BQ Or Bust Week 8: When Marathon Training Gets BRUTAL (And How I'm Pushing Through)

I'm still processing. BQ or Bust is sponsored by Fuel Goods --- a women-run marketplace making sports nutrition simpler and smarter. ⚡ Get $10 in Fuel Cash + 10% back on every order: 👉 https://fuelgoods.com/pages/partners/balg?ref=balg 🎥 Catch up on the series:  https://www.youtube.com/kellykkroberts 👉 Weekly roundup vlog + podcast episodes wherever you get your podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CvnqmCQF0XeDnMHGwKwBy Follow along + join the gang: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellykkroberts/ 👯‍♀️ Free BALG community: https://www.balgcommunity.com/ 🏃‍♀️ Train with me: https://www.badassladygang.com/join-our-training-team 📆 Upcoming training programs: https://www.badassladygang.com/training-experiences 📋 Get a running plan: https://www.badassladygang.com/running-plans 🎯 Hire a coach: https://www.badassladygang.com/private-coaching 🌐 Learn more: https://www.badassladygang.com/

The mental game is EVERYTHING right now. Week 8 of Chicago Marathon training hit like a freight train - swampy weather, feeling like absolute crap, and zero motivation to lace up. This is the part of training that can break you... or make you stronger. In this episode, I'm getting real about the difference between being hurt and just feeling run down, how I'm managing my recovering achilles and calf, and why physical therapy saved my training cycle. Most importantly, I'm sharing the mental strategies that are keeping me going when everything feels heavy: staying present, focusing on TODAY, and finding those tiny pockets of joy even when it's hard. If you're in the thick of training and struggling, this one's for you. Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is just show up. [🖤 The only way you fail is if you fail to try. WHY NOT?!] BQ or Bust is sponsored by Fuel Goods --- a women-run marketplace making sports nutrition simpler and smarter. ⚡ Get $10 in Fuel Cash + 10% back on every order: 👉 https://fuelgoods.com/pages/partners/balg?ref=balg 🎥 Catch up on the series: 👉 Weekly "Run With Me" treadmill episodes every Friday: https://www.youtube.com/kellykkroberts 👉 Weekly roundup vlog + podcast episodes wherever you get your podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CvnqmCQF0XeDnMHGwKwBy Follow along + join the gang: 📍 Sports massage in NYC: https://empoweredself.co/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellykkroberts/ 👯‍♀️ Free BALG community: https://www.balgcommunity.com/ 🏃‍♀️ Train with me: https://www.badassladygang.com/join-our-training-team 📆 Upcoming training programs: https://www.badassladygang.com/training-experiences 📋 Get a running plan: https://www.badassladygang.com/running-plans 🎯 Hire a coach: https://www.badassladygang.com/private-coaching 🌐 Learn more: https://www.badassladygang.com/

Week 7 of Chicago Marathon training is in the books! This week brought some challenges but also some exciting gear testing and continued progress on race day preparation. What's Covered in This Episode: 🏃‍♀️ Shoe Review Trio: Mizuno Wave Sky 9 Running Shoe - Full breakdown of comfort, cushioning, and performance ASICS Nova Blast 5 - Testing the latest iteration of this popular trainer ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 - How the newest Nimbus handles higher mileage 💪 Training Reality Check: A real look at managing achilles and soleus struggles during marathon training - the good, the challenging, and how I'm adapting my approach while staying on track for Chicago. ⚡ Fueling & Nutrition Strategy Deep Dive: Watch me continue to plan, test, and tweak my race day fueling and hydration strategy. If you've ever wondered how to figure out what works for YOUR body during long runs and races, this is your behind-the-scenes look at the trial-and-error process that gets you to race day confidence. Whether you're training for your first marathon or your fiftieth, seeing the real process of strategy development can help you dial in your own approach! 🖤 The only way you fail is if you fail to try. WHY NOT?! BQ or Bust is sponsored by Fuel Goods --- a women-run marketplace making sports nutrition simpler and smarter. ⚡ Get $10 in Fuel Cash + 10% back on every order: 👉 https://fuelgoods.com/pages/partners/balg?ref=balg 🎥 Catch up on the series: 👉 Weekly "Run With Me" treadmill episodes every Friday: https://www.youtube.com/kellykkroberts 👉 Weekly roundup vlog + podcast episodes wherever you get your podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CvnqmCQF0XeDnMHGwKwBy Follow along + join the gang: 📍 Sports massage in NYC: https://empoweredself.co/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellykkroberts/ 👯‍♀️ Free BALG community: https://www.balgcommunity.com/ 🏃‍♀️ Train with me: https://www.badassladygang.com/join-our-training-team 📆 Upcoming training programs: https://www.badassladygang.com/training-experiences 📋 Get a running plan: https://www.badassladygang.com/running-plans 🎯 Hire a coach: https://www.badassladygang.com/private-coaching 🌐 Learn more: https://www.badassladygang.com/

Welcome to Week 6 of my BQ or Bust journey as I train for the 2024 Chicago Marathon with one big goal: qualifying for the Boston Marathon. If you're dealing with running injuries, wondering about injury prevention, or curious about dry needling, this week covers it all—including the stuff I almost didn't want to admit was happening. This week brought some real challenges: 🏃‍♀️ Speed play sessions and solid time on my feet 🏋️‍♀️ Cross training and strength work keeping me balanced 🦵 My first long run of the cycle... followed by a little crash out ⚠️ Soleus and achilles swelling that I really didn't want to acknowledge 📍 Taking you inside my dry needling appointment I'll be honest—I almost didn't want to talk about the overuse injury because admitting it's happening felt like failure. But as a coach, I know how important it is to show you the real process of catching and rehabbing pain early. When you listen to your body and act fast, these become small rehabs that require minimal time off instead of major setbacks. Here's what I'm learning (again): injury prevention is tough, but body awareness is everything. Rehab isn't just about rest—it's about strategic soft tissue work and trusting your physical therapist to help you mobilize, stabilize, and strengthen properly. This is the messy, real side of marathon training that nobody talks about enough. My mantra remains: WHY NOT. Why not face the hard stuff head-on? Why not show the full journey, including the parts that scare us? 🖤 The only way you fail is if you fail to try. WHY NOT?! BQ or Bust is sponsored by Fuel Goods — a women-run marketplace making sports nutrition simpler and smarter. ⚡ Get $10 in Fuel Cash + 10% back on every order: 👉 https://fuelgoods.com/pages/partners/balg?ref=balg 🎥 Catch up on the series: 👉 Weekly "Run With Me" treadmill episodes every Friday 👉 Weekly roundup vlog + podcast episodes right here Follow along + join the gang: 📍 Sports massage in NYC: https://empoweredself.co/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellykkroberts/ 👯‍♀️ Free BALG community: https://www.balgcommunity.com/ 🏃‍♀️ Train with me: https://www.badassladygang.com/join-our-training-team 📆 Upcoming training programs: https://www.badassladygang.com/training-experiences 📋 Get a running plan: https://www.badassladygang.com/running-plans 🎯 Hire a coach: https://www.badassladygang.com/private-coaching 🌐 Learn more: https://www.badassladygang.com/

Welcome to Week 6 of my BQ or Bust journey—and buckle up because I am DRIVING the struggle bus straight off a cliff! If you want to run with your friend who is really struggling in the heat and humidity, strap in for this one. This week's episode is all about the REAL side of marathon training for the Chicago Marathon. We're talking: 🚌 Major struggles with heat and humidity during training 🏰 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: I'm running the Walt Disney World Marathon in January! 🎢 Going for the Ride Challenge (trying to ride as many Disney rides as possible during the marathon—yes, it's as wild as it sounds!) 🤯 Why back-to-back marathons are incredibly foolish... and why I'm doing the foolish thing anyway ⚡️ Fueling and hydration strategies that are keeping me upright (shoutout Fuel Goods!) 🎬 Pop culture catch-up with Scott 📈 Real talk about how marathon training is actually going Sometimes training isn't pretty, sometimes you're melting in the heat, and sometimes you make questionable race decisions. But that's what makes this journey real—and that's exactly what we're sharing with you. Whether you're training for Boston, dealing with your own training struggles, or just here for the honest conversation about chasing big dreams, pop your headphones in and let's struggle through this thing together. Throughout the BQ or Bust series, you'll get: 👉 Weekly "Run With Me" treadmill episodes new every Friday 👉 Weekly roundup vlog + podcast episodes (new every week when these drop) 👉 Real talk about training, the mental game, and the ups and downs of chasing big dreams 👉 BQ or Bust is sponsored by Fuel Goods — a women-run marketplace making sports nutrition simpler and smarter. Get $10 in Fuel Cash and 10% back on every order: https://fuelgoods.com/pages/partners/balg?ref=balg  Take the Fuel Goods quiz to find the right fuel + hydration for your training! My current faves: 👉 UCAN Edge 👉 Maurten (normal + caffeine) 👉 Tailwind 👉 Precision Hydration 👉 Skratch chews 👉 Skratch hydration mix 👉 Precision Hydration 👉 Bonk Breakers The only way you fail is if you fail to try. WHY NOT?! Follow along + join the gang: 📍 Book a sports massage with Amanda in NYC: https://empoweredself.co/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellykkroberts/ 👯‍♀️ Join our FREE BALG community: https://www.balgcommunity.com/ 🏃‍♀️ Train with me: https://www.badassladygang.com/join-our-training-team 📆 Upcoming Training Experiences: https://www.badassladygang.com/training-experiences 📋 Get a Running Plan: https://www.badassladygang.com/running-plans 🎯 Hire a Coach: https://www.badassladygang.com/private-coaching 🌐 Learn more: https://www.badassladygang.com/

Welcome to Week 5 of my BQ or Bust journey as I train for the 2024 Chicago Marathon with one big goal: qualifying for the Boston Marathon. If you're training for a marathon, dealing with PT frustrations, or wondering how to pace a race properly (spoiler: I didn't!), this week's got everything you need. This week was a GAME-CHANGER: 🏃‍♀️ First time running 6 days this training cycle (and loving it!) 🔥 A blazing fast 5-mile race with absolutely terrible pacing execution 🩺 I fired my physical therapist and found a new one (here's what to look for!) 🌡️ Survived another scorching hot week with a few glorious 67-degree days I'm breaking down exactly what to look for in a physical therapist, how to find a good one, and why sometimes you need to trust your gut and make a change. Plus, you'll get all the juicy details on my 5-mile race where I went out WAY too fast but somehow held on for a fantastic time. The heat continues to test me, but those rare cool mornings remind me why I fell in love with running in the first place. My body is responding beautifully to the increased volume, and I'm feeling stronger than ever. My mantra remains: WHY NOT. Why not trust your instincts about your healthcare team? Why not push through when the pacing plan goes out the window? Why not embrace the process, even when it's messy? Throughout this series, you'll get real, unfiltered marathon training—the highs, the lows, the PT drama, and the breakthrough moments that make it all worth it. 🖤 The only way you fail is if you fail to try. WHY NOT?! BQ or Bust is sponsored by Fuel Goods — a women-run marketplace making sports nutrition simpler and smarter. ⚡ Get $10 in Fuel Cash + 10% back on every order: 👉 https://fuelgoods.com/pages/partners/balg?ref=balg 🎥 Catch up on the series: 👉 Weekly "Run With Me" treadmill episodes every Friday https://youtu.be/s5Zxa5tOTyg 👉 Weekly roundup vlog + podcast episodes right here  Follow along + join the gang: 📍 Sports massage in NYC: https://empoweredself.co/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellykkroberts/ 👯‍♀️ Free BALG community: https://www.balgcommunity.com/ 🏃‍♀️ Train with me: https://www.badassladygang.com/join-our-training-team 📆 Upcoming training programs: https://www.badassladygang.com/training-experiences 📋 Get a running plan: https://www.badassladygang.com/running-plans 🎯 Hire a coach: https://www.badassladygang.com/private-coaching 🌐 Learn more: https://www.badassladygang.com/

Having a mental breakdown during training? You're not alone, and you're definitely not weak. In this episode, we're creating a safe space for every runner who's ever wanted to quit mid-run, whether you're training for your first 5K or chasing a Boston qualifier. We're not here to toxic-positivity our way through your struggle – we're here to acknowledge it, validate it, and give you real tools to work through it. From immediate reset strategies to building long-term mental resilience, this is your roadmap for turning your hardest running moments into your strongest. Topics covered: Permission to feel without judgment Right-now triage for mental breakdowns Building your confidence bank account The body-mind connection (fuel, hydration, and emotions) Developing anti-fragile runner identity Tools for your mental toolbelt Remember: asking for help is strength, and every step forward counts – even the messy ones. ⚡ This episode is sponsored by Fuel Goods — a women-run marketplace making sports nutrition simpler and smarter. Get $10 in Fuel Cash + 10% back on every order: 👉 https://fuelgoods.com/pages/partners/balg?ref=balg 🎥 CATCH UP ON THE SERIES: 👉 Weekly "Run With Me" treadmill episodes every Friday: https://youtu.be/Jh-zZ93_AGM 👉 Weekly roundup vlog + podcast episodes: https://youtu.be/qVksZfO-vw4 FOLLOW ALONG + JOIN THE GANG: 📍 Sports massage in NYC: https://empoweredself.co/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellykkroberts/ 👯‍♀️ Free BALG community: https://www.balgcommunity.com/ 🏃‍♀️ Train with me: https://www.badassladygang.com/join-our-training-team 📆 Upcoming training programs: https://www.badassladygang.com/training-experiences 📋 Get a running plan: https://www.badassladygang.com/running-plans 🎯 Hire a coach: https://www.badassladygang.com/private-coaching 🌐 Learn more: https://www.badassladygang.com/

Welcome to Week 4 of my BQ or Bust journey as I train for the 2024 Chicago Marathon with one big goal: qualifying for the Boston Marathon. If you're training for a marathon, dealing with injury setbacks, or wondering how to nail your fueling strategy, this week's got something for you. This week was INCREDIBLE: 🏃‍♀️ 2 speed play sessions (finally back to feeling STRONG running fast paces!) 🍯 Continued fueling strategy tweaks and testing 💪 Sports Bra Squad Day celebration 🏃‍♀️ An amazing long run that reminded me why I love this ✨ Feeling almost 100% after my piriformis syndrome journey I'm officially feeling like myself again! The piriformis issues that scared me and slowed me down are nearly behind me, and I'm rediscovering my speed and confidence. This week proved that patience with injury recovery pays off—and that the comeback is always sweeter than the setback. My mantra remains: WHY NOT. Why not push through the doubt? Why not trust the process? Why not believe I'm capable of more than I think? Throughout this series, you'll get real, unfiltered marathon training—the highs, the lows, the injury scares, and the breakthrough moments that make it all worth it. 🖤 The only way you fail is if you fail to try. WHY NOT?! BQ or Bust is sponsored by Fuel Goods — a women-run marketplace making sports nutrition simpler and smarter. ⚡ Get $10 in Fuel Cash + 10% back on every order: 👉 https://fuelgoods.com/pages/partners/balg?ref=balg 🎥 Catch up on the series: 👉 Weekly "Run With Me" treadmill episodes every Friday: https://youtu.be/Jh-zZ93_AGM  👉 Weekly roundup vlog + podcast episodes right here Follow along + join the gang:  https://youtu.be/qVksZfO-vw4  📍 Sports massage in NYC: https://empoweredself.co/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellykkroberts/ 👯‍♀️ Free BALG community: https://www.balgcommunity.com/ 🏃‍♀️ Train with me: https://www.badassladygang.com/join-our-training-team 📆 Upcoming training programs: https://www.badassladygang.com/training-experiences 📋 Get a running plan: https://www.badassladygang.com/running-plans 🎯 Hire a coach: https://www.badassladygang.com/private-coaching 🌐 Learn more: https://www.badassladygang.com/

Welcome to Week 4 of BQ or Bust — my weekly marathon training vlog as I chase down a Boston Qualifier (again).   In this 45-minute Run With Me episode, we're talking about the emotional side of training — the part no one posts about. This week's run dives into:   Accurate self-talk and how to stop spiraling   Why fear and self-doubt aren't signs to quit (they're signs you care)   How to show up when your body feels off or motivation tanks   The evolution of #SportsBraSquad — 9 years of taking up space and unlearning body shame   Why you don't have to feel great to have a great run   If you're navigating tough runs, self-doubt, or training on pure grit, this one's for you. Lace up and let's go.   ⚡ Sponsored by Fuel Goods Fuel Goods is a women-run marketplace making sports nutrition simpler and smarter. 💰 Get $10 in Fuel Cash + 10% back on every order: 👉 https://fuelgoods.com/pages/partners/balg?ref=balg 🧘‍♀️ Sports massage in NYC: Amanda Mendoza at Empowered Self → https://empoweredself.co/ 🛍️ Shop my running fits (my go to sports bras, shoes and running shorts): https://www.shopltk.com/explore/kellykkroberts 📺 Catch up on the series: 👉 Weekly "Run With Me" treadmill episodes every Friday (Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/Jh-zZ93_AGM)  👉 Weekly roundup vlog + podcast episodes right here on the channel 👯‍♀️ Follow along + join the gang: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellykkroberts/ 🏃‍♀️ Free BALG community: https://www.balgcommunity.com/ 🎯 Train with me: https://www.badassladygang.com/join-our-training-team  📆 Upcoming programs: https://www.badassladygang.com/training-experiences 📋 Running plans: https://www.badassladygang.com/running-plans 👟 Private coaching: https://www.badassladygang.com/private-coaching 🌐 Learn more: https://www.badassladygang.com/  

Welcome to Week 3 of my BQ or Bust journey as I train for the 2024 Chicago Marathon with one big goal: qualifying for the Boston Marathon. If you're training for a marathon, chasing a personal best, or just trying to stay consistent through the chaos of summer, you're in the right place. This week was a BIG one: 🏃‍♀️ 5 runs 🚴‍♀️ 1 long bike ride 💪 2 strength training days 🧘‍♀️ 1 yoga session I'm finally feeling more like myself after dealing with piriformis syndrome the last few weeks. The heat and humidity were brutal, but I'm feeling strong—and more importantly, I'm remembering my why. Yes, I have big dreams. Yes, I've been feeling some doubt and fear (normal runner things). But right now, I'm focusing on progress over perfection and keeping the process fun. My new mantra? WHY NOT. Why not try? Why not see what I'm capable of? Throughout this series, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how I'm building fitness, managing setbacks, and working on the mental game—because marathon training isn't just physical, it's personal. 🖤 The only way you fail is if you fail to try. WHY NOT?! BQ or Bust is sponsored by Fuel Goods — a women-run marketplace making sports nutrition simpler and smarter. ⚡ Get $10 in Fuel Cash + 10% back on every order: 👉 https://fuelgoods.com/pages/partners/balg?ref=balg 🎥 Catch up on the series: 👉 Weekly "Run With Me" treadmill episodes every Friday https://www.youtube.com/kellykkroberts  👉 Weekly roundup vlog + podcast episodes right here https://youtu.be/StjiWfgSyiA  Follow along + join the gang: 📍 Sports massage in NYC: https://empoweredself.co/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellykkroberts/ 👯‍♀️ Free BALG community: https://www.balgcommunity.com/ 🏃‍♀️ Train with me: https://www.badassladygang.com/join-our-training-team 📆 Upcoming training programs: https://www.badassladygang.com/training-experiences 📋 Get a running plan: https://www.badassladygang.com/running-plans 🎯 Hire a coach: https://www.badassladygang.com/private-coaching 🌐 Learn more: https://www.badassladygang.com/