**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 ... 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
April Goals
March kind of got away from me. I had so many plans and goals that were derailed by my battle with a lack of motivation and the end-of-winter blues. I am looking forward to a fresh start in April with new goals. But first let's check in on my March goals:Family:Figure out a day care solution. So far it's still just me watching Victoria, but I have two sitters who can come over to help during ... Read more
Chicago Spring Half-Marathon Training, Week 1 | Lessons From My Slow Start
** This post contains affiliate links. Shop Flipbelt in various colors.**I almost didn't share this half-marathon training recap, but I wanted to share the lessons I have learned about balancing fitness and family/life. It's never easy, but it's important to remember your why. Why is this training important to me?I want to be a good example to Victoria.I want to feel stronger.I want to be ... Read more
March Goals
I am ready for March -- for change and for warmth. This month my routine will be adjusted once again after returning to work in February. My husband's work will also ramp up and V just started pre-ballet and speech therapy. Our lives will be busier but also happier and healthier, I hope. Today I'm sharing my March goals for accountability reasons, but first, let's check in on my February ... Read more
Birthday Gifts for the Fitness Lover | My Wish List
** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. My birthday is next month, and when I think about what I would like to receive, it's always fitness related. What can I say? It's what I love to do. I pretty much have everything I would want and don't need much else, but workout clothes are used so much that they ... Read more
December Favorites & a Disappointing Product
** This post contains affiliate links.December had highs and lows, and so will this post about products I've been using. I like to focus on the positive, so I will start with the products I loved in the last month of 2016 before getting into a product that let me down. My December favorites are my new running shoes, a new nail polish from Kathleen Lights, my new pajamas (an adorable onesie!) and ... Read more