I started December with a big goal, a training plan, and the belief that this time it would be different. Spoiler alert: winter, burnout, and real life had other plans. In The Training Journal: Volume 2025, Issue 12, I break down my December training and the lessons that mattered more than the miles.
Category: Running
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.
Race Recap: Detroit International Half Marathon 2025
The Race That Built Me - and the One That Broke Me For nearly a decade, the Detroit Marathon has been a part of my running story. I’ve crossed its start line as so many versions of myself: the first-time marathoner, the confident ambassador, the runner so glad that racing was back after COVID... the… Continue reading Race Recap: Detroit International Half Marathon 2025
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
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 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
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
The Fine Line Between Discipline and Disorder: Reflecting this Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Eating Disorders Awareness Week, or EDAW (February 24-March 2, 2025) is an annual campaign promoted by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). The goal of EDAW is to educate the public about eating disorders. It also aims to provide hope and visibility to those who are impacted by eating disorders. The 2025 EDAW theme is… Continue reading The Fine Line Between Discipline and Disorder: Reflecting this Eating Disorders Awareness Week
2024 Running Year in Review: Miles Change You
2024 has been a year of transformation for me, both in my running and personal life. I faced challenges on and off the roads and trails. Every mile, literally and figuratively, changed me. Tonight marks the end of the year. I am reflecting on the miles I logged in 2024 and thinking about the milestones… Continue reading 2024 Running Year in Review: Miles Change You
Race Recap: Hot Cider Hustle Half Marathon
TL;DR - I loved the course for the Hot Cider Hustle Half Marathon and ended up defying my own expectations of what I was capable of! The unabridged version: After I decided to sell my marathon bib for the Detroit Marathon this year, I looked for half marathons to run instead. I had already made… Continue reading Race Recap: Hot Cider Hustle Half Marathon
Race Recap: Little Rock Marathon
It only took me 1.5 years to post this - enjoy my Little Rock Marathon 2023 race recap!
RD on the Run 