Brightside Running

06/03/2026

I didn't want to start this run...and then I didn't want to stop. That's the simple magic of running.

05/22/2026

Check this out! Andrea was training for the Epic Marathon, but had to pivot and drop down to the half. Last weekend, not only did she run the half, set a new PR, and place 3rd in her age group - but she ALSO ran another 13.1 miles the next morning to reach a full marathon distance within 24 hours! This is an awesome example of setting and adjusting goals as needed. Great job, Andrea. Thank you for trusting me with your training! 💛✌🏼

05/19/2026

🏃🏻‍♀️ More solo miles today. When I set a race goal, I tend to run alone a lot.
It can get lonely, and I definitely feel the fomo when I see pics from my run club.
But I love a good running project, so it is what it is. 😤
Today's run was great, but I'm hoping to meet up for some group miles again soon!

What about you? Do you mostly run alone or with a friend/group?

05/04/2026

You guys! Brightside Athletes SHOWED UP at the Eau Claire Marathon last weekend! So much to celebrate - Hard work, gritty miles, community, PRs! Scroll through the pics to see details on everyone's accomplishments!

Eau Claire Marathon

04/15/2026

Last weekend, Brightside Athlete Rachel crossed TWO finish lines at the Desert RATS Trail Running Festival! She ran the 10k on Friday and ended up with a personal course record 22 minutes faster than her time last year!
Then, she laced up again on Sunday for the 21k (her first time running this course). It didn't come easy, but she kept moving through the tough parts of the race and finished the dang thing!
Rachel's consistent training and solid mindset have been paying dividends on race day! 💪🏽
Congrats, Rachel!!

04/14/2026

"My training is going really well. I feel like I could run more. Should I?"

This is a question I often get asked (and have asked myself).

And, although the REAL answer is "it depends," my most frequent answer is, "PROBABLY NOT. "

While adding more volume (weekly mileage) does have it's place, capping your mileage has BIG benefits:

🤕 Preventing Injury
🫩 Avoiding Burnout
💪🏽 Allowing for Adequate Recovery and Adaptation!

Before adding more miles, focus on quality, consistency, and recovery to improve your performance.

If you're feeling good, that's a good sign!

As alway, reach out if you have any questions. 💛✌🏼

04/10/2026

Mother then runner. Runner then mother. Either way, it's not easy to balance. It's messy and often full of self-doubt.

Before I was a runner, I was a mom searching for her sense of self, hoping I was helping my kids find theirs, too. (That's a lot of pressure.)

Then, I found running and fell in love with the process of chasing goals, I adored my "me time," and I set lofty goals. (More pressure.)

It didn't take long to realize it's hard to balance training and parenthood. I haven't done it perfectly, or without tears.

But realizing it *doesn't need to be done perfectly* changed my perspective. We don't grow in a state of perfectionism - but we do grow from making mistakes and adjusting when needed.

By relieving the pressure to "perform," I freed myself up to chase my goals alongside guiding my boys in this world, both with more joy.

So, I'm encouraging YOU to get out there and do what you love. Be a runner and mother (or father) who isn't afraid to makes mistakes. Build yourself up while you build them up. It won't be perfect, because it shouldn't be. 💛✌🏼

04/08/2026

Spring is in the air... 🌬

04/07/2026

Exciting Update!

I (Maria, Race Director and owner of Brightside Running) am excited to announce that I am now managing the Amery Fall Festival 5k! This race has been a meaningful part of the annual Amery Fall Festival festivities for years, and I can't wait to keep the fun rolling!

Stay tuned here, on Instagra., or on our RunSignup page for details.