It's been a while since I've done a "Things I'm Loving Lately" post. So let's jump in, shall we?! Thrilled to share that I was selected as an ambassador for the ZOOMA Women's Race Series for Great Lakes in September! This will be my first race post-baby in beautiful Lake Geneva. Join me and get 10% off your registration (any Zooma race, any distance) with code VALERIEP2018. Hurry- prices increase for this particular race May 1st. Who's in with me?! Sign up here. My tub of protein powder Read More
Gurnee Days Trail Run 2016 #GoGurnee
Runs these days look a bit different, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I have a great running buddy! In an effort to stick to my fitness routine, I signed up for one race a month (July through October). July’s race was Antioch’s Run for Freedom over the 4th. It was Bryce’s first official race running with my in the stroller. Despite a crowded start, we finished in 26:18, 4th in my age group and first stroller finishers- woo woo! The race for August is one I’ve done for a few Read More
2016 Health Pursuits: Fitness & Food
I know, I know. We are already three months into 2016. But I thought it'd be good to document my 2016 health pursuits when it comes to food and fitness. Here's where my head is at: Running: Hit several PRs last year and really enjoy getting some races on my calendar to look forward to. Since going back to work full-time, I doubt I'll be able to train for another half, but would love to get these races on the calendar: January: S-No-W Fun Run, Lake Geneva, WI (5 miles)- DONE! Time: Read More
Ways to Treat Yourself After a Half Marathon + Giveaway!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TryALittleGoodness #CollectiveBias I knew after having Bryce that I wanted to complete a half marathon within the year. He was born in April, and I knew I wouldn’t want to do a winter half marathon, so I found one in October and signed up. No time like the present, huh? It was my 3rd half marathon, so I knew what training would be like. I wanted to do it because running was my Read More
Hero 10k (and Other Races Post-Baby)
This past weekend, I raced in the Hero 10k at the gorgeous Indiana Dunes State Park back home where I grew up. This was actually the 4th race I’ve done post-baby. The others were: 5k over 4th of July in Tomahawk, WI (24:44)- didn’t bring Bryce- he stayed with his grandparents! 10k in August in Gurnee, IL (50:20, 2nd place AG)- early race, so Bryce stayed home with Daddy! My first evening 5k in September in Pleasant Prairie, WI (24:09, 3rd place AG)- first race with Bryce as Read More
2013 Running Recap!
So I realized I didn’t have a post summing up my running in 2013! I spent all that time tracking everything in Google Docs, I might as well record it all on the blog right?! 2013 was a great year to really get me back into running again. I met some great friends from the Chicago Running Bloggers group and did several long runs with friends, which up until this point, I had been a solo runner. Just me and my music. But running with people makes for so much more fun! It was definitely a Read More
Hero Half Marathon & 10k and a giveaway! {Sponsored}
Calling all Chicagoland runners! Check out this amazing inaugural race that is sure to have some of the best views ever! I know I’ll be taking part…I grew up a few minutes from the Dunes and would love to run this course in the fall! The details: Hero Half Marathon and 10k When: Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 8 am CST Where: Indiana Dunes State Park (40 miles east of Chicago on Lake Michigan) Cost: $40 for 10k, $75 for half marathon Register: Herohalf.com and use code HERO10 for $10 Read More
Work it
For me, winter workouts can get boring and mundane since I'm usually stuck inside to do them since it's so cold outside and it gets dark so early...wa waaa! I try to keep variety in my workouts by mixing it up with running routines on the treadmill, Jillian Michaels DVDs, challenging cardio/toning workout circuits I see on Pinterest and the occasional group exercise class for some human interaction. But sometimes I just need a little pick-me-up to keep me going...like new workout gear! The Read More
