Tips with Marie

Author: Marie Puebla

  • Bonus Post : Apple Watch vs Garmin: Which Is Right for You?

    Bonus Post : Apple Watch vs Garmin: Which Is Right for You?

    Let me guess — you’re standing in the middle of Best Buy, confused, overwhelmed, possibly holding an overpriced coffee or matcha, and wondering:
    Do I go Apple? Do I go Garmin? Am I about to make a personality-defining decision?

    Honestly… kinda.
    But here’s the deal: it really depends on what you’re looking for.

    🍎 Team Apple Watch – For the Lifestyle Athlete

    If you’re someone who wants your watch to do a little bit of everything — from replying to texts mid-run to checking your calendar while pretending you’re listening in class (guilty) — the Apple Watch is where it’s at.

    • Seamless iPhone integration
    • Reply to messages and emails from your wrist
    • Can work as a standalone device if you add it to your phone plan
    • Looks good — let’s be real, she’s sleek

    I had my Apple Watch SE for four solid years. That’s a long-term relationship in tech years. It was dependable, cute, and gave me all my notifications without constantly pulling out my phone. But when I got serious about running and training for races, I realized… I needed more.

    🏃‍♀️ Team Garmin – For the Fitness-Obsessed

    Enter: my new love. The Garmin Forerunner.
    Listen. I’ve only had it for a month, but I’m in deep.

    • Custom running workouts
    • Suggested training based on your goals (yes, she’s smart)
    • Ability to save and follow routes
    • Battery life that actually lasts (I go 5 days without charging — Apple could never)

    It’s not as cute or flashy, but it is 100% a runner’s watch. I feel like it gets me. Like, “Oh, you have a marathon coming up? Let’s train smart.”
    Meanwhile, Apple is like, “Your standing goal is almost there, wanna close your rings?” Cute, but… not the same.

    So Which One’s Better?

    If you’re someone who:

    • Loves techy convenience
    • Wants a versatile smartwatch
    • Stays active but not obsessed…

    → Go with Apple Watch.

    If you:

    • Are training for a race (5K to marathon)
    • Like data, stats, and custom training plans
    • Want a watch that’s here for your fitness glow-up

    → Go Garmin all the way.

    Bonus: What About Fitbit?

    Lemme stop you right there. I had one once upon a time. It died in under a year and never came back. RIP, Fitbit.
    It was cute while it lasted, but let’s just say I didn’t go to the funeral.

    Final Thoughts

    Right now, Garmin is my MVP. I’m in my “training for a marathon while juggling school, mom life, and building a running brand” era. I need something that trains with me, not just tracks my steps.

    But if Apple ever drops a watch with Garmin-level training features AND 5-day battery life, I’ll be the first in line.

    👀 Want to Shop the Gear I Mentioned?

    👉 Shop Garmin Forerunner on Amazon
    👉 Shop Apple Watch SE

    (Note: These may be affiliate links. No extra cost to you, but it helps support my blog & running journey!)

  • How a Casual Sunday Walk Turned Me into a Runner

    How a Casual Sunday Walk Turned Me into a Runner

    If you had told me two years ago that I’d be training for a marathon, I would’ve laughed. Running? Not my thing. Sure, I loved sweating and pushing myself, but running felt like a struggle. My journey didn’t start with a big goal—it started with Sunday hangouts, good conversation, and one simple question: Why don’t we try running a mile?

    Sunday Walks That Changed Everything

    Almost two years ago, my best friend and I had a tradition—Sunday catch-ups. We’d grab food, hit the trail, and walk for hours, venting about life, dreaming big, and soaking in the fresh air. Then one day, we switched things up. What if we ran a mile instead of walking?

    At first, it was just for fun—run a little, walk a little, and laugh at how breathless we were. But that one mile turned into two, then three. Before we knew it, running became part of our Sundays.

    The First Race That Changed Everything

    Then came another thought: What if I actually signed up for a race? No deep strategy, just curiosity. So in 2024, I ran my first 5K. I trained, showed up, and when I crossed that finish line, I felt something incredible—the thrill of hard work paying off.

    That feeling stuck. If I could run a 5K, why not go bigger? That’s when I set my sights on a half marathon. The Detroit International Half caught my eye—it combined my new love for running with my passion for solo travel. Perfect challenge, perfect adventure.

    From Casual Runner to Chasing Big Goals

    I never planned to be a runner. But as I kept going, my love for it grew. What started as a fun Sunday routine turned into something I wanted to push myself in. A 5K became a half marathon. Now, I’m training for a full marathon—because stopping at 13.1 miles feels like stopping halfway, and I don’t do things halfway.

    I don’t know where this journey will take me, but I do know one thing: It all started with a casual Sunday walk and a simple question—Why don’t we try running a mile?

  • Pushing Through: Beating the “I Don’t Want to Run” Mentality

    Pushing Through: Beating the “I Don’t Want to Run” Mentality

    What’s an excuse you’ve used to skip a run? Too tired? Too busy? The weather isn’t perfect? We all have those “I don’t want to run today” moments.

    For me, negativity creeps in early—especially when my 4:30 AM alarm goes off. The temptation to stay in bed is real. But when I start making excuses, I ask myself one simple question: Why am I doing this?

    The Struggle is Real: Common Challenges

    My biggest obstacles?
    📌 School Stress – Deadlines make morning runs feel like a luxury.
    📌 Mom Duties – Soccer practices, school events… life is busy.
    📌 Exhaustion – I tell myself I need rest, but most of the time, it’s my mind looking for an easy way out.

    But here’s the thing: I’ve never regretted a run once I’ve started.

    How I Push Through

    When motivation is at zero, I use these tricks:
    ✅ The Bare Minimum Rule – Just start with 10 minutes. Usually, I keep going.
    ✅ Bribing Myself – “If you run, you can have that coffee.” Small rewards work.
    ✅ Showing Up for Myself – If I can commit to work, why not commit to me?

    Finding Your Why

    On tough days, I remind myself:
    🏃‍♀️ I want my boys to be proud of me.
    🏃‍♀️ I want to be strong, fit, and set an example.
    🏃‍♀️ I want to prove to myself that I can push through.

    Motivation isn’t always there, but discipline is. Every run gets me closer to my goal. If you’re struggling, ask yourself: What’s your why?

    Now, go chase it. 💪🔥

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  • Alcohol Guilt & the Decision to Choose Sobriety

    Alcohol Guilt & the Decision to Choose Sobriety

    I’ve been wanting to go on this journey for over a year now. The idea of quitting alcohol has always been in the back of my mind, but social drinking has felt like such a big part of my life. I would tell myself that I deserved to “let loose” after handling my responsibilities—being a good mom, staying on top of school, running my household. I used drinking as a reward.

    But this past weekend, I was reminded why I’ve been wanting to make this change. I had “only” two drinks, and in just three hours, I was super drunk. The next morning, I woke up feeling the same way I always do—full of anxiety, regret, and frustration. Even if nothing “bad” happened, the blackout, the loss of control, and the overwhelming guilt were enough to make me realize: one drink is never just one drink for me.

    Last year, I tried to take a break from drinking, but I spent a whole month “celebrating” my first half marathon win with alcohol. By the time I got to my second race, I felt the difference. My training suffered, my energy was low, and I knew deep down that drinking was holding me back from being my best self. Marathon training saved me once, and I know that choosing sobriety will do the same.

    For a long time, I told myself that alcohol = fun. That if I was drinking, then I didn’t have problems. That I wasn’t drinking because of my problems, I was drinking to have a good time. But the truth is, drinking doesn’t take my problems away—it just postpones them. And when I wake up the next day, the problems are still there… but now, I feel even worse.

    So, I’m making a promise. To myself, to my kids, and to God: For the next year, I will not drink. I want to see what life looks like without alcohol clouding my progress. I want to fully commit to my marathon training, to my goals, and to showing up for myself every single day. I’m lucky to have a close friend on this journey with me, holding me accountable. And I’m setting boundaries to avoid situations where I know temptation will be high.

    If you’ve ever struggled with alcohol guilt—if you’ve ever woken up feeling anxious, regretting the night before, promising yourself you’ll “cut back” only to find yourself in the same cycle—I see you. You’re not alone. And if you’re thinking about making a change, I hope this post reminds you that you can.

    Here’s to a new chapter. Here’s to clarity, control, and becoming the best version of myself.

    If you ever need someone to talk to about doing this, I’m just a comment away. To romanticize this new adventure, I bought myself a ring as a symbol of commitment—proof that I can do this. And hey, it was also a great excuse to reward myself for embarking on this journey.

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  • Overcoming Mom Guilt During Marathon Training: Running for Me, Running for Them

    Overcoming Mom Guilt During Marathon Training: Running for Me, Running for Them

    The First Time Mom Guilt Hit Me Hard

    The first time I skipped a slow Saturday morning at home for a long run, I felt it—that little voice whispering, “Shouldn’t you be spending this time with your kids?” I could have been playing with them, watching cartoons, or just soaking up a lazy morning together. But instead, I was out running miles that, for some reason, felt like they were pulling me away from them.

    The guilt settled in fast. Was I being selfish? Was this time for me taking something from them?

    At first, every mile felt like a trade-off. But then something changed.

    The Moment It Clicked

    One day, while watching my boys at soccer practice, I had a realization:

    💡 I don’t want to be the mom on the sidelines who can’t keep up.

    💡 I don’t want to be the mom who sits out because of health issues.

    💡 I don’t want to be the mom who tells her kids to chase their dreams but is too afraid to chase her own.

    That’s when I knew—I wasn’t just running for myself. I was running for them, too.

    Now, My Kids Embrace My Running

    At this point, running is just part of who I am in their eyes. If someone asks, “Where’s Mom?” My boys don’t even hesitate:

    🏃‍♀️ “Oh, she’s running.”

    🏃‍♀️ “She did 10 miles this morning!”

    🏃‍♀️ “Mom, why didn’t you do 11 miles?” (Tough crowd, I know.)

    They don’t see my training as time away from them anymore. They see it as something that makes me stronger, happier, and better for them.

    In fact, my son just asked to sign up for his first race. He’s running his first 1K in April. And that? That makes my heart explode.

    The Guilt Never Fully Goes Away—And That’s Okay

    I won’t lie—the guilt still sneaks in sometimes. That little voice still whispers, “Should you be home instead?” But here’s what gives me peace:

    💛 I make the time away from them count.

    💛 I know they’re proud of me, just like I’m proud of them.

    💛 I’m setting an example—not just telling them to dream big, but showing them how.

    Mom guilt will always be there in some form, but now, instead of feeling selfish, I remind myself:

    ✨ I’m not running away from them. I’m running for them. ✨

    To the Moms Out There Who Feel Guilty About Taking Time for Themselves…

    I see you. I feel you. But let me tell you this: taking care of yourself is taking care of your kids, too. You are teaching them to prioritize health, happiness, and chasing big goals.

    So lace up your shoes. Run the miles. Come home sweaty, tired, and proud. Because one day, your kids might just ask to run beside you. 💛🏃‍♀️

  • My Weekly Marathon Training Plan (Busy Mom Edition!)

    My Weekly Marathon Training Plan (Busy Mom Edition!)

    Hi, friends! Welcome back to the organized chaos I call my life. February has been a sprint to the finish with my 100-mile running challenge. With just a few days left—and a calendar loaded with soccer games, tests, and yes, my birthday—I’m fitting in these final 18 miles!

    Here’s what my week looks like:

    • Monday: Easy 3 miles—gentle start to a jam-packed week, followed by studying and catching up on deadlines.
    • Tuesday (my birthday!): Hill repeats (~3 miles)—nothing like a hill workout to remind me I’m another year stronger! Then double soccer duty for both boys.
    • Wednesday: Easy 8 miles—midweek cruise control, plus my youngest son’s soccer game.
    • Thursday: Tempo run (4-6 miles)—quick miles squeezed between studying and soccer practice.
    • Friday : Easy 6 miles, plus a critical midterm retake test—send coffee!
    • Saturday: REST DAY—soccer mom duty, studying and lots of stretching. Trust me, rest days are lifesavers.
    • Sunday: Long run day! Re-doing a 14-mile run—wish me luck!

    How do I make it work?

    Planners!!! With a jam-packed schedule, I use calendar reminders to keep me running on time and organized during the day.

    For running, I use Strava to keep track of my distance and progress.

    Real talk

    This week is wild, with exams and extra games, but flexibility and coffee get me through. Remember, balance isn’t always perfect—but effort counts big time!

    Next up: “ Over coming mom guilt during Marathon Training “

  • Why I’m Training for My First Marathon while being a full-time student and Mom

    Why I’m Training for My First Marathon while being a full-time student and Mom

    THE CRAZY IDEA THAT STARTED IT ALL

    If someone had told me a year ago that:I would quit my job, start full-time school, train for a 26.2-mile race while also juggling raising two athletes and life. I’d probably nod my head and say, “Yup, that sounds like me.”

    I’m not just running this race for myself; I’m running it to prove that even with a packed schedule, BIG responsibilities, and a million distractions, it is possible to chase ambitious goals.

    BALANCING RUNNING, SCHOOL,AND MOM LIFE.

    Real- life is already busy. Between attending college full time, making sure my kids get to soccer practice, and managing daily responsibilities, squeezing in marathon training sounds like a great idea (kidding).

    But here’s the thing: running gives me structure, discipline, and a mental reset.

    • Early Morning runs
      5 am runs make me feel accomplished
    • Training forces me to prioritize my time better.
      I can’t afford to procrastinate with assignments when I know I have a tournament scheduled at the last minute, as they seem to come.
    • It is also my ME TIME
      The one part of the day that is purely for me, no deadlines, no mom duties, nothing to define who I am but me and my endless thoughts of imagination.

    The bigger goal:

    Im not just running this marathon to check it off a bucket list- i have BIG, SCARY GOALLL: to one day qualify for the Boston Marathon. That means cutting down my pace, pushing my limits, and staying committed even when training gets tough.

    Will I hit my BQ time in my first marathon? Probably not. But I know that this first step is what will get me there eventually.

    What I Hope To Share on This Blog

    I started Tips with Marie to document this journey, the wins, the struggles, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or someone thinking about running your first race. I hope my story inspires you to go after your own goals.

    I’ll be sharing

    • Training updates
    • Race Prep Tips
    • How i fit marathon training into a chaotic schedule
    • Gear reviews, fueling strategies, and lessons learned from my training journey.

    If you’re a fellow runner ( or thinking about becoming one) lets connect! Drop a comment below or follow me on instagram @tipswith_marie to follow my journey.

    NEXT UP : my weekly marathon training plan- How i make it all fit, stay tuned!