Weekly Wrap: Catching Up

March 19, 2017 by 25 Comments

Happy Sunday!

I feel like it’s been a while since I joined in on the Weekly Wrap link-up! Thanks as always to Holly & Tricia for hosting the link-up.

So let’s get caught up, shall we? This time last week I was just kicking off 4 whirlwind days in NYC with the family. And I do mean whirlwind! We got in a lot of sightseeing and eating 😉 We even scored half price tickets to the Broadway show, School of Rock, which I highly recommend especially if you have kids – my boys loved it!

It was great family time and a much-needed break for all! The only downside of time away is the chaos that awaits when you return! Thankfully the weekend was close at hand, making re-entry a little easier.

And, since Run to Remember training is officially underway, I did what I could to get some miles in this week as well.

Monday — Cross-training in the form of walking 5+ miles around NYC.

Tuesday — Storm Stella got in the way of my plan to get a run through the city so I headed to the hotel gym, with my mini coach in tow 😉 3 miles done.

Wednesday — More cross-training across the city.

Thursday — The plan called for 1.5-mile intervals, but honestly, my legs were toast and I knew there was just no way speed work of any kind was happening. I opted for 4 easy miles.

Friday — Rest!

Saturday — A trip to the chiro and a 5-mile run.

Sunday — My son’s hockey playoffs dominated the day, but I did make time for the exercises my chiro wants me to do to help keep my hip happy.

This week, work/family schedules will be pretty chaotic, but it’s time to step up the miles for RtR so I’m going to have to get creative to fit it all in!

How was your week?

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Filed Under: Boston's Run to Remember, half marathon training, vacation, Weekly Wrap

March StrideBox Reveal

March 10, 2017 by 16 Comments

If you follow me on Instagram, then you’ve seen some of the fun things I’ve received from the great folks at StrideBox over the past couple of months. Well, this month I thought I share an up close look at the recent box I received. (You can also read my first review here).

Each month the box of treats comes all wrapped in tissue paper — this month, of course, it’s green in honor of St. Patty’s Day. And the first thing you see is The Stride Guide – a quick guide to all of the goodness inside. And this box did not disappoint! 

So let’s break it down….

On the nutrition front there is:

Nuun Vitamins – these tablets can be used at any time for a daily hydration boost.

Ultima Replenisher – electrolytes and mineral support with no sugar and zero calories.

CarbBoom Gel — caffeinated and made with real fruit purees, and no artificial flavors or sweeteners.

Peanut Butter & Co — a nut butter that combines dark chocolate and peanut butter…need I say more?

Jimmy Bar — peanut butter ice cream?! It’s a miracle I haven’t ripped into this one already!

In addition to the nutrition, StrideBox always offers both personal care items and running gear.

2Toms Blister Shield — a must-have for any runner, as the create an almost frictionless surface and repel moisture to help avoid blisters.

Wrist Wallet — a simple zippered sleeve that slips comfortably over your wrist. It’s perfectly sized to hold a key, money, or possible chews on your run.

I also love that the box included a card with a recipe (Fruity Endurance Gel Blocks) on one side and a workout (Firing Up the Glutes) on the other. 

Pretty awesome mix for just $15/month, right? 

(Disclosure: I was sent this box by StrideBox. All opinions, as always, are my own.)

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Filed Under: #StrideBox, product reviews

Getting back to running

March 5, 2017 by 18 Comments

I’m thrilled to say that I’ve got 3 days of running in this week!

Monday:  Another chiro appointment where I runfessed that I cheated and ran last Saturday. He laughed and wasn’t surprised…yeah we’re going to get along just fine 🙂 After our session, I get the official green light to start running!

Tuesday: 3 easy miles

Wednesday: Strength day — all core and lower body work. And, of course, some planking.

Thursday: The wind gusts reached 45 mph and tree limbs were falling everywhere…hmmm no thanks! Opted for yoga instead.

Friday: Made up for Thursday’s run – another 3 miler

Saturday: 15 degrees plus a brutal wind made these 4 miles feel much longer, but my husband was a good sport and came along to keep me company. It was so cold my phone shut down when I tried to get a post-run pic! Have you ever had that happen?!

I was pretty psyched to have these hand warmers which had come in my February Stride Box. You can reseal them so they’re re-usable for up to 6 hours, which I’ll probably be putting to the test this week since temps aren’t supposed to rise for the next couple of days.

Sunday: Rest day

Ten pain-free miles just makes me smile! The goal this week is simple…to run more!

I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for the #WeeklyWrap. Please be sure to head on over and check out all of the great ladies sharing weekly training and life happenings!

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Filed Under: Weekly Wrap

March Coffee Date

March 4, 2017 by 25 Comments

Please tell me I’m not the only one who feels like we’re moving at a breakneck pace through these first couple of month of 2017?!

Well, I’m always happy to take a little time out to catch up over coffee, so I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that, I’m really looking forward to our family trip to NYC next weekend! Despite having to sit out this year’s NYC Half, I’m so glad we decided to stick to our plans of spending a few days in the City.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that we’re in the final stretch of my youngest son’s hockey season and I just can’t wait for it to be over. Trekking all over heaven and earth to stand in sub-zero arenas always wears thin on me by this point in the season (I’m mean seriously, we’ve been at it since the end of August!) Luckily the playoffs are in sight.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my favorite new app is the Calm meditation app. I actually downloaded this app a while ago, but am now getting around to using it regularly. I’ve written about how much I think meditation helps me, and I think for anyone interested, this app would be a great way to get started.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I finally got a copy of Run Fast. Eat Slow. (affiliate link) I feel like I’ve seen this book everywhere! I was flipping through it last night and already have a bunch of recipes I want to try, including the infamous Superhero Muffins.

Have you tried any recipes from this book?

What would you tell me over coffee?

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Filed Under: meditation, Ultimate coffee date

Monthly Rewind – February edition

February 28, 2017 by 16 Comments

Well, we’ve sprinted through another month, but before we look ahead, let’s put a wrap on this month.

Good things for the month:

  • Loving working with my new chiropractor.
  • After two weeks of following “no run” orders, I got in 3 pain-free miles on Saturday and am heading out this morning for another run today! Ending the month on a positive note!
  • Kept my 5-minute daily plank challenge going. I think this streak may continue into March!

Things I could do without:

  • You all have heard enough about my non-running, race-canceling woes so we’re not going to dwell here!
  • Saying goodbye to Trainer Stacy 🙁

On the decks for March:

  • Return to training. I’m working with my RC coaches now to map out a new plan. As long as I can string together a few more pain-free runs, I’ll be able to start training for Boston’s Run to Remember!
  • Consistent work with the chiro to make the return to training possible.
  • Challenge myself to try some new strength workouts and not slack!

How was your February?

I’m linking up with Erika, Marcia, and Patty for this week’s Tuesday on the Run – the topic this week is grading your month. 

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Filed Under: month in review, Tuesdays on the Run

February Runfessions

February 24, 2017 by 12 Comments

February is flying by and it’s already the last Friday of the month, which means it’s time to come clean with some Runfessions! Be sure to check out what our host Marcia and others are confessing!

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I’m trying my best to follow the chiro’s orders of no running this week, which has been extremely hard given Mother Nature’s sudden spring preview. I runfess that I have twice laced up my running shoes, but I held off. Whether I make it through this weekend is a tough call…

And speaking of the spring preview, I runfess that I’d be perfectly happy for this little weather trend to continue. While it has been a mild winter by New England standards, I have just had zero desire to deal with the cold this year. And now that we’ve had a taste of spring, I just can’t go back!

Trainer Stacy, who I’ve been working with for a while is taking a new job, and her new gym isn’t even remotely close. Without her to kick my butt…push me, I gymfess that I’m worried my gym time intensity will slack off.

Clearly my lack of running is not stopping me from buying new running gear. I runfess that I may have done a little shopping with Skirt Sports…I may need an intervention!

(By the way if you want to join me in my madness, use code 1SSCAPT20 to save 20 by 3/31 and save 20%)

So c’mon share…what do you runfess? 

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Filed Under: Runfessions, Skirt Sports

Hitting the Training Reset Button

February 19, 2017 by 52 Comments

It’s time to hit the reset button…

My little slip during a run last month did more than just tweak things. And, while I’ve been able to eek out some runs, it’s been inconsistent at best…and with some significant pain at worst. No bueno.  I’ve probably known for a couple of weeks now that I need to re-think my plans, but I didn’t want to admit it. I’d been hoping to hold it together and some how stick to my race schedule, but it’s just not happening.

So after a trip to the new chiropractor (who was awesome!) and conferring with the RC coaches, it’s time to hit the reset button on my training. I took a pass on the 10 mile race I was planning to do this morning and I’m deferring my entry in the NYC Half until next year. And while I’m especially bummed about putting off NYC, I’m refusing to have a pity party.

So I’m focusing on the positives:

  • Better to have this happen now while the year is still young and there’s still lots of time for running and races
  • I still have 14 weeks until my Spring goal race, Boston’s Run to Remember
  • I’m loving the new chiro I was referred to – he’s mapped out a course of treatment and believes he can get me back on track shortly
  • My RC coaches are all very positive that we can work around this and put together a decent training plan
  • Since the whole family was looking forward to heading to NYC, we’ve decided to still hit the city during the school spring break

I’m headed back to the chiro tomorrow, and this week will probably be heavy on the cross-training and strength work. 14 weeks to go!

Linking up with Tricia and Holly for the #WeeklyWrap. 

Quick housekeeping note:

Congrats to Jessica & Stephanie for winning entries into the Utah Valley Marathon/Half Marathon/10K! (Check your email boxes for details. ) If you didn’t win but are still interested in running, you can use code rwa15 to get 15% off any distance! (This is an affiliate code.)

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Filed Under: chiropractor, DNS, half marathon training, injuries, NYC Half Marathon, Weekly Wrap

Weekly Wrap – Embracing the mill

February 12, 2017 by 22 Comments

Happy Sunday!

As I type this, the wind is picking up and the snow is falling. The second significant snow storm in just 4 days. School’s already been cancelled for tomorrow, and I’m trying to re-configure my work day.

But before I get to dealing with that I’m linking up with Holly  and Tricia for the #WeeklyWrap. Please be sure to head on over and check out all of the great ladies sharing weekly training and life happenings!

Between the snow, icy conditions and a hectic schedule, it was all about the gym and time on the mill this week. And, the 5 min/day planking streak continued!

Monday — Rest Day
Tuesday — Speed work- While I’m not a fan on running on the mill in general, I don’t mind doing speed work on it. Just set the pace and go!
Wednesday — Strength day followed by a much needed massage!

Thursday — Shoveling snow counts for cross-training right?
Friday — Back to the mill for 800 meter repeats
Saturday — Rest day
Sunday — 4 more mill miles as once again the left knee/calf wasn’t really not interested in doing a long run – which is problematic when you’ve got a half marathon just 5 weeks away….but let’s not think about that right now!

The left leg was pretty unhappy all week and required a lot of special attention. At the urging of my massage therapist (she’s convinced I’m out of alignment), I’m going to try to squeeze in an appointment with the chiropractor this week. I really don’t want to take any more time off from running, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

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Filed Under: left knee, treadmill run, Weekly Wrap

Run Utah – A Giveaway!

February 10, 2017 by 22 Comments

I’m telling you that there’s nothing worse than receiving an invitation to a great destination race and not be able to take advantage of it! Such is the case with the Utah Valley Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K.

Utah is just beautiful, isn’t it?

When I think of traveling to Utah my first thoughts turn towards skiing and  memories of a great family vacation we had there. We always said we wanted to head back, so when I got an email from the nice folks at Utah Valley Marathon, I knew this would be a trip I’d have no problem convincing my husband to take!

A few reasons to run:

  • The Utah Valley Marathon was named a TOP 10 race in America by Runner’s World Magazine in 2014
  • In honor of their 10th anniversary, they’re handing out race jackets instead of a T-shirt
  • A fast downhill course – no uphill people! (the marathon is a Boston qualifier)
  • Offers a marathon, half marathon, and 10K options, plus a kids 1K

Sounds great right? So why am I not booking my flights…because come June 10th, we will be in the thick of a lacrosse tournament in the RWA household. And, given that I’m helping to coordinate the tourney, disappearing for a race is just not in the cards. But I’ve already penciled it in for 2018 🙂 (Did I mention no uphills!)

So what’s a girl to do with a race entry she can’t use? Host a giveaway of course 🙂 I’ve actually got not one but two entries!

Want to run the Utah Valley Marathon/Half Marathon/10k? Then enter below – or, if you’re just ready to register, you can use code rwa15 to get 15% off any distance! (This is an affiliate code.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: I received the two free race entries and discount code courtesy of the Utah Valley Marathon. I will receive a small payment for all registrations made using my discount code.

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Filed Under: bucket list, giveaways

Two steps forward, One step back

February 5, 2017 by 35 Comments

It’s just been one of those weeks…

Monday – More time with my new BFF, aka the Arc Trainer, but I did get outside for a brisk walk for the Winter Challenge. Oh, and day 9 of the 10 x 10 plank challenge.

Tuesday – Work and family schedules collided and my run didn’t happen. It was the final day of the Winter Challenge and I enjoyed a snowy walk, plus finished the plank challenge. Whew…10 minutes of planking was a-l-o-t!

Wednesday – Strength training with Trainer Stacy. Quite simply, this workout kicked my arse…and I loved it! Stacy really challenged me and I left feeling really strong…and sore 🙂  Planking continues – going for 5 mins/day for February.

Thursday –  Once again my schedule was crazy, but I was able to squeeze 30 mins in on the Arc Trainer.

Friday – Hill repeats – enough said, right?

Saturday – DOMS hit me hard so hello rest day.

Sunday – The plan called for 8 – I barely hung on for just over 5. After feeling so strong after Wednesday, and having a strong run through those repeats, I was hoping to crush this run…instead, my left knee/calf started talking to me within the first half mile and let me know this was going to be a grind. And a grind it was.

So…going to have to say this week was a Cha-cha. Let’s hope there’s less “dancing” this week and more running.

I’m linking up with Tricia and Holly for the #WeeklyWrap. Please be sure to head on over and check out all of the great ladies sharing weekly training, life happenings, motivation and encouragement!

 

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Filed Under: half marathon training, left knee, Weekly Wrap