​Welcome, I am Carolyn Gardner, a Chicagoan currently living the Cali life. aka Los Angeles.

If others were to describe me, I am sure one of the first words used would be runner. Funny though, I didn’t start running until my 30’s. Living in Chicago, I was surrounded by so many people running on the lakefront path; both socially and for training. Wanting to be one of the “cool kids” I decided to take advantage of this free option of exercise and try out this running thing. I’m not going to lie, those early weeks, months, years weren’t very pretty. I had no concept of form, and sometimes it wasn’t exactly fun. I kept at it, heck I even ran a few 5k’s and a half marathon.

​But that all changed when I broke my foot, not by running, but by walking down the street. Being in a cast and crutches for over 4 months, made me realize how much I running had become a part of my life. I missed the lakefront path and I still had dreams…running dreams. 
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Since then I’ve run 12 marathons, 14 half marathons and over 50 smaller scale running events. I love everything about distance running. This love for the run, grew largely in part to the amazing running community in Chicago. Over the years I have been blessed to be included in so many amazing opportunities, helped lead a women’s run crew, and participated and coordinated some killer running events. In early 2016 I relocated to Los Angeles, excited for year round warm weather running on new terrain. 

One thing that I have learned over my years of running, is the need to incorporate strength training, circuit training and a healthy eating plan in order to be an efficient, healthy, long distance runner. 

My hope is that I can share my insight, with truth and honesty as I commit to Run Fierce and Live Fit
Links to my favorites who support me...