I'm Fit Possible Blog Swap featuring Jess and The Power of Music

I have a special blog post for you today-it's an I'm Fit Possible community blog swap! I'm Fit Possible is an amazing community of down-to-earth,sassy, creative, and fun fitness and wellness enthusiasts who are also pretty much rock stars. We are also social media superstars and thought a great way to connect our ambassadors and community with others would be a blog swap. I hope you enjoy today's guest post and check out my post for Jess about first time half marathoner race tips here! 

Hi everyone! I'm Jess  and I blog over at JustCall Me Janks. I'm a wife, puppy mom, wine lover, barre enthusiast and (fairly new) runner. My blog chronicles my life - from fitness and finances to relationships and recipes. It's a pleasure to meet you!

Lauren and I got to know each other last summer at a Baltimore blogger meet up and I'm happy to have been paired with her for today's I'm Fit Possible blog swap. She and I have bonded over our love of running, good food, and Old Bay. I've enjoyed following her adventures and appreciate her advice when it comes to the sport of running.

My running journey started around this time last year. My husband (affectionately called the JA) decided he wanted to start running. Ugh, I thought. I had tried running before and it didn't stick. Yet, I wanted an activity that we could bond over, so I bought a pair of running shoes, signed up for a 5K training group and completed my first 5K in June. From there, I've only looked up - completing my first 10K in November and training for my first half marathon this May. It's been difficult training during the winter (especially as brutal of one we've had here in Maryland) and I've spent more time than I would like on the treadmill - giving me ample time to perfect my running playlists.

I've always believed in the power music holds. It can define a moment, take us back in time, and effect us emotionally all with a few chord progressions. I usually run with music, but more so as a comfort and motivational tool than a necessity. My musical taste has varied over the years and my playlists reflect that. In high school and college I was much more a pop/punk rock princess than a country gal. Now, as the weather warms up, the country tunes become more and more prevalent. I shouldn't be surprised with artists like Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Florida/Georgia Line and Taylor Swift crossing into the pop charts, but it still makes me giggle. I wouldn't have ever CHOSEN country music prior to a few years ago!

Even if you're not a country music fan, hear me out. Running can be stressful. I've found that increasing the variety of my playlist gives me enough of a beat to manage my pace/stride but adding in songs that make me smile has increased the pleasure I get from running - even if it's on the dreaded treadmill. My husband's tried it too and has found similar results. Mixing things up with oldies, country, or covers of classic will serve as a refresher throughout your run.

So get out there, try new things, and vary your routine. Who knows? You could unlock a secret weapon that will help you move even further ahead in achieving your goals!

To follow Jess and her daily escapades, visit Just Call Me Janks or connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.