Tips with Marie

Tag: mom

  • 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?

  • 🏁 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.

  • 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)!

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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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  • 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!