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Author: Marie Puebla
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Rediscovering Yourself as a Mom: A Personal Journey
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY !
Story time:
I got pregnant my senior year.
And just like that, everything shifted.
I thought my dreams had an expiration date. That my new job title was just “Mom” and my only role was to support my partner and raise my son. My own ambitions? I quietly packed them away, like the college brochures I stopped opening.
I didn’t know it at the time, but that was the moment I started losing my sense of identity.
When Guilt Gets Loud
The thing about being a mom is… no one really tells you how much guilt gets baked into the role. Especially when you start doing something for you.
When I decided to go back to school, I was proud—but the guilt came creeping in fast.
Should I really be leaving them this long?
Am I selfish for wanting more than motherhood?
It’s this unspoken rule society throws at moms: you’re supposed to give everything, all the time. But no one talks about what happens when there’s nothing left to give to yourself.
The Chaos (and Comedy) of Doing It All
Let me paint you a picture:
I tell my boys every night, “Okay, I’m going to wake up at 5 AM and go run tomorrow!”
And recently, one of them looked me dead in the face and said,
“No, you’re not. You sleep in.”
Called. Out.
Nothing humbles you like being dragged by your own kids. So guess who got up and actually ran the next morning? Me—because I had to reclaim my mom-cred.
Despite the chaos (and there’s a lot of it), my kids cheer me on.
After a workout: “How many miles today, Mom?”
During their soccer practices: “You got this, brother!” when one of them looks tired.
They’re learning. They’re watching. And it makes the mess worth it.
Finding Myself Again
Motherhood stripped me of a lot—but it also helped me rebuild.
I didn’t find myself instead of being a mom. I found myself through being one.
It took time. Therapy. Late-night breakdowns. Early morning runs.
But now I’m back in school—not for the title or the paycheck, but for the freedom it will bring.
The freedom to build a life where I can show up for them and myself.
To be fully present in their lives without feeling like I had to abandon my own.
This Mother’s Day, I’m Celebrating the Comeback
I’m not “just” a mom. I’m a student, a runner, a woman rebuilding her life one goal at a time.
And if you’re a mom reading this feeling like you lost yourself somewhere along the way—I see you. You’re not broken. You’re evolving.
Motherhood may have shaken your identity, but it can also help you rebuild it stronger.
Your Turn:
What part of yourself are you rediscovering? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hype you up.
And if you enjoyed this post, buy me a coffee (or send me motivation for my next 5 AM run—I clearly need it)!
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You’re Not Too Late: Pursuing Education After Parenthood
I always wanted to go back to school. But when I got pregnant in high school, I convinced myself that my life was over. My only purpose? Being a mom. My ambitions? Gone. It felt like everything I had dreamed of was officially canceled.
But if you’re reading this and thinking “same”—I want to know: What moment in your life made you feel like you had to hit pause? Drop it in the comments. Let’s get real from the start. 👇
From Motherhood to “Maybe There’s More”
For years, I believed my only purpose was raising my son. And don’t get me wrong—I love being a mom. But I also felt like I had lost me in the process.
That invisible question kept showing up in the quiet moments:
Is this all I’ll ever be?
At one of my old jobs, I worked with a doctor who unintentionally changed everything. We catered to nursing homes across Texas, which meant spending long hours in the car together. Our conversations started with small talk and turned into something bigger—deep, honest chats about life and ambition.We even made it a thing:
“Marie’s Career of the Week.”
Because truthfully? I had no clue what I wanted to do.He’d throw out a career idea, I’d Google it like my life depended on it. Over time, I realized something powerful: No matter what path I picked, I had to go back to school. That’s when it clicked.
🎓 COVID, Classes, and Course Corrections
So I did what any newly-inspired person does—I enrolled in online classes right as COVID hit. And just like that… life hit back harder.
Between parenting, working, and trying to stay afloat in a global pandemic, school took a back seat. I stepped away, promising myself I’d “go back later.”
Then, last year—I called my own bluff.
I decided to stop waiting for the perfect time and just go for it. Time to get my degree hotter. (Yes, I said what I said.)
The Hard Part: Studying, Failing & Feeling Cooked
Let me set the record straight—this is not a Disney princess montage where I waltz back into class and everything magically works out.
First semester back? I failed every exam.
And not because I wasn’t trying. But because I had no clue how to study anymore. Apparently, there’s a system to this stuff.Also? I’m older than most of my classmates. Not by decades, but enough to feel it.
And then there’s the slang. One day, a classmate said I looked “cooked.” I still don’t know what that meant. Tired? Dead? Roasted? Either way—I nodded and moved on.
Emotionally, it was rough.
All my life, I was told I was smart. So sitting there, flunking every test? Crushing. But instead of quitting, I pushed through. This semester, I’m passing with 70s—and honestly? That’s progress.
Overcoming the Mental Marathon
Going back to school as an adult isn’t just hard—it’s vulnerable. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 7 million college students are over the age of 25. That’s a whole lot of us chasing dreams after diapers, bills, and burnout. 22.4% of Hispanic or Latina women aged 25 and over actually earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. I want to be included in that 22.4%.
And here’s what’s helping me push forward:
- Caffeine. So much caffeine.
- Visualizing graduation. I picture my parents and kids watching me walk the stage. That keeps me going.
- Remembering this: Time’s gonna pass anyway—might as well pass too.
And honestly? I wouldn’t even be here without that doctor.(Which shout-out to Dr. Moore) He never judged me. He just asked the right questions—the kind that made me stop and think: What do YOU want, Marie?
✨ Why This Story Matters (Maybe Even to You)
I’m sharing this because I know someone out there feels like they missed their shot. Like their goals have an expiration date. Let me say this loud and clear:
You’re not too old. You’re not too late. And your dreams are not canceled.
The obstacles? Yeah, they’re real. But so is your ability to overcome them. Whether it’s failure, imposter syndrome, or Gen Z slang—you’ve got this.
💬 Your turn: What’s made you feel “cooked” recently? Or what dream have you been putting off? Drop it below—I want to cheer you on. ⬇️that’s made YOU feel “cooked” recently? Drop it in the comments below. ⬇️
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Bonus Post : You Are Not Broken: Embracing Sadness and Emotional Validity
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The Realities of Going Back to School: Lessons Learned
When I first went back to school, I thought I’d crush it. Straight A’s. 4.0 GPA. Maybe even get a little “wow she’s so put together” award. I really believed I could just Google my way through everything.
Spoiler alert: You cannot.
Turns out, college professors actually expect you to learn things. The nerve.
Somewhere between crying over assignments and being personally attacked by Canvas notifications, I realized I had it all wrong. I thought success meant perfection. But now?
Success looks like turning things in on time.
It looks like studying not to memorize—but to understand. Like actually understanding the entire test and thinking, “Wait… I’m not dumb?? I just needed to learn how these dang things are set up.” (Character development.)
“School Isn’t for Everyone” and Other Thoughts That Keep Me Up at Night
You ever hit submit on a discussion post and realize you have a soccer tournament, a race, and three exams all in the same week?
Yeah. Same.
There are weeks I wonder, What’s the point? Why am I doing this to myself?
But then I remember: I’m not chasing a grade—I’m chasing freedom.
My Signature Study Method? Crying + Community.
Look, I’ve tried all the “top 10 study tips” on TikTok. I even bought the cute highlighters. But nothing works quite like:
- Crying while rereading Chapter 6
- A good accountability partner who reminds me I’m not a complete failure
- And group study sessions with people who get it—because there’s something healing about studying with others who are also barely hanging on
Studying in a group hits different when you’re all equally confused but still cheering each other on like, “Girl, you totally almost understood that last question.”
Comparison Is a Liar (But I Still Fall for It)
Some days, I catch myself looking at my younger classmates like:
“If I had started when I was 18, I’d be sipping iced coffee in my dream career by now.”But then I remember: I’ve got a whole life outside of school. Kids. Hobbies. A marathon to train for. A bedtime routine that involves reading and falling asleep mid-paragraph.
This isn’t just a school comeback—it’s a whole life glow-up.
The Biggest Lie I Told Myself
“I should be farther by now.”
That sentence right there? It almost stole my peace.
But I’m rewriting the story. I’m realizing that money, titles, and timelines don’t define success. Freedom does.
And this degree? It’s a tool—not just to earn more, but to live more. To be present. To build something for my boys. To show them it’s never too late to reinvent yourself—flip phones and all.
What’s Keeping Me Grounded
Right now, I’m pouring into what I call my pillars (shoutout to The 5AM Club):
- Mindset: Failing doesn’t mean I’m a failure.
- Soulset: Protecting my peace, praying, and letting go of perfection.
- Physical: Marathon training keeps me sane and strong.
- Emotional: Being honest about the hard stuff (like this post).
So no, I’m not a 4.0 student. Yet.
But I am showing up. Learning. Growing.
And redefining success—one slightly late assignment at a time.💬 Your Turn:
What’s one goal you’ve been chasing that made you question your sanity—but also made you proud just for trying? Drop it below—I want to hype you up.☕️ Loved this post? Fuel the next one (or my next long run) with a coffee!
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Spartan Race vs. Savage Race: Which One Will Wreck You Less?
So, you’re thinking about tackling an obstacle course race but don’t know whether to go full beast mode (Spartan Race) or dip your toes in the mud (Savage Race). Lucky for you, I’ve suffered through both, and I’m here to break it down.
1️⃣ Savage Race = Spartan Jr.
Savage Race is basically Spartan’s chill little brother—the one who’s fun at parties and won’t punish you for making mistakes. It has the same general vibe: running, climbing over stuff, crawling through mud… but with one huge difference:
💡 Savage lets you skip obstacles. No shame. No burpees. No judgment.
Spartan, on the other hand? If you fail an obstacle, you either redo it, suffer through burpees, or cry inside while running extra laps. Pick your struggle.
2️⃣ Cost: How Much Does the Suffering Cost?
💰 Savage Race: $100 (Pain at a discount!)
💰 Spartan Race: $195 (You pay more for suffering.)
For almost double the price, Spartan basically throws in mandatory suffering and a bold reminder that burpees are terrible.
3️⃣ Location: Same Battlefield, Different War
Both races took place in Granbury, Texas—aka, a perfectly nice place where I chose to voluntarily roll around in the dirt for hours. The terrain was hilly, muddy, and full of regret no matter which race you picked.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Do?
If you’re new to obstacle course racing, go for Savage Race. You get the full experience without the burpee punishment. If you like a little extra pain (or enjoy expensive suffering), Spartan Race is for you.
✨ Would I do both again?
Yes… but only if my friends join. Because suffering is best enjoyed as a group activity. 😂
Enjoyed this post? Fuel my next long run with a coffee!”
Which one would you try? Drop a comment below! ⬇️
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Spartan Race for Beginners: My Hilariously Terrifying First Experience Spartan Race: A Terrifyingly Fun Bad Decision
I signed up for my first Spartan Race because I saw a group online trying to form a team. I figured, if goals don’t scare you, are they even good goals? So, obviously, I ignored all my instincts and signed up.
I messaged the person organizing the team—only to find out he was just trying to sell me coaching. Hard pass. Funny enough, he had never done a Spartan Race either. 🚩 I ended up registering for the 10K race, even though (fun fact) I was NOT a runner.
I asked my CrossFit coach how to prepare, and she confidently said, CrossFit is enough. So, I stuck to 4-5 days of CrossFit + a Sunday run. (Spoiler: This may have triggered the mile challenge from my other post.)
As race day got closer, I made the brilliant decision to watch Spartan Race videos online. They did NOT help. At all. By race week, I was so nervous I asked my “team” where we were meeting—only to find out none of them actually signed up. 🤡
Mind you, I had never run a 10K, nor did I have any upper body strength. The nerves? HIGH. My gear? Just my phone (with no case) and my ID taped to my body in case someone needed to identify me. Very prepared.
At check-in, I got my race packet, and in bold letters, it read:
“THERE IS A REAL POSSIBILITY YOU MAY DIE.”Naturally, I texted my close friends and family a quick goodbye message. (Dramatic? Yes. Justified? Also yes.)
At the starting line, I spotted a woman standing alone and immediately introduced myself. She was my ticket to survival. 🫡 Turns out, she had done Spartan Races before and gave me the best advice of the day:
💡 Put your phone in a rental locker. Because the course was full of mud, water, and regret.The race itself? Brutal. It took me 2 hours and 21 minutes, and at multiple points, I questioned if I would live to see tomorrow.
My biggest takeaway? Find a race buddy. Because that woman saved my life (probably). Would I do it again? If my friends joined, sure. Alone? Absolutely not. Maybe the 5K though. ( ps you can see my buddy that saved my life )
That day, I learned one thing: Your body will rise to the challenge when it has no other choice.
So, who wants to form an ACTUAL team next time so I don’t get abandoned again? 😂 Let me know in the comments!
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Bonus Post: One Month Sober: Embracing Feelings Without Tequila
One Month Sober: No Tequila, Still Sad 😅
It’s been uno full month since I broke up with tequila… and let’s just say: the cruda emocional is real.
I started this journey because I knew drinking was holding me back—from my goals, my marathon training, my peace. I told myself: “Ya basta. Let’s try a year sober. You got this.”
And now? Estoy aquí… feeling all the feelings. Turns out when you’re not pouring tequila on your emotions, you actually have to feel them. Crazy, right? 😂
I’ve been more llorona than usual, but I’m also more connected to myself than I’ve ever been. I’m not hiding behind “let’s celebrate” or “me lo merezco”—I’m just sitting with my stuff… and it’s not always cute, but it’s real.
I went out recently—everyone around me was taking shots and I won’t lie, I felt left out AF. I almost gave in just to match the vibe, pero I remembered: I love waking up without a hangover más than I love pretending I’m okay with a lime and salt.
Weekends still look the same. Just no drinks, more snacks, and way less regret. Growth? Claro que sí.
11 months to go. If you’re a fellow sober-ish mami out here trying to heal generational trauma one Saturday at a time, te veo.
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What I Wish I Knew Before Training for My First Half Marathon
After my first 5K, I was scrolling through Instagram (as one does after feeling like an Olympian for running three miles) and stumbled upon the Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon. The selling point? You literally cross the Canadian border.
Since I’m always about upping my parents, and they had to cross the Mexican border, I figured I could do better—I’d cross the Canada border… legally and in running shoes. (Don’t worry, Mom, it’s a joke.)
Training Plan
I followed the Nike Running App… loosely. Two or three runs a week, long runs on the weekend, and an attitude that screamed, “How hard could this be?” Turns out, very.
The biggest shock? That tunnel on the way back. Running into a humid, airless, slightly uphill international tunnel when you’ve skipped hill training is like realizing you didn’t study for a test… mid-test. My breathing went rogue.
If I Could Go Back, Here’s What I’d Tell Myself
It’s A Lot of Running
Duh, right? But no one warns you how it takes over your life. Long runs consume weekends, easy runs become non-negotiable, and suddenly, you’re planning your days around when you’ll run, what you’ll eat, and how soon you can nap.
Training Realities: It’s Harder (and More Rewarding) Than Expected
Some days, I felt like a future Olympian. Other days, I questioned every life choice that led me to sign up. But with each run—good or bad—I got stronger.
Common Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)
• Overtraining – More miles don’t always mean better results. Turns out, running on fumes isn’t a training method.
• Ignoring Nutrition – Running without proper fuel is just suffering with extra steps.
• Skipping Rest Days – Thought they were for the weak. Turns out, they’re essential for survival.
Biggest Lessons I Learned
• Consistency > Perfection – Not every run is great, but showing up matters more than pace.
• Mindset is Everything – Your legs can only do so much; your brain has to take over.
• Embrace the Journey – The finish line is cool, but the real magic is in the training.
Takeaway
Half marathon training will push you, challenge you, and make you rethink your hobbies, but it’s worth every mile. If you’re thinking about taking on 13.1, do it. Just train for hills… and maybe avoid signing up on a whim.
One step at a time, one mile at a time—just keep going.
Join my Strava group to track miles, stay motivated, and suffer—I mean, train—together. Because running is more fun when you have people to complain about it with!
Enjoyed this post? Fuel my next long run with a $5 coffee!
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My Journey from Walking to Running: Lessons Learned
I wish I could tell you that my first run was some epic, life-changing moment, but the reality? It wasn’t pretty. In fact, I don’t even remember much about those first few runs. What I do remember is the pain—specifically, the calf pain from running in Converse (I know, cringe). If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to make the worst possible shoe choice for running, I can tell you firsthand—it’s not fun. Eventually, I had to get needling done just to reset my calves. Lesson learned: shoes matter.
How It All Started
I never set out to be a runner. It wasn’t some big, dramatic decision—more of a casual, “Why not?” moment. My best friend and I had a tradition of walking and talking for hours, and one day, we decided to challenge ourselves: Let’s try running a mile.
At first, it was rough. I was out of breath, my legs felt like lead, and the idea of running nonstop seemed impossible. So, I found a method that worked for me—running for the length of a song, no matter how slow, even if I looked like I was walking. Then I’d walk for another song. Slowly, my endurance built up. About a month in, I tried running the whole way, and to my surprise, I did it.
Tracking My Progress
The thing that kept me going? Seeing improvement. I started using Map My Run by Under Armour to track my distance. In the beginning, it was just about hitting that one-mile mark. Seeing those numbers on the app made the progress feel real, even when the runs felt tough.
The Challenge That Pushed Me
My friend is much faster than me, but running was never about keeping up with them. Instead, we each had our own challenges—our own victories. That’s what I love about running. No matter your fitness level, you can start. Even if it’s just walking, it’s a step forward toward something better.
Takeaway
Every runner starts somewhere. It won’t always be pretty, and it definitely won’t always feel easy. But the important thing is to just keep moving. One song, one mile, one step at a time.
Want to Get Started? Join my April Miles, May Smiles Challenge!
If you’re looking for a way to start (or get back into) running, join my April Challenge: Run 50 Miles in 30 Days! It’s all about building consistency, whether you’re running, run-walking, or just getting those miles in however you can.
Join my Strava group for encouragement, accountability, and a community of runners cheering each other on. Let’s do this together! 🚀
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