Fit Mom – Run Read Repeat

Why run for the Boston Public Library Fund?

Obviously if you are going to run for a charity it needs to be important to you and connected to your why. So, why the Boston Public Library Fund? Here’s what I said on my application for the team:

Application: Why do you want to run for Team PBL?

Answer: To say that I’ve spent my life hopping from library to library is an understatement. I have deep memories that date back to my elementary school days of volunteering in the school library. I can clearly picture the librarian, Mrs. Breakstone- the card catalog system the comfort of being surrounded by books. I have similar memories in Junior High and Senior HS. One constant regardless of the school was that I was volunteering in the library. I imagine it’s my love of books that had me in the library as a student. The love of books has continued and been passed down to my children, ages 10 and 12. As I type this it seems really evident that I should most definitely have become a librarian. But I was fixated on becoming a lawyer, which I did and also involved a lot of time in a library! But after having children, I was drawn to education and back to the library. During the onset of Covid I became a substitute teacher to help bridge the gap during in person learning. Any guesses about where I was stationed…correct the library.

Running a race for charity has to be highly personal. You have to believe deeply in the cause and the mission to ask other people for money. When things get tough you have to draw on that sense of purpose of why you are doing something. While I do not live in Boston, I know the importance of the library to the community and the broad depth of the programming that you offer. I serve on a local library board, so I feel a connection to the importance of public libraries and what they contribute to the community.

Whenever I finish a race- my boys ask “which marathon are WE running next?” I always chuckle about the we part because I’m the one doing all the running. The answer has always been the same…BOSTON. They even got me the Run Boston hat as a reminder. The reality is that while they aren’t doing the running- they have always been part of the process. From chatting to me on the treadmill during my early morning training runs, to brainstorming ways to raise dollars for charity, to being out on the course with my husband to support me. As much as books are an integral part of our every day I can’t imagine how excited they would be to hear that we are going to fundraise for the BPL.(Read about their response below). For them and me it would be a dream come true to combine my passion of running and reading while accomplishing the unicorn marathon.

Application: Please tell us something interesting about yourself.

Answer: I’m a mom to two boys, who pivoted her entire professional life when they were born. While I don’t regret getting a law degree (truly got to have my dream job!), as it provides me a foundation for much of my work as it relates to critical thinking and putting systems into place for our independent day school- I’ve thought more than once about going back to school to obtain my library science degree. I feel blessed to be able to work at the same place my children go to school.

In the mean time I share my love of reading and book in general in other ways- like blogging about them or sharing on social media. My blog website is literally- runreadrepeat.com. I started a book club at work. We have been meeting for nearly two years. Each month the group comes up with a genre and I put together 5-6 books for everyone to consider. Then we vote- so we all have ownership over the book. Some have been winners- others less so but it has really helped build a sense of community among a group of us who know that we all enjoy reading.

I also enjoy meeting authors and attending author events, especially those presented as public library fundraisers. My best friend from college and I plan our annual get together around traveling to an author event. I’m so excited because this coming week I’m taking my ten year old to a local event featuring Jeff Kinney. He’s literally been counting down the days until he gets to see meet his first author in real life.

So how did the boys respond to the news? You know how there’s just something about kids- where their emotions and responses are so genuine? There was so much PURE JOY when I shared the news. The wheels were already turning for them about how much fun it would be to incorporate our love of reading/books and running into this adventure.

I think it’s clear me + books + running = Boston Public Library Fund 2026 Boston Marathon team!! Let’s go!

support my boston marathon run for the boston public library fund

Explain it to me…why do you run marathons?

As I was jumping for joy (literally) about being selected for the Boston Public Library Fund team to run the Boston Marathon in April 2026 my friend asked that important question- why do you run marathons? I paused for a moment and responded “because I can.” I wasn’t being flip, I was being serious. I know that at some point in my life I will not be able to run (may that be a VERY long time from now), but for now I can and I do. This morning I got a reminder that our time is finite. Susan Hurley, the founder of Charity Teams (who organizes the teams to run for charity for the Boston Marathon) died at the age of 61 of ovarian cancer. Live for today because tomorrow isn’t promised. So I stand by- I run because I can!

My marathon running journey started as a way to cope with my father’s advancing Alzheimer’s. He had early onset Alzheimer’s and ultimately succumbed to the terrible disease at the age of 64. Running has always been my time and space for thinking and decompressing, so it seemed logically to run for charity. All but one of my marathon runs has been for charity. It takes on extra meaning to not only train, but to train with a purpose of raising dollars for awareness for an organization.

So back to the why do you run marathons question? For several days after being asked, I continued to really think about why on earth do I train for twelve weeks to go through the grueling challenge of running 26.2 miles?? The training process is hard. It’s hard to balance along with work and two sons with full and active schedules. It takes careful planning, early mornings and LOTS of time on my Landice treadmill. LOTS! Yes, I do all my training on the treadmill, but that’s a different story for another day. So yes, just getting ready for toeing the line is a lot of work and preparation. But, I thrive on schedule. I’ve followed the same training plan for each of my previous four marathons. I know what I’m supposed to do when, I make a plan and I stick to it. Making the time is easier said than done, but fortunately my husband is incredibly supportive and I apparently don’t mind getting up when it’s dark outside.

I’ve been struggling for days to think of how to explain the amazement of race day. It’s knowing that you have literally done everything possible to get to that moment and that you have to trust that it’s enough to get you from the start to the finish. It’s wondering if your nutrition is going to work. Have you fueled enough? Is the weather going to cooperate? Is your mind going to go the distance? While running is very obviously a physical activity, when you hit the wall of fatigue it becomes just as much mental as physical. It would be super easy to be like- I’m out, no need to finish. I’m reminded of my 2021 NYC Marathon experience- I had just entered Central Park with 2-3 miles to go. EVERYTHING hurt. I accidentally called my sister and thought that she had called me…there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to finish, but seriously I was delirious. I might be delusional, but I have never once thought that I wasn’t going to finish a race…even a marathon. Crazy, right? May my streak continue and allow me to finish in April.

Back to race day- there is so much excitement and so many people who come out just to cheer on all the “crazy” runners. When you are questioning humanity- you should definitely go to a race. That’s where you see people doing really hard things and total strangers cheering their heads off in support. I learned early on to make sure I wear my name on my person. It’s literally like magic- people know when you need it and they call out- “Kelly, you’ve got this.” And you keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Crossing the finish line is magical. It’s a holy cow- I did that moment. It’s all the emotions- exhaustion- tears, always tears, and absolute pure joy. The closely thing I can think to compare it to is giving birth. Similar in a lot of way- months of hard physical preparation to push your body to go the distance. Back to NYC 2021- the boys were young. We were just “coming out of Covid.” They weren’t even vaccinated yet. Jeffrey and the boys, ages 8 and 6 were in the grandstand in Central Park for HOURS. For sense of timing- as I stood on the Verrazano Bridge preparing to start Jeff texted to say they were in the grandstand. Yikes- it was going to be a minute until I got there. But the boys saw all the professionals finish. Fortunately, they didn’t count how many people finished in front of me. They were patient and they literally got to see me finish one of the largest marathons in the world. Seeing the three of them there for me is a memory that I will not soon forget. Jeffrey got a truly remarkable photo of the boys from behind with cowbells- and me right in between- signature arms in the air finishing. Priceless!

So, while I run for all of these reason- I run for me and that I can- I run for the amazing experience- I run to raise awareness and dollars for amazing organizations like the Boston Public Library Fund– I also run because I know the boys are watching. They watched my disappointment in 2020 when the NYC Marathon got postponed. They watched as I said screw it, I’ll run my first marathon solo in my neighborhood because I didn’t think my dad would make it to 2021 (he didn’t) and because I had set my brain on running that year. They watched as I was unjustifiably disappointed with my time in 2021, so I signed up for the Chicago Marathon on the way home. They watched as I ran Chicago not focused on time but for the experience. They watched when I took a break from running and racing. They watched when I didn’t get selected for the Boston Marathon when I applied to run for charity in 2024. There were tears- but then I found another marathon and ran that instead. They watched when I applied again and got selected. This whole process is a metaphor for life- there are ups and downs. There are times you have to dust yourself off and try again. There are time you have to give yourself grace and recognize that you are enough.

The boys knew I was applying again this year. They knew how important running the Boston Marathon was to me. And they too, had total joy when I announced we are going to Boston. Somehow something so individual as running a marathon has become a family affair. On Patriot’s Day I know my three biggest fans will be cheering me on. They won’t care how long it takes- they will just care that I do my best!

Support My boston marathon run for the boston public library fund

The Blog is BACK…and did someone say Boston Marathon?

It has been a minute since I provided an update. Actually, it’s been nearly two years! How is that possible? It seems working and momming, running and reading and all the things in between got in the way just a bit. I started this blog in January of 2020. Yes, in the life before Covid, during my stay at home mom life era. In September I would go back to work, for what was supposed to be part time that quickly turned nearly full time subbing in the Lower School…during COVID. One thing led to another and by July of 2021 I was back to work full time. So much has happened in the nearly six year since I created this space! But let’s just do a quick catch up sine January 2024…shall we?

Books- I’m still reading all of the books!! I don’t anticipate returning to regular book reviews on this platform, but never say never. The best place to see my latest reads is on Instagram. I started a book club at work. We have been meeting for over eighteen months. We have fun discussions and read a variety of genres. Plus we meet in the middle of the day, so we are actually talking about the books! It has been such a great way to spend time with my coworkers doing something that we all enjoy. It’s been so meaningful to me to inspire others to rekindle their passion for reading. I’ve connected with Netgalley and love the opportunity to read Advanced Reader Copies of books! We have added visiting local independent bookstores to our itinerary whenever we travel and have a running list of all those that we have visited. The boys are totally in love with this idea and we’ve discovered so many fun small businesses to support as part of our travels. I continue to attend author events and enjoyed sharing C’s first opportunity to meet one of his favorite authors- Jeff Kinney. It’s also possible that I introduced myself to author Lucy Score in a Sheetz bathroom following a Frederick Backman author event and a picture of us from the bathroom was in her newsletter. I’m also into my second year on the Jewish Library of Baltimore Board. Books and access to them continue to be a meaningful and integral part of my life.

Family/Life-The family is doing well! We are in our travel soccer, wrestling, drums, piano era. Which means, Jeffrey and I spend a lot of time dividing and conquering. The boys continue to amaze me each and every day with how they conduct themselves and the commitment they have to their various interests. It’s hard to believe that they are in 6th and 4th grade. The world they live in is so different from the one Jeffrey and I experienced. We work to keep them grounded in faith, family and friends to remember what is truly important.

I transitioned into a new role at work. While I’m missing “my people,” I’m loving the new challenge of building an organizational system and using my brain in new ways again. I get to work with an entirely different part of the campus. We said goodbye to Ruby in September. She was my shadow, my ride or die, always by my side furry companion. Truth be told, rather than sitting at the table, if she were here, I would be on the couch typing with her snuggled up next to me. Hoping each day gets a little bit better, but we still have a Ruby sized hole in our hearts.

Running-How about running- what has happened on the running from since January 2024?? Honestly, running had just become one of the many things I was doing to stay active. Then I was more focused on riding and lifting. In the summer of 2023 we went to Boston as part of our summer vacation. During the course of the trip, I picked up a Run Boston hat. The seed was planted in that moment that I would run the Boston Marathon. September of 2024, the running switch flipped and I applied to run the Boston Marathon for charity. Spoiler alert I wasn’t selected. I was incredibly disappointed, but used the opportunity to find another marathon. In March, 2025 I ran the Virginia Beach Shamrock Marathon. A beautifully flat course. A much smaller race, but the perfect race back into running races again. It was the first time I wasn’t running a race for charity, but just because I wanted to run a marathon. I know, why does anyone want to run a marathon?? More to come on that topic soon!

Why is the blog back?? Originally, way back when I created it this was a space to share racing/training updates. And maybe, just maybe I’m going to have a big race coming up in 2026. If you know me, I didn’t just let one year of not getting selected for the Boston Marathon keep me from trying again. As soon as the application process opened I submitted my application to the same charity that rejected me last year. I promise there are no hard feelings and I will forever be supportive of them and their mission! I knew that my why was the same and hoped that this year would be different. But as a wise person reminds me- hope isn’t a business plan. So when a coworker suggested I apply for a charity team that is in line with my values and interests (you won’t be surprised to hear what charity) I applied there too. Two chances had to be better than one?! After submitting my application, I had the most lovely follow up conversation with the organization. They loved my passion and the fact that my marathon running/fundraising is a family affair and on Thursday, October 30 they offered me a bib for the 2026 Boston Marathon! To say I’m excited is an understatement. The boys are excited- Jeffrey is excited that I’m excited.

Fun fact, that original charity, the one that said no in 2024. They reached out on October 31 and offered me a bib. Ironic, right? I share this to say- that this is 100% my year for Boston. It was meant to be. Shortly, I will reach out and decline the October 31 offer and make someone on the waitlist very happy!! I will forever support that charity and their mission.

I have run the NYC and Chicago Marathons for the Alzheimer’s Association and in memory of my dad. Incredibly meaningful and the most important why for which I could run. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity and the fact that I could honor him in that way. It’s time for a new chapter.

Big reveal- For the Boston Marathon, I will be running for a new charity. One that I truly believe my dad would be excited for me to get behind and hopefully he will be pushing me up Heartbreak Hill- One that excites me and is still very near to my heart. One that my boys are excited about and thinking about ways that they can help with the fundraising efforts. One that involves…wait for it…books! I can’t think of a time in my life that books weren’t a part of it. If you were to visit our home, you might ask if it was actually a library. The first place C visits when he gets to school each day…the library. When I was completing my application for the marathon I reflected on all of my school librarians from elementary through high school and how I can vividly remember volunteering in the library The card catalog to digital library. I’m the secretary of the Jewish Library of Baltimore- because books and access to books is so very important. So, no surprise I’m running the 130th Boston Marathon for the Boston Public Library Fund!

I’m truly excited for this opportunity. For the fun we will have as a family to fundraise so that the Boston Public Library can continue to provide the amazing services that they do to the Boston community. Running the literal unicorn of marathons is once in a lifetime opportunity. I can’t wait to share the journey from beginning to end!

Support my Boston Marathon effort and the Boston Public Library Fund

Peloton Bike one year later…it’s safe to say I LOVE it!

How oh how is it the end of November? And how oh how have I failed to write a blog post this year other than updating with the books that I have been reading?? Yikes, I didn’t even keep up with that completely. Well, no time like the present. No need to wait until 2024 to get back on the writing horse.

Life looked incredibly different when I started this blog in January of 2020. Stop and pause for a moment. The world was a completely different place in January of 2020. It was in a time before COVID. It was a time before going back to work full time. It was a time when I was just thinking about running a marathon. It was a time before my dad died. So much has happened in the last four years. But that’s not the purpose of this post. In the coming weeks when I figure out what I’m going to use this platform for going forward I’m sure there will be a fully reflective piece. Maybe more about travel and some of our favorite places, definitely more about books and author events. Maybe some reflection/opinion pieces…apparently I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things. To be determined!

In the meantime, today my Peloton bike and I celebrated our one year anniversary. One year ago I was in a personal fitness slump. Running felt like work. I was neglecting my strength training and I was eager to give something else a try. An avid user of the Peloton App for runs and strength, I had thought about getting the bike for well over a year and it was finally time. To say there’s been no looking back is an understatement. Two hundred and fifty-two rides later I would say I’m committed to cycling! Spoiler alert- I don’t like to ride a bike outside. We will occasionally rent bikes on vacation and generally I don’t enjoy it, but give me a stationary bike and apparently I can ride for HOURS! So what did the last year look like? It looked like balance. Balance between cycling, strength training, walking and running. Yes, there was even a little bit of running this year. While I thought I thrived with a training regime for races, after three marathons in three years that started to feel like pressure rather than guidance. I love that I can decide in the morning what I want to do in the amount of time that I have for that given day. And a shocking revelation, especially over the last several months is that I’m gravitating towards strength training over cardio. This is a major deviation from my cardio focused self and I think will be the focus of 2024. Stronger is better! Let’s get strong together! The swivel screen on the bike makes do strength classes that much easier. With options from 5 minutes to an hour there are so many different options. If a half hour or 45 minutes feels too overwhelming the fact that I can do a quick fifteen or twenty minutes is so helpful. So what will the future bring? I still have no races on the horizon. I had serious FOMO on NYC Marathon day, but a few weeks removed and I’m not feeling that burning desire to run another marathon. Figuring out balance is one of life’s great mysteries. Maybe, just maybe it seems I’ve figured out my fitness balance that makes me happy and keeps me moving.

It’s time to ride! The pivot from running to spinning.

In January of 2019 I didn’t say I want to run marathons. I said, I want to move for thirty minutes a day. One thing led to another and before I knew it I wanted to run a half marathon. I trained and ran one half, then two, then Covid happened. Before I knew it I had my head in the marathon game. In October I ran my third marathon in two years. Marathon one- virtual NYC marathon in my neighborhood during Covid. Marathon two- the real deal NYC marathon and Marathon three the Chicago Marathon. Each experience was unique. Each training cycle focused on running for those who can’t and raising important dollars for the Alzheimer’s Association. Life has changed since January of 2019…you think? Covid was a game changer. But I also went back to work full time. Making the time to train was a fine balance. Even with a flexible training plan there are still only so many hours in the day to get all the miles in. Training for a marathon is in essence a part time job on top of being a mom, wife and a full time job. Don’t get me wrong I love the routine of a training plan. I love having the goal of a race in mind. I absolutely love the moments before the start in knowing I did all that I could to run the best race possible. Not to mention that absolute joy of crossing the finish line. All that said, after the Chicago marathon I was just burnt out from the pressure of hitting my mileage. Physically I felt fine. I was blessed with another injury free training cycle. How lucky am I that my body enables me to put it under such extreme conditions? Mentally, I had ZERO motivation to run…Zero! I still ran a few times after Chicago and before November 12 because I was running a half marathon. But I literally did the absolute minimum. Don’t get me wrong I love the One Peloton app with the wide variety of runs that get me moving. My heart just wasn’t in it.

What to do?? Fair question. For over a year I had been looking at the Peloton Bike. I would put it in my cart and take it back out. In the cart. Take it out. After my half marathon in November, I had no other races on the books. The time was right. Plus a huge early Black Friday sale from Peloton made it a done deal. November 25th, the day after Thanksgiving the bike arrived. I was so darn excited. Literally did a live ride within an hour of the bike arriving. It was on! I was excited again. I was ready to get my groove back.

Kelly got her groove back! In January of 2022 I started using the One Peloton app with my non Peloton treadmill. I loved it. It pushed me to try new things on the tread and honestly allowed me to do all of my marathon training indoors. I have my favorite trainers. It’s fun to follow them on Instagram and to be cheered on by the One Peloton community. I enjoy hitting milestones. But there is something different about doing Peloton classes on a Peloton device. Peloton started with the bike and has added on other options such as tread, rowing, strength etc. There are significantly more bike classes. And way more live class options.

While on the app I could see others that were there, I was never really sure who I was seeing, I knew I wasn’t seeing everyone who was in the class and I couldn’t rank on the leader board. As someone who might be just a little competitive I enjoy the extra push that the leaderboard provides.

The spin screen on the bike is a game changer. I’m back into doing strength classes and no longer have to use my phone or iPad. It’s seemingly a small change but makes big difference.

I know what you are thinking…the novelty hasn’t worn off yet or I’m still in Peloton Bike honeymoon phase. But that isn’t it at all. First it’s been two months. After two months of being inconsistent after the Chicago marathon I’m back into a routine and being consistent. I’m energized and eager to work out in the morning again. That is not to say that getting up at 5:00 in the morning is an enjoyable experience, but I truly have a better day after I exercise. Additionally, I’m not just spinning. I’m strength training and consistently walking 2-3 days a week. I’m enjoying power walking and the hikes on the Peloton App. I’m back to having some variety in my exercise, back to some cross training and strength training.

While at dinner with friends last night we chatted a little about upcoming races and racing plans. I still have zero races on the calendar. When asked how that made me feel, I was surprised how much I was at peace with that decision. I anticipate I will get some series FOMO as the races approach, but until then I’m going to enjoy the variety of my exercise routing, be grateful that I can exercise and move my body for 30 minutes each day. That is my main fitness goal for 2023. Not 1000 miles, not a marathon. Move for at least 30 minutes each day. You know what, some days like yesterday I exercise for nearly two hours. But then some days like today I’ll take a 30 minute power walk. It’s all about balance and enjoying what you are doing! If your fitness routine has stopped bringing you joy- don’t be afraid to try something new!

Chicago Marathon 2022- Training Weeks 1-4

Holy cow- how is it time to start marathon training again?? Truth be told I’m much happier when I’m in a training cycle. I enjoy the structure. This comes as no surprise to anyone who knows me since I’m pretty regimented and particular. I haven’t really been in a training cycle since I trained for NYC. While I ran a few other races in the Spring I didn’t formally train. So here we go- Marathon training cycle number 3. Three summer/early fall training cycles at what starts as the quiet part of the year and as the miles build up becomes one of the craziest, busiest times of the year. Back to school, holidays, birthdays and for the last two cycles balancing a full time job. I’m so fortunate to have the support of my husband along the way to encourage me and help cover the boys especially when the training runs get longer- but there’s also their enthusiasm that keeps me going. Goal- stay healthy and injury free. Less focus on time, more focus on enjoying the experience and finishing the race.

Week 1- July 18-24

I have followed my friend Suzy Goodwin’s training plan with each and every race that I have run. When you have a flexible system that works- you do it! I love the flexibility of having one key run and a mileage goal for the week. It means that I can get the miles done any way that works best for me. And that was certainly the case with this first week of training. This week was my youngest’s birthday and we were leaving extra early on Sunday morning to go to Legoland with the boys. So I had a birthday, birthday party and one morning I knew I couldn’t run to negotiate around. Additionally, while I had been building my mileage back up, I haven’t hit 24 miles in a week in quite some time. The beginning of the week (M-W) I ran 3.5 or so miles each morning. Nothing fantabulous. On Thursday morning, I thought I had enough time to inflate the birthday banner and run. I was wrong. So it turned into a rest day. I had some flexibility on time on Friday because my husband could drop the boys off at camp and I took advantage of it. I ran 10 miles on Friday in 3 chunks. 20 minute Peloton on demand class. Breakfast with the boys. 20 minute live Peloton class. Boys off to camp. Followed by an hour Peloton class on demand. See…that flexibility enabled me to get my key run a 10K and a chunk oof miles done on Friday. Allowing me to only run 3.35 on Saturday and have Sunday off. First week in the books. Feeling good.

Week 2- July 25-31

Week two coming in hot. Monday we were still in Legoland. The indoor fitness center left a bit to be desired and there wasn’t really anywhere to get any solid miles in. That and the four hour drive and eight hours in the park the day before might have left me a little tired. But again, flexibility in the training plan allowed me to not freak out about missing a day. The key run for week two is 8 miles with 24 overall miles. Again, as I was still easing into increased miles I kept my runs doing the week to a 5K each morning Tuesday-Friday. Saturday morning I ran 8.64 miles. Checking off my key run and inching me closer to my overall mileage. Alas, I finished the week at 21.14 miles a bit short of the 24 but overall I felt good and knowing I’m hitting the longer runs I’m not concerned about not quite hitting 24 miles for the week.

Week 3 August 1-7

Weekly mileage increases this week…and at the end of the week we are leaving for vacation. Translation- if I’m gong to run on Saturday. It’s going to have to be early and it’s not going to be more than three miles or so. I’m starting to feel much stronger in my runs. Yay!! I hoped that would come as I was consistently running more miles, but you never know. Key effort this week is speed work (800 x 4) with overall mileage of 26. PS camp is also over so I’m working some days at home to be home with the boys. Lots of things happening all at the same time. Monday and Tuesday 3.11 miles each. Wednesday I was able to take a live Peloton class early in the morning and get my key run done. Speed work is my least favorite. I can do it. But it’s not my cup of tea and it generally makes my body sore. This is the case every training cycle. I get through some of the weeks with speed work before I have to drop the spadework and just focus on the miles. But I crushed my spadework this week. The next day I was a little bit sore, but manageable. As is always the case my right hip is starting to be a bit tender. I really need to get back to strength and core training to help keep everything in alignment. But, that pesky hand injury has been preventing me from lifting. Wednesday and Thursday saw 4.5 miles. Friday I pushed to get 6.13 miles done, leaving 3.15 miles and live Peloton class at 6:00 a.m. before leaving for vacation. Yup, I’m crazy. So I finished the week with 24.57 miles. You’ll notice that’s about 1.5 miles short of the 26 mile goal…but I’ll take it. Speed work done. Feeling good. Miles increasing. Week three is in the books!

Week 4- August 8-14

While vacation brings more potential time for running it is also a bit harder because I just want to spend time with my family and feel bad carving out that time for running. That and if I don’t have to get up extra early for a week it feels like a blessing. Sunday was a rest day- well because it was a rest day and I enjoyed a little extra sleep. Monday should have been a run day. But we were horseback riding that morning and I just wasn’t motivated to run beforehand. Key run this week is 10 miles and 26 overall miles. Tuesday was a good day for a longer run because we didn’t have an activity until 11:00. I wasn’t quite sure what I was planning for mileage wise when I hit the treadmill. I knew I would start with 45 minutes and go from there. After two days of rest I was feeling solid so I ran for 75 minutes and 8 miles. Not quite 10 but if you can run 8, you can run 10. Wednesday, I didn’t have quite as much time but got in 45 minutes and another 5 miles. Thursday was for kayaking so I didn’t run. Friday morning, back at it for 45 minutes and another 5 miles. Saturday was a travel day. Yes, I could have gotten 3 or so miles in that morning, but I could also sleep a little bit later and I opted for sleep. I knew that meant I would have 8 miles on Sunday morning to get my mileage goal. I started with 45 minutes and 5 miles and then added another 30 adding a total of 8.08 to my overall mileage. So I met my mileage goal, but you say I didn’t run a 10 miler. Eight is close enough. This week I was more focused on hitting the miles, while still enjoying vacation. It was a win. Still no major complaints. I actually felt really strong this week. I imagine a little extra sleep and vacation will do that! First month of training— DONE!

Why do I blog about my training weeks? I learn something from each training cycle and it allows me to look back to see if I’ve felt the same way at the same time in other cycles. Each time I know I need to strength train more, so hopefully this will be the time I actually do it. Eight more weeks to go before I run Chicago in an effort to ENDALZ!

How the Peloton App changed my workout attitude

Have you ever found yourself basically just going through the motions? You are sticking to your routine- still getting your workout done, but really kind of ho hum?? Welcome to my post NYC Marathon world. I kept up with my runs. I had gotten into the routine of fairly easy miles while catching up on my shows on my iPad. I became lax about Saturday runs, which used to be my favorites because I didn’t have as much time pressure. The reality is my body deserved some easy miles after a marathon training cycle and running the marathon. Let’s be real- if I’m being truly honest- my mind and body needed a little respite. I went back to work full time in July after being home for nearly 8 years. My dad died in August. I started marathon training the week after. We are still negotiating a pandemic. So seriously- if I take a moment maybe I would give myself some grace. But instead, I’ll admit I was in a funk!!

January rolled around and I went back to being committed to adding strength training into the mix. I’m convinced my hamstring pain during the marathon came from my lack of focus on core strength work during my last training cycle so I’m doubling down on my efforts. All this to say- I was still kind of in an overall workout funk. I was looking for more flexibility than my current online program offered along with more runner specific strength training.

Lightbulb moment came at the end of January when I remembered that the health insurance at work included a year free of the Peloton app. Clearly the Peloton App is not something new, but somehow it was new to me. I have plenty of friends who use the app and own the bike, yet I had never given it any serious thought. No harm in giving it a try. Let’s just say that I quickly became addicted to the app. I could now schedule my various workouts to keep a balance of the activities that I’m trying to achieve. I literally laugh each time I pick a run. Why? Because I swore up and down I didn’t need someone “telling me how to run” when I was running. Clearly, I was wrong. Whether it’s reevaluating my breathing or cadence the guided runs have been helpful. Not only that, my treadmill has seen inclines that I didn’t even know were possible. I’m mixing up my paces, inclines and types of runs. I’m pushing myself again, while at the same time not overdoing it. In thinking about my form and cadence, I’m working towards a more effective running style. I feel stronger and refocused on not only my running but my strength training.

I really love the opportunity to participate in Live classes. Live classes have been particularly helpful on Saturday mornings when I’m tired from the week! 8:30 Live classes with Becs Gentry have been my Saturday morning go to. Even my family is now planning around my 8:30s with Becs. It sounds so simple, but adding that little bit of accountability can make all the difference when you are feeling lazy after a long week.

Susie Chan has helped me take my runs to a whole new level. Incline and speeds- pushing me outside of my comfort zone and reminding me why I’m on the treadmill. Not only that she’s super responsive on Instagram. Translation she responds when I tag her after a run. Again, having this extra cheerleader is so valuable in pushing past the ho hum and moving towards strength and inspiration in your miles. Susie in London so I have yet to make a live class until today!! I’ve been in my workout clothes all morning anxiously awaiting her 2:30 ET 45 minute pops run. Truth be told my left knee has been a little funky, but I can’t miss out on this spring break opportunity to catch a live class with her!!

Why do I share my new love of the Peloton app? Maybe you are like me and trying to negotiate life getting back to “normal” post pandemic, with kids and work and all the other things that come with life and you need a little inspiration with your workout. So I’m here to say- don’t be afraid to try new things. While not every new thing is going to work out- there is that chance that you could stumble upon something great and make it a part of your life!

Lowest monthly mileage- has running lost its spark?

I started tracking my mileage more completely in 2020. Prior to that I just ran and had a round about idea of how far I had run, unless of course I was in training cycle and I was hitting my key run and weekly mileage. Cue the pandemic in 2020 and my mileage jumped from on average 65-70 miles a month to 100 miles and steadily climbed to 130 miles a month. I obsessed over keeping track of miles and running streaks. Running was my cure for all the uncertainly surrounding the pandemic. Plus, I had more time than ever to run. It felt like the right amount to run and sooner or later I’ll get back there, but for right now I’m listening to my body and focusing on core/strength training as a component of my overall training.

July was different for a variety of reasons. I ran a Half Marathon at the beginning of the month and wait for it…I actually tapered. That gave me a dip from my normal 25-30 miles a week to just over 19 miles for the week. Following the race, I actually gave my body a day or two to recover rather than going right back into running. For months on end during what I’ll call “pandemic running” I ran every day. Didn’t think twice about it. Insisted my body didn’t need a rest day. And you know what, my body is tired. It needs a rest. And for once I’m actually listening to it. I went back to work full time. My dad entered hospice.

For the first six months of the year I was on pace to reach my overall mileage goal of 1500 miles on the year. In 2019 I ran just over 500 miles, last year I had set a goal of 1000 miles and then upped it to 1300 when I knew I was going to blow by 1000 miles. It’s now the beginning of August and I’ver run 827 miles. After being on pace to hit 1500, I’m now 50 or so miles off pace. Strava was always a fun push to stay on target and right now it just feels like it’s judging me for not hitting my miles. Maybe I was unrealistic when I set my goal. Maybe my year of pandemic running wasn’t really the one to use as a benchmark for setting this year’s goal. Maybe it’s ok if we don’t hit our goals if our priorities are shifting a bit, oh and we go back to work full time, and we have real life stress.

When I started running again in 2019 I had no real expectations of hitting weekly miles or paces for races. The longer I’ve been running the more pressure I put on myself for more miles or set unreasonable expectations for races. Some of the spark has rubbed off and it’s started to feel more like a chore. Marathon training starts again this month and I need to get my head on straight to focus, stay healthy, eat properly and get some sleep. Running the marathon became this grand idea during the pandemic. When racing got canceled I shifted my focus to why I run (in addition to being healthy, setting a good example), but for those who can’t. I realize with each and every step how fortunate I am to be able to physically run. But more importantly, I’m running the NYC Marathon with the Alzheimer’s Association team, to honor my father. It was a two pronged theory- 1) running gave me something to do when I felt helpless and couldn’t do anything for him and 2) I was able to raise important dollars so that we can find a cure for Alzheimer’s. He’s reaching the end of his Alzheimer’s battle. And while I’m full of hurt, pain and emotion the one thing that always helped me feel better- lacing up my shoes just isn’t doing it for me. I didn’t run Saturday just because we had a lot going on. Sunday, came and he was having a particularly bad day. Following a tear filled call I opted for a movie with the boys. But then my youngest said, are you sure you aren’t going to run today too? Like he knew I needed that last little push to get out the door. I went. It was fairly terrible. I opted to run outside because it normally helps me clear my head. I cried a lot and I’m not quite sure the run had it’s desired effect. But my accountability partners- who know how much running needs to me were there to remind me when I was struggling. This is an amazing example of when you’ve made a healthy habit a routine and you fall of the wagon so to speak your “people” are there to remind you of why you do what you do.

Now it’s Monday. Up early, writing this post, rather than running before work. But I still have enough time to squeeze in three easy miles before starting my day. My why remains the same of honoring those who can’t run, of finding a cure for a dreaded disease, of setting a healthy example for my children and taking care of my body. So I will lace up my shoes and put one foot in front of the other. As with any other hard time in life we have to just keep moving forward- one step at a time.

The Return of Running in Person

The past year to eighteen months have been a roller coaster of emotions. We’ve mentally gone from strict stay at home to stay safe- to embracing the boys going back to school (what a blessing) to now what I call reacclimating (which apparently isn’t a real word) back into regular “normal” life. I’m not going to lie, I think I might need a class or at least a top ten list of things to do while I get myself back into society. Granted, I’ve been fortunate enough to be substitute teaching all year, so I haven’t been strictly at home. However, my social interactions have been pretty limited to family and our pod family. We will continue to navigate the ups and downs and modifications of life brought to us by COVID.

This time last year I was learning that the NYC Marathon was canceled. It made total sense, but broke my heart. This year I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the NYC Marathon is happening and I’m IN!! It’s hard to believe that it’s really going to happen. Quite honestly I won’t fully believe it until I’m waiting in Staten Island to cross the Verrazano Bridge. But even before November we are seeing the return of racing in “real life.” Many states have been ahead of Maryland and I’ve seen friends share their racing experiences for months, while I was getting antsy to run. Now is finally my chance. Go big or go home. Why run one race in a weekend if you can run two??

After not running an in person race since the “there’s some trail” all trail race in August some ten months ago I’m slated to run two this weekend. Saturday is a 10 miler (that I ran virtually last year) that I actually wasn’t going to run. There’s a smaller 5K that was my first race two years ago when I started running again that I wanted to have fresh legs to run. One thing led to another (some friendly peer pressure) and how could I pass up a real life race ten minutes from my backyard. The course is challenging and post COVID racing looks a little bit different than pre-COVID racing, but I signed up at the last minute. I’ve had nervous, excited energy about it all week. Deciding what to wear. Deciding how much water to carry. Just honestly being excited to run with the push of other people around me. I’ve totally dialed back my pace to a lot of easy runs of late because I was focusing on number of miles and staying injury free. So I’m not quite sure what my pace will look like. I have a target pace in my mind that I’ve been hitting on my outdoor runs; I would imagine with the adrenaline and running with others will shave a little bit of time off that target pace. We shall see. Really it’s about running my best race and time shouldn’t matter. If you’re new here, I put crazy pressure on myself, so I’m the one who needs to be reminded that it’s just about finishing the race.

I was so excited to share with the boys that I would be running a race. So, I must share a funny story that occurred over dinner regarding the race.

Me: I’m running a race this weekend.

J (age 7): Can we shoot you with water guns when you finish again? (this is what they did when I finished my virtual marathon)

Me: Not this time. It’s an in person race.

J: Wow, like a real race?

Me: Yes!!

J: How far is it?

Me: 10 miles.

J: That should be easy. It’s not very far.

I don’t know, I kind of think 10 hilly miles when it’s supposed to be in the 70s with 90% plus humidity is kind of far. Apparently even my children have become numb to the fact that running long distances is just what I do. That said, I’m feeling some butterflies getting ready this week. I started laying out my gear and thinking a bit more about my nutrition and water intake during the week to make sure I’m properly hydrated. I’m trying to get more sleep, but that’s a losing battle this week. As I’m typing this I’m laughing and thinking of something someone told me when I was a trial attorney. “If walking into the courtroom to start a trial doesn’t still give you nervous excitement you should find something else to do.” I believe racing is truly the same thing. If it becomes too old hat that you don’t get some butterflies before you toe the line, it’s time to find a new hobby! Fortunately the butterflies are flying and hopefully I will be too!

MBF/MBFA versus 9 Week Control Freak

In full disclosure I am not a Beachbody coach (But, I know an amazing one if you are looking. Check out Kristi if you are looking for a coach). I am a runner who loves Beachbody. Any runner worth their salt knows that cross and strength training are critical. Prior to Covid I was working with a trainer twice a week for 30 minutes and running 3-4 days a week. Why do I mention this?? Well, because now I’m strength training anywhere from 4-5 days a week and running every day. We all cope with a pandemic in different ways, right??

Once Covid meant that all my workouts were happening at home I was doing a combination of this and that in regards to strength training with no real consistency. Translation, every couple of weeks I would go “oh yeah, I should really be strength training instead of running all of the time.” I noticed that a friend who I “met” in an online networking group was killing it with her Beachbody workouts and seeing serious results. I say “met” because I’ve never met her in “real life” but I know she’s “my people.” Her positive personality was contagious and I totally felt like I was missing out by not trying something new. I’m telling you check out Kristi Allen!! She shares consistently and helps people see results. But more importantly she creates a community where regardless of where you are on your fitness journey that you feel welcome and encouraged. Kristi did a sample week where we could try a variety of programs.

After my sample week I was hooked!! More importantly I was super eager to start MBF. Muscle Burns Fat. I wanted to add consistent weight training to my running routine. During the sample week I saw the trainer Megan Davies in action. Her quick pace, not a lot of extra talking was just my style. If I was going to combine at least a three mile run and a workout before leaving the house for school at 7:30 AM it needed to be quick and worth my while. While MBF and MBFA (Muscle Burns Fat Advanced) are related programs they are broken down into two three week blocks. When you are trying something new it would be overwhelming to think about committing to much more than three weeks. While I have been able to routinely follow a training schedule, it always had a great deal of flexibility, which was helpful with a busy mom/sub schedule. This was the first time I was going to commit to a you need to spend x amount of time on this day to finish the program. MBF is a seven day a week program. Five days a week are strength training, two days a week are Core/Cardio days and the last day is a recovery/active stretch kind of day.

From the beginning I was challenged by MBF but continually got stronger and could feel changes based upon the weights I was using for my workouts. Two days a week there are As Many Rounds as Possible (AMRAP) incorporated into the workout. My seven year old became my cheerleader and each week pushed me harder and harder to beat my score. In case you haven’t noticed I LOVED MBF. Without hesitation I moved directly from MBF when it concluded to MBFA. Holy cow, I thought I was ready and I was able to do it, but it kicked my butt!! Each and every day I was pushing myself to the max to crush the workouts. I woke up every morning energized to see what Megan had in store. In regards to equipment MBF/MBFA were easy. The only thing beyond dumbbells that you need are Bod Ropes. That’s a fancy way to say cordless jumprope. While I went with the Bod Ropes directly from Beachbody, you can pick up a pair inexpensively from Amazon.

As I was preparing to finish MBFA, so six weeks of continuous program, I was already thinking about what was next. In my mind I was simply going to go back and start MBF all over again. But, Kristi started talking about a new program that was coming out 9 Week Control Freak. It’s with one of the top Beachbody trainers Autumn Calabrese. I went back and forth as to whether or not I was going to do it. I liked MBF so much and I wasn’t sure how I would feel about switching trainers. But I’m not going to lie I had serious fear of missing out! Here’s the thing with 9 Week Control Freak though, it requires a good deal of extra equipment. I’m not going to lie the extra equipment made me nervous and was part of the reason I hesitated to sign up. The door mounted control track really had me worried. But guess what, as long as you have a standard door that opens away from you it’s super easy to mount and the workout you get from the track is well worth it!! (And there’s now an off the track version of the program) Next you need a core ball and a step. Don’t forget you also need a variety of dumbbells. So as I type this it doesn’t seem overwhelming, but before I started it seemed like a lot of stuff. I’m not going to lie the control track is no one of my most favorite things and will likely stay on our basement door forever.

So how did the workouts compare?? The style and set up of 9 Week Control Freak was incredibly different from MBF. First there was no actual music. Granted there was a Spotify playlist that I could have listened to but it seemed weird to me that there was no actual music in the workout. The workouts were broken down in a warm up, 12 minute as many reps as possible, 4 minute lifting in time with the trainer and then 4 minutes of Tabata. One day a week there was an entire session of Tabata. A lot of fit for a program has to do with trainer personality. 9 Week Control Freak definitely had a lot more talking and seemed to be at a slower pace. I’m a less talking more moving kind of person so this was an adjustment for me. But there were also lots of golden nuggets shared about fitness journeys that were worth the talking.

I found that I was quickly replacing the Tabata days with longer runs in order to maintain my running schedule. Unlike, MBF/MBFA 9 Week Control Freak was five days a week. The nine weeks are broken down into three three week chunks so to speak. Truth be told the first block was not overly challenging. Clearly, I had gotten much stronger during my MBF/MBFA programs. It wasn’t until about half way through the second phase that I really felt the intensity pick up a bit. If I’m being honest, I had to push myself to keep going and not go back to MBF. Even my boys asked “What happened to Megan?” That said, I still finished the 9 weeks. I wanted to see the program through so that I could get a real sense of it from beginning to end. I cried the last day with a sense of accomplishment for completing a 9 week program. But, I didn’t for a moment think let’s do that again.

Wha am I doing now?? I’m back to MBF and then I’ll continue onto MBFA. Last time I did the program I literally did every single workout. I’m a little crazy like that. I didn’t think I could miss one and still fully appreciate the program. What have I learned? You can take a little bit from here and a little bit from there to make a program that works best for you. My plan is to replace the Core Cardio days on Tuesday and Thursday with longer runs. But I’ll also add 10 minute core from 9 Week Control Freak on those days so I’m still getting a core workout. There are five days of lifting with MBF/MBFA and I will certainly do all of the lifting days. I’ll take some flexibility with the other days to allow time to get all my miles done too.

Needless to say I feel blessed to have Kristi as a coach. I know she’s always cheering me on to do my very best! I’m inspired to follow her journey and energy! I also feel fortunate to have the flexibility to work out every day from home. Beachbody has truly changed the way I exercise and has made me a stronger and better runner!

Have an inspired and active day!