Tips with Marie

Tag: half-marathon

  • 🏁 Mile 23 Broke Me: How My First Marathon Took Me Apart and Put Me Back Together

    🏁 Mile 23 Broke Me: How My First Marathon Took Me Apart and Put Me Back Together

    By Marie from Tips with Marie

    Let me be clear…

    I did not overthink this. I signed up for a full marathon kind of the way you sign up for a free trial… casually and with zero clue of what’s coming next.

    I didn’t even really look at the course until the week of. That should tell you everything.

    🏃‍♀️ Training? Let’s call it… vibes.

    I joined a local run club and followed whatever schedule they had going on.

    Mondays: 4 miles Tuesdays: Track (when I could keep up) Wednesdays & Fridays: 4 to 6 miles Thursdays: Glorious rest Weekends: Long runs that increased by a mile each week

    I got up to 15 miles, hit a wall, cried a little, backed off, and built back up to 20. Was I ready? Meh. But I knew I was finishing.

    My only real goal: don’t die and maybe sneak in under 5 hours.

    ☀️ Race Day: Energy? Immaculate.

    I woke up on race day like a golden retriever on espresso.

    Happy. Energized. Borderline delusional.

    Pointing up at the Rock ‘n’ Roll arch display

    The first 10 miles? An actual blast.

    I was smiling like I was in a Nike commercial.

    Runner’s high? Baby, I was flying.

    Mile 15–20? Still good. Suspiciously good. Something felt off, but I ignored it because ✨ vibes ✨.

    💥 Mile 23: When Everything Fell Apart

    Mile 20 is where the cracks started. I called my kids. Then my friends. Then my parents. I needed voices that knew my heart.

    At mile 23? Everything hurt. Walking hurt. Running hurt. Stopping hurt.

    And then, the worst pain: my own mind turned against me.

    The self-doubt was so loud. I was mean to myself. Ugly. Cruel.  

    That’s when it hit me:  

    How we talk to ourselves matters. Especially when no one’s watching and everything is on fire

    It felt like a movie.

    I flashed back to the little me. I saw things I had blocked out for years. While still moving forward. My body was done, but something deeper pushed me.

    🏅 The Only Thing That Kept Me Going

    My kids.

    I told them I’d come back with a medal. There was no turning back.

    Every step hurt, but my mantra played on repeat:

    Put in the work. Rest at the end.

    It’s what I tell them before their soccer games. That day, I needed to hear it from them. So I called them again.

    🏁 The Finish Line Felt… Complicated

    I crossed it.

    But I didn’t take pics. I didn’t cry. I didn’t smile.

    I felt numb.

    Instead of joy, I felt like a failure. I thought, “Who do I think I am?”

    And just like that, I stole the moment from myself.

    💤 Aftermath: Grandma Limping + Electrolyte Love

    It took a full week to function again.

    I swore I’d never run another marathon.

    Spoiler alert: I’m already looking for the next race.

    🧠 What the Marathon Gave Me

    It gave me… me. A new me.

    One who understands that the voice in your head can either drown you or carry you.

    One who still has self-doubt, but also a new rule:

    “We don’t stop just because it gets hard.”

    I still sometimes catch myself feeling like I’m failing at life but I’m learning that failure doesn’t define who you are.

    You can always rewrite your story.

    Running stripped me down. And in that rawness, I saw how much I’d been blocking the very things I once prayed for.

    Love. Joy. Peace.

    The marathon didn’t just give me a medal.

    It gave me my power back.

    ✨ Final Thoughts:

    Thinking of running a marathon? Do it.

    Not for the pace. Not for the medal.

    Do it to meet the version of yourself who’s waiting on the other side of pain.

    She’s strong. She’s soft. She puts in the work.

  • Conquering Self-Doubt in Running: A Personal Journey

    Conquering Self-Doubt in Running: A Personal Journey

    “We don’t stop in the middle. We stop at the end.”

    That’s what I always tell my sons. And during my 10K this weekend, it’s what I had to tell myself.

    The Race That Almost Broke Me

    In February, I missed my goal of finishing a 10K under an hour by just two seconds. 1:00:02. I felt crushed.

    This past Saturday, I returned to the same distance with a bigger goal: 55 minutes.

    The conditions? Brutal. The humidity was thick and unforgiving. Not the day to PR.

    But somehow, I did it anyway—58:59.

    And yet, disappointment still crept in… because of that same haunting question:

    “Who do you think you are?”

    That question kept looping in my head mid-race.

    Despite running 6 miles before without issues, I felt like I didn’t belong here. Like I wasn’t that runner.

    But step after step, I chose to fight back.

    I ran on effort—not pace.

    I reminded myself that I’ve earned this.

    And I crossed the line smiling.

    If I Could Tell Her Anything

    If I could go back to the woman who once struggled through her first runs, I’d say:

    “Look at us now.”

    You kept going. You kept showing up. You kept choosing growth. And it mattered.

    The Marathon Mind Games

    Now here I am, one week away from my first marathon. And guess what?

    I’m back in my head again.

    Am I good enough? Should I drop to the half? Can I actually run 26.2 miles?

    It’s not about fitness. It’s about fear.

    But when I reflect on the work I’ve put in… the 5 AM runs, the heat, the cold, the tears—I know this:

    I’ve done enough.

    This marathon isn’t just for me.

    It’s for my sons.

    It’s for every goal I thought was too far-fetched.

    It’s proof that hard things are meant to challenge us—but they’re still worth chasing.

    To You, Who Might Be Doubting Yourself…

    Maybe it’s not a marathon. Maybe it’s motherhood. Or school. Or trying something new that feels impossible.

    This is your reminder that you don’t have to be perfect.

    You just have to keep going.

    Keep refining.

    Keep choosing yourself.

    Life is full of decisions. I hope you pick you.

  • 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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  • 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 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!