And just like that we're midway through Fall 2021! Holy smokes, Fall in Seattle burst on to the scene like nobody's business. One minute we're going in hot at 110 degrees in Seattle mid-summer, we slowly move onto cruise control in the 80s and then just like that the rain starts pounding, the temperatures drop and the color changing leaves are already being whisked from trees by the wind. 

However, from these photos you'll notice, that although the temperatures are dropping and the weather getting a bit temperamental, I am still wearing shorts to run. Because, yes, I am one of those runners that refuses to give up shorts and transition to leggings or tights until it is truly winter or the snow begins to fall. There is just something about my legs being a little bit more free that propels me forward and lets me feel like I'm flying.

Because of this though, I am all about layering in other ways to keep me warm and dry as we continue to creep through Fall into Winter. Layering is absolutely key for seasonal transitions. One minute it's 60 and sunny, the next the rain is pelting your face. This week for example, we were hitting close to 70 a few days ago and I barely needed a long sleeve over my shorts and sports bra.. Today (as I'm writing this post) it's raining with a high of 58 and a wind chill that's dropping it to feel like 51. I will definitely need a few layers, including one to repel rain, when I venture outside for a run. 

When I'm choosing what running clothing and running shoes to wear in seasonal transitions (and really, year round!), I turn to Brooks Running. I've been wearing Brooks Running clothing and shoes for years (decades!) and I trust Brooks for their quality, style, wear-ability and the newest technology in running gear.

Brooks Aurora-BL Women's Running Shoes in Grey/Coral/Black* | Brooks Notch Thermal Hoodie in Heliotrope* | Brooks Shield Hybrid Vest in Magenta/Heliotrope* | Brooks Drive Mesh Run Bra in Heliotrope/Magenta* | Brooks Chaser 3" Short in Heliotrope/Brooks* | *gifted by Brooks Running

Run Happy: 10 Tips to Start Running Today For Beginners

 Thank you Brooks for partnering on this post!


Brooks Glycerin 17 Running Shoes c/o | Brooks Greenlight Running Tights c/o | Brooks Fly-By Hoodie c/o | Brooks Cascadia Thermal Vest c/o | Brooks Pick-Up Tank Top c/o | Brooks Hot Shot Sports Bra c/o | Brooks Glycerin Ultimate Cushion Running Socks c/o

Today I run.

In graduate school I turned to running for stress relief. Again, today, in this strange new world we are living in, I am running. Partly because, with our current restrictions for those of us under stay-at-home orders, running is one of the few forms of exercise allowed outdoors (also, walking and bicycling) while maintaining social distancing. And also, because I really love running.

Running is a form of exercise I truly enjoy that provides oh so many mental and physical health benefits, including improving cardiovascular fitness, helping with sleep and improving immunity, among countless other benefits. I also love being outside.

I started running in 7th grade. I competed in both track and cross-country in middle school (on the district winners podium in 8th grade) and in high school (varsity and lettering as a freshman and team captain as a sophomore). By college and my 20s, running turned recreational and now I no longer compete. But through my 30s (and soon to be 40s!) I still find myself running.

With many years of running now under my (running) shoes and as something I find brings me joy, I thought I would take this time to share with you a few tips to start running today if you're a beginner (or not!) I've partnered with Brooks to share with you 10 Tips to Start Running Today For Beginners. It's time to Run Happy!

Run Happy: 10 Tips to Start Running Today For Beginners:

On the Run With Brooks Running

Brooks Running provided items for review. Items gifted and sent for editorial consideration are marked c/o. All opinions my own. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress! 

Brooks Running Levitate Road Running Shoes c/o | Brooks Running Canopy Jacket c/o | Brooks Running Pick-Up Tank c/o | Brooks Running Greenlight Tight c/o | Brooks Running Glycerin Midweight Socks c/o | Brooks Running FineForm Medium Impact Sports Bra c/o

I started running in 7th grade. I honestly cannot remember exactly why I decided I wanted to run, I just know that my middle school self decided that running track and cross country were the sports I would enjoy. I had previously done gymnastics for 7 years, although living on an island meant zero opportunities for competition as a gymnast and I was likely ready to move on.

Running track and cross country at Langley Middle School meant several times during the season getting out of school early and heading off island for a meet, so maybe my 12 year old self just thought that was pretty cool. Whatever the reason, once I started running, I did not stop.

52 Lists for Happiness by Moorea Seal: Discover What Makes You Happy

The days are getting a bit shorter here in Seattle and it definitely feels like fall. I can feel the darkness of winter approaching (hello gray skies and cold days, and yes I am currently wearing multiple layers!) and I have to admit I am not quite ready to let Summer go. My body and mind pretty much crave the sunshine and although I absolutely love living in Seattle, I have a bit of a hard time during the colder, gray, rainy months in this City. However, I have found two things that really help me get through the gloomier months until Spring. One is coffee (Happy National Coffee Day!) and the second is writing in a journal.

As a follow up to the 52 Lists Project released last year, the just-launched 52 Lists for Happiness by Moorea Seal is a guided journal and yearlong journey to discover your own personal joy, one list at a time. Moorea Seal is a huge inspiration to me and her support for empowerment of women of all ages and "Doing Good while Doing Great Campaign" (7 percent of all proceeds from Moorea Seal benefit nonprofits!). I just loved the 52 Lists Project, so when I had the opportunity to check out her newest book I jumped at the chance! I also knew it would be the perfect journal to accompany me this year with so many big changes ahead (more on that soon!).