I said this time would be different. I would actually train for the Chicago Half Marathon on Sept. 29 consistently and feel prepared heading into it. I was on track for the most part until about two weeks ago when I got a cold. Then I had a headache almost every day that week. I didn't work out at all that week, and I missed my longest scheduled training run of 14 miles. The next week was ... Read more
Half-Marathon Training Plan (Remaining Weeks)
After sharing my first two weeks of half-marathon training I realized how slightly repetitive the posts are. Instead I'm sharing my plan for each remaining week of training for the Chicago Half Marathon on Sept. 29. I will, however, share some lessons I've learned in the past few weeks. This training round has been hard on my body. I am feeling worn out and exhausted. The combination of being home ... Read more
Chicago Half-Marathon Training, Week 2
I survived Week 2 of half-marathon training! (I've actually been unofficially training longer than two weeks, and this is the second week of me trying to follow a 10-week training program.) I'm sharing my progress to inspire others to find ways to stay active and to hold myself accountable. While ideally I would run four days a week, it's not entirely realistic for me as a mom of two who has other ... Read more
Chicago Half-Marathon Training, Week 1
It's been so long (maybe two years?) since I've shared my half-marathon training, but I've missed it! Sharing how I train for a race helps keep me accountable and gives me the opportunity to offer any insight into what I learn along the way. I plan to share each week of the remaining eight or so weeks of training for the Chicago Half in September. I hope these inspire you to start training for a ... Read more
World’s Largest HIIT Class Record Attempt at Wrigley Field
Last weekend I participated in the World's Largest HIIT Class at Wrigley Field. It was an event by Orangetheory Fitness and Augie's Quest to raise money for ALS research and awareness and to set a Guinness World Record for attendance at a high-intensity interval training workout class. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I knew the actual class wouldn't be on the field. Ticket prices varied based ... Read more
Race-Day Mistakes to Avoid | Kentucky Derby Mini Marathon 2019 Recap
Photo by Marathon Foto Graham and I ran our first half-marathon together last weekend at the 2019 Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon in Louisville. In the nearly eight years we've been together he's been my cheerleader as I finished half-marathons, marathons and Ragnar Relays, but this year we set a goal to train for a race together, and we did it! The Mini Marathon is usually held the ... Read more
Healthy Fitness Habits for the New Year With Audible
** This post is sponsored by Audible but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. One of my goals for the new year is to get back on track with my workouts and to prioritize fitness again after a year off. It's not easy to get back into working out, but I have ways I've learned to make fitness enjoyable and to keep me motivated and inspired. I'm hoping these will help you with ... Read more
Postpartum Workouts: Week 1 Recap
Welcome to a new fitness series! I joined a gym last week so that I could restart my fitness journey. Yes, I have worked out since having a baby, but it hasn't been consistent. I want to change that, so I'm sharing recaps of my workouts as I try to get back into my fitness routine. I'm recapping this both to inspire others to start, even if it's slowly, and to hold myself accountable. If anyone ... Read more
My 2019 Goals and Guiding Word
It took weeks for me to figure out my 2019 goals. I had to really think about what it is I hope to accomplish. The person I wanted to be a year ago is not the same as the person I aim to become now. Some priorities have shifted, and some goals I previously saw as unattainable are now aspirations I think I can make happen if I commit to them. 2018 has been wonderful for us. We bought a house and ... Read more
Running a Half-Marathon Without Training | Chicago Half Marathon Recap
Note: Before I share my Chicago Half Marathon story, I want to advise against running a race without training. It is never a good idea. Even if you think you are in great shape, you put yourself at risk for injury. As always, you should consult a physician about what exercise/event is safe for you to do. On Sunday, I awoke at 4:15 a.m. to get ready to run 13.1 miles in south Chicago during ... Read more