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
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
Summer Running Spotify Playlist
I've gotten a bit of a late start on my half-marathon training, but I'm excited to finally begin. Why so late? When I was pregnant I eagerly awaited the day I could run again. Many women can continue running while pregnant, but sadly I was not one of them. I counted down the days until my six-week postpartum appointment when I would be cleared to work out and I could celebrate with a ... Read more
Postpartum Fitness Goals
I'm now eight weeks postpartum and I've finally been cleared to work out. I am feeling back to normal for the most part and I'm ready to get back to running after months off! I'm sharing my postpartum fitness goals in hopes of finding others who are going through the same phase of life or who are also looking to get back in shape or improve their health and well-being. I plan to post weekly recaps ... Read more
New Fabletics Workout Attire & My Pregnancy Fitness Routine
** This post is sponsored by Fabletics. All opinions are my own. Fitness has been an important part of my life for seven years now. I have known that I want to stay as active as possible throughout my pregnancy, but my fitness routine has certainly changed. What motivates me to want to work out still involves cute athletic wear though! Today I'm sharing my pregnancy fitness routine and the new ... Read more
Half-Marathon Training, Week 2
So far, so good. Week 2 of half-marathon training for the Chicago Half Marathon was successful in that I trained four days out of the week and increased my running mileage by 10 percent. That percentage is my goal for increasing mileage each week of the 12-week training process. Week 3 will be tricky because my oldest nephew, who just graduated from high school, will be visiting us in ... Read more
Half-Marathon Training, Week 1
** This post on half-marathon training contains affiliate links to some of my favorite products of the week. I am compensated for purchases made through these links. I finally started my training for the Chicago Fall Half Marathon last week! I was scheduled to begin the previous week, but I had a work trip to Phoenix that prevented me from joining my group and coaches as planned. I am so excited ... Read more
July Goals
If you read yesterday's post, you know how I am always go, go, go nowadays. I'm not complaining -- I'd rather be pulled in many directions and be able to stay home with V than have to leave her at day care in order to work. I love spending my days with her and I know they will eventually come to an end when she begins school. I'm savoring this time with her now. With that said, some days I feel ... Read more
How to Start Running
**This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission on purchases made through these links. My lack of fitness motivation earlier this year got me thinking about why I started running in the first place. Before 2011 I was not interested in working out or running -- at all. I couldn't finish a mile if my life depended on it. I was not in a good place in my life at all, ... Read more