Category: Life Lessons

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 all started with some sunscreen

Picture from 2016- packaging looks different now- but the product is still just as effective and a family favorite!

There are times in our life when we start to make healthier choices. At least that has been my journey. Approaching 40- better start moving this body mine and before I know it I’m running a marathon. Have kids- start looking a little more closely at the labels of things like sunscreen. We joke but our youngest has some very pale white skin. When he was a baby I was always worried about keeping his skin protected from the sun. I laugh because I can distinctly remember putting baby oil on my skin before going out in the sun as a teenager, but alas I digress. I knew I was doing something right when our pediatrician commented at how great the boys’ skin was even in the summer, that I was clearly slathering them up effectively with sunscreen.

Sunscreen is one of those things that has a lot of opinions in regards to keeping our oceans safe and avoiding unnecessary chemicals for our skin. Introduce Beautycounter sunscreen. Years, I’m talking 8 plus years ago I was introduced to Beautycounter sunscreen and it’s been the only sunscreen we use on the boys. It started with the sunscreen sticks, because who doesn’t want to make things easier?! We still use the sticks on their face and neck. No rubbing. Easy application. To be honest until recently we only used the sticks, but now that the boys are older and less squirmy during sunscreen application we use the lotion as well. A little goes a long way. There’s no heavy odor after applying and no greasiness. The best part- it works! The sweat proof, water proof sunscreen protects the boys (and us) day in and day out.

So, why am I sharing this now? While you should wear sunscreen year round, I’m in the throws of applying sunscreen every morning before we get out the door for camp/work. So it’s fresh on my brain how much I love this sunscreen. I even carry a sunscreen stick in my bag all the time, because well you never know when you might find yourself outside and need a quick application or the kids might need a touch up. I’ve raved about it for years, shared about it on social for my friend Jodi, amazing Beautycounter consultant and finally decided why not join the Beautycounter family and more formally share my love of sunscreen. Well that and I needed a real kick in the pants to get my skincare routine back in order. I used to be so consistent and have not been for quite some time. I’m off the age where caring for my skin is important- just as important and moving for at least 30 minutes and drinking my water, right? You’ve seen the memes about it being time for a night serum. It’s past time!

Yes, over the years I have done everything from sell jewelry to children’s books (my first and probably most beloved thing that I sold and kickstarted a love or reading for the boys). This is different, I’m a touch busier now that I’ve gone back to work full time (just a touch 😉 and gearing up for marathon training, while balancing all the things for the boys. So while I’m not necessarily looking to make Beautycounter a business, I will be sharing my love of sunscreen and hopefully my skincare journey along the way- no different than I share my runs and the books that I’m reading. Want to try it- reach out. Want to read a book I suggest- please do so we can chat! Want to talk about running?? I’m game any day of the week.

Take a look around to see the other amazing products Beautycounter has to offer. Until next time- run, read, repeat! Have an inspired day!

Baltimore 10 Miler Race Recap- June 2022

Interesting thing about the school year and my race schedule- I ran a race the Saturday after the first and the last week of school. Needless to say I was a bit more fresh for the first week of school than the last. Not to mention the fact that May 2022 was my lowest mileage month in more than two years. Between being busy at work and under the weather my routine was completely thrown off and I was totally inconsistent. So in hindsight, I really had a lot of nerve showing up to run 10 miles completely undertrained. But I can do hard things!! And it’s a privilege to be able to run!!

Up until the day before I wasn’t really sure I was going to race. It meant getting everyone up at 5:00 a.m. to head downtown. The weather had been super hot and humid. Well, and there was the thought in the back of mind that I haven’t run 10 miles or more since November- so in more than 6 months. All this to say it was really a game time decision. The weather looked like it wasn’t going to be unbearable and I really felt the need to get another race under my belt testing my new nutrition before October. Now that it’s summer months here in Maryland there will not be many more racing opportunities. While I hope to run the Charles Street 12 in September as it’s one of my favorites, we may have a conflict. As I’m typing, I’m realizing this might really be my only race before my next marathon. Eek.

Let’s get to it. The race started at 7:00 a.m. Temperatures were moderate considering it was the beginning of June. I ate a good breakfast. Planned out my Maurten nutrition and all things considered was excited to have a race opportunity. Mentally, I knew I should shoot for a 9 minute a mile pace given the lack of consistency over the last month and the fact that I haven’t run this far in half a year. Spoiler alert- I went out too hard. I’m notorious for going out too hard. If I could just train myself to negative splits…I’ll keep trying. I was feeling good and the sun hadn’t really come up yet. Had this been a 10K I would have been golden. First six mile splits 8:17, 8:37, 8:28, 8:31, 8:41 and 8:53. Solid, right? I certainly didn’t think I had that many 8 minute miles in the tank. When I transitioned to marathon training my focus was more on going the distance and so my paces were closer to 9/9:30 a mile. After mile 6 the sun was blazing and my heart rate was high. There was no way around it, I just couldn’t bring my heart rate down to a place that was appropriate. So I dialed the pace way down. The other piece to this puzzle was the fact that I knew there were about 300 feet of elevation gain in the last three miles or so. Ugh- high heart rate, overheated and elevation gain. Quite the trifecta. But I also knew that I could certainly finish the race. So much of running is mental. So many of my conversations with the boys lately have been about the fact that you need to listen to your body and there might come a time that I can’t finish a race because it’s dangerous to do so. That there are professional runners who don’t finish races from time to time. Racing and running have been full of life lessons not only for myself but for the boys. So back to the last third of the race. It was rough. I’m truly a cooler weather runner and these June races really aren’t in my wheelhouse. Hearing about some other athletes having serious health consequences after running too hard has me a little worried. Fingers crossed that it’s not unseasonably warm in Chicago in October.

Every race I’ve run I’ve felt like the time mattered. Even when I said it didn’t, the time always mattered to me. I mentally beat myself up for the last 6 or so miles in NYC because I was so disappointed I wasn’t go sub 4 hours. In hindsight, this is completely crazy. 4:18:55 seconds for the NYC marathon- my first in person marathon is something to be proud about and I’ve come to realize that over the last few months. Hoping I can take this new mindset to Chicago with me.

Back to yesterday- I’m always chasing a goal or a PR. Yesterday, it just didn’t matter. Yesterday was all about a chance to race and finishing. Having that change in mindset really helped with the latter part of the race when I would have probably overdone it to come in at a particular time. But instead, I listened to my body- still got it done and crossed the finish line smiling with my husband and boys cheering me in. They didn’t care what time was on the clock. Quite honestly the opposite. Every time I texted updates to my husband, his response was “take your time.” So we both knew I wasn’t chasing a PR and would just be happy with a finish.

Lessons learned- training matters- but I have a good base that allowed me to pull out a ten mile run after months of running shorter distances. Maurten will be my nutrition for Chicago. Now I need to incorporate the drink component the day before and morning of into my training. Nothing new on race day!! The other question is how many races am I going to do a year. Things have changed since I started racing. Back to work. Busier schedule. I don’t have quite as much time to commit to training and it’s a huge time commitment for my family. Chicago will be my next big training effort starting in July. I have about 5 more weeks to keep my running casual before I need to get my head in the game and body in gear to go the distance! Then who knows. Maybe I’ll pick two races a year. Maybe I’ll just be a casual runner and add the Peloton bike into rotation. Time will tell. Either way- moving my body for 30 minutes a day will be part of the equation- it’s just a question of how that movement will happen. I feel truly fortunate to be able to exercise and the opportunities that racing has brought along the way. The running community is special. I’m happy to be a part of it!

Stay tuned- marathon training starts the week of July 18. I think running a marathon is a bit like having a child- you kind of block out the hard and difficult parts and only remember the highlights.

The Power of Reading Aloud

Two years ago when my oldest was in kindergarten and loving books, he began to pump the brakes and suddenly was less interested in reading to me and more interested in being read to. I know, I know these are the problems we should have, but I wondered what was causing his hesitation. When I inquired he let me know that hew as afraid that if he learned to read that I wouldn’t read to him any more. That day I promised him that no matter how old he got, I would always read to him and he could read to me. Introduce Covid lockdown and we had A LOT of time for reading. Summer of 2020 I read aloud the first four Harry Potter books. We would sit for hours and read…because we could as we weren’t doing much of anything else. As we got back to normal, some things changed but reading aloud together has not.

Now we work to pick out “just right” books for him to read on his own or to his brother and then what I like to call “just right plus” on the top end of his just right reading level that we read together. He reads a page, I read a page and little brother listens. But then we also pick books that are too hard for him to read, while still being age appropriate and I read those aloud to them. Spring Break has allowed us to rekindle our reading aloud. While we each read every day- it’s not always aloud reading. The aloud reading is something special because it allows us to talk about the story, make predictions about what might be coming next and explore topics of common interest. Even the books when I’m exclusively doing the reading, I know he’s following along. So, while the book might be too hard, his reading ability is growing because he’s more than likely following as I read and committing those new words to memory.

We’ve gotten hooked on reading series. Magic Treehouse originally started as series I was reading to the boys. It quickly transitioned to a book that J and I were reading aloud alternating pages. And then before I knew it, he was devouring them on his own in one sitting. He plowed through the entire series and then added Merlin’s Missions to the mix. When he finished he said he was both happy and sad. I think we can all relate to that feeling when series ends and there are no more books to read or shows to watch. We’ve been reading the Ballpark Mysteries aloud for a while now. We are through the initial series and now on the last of the four book Super Specials. So we are about to hit that, we loved it and sad to see it end moment in our read aloud world. I’m not sure what’s next for us. There’s a two book “series” that J recommended from school so we are going to do that one next, but we need another longer series to keep us occupied.

The fun twist to our read aloud adventure is the my youngest is now reading aloud too. It’s come full circle as he is bringing home from school books that J used to read to us. That and our friends Piggy and Elephant are back! C is now reading them to us. It’s truly something to see his excitement as he has his turn reading aloud.

My plan is to continue with reading aloud for as long as possible. How long will the boys want to continue? Time will tell. But for now I just enjoy the fact that it’s a regular part of our days. The family that reads together stays together!! Happy Reading!

What’s in a name and shifting focus…just a bit!

When I started this blog over two years ago I was a stay at home mom. We were pre-pandemic (can you remember life before then) and I was looking for a way to use my brain a little bit while capturing my running journey. In the last two years and two months a few things have changed. Let’s see- there was a global pandemic that kept us locked down for months. Both of my kids are now in school all day and I went back to work full time. That’s really some broad strokes for what the last two years have entailed. It’s not surprising, that my focus has shifted a little bit with my blogging. While I remain engaged in blogging (not nearly as much as I would like, but hoping to make some more time for it again) the things I want to share have changed a little bit. What started as Inspire Active Style- as I was not only trying to remember my inspiration in being active…while looking good and selling activewear has become a little different.

Different how? The running focus is still there. Running is a huge part of my life and something I truly enjoy. But at the same time, it’s not quite as much as it was when I started this blog. Truth be told, there are only so many hours in the day. Running is a part of the day, the week, my planning for races and such but there are a lot of other things happening at the same time. Capturing how I’m feeling both physically and mentally as I prepare for a race, especially gearing up for the Chicago Marathon in October are important to me. It’s the sociologist in me- I want to memorialize and also be able to look back at the experience- what worked, what didn’t and the lessons learned along the way. But I’m looking to broaden my horizons.

Something that I reconnected with during the pandemic and then again during my time subbing in the library at school is my passion for books and reading. Reading has always been an integral part of our house. The boys have been exposed to books basically since the moment they were born. We have more books in our house…than I care to admit. Yes, I know there are amazing places called libraries. For the longest time that was one of our most favorite outings. Then you know the story- Covid came and we started buying books to fill the time. I also think about how my grandfather had tons (I mean tons) of books that he collected from garage sales and thrift stores, etc. I see this in my future! You know, I told the boys the other day when we were heading to a local independent bookstore- we were going somewhere that they would see something we had a lot of, but could never have too many. The point is that we love books, we read daily and reading is a family affair. So, why wouldn’t reading and books be part of my blog story?

It makes sense. We are all multi-faceted. Why should a blog be about just one thing? All this to say- in addition to sweaty running selfies, you’re in for shelfies and book stacks. My favorite Book of the Month, authors and places to get books. Not to mention on the fun book “stuff” I acquire along the way. Because we all know, once I go down this rabbit hole of the book world there will be so many goodies to share!!

So, my blog is here to stay. It’s focus-is a little bit different. You can still find me on instagram as @inspire.active.style, but you’ll see the added byline of Read.Run.Repeat. So that way I can remember from where I came and to where I am headed. Life lesson- we are always evolving and growing. Don’t be afraid to see where you wind up!

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!

2021 Running year in review- what’s on the horizon for 2022?

In 2019 I started running again.  Small distances with the goal to just get moving for 30 minutes a day.  Truth be told, I didn’t even really keep track of my mileage anywhere.  Before I knew it I set my sights on running a half marathon.  Then I started paying more attention to my training schedule.  But honestly that first year I really had no idea how many miles I had run.  Turns out, because I went back and checked it was 578.5.

Here comes 2020 and I set a goal of 1000 miles for the year.  Totally makes sense, right?  I should be able to nearly double my mileage now that I’m a more regular runner with longer races planned.  Bam- welcome Covid in March of 2020.  I doubled down on my running to maintain my sanity.  With the boys home from school from March until August I had a lot more flexibility to when I could run.  Less time pressure meant more miles.  Quickly it became clear that I was going to blow past 1000 and then set a modified goal of 1300.  I finished up 2020 with 1310 miles.

So like any good runner when it came time to set a goal for 2021 I went big and said 1500 miles.  Why, on earth I would think that I could surpass my 2020 miles by nearly 200 I have no idea.  But that’s the goal I set and for the first half of the year I was on target to hit that goal.  Then you know life happened. I started a new job- YAY- but I was balancing working full time and momming and trying to have some fun because it was summer.  I hit a wall so to speak with my running as my dad became sicker.  It just lost its luster for a bit.  A few weeks of not feeling it meant lower mileage weeks.  I never stopped running all together, I just cut back considerably on my miles.  Cutting back on your miles when you set a lofty goal makes you reconsider your goal.  I started wondering why the number of miles was important.  Wasn’t the point to still get moving each day?  Post marathon it would have been really easy to pack it in for the year, but I knew I wanted to finish the year strong.  I did something I never do and I took an entire week off after NYC.  My body was tired both physically and emotionally.  I actually felt up to running by Wednesday following the marathon, but knew that I was just exhausted so I listened to my body and rested.  Then picked up right where I had left off, but with easy miles. 

If I’m being honest I’ve had a mental shift.  Not to say, running isn’t still important to me, but rather than focus on the quantity of the miles I want to go back to focusing on the quality of the miles.  Maybe that means running somewhere new- i.e. the Grand Canyon.  While it was only three miles, they were some of the most amazing miles I have ever run. 

As I’m finishing up 2021, I feel blessed that I ran (knock wood) without injury.  That’s not to say that I didn’t have some hip pain from time to time but nothing like in 2020.  I got back to racing in person and it felt so good!!! First up was the Baltimore 10 Miler. This race was practically in my back yard and I made a last minute decision to run it. It was HARD. It was humid and the course was crazy hilly- but I was back to racing in person so I didn’t care…until the next day when my quads were on fire!! Up next the Frederick Half Marathon. This was my first half in person in over 17 months. And one of the many races that I deferred from 2020 when racing was canceled. I had a solid showing and again was just so happy to be back to “real” races. My favorite of all races, The Charles Street 12 was in the Fall. I had a huge PR in that race and finally felt like myself again. That’s all before the NYC Marathon. For a year, when racing in person didn’t start until the summer, I would say that from a running standpoint 2021 was in fact a success.  Did I hit 1500 miles- heck no.  But I’ve truly realized the number of miles isn’t nearly as important as I had once thought.

So what’s next for 2022?  I’ll float a mileage goal in my head for a bit.  Maybe I’ll go back to the original goal of 1000 miles and see what happens.  But I think I’m going to set a consistency goal, rather than a mileage goal.  I would like to consistently run 4-5 days a week and cross train/strength train at minimum one day a week but more like 2 days a week.  If I can consistently cross train in addition to my running I know I will be in better shape come October and the Chicago Marathon!  I’m also going to build some rest in as well.  I’ve come to realize that rest is important too. Yes, I know this should have been a no brainer, but sometimes I’m a little dense.

As for races- I have about a half dozen in mind and it appears I’ve already registered for 4!! I’m registered for: the Frederick Half Marathon in May, Baltimore 10 Miler in June, the Chicago Marathon in October and the Rocky Run in Philadelphia in November. I’m also looking at a a half marathon in March- 5K in May as well as my favorite 12 Miler in September- Charles Street 12. Looks like 2022 is shaping up to be a full year with lots of opportunity! Cheers to a new year and a blank slate to create a new running journey and vision building off of a successful 2021!!

Holy Moly- It’s October!!

It’s October 2nd. September was literally the longest, yet shortest month ever. Anyone else find September to be complete madness? It’s back to school- and everyone is getting back into a routine. For me it’s the height of Jewish holiday season- which means lots of meals and time at services. While I enjoy both- when they fall “early” and in the middle of the week it just makes life a bit more challenging. This year I added the whole still transitioning to my new job, I have lots of night events to the mix. And this year and only this year it will also be the month after my father died. The time when I keep going left foot, right foot, getting the things done knowing something totally random had the potential to set me off at any time. It was my highest mileage since June. It was also a read four books kind of month. September was a MONTH. But here we are and it’s October. I’m sitting outside with a sweatshirt- (oh man I love fall weather), blogging, meal planning and downloading my next read to my Kindle (despite having a stack of books that keeps growing in my room to read). But I’m also sitting here thinking that a quarter of the year remains. While part of me is already thinking of goals for 2022 (yes, I already have my Erin Condren planner ready to go) the other part of me is like slow your roll you have a quarter of this year remaining to do great things.

A few years ago I started setting goals for the year- writing a letter to myself of the things that I hoped to accomplish for the given year. FYI the first year I did this I just realized was 2020. I’m sitting here laughing because we barely got quarter of 2020 in before Covid hit. In looking at my list for 2021 some of the items are checked off; others will not get accomplished (sorry to say 1500 miles is looking like it isn’t going to happen) but there’s still time for others. Like running an in person marathon!! Here I come NYC!!! Or sneaking away for the weekend with my husband. This year isn’t over- there is a lot still to come- a lot to still focus on! Time to double down on the focus and keep moving forward.

Basically most of my thoughts are focused on the NYC Marathon right now. It’s a little over a month away. Once it’s over it will practically be Thanksgiving and before you know it the year will be over. Yikes!! Now it’s time to start holiday shopping! I’m joking- but really it’s time to get started and cross that stuff off your list! PS I highly recommend Book of the Month…basically for everyone! It has helped broaden my reading repertoire and reconnect with my best friend from college. It’s also like I’m already mentally preparing to check out after the marathon, like my year will be over. Clearly it will be far from over, but I’ll be cruising with my miles for the remainder of the year and pick up more strength training as I won’t be as concerned about miles.

So what are some way to close out this last quarter of the year with a bang?? Those goals or resolutions, if you are a resolution maker can actually happen now. You don’t need to wait until 2022 to drink more water and less wine- exercise more or get more organized. Start doing it today!!! It’s a little dorky- but then again so am I, but I make little check boxes in my planner for the things I want to focus on. There’s just something about checking off the box to give me the satisfaction of knowing that I made that item a priority. For example, I’m going to be dialing in on my nutrition this month and water consumption. And also- getting back to bed by 10:00 PM. In other words- trying to get my body as physically ready as possible to run the NYC Marathon.

But I’m also over here thinking about my reading goal for the year. My goal was 36 books. The start of the year was slow with reading because I was reviewing NYU applications so my reading really picked up in March. I’m at 34 books right now. So now I’m thinking- can I read 48?? I feel like I have the ability to get another 10 books read before the end of the year. So I’m doubling down on that goal too- bumping 36 books to a reach goal of 48, but probably a more realistic goal of 44. But we shall see. Which you know, already has me thinking about whether I can read 52 books next year. Keep in mind I read 16 books last year, so I’ve already doubled that with more to come. I might be a little overzealous with my goal of 52 (kind of like I was with running 1500 miles have running 1300 and change last year- but I’m definitely considering it for 2022.

So what are you going to do with the remaining quarter of the year? There are the things we can control and the ones that we have no control over. Covid has certainly taught me that. I don’t like it, but I’ve come to accept it a bit better. Focus on the things you can control. Take charge in the areas of your life that you know need focus today- don’t wait for some day in the future. Oh and balance that with understanding you can only do so much. Enjoy the time with family and friends, curl up with the book, go for a walk. Let’s crush 2021 and go into 2022 stronger. That’s not to say 2021 was perfect…far from it. But that we took the highs and lows from the year and allowed them to make the best versions of ourselves. And that best version of us is closing out 2021 strong while banging on 2022’s door saying I’m ready- let’s do this!