#FitFiveFriday

June Coffee Chat

June 5, 2026 by Michelle 20 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! (This post contains affiliate links).

June Coffee Chat

Over coffee, I’d start by telling you how much fun I had volunteering at the Girls on the Run 5K Celebration! The weather was terrible – cold, windy, and oh so much rain, but it did not dampen the girls’ enthusiasm. I worked as a course marshall and got to see up close how determined they all were – really such a great event! I’m looking forward to hopefully working with the organization more in the future.

Over coffee, I would tell you that this month I’m taking in the #StreakingwiththeCoolKids Challenge. The goal is to either run or walk 1 mile every day in June. I wanted to log more miles walking on my non-run days, so this challenge fits the bill nicely!

Over coffee, I would ask you what you’re currently reading? I recently finished Theo of Golden and Sara Hall’s memoir For the Love of the Grind. The pacing of Theo was uneven and sometimes plodding, and I wasn’t a big fan of the book’s heavy-handed messaging. I did enjoy learning more about Sara Hall’s story and admired her ability to come back time and again from injury to have such a long career. While I have a couple of other memoirs on my TBR list, I prefer to not read them back-to-back – so next up? Anatomy of an Alibi.

What would you tell me over coffee? Any big plans for June?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday! Link up to share YOUR weekly fitness favorites with your co-hosts My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, and Runs with Pugs every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please remember to share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts’ posts!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

A Couple of Runfessions for May

May 29, 2026 by Michelle 8 Comments

As we wind down another month, Marcia has once again opened the runfessional so for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’ve got a couple of runfessions to share.

A Couple of Runfessions for May

In what has become typical New England weather in recent memory, we barely got a taste of Spring before jumping full force into Summer temps. This month has been especially diabolical (hello 100 degrees mid month) and I runfess that I have been slow to adjust my clock to get out the door earlier — time to stop lingering over my morning coffee!

I’ve been on another purging kick in my closet (why does this feel never-ending?!) and the other day I took aim at my fitness gear. While I’m trying to pare down the one area that needs some new additions is my sports bras. My current collection is looking…how shall I say it…way tired. I runfess that I can’t tell you the last time that I purchased one. I think I have a little shopping to do.

Any runfessions to share? Tell me your favorite sports bra.

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions, weather

Fit Five Friday: 5 Ways Running Supports My Mental Health

May 22, 2026 by Michelle 4 Comments

As I’ve been slowly returning to running, I’ve realized just how much I’ve missed it — not just the miles themselves, but the role running has played in my life. And, while coming back to running has been humbling, it has also reminded me that running supports my mental health in ways that go far beyond fitness.

So, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, this week’s Fit Five Friday is about five ways running supports my mental health — especially in this season of starting again.

Fit Five Friday: 5 Ways Running Supports My Mental Health

1. Space to process
Sometimes I just need to get out of my own head. The rhythm of putting one foot in front of the other creates space to think, sort through stress, or simply let my mind wander.

2. A mood boost
While a run doesn’t magically fix everything, it almost always changes my energy. Even on the days when I don’t feel especially motivated, I usually come back from a run feeling a little lighter, a little clearer, and a little more grounded.

3. A reminder that I can do hard things
I’m not gonna lie, returning to running has been humbling. The paces and distances may not look the way they once did, but every effort is a reminder that showing up still counts — and that strength is built one step at a time.

4. A way to reconnect with myself
There’s something about running that helps me feel more like me. It gives me time away from the noise, the screens, the to-do lists, and the expectations — and brings me back to my body and my breath.

5. A sense of progress
Sometimes when life feels overwhelming, progress can be hard to see. Running gives me small, tangible wins: getting out the door, finishing an interval, adding a little distance, choosing to try again. Those wins matter.

Running will always be about more than miles for me. Especially now, as I’m finding my way back, I’m reminded that every run doesn’t have to be fast, long, or picture-perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes the real gift is simply getting outside, moving forward, and and remembering that I’m still building, still putting one foot in front of the other.

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, gift of running, Mental Health Awareness Month

5 Reasons I’m Returning to Pilates

May 15, 2026 by Michelle 4 Comments

More than a decade ago, I wrote a post sharing five reasons to do Pilates. At the time, hitting my local Pilates studio a couple of times a week was a big part of my fitness routine along with running. Then, with COVID, I stopped attending any group classes and my Pilates practice slowly petered out.

Fast forward to today, and here I am again, finding my way back to the mat. This time around, I’m coming to Pilates from a slightly different place. I’m focused on rebuilding strength, improving consistency, and choosing workouts that support my body instead of just pushing it. And honestly? Pilates feels like exactly the kind of strength work I need right now — low-impact, focused, deceptively challenging, and rooted in control.

So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing five reasons why Pilates is making its way back into my routine.

Fit Five Friday: 5 Reasons I’m Returning to Pilates

It builds the kind of core strength runners need
When most of us hear “core,” we immediately think abs. But Pilates reminds you pretty quickly that core strength is about so much more than crunches.

A strong core supports your posture, balance, breathing, and overall movement — all things that matter when you’re running, walking, strength training, gardening, or simply moving through daily life. For runners especially, a strong core helps support better form and can keep you from falling apart when fatigue sets in.

Pilates has a way of finding those little stabilizing muscles you forgot existed. You may not always be moving fast, but you will definitely feel the work.

It helps correct the imbalances running can create
Running’s repetitive forward motion can contribute to muscle imbalances over time. Certain muscles get overused, others get underused, and before you know it, something starts feeling a little cranky.

One of the things I enjoy about Pilates is its whole-body approach. It works on alignment, control, and balance. It highlights where you may be compensating without even realizing it. Pilates is not just about getting stronger — it’s about getting stronger in a more balanced way.

It meets you where you are
Pilates is that it can be adapted for so many different bodies, fitness levels, and seasons of life. I even practiced Pilates throughout my 2nd pregnancy!

There are ways to make the movements more accessible, and there are ways to make them incredibly challenging. You can use the mat, props, a reformer, or just your own body weight.

It supports posture and mobility
Between sitting at a desk, driving, and all the little habits of daily life, it is easy for posture and mobility to take a hit. Pilates brings attention back to alignment. It encourages length through the spine, better awareness of how you hold your body, and more intentional movement. It’s the kind of work that can carry over into everything else — how you stand, how you walk, how you run, and how you move through your day.

It reconnects mind and body
Pilates requires focus. The breathing, the control, the small adjustments, the attention to form — all helps to pull you into the present moment. And, in a world where it is so easy to rush from one thing to the next, that kind of mind-body connection feels like a gift.

Final thoughts…
I’m still early in this return to Pilates, but I’m already remembering why I loved it in the first place.

It is challenging without being punishing. It supports running without competing with it. It builds strength, balance, flexibility, and awareness in a way that feels especially right for this season.

Tell me: Have you tried Pilates? Is there a workout you’ve recently returned to after some time away?

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Pilates

Coffee Chat – May ’26 Edition

May 1, 2026 by Michelle 16 Comments

Hello May! Can you believe we’re at the start of a new month already?!

And, since it’s the first Friday of the month, for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. Grab a mug and let’s chat!

Coffee Chat – May ’26 Edition

Over coffee, I’d tell that for the first time in forever the month ahead doesn’t feel like the typical “May-hem.” Is it a sign of the times of my kids being older? No work commitments (yes I’m still enjoying semi-retirement)? While I do have some things planned, I am pleased to see more white space on my calendar than usual for May.

Over coffee, I’d tell you one commitment I’m really looking forward to later this month is volunteering with Girls on the Run! I love that their programs focus on building girls’ self-esteem through movement. I’m going to be a course marshall for their end-of-season 5K celebration – should be a lot of fun!

Over coffee, I’d tell you that this blog turned 16 earlier this week! Kinda blows my mind – and a big thanks to all you have shared in this journey over the years.

So tell me, what have you got planned for this month?

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Time for a Couple of April Runfessions

April 24, 2026 by Michelle 12 Comments

And, here we are at the end of another month already! Marcia has opened the runfessional so for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’ve got a couple of runfessions to share. Let’s dive in.

I runfess that I’m wondering who handed out my email address because I’m being inundated with product review and affiliate offers. I find it especially curious since I’ve dialed back my blogging and social posts since the start of the year. Go figure…

I runfess…or is it vacationfess (?) that I’m feeling stressed about trying to finalize our summer vacation plans. We’ve been talking about spending some time in Europe in August but potential fuel shortages and some airlines already talking about cutting flights is giving us pause. Yes, I know we can buy travel insurance, but I will admit that the thought of the possible logisitics hassles is giving me pause.

Do you your summer plans locked in? Any runfessions to share?

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

My New Spring Favorite – The KURU Roam 2

April 17, 2026 by Michelle 6 Comments

For this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing my review of the KURU Roam 2 sneakers. KURU sent me this pair to try, and as always, all opinions are my own.

This is my second time trying a pair of KURU sneakers (you can check out my review of the Atom Fusion here) and, spoiler alert, this pair quickly became an instant favorite. Here are five things I’m loving about them.

Fit Five Friday: My New Spring Favorite, the KURU Roam 2

They’re stylish without trying too hard
First things first: I really like the look of these shoes. The Roam 2 has a clean, classic design that’s easy to wear with almost anything. They’re a great option for everyday life, practical yet polished – just right for spring.

They feel lightweight on the foot
Some supportive sneakers can feel a little heavy, but that wasn’t the case here. The Roam 2 feels light enough to wear comfortably for hours, which makes them especially appealing for everyday use. They strike that nice balance of feeling supportive and substantial without ever feeling clunky.

The cushioning is soft and comfortable
The KURUCLOUD+ foam provides a really nice cushioned feel. There’s enough softness to make walking in them feel comfortable, but not so much that they feel unstable or overly pillowy. For me, the cushioning feels just right for long walks and running errands around town.

The arch support makes a difference
One of the biggest standouts for me was the arch support. If you’ve been here for a while, you know I appreciate a shoe that feels supportive from the moment I put it on, and this one really does. The support is noticeable in a good way and makes these especially well-suited for days when I know I’ll be on my feet a lot.

The toe box feels roomy, but still secure
Another thing I really appreciated was the toe box. It has enough room to let your toes breathe and move comfortably without feeling loose or sloppy. The fit still feels secure and put together. For me, that roomy-but-not-too-roomy fit is a big part of what makes these so comfortable.

If your ideal sneaker is one that looks good, feels good, and can keep up with real life, the KURU Roam 2 is definitely worth checking out. They have that easy, everyday look that feels especially right for spring, but they also deliver the support and comfort I want in a shoe I’ll be reaching for on repeat. In fact, I’m already planning to order these in white too – perfect for spring and summer outfits!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, fave things, Friday Five, KURU shoes, product reviews

Five Things Over April Coffee

April 3, 2026 by Michelle 20 Comments

Happy Friday! For this week’s Fit Five Friday I’m linking up with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So let’s chat.

Five Things Over April Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that this weekend we’re celebrating Ryker’s Gotcha Day! Hard to believe he’s been with us a year already. At his recent vet appointment he weighed in at a solid 88 pounds, and he’s not done growing yet!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m kinda obsessed with the Waterllama app. I installed it on my phone a couple of months ago and do feel like it’s helped me to get a better handle on how much (or how little!) I’ve been hydrating. I really like that you can easily log water, coffee, tea, wine, etc. and then the app calculates hydration levels for different beverages so you have a more accurate picture of your hydration beyond just tracking water alone.

And speaking of obsessions, over coffee, I would share that my current snack obsession is Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate-covered Pistachios – they are ridiculously addictive!

Over coffee, I would tell you I’m currently part of a wear test for a running shoe brand. It’s been an interesting process – the test runs about 6 weeks and there are detailed surveys to complete along the way, but there’s to be no discussion of the product and no photos on social media. So different from your typical product review! I’ll be curious to see what comes of all of this at the end and perhaps I’ll get to share more in a future post.

And while we’re on the topic of running shoes, over coffee I would share how bummed I was to learn that one of my favorite local running stores is closing its door at the end of the month as the owner wants to move on to do other things. The entire store is now 30% off so it seems like the perfect time to pick up a pair (or two) of my current favorite shoes, don’t ya think?

What would you tell me over coffee? Any snacking faves? Do you buy multiple pairs of the same running shoe?

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Treadmill Runfessions

March 27, 2026 by Michelle 6 Comments

How is March coming to a close already?!

It’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday, and, since it’s the last Friday of the month, I’m linking up, as always, with Marcia to share some Runfessions before we roll into a new month.

Treadmill Runfessions

Last month, you may remember that I was ~~whining~~…er runfessing about the winter weather and not wanting to run on the treadmill. Well my husband is now teasing me that our mill must have heard me since it has decided to stop working. The weather here is still very much all over the place – it snowed earlier this week for heaven’s sake – and having access to a treadmill would be beneficial. So…I runfess that I’m actually missing my mill…just a little bit.

Hopefully Ma Nature will start to cooperate soon and deliver some Spring weather. In the meantime, I probably should carve out some time to sit on the phone with customer service to see if there’s a solution to get the mill moving again.

I also runfess that I wouldn’t mind taking a closer look at some of the new mills on the market, especially the NordiTrack 1750 😉

Are you a fan of treadmill running? Any runfessions to share?

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

Five Ways to Shake Off Your Winter Slump

March 20, 2026 by Michelle 2 Comments

By the time late winter rolls around, I usually start to feel it: the indoor hibernation, the sluggish energy, the craving for a reset. As much as I love cozy season, there comes a point when I’m more than ready to get back outside and feel a little more like myself again. This month, creating a personal 31-day movement challenge has been a surprisingly good boost for me. It gave me something to focus on and helped me get moving with more purpose.

So, for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing five simple ways to shake off the winter slump and head into spring with fresh energy.

Fit Five Friday: 5 Ways to Shake Off Your Winter Slump

Get back outside – After a winter of hibernating indoors, sometimes the biggest mood shift comes from simply stepping outside again. A walk, a workout, or even just a few minutes in the fresh air can help you feel more energized and less stuck.

Create a challenge for yourself – One of the best ways to build momentum is to give yourself something to work toward. It doesn’t have to be huge. A simple month-long fitness challenge or personal goal can add structure, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment.

Refresh your routine – If your workouts or daily habits have started to feel stale, this is a good time to switch things up. Try a new route, a different class, or even a new playlist to make movement feel fresh again.

Use the season as a reset – Spring naturally feels like a fresh start. Let that work in your favor. Revisit your goals, think about how you want to feel, and make a few small changes that support that energy.

Focus on progress, not perfection – Shaking off a slump doesn’t mean snapping instantly into your best routine. It’s about starting where you are and building from there. A little consistency goes a long way.

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, new perspective, tips

June Coffee Chat

June Coffee Chat

A Couple of Runfessions for May

A Couple of Runfessions for May

Fit Five Friday: 5 Ways Running Supports My Mental Health

Fit Five Friday: 5 Ways Running Supports My Mental Health

5 Reasons I’m Returning to Pilates

Fit Five Friday: 5 Reasons I’m Returning to Pilates

Coffee Chat – May ’26 Edition

Coffee Chat – May ’26 Edition

Time for a Couple of April Runfessions

My New Spring Favorite – The KURU Roam 2

Fit Five Friday: My New Spring Favorite, the KURU Roam 2

Five Things Over April Coffee

Five Things Over April Coffee

Treadmill Runfessions

Treadmill Runfessions

Five Ways to Shake Off Your Winter Slump

Fit Five Friday: 5 Ways to Shake Off Your Winter Slump

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