Tips with Marie

Category: lifestyle

  • Understanding My Sleep Struggles: A Candid Review

    Understanding My Sleep Struggles: A Candid Review

    Listen… I checked my sleep data for the week, and honestly?
    My circadian rhythm is fighting for its life.

    As someone who runs, lifts, trains for HYROX, parents, studies accounting, and still tries to pretend she’s thriving… I knew I was tired.
    But the numbers said: “Girl. Sit down.”

    So let’s talk about what my sleep schedule actually says about me this week and how you can learn from it before your body files an HR complaint.

    My Body Wants Routine… I’m Just Disrespectful

    My average bedtime: 11:23 PM
    My average wake time: 5:30 AM

    This means my body is TRYING to be consistent.
    Like, she’s there. She’s ready.
    She’s clocking in for the night shift.

    But am I giving her enough hours to recover from CrossFit, running, mom duties, and life?
    Absolutely not.

    It’s giving:
    “I love discipline but also love chaos.”

    The Sleep Hours Are Embarrassing

    If sleep was a relationship, I’d be the toxic one.

    For someone who asks a LOT from their body: strength, endurance, patience with children who yell at Fortnite this is not enough.

    Saturday Ruined Everything

    Let’s be honest.

    One night of 3.5 hours of sleep will absolutely:

    • spike stress hormones
    • crush recovery
    • make you crave sugar
    • ruin your mood
    • make your training feel heavy
    • and have you fighting invisible enemies all day

    That one night dragged my weekly score down like a toxic ex.

    But My Wake Time Is Loyal

    Despite all the chaos, my circadian rhythm said:

    “I don’t care what time you went to sleep. We wake up at 5:30.”

    This type of commitment… I wish my kids had when it’s time to get ready.

    A consistent wake time is actually amazing for your internal clock.
    It stabilizes hormones, energy, hunger cues all of it.

    But the problem?
    I’m waking up consistently tired.

    My Sleep Score Knows I’m Struggling

    Anytime I gave my body 7+ hours, my sleep score jumped into the 70s and 80s.

    Anytime I acted dumb?
    Score dropped into the 40s.

    My watch said:
    “You want to be a high-performance athlete AND a full-time student?
    Okay, but you need to SLEEP first, ma’am.”

    So What Does This All Mean?

    My circadian rhythm is actually solid.
    It knows what it wants.

    But my sleep habits do NOT match my lifestyle.
    I’m asking my body to run a marathon on iPhone battery level 5%.

    Between training, kids, school, and running a whole gym community…
    I need 7–8 hours. Minimum.

    Right now, I’m averaging about 5.7.

    My rhythm is steady…
    but severely under-supported.

    Same, girl. Same.

    Practical Tips to Actually Improve Your Sleep (Not Just Manifest It)

    Here are the things that ACTUALLY help — backed by science AND tested by “I wake up at 5:30 whether I like it or not” energy:

    1. Set a Realistic Bedtime

    Aim for 10:30 PM if you wake up at 5:30.
    Yes, I know. Yes, I’m also fighting for my life about it.

    2. Create a “Shut Down” Routine

    Your body needs signals that sleep is coming:

    • turn off bright lights
    • stop scrolling
    • stretch for 2 minutes
    • drink water
    • wipe your counters like a dramatic Latina mom

    3. Limit late caffeine

    A 5 PM cold brew?
    She’s cute but she’s treating you wrong.

    4. Reduce hyper-stimulation at night

    That includes:

    • stress-cleaning
    • intense workouts
    • rapid-fire texting
    • TikTok rabbit holes about “9 things ruining your life”

    5. Keep your wake time consistent

    THIS is your superpower.
    You’re already nailing the hardest part.

    6. Support recovery around your training

    If you’re running, lifting, and parenting —
    You need sleep the way your car needs gas.
    No gas = no go.

    Conclusion: Your Body Is Doing Its Best — Help Her Out

    Your circadian rhythm isn’t the problem.
    Your schedule isn’t the problem.
    Even your early wake-up time isn’t the problem.

    The real issue is that you’re doing high-performance things on low-performance sleep.

    If you want:

    • better runs
    • better lifts
    • better mood
    • better recovery
    • better discipline

    …you need more sleep than what you’re currently giving yourself.

    Your goals deserve a rested version of you, not the exhausted, “don’t talk to me” gremlin version.

  • ✨ Stepping Into My Calling (AKA: God Said “Get Up Girl, It’s Time”)

    ✨ Stepping Into My Calling (AKA: God Said “Get Up Girl, It’s Time”)

    If you would’ve told me a few years ago that I’d be writing a blog about becoming a coach, I would’ve said “cállate” and kept scrolling. Truly.

    But here we are because lately God has been dropping hints on me like I’m the main character in a movie and the plot twist is:

    “You’re meant for more. Get up.”

    And honestly?
    I feel it.

    The Signs Have Been Loud (Like Me)

    Let’s be real… I’ve been getting signs left and right:

    • People constantly asking me if what they’re feeling in training is normal
    • Friends coming to me with their life crises (I ask one question and suddenly we’re unpacking entire childhoods)
    • Becoming community coordinator at my gym
    • Being trusted to plan events, partner with brands, and lead people
    • My Run With Discipline journal becoming real
    • Creating a free 7-day discipline guide
    • Running, CrossFit, Hyrox, mom life… all the chaos
    • Being asked for advice like I’m everyone’s personal therapist/coach
    • God opening doors I never even knocked on

    After a while I had to sit back like:
    Okay God… I see you. Stop yelling. I’m coming.

    Why Coaching? Because People Who Feel Lost Are My People

    I don’t want to coach elite athletes.
    I don’t want to coach perfect people.
    I don’t want to coach people who have it all figured out.

    No.

    I want to coach the ones who say:

    • “I want to start… but I don’t even know where to begin.”
    • “I feel lost but I want to feel strong again.”
    • “I want to be consistent but also I’m tired.”
    • “I want to show up for myself the same way I show up for everyone else.”

    These are my people.
    These are the ones I feel called to serve.

    My Mission (Read This in My Voice)

    Discipline. Sustainable fitness.
    And remembering you are more than the titles given to you.

    If you can show up for a job you don’t love, you can show up for a life you DO love.

    If you would die for your kids, maybe it’s time you live for them.

    You deserve confidence.
    You deserve strength.
    You deserve to feel like YOU again.

    My Coaching Style? A Mix of “I Love You” and “Get It Together”

    I’m the coach who will:

    • hype you up
    • remind you who tf you are
    • make you laugh when you want to cry
    • hold you accountable
    • give you discipline tools
    • encourage your growth
    • tell you “cállate” when you start making excuses
    • lovingly bully you into greatness

    I’m not here to be perfect.
    I’m here to walk with you and guide you through the messy, beautiful beginning stages of change.

    What My Coaching Will Focus On

    This is NOT a bootcamp.
    This is NOT a “lose 20 lbs in 2 weeks” program.
    This is NOT a “be perfect or else” moment.

    This is about building the foundation:

    • Discipline
    • Mindset
    • Beginner-friendly fitness
    • Simple routines that actually work
    • Goals you’ll follow through with
    • Sustainable habits
    • Accountability
    • Community
    • Purpose

    We’re rebuilding your life one choice at a time.

    The Soft Launch (Because Bestie Is Pacing Herself)

    I’m not doing a dramatic “COMING SOON” trailer.
    I’m easing in. Soft girl era but with discipline.

    Over the next few weeks, I’m rolling out:

    ✨ A free 7-day Discipline Reset ebook
    ✨ A beginner-friendly workshop at my gym
    ✨ A run clinic (because y’all keep asking)
    ✨ A few limited coaching spots for people ready to begin
    If you’ve been wanting to change your life — but you feel overwhelmed, lost, or unsure where to start — I’m building this space for you.

    Want In? Stay Close.

    You can:

    • 💌 Join my newsletter
    • 📩 DM me on Instagram @tipswith_marie
    • 👀 Watch for announcements
    • 🙋‍♀️ Join the waitlist for coaching or my upcoming events

    This is the beginning of something I’ve been prepared for without even realizing it.

    Thank you for reading, for supporting, and for walking with me.

    And if you read all of this…
    cállate, you love me.

    — Marie
    Run With Discipline™

  • Training as a Mom: Juggling CrossFit, Kids, and Life

    Training as a Mom: Juggling CrossFit, Kids, and Life

    At 5AM, I’m loading a barbell. By 7AM, I’m loading backpacks. Somewhere in between, I’m loading my heart with the truth that strength starts inside.

    Barbell

    This season of my life is full. Full of CrossFit, Hyrox training, school drop-offs, soccer practices, and bedtime stories. But I wouldn’t trade it, because every rep, every run, every shuffle from the gym to the soccer field is shaping not just my body, but my mindset.

    Why I’m Back in the CrossFit

    Earlier this year, I pressed pause on CrossFit to focus on marathon training. Running was my main goal, and I poured myself into it. But as much as I loved the miles, I missed the barbell. I missed the feeling of strength building in my body, the way CrossFit keeps you ready for real life movements, and most of all. I missed the community.

    CrossFit isn’t just a workout for me. It’s high-fives after a tough WOD (workout of the day). It’s celebrating small wins with people who genuinely want to see you succeed. It’s pushing myself in ways I never thought possible, surrounded by people who believe I can.

    Right now, I’m splitting my time between CrossFit four days a week and Hyrox training twice a week, with two small-mile run days to keep my endurance up (2 miles running + 2 miles walking). Originally, I had my heart set on Hyrox in November, but the event sold out. So now I’m eyeing a CrossFit competition in October instead.

    Strava log August 11 , 2025

    A Recent Win That Lit Me Up

    I just completed a Hyrox simulator, and it left me buzzing with motivation. It was one of those workouts where your lungs burn, your legs scream, and you feel so alive you can’t wait to do it again. That’s the kind of energy I want to carry into competition season. Whether that’s Hyrox, CrossFit, or both.

    Video of Hyrox simulator

    Training as a Mom of Two

    The hardest part? Balancing my own training with my kids’ schedules. At 5 and 7, they’re in year-round soccer, which means weekday practices and weekend games. My workouts have to be planned around their routines but I’ve learned that discipline isn’t just about sticking to my schedule. It’s about finding a rhythm that works for the whole family.

    Some days, that means I’m training before the sun comes up. Other days, I squeeze in a session between school pickup and practice drop-off. It’s not perfect, but it’s possible.

    Faith in the Grind

    My faith shapes how I approach training. I believe in treating my body as a temple fueling it well, challenging it, and also resting it. But just as important is feeding my mind and spirit. Lately, I’ve been deepening my Bible study time, and I’ve found that my spiritual strength and physical strength go hand in hand.

    Every time I train, I thank God for the ability to move. Every time I hit a PR or finish a tough workout, I remember it’s by His grace that I’m able to do it.

    For the Moms Chasing Big Goals

    If I could give one piece of advice to another busy mom chasing big goals, it’s this:

    Don’t wait for the “perfect” season — train in the one you’re in. Your schedule may be messy. Your time may be short. But the discipline you build now will carry into every other part of your life.

    Whether it’s CrossFit, Hyrox, running, or just chasing your kids around the yard. You are stronger than you think.

    Your Turn:

    What’s the big goal you’re training for right now? Drop it in the comments. I’d love to cheer you on.

    And if you want to get updates on my training, faith, and tips for balancing it all, join my email list. I’m working on something special for women who want to be strong in every season.

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  • June felt like a finish line and a starting point all at once.

    I ran my first marathon this month.

    Twenty-six point freaking two miles.

    A distance I once thought only existed in movies and Boston qualifications, and now it’s part of my story. Not just a medal or a Strava entry, but proof of every 5 AM wake-up, every Sunday long run, every time I said “yes” to the uncomfortable.

    But that wasn’t even the most transformational part of my month.

    Earlier in June, I went on a spiritual retreat with my mom. We shared silence. Tears. Laughter. Prayers. It was healing in a way that no gym or run ever could be. Our bond feels deeper. Like we’re finally seeing each other—not just as mother and daughter, but as two women trying to be whole.

    I also started this blog.

    Back in February, I hit “publish” on my first ever blog post.

    What started as a space to talk about running quickly turned into something more—

    a journal, a mission, a reset button.

    I called it Tips with Marie, but in many ways, it’s been a love letter to myself.

    To the woman rebuilding her life.

    To the mom learning how to chase her goals without guilt.

    To anyone out there trying to figure it all out mid-stride.

    I never expected to grow so much, or feel so seen just by writing out my truth. And honestly? I’m just getting started.

    June Was a Wake-Up Call

    This month forced me to confront some hard truths:

    I had been overtraining but underhealing. I was chasing “strong” but avoiding softness. I wanted discipline but forgot to practice grace.

    So I pivoted.

    I joined a new CrossFit gym—not just for the gains, but for the community and a clean slate. I’m learning to find strength without burnout. Progress without punishment.

    The Halfway Check-In: 2025 Goals

    We’re halfway through the year, so let’s rewind to what I set out to do in January.

    Goals I set at the beginning of the year:

    ✅ Run a marathon

    ✅ Get closer to my mom

    ✅ Build my blog/brand

    ✅ Wake up at 5 AM consistently

    ✅ Stay sober

    ✅ Pass my classes

    ⚠️ Heal emotionally

    ⚠️ Get financially free

    ⚠️ Believe I’m enough

    Some boxes are checked. Some are still messy.

    But growth isn’t linear, and I’ve stopped expecting perfection from the woman who’s still becoming.

    What’s Next?

    I’m not chasing a “new me.”

    I’m coming home to her.

    July isn’t about hustling harder. It’s about refining the habits that already work.

    Running to feel alive, not just fast.

    Eating to fuel, not to fix.

    Writing to process, not perform.

    Loving myself without conditions.

    I’ll keep choosing discipline over drama, faith over fear, and purpose over pressure.

    Let’s see where the next six months take us.

    This isn’t the end. It’s the halfway magic.

    Want to reflect with me?

    Here’s a journaling prompt you can use:

    📝 What have you already accomplished this year that you didn’t celebrate enough?

    📝 What part of your January self would be proud of you today?

    📝 What are you ready to release before you step into the next half of 2025?

  • Dear 18-Year-Old Me: You Didn’t Fail. You Just Started Differently.

    Dear 18-Year-Old Me: You Didn’t Fail. You Just Started Differently.

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  • Rediscovering Yourself as a Mom: A Personal Journey

    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)!

    Leave a comment

  • Bonus Post : You Are Not Broken: Embracing Sadness and Emotional Validity

    Bonus Post : You Are Not Broken: Embracing Sadness and Emotional Validity

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  • The Realities of Going Back to School: Lessons Learned

    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?

    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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  • Bonus Post: One Month Sober: Embracing Feelings Without Tequila

    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.