Michelle — Page 4

July Coffee Catch Up

July 5, 2024 by Michelle 18 Comments

Taking a quick pause in the 4th of July weekend festivities 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!

July Coffee Catch Up

Over coffee I would tell you that this week I have been enjoying a much-needed staycation! My office is closed for the week of July 4th and the timing of this break couldn’t have come at a better time. After a whirlwind that was June, I’m hoping that I can slow down a bit to enjoy the lazy days of summer and this week is a good start.

Over coffee, I would tell you how excited I am to finally be back in my kitchen! Our whirlwind renovation is coming to a close – we’ve got a few items left on the punch list for our contractor, but we are moving back into the new space.

Over coffee, I would tell you that, after the second cortisone shot provided only a brief pause in my hip-area pain, I’m moving on to shockwave therapy. My first appointment is this morning – wish me luck!

What would you tell me over coffee?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

June Runfessions

June 28, 2024 by Michelle 10 Comments

Happy Friday! It’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday, – and since it’s the last Friday of the month, I’m linking up with Marcia to share a Runfession or two.

June Runfessions

Last month I shared my annoyance with the new Garmin Connect “upgrade”. Well I runfess that since I received my new Apple Watch as a Mother’s Day gift, my Garmin hasn’t seen the light of day. Maybe things will change when I return to running…but for now #sorrynotsorry

I runfess that while I miss running I’m more than ok with missing the slogfest that is summer running. I’ve made no secret that this is my least favorite season for running, so with the heat index reaching tripple digits over the past week, I’m fine with keeping my fitness focused on walking and strength training.

One of my goals for June was to get back to my yoga mat at least once a week. Goal accomplished – however, I runfess that as much as I try I’m not sure yoga will ever be my thing.

Summer running – Yay or Nay? Do you make time for yoga or is it not your thing?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions, Yoga

Five Songs for Your Workout Playlist

June 21, 2024 by Michelle 6 Comments

Happy Friday!

Thanks for joining Darlene, Jenn, Renée, Zenaida, and me for another edition of Fit Five Friday. This week we’re talking about music for workouts. (Of course, you should always feel free to write about any fitness/wellness-related topic.)

Whether I am running or working out music is almost always part of the mix for me. I like a wide range of music and at any time you can find many different genrés on my playlists – country and metal being the exceptions! What I’m listening to really depends on my mood, but here are five songs you might want to add to your playlist.

Five Songs for Your Workout Playlist

Lose Yourself by Eminem – a classic workout song in my opinion, both for its uptempo beat and motivational lyrics. 17 years after it debuted it still gets your heart pumping!

Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand – I added this one to my play list after my son and his ensemble performed it at his fall concert.

Golden by Jill Scott — I just love the vibe of this song and the lyrics. It never fails to put a smile on my face.

Demons by Imagine Dragons — at least one Imagine Dragons’ song often seems to make it on to my playlists.

Smooth by Santana, featuring Rob Thomas — This one comes from one of my favorite albums, Supernatural, and makes me want to dance my way through a workout.

I could definitely share more than five – but tell me, what are some songs on your workout play list?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, music

June Coffee Catch Up

June 7, 2024 by Michelle 22 Comments

Happy Friday!

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!

June Coffee Catch Up

Over coffee, I would tell you that tomorrow we’re closing the book on the high school years. These past couple of weeks have been a blur of all the Senior things and I’ve been doing my best to slow down and take in each event. I cannot believe graduation is tomorrow!

Over coffee, I would tell you that next week we’re off to UNH’s orientation – yep no rest for the weary!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I had my second cortisone shot a couple of weeks ago, and I’m still no closer to running again. Sigh.

Over coffee, I would tell you that because work has been off the chain lately, I now find myself with a lot of vacation days to use. Not a bad problem to have at all! I have today off and will be plotting how soon I can put the rest of these days to good use.

Source

What would you tell me over coffee? Any vacation plans in the works?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

MAYhem Runfessions

May 31, 2024 by Michelle 9 Comments

Wowza here we are on the last day of May – I have to ask why is May such a busy month?! Overall it’s been a good, but hectic month – living up to its “MAYhem” reputation. As we move into June I’m personally hoping to see more white space on the calendar.

Since it’s the last Friday of the month, for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m linking up with Marcia to share a couple of Runfessions so I can go into June with a clean slate.

MAYhem Runfessions

I runfess that blogging has really been pushed to the back burner. I only recently realized that my blog anniversary had come and gone. It’s hard to believe it’s been 14 years! Perhaps as things slow down during the summer I’ll find my blogging mojo again.

I runfess that this month I have been inundated with product review requests coming through the blog – oh the irony!

At the begining of the month I got the update of the Garmin Connect app and I runfess that I wish I hadn’t. I can’t find the data easily – I’m not a fan of having to scroll so much, it’s cumbersome. In my opinion there was nothing wrong with the old interface – as I saw someone else post, it feels like change for change sake. Sigh…

Have you ever had an “upgrade” that you could have lived without? What would you runfess?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

Fit Five Friday – 5 Benefits of Walking

May 17, 2024 by Michelle 3 Comments

Welcome back to another edition of Fit Five Friday! This week, we’re diving into one of the simplest yet most effective forms of exercise: walking. Even before I was sidelined from running, walking has long been an activity I’ve embraced. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual jogger, or someone just starting on their fitness journey, walking can offer a myriad of benefits. So today I’m sharing five reasons to incorporate walking into your routine.

Fit Five Friday – Five Benefits of Walking

Boosts Cardiovascular Health
Walking is a great way to give your heart a workout without putting too much strain on your body. Regular walking can help lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Just a brisk 30-minute daily walk can make a significant difference in your cardiovascular health.

Improves Joint Health, Flexibility, and Strength
Walking helps improve joint health by lubricating and strengthening them, without putting strain on them. It’s especially beneficial for those (like me!) with arthritis or joint pain. Regular walking can help to increase range of motion, making everyday activities easier and more comfortable. Plus, walking strengthens your leg and core muscles, leading to better balance and posture.

Easily Accessible
Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise. It requires no special equipment and can be done almost anywhere – your neighborhood park, the local track, or even on a treadmill when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Enhances Mental Well-being
Walking isn’t just good for your body; it’s also great for your mind. Spending time outdoors and moving your body can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. The rhythm of walking can also promote a meditative state, allowing you to clear your mind and boost your mood, (much like running!). It’s a great way to take care of your mental well-being and find a sense of calm.

Promotes Longevity
Regular walking can add years to your life. Studies have shown that consistent walking can lower the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall health, leading to increased longevity. Walking increases the circulation of immune cells in your body, helping you fight off illnesses and recover more quickly so by making walking a part of your routine, you can help keep your immune system strong and resilient. Essentially, walking is an investment in your future self, one step at a time.

Walking is a simple yet powerful exercise that offers numerous benefits for your body and mind. It’s a fantastic way to stay active, improve your health, and boost your mood, and it’s a versatile activity that fits into just about any lifestyle – a total win!

Is walking a regular part of your routine?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, walking

Catching Up Over May Coffee

May 3, 2024 by Michelle 18 Comments

As we welcome in a new month, it’s the perfect time to settle in and catch up over coffee. For this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date, so grab a mug of your fave beverage, and let’s chat.

Catching Up Over May Coffee

Over coffee I would tell you that April was a whirlwind! 3 out of the 4 weekends we were attending admitted student events. My highschooler had narrowed it down to this final 3 and we promised him we’d make the visits before he made a final desision. The planets aligned with the event dates on consecutive weekends so up and down the east coast we went!

And, over coffee, I would tell you that a decision has been made – he’s heading to the University of New Hampshire! In addition to a great engineering program, the school checks a lot of his boxes. It’s been wonderful to see him have some great options and to see the smile on his face when he announced his choice – Go Wildcats!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I am preparing for what we affectionally refer to in my house as “May Madness” – from wrapping up Lacrosse season, team awards dinner, seniors’ dinner, end of classes, senior project, a major work event and the homestretch of the renovation, I’m just going to buckle up and hold on for one chaotic ride.

What would you share over coffee?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Runfessions for April

April 26, 2024 by Michelle 18 Comments

And, as is so often the case, we’ve blinked an another month is quickly coming to an end. But before I put April in the rearview mirror, for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m joining Marcia to share some Runfessions.

Runfessions for April

So can you have runfessions if you’re not currently running? Let’s see…

I runfess that getting emails from one of my fave races while I’m sidelined is like salt in a wound. I will miss not toeing the line this Memorial Day weekend but there’s always next year.

And, speaking of emails, I runfess that I’m really starting to question Gmail’s spam filter based on some of the emails I’ve been receiving. For example, I’ve received two emails from a woman pitching her article for my blog on top sex positions for maximum calorie burn…meanwhile emails from legit companies that I subscribe to are landing in the spam folder?!? BTW, the article’s author felt the need to add the claim “research-backed” to her subject line…I runfess that was an additional nugget of information I could have lived without LOL.

Received any interesting emails lately?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

Five Favorite Races

April 19, 2024 by Michelle 7 Comments

This week the Fit Five Friday crew is inviting you to share your Five Favorite Medals/Races. While it was hard to narrow it down to just five races, it was fun to take a little walk down memory lane!

Fit Five Friday – Five Favorite Races

Boston’s Run to Remember — This was my first half marathon and I’ve run both the half and the 5 miler numerous times. I love the course and I love the vibe of this race! I’m also a fan that the race honors fallen first responders. I will miss running it this Memorial Day but can’t wait to run it next year.

Philly Half Marathon — This is was my first destination race and was definitely another good vibe race. I really enjoyed both the course and the great crowd support! I ran the 8K (also part of the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend) last year and it did not disappoint, but I would love to get back to run the half again.

Western MA 10M — If you’ve been around here a bit than you know how much I love the 10-mile distance! The Western 10M is a point-to-point course, starting on the UMass Amherst campus and ending in the town of Northampton, with most of the run taking place on the Norwottuck Rail Trail – a beautiful trail for runners, walkers, and cyclists, especially in the Fall when the race takes place. This race had great volunteers and a fun post-race party and it’s another one I’m hoping to run again.

Ocean Road 10K — This is another repeat race for me and with good reason! The 10K course winds along Rhode Island’s coastline, starting at the Point Judith Lighthouse and ending at Narragansett Beach. It’s a lot of fun, well organized, and how can you beat running near the ocean?!

Chicago Marathon — How could my first (and only) marathon not be on my list?! This is such a great race – I loved everything about my experience. Running through all of the different Chicago neighborhoods was amazing and the spectators came out in force! A fabulous experience, especially for a first time marathon!

What is one of your favorite races?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Boston's Run to Remember, Chicago Marathon, Friday Five, Ocean Road 10K, Philly Half, races

Ready to Turn the Page

April 7, 2024 by Michelle 11 Comments

Hello April!

It would be an understatement to say that March was a crazy month for me – it came in like a lion and pretty much stayed that way. So this week I was more than ready to turn the page and say “hello April!” I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down – here’s a quick look at my week in fitness.

Week 14 – Ready to Turn the Page

Monday — 20 minutes run/walk intervals
Tuesday — Long cummute and day in office = rest day
Wednesday — Lower Body Strength & Core
Thursday — Upper Body Strength & Core
Friday — 20 minutes run/walk intervals & Yoga
Saturday — Full Body Strength
Sunday — 3.2 mile walk & college re-visit day (And too much time in a car!)

If you caught my March Runfessions then you know that I have been feeling pretty down about my cortisone shot – I’ve just not been feeling the relief I had so hoped for. So on Wednesday I had my 3 week follow-up with my sport doc. My hip range of motion (without pain) seems to have improved, but the pain radiating down my leg is still making running extremely difficult. Gluteal tendinopathy could be the cause so my doc has ordered another MRI to get a better look at my hip/pelvis since the last MRI I had done focused more on my right femur (the original pain point).

In the meantime, I’m to focus on a range of PT exercises along with cycling, walking and run/walk intervals. Basically, I’m going to keep moving and doing what I can – movement is medicine!

How was your March? What do you have planned for April?

Filed Under: injuries, Weekly Run Down

July Coffee Catch Up

July Coffee Catch Up

June Runfessions

June Runfessions

Five Songs for Your Workout Playlist

Five Songs for Your Workout Playlist

June Coffee Catch Up

June Coffee Catch Up

MAYhem Runfessions

MAYhem Runfessions

Fit Five Friday – 5 Benefits of Walking

Fit Five Friday – Five Benefits of Walking

Catching Up Over May Coffee

Catching Up Over May Coffee

Runfessions for April

Runfessions for April

Five Favorite Races

Fit Five Friday – Five Favorite Races

Ready to Turn the Page

Week 14 – Ready to Turn the Page

Hi, I’m Michelle

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