59 Days to London: Finding Strength in an 18‑Mile Run

With just 59 days until the London Marathon, today felt like a turning point — the kind of training day that reminds you why you signed up for this journey in the first place. I headed out for my longest run of the cycle so far, 18 miles, and finished feeling strong, steady, and surprisingly grateful.

Long runs have a way of stripping everything down to the essentials. It’s just you, your breath, the rhythm of your feet, and the quiet space to think. And with everything happening in the world — the uncertainty, the heaviness, the constant stream of headlines — being able to step outside and run for hours felt like a privilege I didn’t want to take for granted.

There was something grounding about it. Mile after mile, I kept coming back to the same thought: I get to do this. I get to move, to train, to chase a goal that once felt out of reach. I get to spend a morning outdoors, watching the sun rise higher, feeling the air shift, and letting my mind settle into a rare kind of calm.

Training for a marathon is never just about the miles. It’s about perspective. It’s about finding small pockets of clarity in a world that often feels anything but clear. It’s about choosing to show up — even when it’s hard, even when life feels loud, even when the finish line still feels far away.

Today’s 18 miles reminded me that progress isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it’s simply the quiet confidence that comes from doing the work and realizing you’re stronger than you were a few weeks ago. And with 59 days to go, that strength matters.

There’s still plenty of training ahead, but today was a win — a reminder of resilience, gratitude, and the simple joy of being able to run.

#LondonMarathon2026

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Surviving Orlando’s Surprise Cold Snap: Two Days We Won’t Forget

If you’ve lived in Central Florida long enough, you know we get our share of chilly mornings — but every once in a while, Orlando throws us a curveball. The last two days were one of those rare moments when “Sunshine State” felt like a misnomer and we all collectively wondered whether we’d accidentally woken up in Canada.

What started as a brisk forecast quickly turned into a genuine freeze event. Temperatures dipped far lower than our tropical landscaping — or our nerves — were prepared for. And like many Floridians, we learned a few lessons the hard way.

The Plant Casualties

Let’s talk about the garden. Florida plants are resilient in their own way, but they’re not built for nights that flirt with freezing. When the cold settled in, it settled deep, and by morning it was clear that several of our plants didn’t make it through the night.

Tropical varieties took the biggest hit — leaves wilted, stems darkened, and some plants simply collapsed under the shock. It’s always tough to see landscaping not even a year old struggle. Some plants may regrow from the roots once warmer weather returns, so all hope isn’t lost.

Still, it’s a reminder that even in Orlando, a little freeze prep goes a long way.

The Frozen Tankless Water Heater Saga

The bigger surprise came from something we rarely think about: the tankless hot water heater mounted outside the garage. Tankless systems are efficient and compact, but they’re also vulnerable when temperatures drop below freezing. And that’s exactly what happened.

At some point during the night, the cold was enough to freeze the unit. Waking up to no hot water is a rude shock — especially when the air outside still feels like a refrigerator. It’s one of those moments where you realize how much we take warm water for granted until it’s suddenly gone.

Thankfully, once temperatures rose, the system thawed out. But it’s a lesson learned: even in Florida, exposed plumbing needs a little protection when the forecast dips into the danger zone.

Looking Ahead

Warmer days are already on the horizon, and soon this cold spell will be just another story we tell about “that one winter when Orlando tried to be a northern city.” The plants will hopefully recover, the heater will be insulated, and life will return to its usual sunny rhythm.

But for now, we’ve earned a hot cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and maybe a little pride for making it through Florida’s version of winter survival mode.

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A Tempo Run I Didn’t Think I Could Do… Until I Did

Today was one of those running days where the mental battle started long before the first step. On my schedule from Runna was a 6‑mile tempo run, and honestly, I’d been stressing about it for days. The paces looked intimidating, and I kept convincing myself I wasn’t ready, wasn’t strong enough, wasn’t quite “there” yet.

But there comes a point where you can’t put it off anymore. So this morning, I bundled up, stepped out into the cool air, and told myself one simple truth: “The worst thing that happens is I get a solid 6‑mile run in.”

With that mindset, I started. One mile at a time. One pace target at a time. And something amazing happened— I hit every single pace.

Every. One.

Somewhere between the steady breathing, the rhythm of my feet, and the crisp morning air, the run shifted from something I feared to something I owned. By the time I finished, I was buzzing with excitement. Not just because I completed the workout, but because I proved to myself that I’m stronger than the doubts I walked out the door with.

Today was a reminder that the hardest part is often just starting. And sometimes, the run you’re most nervous about becomes the one that lights you up the most.

Here’s to showing up, trusting the process, and surprising ourselves along the way.

#Londonmarathon

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Looking Ahead to 2026: A Milestone Year in Motion

There are years you simply live through, and then there are years you step into with intention. For me, 2026 is shaping up to be one of those rare, powerful years—the kind that feels like a turning point long before it even arrives.

This is the year I turn 50. A number that once felt distant and abstract now feels like a badge of honor. Not a finish line, but a marker on a much bigger journey. I’m stepping into this new decade with gratitude, curiosity, and a determination to make it unforgettable.

And what better way to celebrate a milestone birthday than by doing something bold, challenging, and deeply meaningful?

🏃‍♂️ April: Running the London Marathon

In April, I’ll be taking on the London Marathon again, one of the world’s most iconic races. The energy, the crowds, the history woven into every mile—it’s a dream race for so many runners, and I’m thrilled that I will get another chance at it.

Training for London feels symbolic. It’s a reminder that strength isn’t something you lose with age—it’s something you build, nurture, and reclaim. Every run is a step toward that start line, and every mile is a celebration of how far I’ve come.

🐘 June: The Lewa Safari Marathon in Kenya

Just a few months later, in June, I’ll be heading to Kenya to run the Lewa Safari Marathon—a race unlike any other in the world. Set in a wildlife conservancy, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and incredible conservation work, it’s more than a marathon. It’s an experience at 5,500 ft elevation, a hilly dirt terrain and temperatures between 80-90 F.

Running through Lewa will be a privilege: a chance to challenge myself physically while supporting a cause that protects wildlife, communities, and one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on the planet.

✨ Turning 50 With Purpose

If there’s a theme for 2026, it’s this: movement. Forward, upward, inward.

Turning 50 isn’t about slowing down—it’s about leaning in. Leaning into adventure, into health, into experiences that stretch me in the best possible ways. These races aren’t just events on a calendar; they’re milestones in a year that I want to remember for the rest of my life.

So here’s to 2026: a year of big goals, big miles, and big meaning. A year to celebrate where I’ve been, embrace where I am, and run boldly toward everything that’s ahead.

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Christmas at Universal Studios

There’s something truly special about visiting Universal Studios during the holiday season. The park transforms into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive music, and holiday cheer around every corner. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but feel the spirit of Christmas the moment you walk through the gates.

For me, the highlight of the season is always the Macy’s Holiday Parade. Watching those giant balloons float down the streets of Universal is pure joy. It’s like stepping right into the magic of the iconic New York parade. The colorful floats, lively performers, and whimsical characters bring the holiday spirit to life in a way that feels larger than life.

Standing along the parade route, I found myself grinning like a kid again. The music, the costumes, the sheer scale of it all—it’s impossible not to get swept up in the excitement. It’s my favorite thing to watch, and honestly, it’s worth the trip all on its own.

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Starting Over at the Gym: Rebuilding Strength One Rep at a Time

For years, I let strength training slip through the cracks. Life got busy, priorities shifted to running, and before I knew it, the gym was no longer part of my routine. Recently, though, I decided it was time to change that. I joined the gym again—not just to move my body, but to rebuild the strength I’ve been neglecting for far too long.

Walking back in felt both familiar and foreign. The weights, the machines, the energy—it all reminded me of where I once was, but also of how far I’ve drifted. I had to accept that I’m starting back at the beginning. The numbers on the bar are lighter, the sets feel harder, and progress is slower than I remember. But that’s okay.

I know this journey won’t be instant. It will take consistency, discipline, and a willingness to embrace the process. But I’m confident that with time, I’ll get back to where I was—and maybe even surpass it. Every rep is a step forward, every workout a reminder that I’m investing in myself.

This isn’t just about lifting weights. It’s about reclaiming a part of me that I let go of, proving to myself that it’s never too late to start again. The gym is my reset button, and I’m pressing it with determination.

Here’s to rebuilding strength, one session at a time.

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675 Miles for 26.2

This morning marked the first long run of my marathon training bloc—and with it, a quiet but powerful reminder of what this journey is really about.

They say the race itself is a celebration of all the miles that came before it. Today, that sentiment felt real. As the sun rose and my feet found rhythm on the pavement, I wasn’t just running—I was beginning a commitment to 675 miles of preparation, grit, and growth. All for one glorious 26.2-mile celebration in London.

Marathon training isn’t just about endurance. It’s about showing up when it’s cold, when it’s early, when it’s hard. It’s about building something invisible but strong—mile by mile, run by run. And this morning, with the first long run behind me, I felt the quiet pride of starting something big.

Here’s to the journey ahead. To every early alarm, every recovery snack, every mile logged. Because come race day, I won’t just be running 26.2—I’ll be celebrating 675.

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Countdown to the London Marathon: Day 1 of Training in Chilly Florida

159 days. That’s how long I have until I toe the line again at one of the most iconic races in the world—the London Marathon. Today marked the beginning of my training journey, and Florida decided to surprise me with a rare chill in the air. Not exactly the tropical warmth I’m used to, but maybe it’s a sign: this journey is going to be full of surprises.

Bundled up and laced up, I hit the pavement for my first official training run. It wasn’t long, but it was meaningful. Every step reminded me why I signed up for this challenge—to push myself, to grow, and to be part of something bigger than just a race.

Running in cold weather is my favorite, there’s something invigorating about starting this journey with a bit of discomfort. It makes the goal feel real. It makes the finish line in London feel just a little closer.

Over the next 159 days, I’ll be logging miles, battling early mornings, and learning more about myself with every run. I’ll share the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Whether you’re training too, cheering from the sidelines, or just curious about the process, I hope you’ll follow along.

Here’s to day one. Let’s do this.

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🏃‍♂️ Running the 2025 Marine Corps Marathon: A Journey of Grit and Gratitude

Participating in the 2025 Marine Corps Marathon was more than just a race—it was a personal challenge, a test of endurance, and a celebration of perseverance. From the early-morning chill to the final uphill push, this experience was packed with memorable highs, humbling lows, and everything in between.

🎯 Setting the Goal

My mission was clear: finish the marathon in under five hours. With months of training behind me and a solid strategy in place, I felt ready to take on the 26.2 miles winding through Washington, D.C. The weather was cooperative, and I started injury-free—two major wins right off the bat.

🏁 The Race Begins

The first half of the race went smoothly. I maintained a steady pace through the initial 13–14 miles, buoyed by fresh legs and the cool morning air. The largest hills appeared early, within the first 2–3 miles, but they were manageable thanks to the adrenaline and favorable conditions.

However, things took a turn after I ate mid-race. Digestive discomfort led to several bathroom breaks, which chipped away at my time and momentum. By the halfway mark, I was trailing my goal pace by nearly two minutes, and I knew the second half would require a serious push.

💪 The Final Stretch

Despite the setbacks, I pressed on. The temperature rose slightly during the final mile, adding to the challenge. The last 0.2 miles featured a steep incline that forced me to walk briefly—but I crossed the finish line with a time of 5:10. Ten minutes over my target, but still a finish I’m proud of.

🧊 Post-Race Realities

The post-race area was packed, making it tough to unwind or grab refreshments. Announcements urged runners to keep moving, so I didn’t linger long. Fortunately, my hotel was just steps away from the finisher zone. A hot shower and a quiet celebration were the perfect way to wrap up the day.

🙏 Final Thoughts

Running the Marine Corps Marathon was a powerful reminder that goals are important—but so is the journey. I may not have hit my time target, but I gained something even more valuable: resilience, perspective, and a story worth sharing.

Every mile taught me something. Every step was worth it. #marinecorpsmarathon #MCM2025 #MarathonJourney #RunnerLife #FinishLineFeels

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Packet Pick-Up day 🏃‍♀️🇺🇸

Excited to be one step closer to the Marine Corps Marathon! Picking up my race packet today and the energy is already electric. Everything’s feeling real now!

Had a great run by the water this morning to shake out the nerves and soak in some calm before race day. Grateful for this journey and ready to take on the miles with heart and grit. 💪

Let’s go, runners! #MarineCorpsMarathon #PacketPickup #RaceReady #MorningMiles #RunWithPurpose

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