Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Starting Week 2 of 18: Finding Strength in Every Step


As I head into week two of my 18-week training cycle, the excitement is building.
Here’s a look at this week’s plan:
• Monday: 3-mile run, cycling, and Pilates
• Tuesday: TRX and strength training (I tried to keep it light… but let’s be honest, I like to make sure the classes are solid. Now my legs are on fire!) Followed by a 5-mile run.
Wednesday: 5-mile tempo run — I’m really looking forward to pushing the pace a little. Plus, Pilates afterward to help with recovery.
• Thursday: TRX class with no running scheduled. It’ll be a much-needed rest day.
• Friday: An easy 5-mile run.
• Saturday: An easy 3-mile run.
• Sunday: My program calls for a 10-mile run… although there may be a half marathon happening that I could accidentally fall into. We’ll see!
Yesterday, I drove up MM to see if I could spot any mommy bears and their cubs. No luck yet — but honestly, they’re not going to be standing along the trail waving like spectators at a running race! "LOL"
Still, getting out in nature is always worth it.
Running and Writing: A Journey Beyond Miles
Something magical happens when you run — your mind opens up. You start thinking about life in ways you don’t when you’re standing still. I don’t know if I’ve shared this yet, but I’ve been writing a book. Not necessarily for publishing however, maybe — but as a way to document the journey I’ve lived.
I’m writing about growing up in a tough, unstable home, becoming a mother at 17, finishing high school, marrying young, going through a divorce, and stepping into the role of caregiver for all four of my siblings. I want to create something for anyone who’s walking a similar path — something that reminds them that life exists through the struggles, and there is hope on the other side.
Running gives, me the space to process these memories and accomplishments — to think about how far we’ve all come, and how resilience is built one choice at a time. I’ll be sharing more about this project as I continue.
Which leads me into thinking about something I have been doing in my classes, and my clients I also want to share with you it's the "One Goal a Day Challenge"
I believe every day needs a goal, no matter how small. For me "Every Morning," I challenge myself to say one positive message — either to myself or by posting something uplifting on my Facebook page. It’s a simple habit, but it sets the tone for the day, and when I post it on Facebook or any other social media platform, I hope it helps others too.
One positive thought.
One small step.
One little win every day.
That’s how you build a life you’re proud of one goal at a time!

Sunshine!

Sunday, April 27, 2025

Finishing up the week with a 10 mile tready run!!


Sometimes you just have to adapt and keep moving forward!
I had to knock out my 10 miles on the treadmill today because… get this… the neighbors said they saw a BEAR with her babies nearby!
No way was I risking that — so it was me, Matt W with Peloton, the dreadmill, and a whole lotta sweat!
Wowza, holy sweat session!!
Not the long run I planned, but the long run I earned.
Sometimes you just have to pivot, lace up, show up, and JUST. KEEP. GOING.





 

Sometimes I need reminders too!


May is almost here.
Four months — over 100 days — have already flown by.
Time moved whether you chased your goals or stood still.

Take a moment.
Look back, but don’t stay there.
The truth is: you can’t change the past — but you can take full control of what’s ahead.

Here’s the best part:
You get another chance.
Another four months “plus” to decide who you want to become, how hard you’re willing to push, and how high you’re ready to reach.

So here’s the challenge:
No more “what if.”
This time, ask yourself: “What happens if I give it absolutely everything?”

No halfway.
No holding back.
No waiting for the “perfect moment” — the moment is now.

Let’s lock in.
Let’s lean into the hard days, celebrate the small wins, and build momentum like never before.

By August, you won’t just be proud — you’ll be unrecognizable in the best possible way.

I’m with you. Let’s Go Sunshine!
#plankstar #granddadsbluff #goals 



 

Wednesday, April 23, 2025







Kicked off the day with TRX at 5:15, rolled right into strength training at 6:15, then hit the pavement for a sunny 5-mile run! Thankfully, teaching these classes for a while means I’m not walking around like a sore noodle! Treated today’s run more like a recovery cruise—kept it chill at a 10:30 pace and just enjoyed being out there.
Let’s go, Tuesday!


 

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Let's get after it!

 The Journey Begins: 16 Weeks to the Marathon, Then On to the 50 Miles

My training plan is officially underway—and I’ve made a few strategic changes. I’ve decided to break it into two phases: a 16-week marathon training block followed by the final build into my first 50-mile ultra. This approach gives me a solid foundation before diving into the longer, more demanding distances.
Week one, I’m feeling excited about the structure ahead. Here’s how my weekly schedule is shaping up for my fitness classes:
• Monday: Pilates + Cycling + Water Class + Water Class
• Tuesday: TRX Training + Group Strength
• Wednesday: Pilates
• Thursday: Group Strength + TRX + Cycling
• Friday: Pilates + TRX
• Saturday & Sunday: Long runs (since I don’t teach on weekends)

This week running schedule is

• Monday: 0
• Tuesday: 5
• Wednesday: 5
• Thursday: 0
• Friday: 5
• Saturday & Sunday: Long run 9
Nutrition and recovery will play a big role in how this all unfolds, so I’ll be sharing more about what I’m using to fuel my training soon.
Thanks for following along—I’m thrilled to have you join me on this journey toward my first 50-miler. Let’s see where this road takes us!

I'll post every day to tell ya how it went
Monday's Fun! Felt great Nutrition for my cycling was



Hydration ~ with some Protein

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Friday, April 18, 2025

Next week I officially kick off training for my 50-mile ultra!
I’ll still be teaching all my classes (because let’s be real, I love ‘em), but I’ll be adjusting where needed to make room for the miles.
Let the journey begin—let’s goooo!
  

Monday, April 07, 2025

Happy Monday!

 Just a great reminder 

“Believe in yourself and all that you are.                                                                                                                      Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” 


Sunday, April 06, 2025

I had a few people ask me about the letter from MSK here it is and my response

 



I had to post this first it's a letter of from the principal in October before all this happened! 





My response 


Dear: Monsignor Steve Ketchel, and Ted Reichenbacher, 

Thank you for your response, which has highlighted a deeper issue within the Aquinas school system. The dysfunction within the system does not rest solely with the current administration but rather stems from decisions and practices at the highest levels of leadership. It is concerning that previous administrators left their positions due to similar situations where their correct decisions were overruled.

I gave you an opportunity to right the wrong that had been done, yet instead of addressing the issue, you chose to victimize and shame my son. Korbin confided in us, his parents, about his struggles because he did not feel safe or supported enough to share this with school officials. He wanted accountability and action to make the bullying stop. However, after the initial incident, neither you nor the administration acted appropriately, allowing the situation to escalate.

Following my decision to come forward, students began using Snapchat and group chats to target Korbin further, making him feel guilty about the video I found and questioning its origin. This has intensified the bullying and shifted the blame onto Korbin, who is now being targeted for actions he did not take. This is a clear continuation of the harassment he has endured. How is this behavior not considered bullying under your policies?

Additionally, your decision to criticize Korbin for having his phone “in his lunch bag,” which was clearly labeled with his name, is appalling. The other students had no right to touch his belongings under any circumstances. Even if Korbin had momentarily left his phone unattended, as many students do, this does not justify their actions. The focus should be on holding the perpetrators accountable rather than finding fault with Korbin.

I also want to address the issue of the headphones. The student in question was fully aware that the headphones belonged to Korbin. After Korbin went to take an ice bath, as many football players do, the student took Korbin’s headphones, stole them, and brought them to his house. I personally drove to the student’s house to retrieve the headphones and spoke with his parent, who was absolutely disgusted by what their son had done.

To the school’s credit, the disciplinary action taken in this instance was appropriate, as the student stole property from school premises. However, I want to highlight Mr. Poellinger sent to all students and parents regarding locker room conduct. In that letter, which I can provide, if necessary, he specifically urged parents to teach their children not to touch anything that does not belong to them. This is a basic principle we must instill in our students: if something is not yours, do not touch it.

In this situation, Korbin’s actions were not at fault. The responsibility lies entirely with the perpetrators, whose behavior was deliberate and intentional. Placing any blame on Korbin for the actions of others only further victimizes him.

To clarify, I had to take a screenshot of the student involved in the incident and ask a teacher to identify who he was, as Korbin did not know him. If this individual were a “friend” of Korbin’s, we would have known who the student was. This further disproves the suggestion that the boys involved were acting as Korbin’s friends.

Are you aware that these two boys are telling other students that Korbin allowed them to use his phone? This is entirely untrue. Korbin is not friends with them, and such false claims only add to the harassment he is experiencing.

I also want to emphasize the seriousness of this issue, especially considering that the police were involved. Any situation requiring a police report is, by definition, a significant matter. Your dismissal of its importance is unacceptable.

Your decision-making process appears to have been based on incomplete and incorrect information. You relied on accounts from other parents and ignored the full context, including the pending police report. This raises serious concerns about the thoroughness of your investigation. Furthermore, when I visited your home, you failed to use the term “malicious” in describing the incident. I also requested another officer review the investigation, as the case had not been properly closed. This demonstrates that both the school and law enforcement processes were mishandled, which we are continuing to review independently.

Your response has also shifted blame onto Korbin instead of addressing the actions of the perpetrators. Referring to their behavior as “boys being boys” minimizes the harm caused and ignores the fact that these individuals are not Korbin’s friends.

Furthermore, you violated the school’s handbook by inconsistently applying consequences. Some students were allowed to act without repercussion while others faced different treatment. The handbook is meant to ensure fair and consistent policies for all students. By ignoring it, you have undermined its authority and demonstrated bias in your actions.

Your response also included statements that I consider defamatory to Korbin’s character. By implying that Korbin bears responsibility for the actions of others, you have unfairly attributed blame to him, damaging his reputation and standing. Such statements only compound the harm caused by this incident.

Additionally, your Instagram post, (Note: this was snapchat not Instagram) in which you stated, “I find it to be impressive how many students do this in other schools to get all their kids to come to the mass,” is deeply troubling. This issue arose because you disregarded the handbook and the code of conduct, showing students that rules could be broken without consequence. This post appears to have encouraged students to rally against Korbin, a freshman football player, further escalating the situation.

Your actions also blur the boundaries between religious practices and educational responsibilities, raising concerns about the separation of church and state. Using religious events as a means to discipline or target students is both inappropriate and unethical.

Your comment about students needing to “reach out for an appointment” for mental health support highlights a lack of understanding of proper protocols. Students struggling with mental health challenges may be hesitant or unable to take this step. Teachers and staff must proactively identify and support these students, rather than placing the burden entirely on them to seek help.

I also take issue with your assertion regarding the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) reference. The handbook does not allow for retroactive rule changes or policies. All families signed the code of conduct at the start of the season, and your failure to adhere to these guidelines is unacceptable.

Lastly, I want to stress the criminal implications of this incident. Recording individuals in a locker room without their knowledge or consent is a serious offense under Wisconsin law. Potential charges could include:

• Violation of Privacy (Wis. Stat. § 942.08): Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 9 months in jail and a $10,000 fine.

• Capturing Intimate Representations (Wis. Stat. § 942.09): Class I felony punishable by up to 3.5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The fact that this incident is being downplayed is shocking and unacceptable.

In previous letters, we asked for six specific actions. While you addressed a few of them, the most important—the apology—remains unresolved. An apology is not merely a formality but an essential acknowledgment of the harm caused to Korbin and our family.

The school must take control of these issues to ensure they never happen again. Similar situations have occurred in the past, and yet another has arisen in recent weeks. This ongoing pattern highlights systemic failures to address bullying, harassment, and misconduct. Without consistent enforcement of policies, these behaviors will continue to harm students and their families.

Tom, I look forward to hearing your resolution in this matter as this is so unexceptional to all of us and our community! 

Again, thank you for your response. I will continue to fight not only for my son but for all families in the school district, so they do not have to endure the pain and hardship that we have experienced. It is my hope that this effort will lead to meaningful change, ensuring a safer and more supportive environment for all students at Aquinas.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Neher 


Finding My Balance: HRT, Training, and Showing Up for Life


I can’t even begin to tell you how good I feel right now. As a personal trainer, coach, fitness professional, and nutrition coach, I’m used to pushing through and staying focused. But recently, something felt off—and I wasn’t sure what it was at first.
Turns out, I was dealing with major brain fog. I’m talking the kind where I’d be in the middle of teaching a class and suddenly forget what was next. Then a hot flash would roll in, and I’d try to shake it off with a smile, but inside? I was flustered and frustrated. The weight gain "we don't even want to go there!"
So, I made a decision I had been putting off: I started Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). And let me just say—WOW. I’m not embarrassed to share this part of my journey, because I know there are other women out there silently struggling with the same things. Even though my doctor told me it might take 2–6 weeks to feel a difference, I noticed it almost immediately. (I’m super sensitive to any medication—just missing a thyroid dose throws me off—so this didn’t surprise me!)
Now I’m managing my HRT alongside my thyroid meds, which is basically a carefully timed puzzle. I take my thyroid medication at 4:05 AM, wait six hours for HRT around 10:00 AM, plan my meals around that schedule, and then get in my second dose of thyroid meds mid-afternoon. In between? I’m training clients, teaching classes, getting my own workouts in, and being present for my amazing kids and family in the evenings.
And somewhere in the middle of it all—I’ve found clarity.
To stay grounded and focused, I’ve created some intentional daily goals that help me feel accomplished without getting obsessive. Here’s what I’m aiming for:
• 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day
• 100–130 grams of protein daily
• One focused workout: strength training, running, or cycling
• 100 ounces of water
It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up. Every day.
To keep myself accountable and maybe even inspire someone else, I’ll be checking in here every day to share how that day went—what worked, what didn’t, what I learned, and the workouts I completed.
While I’d originally planned to run a marathon each month, I’ve had to pivot. My body needed a reset, so I’m adjusting expectations—maybe a half marathon every week or two :) We’ll see how it goes!
I also haven’t committed to many races this year because my son and daughter-in-law are facing some tough challenges. I want to be available—at the drop of a hat—if they need me. That’s also why I stepped away from coaching volleyball this season. Right now, family comes first, and I’m grateful that my YMCA team/family and my clients understand and support me in every step of the way.
This journey—balancing HRT, thyroid health, fitness, and family—is just beginning. I’m excited to see where it leads. If you’ve followed along with any of my other adventures, I hope you’ll join me on this one, too. Let’s grow, learn, and move forward together.

Off to 10, 000 steps then Weight Training today!