Last weekend I had a chance to participate in a workout fundraiser at Barry's Bootcamp in Lincoln Park. Nimbe, a blogger I follow on Instagram (@fitfooddreams) who is running the Chicago Marathon as a part of a charity team, was raising funds for Latinos Progresando. I have been enjoying trying new fitness classes lately, so trying Barry's Bootcamp was exciting, and helping a great cause was a ... Read more
Fall Chicago Half Marathon 2019 Recap
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
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
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
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
7 Favorite Things to Do in Chicago
Every summer that I've lived in Chicago I create a summer bucket list of things I want to do during the season. This year I am simplifying the process by sticking to just my favorite things to do in the city instead of trying to do everything. Completing my check list will be a bit more challenging with two kids, but I'm up for the task! My favorite things to do in Chicago: Standup ... Read more