Top (one size up) | Pants | Bra - new collection! | Shoes - updated | Fuel Band

I grew up in Alaska, where an active lifestyle comes with the territory. If you follow on Insta, you know I'm constantly trying new workouts. While I can't always find a convenient hike or mountainous trail, Chicago has it's own urban jungle to play in.

Recenetly the hubs and I started training for the marathon, and I'm quickly being reminded of how much this training process takes over your life. Needless to say, these days my workouts consist of runs along the lake and through the city. While I'd like to say we accomplish these runs in the morning, truth is we're more evening people (note: if you ever see a really late night run posted on social media, know that I only do so because my husband and pups are with me– safety first).

On "rest" days you can find me cross training with a local studio, and here is where I've fallen in love with Nike Training Club!

Nike Training Club is an exciting extension of the brand's fitness expertise offering free– yes, FREE – studio classes and running clubs throughout the week. NTC is always providing fun and innovative ways to reach your fitness goals with special events scattered throughout.

This season NTC has been hosting a summer tour across the city hitting up neightborhoods like South Loop, Logan Square, Lincoln park, Pilsen, and this weekend the West Loop! While the workout is always different, you can count on awesome trainers and a great playlist every Saturday.

If you've never tries NTC, I'd love to invite you to tomorrow's event! It's not to late to get your RSVP in, so just click on the image above and meet me in the West Loop!...

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While home for the holidays I got to put Nike's hyperwarm technology to the test.

Growing up in Alaska, I've always been an active person, but running didn't start until I was in college. Team sports were my jam as a teenager, but as I grew older team sports weren't as easy to come by - running on the other hand required nothing, but a pair of running shoes and a killer playlist.

Nike's Hyperwarm gear kept me looking & feeling cool durring my trail runs in the snow. Designed to keep you dry and warm while breaking a sweat in the cold, Nike's Hyperwarm gear serves as the perfect base layer for any outdoor winter activity. The technology's impressive really, and I have to admit, I probably wore those fleece lined pants half the time I was home (also, the pattern on this half zip pullover is super flattering!). Trust me, I know it doesn't look like much protection when you're facing Alaska's winter temperatures, but if you keep moving, it's really all you need for an outdoor workout!

Outfit c/o Nike : Top | Pullover | Pants | Shoes (On Sale!!) To learn more about Nike's hyperwarm technology, click here.

My Philosophy on fitness:

Fitness is a big part of my life, so hang tight– I have a few thoughts...

Despite what my mind might tell me, my body loves a good work out. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I always love working out, I'm just saying my body always appreciates it.

How do I know?..

When I work out the first thing I notice are endorphins, I'm a happier person, I have more energy, and experience an immediate self esteem boost. While the physical results take longer, when I notice progress, I'm encouraged and feel like a stronger woman for it, making me more confident in every aspect of my day. Nothing beats that feeling!

There is never a time that I regret going to the gym, but there are plenty of regrets for not going. The biggest challenge is perspective. I have to remember that I'm not working out to punish myself for satisfying that ever so massive sweet tooth, but to treat my body & allow myself to be the best version of me.

I know it can sound cliche, and this is a delicate subject, but I believe that working out should never be negative, because it's empowering, even if it doesn't feel like it when I drag my lazy ass to do it (always the hardest step).