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Continue reading →: New Year, New GoalI’m kicking off the year with a new running challenge: training for the Run Disney Springtime Surprise 10K! The celebratory fireworks will light up the predawn sky on race day in less than 100 days. To build a strong foundation, I’m following the St. Jude beginner 10K training plan. There…
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Continue reading →: Wrapping Up My Mayo Clinic 5K Training PlanAs the year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on my experience with the Mayo Clinic 5K training plan. It truly exceeded my expectations. The structure was clear, the progression felt manageable, and I appreciated how it balanced challenge with sustainability. One of my biggest takeaways was learning to give myself…
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Continue reading →: Review: JLab – Go Air Sport True Wireless EarbudsI recently picked up the JLab – Go Air Sport Wireless Earbuds from Best Buy for $29.99. They quickly became my go‑to pair for runs and workouts. I specifically wanted to try a more affordable option before committing to a higher‑end pair. These have genuinely impressed me for the price.…
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Continue reading →: Turning Leftover Pumpkin Into Post‑Run FuelIf you have any leftover pumpkin this holiday season, don’t let it go to waste! Maggie Michalczyk’s The Great Big Pumpkin Cookbook offers plenty of creative ways to use it, including cozy desserts like pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are a sweet reminder that pumpkins are not only for…
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Continue reading →: Lace Up for the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Challenge!I signed up for the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Challenge on Strava. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Adrenaline GTS 25, participants are asked to run a total of 25 miles by December 13, 2025. Qualifying activities include running, walking, hiking, virtual runs, and wheelchair workouts. Finishers are entered…
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Continue reading →: When a Coyote Cuts Your Run Short: Staying Safe on the TrailYesterday’s run did not go as planned. I set out ready to enjoy the crisp fall air and the crunch of leaves underfoot. With less than one mile left, I spotted a coyote up ahead on the side of the trail in a meadow. Luckily, it was not aggressive. Rather…
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Continue reading →: Dreams, Leaves, and Cadence: A Fall Run in 10 TracksWelcome to your perfect fall run. This 30-minute playlist blends crisp autumn vibes with energizing tempos. It guides each phase of the workout, starting with slower BPM tracks for a gentle warmup, transitioning to high-energy beats for the main run, and winding down with calming rhythms to support a smooth…
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Continue reading →: Strengthening the Vastus Lateralis: Lessons from a Hilly 5KAfter running the Fall Color 5K, I felt great. I was energized, steady, and grateful for the crisp weather and scenic course. But the next morning, one muscle group stood out: my vastus lateralis (the outer part of the quadriceps). That soreness made me curious. The vastus lateralis is the…
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Continue reading →: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad: A Favorite Reimagined for RunnersDuring a month-long trial in New Orleans, I found comfort and joy in the little things. One of them being the shaved Brussels sprouts salad at Sylvain, a cozy restaurant tucked into the French Quarter. It was crisp, tangy, and nourishing. That salad became my go-to after long days in…
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Continue reading →: Fall Color 5K at the Morton ArboretumDate: October 25, 2025Location: Lisle, ILDistance: 5KVerdict: Worth the miles. Course & Scenery The course was mostly flat and very runnable, with one notable exception: the start line launches runners straight into a climb up Frost Hill. It’s steep, it’s real, and it’s not the hill to sprint up if…
