Balancing With Hope

10/28/2026

Part 3: And he was actually CRUISING, so I had to increase my pace to 7:30 or so for a bit, thankfully not long because that was not sustainable for 3 more miles, ha! Anyway, I passed him and stayed ahead 🙌🏼

During the last mile I was more particular about my music and while I skipped a few songs on my Garmin, the watch suddenly blacked out and turned off! 😲. Thankfully it had done this to me once before on a long run and I soon recognized that it could be turned back on and my running time would resume.

Unfortunately this took a minute, so while my distance was accurately recorded, my watch time shows me finishing a minute or so sooner than my official time. But hey, knock off some seconds for when I slowed at a few of the aid stations for water and it's probably even more accurate 😂. Oh, and I forgot to mention that during the last 2 miles there was a guy ahead of me off to the side who suddenly seized up and toppled down straight-legged and wide-eyed! It was crazy!

That last final incline up to the Iwo Jima war memorial was KILLER! I was warned of this, but they were not lying...it was rough and I nearly seized up myself here. But I made it up and then only about 100 m to go until the finish line! I gave my last final "sprint" to beat the clock because it was nearly 3:46 and my goal was 3:45! (my tired brain didn't realize until a few seconds after crossing that this was the start time for everybody and my real finish was likely a minute or two faster since I was in the 4th wave to start the race).

At the finish, I received my medal and each step walking was already brutal. I didn't have my phone on me, but I knew it would be quite the walk to meet up with my family, so I took a moment to stretch a bit near the memorial. Looking back 48 hours later, it still seems like such a blur, but it was amazing

Overall, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review... even if I can't walk up or down stairs right now 😆. The culminating result of achieving a goal (even by just doing the thing) through hours and days and weeks of determination, sacrifice, sweat, struggle and grit, makes it all worth it.

10/28/2026

Part 2: Yes, there were the downhills to help compensate at times, but in hindsight I would have trained differently to be better prepared for this course. I would have ran many miles on the treadmill at an incline and I would have done more cross-training. I did start some strength-training at some point but fizzled out when I tweaked something in my left shoulder during reverse flys, but I should have at least continued with weighted lower body workouts to train these legs for running hills! 🥵

And the energy on the course with all the runners, spectators, monuments and support, was AMAZING. Just so cool. However, wonderfully distracting as this all was, I noticed during the biggest hills at the beginning that my body was not prepped for this and my muscles felt some fatigue earlier than usual. 

I also think I must have heel-braked too aggressively on the long descent at mile 4 because my quads were paying for it later in the run 😅. But I was able to carry on and keep pace (aiming for 8:10-8:30 because I knew I was slower on the hills). 

I was actually feeling pretty good until about mile 18-19 as we looped through the National Mall. I think the compounded miles of uphill/downhill were starting to take a toll and tense my muscles. I know it wasn't related to anything else...my heart rate was in the 130's and 140's, my hydration and fueling were on point (I had bonked before on a long run and knew what it felt like when glycogen & electrolytes were low!), I had trained to run this pace or faster, and overall was feeling great...except my lower body was getting heavier and heavier for some reason 🤔😆. 

We hit the 14th street bridge at mile 20 (which I've heard would be rough but I actually felt relatively fine here) and knowing I only had a 10k left was encouraging! 

The last few miles around Crystal City had me locked in at my pace 8:20-8:30 (I think I literally told myself at this point to keep it locked in, haha) when I saw the pacing guy in my peripheral view coming up behind me. He was carrying the "3:45" sign, which is where I wanted to be! And he was actually CRUISING, so I had to increase my pace (...continued in the final part 3!).

10/14/2026

So grateful to have led a movement session at this beautiful retreat a couple weeks ago 🤩

09/03/2026

Fall yoga is here! 🍂

Join us in the woods starting September 22nd (actual first day of fall!!) to stretch, strengthen, gain mobility, and decompress in a serene natural environment 🧘🏼‍♀️🌳.

It's a 5 week series—see flyer for details and register at the link below!
https://balancingwithhope.com/fall2006-woodland-yoga-registration/

05/23/2026

Such an honor to have had this group for my Spring Reset yoga series (we missed you in this final pic !).

Until next time, friends! Summer sessions and workshops will be underway here soon 🧘🏼‍♀️🌿✨

05/04/2026

Registration for ART, NATURE, MOVEMENT is now open for kids ages 4-12! 🎨🌳🤸

This half-day camp is 3 days *on June 15-17 only* from 9AM - 12PM. Kids will LOVE rotating through stations to create art, immerse themselves in a wooded setting to learn and play, and move their bodies during games, relay races, and of course some yoga!

Register at the link below to save your spot:
https://balancingwithhope.com/camp-registration-2026/

04/30/2026

We loved our "field trip" to the Blu By U blueberry farm yesterday! They have pick-your-own blueberries all through May, including several delicious varieties 🫐

04/23/2026

04/18/2026

We start Monday 🌿

This is your last chance to join the 5 Week Spring Reset Yoga Series!

If your body has been asking for:
– more movement
– more strength
– more balance
– a reset

This is it.

Register below to grab one of the last few spots 💛

https://balancingwithhope.com/spring-reset-yoga-series/

04/07/2026

Enrollment is open here in Jax near San Jose and Baymeadows! 💛

My 5-week Spring Reset woodland yoga series starts April 20th 🌷🧘🏼‍♀️🌳

This is a small, structured series designed to help you:

✨ improve mobility (less stiffness)
✨ safely build real strength
✨ feel more balanced and steady
✨ reconnect with your body
✨ renew mental energy

This isn’t random drop-in classes—it’s a progressive series so you actually feel different by the end ✨

✔️ Beginner-friendly
✔️ Supportive, small group
✔️ Designed to be doable and consistent

It’s $100 for the full 5 weeks (about $20/class), but I have a few early spots at $89 through the weekend (or until spots fill!).

We start April 20 and I'm so excited to share this transformative series with you 🌿

Message me “SPRING” or use the link in my bio to join! 💛