Before I moved to Chicago I never ran with a group. Occasionally I would run with a friend, but I rarely ran with more than one person (with the exception of races, of course). While I prefer to run alone for the most part — I love my me time and listening to music or Audible books — I was reminded last week of the benefits of running with a group. Benefits of group running: Motivation and ... Read more
Fitness Favorites and Ways to Find Low-Cost Workouts
Lately I've been all about finding ways to sweat at home, whether it's trying a workout I found on YouTube or practicing yoga on my own when I can't make it to class. Life has been crazy lately, which means running has taken a backseat. My most recent long run was almost 12 miles a couple of weeks ago, and it will likely be my last major distance for a while. My plan is to instead focus strength ... Read more
Decluttering Process/Update & Items I Regret Buying
**This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission on purchases made through these links. Thanks for supporting Floradise! I recently had the urge to reexamine my entire wardrobe as part of my end-of-summer cleaning and decluttering list, which I shared in July. I began with about 50 items hanging in my closet, not counting my winter jackets and exercise clothes. While ... 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
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
Bedroom Tour
** This post contains affiliate links to products I have in my home. I make a small commission for purchases through these links. I don't think I will ever be done decorating our bedroom. It's constantly evolving. But in the spirit of being more open, I'm sharing just about as personal a space as it gets in all its imperfect glory.We have lived in an apartment, which has been an adjustment, ... 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
Running Playlist | At-Home Yoga | Half Marathon Training, Week 3
** This post contains affiliate links. One way to motivate yourself to work out is to create a new playlist. I put together a new running playlist every season to re-inspire myself and give me another reason to get out on the running trail. Need ideas for workout tunes? Check out my Spotify playlist below and let me know your favorite songs right now in the comments. I am constantly ... Read more
Chicago Spring Half Marathon Training, Week 2
** This post contains affiliate links.Found this Reebok sports bra at Marshalls. Week 2 of half-marathon training was an overall success despite minor setbacks. I was better about not making excuses and I doubled my mileage from last week, both much-needed victories and boosts of confidence! I feel so inspired going into Week 3. Let's do this!Here's how Week 2 went down:Monday: 2.25 miles at ... Read more