A quick bite with my husband was a fun moment we shared the other day. We don’t eat out much, so when we had a rare opportunity to try some tasty vegan food at a Whole Foods market we decided to seize the moment. We grabbed a spot by a big window, shared our dishes and took in the brief but happy moment. Seek them and they will be there. ~trvw

Because running is a solo sport, it can be difficult to realize how we can impact someone else’s fitness level.  Running isn’t a team effort, therefore the wins and losses are often credited to how much personal motivation has been put into training. What we should come to understand is that by setting examples, including others, or becoming mentors, the running community has the power to inspire the next generation to be aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

You don’t have to turn your training runs into running camp to make a difference. Just remember that being a part of a running community means that you have access to people that understand your passion to move and thrive toward living a healthy lifestyle. Maybe on race days the kids can ride their bikes through the route after the runners are finished. Many races have even added a fun run just for kids, which is great! Maybe the kids that do the fun runs can swap numbers and form a fitness club or pair up with another run buddy.

There are lots of ideas that can be generated from one sole runner. Be as bold about sharing those ideas as you are every time you line up to run a race. There’s a generation of smart, tech-savvy kids on the horizon – let’s make sure they know how to move more than a mouse. ~trvw

It can be difficult to get a runner to stray from the sport they so loyally honor. When you do hear of a runner partaking in an alternative activity it’s often cycling, swimming, or trail running. Rarely, will a “real runner” admit to those fluffy group exercise classes. After all, those are for beginner exercisers, right?

Wrong! Here’s why:

1. Never underestimate the power of ANY activity

2. Trying something new works different muscles

3. Moving in new ways challenges the brain

If you’re already a runner or just looking for a fun activity to get moving try Zumba. Group classes can be beneficial because they are generally designed for all fitness levels, it’s a great way to be social and active, and you get to hear great music! Sometimes runners get trapped in their solo sport and forget to loosen up and explore alternative activities just for fun.

Zumba and other group classes can be a fantastic supplement to an athletes main sport. Runners can especially benefit by improving lateral foot work and enhancing coordination by the upper body involvement with the feet. The upbeat, positive energy is rewarding to any fitness fanatic. If you venture out to a class just remember to take it one mile…um, beat at a time. ~trvw