Seven of the Most Incredible Athletes of 2017

One fought off a vicious attack to run again on her own terms. Others forged new paths in the wake of life-altering diagnoses. And then there’s the father whose grief blended with joy as he crossed the finish line with a living reminder of the daughter he’d lost. My job introduces me to so many amazing athletes every year, and 2017 was no exception. Here—in no particular order—are seven of the stories that have stuck with me this year. Read the full article on aSweatLife.com.

7 Things I Learned from 29 Episodes of the #WeGotGoals Podcast

wgglogoWhen we first took the #WeGotGoals concept to an audio format in April, we already knew we were onto something compelling. We’d already had some of these conversations for aSweatLife.com, pulling back the curtain on the goal-setting techniques of some of the most successful individuals in Chicago (and beyond). Transmitting their voices directly to your earbuds could only add to the depth and power of their insights. I’ve been co-hosting and editing the show from the beginning, and I’m blown away by what we’ve learned—and shared with you, our listeners—along the way. Read the full article for aSweatLife.com

Denise Lee, CEO of ALALA Activewear Talks Bringing a Dream Into Reality

When she trained for her first triathlon six years ago, Denise Lee was swimming, biking, or running six days a week. But she couldn’t find gear that made her “feel like a badass.” So she set about to craft activewear with a look that motivated her to train harder and reflected her edgy, urban, high-fashion style. ALALA, the athleisure company she launched four years ago—before athleisure was even a word—has gone on to thrive despite burgeoning racksful of competitors. Hear more on this week’s #WeGotGoals.

I’m Almost 40 – And Here’s Why You Won’t Hear Me Complain About It

I’ve already benefited from the extra five minutes added to my Boston-qualifying marathon time next year. I’ll soon be considered a masters runner – another reason to love distance running, its way of making aging sound like a secret pass to a prestigious club. Sometimes, I might have to check a different box on survey forms. Other than that, I don’t think much will change when I turn 40 later this month. And there’s one thing I know will stay the same: I’ll continue avoiding the temptation to apologize for or crack (even self-deprecating) jokes about my age. Read the full article on aSweatLife.com.

#WeGotGoals with Author, Coach and Running Bum Matt Fitzgerald

Over 35 years of running and 40-plus marathons, Matt Fitzgerald never felt he’d truly achieved his potential over 26.2 miles. This year, he decided to train for the Chicago Marathon using an entirely different approach—as an elite. He moved to Flagstaff, Arizona—at 7,000 feet of altitude—and trained with the Northern Arizona Elite team under coach Ben Rosario. “It’s really been an amazing experience in that now, at 46, I am as fit as I’ve ever been. I am capable of running as well as I ever have, but in a different way.” Hear more on this week’s #WeGotGoals.