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
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
Half-Marathon Training Update | Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself
** This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission for purchases through these links.Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless Headphones, Garmin vivosmart HR, gray capri leggings (old) and Yogo Athletica top (found at Marshalls)I had planned to run a half marathon yesterday.If you've read this blog recently, you might remember seeing four half-marathon training updates and reflections. After ... Read more
Gaining Back Motivation to Work Out | Half-Marathon Training
** This post contains affiliate links. Yoga pants by 90 Degrees by Reflex (similar)**; C9 sports bra (similar)**; Fabletics headband**; Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 shoes** In October I became a work-from-home parent, and the adjustment period has taken a toll on my fitness motivation. Keeping up with a toddler is a workout in itself, am I right?! I've skipped workout after workout recently and ... Read more
Phoenix Virtual Half Marathon 2016
Just after Thanksgiving, I signed up for a virtual half-marathon. I was feeling a little lost since the Chicago Marathon. I wondered, what's next? The Phoenix Half Marathon was offering its virtual race to earn the first of five medals that will form the Copper Star: one large, amazing medal that will take five years to put together. I was in. I wasn't in Phoenix for the first race earlier in ... 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
Races That Will Challenge You
Runners looking for their next challenge have tons of options. Races are no longer limited to running on a road or trail, nor are they limited to a single day. Trying out a new and different race can add variety to your race calendar and test yourself in new ways. These can include obstacle, relay or mud races. Are you ready for your next challenge? Some of the toughest races I've heard about: ... Read more
Seen at the Chicago Marathon 2015
If you need inspiration to run or work out, go to a race like the Chicago Marathon as a spectator. After my first marathon I doubted I would ever run another, but watching and cheering for these runners made me want to sign up for the race next year. I watched the race from Mile 8 in Lakeview. I hoped to see my running friend, but my eyes could not move fast enough to keep up with the crowds ... Read more
My Worst Half-Marathon Performance
I wasn't expecting miracles out of my Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon experience, but I did think I would finish in about two hours and 15 minutes. Just before the race, the announcer said something like, "This is not the race for a PR. It's a race to have fun."We had been hearing about the heat index in Chicago all weekend, so I tempered my expectations a bit. My plan was to stick to the 2:10 ... Read more
Adventure Run Chicago, June 2015 Edition
The odds were in my favor last night. I came away from the Adventure Run Chicago with a month of free yoga from Yoga Six in Lincoln Park, two entrees from Smash Burger and a one-hour massage from Massage Envy. I was one of those people who say they never win anything — until last night.But I'm getting ahead of myself. I met several members of my running group at the Road Runner Sports store ... Read more