Michelle

Catching Up Over June Coffee

June 6, 2025 by Michelle 18 Comments

It’s the first Friday of the month which means for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So grab your fave beverage and let’s catch up!

Catching Up Over June Coffee

Over coffee, I’d start by asking how your weather’s been? Would you believe that we’ve had 11 straight Saturdays of rain – I kid you not! I’m really not sure what Mother N has against Saturdays but it would be nice to finally have a complete weekend of sunshine. Sadly the forecast for tomorrow looks doubtful – hello Saturday #12 🙁

Over coffee, I would tell you how much I have been enjoying being back in my garden. You see last year between the renovation and my angry hip, I wasn’t able to accomplish much and trust me as the winter thawed it really showed! Its been a lot of work but I’ve been happy to be back at it.

I love Peony season!

Over coffee, I would tell you that one of my favorite Mother’s Day gifts this year was a beautiful fountain pen. I’m a die-hard planner/journal girlie and so I love a good quality pen. My boys picked out a great one, don’t you think?!

What would you tell me over coffee?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date, Uncategorized

From Recovery to Running — 5 Essentials I’m Leaning On

May 23, 2025 by Michelle 14 Comments

Recovery may be a long game, but I’m showing up for it one day at a time. As I continue to build back strength post-hip surgery, my fitness routine looks a little different these days, but every piece of it is playing a meaningful role in my recovery.

Here are 5 key parts of my current fitness routine—essentials I’m leaning on now and plan to carry with me when I’m fully back on the road.

Fit Five Friday: From Recovery to Running — 5 Essentials I’m Leaning On

Intentional Movement (Walking + PT Work) — Right now, every step counts—literally. Walking is the foundation of my movement routine, and I pair that with strength work prescribed by my physical therapist. These small but powerful sessions are rebuilding muscle, improving mobility, and helping me move with less discomfort and more confidence.

Stretching + Mobility Work — Stretching is no longer something I skip “if I have time.” It’s non-negotiable. I’m focusing on hip openers, mobility drills, and dynamic stretches that keep my body limber and ready for progress. This habit is here to stay, even when I return to more intense training.

Recovery is Training, Too — Sleep, hydration, and downtime are just as essential as my workouts. I’m prioritizing quality sleep and keep a water bottle nearby at all times. Recovery isn’t just about rest—it’s about giving my body what it needs to heal and perform well, now and in the future.

A Positive Mindset — Staying mentally strong through recovery is just as important as physical progress. I’ve learned that mindset isn’t something that just shows up—it’s something you practice. I lean on small wins, focus on what I can do, and try to celebrate progress, no matter how incremental. (If you’re working through an injury, you might want to check out this earlier post where I shared some tips on staying positive during setbacks.)

Consistency Over Perfection — Some days, everything flows. Other days, it’s just about showing up. Right now, consistency is more important than intensity. I’m focused on making movement a daily habit, even if it’s short. That mindset will serve me well as I rebuild toward running again.

Bonus Boost: Music That Moves Me — A motivating playlist helps lift my mood and keeps me going when energy is low. I think a good playlist can make or break a workout – it’s the soundtrack to my comeback!

Tell me – What are the non-negotiables in your fitness routine?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, training

Fit Five Friday: Five Ways to Nourish Your Mental Health

May 9, 2025 by Michelle 7 Comments

When I chose Nourish as my word for 2025, it was a reminder for me to take better care of my whole self, physically, mentally, and spirtually. As we honor Mental Health Awareness Month this May, I’m reminded just how essential that commitment is. Mental wellness isn’t a luxury—it’s a foundation. And nourishing our mental health is something we can do daily, in small, sustainable ways.

Here are five simple ways I’m focusing on nourishing my mental health.

Fit Five Friday: Five Ways to Nourish Your Mental Health

Move with Intention
Exercise, for me, isn’t just a physical activity, it’s a mental reset. Whether I’m walking, doing PT exercises, or working in the garden, intentional movement helps clear the mental clutter and boost my mood. It’s not about intensity—it’s about showing up for myself.

Create Space for Stillness
In addition to my daily meditation practice, I’ve been finding value in small moments of stillness—like journaling, sipping my morning coffee without reaching for my phone, or sitting outside and listening to the birds. These little pauses help me stay grounded before the day rushes in.

Connect with People Who Fill Your Cup
Meaningful connection is a big part of mental well-being. I’ve been more intentional about spending time with people who make me feel seen, supported, and joyful. A quick text or an in-person catch-up can be more uplifting than we realize.

Set Boundaries Without Guilt
Saying no or not right now is one of the most nourishing things you can do. I’ve been working on releasing the guilt and giving myself permission to step back when needed—whether that’s from overcommitting or absorbing other people’s energy.

Ask for Help—and Accept It
Nourishment sometimes looks like reaching out. Whether it’s therapy, talking to a friend, or simply being honest about how you’re doing, asking for help is strength in action. You don’t have to have it all figured out to be worthy of support.

Tell me one way you take care of your mental wellbeing.

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, Mental Health Awareness Month, one word, Self-care

May Coffee Chat

May 2, 2025 by Michelle 24 Comments

Hello May!

I love the feeling of having a fresh new month laid out before us, don’t you? It’s always a great way to kick off the month with a little coffee chat with friends – so for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. Grab a mug of your fave beverage, and let’s chat.

May Coffee Chat

Over coffee, I’d tell you that, in typical May-hem fashion, there’s not a lot of white space on the calendar this month, and I’m not mad about it. I have booked lots of time with friends for lunch, dinner, cocktails, etc. With my hip surgery just over 2 months in the rearview mirror, I’ve been itching to get out and about more to catch up with friends!

And, speaking of surgery recovery, over coffee, I would happily tell you that I’ll be sprung from PT next Tuesday! I’ve spent the last couple of sessions working on single leg strength work with increasing weight and my “bionic” hip has been tolerating the load nicely. My physio is helping me to create a plan to continue on my own, but as she’s told me, “you have no limitations…time to just go live your life!” – Alleluia!

Over coffee, I would tell you that our new puppy, Ryker, has been with us a month now and is settling in nicely. My gosh I had forgotten just how much frenetic energy a puppy brings – he’s turned our household upside down, but in the best possible way! And I’m super glad our dog Kai has taken to the role of big brother 🙂

Over coffee, I would share that while I’ve been enjoying my “semi-retirement,” I am starting to think about what’s next. Do I look for a new job? Hang out my shingle and consult? Stay in the non-profit sector? Could I continue to enjoy retirement through the summer and dive back in the fall? Lots of questions, but no answers at this point.

So tell me, any big plans for May?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Sharing a Couple of April Runfessions

April 25, 2025 by Michelle 16 Comments

Well, I’ve blinked and the month is quickly coming to an end. Before I put April in the rearview mirror, for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m joining Marcia to share a couple of Runfessions.

Sharing a Couple of April Runfessions

I runfess that I’ve reached that point with PT where the novelty has worn off and I’m just ready to be done. Don’t get me wrong, I really like the team I’m working with… but I’m so bored and would rather just work out on my own now. Thankfully, I have just a couple more weeks to go.

I runfess that I needed Facebook to remind me that my blog-aversary is coming up. Hard to believe that I penned (or is that typed?) my first blog post 15 years ago! Always grateful for those who have shared in my running journey over the years.

Do you keep track of your blog aniversary? Any runfessions to share?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

Fit Five Friday: KURU Atom Fusion Review

April 18, 2025 by Michelle 10 Comments

I received a pair of KURU Atom Fusion sneakers to try out, and after a couple of weeks of wearing them everywhere, I’m happy to say they’ve earned a spot in my recovery rotation. As I work through physical therapy and continue increasing my walking mileage, I’ve been looking for a shoe that offers a solid combo of comfort, support, and style.

So for this week’s Fit Fve Friday, I’m sharing five key takeaways on how the Atom Fusion stacks up. As always, all opinions expressed here are my own.

Fit Five Friday: KURU Atom Fusion Review

1. Instant Comfort with No Break-In Needed
The KURU Atom Fusions felt great right out of the box—no stiffness, no hotspots, just easy comfort from the first wear. For anyone dealing with injury recovery (or just tired feet), that’s a big plus. I also appreciated that the shoes offered a roomy toe box without feeling sloppy. (And, if more space is needed, the Atoms are also available in wide).

2. Support That Stands Out
The shoe offers a really nice balance of cushion and structure, with excellent arch support and a slightly firmer heel cup that adds stability. KURU describes this feature on their website as KURU SOLE, “patented heel-hugging technology…that dynamically flexes with each step to hug and protect your heels.” It’s been perfect for both my single-leg work at PT and longer walks. My hips and legs still feel good at the end of the day—always a sign that the shoe is doing its job.

Source: KURU website

3. Versatility for Real Life
Let’s be real: sneakers are my go-to for just about every outfit these days. The Fusion comes in 3 simple, but classic colorways (Jet Black-Bright White, Midnight Blue-Jet Black, and Mist Gray-Lavender) and avoids the clunky/chunky silhouette typical of a “support shoe”. I’m all in when function meets fashion! I have the Jet Black and think I may pick up the Mist Gray next.

4. Durability & Breathability
Even after steady wear in and out of the gym, these shoes are holding up beautifully. I appreciate the mesh upper that keeps things breathable, especially during longer walks or full days on my feet.

5. Cushioned and Supportive, But… Would I Run in Them?
I typically go for shoes that offer both cushioning and support, and the Atom Fusion definitely delivers. That said, the heel has a firmer feel than some of my running favorites, so I’m not sure how they’d perform on a run. For walking, strength work, and everyday wear, though—they’re a win.

If you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with foot pain, or just looking for a versatile everyday sneaker with serious support, the KURU Atom Fusion is absolutely worth checking out.

Have you tried KURU shoes before? Drop a comment and let me know what you think!

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, product reviews

April Coffee Catch Up

April 4, 2025 by Michelle 24 Comments

It’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday, and since it is the first Friday of the month I’m linking up with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So let’s chat a bit. (This post contains an affiliate link).

April Coffee Catch Up

Over coffee, I would first tell you that I hit a big milestone this week – I’m now 6 weeks post surgery! I’ve had this date circled as 6 week would mark when my surgeon said I’d have no restrictions. Now, I still am not cleared to run just yet, but I can take on more strength training and more walking miles…all of which will get me back there.

Over coffee, I would tell you that tomorrow I’ll be picking up a new walking buddy – a puppy! My hubs and I have been wanting to get a second dog and have been debating when…well then this little face appeared in my feed from one of the rescue groups I follow and we had our answer! He’s a German Shepard/Great Prynees mix and I can’t wait to meet him and add him to our family (Fingers crossed our current Shepard feels the same way!).

Over coffee, I would share that one of my goals for this year is to make more time for reading and so far so good. One of my latest reads was The First Lie Wins — oh so good! It’s face-paced thriller that will keep you guessing right to the end. If you haven’t read it, I’d encourage you to add it to your list.

OK, your turn, what would you tell me over coffee?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Some Runfessions for March

March 28, 2025 by Michelle 16 Comments

How is it the last Friday of the month already?! Marcia has opened the runfessional, and it’s also time for another Fit Five Friday hosted by Darlene, Renee, Jenn, Zenaida, and yours truly, so let’s get started.

Some Runfessions for March

I had my post-op appointment with my surgeon yesterday and I runfess that going into it I was more than a little nervous. Eventhough I’ve been feeling pretty good for the most part, going through a major surgery like this has made me a tad paranoid. Happily, the appointment went off without a hitch.

I runfess that I’m so over this weather and ready for Spring! March kinda gave up on the “in like a lamb out like a lion” routine in favor of lion-mode for most of the month. This is one of the windiest months I can remember and as someone trying to rebuild my walking mileage, I could really do without the extra challenge of wind resistance!

I runfess that I’m about ready to throw in the towel on Instagram. I’m really not sure what’s up with the algorithm but I seem to be seeing fewer and fewer posts from people I’m actually following. I feel like I’m seeing more ads (of the same products, over and over) or random people IG suggests I follow…so annoying…

Has your IG feed gone rogue? Any runfessions to share?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Techer every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, hip replacement, Runfessions

Fit Five Friday – 5 Reasons Sleep is Essential for Your Health & Fitness

March 14, 2025 by Michelle 2 Comments

This week is National Sleep Awareness Week, so what better time to talk about one of the most underrated aspects of health and fitness—SLEEP! We often focus on workouts, nutrition, and recovery tools, but quality sleep is just as important (if not more so) for overall well-being.

Whether you’re training for a race, trying to stay consistent with workouts, or just aiming to feel your best each day, sleep plays a huge role in making it happen. So, let’s break down five reasons why sleep is a non-negotiable part of a healthy lifestyle.

Fit Five Friday: 5 Reasons Sleep is Essential for Your Health and Fitness

1. Muscle Recovery and Growth
Ever wonder why you feel extra sore after a bad night’s sleep? When you sleep, your body gets to work repairing muscle tissue, reducing inflammation, and replenishing energy stores. Skimping on sleep can slow down recovery, making it harder to bounce back after tough workouts.

2. Improved Performance
Want to feel stronger and more energized during workouts? Prioritizing sleep can improve endurance, reaction time, and even motivation. Studies show that athletes who get quality sleep perform better, both physically and mentally—so if you’re looking for a training edge, start with your bedtime routine.

3. Better Mood and Mental Clarity
Lack of sleep doesn’t just affect your body—it messes with your mind, too. Poor sleep can lead to brain fog, irritability, and trouble focusing. Whether you’re tackling a long run, strength session, or just a busy day, getting enough rest helps keep your mood and mindset in check.

4. Stronger Immune System
If you’re constantly feeling run down or catching every little bug that comes your way, your sleep habits might be to blame. Quality sleep strengthens your immune system, helping your body fight off illness and keep you on track with your fitness goals.

5. Weight Management and Craving Control
Sleep plays a huge role in regulating hunger hormones. When you’re sleep-deprived, cravings for sugary and processed foods tend to spike, making it harder to make healthy choices. Plus, quality sleep supports metabolism, helping your body efficiently process and use energy.

The Bottom Line: Prioritize Your Sleep!
If you’ve been pushing late nights and early mornings, consider this your sign to take sleep more seriously. Simple habits like setting a consistent bedtime, creating a relaxing nighttime routine, and limiting screen time before bed can make a huge difference.

How do you make sure you get quality sleep? Let me know in the comments!

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Sleep

Coffee Catch-up – March ’25

March 7, 2025 by Michelle 17 Comments

It’s the first Friday of the month so for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m linking up with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date. Grab a mug of your fave hot beverage and let’s chat a bit.

Coffee Catch-up – March ’25

Over coffee, I would start by telling you that my recovery continues to be on track. I was discharged from in-home PT yesterday, have been cleared to drive, and look forward to starting outpatient PT in about a week.

Over coffee, I would ask if you’ve streamed anything good lately? I’m half way through Laid, a dark comedy on Peacock that’s quite funny and a nice change of pace from the typical TV comedy.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I have looking forward to tackling some new house projects over the next couple of months. While we had hoped to start working on the home gym in January, things got hella busy for my hubs at work so we put a pin in that project temporarily. But now that things have quieted down a bit, and I’m past my surgery, we’re ready to tackle it! Additionally, we’ll be gathering landscaping estimates (our yard is a disaster following the remodel) and I’m planning to do a refresh on our garden. Of course, in New England it’s anybody’s guess when Spring will arrive!

What would you tell me over coffee? Any signs of Spring where you are?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Catching Up Over June Coffee

Catching Up Over June Coffee

From Recovery to Running — 5 Essentials I’m Leaning On

Fit Five Friday: From Recovery to Running — 5 Essentials I’m Leaning On

Fit Five Friday: Five Ways to Nourish Your Mental Health

Fit Five Friday: Five Ways to Nourish Your Mental Health

May Coffee Chat

May Coffee Chat

Sharing a Couple of April Runfessions

Sharing a Couple of April Runfessions

Fit Five Friday: KURU Atom Fusion Review

April Coffee Catch Up

April Coffee Catch Up

Some Runfessions for March

Some Runfessions for March

Fit Five Friday – 5 Reasons Sleep is Essential for Your Health & Fitness

Fit Five Friday: 5 Reasons Sleep is Essential for Your Health and Fitness

Coffee Catch-up – March ’25

Coffee Catch-up – March ’25

Hi, I’m Michelle

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