#FitFiveFriday

Runfessions for April

April 26, 2024 by Michelle 7 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!

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, 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

Catching Up Over April Coffee

April 5, 2024 by Michelle 10 Comments

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.

This post contains affiliate links.

Catching Up Over April Coffee

Over coffee I would tell you that while we’ve hit a couple of snags, I am celebrating that our kitchen cabinets have been delivered and the painters started their work earlier this week. We’re that much closer to wrapping up the reno!

Over coffee, I’d ask you if you got swept up into March Madness? College basketball has been on non-stop in our house, and I’ve been loving that the women’s games have been as exciting as the men’s!

And speaking of college, over coffee I would you that we are in the final push to College Decision Day! We have a campus to visit on the calendar for each of the first 3 weekends of the month as my high schooler continues to narrow down his choices.

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Over coffee, I would tell you that I as part of my Spring reset, I’m doing the Miracle Morning 30 day challenge. I have been wanting to shift back to an early morning start to my day (including workouts) and this month feels like a great time to do that!

What would you tell me over coffee? Are you an earlier riser?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, mornings, renovations, Ultimate coffee date

Runfessions for March

March 29, 2024 by Michelle 17 Comments

It’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday, and, since it is the last Friday of the month, I’m linking up with Marcia to share some Runfessions. So let’s get to it!

Runfessions for March

It’s been two weeks since I got my cortisone shot and I runfess that I’m starting to feel pretty defeated because I had hoped to feel better at this point. While I thought I had turned a corner after last weekend (race volunteering on Saturday and then a solid run/walk effort on Sunday) by Tuesday I was feeling a little achy and then Wednesday was just not fun 🙁 I have been trying to stay positive, but I runfess that I’m struggling to maintain that positive attitude.

I runfess that I am just not a fan of DST right now. While I do like that daylight lingers later and later in the day, I very much prefer working out early in the morning, and I runfess that my motivation to get out for a walk or run/walk in the dark is way low. I’ve been slipping in workouts midday or after work, but I can’t wait for more early morning light!

Have you ever had a cortisone shot? Are you missing the early morning light?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

Fit Five Friday – Five Places I Want to Run

March 15, 2024 by Michelle 7 Comments

Welcome back to another edition of Fit Five Friday! Today, we’re talking about places you want to run. So let’s embark on a virtual journey to five breathtaking destinations where I’m itching to lace up my running shoes and hit the ground running. From exotic coastlines to picturesque countryside, I think these locations would be great places to both vacation and run.

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Fit Five Friday – Five Places I want to Run

1. Maui, Hawaii: Hawaii has been on my bucketl list for a while – so why not run while I’m there, right? Picture yourself running along the sun-kissed shores of Maui, with the gentle sound of waves crashing against the golden sand. Whether you’re exploring the lush trails of Haleakalā National Park or tracing the scenic coastline along the Hana Highway, Maui offers a paradise for runners seeking both tranquility and tropical beauty.

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2. Big Sur, California, USA: While I’ve driven and hiked along the beautiful coastline of California I haven’t run there. Running the winding roads that hug the cliffsides and taking in the breathtaking panoramas of the Pacific Ocean seems like a winning combination!

3. Lake District, England: Tucked in the northwest corner of England, the Lake District beckons with its rolling hills, shimmering lakes, and quaint villages. Although I haven’t done much trail running, I think it would be hard to not want to explore the network of trails that wind through this UNESCO World Heritage site.

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4. Vancouver, Canada: I got to briefly visit Vancouver last summer, as it was the port we sailed out of for our Alaskan cruise. In the brief time we were there I instantly fell in love with the natural beauty and charm of this vibrant city. I’d love to get back there to spend more time and take a run along the scenic seawall that encircles Stanley Park – great views of the city skyline and snow-capped mountains in the distance. I’d also like to explore the Pacific Spirit Regional Park for a peaceful run amidst towering trees and babbling creeks.

5. Côte d’Azur, France: It’s been years since I’ve been in the south of France – and when I was there I wasn’t a runner. How amazing would it be to run along the stunning coastline of the Côte d’Azur with views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea stretching out before you – need I say more?!

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I could certainly go on and on, but I stop there! So many places so little time 🙂

Where would you like to run?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, bucket list, Run destinations

Fit Five Friday: Tips To Conquor Daylight Saving Time

March 8, 2024 by Michelle 5 Comments

Happy Friday!

Today’s Fit Five Friday post is inspired from a recent conversation about Daylight Saving Time (DST) with my son who was bemoaning the lost of an hour’s sleep and how the time change really throws him off. I must admit that while I love that DST signals warmer weather and longer daylight hours are just around the corner, that “missing” hour can sometimes leave me feeling sluggish too.

Thankfully for my son, his spring break is next week so he can sleep in! But for the rest of us, I’m sharing five tips to help you smoothly transition to DST and hit the ground running (like what I did there?!)

Photo by Sonja Langford on Unsplash

Five Tips to Conquer Daylight Saving Time

1. Adjust your sleep schedule gradually. Try shifting your bedtime 10 – 15 minutes earlier each night starting tonight. This small change can help nudge your internal clock in the right direction without causing significant disruption to your weekend plans. Then you can continue to shift your bedtime into next week so your body can continue to adjust to the the DST time change.

2. Embrace the sunshine. Light exposure plays a crucial role in regulating your sleep-wake cycle. In the mornings after DST, get outside for a short walk or run as soon as possible. Sunlight helps suppress melatonin production and wakes you up naturally.

3. Stick to your routine. Consistency is key when it comes to sleep regulation. As much as possible, maintain your regular sleep and wake times, even on weekends. This will help your body stay on track and minimize daytime fatigue.

4. Prioritize pre-bedtime relaxation. Create a calming bedtime routine to wind down and signal to your body that it’s time for sleep. Take a warm bath, read a book, or practice gentle yoga or meditation. Be mindful of late day caffeine consumption and minimize using electronic devices before bed – the blue light emitted from these screens can be a sleep disruptor.

5. Be patient. It takes time for your body to fully adjust to the time change. Don’t be discouraged if you experience some initial sleepiness or fatigue. Remember, listening to your body is key!

Do you struggle with the DST time change? What other tips would you share?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Daylight Saving Time

Catching Up Over March Coffee

March 1, 2024 by Michelle 22 Comments

Well Hello March!

I feel like I say it every month, but boy are these days flying by! Even with the extra day, February blew by and here we are welcoming in a new month! For this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m linking up with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So grab a mug of your fave hot beverage and let’s chat a bit.

Catching Up Over March Coffee

Over coffee, I would ask if you knew that today starts meteorological spring? We had a brief taste of spring temps earlier this week before plunging back into frigid weather. Needless to say, I am so ready for the milder temps to stick around. A friend recently commented about how much she enjoys the cold weather and I seriously had to wonder how we’re friends! (Kidding…kinda)

Over Coffee, I would tell you that my latest TV obsession is HGTV’s Married to Real Estate. It’s a great design show featuring a husband and wife team combining real estate, renovation, and design. I love the couple’s chemistry and I may have borrowed a design idea or two for our remodel!

And, speaking of remodeling, over coffee I would tell you that our renovation continues to click along! With the framing, electrical, and plumbing rough work done, we’re knee-deep in final design selections. I have been torturing my husband (his words not mine!) with paint palettes.

What would you tell me over coffee? Have you had a taste of Spring yet?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, renovations, Ultimate coffee date

A Couple of February Runfessions

February 23, 2024 by Michelle 20 Comments

Yay for Friday! This week flew by in a blink thanks to Monday being a holiday and then I decided to take today off from work! I’m looking forward to spending the day with a friend – shopping and a long lunch are on deck! But first, it’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday, and, since it is the last Friday of the month, I’m linking up with Marcia to share some Runfessions.

A Couple of February Runfessions

While I’m happy to have started to ease back into running, I runfess that this return is feeling especially hard. I just want to go out and run 5 miles and not think about it. Clearly, this is not where I am right now so if you’ve got any extra patience, please send it my way!

I also runfess that there were times this month when boredom got the better of me and I started to slack on my PT exercises. Well, my hip/quad quickly let me know that this was the wrong path to venture down, so needless to say I quickly got back to it!

And finally, would it be February Runfessions if I didn’t complain about the weather? Well, I runfess that my tolerance for (or willingness to tolerate!) cold weather seems to diminish with every passing year. And, we’ve now reached that inevitable point in the season where winter just needs to show itself to the door!

Are you seeing any signs of Spring where you are?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

Five Things I Love About Working Out

February 9, 2024 by Michelle 6 Comments

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and the Fit Five Friday crew is inviting you to share what you love about working out – of course, you can join the link-up with any fitness-related post you have. There are so many reasons why I love working out that it might be hard to narrow it down to just five, but I’ll give it a shot!

Five Things I Love About Working Out

1 Working out always improves my mood!

2 Working out is something I do just for me – it puts me on my “to do” list.

3 Working out connects me with lots of fun people! (online and in person)

4 Working out challenges me to get out of my comfort zone.

5 Working out gives me a sense of accomplishment.

What do you love about working out?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday

Five Things Over February coffee

February 2, 2024 by Michelle 13 Comments

And just like that the first month of 2024 is in the rearview mirror and we’re welcoming in February. For this week’s Fit Five Friday, as we roll into the first weekend of the month, I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So grab a mug of something hot and let’s chat.

Five Things Over February Coffee

Over coffee, I would ask you how was your January? I feel like the first 31 days of the year flew and despite my best efforts to slow things down, a lot of the time I felt like I was hurling along on a runaway train. It was not a bad month just a bit more hectic than I would have liked. My goal for February is to hopefully pump the breaks a bit.

Over coffee, I would tell you how fun it has been over the past few weeks to watch the college acceptances roll in for my highschooler. The college application process can be a brutal one, so it’s been wonderful to see his anxiety lessen as he’s received good news. It’s great to have options that you’re excited about and I cannot wait to see where he lands.

Over coffee, I would tell you that thanks to my oh so long commutes to the office lately (why is there so much traffic?!?), I have been embracing audiobooks. I am currently listening to Cicely Tyson’s memoir, Just As I Am — what an amazing woman.

Over coffee, I would tell you that we’ve had a bit of a restaurant boom in my town which is helping me with my goal of more connection as I happily fill my calendar with dinner and brunch dates with friends. It’s great to support the local economy and the food has been so good 🙂

Over coffee, I would of course want to update you on my home renovation. After framing the addition and reconfiguring walls, this month will be all about putting things back together. One bath vanity was just delivered and the other vanity and the kitchen cabinets will be here by the end of the month. Things continue to roll along – my mantra is “if there’s pounding, there’s progress!”

How was your January? What would you tell me over coffee?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Runfessions for April

Runfessions for April

Five Favorite Races

Fit Five Friday – Five Favorite Races

Catching Up Over April Coffee

Catching Up Over April Coffee

Runfessions for March

Runfessions for March

Fit Five Friday – Five Places I Want to Run

Fit Five Friday – Five Places I want to Run

Fit Five Friday: Tips To Conquor Daylight Saving Time

Five Tips to Conquer Daylight Saving Time

Catching Up Over March Coffee

Catching Up Over March Coffee

A Couple of February Runfessions

A Couple of February Runfessions

Five Things I Love About Working Out

Five Things I Love About Working Out

Five Things Over February coffee

Five Things Over February Coffee

Hi, I’m Michelle

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