Hello Faith, Fitness, Fun readers! My name is Danielle and I write a [new] blog titled Runs on Green. Today, I’m going to shed light on one of my favorite topics: Running! If you couldn’t tell by the blog name, I love it 😀

*Did you know that the left side of your brain is different from the right? The left side processes things in a logical, sequential, and analytical manner. The right side is responsible for intuition, randomness, and fantasy.

Ok Danielle, but what does this have to do with running?

Most of us spend our days working in high-stress environments and over-work the left side of our brain. Running is a great opportunity to let your mind wander! In fact, it’s probably the only part in my day where I really unleash my right brain. Consequently, I’m happier and look forward to hitting the pavement.

But sometimes [mid-run], the mind can wander into the realm of negativity:

”This sucks…I’m out of breath…how far have I gone??”

Thinking like this will only make exercise miserable and boring. Use this time to zone out and free your thoughts! Here are some things I pretend while I’m trekking around:

1.) I’m a cheetah running through the jungle. Sometimes I’m chasing after prey and sometimes I’m running away from danger. Just don’t rawr out loud…that’s weird

(source)

Power song: Jai Ho by The Pussycat Dolls (Slum dog Millionaire Soundtrack)

2.) I’m a soldier going into combat. I’m dirty, angry, and ready to go. Everyone’s depending on me. Don’t let ‘em down.

(source)

Power song: Headstrong by Trapt

3.) I’m a hardcore Olympic athlete. I just took the lead and the crowd is going wild.

(source)

Power song: Remember the Name by Fort Minor

4.) I’m a spy in a movie. I’m running to catch the bad guy and my life is at stake. Or better yet…I am the bad guy.

(source)

Power song: Pump It by the Black Eyed Peas

*If fantasy isn’t your thing (what…too mature??) then use this time to think about the last conversation you had, the people you haven’t seen in a while, or what the next topic for your blog post will be 😀 The point I’m trying to push is get in the zone! You should enjoy exercise. Perhaps you’ve already given running 20 chances and you still don’t enjoy it… that’s ok! Find a way of exercising that has you looking forward to the next time you get moving. And most importantly, make sure your right brain gets some exercise too 😉

Question from Tina…What ways do you have fun with exercise?

Time to kick off the guest posts! This one is a Q & A with Gracie from the blog Girl Meets Health! She is an awesome chick and blogs about many interesting topics. Read through her Q & A and then look forward to some posts on other topics coming up over the weekend. See you all soon!

1. Give a brief description of your blog.

Girl Meets Health is a blog about healthy living. I think my tagline says it all: Life is tough, but being healthy doesn't have to be. You see, I used to think that being healthy was solely about nutrition and fitness, but boy was I wrong. I now believe that being truly healthy begins with mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Furthermore, being healthy does *not* have to be difficult or burdensome! In my mind, healthy habits and goals should only ADD to one’s quality of life – not take away from it. And that's what I hope to convey to my readers.

2. What does blogging do for you? Why do you enjoy it?

Blogging has changed my life in ways that I certainly did not imagine or anticipate. First of all, I have formed so many meaningful relationships with other bloggers and readers, which I wouldn’t give up for the world. It has also shown me just how passionate I am about writing and sharing my voice with others. I’ve learned that I can make an impact, even if it’s a small one. Blogging has also taught me a lot about myself and my health philosophy. I feel like blogging is a continuous learning experience, and in my mind, that's priceless. Oh, and did I mention that blogging is just plain fun? 🙂

3. What is your favorite food? Nutritional value does not matter, so choose anything!

Gosh, that’s probably the most difficult question you could ask a food-lover like myself 😛 My top five are: cookies, pizza, pancakes, gnocchi, and sushi.

4. What is your favorite type of workout? Why do you love it?

Hands down – Yoga. I just started doing it a few months ago but instantly fell in love. To me, no form of exercise is as physically *and* mentally rewarding as Yoga. I also love Yoga because, well, I feel like I’m good at it! I’m certainly no pro-yogini, but I’ve found that I’m much stronger and more flexible than I thought. If I had to pick a second favorite workout – it would be strength training.

5. What is a current goal you are working towards?

My main goal right now is to figure out what I want to do with my life. Hefty goal, huh? 😛 You see, I just graduated from college in December, so I’m in that awkward stage of life where I’m not in school anymore but not quite in a career. My dream is to start and own my own business, which I’m hoping to make into a reality over the next couple of years. Another goal of mine is to save money so that I can do some traveling!

6. What is something important that you have overcome, are working towards overcoming, or hope to overcome one day?

My biggest vice is that I'm too much of a worrier/over-thinker. I try to plan and control every aspect of my life, and I'm really working on just letting go. I'm certainly making progress in that area, but I'd like to become even more laid back and spontaneous. I need to continue striving to rely on God rather than on my own self-sufficiency because He knows me better than I know myself! Not to mention that life is too short to be anxious all of the time, don't you think?

7. What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“Fall seven times, get up eight.” - Japanese Proverb

8. What are some things on your "Bucket List"?

• Fall in love/get married
• Have children
• Travel as much as possible (I especially want to visit Israel)
• Write a book

9. What is something you know now that you wish you knew 5-10 years ago?

I wish I would've spent less time worrying about what other people thought of me. I probably could've accomplished much more in life! I now seek to please God, my loved-ones, and myself. In fact, I'm still realizing that being selfish isn't always a bad thing.

10. Name one crazy, random fact about you.

When I was a child I had 3 front teeth. I had the middle one surgically removed at age 4. Beat THAT, haha!

11. If you won the lottery, what would be your first big purchase?

I'd probably go to a tropical resort for a week of spa treatments....and bring a personal chef with me 😀

12. List 5 of your favorite things.

1. food (specifically desserts!)

2. spending time with the people I love

3. animals

4. massages

5. LAUGHING! Can that count as a thing? 🙂

Question from Tina…What is YOUR favorite inspirational quote? I need ideas people!