journey.
If you are new to the sport, it can be difficult and intimidating to figure out how to get started and you might wonder if you are cut out to be a runner at all. Maybe it's been awhile since you called yourself a runner, and you're in need of some help setting realistic goals and avoiding injury. Or perhaps you’re already logging weekly miles like a champ, but you're curious how to take your training to the next level while staying motivated.
Regardless of where you are in your journey, we’ve done the leg work for you (figuratively in this case…YOU will still have to do the actual running!)
We’ve compiled a list of 25 (Okay, 25+ as we found a few more that just had to be included!) inspirational running blogs, to provide the motivation you need in pursuit of your fitness goals, all specifically geared towards women. You’ll find a few large, well-known sites with enormous resource libraries to answer virtually any running question. You will also find a number of smaller blogs detailing inspirational stories of successful training despite injuries, crazy busy schedules, difficult health conditions and just the challenges of life in general.
So whether you want to run in your first ½ or full marathon, are interested in setting a PR or just need help getting off the couch, our list has you covered. Skip the endless internet search, read on and then get moving!
(The following blogs are all fantastic and each provides its own unique perspective and value. They are listed in no particular order.)
Running With Attitude
Michelle started running back in 2010 and with a combination of pilates, running and yoga, can now say that she is in better shape in her 40's than when she was in her 30's. Join Michelle on her journey and follow along for training, race reports, inspiring quotes and product reviews.
Running Loving Living
Good for those looking for running inspiration and encouragement on fitting it all in.
Toni is an RN trying to balance work, family and fitness with a crazy schedule many of her readers can relate to! She rediscovered running in 2008 and has been running 1/2 and full marathons since. Follow along as she trains, recovers from the occasional injury and does her best to balance it all. As she says, "It's not always easy to fit it all in, but when I take care of myself, I can take care of everyone else that much better."
MCM Mama Runs
Erika is the mother of two young boys and describe herself as suffering from "adult onset running." She assures us that craft beer and race pairing is a real thing and offers to assist you in making your next race the best ever! Lots of race info, results, tips and a goal of racing in all 50 states before she turns 50!
Weight Off My Shoulders
(Good for those dealing with injury and setbacks...Dani has successfully overcome more than a few obstacles and has advice and inspiration to help you reach your goals.)
Dani has successfully lost 80+ pounds and maintains a fit and healthy lifestyle...accomplishments made more impressive by the fact that she has battled eating disorder, injury and significant surgery setbacks along the way. Tune in for inspiration to attain your health, weight and fitness goals.
My Journey To Fit
(Good if you are an empty nester and need inspiration for getting fit now that you have more time and your house to yourself!)
Shelley made significant changes to her diet and exercise habits in 2008 after she became an empty nester and began blogging about it. She has managed to lose over 100 pounds and while she couldn't run a mile when she started, she now has numerous marathons under her belt. Check out her progress photos for inspiration!
The Pursuit Of Awesome
(Good for those who are pondering ditching corporate life and finding their true calling...and if you're not quite ready for that move...you'll find tons of info on running and yoga too.)
Alison left a corporate job to start her own coaching/training business, sharing her running and yoga experience with clients. Follow along as she "dismantles" her former self and life and continues on her journey of self-discovery. She is having a ball sharing her wisdom and her sense of humor is energizing.
Lunges and Lycra
(Follow along as these Britons share and inspire their audience to pursue a healthy, fit lifestyle)
Emma and Charlotte are young professionals working and living in the UK. Both are involved in the fitness industry and share their professional and personal experience in this upbeat and inspiring blog. Check in to see what's happening in and around Britain with fitness, food, gear, training and race updates.
Carrie Burrows
Carrie Barrows has created a full-service fitness company, offering coaching, running / training plans and a Breakthrough Academy to help clients lose weight, feel better and improve their quality of life. She has lost over 200 pounds on her own fitness journey, so she knows the struggle!
Shut Up and Run!
Serious running and loads of fun. If in doubt, just take a look at the sidebar of Beth’s most popular posts! You know you’ve got it going on when you can run the TransRockies Race (6 days/120 miles at altitude) while rockin’ a cheetah running skort! Her mantra? “Don’t let fear hold you down. That’s a big time waster. Actually, its a big life waster.” Can’t argue with that!
Mommies Run
(Good for those looking for a dialogue on running and life, delivered with humor and happiness.)
Join Cecilia as she runs and raises her twins, sharing through her delightful blog. She writes about her training, the ups and downs of running, and posts honest gear reviews (tried on a "real Mom body") ... shared with humor all along the way.
Carlee McDot
Carlee's posted a quote from Ghandi to sum up her philosophy: "Be the change you want to see in the world." Follow along as she seeks to live & love deeply while sharing her running experiences & adventures...and to check out her Pinocchio Running Costume!
Fat Girl To Ironman
(Good for those who would like to compete in an Ironman but don't consider themselves a typical candidate.)
Join Tamsyn as she works her way through her "5 year plan for awesomeness!" Gain inspiration as she seeks to improve her running, swimming and cycling, with coaching and lots of hard work. She describes herself as "not a good runner, but enthusiastic!" and cites her challenges with swimming as well. Tamsyn has is getting it done...follow along as you pursue your own fitness goals.
Clare Smith
Follow along with fitness trainer and self-professed "energizer bunny" as she helps clients and readers "Training Body & Soul For The Race Of Life." Great training tips, spiritual encouragement and delicious recipes will inspire you and get you moving...pop in and check out her black bean/avocado dip recipe!
Marcia's Healthy Slice
Marcia describes herself as a stay-at-home-mom who discovered running in mid-life when she decided to run a marathon on a whim, only to discover that she loved it! Great perspective on living and enjoying life regardless of your age?. Follow along as she trains, coaches and lives a full, fun and delicious life!
The Lone Runner
Good for those who are passionate about running no matter what else life throws at them...you will find a kindred soul here at The Lone Runner!
Kassandra just loves to run! Read along as she blogs about life's ups and downs, motherhood and running. You'll find training tips, recipes and great tips on running shoes!
Tutus and Tennies
Mary Beth reminds us that "it is never too late to start your fitness journey" and invites you along to share in her travels and adventures in life and running. Lots of good information, great race-day running outfit inspiration (hence the name of the blog,) product/race reviews and a good measure of humor, who doesn't relate to the "worrier pose"???!!
Healthier Happy Bear
Ashley started her blog to document her training for the 2010 NYC Marathon. She began running to lose weight and get in shape and hasn't looked back. Join her as she is "striving for moderation in the city that never sleeps!" Check out her travel posts for inspiration!
You Signed Up For What?
(Good for those striving to balance full-time work with raising children and meeting fitness/running goals.)
Cynthia is mom to 3 children living in the D.C. area. She balances a full-time work schedule and international travel with family obligations, all while becoming an accomplished runner/triathlete and losing 50 pounds in the process. Great advice for moms, particularly if you have tweens!
Feetures
(Good for general running tips and advice...and a source for great running socks!)
This blog is from the sock company feetures, and has been included in our list as it provides great general running advice and product info. Follow along to learn more about running and check out the unconditional lifetime product guarantee.
She Runs Strong
Ashley is a running coach dedicated to empowering women runners of all abilities. With over 15 years running experience and a Ph.D. in sociology, her company She Runs Strong is designed to provide women runners with all the information and support they need.
Meghan On The Move
(Good for those needing encouragement to maintain a healthy lifestyle despite dramatic life transitions. Meghan's been there and come out the other side! Great product and service reviews too!
Meghan briefly shares the trials of her early 30's, providing reassurance that if we persevere, something better awaits. She lists her passions as eating, traveling, crafting and running... all the while inspiring as she gets to it and moves on!
Lea Genders Fitness
(Good for inspiration, great workout tips and those in need of coaching services to become a better, faster runner and to avoid injury.
First things first...Lea's blog layout is beautiful! If that isn't enough to get you motivated, check out her story. From overweight and unathletic, yo-yo dieting and being underweight...she has traveled the road and back again, finally becoming a fitness trainer and running coach as she settled into a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Click over to her blog to see her awesome ShredShed!
Molly Sheridan Runs
(Good for those interested in running around the world...literally! And those adjusting to a new climate!)
Molly entered her first marathon at the age of 48 and discovered a love of ultra-running. To support her running habit, she started Desert Sky Adventures to offer race management and training programs for all running levels. Follow along as she shares her running adventures (and a few missteps along the way!) then pop over to register for a Desert Sky Adventure Event!
This Runner's Recipes
(Good for those who like to run...and like to EAT!)
Laura is a distance runner, certified RRCA Coach and recipe developer living in the Seattle area. In addition to running/coaching services, Laura's site offers an array of tantalizing recipes that are both healthy and satisfying...seriously worth checking out the 15 squash recipes! Gorgeous outdoor photos inspire as well,
Eat Pray Run DC
(Good for those who want to see what training for a marathon entails on a day to day basis.)
Courtney offers guidance and inspiration for runners of all levels as she shares her adventure in the Nation’s capital (and a love of bacon!) Her blog includes recipes, training suggestions and updates as she prepares for the Chicago Marathon.
Ali On The Run
(Good for those getting started in running, there are lots of great beginner resources, and for those who need inspiration in battling conditions like Crohn’s disease-Go Ali!)
Living and Running in NYC, Ali has a treasure trove of useful information for beginning runners and those wishing to get started. She also shares detail regarding her long standing battle with Crohn's disease and how she continues to persevere. Go Ali!
Jog-Blog
(Good for those who need a motivating story about kicking the smoking habit and becoming an accomplished runner. And did we mention she is really funny?!!)
Cathy is based in England and provides product reviews, running and fitness tips, give-aways and a large bit of humor.
Runs For Cookies
(Good for those who know the struggle of trying to lose a substantial amount of weight.)
Katie documents her tremendously inspiring story of how she incorporated running and healthy eating into her lifestyle to achieve her goals by losing 100+ pounds. On her blog Katie shares recipes, fitness and running tips and honest updates on the ins and outs of maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Run To The Finish
(Good for those seeking a more active and fulfilling lifestyle, as Amanda can show you the way!)
With a motto of “It’s not about the miles, its how they change you” you can’t help but follow along. Amanda offers running tips, gear reviews, travel advice and coaching services. She wasn’t always a clean eating fitness nut, but having happily made the transition herself, she can help you get there!
Warrior Women
(Good for those in need of product reviews or if yo are considering giving Crossfit a try.
This blogger shares how her primarily academic lifestyle excelled at the expense of her health. Determined to make a change, she began slowly in 2001 and has been making progress ever since. With a combination of running, weight lifting and the recent addition of, Crossfit, she is now 7 stone lighter...which I believe is equivalent to 98 pounds for those of us on this side of the pond. Impressive no matter where you're standing! Extensive product reviews can be found on this site as well.
The Runner's Trip
(Good for those interested in mountain and ultra running and traveling the world...maybe even with their kids in tow!)
Sarah is a certified running coach and shares her MUT (Marathon/Ultra/Trail) training and racing adventures. She is a proponent and supporter of long term family travel and inspired many with her family's 10 month around the world trip. Serious inspiration to be found here-enjoy!