If you think about it, hiking is merely walking for pleasure. Some people enjoy walking long distances now and then, including me! Walking provides many great benefits for your physical and mental health. A bag pack packed with food, water, and useful tools like a first-aid kit and the right attitude are all you need for a successful hike. Hiking allows you much-needed time to interact with nature ... Read more
How to Get Back to the Gym After a Long Break
If you have been out of the gym for a long time, getting back to your routine may seem a bit daunting. Whether your break came from an injury, the pandemic, or a vacation, staying out of the gym for long periods can cause you to lose your motivation. Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take to help you get back to your regular gym routine. They include:PlanThe first step you should ... Read more
The Benefits of Joining a Gym
If you haven’t been to a gym before, then you may feel intimidated at the idea of joining one. That's something that you are not alone in feeling; many people feel the same way. The gym is a motivating place to be, full of supportive people who are all in the same position as you -- to get active. I'm sharing six benefits of joining a gym (in a safe manner, i.e. social distancing):Expert ... Read more
10 Ways to Hit Your Fitness Goals Early
While total fitness is always a long-term project, there are ways to see more immediate results. Getting yourself in better shape within a short span isn’t an easy task. Often, you face the challenge of consistency, motivation, and even self-doubt. Reprogram your mind, body, and soul to achieve your fitness goals by integrating the following tips into your everyday life. Stop by the Doctor’s ... Read more
My First Class at Barry’s Bootcamp in Lincoln Park, Chicago
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