Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WellYes2018 #CollectiveBias I’ve had a major goal in mind for some time now, but I’ve been keeping it to myself because of fear. This decision came about after a Well Yes!® Moment of Yes I recently had in which I realized that I need to get back to doing what I love and find ... Read more
2017: Making Moves | 2016 Recap Plus Goal-Setting Tips
** This post contains affiliate links. Graham and I set an intention every year, and every year we have been amazed by how it comes true. 2015 was the year of adventure. 2016 was the year of growth. And now 2017 will be about health and success. Our version of success is to be business owners and work for ourselves. We've already made headway: Step 1 was paying off nearly all of our debt in ... Read more
A Virtual Half Marathon | Post-Marathon Thoughts
After the Chicago Marathon I had no plans to run another marathon. I didn't have any 10Ks or half marathons in mind, either. I was only focused on finishing the marathon, resting the next day and then flying to Phoenix to pick up Victoria and returning to Chicago in one day. It was the most exhausting week of my life; even more tiring than moving to Chicago with just 11 days to prepare. Now that ... Read more
Marathon Training: Differences Between First and Second Marathons
Photo by Marathon Foto I had two goals for my second marathon: don't walk, and try to get any time better than my first marathon. When I crossed the finish line on Sunday, Oct. 9, I had no idea whether I had accomplished the second, and I would later find out that I didn't. I got almost exactly the same time, and I was initially a little disappointed. Then I realized that I shouldn't be too ... Read more
Chicago Marathon 2016 Recap
I did it! After months of training and recapping, I finished the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. I was nervous in the days ahead of the marathon because I did a lot of walking around the two days before and because I slipped in the shower and bruised my behind. I also had a stressful week at work and my life is about to be changed forever. In comparison the marathon seemed like it would be a piece ... Read more
Chicago Marathon Training Weeks 15 and 16 | It’s Race Week!
It's race week! I can't believe it: I am running 26.2 miles this weekend. And next week will be even crazier, but I'll share more about that after the marathon.Week 15I didn't recap Week 15 of Chicago Marathon training because I had a cold and didn't work out much. I didn't run my planned 10 miler either, because it was raining and I felt terrible. That week consisted of three Orangetheory ... Read more
October Goals
This will be an October to remember. I already know it. Instead of allowing myself to get overwhelmed by the change that's happening, I'm choosing to remind myself to be grateful. If you're ever staring at a to-do list that seems to be never-ending, it helps to reiterate the why. Why are you doing what you're doing? Often that why is a blessing you need to be reminded of. If it's not, it's time to ... Read more
Chicago Marathon Training, Week 14
I'm ready for the marathon! I ran my longest distance of Chicago Marathon training on Saturday. I now have the Chicago Half Marathon on Sunday, a long run of 10 miles the following weekend and the marathon on Oct. 9. It's all happening!Recap of Week 14 of marathon training:Monday: Rest. I planned to run 9 miles but I felt sick and exhausted. I slept instead, and it was just what my body needed. ... Read more
Chicago Marathon Training, Week 13
Thank goodness for a mileage cutback week! The previous week's 18-miler left me sore for a few days, so I was happy to have fewer miles scheduled this week. We are now 12 days from the Chicago Half and about 26 days from the Chicago Marathon! Monday-Tuesday: Rest Wednesday. 2.25 miles at Orangetheory.Floor workout included:Rollouts on the TRX strapHip raisesReverse lungesChest press(This ... Read more
Chicago Marathon Training, Week 12
The countdown is now less than three weeks until the Chicago Half Marathon and about 33 days until the Chicago Marathon. I don't know if I am ready for the races, but I am sure ready to be done with training! Monday: 1 hour of standup paddleboarding with my friend Rachael. It had rained that morning and afternoon, so we weren't sure if the social paddle would even happen, but it did! It ... Read more