Talk about teamwork. Over the weekend my brother and I ran a marathon relay. He hustled through the first 15 miles and then I finished off the last 11.2. Yep, it’s a lot of pavement to pound (and we had to wake up at 5 a.m.), but we had a total blast.

I always get letters from GL readers asking how to stick with an exercise plan. Here’s the secret: keep trying activities until you find one you absolutely love. For me, it’s going out in chilly weather and running my butt off. It sounds crazy, but it’s my fave. I make a lot of sacrifices to support my jogging habit, like watching TV after work or sleeping in on weekends. But when I find myself in the midst of a huge road race, I’m the happiest girl ever. It’s totally worth it.

The proof? I couldn’t stop grinning during Sunday’s race. After running four miles, my legs felt good and a huge smile broke across my face. By mile nine I was still thrilled to be out there (even though I was simultaneously cold and sweaty) and people watching started to comment on my facial expressions. “Love that smile!” someone cheered. When the finish line came into view, I started sprinting. I saw my family clapping for me, made a goofy face in their direction and ended the race at a killer pace. I took a day off from running, but now I’m back to training for the next big thing.

So, girls, what sports or workouts have you getting up at ridiculous hours and leaving it all on the field? I wanna know!

check these out!

• What's really causing your stomach bloat
• "Dear Carol, why am I feeling so blue?"
• Saturday read: "I'm No Hero" by Madeline H.
• WATCH: Nick's Blurt is hitting your TV screen this February!

you might like these

• If you think vaping is harmless think again
• What to expect from tonight's State of the Union address
• *Win* a bundle of books with our Cool Winter Reads giveaway!
• How to host a t-shirt party