About Me



Hello, I'm Lauren, a 30-something lady and adopted resident of Baltimore, MD 
also known as Charm City.  

By day I'm a licensed occupational therapist. The rest of the time I'm a runner who believes in taking care of your mind, body, and soul.  

Read along to hear about my adventures in running, fitness, brewery hopping, eating, travel, working in healthcare, all things Baltimore and everything in between. 

If my blog was a cocktail it would be 3 parts training, 2 parts foodie, 1 part life, with a dash of introspection thrown in to round it out.

Contact me at breathedeeplyandsmileblog@gmail.com



If you're new to the area or area-running, check out my beginner's guide to running in Baltimore!
 

My Running & Fitness Story 

I was an athlete growing up playing soccer and basketball but never was one to really workout otherwise.  When I went to college I quickly put on the dreaded freshman 15 with thanks to a lack of sports and a lot of free pizza. I first started running around the summer of 2011 in an attempt to lose a few pounds and get in shape. I clearly remember that feeling of barely even being able to run a mile on the treadmill that day which was a wake up call. Then and there, I decided to sign up for a local 5K that fall as a way to push myself to keep running and, like many others, I fell in love with it.   

I ran the Philly Rock and Roll Half Marathon in September 2012, a little less than a year after my first 5K and ran my second half marathon the next month. Since then I've been bitten by the bug, and run numerous races  In October 2013 I returned to the Baltimore Running Festival to take on the full marathon-and survived! I finally achieved my dreams and ran Boston Qualifying times at the 2015 and 2016 Chicago Marathons. I achieved another bucket list goal of running my first Boston Marathon in 2018 (yup, it was quite rainy!). 

These days I mix in all sorts of exercise in addition to running balanced with other activities that are good for my mind, body, and soul. 

I am an RRCA certified running coach and have my 200-hour yoga teacher training certification. I also am so lucky to represent so many amazing brands that help me with my training and beyond. 

Boston Marathon 2018 finish line
Run happy & dream BIG. 

8 comments:

  1. wait your blog is so cute why have I not been here before?! I'm a new follower:)
    Found you through HCBN :)
    I blog over at www.endlesslybeloved.com :)

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  2. I've nominated you for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award http://sweatymessmama.wordpress.com/2014/07/08/its-a-major-award/

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  3. Hi! just found your blog through #sweatpink so cute! I'm a Marylander myself and just finished the Baltimore half and going for the Richmond full in about a month! Thanks for sharing your journey :)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! I've heard great things about the Richmond Marathon-good luck :)

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  4. Love this! Brilliant! :) I blog at: https://runningvibesblog.wordpress.com/

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  5. Hi, just read your blog about returning from injury. I started running regularly fairly late on in life in late 2011 and was largely injury free until earlier this year when I got an Achilles injury. Just coming back and finding it hard to get back to my previous (though far from brilliant)level. My PR's over the shorter distances are similar to yours (5K - 20.19, 10K - 43.40). Have never done a marathon (3.27 way quicker than I would do) and dropped out of only HM I entered due to a heavy cold. Also like beer, whiskey and a big soccer fan. Now following your excellent blog. I live across the pond in a small outer London suburb.

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  6. Hi Lauren,

    Just wanted to let you know that your blog has been featured in the "Top 50 Running Blogs You Should Be Following In 2018"
    footweardynamics.com/50-best-running-blogs-to-follow/

    Congratulations and keep up the awesome work!

    Kate

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