March flew by in a blur of gym days, steady strides, and more than a few proud moments. What stood out most? Not just the mileage milestones—but the mindset shift. Even though I hit some exciting new goals this month, I also gave myself permission to slow down a bit and enjoy the process. I showed up consistently, even if that meant just a simple 3-4 mile run. I honored my need for rest, taking two days off each week. It wasn’t about chasing big numbers every day—it was about building a rhythm I could stick with.

One of the biggest highlights? Long run Fridays.

It’s the one day I get to run in the morning instead of the evening, and I made it count. This month, I set a goal to run 10 miles without stopping—and I actually did it! (Still smiling about it!)

I had a total of three long runs in March. The first time, I simply focused on running for two hours straight and ended up hitting 9 miles. For the second and third runs, I locked into a steady 5.5 MPH pace and was able to finish 10 miles just under the two-hour mark.

Now, if you’re a seasoned runner reading this, you might think, “Okay, not a huge deal.” But for someone who just started running three months ago?

It feels like a huge deal.

I’m learning how to maintain a slower pace for longer stretches—and that’s been a game-changer. I’m not ready for a marathon just yet, but the fact that I’m hitting mile 10 already? It gives me so much hope that I’m on the right track.

I’ve got my sights set on 13 miles in April (yep, a half marathon distance!). The tricky part is that I’m limited to a two-hour window at the gym—my little ones get to hang in the kid area while I work out—so I have to fit all of my training into that time slot.

Also worth mentioning: I’ve done all of my running so far on a treadmill. I know, I know—some runners absolutely hate the treadmill. But honestly? It’s been a great training ground for me. It’s helped me learn how to pace myself, focus on my breathing, and feel totally safe while working out. Now that the weather is starting to warm up, I’d love to test out some longer runs outside and see how that feels compared to running indoors.

If I had to sum up March in a sentence, I’d say it was about being consistent with the small stuff—and brave with the big stuff. I kept showing up on the short runs, and I pushed myself when it mattered most.

For April, I’m keeping the same game plan: shorter runs between 3-5 miles during the week, and longer Friday runs where I work toward that 13-mile milestone.

Let’s see what this next month brings!

February was an interesting month. Compared to January, which felt really steady and predictable, February came with its own set of challenges and triumphs. My goal for the month was to consistently run four miles while also focusing on increasing my speed. Some days, I felt strong—like I could push myself to a faster pace and even sprinkle in some sprint training. Other days, I felt exhausted, like my body was resisting every step, and finishing four miles felt nearly impossible.

One of the biggest mindset shifts I had this month was thinking more about marathon training. I started experimenting with a new running approach that seemed to work well for me: running 0.90 of a mile at a faster pace and then walking the last 0.10 to slow my heart rate before repeating the cycle. This gave me the confidence to push myself while still maintaining some level of control over my endurance. I found that I could sustain speeds between 6.5 and 7.5 MPH (about an 8:00-9:00 minute mile pace) for those bursts. It felt challenging but doable, and it gave me hope that I might be able to apply a similar strategy for longer runs.

But then, the last week of February hit, and my energy levels completely tanked. It was one of those weeks where everything felt harder—not just running, but balancing work, motherhood, and life in general.

Most of the time, I feel like I have a decent amount of energy, but I definitely had a few days where I was straight-up burned out. And I want to share that here because it’s easy to scroll through posts online and assume that everyone else has this magical, perfectly balanced life where everything just flows seamlessly. I promise mine is not that way. With four kids—three of them boys, one of them a younger (and more stubborn) version of myself—my hands are full. Really, really full.

So, instead of forcing myself to push through at the same speed, I decided to shift gears and embrace a slower pace. And to my surprise, it actually felt amazing. Running at 5 MPH (about a 12:00-minute mile pace) was something I could sustain without breathing heavily or sending my heart rate soaring. It felt natural, like something I could actually maintain over a long period of time.

That realization led me to an unexpected milestone.

On the last Friday of the month, I set out for a long run with one goal: to take it slow and steady and see how far I could go without stopping. And, to my surprise, I made it 7.5 miles—the farthest I’ve ever run.

There were a few hiccups along the way, like the treadmill automatically stopping my workout at the 5-mile mark (cue minor frustration), but I restarted, sipped some water, and kept going. My original goal was to hit 9 miles, and I honestly think I could have done it, but then the childcare staff at the gym called me because one of my little ones refused to clean up the toy blocks. So, I wrapped up at 7.5 miles and called it a win. Jumped in the pool to cool off and finished relaxing for a few min in the sauna.

And it really was a win. Not just because of the number, but because of how I felt. The run felt good. It felt sustainable. And for the first time, I felt like running a long distance wasn’t just something I was working toward—it was something I was capable of doing.

Looking back, I think all the faster running I did earlier in the month helped build my strength and endurance in ways I didn’t realize at the time. Those speed sessions—where I pushed myself past my comfort zone—made my slower-paced runs feel so much easier in comparison. And that’s something I’ll carry with me into March: the understanding that balance is everything. Some days will be about speed. Some days will be about endurance. Some days will just be about showing up, even when I don’t feel like it.

I’m still a long way from 26.2 miles, but this was a big step in the right direction.

The first month of marathon training for the Honolulu Marathon is officially in the books, and let me tell you—it was not pretty. I went into January with one goal: to show up consistently and start building a base. No fancy training plans, no complicated speed work, just a simple promise to myself to run 3 miles, 5 days a week. And for the most part, I stuck with it.

But here’s the truth: 90% of those runs felt pretty horrible.

I’m talking about the kind of runs where you feel like you’re dying, where every step feels like a battle, where you question why you signed up for a marathon in the first place. The type of run where you’re calculating how many times you’d have to run 3 miles in order to run a whole marathon. The answer is 8.7 times incase you were doing the math too.

And yet—I kept going.

Finding My Pace (And Learning to Breathe)

To start, I focused on maintaining a steady speed of 4.8 MPH, with short walking breaks when I needed to catch my breath. Usually, around the 1.5-mile mark, I’d hit a wall, forcing myself to take a few seconds before pushing forward. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was progress.

Then, something shifted. Every once in a while, I’d have a good run. One where my legs didn’t feel like lead, where my breathing felt controlled, where I didn’t count down every second until it was over. Those runs became my proof that things were changing, even when I couldn’t always feel it.

And then came a pretty big win: I managed to pick up my pace to 6.0-7.0 MPH, which is roughly an 8:34-10:00 mile. It felt like I was pushing myself hard, but I was able to do it for three miles. For the first time, I wasn’t just surviving my runs—I was improving.

The Mental Side of Running

Let’s be real—if I had to run a marathon today, I wouldn’t even make it halfway. Three miles feels like a very long way from 26.2. And if I let myself think too much about how much further I have to go, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

But here’s the thing I keep reminding myself: it’s not about where I am today. It’s about showing up, putting in the work, and trusting that one day, I’ll look back and realize I actually can run a marathon.

Right now, I can’t imagine what it will feel like to say, Yes, I know I can do this. But I believe that day will come. And that’s enough to keep me going.

Experimenting with Running Form & Audio

One thing I’ve started to focus on is my running form—trying different strides, adjusting my posture, and seeing what feels best. I’ve realized that so much of running is about finding a rhythm, getting comfortable in the movement, and learning what works for your body.

I also experimented with what to listen to while running. At first, I was convinced that upbeat music was the key to keeping me moving, but I noticed it actually made it harder to stay on pace. Then, I switched to podcasts, which helped take my mind off the run.

But the real surprise? Running with no headphones at all.

One day, I forgot my headphones and thought it was going to be the worst run ever. Instead, it ended up being one of my best. Listening to my breathing, hearing my feet hit the treadmill, and just being present made everything feel smoother. I decided to try ditching my headphones for the last two runs of the month, and they both felt surprisingly good. So for now, I’m going to keep running in silence and see how it goes.

Building a Base Before Structured Training

I know I’m still in the early stages, but I want to focus on building a solid foundation before jumping into a structured plan. For the first six months, my goal is to gradually increase my mileage and endurance, then switch to a marathon training program in June.

January’s Goal:

• Run 3 miles (5 days a week) at 4.8-5.2 MPH
• End the month running 3 miles at 6.0-7.0 MPH

✅ Done.

February’s Goal:

• Run 3.5 miles (5 days a week) at 4.8-5.2 MPH
• Gradually increase pace at the end of the month

*Depending on how it feels, I might bump it to 4 miles. I did read it’s better to increase it by .5 everytime, but I also feel like I am trying to listen to how I feel. If I have the energy and feel good, then I like to push myself a little more. If I am feeling like I am maxed out, I will just increase it a little.

I’m not rushing the process, but I do want to keep challenging myself little by little.

Final Thoughts on January

Looking back on the first month, I’m proud of the work I put in. I wasn’t perfect, I missed some days when I was sick, and I had more bad runs than good ones—but I showed up. And that’s what matters.

The biggest lesson I learned? Running doesn’t magically become easy—it just becomes something you get better at. I still have a really long way to go, but I’m excited to see where February takes me.

One month down, eleven to go!

Did I just Google “how long is a marathon”? Yes. Yes, I did. Because somehow, I’ve decided that running a marathon (that’s 26.2 miles for those like me who didn’t know) in Honolulu sounds like a great idea, even for someone who’s only ever managed to run five miles—on a really good day.

Let’s be clear: I’m not a runner. The only running I do regularly involves chasing my two little ones around the house or racing to the kitchen before my coffee gets cold. But here I am, putting this wild goal out into the universe. I’m planning to run a marathon, and I can’t believe I’m saying that.

So, why this goal? Why now? Let me tell ya.

Choosing to Do Something Just for Me

As a mom of four, most of my attention goes toward raising and homeschooling my kids. I run my business from home, which gives me a ton of flexibility, but it also means that my personal time is practically non-existent. My days are a juggling act of lesson plans, family time, snack requests, and laundry—so much laundry.

Somewhere along the way, I stopped making time to do things just for me. And if you’re a parent, you probably know exactly what I mean. It’s easy to get lost in the needs of everyone else and forget that we deserve a little slice of our own time and energy, too. Back in my early business days, when I was working as a photographer, most of my weekends required me to travel to new locations for weddings and sessions. Although it was technically work, it often felt like a fun weekend getaway—a chance to do something on my own and explore new places. I didn’t realize at the time how important that solo time was for me.

Running a marathon is my way of claiming that space for myself. It’s a commitment to me. It’s a reminder that I’m allowed to set big goals that have nothing to do with being a mom or running a business.

And honestly? It feels empowering to choose something this big and audacious.

My Love for Unrealistic Goals

I have this weird obsession with setting really unrealistic goals and then figuring out how to make them happen. Running a business has always felt a lot like that—setting big dreams, making a plan, and just trusting that I’ll figure it out along the way.

Running a marathon feels exactly the same.

Right now, I can’t run more than five miles without feeling like my lungs might give out. But I’m not worried about where I am today—I’m focused on where I could be a few months from now. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that big goals push us in the right direction, even if they feel impossible at first.

How many times do we stop ourselves from going after something because we think, “I could never do that”? What if we flipped the narrative and thought, “I can’t do that yet but I’m willing to try”?

That’s the mindset I’m taking into this marathon journey. I may not be able to run 26.2 miles today, but I’m showing up for future me—the one who will cross that finish line in Honolulu.

I’m Not a Runner (But I’m Trying Anyway)

Let’s be real—running is hard. At the moment, running three miles feels like a challenge. I’m not someone who naturally loves to run, and the idea of running more than five miles? I honestly can’t imagine it.

When I say, “I’m not a runner,” I mean it. I’m the mom who runs after her kids, not someone who laces up their sneakers every morning for a quick jog.

But the beauty of setting a goal like running a marathon is that it forces you to grow into the kind of person who can do it. I’m not a runner yet, but by the time December rolls around, I hope I will be.

Accountability and Consistency

One of the main reasons I wanted to commit to this marathon is to motivate myself to become more consistent in working out.

I’ve always struggled with sticking to a workout routine. I’d have good weeks where I’d show up consistently, followed by weeks where I’d fall off the wagon completely. I needed a reason to show up—something to hold me accountable.

Signing up for a marathon gives me that reason. If I don’t put in the work, the only person I’m letting down is myself. And having to run a marathon is for sure going to be a terrible experience. There’s no hiding from that.

Consistency is key when it comes to training, and I hope this goal helps me stay accountable even on the days when I don’t feel like showing up. Because let’s be honest—there are going to be plenty of those days.

Why Honolulu? Why NOT Honolulu Hawaii?!

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I have a deep love for Hawaii. I’ve lived in both Maui and Oahu, and those islands will always hold a special place in my heart.

When I started thinking about running a marathon, I knew I wanted to choose one that felt meaningful. The Honolulu Marathon felt like the perfect fit—a way to return to a place I love, while rewarding myself at the end of the year for sticking with my training plan. Plus, since it’s in December it gives me the most amount of time to train.

Plus, if you’re going to run 26.2 miles, you might as well do it in paradise, right?

Getting Personal

This space on my blog is typically filled with business tips and marketing strategies, but I hope to share more of my health journey here, too. It feels a little vulnerable to show up in this way, but I want to be real about the ups and downs of this experience. Life isn’t just about business goals—it’s about personal ones, too.

I’m equal parts excited and terrified. There’s a voice in my head saying, “You’re crazy for even trying,” but there’s a louder voice reminding me that I’ve done hard things before—and I can do this, too.

So, here’s to running a marathon, showing up for myself, and doing things that feel impossible.

As an entrepreneur, I know firsthand that running a business can feel like a never-ending marathon. We juggle tasks, manage projects, brainstorm strategies, and often, in the whirlwind of it all, our personal health takes a backseat. Mix that into being a mother of 4 who works from home full time and it’s so easy to push my own health to the side. But here’s a truth bomb for you: prioritizing your health is not just essential; it’s non-negotiable. Today, I want to talk about the art of balancing and prioritizing personal health while running a business. 

The Unseen Connection: Health and Business Success

Think about it: when you’re feeling your best, you perform your best. Your mind is sharper, your creativity soars, and your energy levels are high. This isn’t just feel-good talk; it’s backed by science. Studies show that regular physical activity boosts cognitive function, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being. And let’s not forget, mental health is as crucial as physical health. A clear, focused mind is our most powerful tool in decision-making and problem-solving.

It’s a Choice: Choosing Your Hard

Here’s the thing: both neglecting your health and taking care of it are HARD. The difference? The hard of neglect leads to burnout, decreased productivity, and even health issues. The hard of self-care leads to longevity, resilience, and a thriving business. So, ask yourself, which hard are you choosing? 

Neglecting your health is an easy trap to fall into, especially when you’re caught up in the whirlwind of business. You might think skipping a meal, cutting down on sleep, or ignoring stress is a small price to pay for success. However, these small oversights accumulate, snowballing into significant health problems. This path, though it may seem easier in the short term, leads to a hard reality – burnout, decreased productivity, and a host of health issues ranging from chronic fatigue to serious diseases. 

This isn’t just about feeling tired or under the weather; it’s about compromising the very engine that drives your business and life forward.

On the other hand, the hard of self-care, though seemingly daunting at first, is an investment in your most valuable asset – yourself. This path requires discipline, commitment, and the willingness to put your well-being at the forefront. It means making time for regular exercise, ensuring you’re eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. It’s about listening to your body and responding to its needs. This might mean saying no to a late-night work session or delegating tasks to make time for a health check-up.

The rewards of this path are manifold. By taking care of your health, you’re building a foundation of longevity and resilience. You’re not just working towards a thriving business but also towards a thriving self. With good health, you bring your best self to your business, enhancing creativity, decision-making skills, and overall productivity. You’re able to lead by example, fostering a culture of wellness within your organization. This isn’t just about living longer; it’s about living better, with the vitality and energy to enjoy the success you’re working so hard to achieve.

So, the question remains, which hard are you choosing? Are you willing to endure the short-term discomfort of building and maintaining healthy habits for long-term benefits? Or will you choose the seemingly easy path of neglect, with its long-term consequences? The decision is yours, and it’s a critical one. Remember, in this journey of entrepreneurship, your health is the compass that guides you towards true success.

Practical Steps to Prioritize Health in the Hustle

Schedule It In: Treat your health like an important business meeting. Put it in your calendar. Whether it’s a 30-minute walk, a yoga session, or a mental health break, make it non-negotiable.

Nutrition Matters: Eating well is fueling your body for success. Plan your meals like you plan your business strategies. Quick, healthy meals can be just as convenient as fast food if you prepare in advance.

Mindfulness Practices: Whether it’s meditation, journaling, or simply practicing gratitude, mindfulness helps keep stress at bay and enhances focus.

Delegation is Key: You can’t do everything yourself. Delegate tasks in your business to make room for your health. It’s not just about freeing up time; it’s about mental space too. If social media captions is on that list, sign up for Wordsmith already!

Listen to Your Body: Tune into your body’s signals. Feeling drained or stressed is a sign to slow down and reassess your priorities.

The Ripple Effect of a Healthy Entrepreneur

When you’re healthy, the benefits ripple outwards. Your business thrives, and your personal life flourishes. It’s a holistic approach where every aspect of your life gets a piece of the wellness pie.

The Reality of Rough Days

Let’s be real: it’s not always smooth sailing. There will be days when everything feels overwhelming, and your health seems like the least of your concerns. It’s okay. The key is to not let these days become the norm. Acknowledge them, learn from them, and get back on track.

Your Health, Your Wealth

Remember, your health is your wealth. Without it, no amount of business success can compensate. It’s the foundation upon which everything else is built. When you’re healthy, you’re in a better position to make sound business decisions, lead effectively, and enjoy the life you’ve built.

Merging Movement and Work: The Walking Treadmill Desk

I want to share a personal experience that beautifully illustrates how we can combine self-care with our work. Recently, I invested in a walking treadmill desk for my office. Now, this might sound like a novelty to some, but let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.

The Concept: Walk While You Work

The idea is simple yet revolutionary. With a walking treadmill desk, I can take my daily walk without stepping away from my desk. It’s an incredibly efficient way to rack up the miles each day, all while staying on top of my work. I love it so much that I even moved my iMac to it permanently because I realized how much I enjoy walking while working. 

Overcoming Initial Skepticism

Initially, I was skeptical. Typing and walking simultaneously seemed like a multitasking challenge that could end in more distraction than productivity. But, to my surprise, it turned out to be the perfect combination for someone like me – someone who loves to keep both body and mind active.

The Surprising Benefits

Here’s the crazy part: I can walk up to 5 miles a day while answering emails and working on projects. This isn’t just about physical health; it’s a mental boost too. Walking while working keeps my mind fresh and my body active, leading to clearer thinking and a more energetic workday.

Is It for You?

Now, a walking treadmill desk might not be for everyone, but it’s worth considering if you’re looking for innovative ways to integrate health into your busy schedule. It’s a testament to the fact that with a bit of creativity, we can find solutions that help us maintain our health without sacrificing productivity.

My experience with the walking treadmill desk underlines a crucial point: prioritizing health doesn’t have to come at the expense of work. In fact, when we find ways to merge the two, we create a sustainable lifestyle that supports both our business goals and our personal well-being. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most effective solutions are those that address multiple aspects of our lives simultaneously.

I want you to remember that taking care of your health while running a business isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential for your success and well-being. You have the power to choose your hard. Choose the one that leads to a fulfilling, healthy, and successful life.

Now, I leave you with this thought: What small step can you take today to prioritize your health for a better tomorrow? How can you apply this lesson to not just transform your personal health, but also to elevate your business?

Take this moment to reflect. Your journey to a healthier, more balanced life as an entrepreneur starts with one choice, one step. Remember, in the dance of life and business, your health is the rhythm that keeps you moving gracefully.