I spent years wondering if my struggles “counted” and whether an ADHD diagnosis would change anything at all. What followed wasn’t a dramatic transformation, but a quieter, more complicated journey—one shaped by validation, high expectations, frustration, and small changes I almost missed. This post is an honest look at my path to an ADHD diagnosis, medication trials, and what I’m learning along the way.
Category: Keeping It Real
New Year, Same Me: Planting Seeds in Winter Instead of Burning Out by February
Every January, I sit down with big goals and even bigger optimism. This year, I’m doing something different. Instead of “new year, new me, go hard immediately,” I’m choosing to slow down, reflect, and set intentions that actually fit my life. Inspired by winter’s natural rhythm, lessons from burnout, and what I’ve learned about my brain and body, this post explores why rest isn’t failure - and how flexibility, connection, and curiosity are shaping my approach to 2026.
Looking Back on 2025, A Year of Duality
2025 wasn’t just a list of events - it was a year of duality. Joy and challenge. Confidence and doubt. Structure and burnout. Rediscovering parts of myself while learning entirely new things. This reflection looks back on a full, complicated year and the lessons that came with it.
2025 Running Recap: Worth the Work, Just Not the Way I Expected
A candid 2025 running recap exploring burnout, identity, and redefining running for mental health. A reminder that sometimes the most important work is learning when to change the rules.
Mind Matters: Let’s Talk About Grief
When you mention grief, most people think of the kind that comes with death. It also shows up in friendships that fade and identities we've left behind. Grief doesn't disappear when the holidays show up. Instead, we get to awkwardly juggle them with joy and celebration. You'll be driving around looking at Christmas lights, eating… Continue reading Mind Matters: Let’s Talk About Grief
Savoring the Journey: Quick Fall Adventure in Roger’s City, MI
Welcome to another new RD on the Run series: Savoring the Journey. In these posts, I will be sharing details of my adventures with my husband, friends, and family. From day trips to new places to travelling far from home, and everything in between. I'll share my favorite moments and of course, my favorite meals.… Continue reading Savoring the Journey: Quick Fall Adventure in Roger’s City, MI
A Tale of Two Long Runs
It’s no secret that I’ve been burned out from running (all you have to do is read my blog to know that). The fact that I didn't do any long runs for the first two weeks of September further confirmed the burnout. I used to enjoy getting together with my friends or my husband to… Continue reading A Tale of Two Long Runs
Same Old Story (But With New Words)
Here we go again. I haven't written a blog since July 17th. Cue me saying, “I really want to write more.” And I do. Really. Pinky promise this time. My husband is always amazed at my memory. He’ll ask, “How do you remember when this happened? Or which concerts you’ve been to? Or the exact… Continue reading Same Old Story (But With New Words)
Me and Running are “On a Break”
Today I ran for the first time since June 26th. Cue the gasp. That might not sound shocking to some, but for me? That’s a big deal. I’m usually out there running 3–4 times a week, especially when I’m in the middle of marathon training like I had been. But July? My monthly Garmin running… Continue reading Me and Running are “On a Break”
My house is messy, and my brain is, too.
Yes, this is another ADHD blog post. Yes, there will be more. Sorry, not sorry. Writing is how I figure myself out. Some people podcast, some make TikToks - I write. It’s how I turn the chaos of my spicy brain into something semi-coherent. So if you're still here, thanks. And if this is your… Continue reading My house is messy, and my brain is, too.
My First Time-Based Running Adventure: Island Time 2025
I had no idea what to expect going into the Island Time 6 Hour Run. It was my first time doing this race, and my first time doing any time-based race, period. My training this spring hasn’t really gone as planned, and the longest run I had done to prepare was 8 miles. Although my… Continue reading My First Time-Based Running Adventure: Island Time 2025
Shouting it from the rooftops… “I have ADHD.”
For so long, I thought something was wrong with me. Why was it so hard to keep up with things everyone else seemed to manage so easily? Cleaning the house, being on time, finishing tasks, keeping my space organized, remembering appointments, switching between tasks - it all felt like an uphill battle. And no matter… Continue reading Shouting it from the rooftops… “I have ADHD.”
2025 Mental Health Awareness Month Wrap-Up: Progress Not Perfection
My plan for this year’s Still I Run: RunStreak for Mental Health Awareness Month was to run or walk at least one mile every day. While I didn’t execute that plan perfectly, I still walked or ran at least a mile on 22 out of 31 days. That’s something I’m proud of. I have always… Continue reading 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month Wrap-Up: Progress Not Perfection
May is Mental Health Awareness Month – Come Streaking With Me!
No, not that kind of streaking. I’m talking about the Still I Run May RunStreak – an annual event that encourages people to run or walk every day in May to raise awareness for mental health. As a proud co-captain of the Still I Run: Saginaw Chapter, I’m lacing up (fully clothed, I promise) and… Continue reading May is Mental Health Awareness Month – Come Streaking With Me!
Why I’m Not Upset About a DNS
Before January 1, 2025, I had never seen a DNS (Did Not Start) next to my name in race results. I’ve had to switch distances before and even had a few DNFs (Did Not Finish) due to missing cut-off times, but I always made it to the start line—until this year. This past weekend, I… Continue reading Why I’m Not Upset About a DNS
RD on the Run 