Tips with Marie

Tag: running

  • 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?

  • 🏁 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.

  • 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! 🚀