Runfessions from MAYhem

May 27, 2022 by 9 Comments

That sigh you hear is me exhaling as my MAYhem is winding down. I am so ready to kick back and enjoy the long weekend ahead! But, first, it’s the last Friday of the month which means Marcia has opened the Runfessional. And, the Fit Five Friday crew is ready to go…so let’s get started, shall we?

Runfessions from MAYhem

(This post contains affiliate links)

I runfess that for as worried as I was about all that I had on my plate for this month, things actually went pretty smoothly. Still, it feels good to put this month in the rearview mirror.

After runfessing last month that I was struggling to fit in all my workouts while running 4x’s a week, I runfess that I promptly returned to 3 days of running and I’m much happier. Perhaps I’ll add in the 4th day when I start half marathon training later this summer…but then again, maybe not.

I runfess that the sudden wave of summer weather has me shopping for a hydration vest. While I do have a Nathan Hydration Waist Pack, it only holds one bottle and I’d like to be able to carry both electrolytes and water. I’ve been reading reviews and comparing models – who knew there were so many options?!

This Nathan VaporAiress is on my short list.

Any runfessions to share? Do you have a hydration vest recommendation?

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Coffee with a side of MAYhem!

May 6, 2022 by 15 Comments

I took one look at the calendar and announced “Welcome to MAYhem!” May has often been a busy month around here but I feel like this time around could set a new record!

I’m happy to take a moment to pause to catch up with  Coco and Deborah and you for the Ultimate Coffee Date! It’s also time for another edition of Fit Five Friday so let’s settle in and catch up a little.

Coffee with a side of MAYhem

Over coffee, I’d tell you that we kicked off the month with a day trip to participate in the Admitted Students Day of what may be my son’s new college home. It made for a long day, but my son really loved everything he saw and heard so hopefully, he’s closer to making a final decision. (My husband and I really liked it too!)

Over coffee, I’d tell you that over the course of the next two weeks I have 3 major work events…each of which would be a serious undertaking in its own right, much less all stacked together. Need I say more?!

Over coffee, I would tell you that a couple of weeks ago I signed up to do another 14-day sugar detox. I got so much out of the first one I did last fall and of late, I’ve been feeling the need for a little food/eating reset. Did I mention the start date is Monday?

And, speaking of starting things next week, remember the certificate program I mentioned over coffee last month? Care to guess when those classes are starting? All I could do was laugh when I realized what the start date was.

And to round out the month, over coffee, I would tell you that I have my first race on Memorial Day Weekend!

Yes, it’s going to be a crazy month, but it’s also filled with some good stuff. Just gotta take it one day at a time…

How about you? What have you got planned for the month? 

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

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Five Benefits of Planning Your Workouts in Advance

April 22, 2022 by 7 Comments

As runners, many of us may be accustomed to following a training plan when gearing up for a race…but what about your non-run days, or when you don’t have a race planned? Do you plan your workouts in advance or do you just wing it?

For this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing some of the reasons of why you might want to plan your workouts in advance.

Five Benefits of Planning Your Workouts in Advance

Hitting Your Goals — If you are a goal-setter, scheduling your workouts can help you to ensure that you will achieve your goal. Advanced planning allows you the opportunity to break down your goal and ensure that you are doing the workouts necessary to reach your goal by your target date.

Efficient Use of Your Time — If you know what your workouts are in advance, you’ll save time scrolling through an app looking for a workout or aimlessly wandering around a gym. And if you are facing a hectic schedule, having your workouts planned in advance ensures that you are more able to fit them in.

Balanced Approach — When you plan your workouts in advance you have a better chance to ensure that you have the right mix of cardio, strength, and flexibility work to help prevent overuse and the risk of potential injury.

Do you plan your workouts in advance? 5 reasons you should! #FitFiveFriday Share on X

Staying Motivated — Having your workouts mapped out in advance helps you to stay motivated on days when you might otherwise consider phoning it in.

Adjust as Needed — If you do encounter an injury or a particularly hectic week, planning your workouts gives you an opportunity to figure out contingencies and make adjustments as needed.

Do you plan your workouts in advance or do you prefer to wing it?

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Fit Friday Five – Be a Race Volunteer

April 8, 2022 by 54 Comments

Did you know that April is National Volunteer Month? The month is dedicated to recognizing the importance of volunteering.

I’m a big believer in giving back and that includes giving back to the running community. I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to serve as a race director on a couple of occasions, and I can say without a doubt that there’s just no way to put on a great race without the support of people willing to volunteer their time and energy.

So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m re-sharing five reasons to be a race volunteer (This post was published in August 2018 and has been updated.)

Fit Five Friday — Five Reasons to be a Race Volunteer

Give Back — The most obvious reason to be a race volunteer is it gives you a chance to give back to a sport that you love and to support the running community.

Stay Connected — If you’re sidelined with an injury or slowly working your way back from one, being a race volunteer is a great way to help you feel more connected to running and racing.

Make New Connections — You never know who you’ll end up working with when you volunteer for a race! Volunteering can give you the opportunity to connect with brands, running groups, and race directors…who knows where that might lead? Also, some races reward their volunteers with swag and discounted or free entries for future races.

Five Reasons to be a Race Volunteer #FitFiveFriday #Running #Runchat #RunningCommunity Share on X

Gain Some Perspective — Once you see all that goes into making a race day come together and the effort and enthusiasm of race volunteers, trust me you’ll have a whole new appreciation for those volunteers along the course the next time you’re racing.

Be Inspired — There’s inspiration all around when it comes to race day and being a race volunteer gives you a chance to experience that inspiration up close and personal. Spend a morning working at a race and I dare you to not come away fired up for your own training!

Volunteering at Boston 2017!

I’ll be back volunteering next weekend at the Boston Marathon (my 7th time!) and I cannot wait! Each time has been such a great experience. As more and more races return to being in person this year, I’ve noticed a lot of RDs putting out requests for race volunteers. I encourage every runner to get out and be a volunteer at least once at a race, large or small – you won’t regret it!

Have you ever volunteered at a race?

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 share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Catching up over April coffee

April 1, 2022 by 21 Comments

Happy Friday!

We’re rolling into the first weekend of the month which means Coco and Deborah are hosting the Ultimate Coffee Date. It’s also time for another edition of Fit Five Friday! I’ve got a big mug of coffee in hand, so grab your fave hot beverage, and let’s catch up a little.

April Catch-up Over Coffee

Over coffee in February, I shared my challenges trying to find a new car.  Well, I’m happy to say that a couple of weeks ago the planets aligned finally and I found my new ride!

Over coffee, I’d tell you that I was recently interviewed for an article for Women’s Running Magazine on the impact of fibroids on running. Believe it or not, the article’s author found me through a blog post I wrote back in 2015. The article is part of Outside.com/Women’s Running’s member-exclusive content and can be found here.

Over coffee, I’d tell you that I’m planning to return to school for a professional development certificate program. I haven’t taken classes since business school so let’s hope I haven’t forgotten how to do this!

Your turn…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 share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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March Runfessions

March 25, 2022 by 10 Comments

Happy Friday! March has blown by and now we’re here on the last Friday of the month, which of course means it’s time for some soul (or is that sole?) cleansing. Marcia has opened the runfessional and I’ve got some ‘fessing to do, so let’s get to it, shall we?

March Runfessions

Runch Lover

Last month I runfessed that I was chasing the weather to find the day’s most mild temps. Well, I runfess that all that weather chasing has turned me into a fan of “runches” – runs during lunch. I have found myself stalking my weather app and when possible planning afternoon zoom calls around my run schedule.

Shoppers Anonymous

I runfess that I think I may need to put myself in a shopping timeout. I seem to be craving “all the gear” lately and may or may not have a number of items in the carts of a couple of my favorite brands.

Peloton Sharing

While I love having my oldest son taking classes from home for a bit, I runfess that I am less fond of having to share my Peloton bike. I mean yes technically we bought the bike for “the family” and everyone tried it initially, but I’m really the one who wanted it and have been the only one consistently riding it ….until now.

Joining @teamarcia for March Runfessions #FitFiveFriday #Runfessions Share on X

Are you a fan of midday runs? Anyone else need a shopping intervention?

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 share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

 

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Five Friday Favorites

March 18, 2022 by 16 Comments

Happy Friday!

I’m sorry I missed out on last week’s Fit Five Friday link-up but I had been cranking on some things for work last week and truly just ran out of bandwidth. So I’m happy to be back this week and sharing a few things that I’ve been loving lately. (This post contains affiliate links).

Fit Five Friday – Friday Favorites

The Dare Crossback Bra from Brooks

I received this as part of my Run Happy Team welcome kit. I’m a fan of the wide smooth straps and the overall fit, and it offers great breathability.

Sharing some current favorites #FitFiveFriday #FaveThings Share on X

Youth to the People Skincare

I discovered this skincare line last year and while I’ve deviated to try other brands cause I’m a bit of a skincare product junkie, I have returned to these products. I especially like the Superberry Hydrate & Glow Dream Mask.

Vuori Performance Joggers

These joggers are not a new discovery, but of late they have become my go-to’s. I am obsessed with just how soft they are, especially after so many washings.

Yasso Greek Yogurt Poppables

Poppables have become my new guilty pleasure. They’re frozen Greek yogurt bites coated in a chocolate and quinoa crispy shell – so yummy!

March Madness

While I don’t follow college basketball consistently I always tune in for the NCAA Tournament. It really is competition at its finest! The quality of play and the heart these kids bring to the game is far better than the pro game in my opinion.

And don’t miss the women’s tournament – as someone who played point guard in high school, the women’s game has a special place in my heart!

What are you loving at the moment?

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 share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Runfessions for February

February 25, 2022 by 13 Comments

Hello Friday! This week flew by in a blink…the beauty of having a 4-day workweek. 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 some Runfessions.

Runfessions for February

Weather Chaser
Well, of course, I have some weather-related runfessions. Mother Nature has zigged and zagged all month, refusing to stay in one lane. We’ve had everything from a blizzard, to an ice storm, to temps in the 50s and even 60s! I runfess that I have been juggling my run schedule as much as possible to chase the mild weather, swapping not only which days I run, but the time of day as well – basically, doing what I can to keep my mill runs to a minimum.

After enjoying this last taste of spring this week, I runfess that I’m just so over wearing all the layers!

Midday Escape
While I am usually in the “get up early and get it done” camp, I runfess that thanks to my weather chasing, I have really come to enjoy my recent stint of lunchtime running. A “runch” has been a great escape from too much screen time. With things getting busier at the new job and the upcoming shift to a hybrid work schedule, I know my runch days are numbered, but it’s been fun while it lasted.

Running Bra Woes
I recently received some great new gear from Brooks as part of the Run Happy Team welcome kit, including a Dare Crossback Sports Bra. I love the new bra but I runfess it also made me realize that I cannot remember the last time I bought a new running bra – seriously, it’s been quite a while. I’ve got some shopping to do!

Any runfessions to share?

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 share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Is it time for new running shoes?

February 18, 2022 by 11 Comments

Happy Friday!

Welcome to another edition of Fit Five Friday with My First 5K and More, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, Zenaida, and yours truly!

Today’s post is inspired by a recent exchange with my husband who’s been complaining lately about calf pain after each run. When I asked how long had he been running in those shoes and received a somewhat blank look in response, I reminded him that running in shoes past their prime could cause discomfort and lead to injuries.

While I’m always game for a new pair of running shoes, the general “rule” is to replace them every 300 – 400 miles. That mileage range depends on several factors including the terrain you run on, your running style, and weight. Consider these 5 signs that it might be time for new running shoes.

Fit Five Friday – Is it time for new running shoes?

Appearance Matters — This one may seem obvious but if your shoes look like they have seen better days, it may be time to retire them. Don’t just pay attention to the wear of the tread, also look at the wear and tear (literally!) on the uppers, especially at the seams and the collar of the shoes. Did you know that creasing along the outer midsole is a sign of compressed cushioning?

High Mileage — So even if you don’t track your mileage, if you pay attention to the date you purchase your shoes, you can come up with a rough estimate of how miles you’ve logged on those shoes. It’s also important to bear in mind that not all miles are created equal – the surface you run on matters. Treadmill runners can probably go to the higher end of the mileage range vs. road and trail runners.

Too Many Activities — Do you use just one pair for all activities (road running, trail running, cross-training, and walking)? There is something to be said for using your shoes for their intended activity – i.e., use your running shoes just for running. And, if you run on both roads and trails, be sure to have appropriate shoes for each surface. Your run shoes will break down faster if they never get a break because the midsole foam never gets a chance to bounce back (typically it takes a day for the foam to recover). So if you’re a run streaker, you’d be better served to have a couple of pairs of shoes in rotation.

Experiencing Pain — The age of your shoes may not be the cause of your discomfort but it’s definitely something to consider. If you’re feeling joint pain (hello knees and hips!), pain in your feet, or significant muscle fatigue, it may be time to start shopping for a new pair.

Blistering — Blisters come from ill-fitting shoes. If you are experiencing blisters when you didn’t before, it may be a sign that your shoes are losing their shape.

Is it time for new running shoes? Five things to consider. #FitFiveFriday #bibchat #runchat #runningshoes Share on X

Do you track the mileage on your running shoes? How do you decide when to retire your shoes?

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 post, 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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Five Races I Hope to Run in 2022

February 11, 2022 by 12 Comments

As more and more things open up, I continue to be cautiously optimistic. And, in that spirit, for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing some races I hope to put on my calendar for 2022.

Five Races for 2022

Boston’s Run to Remember (May) — This half marathon is a sentimental favorite as it was my first! I’ve run this race 5 times (3 times for the half and twice for the 5-mile option), and it never disappoints. I was registered for the 2021 race but they had to postpone so my registration was transferred to this year.

B.A.A. 10K (June) — This is another Boston favorite as an out and back through Back Bay. The B.A.A. always delivers a great race! I’ve run this one 3 times before and the only thing that gives me pause is how crazy hot it can be in late June.  My brother and I usually tackle this one together so hopefully, I can convince him to get out there with me.

Philadelphia Distance Run (September) — This half marathon will be a new-to-me race. It’s a Brooks-sponsored race, and while members of the Run Happy Team are not required to run a Brooks race, I love the idea of supporting the brand, and this flat and fast course through Philly looks like a good one.

Ocean Road 10K (October) — A point-to-point course winding along the Rhode Island coastline. This race has a great vibe and fun medals!

OK, so for race number 5, I will admit that I’m undecided. I’d like to run a 15K or half marathon in November – but which one? I could stay local and run the BAA Half Marathon or the Harborside Half along Boston’s scenic North Shore. Or, I could travel a bit for Hot Chocolate Chicago 15K or the Richmond Half Marathon. After the past two years, I’m gun-shy to registering too far in advance so I’ve got time on making a decision.

Adding some races to my calendar! #RunHappyTeam #Bibchat #FitFiveFriday Share on X

What races are you planning to run this year? Any suggestions for a late fall race?

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 post, 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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