Grits in the City - Fitness. Family. Food.

Hope you enjoy all these as much as I do!

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Welcome — I’m Lara, and this is Grits in the City

I’m a New Jersey‑based lifestyle, wellness, and running creator blending Southern roots with big‑city grit, suburban life, and the everyday movement that keeps me grounded. For more than 18 years, Grits in the City has been where I share the miles I run, the routines that keep me well, the family moments that shape me, and the products and places that make life easier, brighter, and more joyful.

If you’re here for running, wellness, family life, NJ/NYC adventures, or honest reviews from a creator who actually tests what she recommends, you’re in the right place.

What You’ll Find Here — My Core Content Pillars


Running & Marathon Training

My journey to marathon number five (Philadelphia 2026), beginner trail running, gear testing, recovery routines, and mental health through movement.
→ Explore: Running Guides, Training Tips, Race Stories

Wellness & Everyday Routines

Mental health, burnout signs, recovery, skincare exploration, medspa collaborations, and the small habits that make big differences.
→ Explore: Wellness Posts, Recovery Routines

Lifestyle & NJ/NYC Living

Local trails, beaches, restaurants, family adventures, boutique travel, and the blend of suburban life with city energy.
→ Explore: NJ/NYC Guides, Family Adventures

Creator Life & Brand Partnerships

Behind‑the‑scenes of campaigns, product testing, Amazon storefront favorites, media kit insights, and creator storytelling.
→ Explore: Creator Tips, Amazon Favorites

Start with my most popular posts

A little more about me

I grew up in Alabama, hop‑scotched my way up the East Coast, and spent more than a decade in NYC before settling in New Jersey with my family. The city still shapes my rhythm — my runs, my commutes, my cravings, my stories.

By day, I’m an SVP of global communications and marketing. By early morning, late evening, and every pocket of time in between, I’m a runner chasing big goals, a parent navigating the beautiful chaos of raising kids, and a creator sharing honest reviews, everyday routines, and the movement that keeps me grounded.

Grits in the City is where Southern warmth meets city grit, where running meets wellness, and where real life meets the stories that make it full.

For Brands & Partners

If you’re a brand looking to collaborate — especially in running, wellness, lifestyle, beauty, family, or travel — I’d love to connect.

You can explore:

I create high‑touch storytelling, honest product testing, and platform‑specific content across Instagram, my blog, LTK, ShopMy and my Amazon storefront.

Where to connect with me

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