Tips with Marie

Tag: training

  • How a Casual Sunday Walk Turned Me into a Runner

    How a Casual Sunday Walk Turned Me into a Runner

    If you had told me two years ago that I’d be training for a marathon, I would’ve laughed. Running? Not my thing. Sure, I loved sweating and pushing myself, but running felt like a struggle. My journey didn’t start with a big goal—it started with Sunday hangouts, good conversation, and one simple question: Why don’t we try running a mile?

    Sunday Walks That Changed Everything

    Almost two years ago, my best friend and I had a tradition—Sunday catch-ups. We’d grab food, hit the trail, and walk for hours, venting about life, dreaming big, and soaking in the fresh air. Then one day, we switched things up. What if we ran a mile instead of walking?

    At first, it was just for fun—run a little, walk a little, and laugh at how breathless we were. But that one mile turned into two, then three. Before we knew it, running became part of our Sundays.

    The First Race That Changed Everything

    Then came another thought: What if I actually signed up for a race? No deep strategy, just curiosity. So in 2024, I ran my first 5K. I trained, showed up, and when I crossed that finish line, I felt something incredible—the thrill of hard work paying off.

    That feeling stuck. If I could run a 5K, why not go bigger? That’s when I set my sights on a half marathon. The Detroit International Half caught my eye—it combined my new love for running with my passion for solo travel. Perfect challenge, perfect adventure.

    From Casual Runner to Chasing Big Goals

    I never planned to be a runner. But as I kept going, my love for it grew. What started as a fun Sunday routine turned into something I wanted to push myself in. A 5K became a half marathon. Now, I’m training for a full marathon—because stopping at 13.1 miles feels like stopping halfway, and I don’t do things halfway.

    I don’t know where this journey will take me, but I do know one thing: It all started with a casual Sunday walk and a simple question—Why don’t we try running a mile?

  • 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!