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
Becoming a Mermaid With AquaMermaid Chicago
** Thank you AquaMermaid Chicago for hosting me for a mermaid class. All thoughts are always my own. Photo taken with a GoPro, so quality of image differs from my other posts. Note: Airbnb did a feature on the class I attended. Read it here. I've always been a mermaid at heart. Haven't we all dreamed of being a mermaid? AquaMermaid helped me make that ... Read more
Half-Marathon Training, Week 1
** This post 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 to start over after failing ... 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
Let’s Dabble: Intro to Climbing Class
** I received a class credit for being a Dabble ambassador. All opinions have always been my own. As a Dabble ambassador, aka Super Dabbler, I am regularly trying new hobbies via the countless classes on the Dabble.co website. I've tried SUP yoga, sushi rolling and photography, among many other activities. While each class challenges me in some way, my most recent class helped me take on one ... 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 adjusting my ... 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
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
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