Tips with Marie

Category: fitness

  • 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?

  • 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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  • Spartan Race for Beginners: My Hilariously Terrifying First Experience Spartan Race: A Terrifyingly Fun Bad Decision

    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!

    If you found my blog valuable, please donate a coffee

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  • What I Wish I Knew Before Training for My First Half Marathon

    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!

  • My Journey from Walking to Running: Lessons Learned

    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! 🚀

  • 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!