They say Chicago weather builds character, but the Shamrock Shuffle builds spirit. This race has always been my favorite—the sea of green, the costumes, and the unmistakable energy. But this year, running through those streets was a measurement of how far I’ve come. I’ll admit, the tears started at the start line and didn’t really stop. Crossing the Chicago bridges and heading down State Street, I felt a wave of bittersweet pride. Hearing the cheers from Marc and the kids was the fuel I needed to keep pushing. It’s not always easy to feel proud of yourself, but seeing that finish line and knowing what my body has fought through to get there? That was a moment of pure determination. Of course, the road wasn't perfectly smooth—literally! One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in this recovery is finding the humor when my body decides to go "off-script." There are moments when my feet decide they aren't going to work quite right, or I find myself tripping over my own shadow because I can’t quite feel where my feet are landing. In the past, that might have been frustrating, but now? I’ve learned to laugh at the clumsiness. It’s all part of the journey. I’ve found a deep sense of acceptance in focusing on what I can control. I can’t always control my nerves or my feet, but I can control my effort and my smile. With the Chicago Marathon just 6 months away, my mindset is shifting. The "shock" is turning into a focused action plan. I’m soaking up this spring weather and feeling so inspired by my friends who are also tackling their first marathons this year. To everyone who has cheered, checked in, and supported my fundraising journey—thank you. Saying it means the world is an understatement.

They say Chicago weather builds character, and this winter is certainly putting that to the test! Despite the frigid temperatures and the biting wind, my training is going incredibly well. There is something uniquely empowering about lacing up when the thermometer dips; it reminds me that I am stronger than the elements. This season of life has been a lesson in resilience. I am so deeply proud of my body—not just for the miles it’s logging, but for its incredible ability to overcome obstacles. Facing medical issues has been one of the greatest adversities I’ve navigated, and seeing how my body is fighting back and adapting fills me with a sense of wonder. I’ve learned that being kind to our bodies and minds isn't just a luxury; it’s a necessity. I am practicing gratitude every single day, leaning into the power of a positive mindset to carry me through the moments when the road feels long. While I’m putting in the work on the pavement, my training looks a little different this time around. To support my recovery and build a strong foundation, I’ve been putting in serious work off the road too. I’ve embraced swimming as a low-impact way to keep my cardio up, alongside dedicated weight training to support and protect my muscles. I’ll be honest: I was caught off guard by the amount of muscle loss I experienced due to my medical challenges. It was a humbling realization, but I’ve chosen to face it head-on. With the incredible support and encouragement of the trainers at the gym—who have been such a light during the tough sessions—I am slowly but surely rebuilding. None of this would be possible without the unwavering love and support of my family and friends. Your check-ins, your cheers, and your belief in me mean more than I can put into words. You are the fuel in my tank when the Chicago wind is at its strongest. I am especially excited to look toward the spring for the Shamrock Shuffle! It will be my first official run since this journey began, and I can’t wait to cross that finish line as a symbol of how far I’ve come. Thank you for being part of my "why." Every donation and every kind word brings me one step closer to 26.2.

The official journey for the Chicago Marathon 2026 has started! Chicago gave me a very enthusiastic welcome this week with plenty of snow and ice. While my heart always wants to brave the cold (it’s my favorite!), my head won't let me risk an injury on the slick sidewalks, so the treadmill and I became fast friends. I'm prioritizing safe miles right now. My current daily focus is 4 miles running and 2 miles walking, combined with cross training. Honestly, I’m just so proud of my body for being in a place where I can even consider tackling this amazing, challenging goal again. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to my family, friends, and the entire community for your support. Your encouragement means the world as I chase this dream. #MarathonTraining #Chicago2026 #ProudMoment #FitnessJourney