July is prime-time for half-marathon and marathon training.  Fall marathons are less than 5 months away, including the Williams Route 66 Marathon, which has been listed as the top race in Oklahoma, scheduled for November 19, 2017.  

As you go into this season of training, it is important to get your mind in check so that you can cross the finish line with a smile.   To do this, you must mentally prepare yourself  months before you hit the start line and it is imperative to find a way to fit training into your schedule without becoming overwhelmed.  The actual physical aspect of completing a marathon can be less of a drag if y...

On this day 13 years ago (my 30th Birthday), I decided to make a change and commit to living a healthy life.  So, I started on this journey to lose weight.  THIS JOURNEY HAS NOT BEEN EASY BUT IT HAS BEEN WORTH IT!  I have lost over 200 pounds and have added years to my life and a passion to help others on their health and FITness journey.  During my FITness journey and zest for life, I fell in love with being physically FIT and with the sport of running.  In 2016, I ran over 35 races, 13 of which were half marathons (in 10 different states) and I placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd in my division in two 5k’s and one half marathon.  As my lov...

If you are new to the sport of running. 

- or - 

If you have been running solo for years and you are at a plateau.

Then you may want to join a running group.  Many have the idea that running groups are for those runners who tend to lead the pack.  This is not the case.  A Running Group is a community of like-minded individuals that are looking to run (run is now a loose term used for runners, walkers and run/walkers) in a supportive environment regardless of a persons ability or level.  Anyone who wants to start running, whether it is to shed a few pounds, keep in shape, or win the next road race, can find a running group beneficial...

There is always a why behind everything we do.  In all areas of my life I want to make a difference.  I started this blog because I love the sport of running and FITness.  I am using this blog as a platform to discuss my FITness journey, as well as the life lessons I have learned on this road to good health.  I didn’t always love running. As a teenager and in my early adult years, I struggled with making healthy choices and was extremely obese. As I approached the age of 30, I decided that I wanted to live a healthy life and started on my weight loss journey. During this journey I have lost over 200 pounds. Yes, losing 200 pounds...

With the fast-paced lives we live today, finding enough time in the day to accomplish our every day task is hard enough, but finding time for adequate sleep can be a challenge.  I wear many hats and I myself am guilty of burning the candle at both ends, depriving my body the adequate sleep it required while continuing to train.  I quickly found out that just like cheating on your diet, cheating sleep will cause you to gain weight,  be fatigue, irritable and unfocused which affected my performance.  Our bodies require a certain amount of sleep so it can function properly.  Giving our bodies the rest it requires will allow them to...

• DON’T WEAR HEADPHONES. Use your ears to be aware of your surroundings. Your ears may help you avoid dangers your eyes may miss during evening or early morning runs.

• Run against traffic so you can observe approaching automobiles. By facing on-coming traffic, you may be able to react quicker than if it is behind you.

• Look both ways before crossing. Be sure the driver of a car acknowledges your right-of-way before crossing in front of a vehicle. Obey traffic signals.

• Carry identification or write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe. Include any medical information.

• ...