Essential oils with Catherine

Some people see a mom of 4 and assume my biggest goals are behind me.

I see 4 little reasons to keep chasing bigger ones.

Every early morning run, every stroller mile, every workout squeezed between naps, snacks, laundry, and bedtime stories is building toward something bigger than a finish line.

This training block has a goal:
🏃‍♀️ Sub 1:50 half marathon.

A few months ago, I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon in 1:51:55. I was proud of that race, but I also knew there was more in the tank.

So here we are.

Training for a pace that scares me a little.
Showing up when I’m tired.
Running on days when life feels chaotic.
Learning that progress isn’t about having more time—it’s about making the most of the time you have.

My kids won’t remember every pace, split, or finish time.

But I hope they remember seeing their mom set big goals and work for them.
I hope they remember that it’s okay to challenge yourself.
I hope they learn that being a mom doesn’t mean your dreams end—it means you have even more reasons to chase them.

Sub 1:50, I’m coming for you. 💪🔥

From race morning nerves ➡️ race day ready 🏃‍♀️✨

10 miles, a whole lot of grit, and a finish line in Gimli. Time to see what all those training miles were for. 💙

For the last four years, my body has been in a constant season of pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and nursing. Now, 13 months postpartum after having my 4th baby in just 3.5 years, I can honestly say I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

Six weeks after my daughter was born, I started getting back into walking with all four kids in tow. I stayed consistent, built my strength back up, and eventually started running again when my body felt ready.

This past year challenged me in ways I never expected. I lost several family members, and during some of the heaviest moments, I turned to running. It became my outlet, my therapy, and a way to keep moving forward.

Along the way, I started a local walking group for moms, launched a run club in our city, ran races I never thought I’d be ready for, and met some truly incredible people. Running has opened so many doors and opportunities, and I feel like I’m only getting started.

With four races still left on the calendar this season, I’m proud of myself for staying locked in. Between raising four kids, sports, school schedules, and everything else life throws my way, I kept showing up. I chose progress over excuses, even on the days when it would have been easier not to.

A year ago I was rebuilding. Today, I’m stronger than ever—and this is only the beginning.