** 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
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
Chicago Marathon Training Weeks 15 and 16 | It’s Race Week!
It's race week! I can't believe it: I am running 26.2 miles this weekend. And next week will be even crazier, but I'll share more about that after the marathon.Week 15I didn't recap Week 15 of Chicago Marathon training because I had a cold and didn't work out much. I didn't run my planned 10 miler either, because it was raining and I felt terrible. That week consisted of three Orangetheory ... Read more
Ways to Relax During the Workday
Recently I've had an even harder time relaxing than normal. I have always dealt with anxiety, but it's been on overdrive lately as I await some big changes and as work has become more and more busy. On some days I wake up and immediately zoom about the apartment cleaning up, taking care of the dogs and plants, and keeping up with my blog before work. Sometimes I barely have time to make myself ... Read more
Chicago Marathon Training, Week 12
The countdown is now less than three weeks until the Chicago Half Marathon and about 33 days until the Chicago Marathon. I don't know if I am ready for the races, but I am sure ready to be done with training! Monday: 1 hour of standup paddleboarding with my friend Rachael. It had rained that morning and afternoon, so we weren't sure if the social paddle would even happen, but it did! It ... Read more
Chicago Marathon Training, Week 10
The Chicago Marathon is in 47 days! That leaves me with six more long runs to prepare for the race. From now on I need to really commit to my schedule to stay on track. Wish me luck!When I run on the lakefront path, I feel very much a part of the city. Countless runners use the trail during their marathon training. You'll see speedy athletes running alongside those who are more concerned with fun ... Read more
How Yoga Has Improved My Confidence
I've been thinking about confidence lately. I went to a yoga class Friday for the first time in a couple of weeks. My goal is to get back into the yoga studio more often, because I have been neglecting yoga for months. I try to practice at home, but it just isn't the same as surrendering to someone else's lead so you can go deeper into yourself. I find that when I practice at home I get too ... Read more
Chicago Marathon Training, Week 9
I got on track with Chicago Marathon training in Week 9 after taking it easy the previous week. I feel good about where I am in the process, and I can't believe the race is coming up in just 54 days! Here's how I trained in Week 9:Monday: 2.06 miles at Orangetheory. We all started on the rower and the floor, which is a nice change. I typically like to start class on the treadmill to get it ... Read more