Five Things I Want to Accomplish in 2024

January 12, 2024 by 14 Comments

For this week’s Fit Five Friday we’re talking about 5 things you want to accomplish this year. Since I’ve already shared my Fitness Goals for 2024, I thought I’d share some other goals I’m hoping to check the box on this year.

Five Things I Want to Accomplish in 2024

Turn our renovation into a home — I have mentioned our ongoing renovation so it should come as no surprise that top of my list is not only completing the renovation but also making the new space feel like home. I can’t wait to see the construction completed and to spend time turning the new space into a cozy home.

Read more — I love reading and it took more of a backseat than I would have liked last year. So the goal for this year is to read a minimum of 24 books.

Redesign my garden — Time in my garden is a gift to myself! Come Springtime, with all of the construction done, it will be time to re-imagine the gardens around the house. I love that for Christmas, family members gifted me with gift cards to my favorite nursery and I can’t to put those cards to use and create a new design and spend time in the dirt!

Need to re-think where the roses will go

More connection — My work-life balance was often out of whack last year and sometimes I missed opportunities to spend time with friends. This year I want to make spending time with friends a key goal. Dinners, brunch, cocktails, or a run, walk, or just a gab session – my goal is to spend time with friends at least 3x’s a month this year.

Better Self-Care — Better is my word for 2024 and when it first came to mind, better self-care was top of mind. I want to do a better job of not short-changing myself. It’s very easy to let yourself slip to the bottom of your to-do list as you focus on taking care of everyone and everything else. I will remember to prioritize my self-care this year.

What are you looking to accomplish in 2024?

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!

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, goals

Hello 2024!

January 7, 2024 by 19 Comments

Hello 2024! Can you still say “Happy New Year” when we’re already a week in? I think so..Happy New Year!

It’s been more than a minute since my last check-in for the Weekly Run Down – September 17 as a matter of fact – say what??! Yep, at the time I had just been told by my primary care doc to stop running until I got an MRI to figure out what was going on with my ongoing quad/hip issues.

Since then, I’ve found a sports ortho I like, I put in 8 weeks of PT with a therapist I also liked (helped that he was a runner!) and leaned into a lot of walking, time on my Peloton bike, and strength work. Running has been largely paused except for a couple of run/walks to test the waters. Once I get the green light to start running (waiting for a follow-up with my sports ortho) I’m thinking of following a couch-to-5K plan so I force myself to ease back in slowly.

And with the new year, I’m going to make an effort to get back to joining Deborah, Kim, and all of you for the Weekly Run Down.

In case you missed it:

First Coffee of the New Year

My Word for 2024

Cheers to a great 2024!

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Filed Under: Updates, Weekly Run Down

First Coffee of New Year

January 5, 2024 by 11 Comments

Happy Friday!

Oh my goodness while it was a short work week coming off the holiday break it has felt oh so long – why is that always the case? I’m more than ready for the weekend! I’m kicking off the first Fit Five Friday of 2024 by linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So let’s chat.

First Coffee of the New Year

Over coffee, I would tell you that I took the final 10 days of the year off from work and thoroughly enjoyed the downtime. Despite having to pack up the kitchen and other spaces before the demo, the days were lazy and relaxed. Just what I needed!

And speaking of demo, over coffee I would tell you that renovation life continues, and dare I say things are going relatively smoothly. Our kitchen officially bit the dust yesterday, but I am excited to see the new spaces taking shape.

removing kitchen walls

Over coffee, I would tell you that one of the upsides of packing for this renovation has been the purging. Given that I have gone declutter binges before, I’m a little shocked at how much we’ve still been able to throw out or donate. It’s been very freeing.

Over coffee, I would tell you that the new Fit Five Friday calendar is up and ready to go! As always, you can write about whatever fitness topic strikes your fancy. We had a lot of fun with the suggested topics for 2023 so decided we would give it another go – of course, we’re still planning to continue to link up for both coffee and Marcia‘s Runfessions – I hope you will join us!

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!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

One Word for 2024

January 2, 2024 by 8 Comments

Happy New Year!

Jenn and Zenaida are inviting everyone to share their word for the year for this week’s Tuesday Topics link-up. The practice of picking one word as a theme for the year is something I’ve been doing since 2015. Past choices have included Thrive, Progress, Belief, Brave, Intentional, Curate, Mindset, Emerge, and Cultivate.

I love to see which word others have selected! After reading here, be sure to check out what others are sharing!

Better — (v) to improve on or surpass an existing or previous level of achievement

“Better” is not “perfect” or “best” – it reminds me that I am a work in progress and to let go of both perfectionism and comparison. To me “better” also means never stop learning – to approach life with a “beginner’s mind”. It also means, don’t settle.

In 2024, I’m seeking a better balance between work and home life; better self-care; better health and fitness; and better connections.

Have you picked a word for the year?

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Filed Under: one word, Tuesday Topics

Fitness Goals for 2024

December 22, 2023 by 8 Comments

December is quickly winding down and we’re reaching that time when folks start to look ahead to plans for the new year. So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, we’re talking Fitness Goals for 2024.

Fit Five Friday: Fitness Goals for 2024

My primary fitness goal for 2024 is to return to healthy running –  emphasis on “healthy”! That means not gimpy; not running and tolerating an injury, just healthy! I have not been on a regular running schedule since September. I did attempt some run-walks in October but quickly shut it down….being patient is not my strong suit, but I also know that rushing back too quickly has not served me well. Hopefully, down the road, I’d like to plan for a race or two – but, first and foremost, it’s all about healthy running!

My other goal for the year is to complete at least 15K minutes on Peloton. To hit this goal will mean that I’m doing the consistent cycling my sports ortho wants me to do, along with strength training, walking…and running 🙂

Beyond these year-long goals, I will continue my practice of setting smaller monthly goals. For the past few years, doing so has helped to keep me accountable and on track. So if it’s not broken, don’t fix it, right?

How about you – are you declaring any big fitness goals for 2024?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida 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!


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, goals

Five Things I’m Focusing on in December

December 8, 2023 by 8 Comments

Happy Friday!

This week’s Fit Five Friday topic is 5 Favorite Fitness Stocking Stuffers! You are, of course, always welcome to link up and share other fitness-related posts. If you’re looking for some stuffer ideas, please check out my past posts here and here.

Today, instead, I’m sharing five things I’m focusing on to close out 2023 on a strong note!

Five Things I’m Focusing on in December

#3for31Challenge – This is one of my favorite challenges hosted by Peloton instructor Robin. The goal is to run or walk 3 miles or move 30 minutes daily in December. It’s just the little nudge I need to make sure that I don’t slack off due to holiday/end-of-year overwhelm!

Completing Physical Therapy – As I shared over coffee, I’m a little more than halfway through my PT sessions and will hopefully “graduate” by the first week in January. Can.not.wait.

Prioritizing Sleep – Yes sleep is often among my goals but coming off of a stressful November things had gotten especially wonky. Since December has begun I’ve made a point of not allowing myself to doze on the couch and instead am following an evening routine that includes heading to bed early.  I’ve been waking up feeling much better rested which sets the tone for a much better day.

Return to Early Morning Workouts – I’m much happier when I start my day with a workout, but thanks to poor sleep and a crazy schedule early morning workouts were not happening as often as I wanted. So this month I’m making the shift back – again a much better start to my day.

Embracing Rest – Rest is different from sleep and I would argue is just as important. Being on the go all the time is draining. This month I’m embracing downtime.

As 2023 winds down, what are you focusing on?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida 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!

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, goals, Uncategorized

Five Things Over December Coffee

December 1, 2023 by 20 Comments

Can you believe it’s December 1st?!

The final month of 2023 is laid out before us and it’s a great time to catch up over coffee with friends before the holiday madness sets in! So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. Grab your favorite beverage and let’s chat a little.

Five Things Over December Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that November was a very hectic month! Work life has been crazy stressful and by the time I reached Thanksgiving, I was feeling fried. Now that it’s December I’m looking forward to cashing in on some PTO.

Over coffee, I would tell you that our home renovations are rolling right along! More of the new structure is starting to take shape and I’m getting more and more excited to see it all come together.

And in the same breath, over coffee, I would tell you that living through a home reno is not for the faint of heart (IYKYK) – it’s a constant state of chaos and I’m counting down the days until my kitchen is unusable. I remind myself it will all be worth it!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m already at the halfway point of PT. It’s beyond tedious but I’m very happy that the therapist is a runner and has also done some coaching. We talk shoes, races, and all things running and it helps to make the sessions more bearable.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m drawing a blank on Christmas gifts this year (especially for my boys) and the clock is ticking! If you have any unique ideas, please share – and if you need an idea for the runner in your life please check out my gift guide.

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 Zenaida 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!


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, Ultimate coffee date

Fit Five Friday – Holiday Gifts for Runners

November 17, 2023 by 7 Comments

It’s that time of year again when many of us are on the hunt for the perfect gift! So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, we’re hoping to ease the load by sharing some gift ideas. This post contains affiliate links.

Fit Five Friday – Holiday Gifts for Runners

Socks – Seriously does a runner ever have enough pairs? Balaga continues to be one of my favorites!

Oofos – Yes a little more pricey but for the recovery benefits, they’re oh so worth it! I’m a huge fan of the OOlala Luxe Sandal but there are so many great options.

Shokz Open Fit – While I love my AfterShokz Aeropex, I must admit that the new Open Fit has piqued my interest. I like the ergonomic and flexible ear hook and think these could be more comfortable to wear with hats (especially winter headwear).

OCCOPA Rechargeable Hand Warmers – Yes these hand warmers have made my gift list in the past, and with good reason – they work! These warmers feature 3 settings, fit nicely in the palm of my hand, and are rechargeable – so no added waste to the environment with those disposal one-use packets.


Running Gloves – And, speaking of keeping hands warm, how about the TrailHeads Convertible Running Gloves? These gloves give you the best of both with touchscreen gloves and a waterproof mitten shell.

 

What are your favorite running gifts?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!
Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please be sure to show your hosts some love and visit some of the other bloggers in the link-up.


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, Gifts for runners

Catching Up Over November Coffee

November 3, 2023 by 7 Comments

Once November 1st hits I feel like the sprint is on toward the end of the year. As we welcome a new month it’s a great time to catch up over coffee with friends – so for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. Grab your favorite beverage and let’s chat.

Catching Up Over November Coffee

Over coffee, I would update you on my renovation adventure! We now have the basement for the new addition set and framing will begin in another week – progress!

Over coffee, I would also share that picking tile and fixtures for two bathrooms might prove to be more challenging than settling on all the things for the kitchen. But, I am still loving the whole design process – it’s proving to be a nice distraction from the chaos that is work-life.

Over coffee, I would tell you that we’re in the thick of the college application process and all I have to say is that there should be a better way to do this!

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 Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please be sure to show your hosts some love and visit some of the other bloggers in the link-up.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Spooky ‘fessions

October 27, 2023 by 16 Comments

October has flown by and here we are on the last Friday of the month which means it’s time to join Marcia for some Runfessions. It’s also time for another edition of Fit Five Friday hosted by Darlene, Renée, Jenn, Zenaida, and me! So let’s go!

Spooky ‘fesions

I finally had an MRI a couple of weeks ago and I runfess that I was disappointed that the results revealed no clear issue. Of course, it’s great that there’s nothing obviously wrong, but at the same time, it makes finding the “solution” a bit more of a guessing game.

I runfess I was so relieved that the sports orthopedist I saw earlier this week told me that I could get back to running. It may be a slow process but at least no one said “no running!”

Though I do runfess that I groaned a little when he said 6-8 weeks of PT….sigh.

If you’ve gone to PT, what’s the longest that you have had to go?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!
Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please be sure to show your hosts some love and visit some of the other bloggers in the link-up.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, injuries, Physical Therapy, Runfessions