Mental Trickery – My Accidental Learning

Over the last 14 months or so I've been returning from a long bout of injury, and working with a coach for the first time. One of the things that has helped me improve my speed (one of my big goals) while also not pushing my body into a dangerous zone, has been intervals. With …

On Running Solo

It feels like at least once a week, someone on social media comments about how the beauty of running is meeting people and running with others. For me, these comments always make me take a deep breath, and step away from my phone. There's a lot wrapped up in how and why people run, and …

How to celebrate National Running Day if you can’t run

As a runner, National Running Day is one of my favorite made up holidays. This year, I know I'm not alone when I want to shut down social media on June 1st because this year, I can't run.  What's a runner to do? Volunteer Serve water, beer or post-run snacks at your local running club. …

Nike Run Club+ LunarEpic Launch Party & LunarEpic Review

A few weeks ago I posted about being invited to participate in a group run and launch party with Nike Run Club+ here in Chicago.     When the day arrived, I was less excited, because it was cold (around 25 degrees), windy (gusts of over 30 mph), and snowing. Those are not ideal running conditions! …

New age group… New year… New goals

It's been a while since I've a) posted my goals and b) posted consistently.  I enter November a year older, and *gasp* in a new age group. *Shakes head in disbelief* Given my paces and that I tend to run, this means basically nothing, other than that I'm getting older.  This month, I officially embark …

This is Home: My Chicago Marathon

"It's good to be home." Nine days after my first Chicago Marathon, I said that to myself as my cab pulled around the curve near McCormick Place onto Lakeshore Drive coming home from a quick work trip to Houston. I looked at the skyline, took in every inch of Soldier Field as we drove by, …

Making time for Marathon Training

As I've discussed at least once a month, my life can get a little crazy. Oh wait, that's basically ever person alive, right? Add training for a race into this equation and I know I'm also not alone when people in your life question regularly ask "how do you find time?" or "I just don't …

Run Where I Live: Chicago

I'm participating in a virtual running journey link-up thanks to Danielle from LiveRunGrow.com. Be sure to check out all the great places to run, and feel free to add your own, just send Danielle your link! I've been in Chicago for a little over a year now, and I have to say, it's probably my …

Getting sick during Marathon Training

After traveling for almost 2 weeks, months of stress at work, and not eating my usual healthy diet, my body gave in last weekend. It started with me feeling dizzy and lightheaded. Then became a hoarse voice and congested head, and then came the fever. At one point, I wasn't sure I was ever going …

So you want to run in the rain

I'm convinced that I'm some sort of unlucky charm for rain on race day. Both of my spring Halfs this year were rainy. Thankfully only one of them was a complete downpour.     In all, I've run 4 of my 12 half marathons in the rain. I've killed an iPod. I learned the hard way …