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?

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

Fit Five Friday – Year-end Fitness Goals

October 13, 2023 by 11 Comments

Thanks for joining me, Darlene, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida for another edition of Fit Five Friday!

It’s hard to believe that in less than 80 days 2023 will come to an end! For this week’s Fit Five Friday, we’re inviting you to share your goals for this final stretch of the year. Of course, you’re always welcome to write about any other fitness-related topic.

Five Year-end Fitness Goals

Get back to running — I have been grounded for 4 weeks – 4 weeks without a run! Now that I’ve got my MRI results and know that there’s no tear, I’m ready to focus on a plan to get back out on the roads.

Continue to Opt Outside — I make no secret that the fall is my favorite season, so why not maximize my time outdoors before winter creeps in? I’ve been walking during my grounded phase and will continue to #optoutside daily as I work on returning to running.

Prioritize Sleep — How many times have I said this?! My sleep has been junk lately and I’m really feeling it. I need to lean into my evening routine so that I set myself up for a good night’s sleep.

Meal plan — While I’m great at consistently planning each week’s dinners, I’ve been totally winging it on breakfast, lunch, and snacks. My choices lately have not always been the best, as evidenced by the numbers creeping in the wrong direction on my scale, so time to fix that!

Find a race to do “with” my son — My oldest recently announced that he’d like to find a race to train for and we thought it would be fun to run one “together” – of course that’s in quotes because he will dust me at the start line but we’ll be running the same race. He wants to do a 10K in the Spring (before thinking about a half marathon). I’d love to be in a place where I can run a 10K with him.

Tell me, what have you got planned for these final months?

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 Things Over October Coffee

October 6, 2023 by 21 Comments

Happy October!

I’m enjoying a few days off to make this an extra long weekend! And, of course, a long weekend is 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.

Five Things Over October Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that I have a huge hole in my backyard and I couldn’t be happier! Yes, the long-awaited remodel is officially underway.

Over coffee, I would also tell you that after agonizing over so many options and staring at more slabs than I’d care to count, my hubs and I finally settled on the choice for our kitchen countertop! So aside from knobs and drawer pulls, all the major kitchen selections are done. On to the bathrooms lol!

Over coffee, I would tell you that the TC 10M that I was supposed to run last weekend ended up being canceled! I runfessed last week that while I wasn’t happy to be out due to injury, I was not sorry to be missing the heat advisory announced in a pre-race email. Well, it turns out things went from red flag to black flag, and both the 10M and marathon were canceled. I feel so bad for the runners but also for the race organizers – social media has not been kind!

Over coffee, I would tell you that once again I’m on the hunt for a dress for my organization’s big fundraising gala. I’ve got just over a month until the event and no time to hit the stores so it looks like I’ll be doing a lot of online ordering and returning.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’ve decided to spread some of my vacation time out to create multiple long weekends for myself and it’s been a game-changer – Sundays hit differently when you have a Monday off.

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.

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Runfessions of an Injured Runner

September 29, 2023 by 24 Comments

For this week’s Fit Five Friday I’m heading over to Marcia‘s Runfessional – I’ve got a couple of runfessions to share before stepping into October. So let’s dive in!

Runfessions of an Injured Runner

No great surprise – I runfess that I really miss running! Yes, I’m staying active (walking, Peloton bike, strength training), but this is my running season and it has been two weeks since I went for a run! I love Fall running and being sidelined is making me just a little cranky. OK, my family would say a lot cranky…

This weekend would have been my race weekend – and while I am very disappointed to be missing the TC 10M, I runfess that I’m not sorry to be missing the Heat Advisory just issued by race organizers. Seriously, we should not have to worry about 80+ degree weather at this time of year… in Minnesota!

Do you get cranky when you can’t run? 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 be sure to show your hosts some love and visit some of the other bloggers in the link-up.

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, injuries, Runfessions

Fit Five Friday – Five Current Faves

September 15, 2023 by 5 Comments

Happy Friday!

Thanks for joining me, Darlene, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida for another edition of Fit Five Friday! This week we’re inviting you to share your five favorite running/fitness products. You are, of course, always welcome to write about any other fitness-related topic. I’m deviating slightly this week to share a few of my current favorites with you. This post contains affiliate links.

Five Current Faves

Brooks Chaser Short — Brooks has gifted the Run Happy Team a couple of pairs of the Chaser Short this year and I’m a big fan. They come in 3 lengths (3, 5, and 7 inches – the 5-inch is my fave), have a built-in liner, and don’t ride up. They are so comfortable – my only complaint is that I struggle with getting my phone in and out of the back pocket.

Just received this color and I love it!

Brooks Hyperion — I received these shoes during Brooks Hype Fest. I was surprised at just how light and responsive these shoes are – they feel speedy! I like them for speedwork and can see using them for short runs or races.

 

AG1 — On the nutrition front, I’ve been using AG1 for the past couple of months. AG1 offers 75 high-quality vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced nutrients in just one scoop combined with 8 oz of water. I like to add a little lemon juice to the mix to brighten the taste a bit.

Peloton Hip Mobility — I’ve shared this class before in my Weekly Run Downs and it continues to be a favorite. This is 15 minutes of goodness and it is in constant rotation – if you have the Peloton app, I encourage you to check this one out!

Sidekick Muscle Scraper — I have to runfess that I’ve had my Sidekick for a while and re-discovered it at the beginning of the summer after catching a video of Molly Seidel on Instagram using hers – thanks for the reminder Molly! It’s become a staple in my recovery routine.

What are some of your current favorites?

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.


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, fave things, Friday Five

Coffee Chat – Labor Day Edition

September 1, 2023 by 26 Comments

Happy Friday!

Today kicks off an extra long weekend as my office is closed today for our last “Summer Friday” of the season! I’m ready to kick back and relax and what better way to start off a long weekend than with a 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 – I’ve got an iced coffee — let’s chat.

Coffee Chat – Labor Day Edition

Over coffee, I would tell you that my house is a sea of samples – cabinet doors, tile, countertop, paint, flooring, etc. We’re getting closer to finalizing our kitchen design and appliances have been ordered!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I decided to start a new Instagram account (MyRenoAdventures) to help keep a photo journal of the renovation process.

Over coffee, I would tell you that with school starting next week, I’m looking forward to settling back into the rhythm of the Fall. While these last few weeks of summer have been fun, I’m craving some routine.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I didn’t realize just how much vacation time I still have for this year until I got a call from our HR manager. She was actually concerned that I hadn’t taken more time off! Honestly between the hectic pace through most of the Spring and getting my team in place (interviewing and then onboarding) it’s been hard to see where to take days off. Looks like I’ll be enjoying some additional time off during the fall!

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.

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Sharing Some August Runfessions

August 25, 2023 by 17 Comments

August has flown by in a blink and here we are on the last Friday of the month already! Marcia has opened the Runfessional and the Fit Five Friday crew is ready to go…so let’s get started, shall we?

Sharing Some August Runfessions

I runfess that I was so nervous heading into the Brooks Hype Fest last weekend but once I got to Santa Monica it was clear I had no reason to be – everyone was so warm and welcoming!

And, bonus I got to hang out and room with Wendy!

I runfess that I have been a little lackadaisical in my prep for the TC 10M. My “long” runs have been hovering around 6 miles, but with a little over 5 weeks to go, it’s time to stretch these runs out!

I runfess that I did my first ever running bra run while at Hype Fest. Some of my team was really feeling the heat during the Scavenger Hunt, so as we reached Venice Beach, we shed our running shirts for a bit.

This photo just makes me smile!

Do you ever run in just a run bra? Does meeting new people make you nervous?

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.


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Brooks Hype Fest, Runfessions

A Couple of July Runfessions

July 28, 2023 by 10 Comments

It’s hard to believe that we’re at the end of July already! And, since it is the last Friday of the month, Marcia has opened the Runfessional!

It’s also time for another edition of Fit Five Friday! So, let’s get started, shall we?

A Couple of July Runfessions

Listen I know it’s Summer and it’s supposed to be hot, but I runfess that the humidity is really taking a toll on me. I had promised myself at the beginning of the summer that I would not complain – I’m failing miserably.

I runfess that the weather forecast for Alaska makes me giddy! We leave tomorrow!

And speaking of my upcoming Alaskan vacation, I runfess that I’m leaning towards leaving my run gear behind. If you follow me on Instagram then you know that I’ve been dealing with a cranky right quad. I figure we’ll be more than active enough and honestly a break from running will probably do my leg a world of good.

Do you take a break from running when you’re on vacation? 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 be sure to show your hosts some love and visit some of the other bloggers in the link-up.


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

Fit Five Friday – Favorite Recovery Tips

July 21, 2023 by 6 Comments

Welcome back for another edition of Fit Five Friday. Today we’re talking rest and recovery an important but often overlooked component of training. (Of course, you’re welcome to link up with any fitness-related topic). This post contains affiliate links.

Five Favorite Recovery Tips

Rest! — Let’s start with the obvious – my favorite rest tip is to actually rest! I see a lot of people struggle with the idea of actually taking a day off from running/working out. I embrace my rest days where the most activity I have is a good stretch, especially when that day comes before a long run. I say listen to your body and take those rest days when you need them, no guilt!

Sleep — I’ve written several times about the importance of sleep as a recovery tool. Full disclosure I struggle mightily with my sleep, but when I do capture that good night’s sleep there’s nothing like it!

Electrolytes — Especially during these hot summer months, rehydrating with electrolytes will help you to bounce back after a workout. There are lots of great options on the market. My current favorite is LMNT.

Mobility work — Over the past few months I’ve really come to embrace the mobility classes offered on the Peloton app. The classes focus on joint and muscle range of motion and remind me of some of my best physical therapy sessions.

Oofos — Oofos are marketed as recovery footwear and I’m a firm believer! The Sports Flex slides and the OOriginal Sport Sandals are my personal favorites. I reach for my Oofos as soon as I kick off my running shoes and they’re always in my post-race gear bag.

What is your favorite recovery tip? 

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.


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Recovery

Five Things Over July Coffee

July 7, 2023 by 30 Comments

And just like that it’s Friday again – these weeks are just flying by! It’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday and since it’s the first Friday of the month I’m I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

Five Things Over July Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’ve been enjoying a lovely stay-cation this week. My office has an org-wide shutdown for the week of July 4th so I’ve been blissfully logged off my computer since last Friday afternoon! It’s been a fun week of catching up with friends and family, time reading and lounging on the deck, and generally just recharging. I was feeling fried and this mid-year break couldn’t have come at a better time!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m knee-deep in design decisions and I’m loving every minute of it 🙂 We’re anxiously awaiting our appearance before our town’s conversation board but with lead times being what they are we need to work on parallel tracks to settle cabinet/appliance/countertop etc. decisions.

a wine dispenser sounds like a necessity, don’t you think?

Over coffee, I would tell you that once again I did not get into the London Marathon. Can’t say I’m surprised, but I always hold out a little hope. Maybe it’s the Universe’s way of reminding me that, at least for right now, I have no interest in running more than 10 miles and that I have too much on my plate to take on marathon training.

Over coffee, I would tell you that we’re 3 weeks away from our family vacation! I’m looking forward to seeing the glaciers, wildlife, whales, and all the amazing landscape Alaska has to offer.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’ve momentarily jumped on the Threads bandwagon. I’m pretty sure I don’t need another social media app but admit that curiosity got the better of me. So far it reminds me of the early days of Twitter but there are features missing that would help to control what shows up in your feed. Apparently, more features are coming…we’ll see if it lasts on my phone.

Will you join Threads? Any vacations or staycations planned? 

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.

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Staycation, Ultimate coffee date, vacation