Category Archives: motivation

Hello from the South Shore, MA! We’ve had a busy spring and summer so far with a big move to the ‘burbs from Boston. I am still mourning the move from my favorite city, but we aren’t too far and I am happy to have more space. We are finally all settled into the new house after two months of updates and are getting into a routine. Mark had his first lawn mowing experience yesterday after a nearly two decade hiatus. The suburban life is definitely growing on us!

Meanwhile I am scouting out running routes and new running partners (already missing the C-town crew of course, but I will be back in!) in my new town. As the temps have risen a bit and we prepare for a heat wave (talking 96+ degrees which is SO HOT for MASS!), I joined the local planet fitness gym and have also supplemented with OrangeTheory. I am a little late to the game with OT, but it’s such a good workout. Just so much data- almost overwhelming, but I know that it’s addicting and fun. I can still feel my arms from last week’s workout as I haven’t lifted anything more than my 25 lbs one year old in months. I love the rowing machine aspect of OT as well- something totally different in which I am developing my skills.

Continue reading “Heat Wave’s Coming & Some Updates!”

Note: this post was originally written by me for Run Farther and Faster blog.

Some weeks can be particularly chaotic, consistent with the regular ups and downs of life. Needless to say, the moments of stress do not inspire me to lace up my running shoes and head out for a run. However, there have been workouts where I set out feeling down, but returned home afterward flowing with energy, with a clear mindset and perspective, and a more positive attitude. During these runs, I could feel my outlook change as my Garmin beeped at each mile marker. I was so thankful that I had chosen to run, mostly because it has become a habit of mine.

There are many ways to manage the rollercoasters of life- whether it be sitting back, breathing through your frustrations and letting the anger or sadness pass via meditation, or more proactively working against the angst through active pursuits such as running or another favorite form of exercise. Everyone can benefit from habitually getting outside and being active in some way on both emotionally down days as well as those feel-good days. You won’t ever regret regularly spending some of your valuable time participating in a mind-clearing activity such as running- you will only regret not doing it.

PC: @meredithmckee @Wanderlust

Continue reading “How to Make Running a Habit”

Hope you all had a great weekend! Mine included relaxing/seeing family and friends/eating a lot of delicious food/running a half marathon yesterday. I ended up finishing the half with a new PR! I am excited because it gives me a confidence boost for my upcoming marathon in Phoenix. More about the half in another post!

In November, 2014, I ran the Philadelphia marathon in 4 hours and 3 minutes. After crossing the finish line (my 11^th marathon), although I felt fatigued as anyone would after running 26.2 miles- I did not feel like I had pushed my body to the maximum. I felt that I still had some strength in me- maybe not at that exact moment of crossing the line, but in the hours, days, weeks following the race.

Finish line @Philly Marathon

Continue reading “How to Improve Your Marathon Finish Time”