I went for a run this morning. But I didn’t want to to jump out of bed and run. In fact, sitting in my sweats drinking coffee while my kids asked for “things” seemed much more appealing. No really, it did. But there is one thing I’ve learned about running in the many years that I’ve been a runner – I have never ONCE regretted a run that I’ve completed. There is something about running, especially this time of year when the weather is runner’s perfection –  a cool blast of air to the face, dewy air in the lungs – it’s just so…. refreshing. And a run of any length is a cure-all for the funky moods life throws at us – caused by but not limited to kids that don’t listen, mud tracks across the carpet, socks balled up in every.corner.of.the.house, toothpaste all over the sink… need I go on?

But back to me not wanting to run this morning – it’s hard to find the motivation to get out the door. Sometimes I find motivation in trivial things like knowing that it’s the only alone time I’ll have all day, that I’ll be able to finish my kid’s mac and cheese without feeling bad about it, or that I am going to look and feel really cool while I’m doing it courtesy of a new pair of kickass kicks. I’ve written before about how sometimes some cool running gear is all we need to get our butt moving.  You guys, this is not a made up thing.

Recently I had the pleasure of working with a (very patient) rep from NikeID to design my own running shoes. Do you know how many times I’ve settled for the bright pink and yellow shoes because they are the only styles that fit my short (and very wide) feet? For that alone, this experience was super exciting. I chose the print, the laces, the trim, the soles… everything down to the swoosh. I went all out making them as chic as running shoe possible. And how did they turn out?

BOOM:

Floral, obviously.

And little known fact, my “aunt name” is Aunt Z, so I added that personal customization to the tongue. Also a good reminder to finish. Get it? Z is at the end of the alphabet. Okay, I admit it. Runners are a little weird. Must be all that time to think!

Sometimes awesome shoes are just the motivation we need – to lace and take them for a spin.

And the added bonus? I felt surprisingly “put together” going straight into the rest of my day – coffee/errands/school pick up etc… etc…  #noshowerrequired

So maybe it’s the balled up socks that are overtaking my house or maybe it’s my new shoes that get me out the door to run, but whatever it is, we’ve gotta JUST DO IT! haha sorry. Had to say it.

Oh, and for the 2% of males that read this blog, I was thinking that this would make such a cool present for your wife/significant other. Shoes that you designed for her or with her (depending on how particular she may be), talk about putting thought into a gift. And you don’t even have to give me credit.

And yes, if I haven’t passed the running bug onto you or you aren’t into running for another reason, you can create a custom NikeID in a lifestyle sneaker as well. Sneakers are having a MAJOR moment in the fashion world so of course I played around with a few that I would wear around town. You know, with skinny jeans and an oversized turtleneck sweater.

A huge thanks to NikeID for my new shoes … now go ahead and play around designing your own!

Wearing: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 32 iD, Fabletics capri leggings, Lululemon top (old), Lululemon Jacket (old), Longchamp Bag