Mantras June 29 2016

How you speak to yourself directly influences how you feel about yourself. Try using words to encourage, not discourage. Here’s how to create meaningful mantras.

Measuring Success April 28 2016 1 Comment

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word ‘success’ as: ‘The fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect or fame’. But I think that word can have a much more personal meaning, which I contemplated over my very special 26.2 mile journey this past month. Here's what I learned on what I deem to be quite a successful day.

Learn To Love Exercise January 19 2016

The other day, upon hearing I am a marathoner and triathlete, a friend of a friend asked me if I “loved” running and working out. I don’t think she expected such a complicated answer... Here’s how I learned to love what I do and how you may find the same adoration too.

New Year New Goals December 30 2015

The New Year is prime time for making resolutions, and setting goals focused on fitness are perennial favorites. Now, making resolutions is one thing; keeping them is another. A recent study shows that 98% of people who resolve to do something do not follow through. Let’s be part of the 2% and make goals that stick.

Giving Thanks October 29 2015

While November is the noted time for giving thanks, I believe gratitude is something we should concentrate on every day throughout every year. You can never say – or hear – ‘thank you’ enough, and that hit home for me on October 25^th when I had the honor of running the 40^th Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC. Here are things for which I am grateful – I hope you will share yours.

HappyBirthdayJWalkingDesigns July 14 2015 4 Comments

Today – July 15^th – JWalking Designs turns 2! And what an amazing ride it has been.

Stress Less March 19 2015

April is "National Stress Awareness Month" - the government asks us to take a critical look at how prolonged stress can adversely affect our health and well-being. Since dwelling on the negative can be a source of tension, I choose to look towards positive actions we can take to regroup, release and relax.

March Forward February 13 2015

I've been feeling a little "stuck" lately. I can clearly see my goal, but I feel like I'm slogging through a river of mud to reach it. You too?

Getting 'unstuck' is as physical as it is mental, and I've found a few tips to keep us marching forward when times are tough.

Help Stop My Mind From Racing January 14 2015 1 Comment

I'm the type of person who is motivated by having something "in pen" on the calendar - a deadline, an event, a race date gets me to move. Seeing that date approaching builds excitement, anticipation and, too often, stress. Many times, months in advance, my mind starts racing just thinking about all I need to do to accomplish that task.

We spend so much time talking about how to perfectly prepare our bodies to race, but how do we train our brains NOT to?

Friends December 30 2014

The legendary Joe Cocker said it best: "I get by with a little help from my friends." True in life, and especially in regards to exercise!

I am extremely lucky to have found a great group of Workout Buddies! They motivate me to move, even on an early Saturday morning, when leaving my comfy, toasty bed is the last thing I want.

So, why should you enlist a "Pace Partner in Crime", and how can you find one?

Lessons Learned November 30 2014

2014 has truly been a tremendous year, and I can definitely declare I have learned a lot. Many of the 'life lessons' learned relate well to a recent 26.2 mile journey my friend Kandi and I made, better known as The 2014 New York City Marathon. Here are our milestones; hopefully you'll learn from our sometimes trying triumphs.

Appreciating My Own Skin November 29 2014

(As written for Identity Magazine, November 2014)

“If you were an animal, which animal would you be?”

That’s always been an easy question to answer as I have been a “chameleon” most of my 42 years.

News