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  However this happened, in the blink of an eye it’s June 1st, and I’m taking my coffee into the runfessional with me! What’s in your cup? I’m having Mexican coffee today. Well, not exactly Mexican coffee. It’s Dunkin’ Donuts coffee that I brought from home, but I am enjoying it on the deck overlooking Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. See? Mexican coffee! I’m linking up with Marcia for Runfessions, and with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date! I’m also linking up with Meranda and Lacey for the Friday Five! Over coffee, I would runfess that I’ve been almost completely off of the socialRead More →

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  Disclaimer:  I received an entry to the Byline Bank Chicago Spring Half Marathon to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews. It’s been almost two weeks since I ran walked the Byline Bank Chicago Half Marathon and with my crazy-busy schedule, I only now have the time to sit down and write my recap! I’ve been swamped as always over the past few weeks, and now that I am at the tail-end of my trip to Puerto Vallarta I decided to write before IRead More →

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  Disclaimer:  I received an Orange Mud Gear Vest Pro to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews. For as long as I have been running, I’ve carried a water bottle in my hand. For larger races or distances, I carry a one liter bottle. It can get cumbersome and I can’t tell you how many times my bottle was knocked out of my hand by another runner during a race. I’ve been in search of a good vest to carry my water and otherRead More →

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  Though it seems like forever, it’s only been a little over two weeks since I finished the Virgin Money London Marathon. I’ve started a recap post multiple times, but with so much to talk about I never got it done. While we (my son Mark, my daughter-in-law Holly, and I) were in London for only five days, we did and saw a ton and ate and drank even more! Fearing London will go the way of a BMW Berlin Marathon recap (which I never did because I got bogged down with all the details of the entire three week trip to Europe), I willRead More →

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  It’s the first weekend in May, and today I’m taking my coffee into the runfessional with me! I’m linking up with Marcia for a belated Runfessions, and with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date! And heck, while I’m at it, I’m also linking up with Meranda and Lacey for the Friday Five! Over coffee, I would runfess to you that even though Chicago is my hometown and I will always claim the Chicago Marathon to be my favorite, London was absolutely amazing and might just be my secret favorite! The crowds, the sights, and the atmosphere were unbelievable, and I am stillRead More →

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Hey! Who wants to go streaking with me? OK, not THAT kind of streaking – how about a running streak? Today is May 1st, also known as Day 1 of the BibRave Strava Run Streak! It will be fun, easy to do, and best of all, it’s free! All you have to do is join, then run or walk at least one mile every day in May. That’s it! Here’s how to join in on the fun: If you are not already on Strava (and why the heck aren’t you?), you can join here for free. You can also upgrade to the premium version (Summit) forRead More →

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  Disclaimer:  I received AfterShokz Trekz Air bone conduction headphones to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews. I’ve been wanting to try AfterShokz for quite some time. Then when I ran the Surf City Half Marathon in February, the person I was with was wearing a pair. At some point during the race I asked if she had them turned on, since I never heard music coming from them and we were conversing with each other pretty much the entire time. She said sheRead More →

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  Disclaimer:  I received a pair of Shady Rays Sunglasses to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews. In a shocking development, the sun has finally made its appearance in the midwest, making this the perfect time to try out a new pair of shades! I have not historically been very good about protecting my eyes from the sun, but the older I get the more I realize how important it is to do everything I can to help keep my vision sharp. I hadRead More →

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This post contains affiliate links It’s official! Spring has finally sprung! The brutally-cold temperatures in Chicago this winter have kept most of my runs indoors, but with the milder temperatures FINALLY within view, it’s time to do a gear-check to make sure I’m ready for the spring running season. Here are some of my top picks for this year. I am happy to be able to share a few discount codes for some of them with you!   You know I’m all about safety, and with Daylight Savings comes dark early-morning runs. I have historically run alone, which means I pack a few extra safety essentialsRead More →

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  Happy Monday! I would like to say that spring has sprung, but we are still dealing with frigid temperatures here in the midwest. I took most of my runs to the treadmill this past week, which is fine by me. I joined Deborah‘s March into Fitness challenge on RunBet, and it has done wonders for my motivation. Is it the accountability to the group, or is it the risk of losing money? In either case, it’s kept me moving. Here’s how the week went down: Monday:  A chilly 3 mile walk around the neighborhood Tuesday:  5.1 mile run/walk intervals outside on our one-and-only decent-weather dayRead More →