• Blog

    Hello sweet friends!

    Winter half marathon training has officially begun… and I’m all in. I’m training for my most favorite half ever — Cap City Half at the end of April. This season feels different. I’m dialed in, focused, and ready to take on that 13.1 with everything I’ve got. No PR goal this year — just a feeling goal. Running with joy. Running because I GET TO.

    If you’re a runner or a walker, I think you’ll totally get this. And if you’re not? I hope this nudges you to try something new. Step outside your comfort zone. One step at a time. 13.1 can sound intimidating — or it can be that big, bold goal that lights a fire. Start with one mile. Then add another. The magic is in simply starting.

    WINTER HALF MARATHON TRAINING

    Now, let’s be honest… I am not a Winter person. Like, at all. Winter training kind of sucks — but my favorite half is in the Spring, so here we are. I think it’s the layering for me. I’m petite, and once I’m fully bundled I feel like Randy from A Christmas Story — “I can’t put my arms down!”

    Yes, the treadmill is an option, and I’ll use it when I absolutely have to. But running outside? There’s nothing like it. Even in the Winter.

    1. My favorite base layer is the 32 Degrees scoop-neck long sleeve — a Costco find that comes in a pack (I think three). I have them in white, black, and gray and live in them.
    2. For my main wicking layer, it depends on the temp and the weather. Crew necks, turtlenecks, quarter zips — I’ve got a mix from Under Armour, Lululemon, Athleta, Amazon, Nike… all the things.
    3. The outer layer is key. I need warmth without the bulk. My New Balance MIT Coaches jackets are perfect for that. And I LOVE a vest — keeps the core warm and is ideal for those milder Winter days.
    4. Now let’s talk running leggings. Always on the hunt for the perfect pair. I like what I have… but I’m still looking for leggings I LOVE. Drop your favorites if you’ve got them.
    5. Gloves? I’ve had the same Costco pair for years — I think they’re HEAD brand — with a New Balance backup. For super cold days, I invested in GORE-TEX mittens and they are absolute MVPs.
    6. And finally, the beanies. Just like baseball hats, I have a lot. My all-time favorites came from the kids section at TJ Maxx years ago. Small head perks — you better believe I always check the kids section for beanies.
    7. Winter miles, Spring dreams. Let’s go. 🏃‍♀️❄️🌷

    MY RUNNING WISHES FOR THIS SEASON

    Wishes for myself written with grace and intention…

    1. Stay consistent with my training — and be gentle with myself when things don’t go as planned.
    2. Let joy lead. Always. The joy of movement first.
    3. Let my competitive side shine… but never consume me.
    4. Respect the distance I’m training for without letting it feel heavy or overwhelming.
    5. Release the anxiety — pre-run, post-run… there’s nothing to be anxious about. This isn’t my first rodeo.
    6. Keep showing up for the meaningful connections — support, encourage, and be supported by my running people.
    7. Smile as much as possible.
    8. Give high fives and hugs like they’re candy.
    9. Celebrate the gift of movement. I GET TO DO THIS.
    10. And when the “I can’t” or “I don’t want to” moments show up — remind myself: yes, you can. Do it anyway.

    MY RECOVERY ROUTINE THIS WINTER

    MY 2026 RACE SCHEDULE-SO FAR

    And speaking of showing up — registrations are OPEN for all M3SSPORTS races! M3S truly creates experiences that celebrate a healthy, active lifestyle and the city of Columbus in the most special way. I’ve been an ambassador for six years now, and it’s such an honor to be part of something so good.

    My favorite? The Cap City Half — hands down the BEST tour of Columbus on two feet. Cap City also offers a Quarter Marathon and a 5K, so pick your distance, run or walk, and just get out there and move with us. And the post-race party? Total vibe.

    Don’t forget — I’ve got a code!
    Use TORREM3S10 for 10% off your registration.

    CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE M3S RACE INFO AND OF COURSE TO REGISTER!

    BEST PART ABOUT RUNNING/WALKING

    COMMUNITY!!

    Community is everything. I’ve met lifelong friends through running — people who feel like family. Time on your feet, side by side, mile after mile creates a bond that’s hard to explain unless you’ve felt it. We show up. For the miles, the moments, and for each other.

    f you’ve never spectated a race, do it. You’ll feel that unconditional energy immediately. And if you haven’t started your own run or walk journey yet, that energy might just pull you in. Find a run club that feels like home. Your journey will become something you truly treasure.

    There are so many run clubs here in Central Ohio. I’m a proud member — and coach — with Marathoners In Training (MIT) through Fleet Feet Sports Columbus. This group has changed my life, one mile and one conversation at a time.

    If you’re curious and want more info or would love to join MIT for the Winter/Spring season, click the link and come run or walk with us.

    For more information and would like to join MIT for this WINTER/SPRING season click here.

  • Blog

    Hello sweet friends!

    2026 is officially in motion. Christmas is finally organized, packed up, and put away. And can we talk about how putting Christmas up feels so easy, joyful, and magical… yet taking it all down feels exhausting, taxing, and honestly kind of annoying? You would think the start of a fresh new year would make it exciting to clear it all out and move forward, right?

    Most of it went pretty quickly, but the main tree? That one took me out. Just the thought of un-decorating it… whew. But it’s done. The tree is tucked away until next year, and now it’s time to move forward. I’m feeling fresh, clear, and powerful. With my words of the year guiding me, I’m ready to take on these next twelve months with a new kind of strength. There is no time like right now — go BIG, go BOLD, take up space, and own your place in this world.

    These tag lines are how I see things now — thoughtfully created, deeply intentional, and shaped by a whole lot of living. They are the lenses through which I choose to look at life. Life is meant to be lived LARGE. It’s meant to hold at least a teaspoon of HAPPINESS every single day. It’s meant to be received as a GIFT. Life lived in gratitude, in the light, pushing through the uncomfortable. Loving yourself and the circle around you, fully and unconditionally.

    When I write under this title, these ideas will always be at the heart of it — every subject, every topic tied back to living colorfully, boldly, and brightly. 2026 is our time to bring the color and share our bright. We all need it. And at the end of the day, we’re here to live a lovely life — so let’s freaking do it. Why wait?

    MOM-ING BIG KIDS

    Ms. Marin is back at school. And just like that, the house feels like it’s missing a piece… because it is. College kids — always coming and going — exactly as it’s meant to be.

    There are so many emotions wrapped up in these goodbyes and reunions. Deep pride in her doing the things she’s worked so hard for. Excitement for all that’s waiting for her this semester. And yes, a little sadness too — because I’ll miss having her in my everyday world. It’s the natural push and pull of this season of life.

    I feel like there’s so much conversation about MOM-ing when our kids are little, but not nearly enough about what it’s like when those wee ones grow up. And honestly? This stage of parenting has been my favorite. The emotions shift, the connections deepen, and what we share now brings us together in ways it simply couldn’t in those early years.

    I miss her. And I’ll admit it — I check Life360 every now and then. Not to helicopter, just to be a quiet fly on the wall for a minute. I know she’s going to have a tremendous semester. I’ll be watching from the wings, cheering her on, always her safe place to land whenever she needs it.

    And this spring… we’re hosting a GRAD PARTY!

    Tuck is graduating from high school, and of course we’re celebrating big. There’s a lot we want to do to make it a truly lovely celebration, and the party will be at our house — exactly where it should be. That means a growing to-do list, which honestly feels like the motivation I need to finally tackle some home projects that have been lingering a little too long. I’ll be sharing that list and the progress along the way. My heart beats for beautiful visuals, especially inside our home, and hosting a party is the perfect finish line to get things moving.

    I’ve already booked the tent, tables, chairs, and linens, and we have a clear direction for everything else. Booking rentals early is key — and was my biggest stress point — but the sweetest part? The rental company had our order on file from Marin’s grad party three years ago. Copy. Paste. Done.

    This is a milestone moment for our family, closing a chapter that feels like a lifetime in our school system. A huge moment for Tuck, one we are incredibly proud to celebrate. Honoring him at our home just feels right. Soaking in all the lasts while looking ahead to spring and the celebration to come.

    And because life always weaves in beautiful connections — there are two Tucks in my life. One is my son. The other is my dear friend Aaron Tucker, who goes by Tuck. He is a whole vibe. Someone I’m deeply grateful for. He inspires me with his outlook — through the ups and the downs, he has a gift for seeing the ups while still honoring the downs. His energy is infectious, his smile bright.

    So let’s make this week about finding the ups in the downs. Be the inspiration. Pull others into your light and let them shine.

    As Tuck always says… #begreat
    GEAH GEAH!!

    You can find Tuck on IG: @ajtucker31

  • Blog

    Hello my sweet friends!

    ON THE BLOG is taking a little pause this week—making space to refresh the house after the holidays. Not going to lie…the tree is still up. The very last piece of Christmas waiting to be packed away. I’m working on putting the period at the end of that sentence before moving forward.

    I’m so excited to spend time here in this space this year. There’s so much I’m ready to write about, share, and create.

    A brand new ON THE BLOG will be live next Monday.
    See you right here on the 19th! ✨

  • Blog

    Hello sweet friends!

    Happy New Year! The holiday season is officially behind us, and here we are—hello, 2026. This is that moment when all the lists start forming, right? Goals, intentions, decluttering, organizing… all of it.

    I’m leaning into it this year—refreshing myself and the spaces around me. Stepping into 2026 with a renewed sense of engagement, curiosity, and a little wonder for what’s ahead. Who’s with me? ✨

    MY WORD OF THE YEAR

    I usually choose one word to anchor me for the year… but this year, I landed on three. Looking back, I really simmered on what was, and through that reflection, these words rose to the top. They feel strong. Clear. They perfectly capture how I want to level up in 2026.

    MOVE — take action, even when unsure
    BUILD — create consistency and depth
    UNSTUCK — release hesitation and old patterns

    Together:
    I move forward with purpose, building a life that feels aligned—and I don’t stay stuck anymore.

    If you’re looking to make changes this year in a new way, try choosing a Word of the Year. Truly—trust me on this one. It’s grounding in a way I can’t fully explain until you experience it.

    I also love reading. There’s something so special about holding an actual book, flipping the pages, and getting lost in the words. Wandering through a bookstore and walking out with a tall stack of books used to be one of my favorite things. Somewhere along the way, I drifted from that practice—and I miss it. So this year, I’m jumping back in. Sitting quietly, learning, and soaking it all in feels healing. In the constant buzz of life, reading has become a sweet form of meditation for me.

    This list is just a small glimpse of the books I’m excited about. I know as the year unfolds, that list will grow right along with me.

    HOW I WANT TO FEEL IN 2026

    Grounded. Energized. Confident. Present.
    Clear in my choices and intentional with my time.
    Less waiting. More living.

    And then there’s this list… ahhhh. I’ve never looked at the year ahead quite like this—by feeling. How do I want to feel? Have you ever thought about it that way? It’s fresh. And honestly, kind of life-changing. The way I felt last year deeply impacted how I showed up, and I didn’t fully realize that connection until now.

    How do you want to feel in 2026, think about it.

    MY FOCUS AREAS

    So I’m sharing this list with you because it’s helped my busy mind zoom in on what I truly want out of 2026—in every space of my life. It breaks goal-setting down in a way that feels doable, intentional, and not overwhelming.

    Personal Growth:
    I act on ideas instead of sitting with them. I trust my voice and my instincts.

    Health & Energy:
    I prioritize strength, movement, and energy so I can show up fully for my life.

    Family & Relationships:
    I create meaningful, shared moments—especially in this season with big kids.

    Creative / Purpose:
    I show up consistently. I create, share, and build without overthinking.

    Home & Environment:
    My home supports forward motion—organized, intentional, and ready for what’s next.

    MY PROMISE TO MYSELF

    In 2026, I will move—even when it feels uncomfortable.
    I will build what matters with intention.
    I will not stay stuck.

    What will you promise yourself this year? Remember—you are the priority. It all starts with you.

    My sweet friends, 2026 is here. GO GET IT. ✨

  • Blog

    Hello, sweet friends!

    Here we are in the space between—Christmas has wrapped, and now we’re waiting for the New Year. Does anyone else have absolutely no idea what day it is? Just me? This moment in time feels cozy… and also a little strange. We’re coming down from all the merry and slowly working our way toward all the happy. Just waiting, right?

    There’s been lots of couch snuggling, movie watching, takeout dinners, and trying out all the things Santa brought. Life feels slower right now—and honestly, I don’t mind it one bit.

    This space between is always interesting for me as an overachiever. I’m ready to jump into what’s next, but I also know I need to pause and really soak in what’s right in front of me. It’s that constant push and pull.

    So here we are—in the space between. Let’s enjoy it. Find the good in simply being. 2026 and all the celebration that comes with it will be here in just a few days. A fresh, exciting new chapter is about to begin.

    2025 is almost in the rearview mirror, and wow… it’s been a year, hasn’t it?

    As the new year approaches, the questions start to surface. What do I want to take with me? What do I want to leave behind? How do I want to show up—for myself and for the people I love?

    Goals. Resolutions. Sometimes the answers come easily, and sometimes they take time. I’m someone who likes to simmer on my plans for the year—giving myself space to be intentional about what I truly want and need. I always start with a Word of the Year—my anchor and guide.

    2025 was a year of thinking and talking, but not enough doing for me. Not my usual rhythm. I can see now that I was in a bit of a funk. But toward the end of this year, something shifted. A leveling up. A clearer mindset.

    I feel excited and energized heading into 2026—ready to set goals, take action, and make things happen. I’m ready to kick some ass in the year ahead. Who’s with me? ✨

    FAMILY LIFE WITH BIG KIDS

    This Christmas was wonderful. Just the four of us and our pups. We were up before sunrise—just like the Christmases when the kids were little. The magic of the day is still there for them, and I absolutely love that it is. Marc and I even managed to surprise them with a few gifts, which felt like a major win. Most of their wish lists come in the form of links these days, so true surprises are rare. It was totally priceless.

    The day itself was simple and perfect—a mix of eating, movie watching, and walking. We’re so lucky to have a metro park right behind our backyard, so we grabbed the pups and headed out for a short afternoon walk together. It’s become one of our favorite traditions.

    I’m soaking in the gift of a full house and time together, knowing how fleeting it all is. Every moment feels worth holding onto.

    Our trees are still up, but on Saturday I started the un-decorating process. We usually leave everything up through New Year’s, and most of it still is—but this season, I’ve felt ready to move forward. The mantel garland, stockings, and the rest have been packed away.

    With the warmer temps on Sunday, the front porch got a fresh little “January” vibe. While the house always looks and feels magical at Christmas—and it’s never easy to take it all down—this year, it actually feels good. Packing it away feels intentional. Starting the new year with our home ready for what’s ahead feels motivating. Not being stuck in what was, but making space for what’s next—that feels freeing.