August runfessions

It’s the last Friday of the month which means Marcia has opened the runfessional, so let’s get to it, shall we?

I runfess that I didn’t last long in the Summer Blowout Challenge my kickboxing studio threw down for the month. While I held it out there as one of my August Goals, I runfess that my body just doesn’t love burpees…check that, my body doesn’t even like burpees. And, with a daily installment of said burpees, it does beg the question…what was I thinking?!

I runfess that the monotony of physical therapy is starting to make me feel a little restless. On the flip side, the work with the PT is paying off, so I’m just gonna suck it up and move on, right? Right.

I returned to the gym this week to avoid the heat and I runfess that some people’s gym-behavior never ceases to amaze me. Can someone explain to me why people insist on talking on their cell phones while on the treadmill (or any machine for that matter!). I sent most of my last run next to a guy who tried to carry on a conversation while attempting to walk/run on the mill. Really the call couldn’t wait?

I runfess that I’ve been wanting to “break-up” with one of my ambassadorships for a couple of months now. I’m not loving the direction they’ve gone with their products and have really come to prefer a competing brand. The ambassador program itself is also lacking and a bit disorganized – I’m not even sure who I should send my resignation email to!

So tell me, got any runfessions to share?

I’m linking up with  Rachel and Meranda and Lacey for the Friday Five.

 

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August Coffee Catch Up

Happy Friday!

I am so ready for this weekend to begin! It’s always nice to kick things off with a little catch up over coffee. I’m grabbing an iced one today – how about you?

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that the heat and humidity have returned with a vengeance! With nothing to train for at the moment, I can feel my motivation to face the swampy mess fading fast.  I’ve been eyeing a couple of fall races and once I get a handle on my husband’s work travel, it will be time to hit the registration button.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m now officially living in a house of teenagers! My “baby” turned 13 last weekend, and the older brother turns 16 on Monday. Enough said…heaven help me!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that after 2 weekends of hard work, the patio is in and we’re enjoying it. Now I’m on the hunt for the right furniture and some decorative plantings to finish it off. It’s been a great spot to enjoy a cocktail (or two) and an evening fire.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I am really looking forward to taking some time off at the end of this month. I’m starting to feel fried at work and let’s just say some days I’m short on patience!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that while I can’t wait to get to my time off I’m not ready for the summer to end and school to begin. These days are just flying by far too quickly for me, and there is still so much I want to do before getting back to the routine of homework and school sports. If I could just make August about 2 or 3 weeks longer that would be perfect 😉

What would you tell me over coffee? What have you got planned for August?

I’m joining up with my friends Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date, as well as linking up with  Rachel and Meranda and Lacey for the Friday Five.

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July Runfessions

And just like that we’re at the last Friday of the month! Yep July is winding down the runfessional is open, so I’m linking up with Marcia to bear my sweating sole – see what I did there 😉

I runfess that I can’t believe last week this time I was so nervous about flying halfway across the country to hang out with a group of women that I’d never met in person. And now they all feel like old friends and I cannot wait to see them again!

After traveling to Chicago last weekend, I runfess that I can totally understand how air rage happens! I got stuck next to Cologne Man, and if that wasn’t bad enough he proceeded to nod off and was practically resting his head on my shoulder. I runfess that I may have “nudged” him awake and then he decided to take his shoes off and tried to cross his legs – did I mention he was barefoot and sitting in the middle seat?!

I’ve now been following the macrolife plan for a couple of weeks and I runfess that I’m still trying to get a handle on tracking what I eat.

I runfess that I’m now on a quest to find a carb-free wine 😉

Sharing some #runfessions for this week's #FridayFive Click To Tweet

There…I feel better now. What are you runfessing?

I’m also joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

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July Coffee Catch Up

Well hello, July! How about a quick catch up over coffee?

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I feel like I’m being pushed to my limits with this heat. I’m trying hard to stay positive on my runs, but physically I don’t ever remember struggling so much with even the easiest of runs. Is it hotter this year? Is it just age? Let’s go with it being hotter, LOL!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that despite it being hotter than Hades, we’ve made great progress on our patio project. We’re laying pavers tomorrow and will hopefully be done by the end of the weekend!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that there is quite the crew of bloggers heading to RnR Chicago and I cannot wait to catch-up with everyone! It’s been a while since I’ve been able to slip out of town for a few days – the change of scenery and the company will be great! (While I know it’s getting late for Chicago, don’t forget you can use code RNRRNB2018 for $15 off on RnR half marathons and marathons).

Chicago here I come!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’ve been loving the slower pace of the summer as it’s given me a chance to come up for air and catch up with friends. Whether for a power walk, cocktails, or dinner out I’ve been trying to catch up with a friend at least once a week. After feeling like I’ve just been plowing through “must do’s” over the past couple of months, it’s good to get re-connected!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m really enjoying kickboxing even more than I thought I would! Such a great totally body workout…and never underestimate the stress-relieving benefits of hitting something.

I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

I’m also linking up with Meranda, Lacey, and Rachel for the Friday Five.

What would you tell me over coffee? Tell me something you’ve been loving lately?

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Runfessions for June

Happy Friday!

Marcia has opened the runfessional and I’ve got a few things to share, so let’s get to it, shall we?

I runfess that long runs and I don’t seem to be on speaking terms. I haven’t run longer than 8 miles in what feels like forever, and double-digit runs are all but a distant memory. With the oppressive humidity rolling in I’m feeling very little motivation to change this any time soon.

With that in mind, I runfess that I’ll probably be remixing at RnR Chicago with the 5K/10K combo – and I’m perfectly fine with that.

I runfess that I can’t take this yo-yo injury situation where one week I feel great and the next I’m hobbled so I finally went to see my doctor so I could get a referral for PT.

I runfess that I’ve been spending a fair amount of time lately reading running shoe reviews. Ever since my massage therapist suggested I stop running in the new Mizuno Skys I’ve been wondering if my Zealots need to be re-thought as well. They’re getting up there in mileage so I need to either start scouring the internet for deals on this model of Zealots or consider a new shoe. I’m toying with returning to the Brooks Adrenalines. Of course, all my woes will be resolved with the “perfect” shoes, right? 😉

I runfess that with a wide open fall in front of me I’m struggling with going local vs. destination races. As a Rock’n’Blogger, I receive free race entries, so beyond Chicago, I’m leaning towards running RnR Philly again in September, and my husband J wants to consider San Antonio if he can make his schedule work. And, while I always enjoy a racecation, it certainly starts to put a dent in the wallet. On the other hand, there’s no shortage of races around here in the fall and there is a lot to be said for rolling out of your own bed on race morning. I’m watching entry fees rise so I’m gonna need to make some decisions soon (especially if travel is involved!). What’a runner to do?!

So tell me, have you found your “perfect shoe”? Local vs destination races?

I’m also joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

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It’s not summer unless

My boys are done for the school year and we are officially shifting into summer mode (even if Mother N hasn’t gotten with the plan yet)

While I don’t really have a summer bucket list, there are some summer staples for me that are just a must:

It’s just not summer unless I get to spend some time at the beach.

It’s just not summer unless there’s some family hiking.

It’s just not summer unless I can overindulge in some farm fresh ice cream.

And, speaking of farms, it’s just not summer unless I spend some time at the local farmer’s markets.

It’s just not summer unless there’s alfresco dining, whether at home on the deck or a restaurant’s outdoor patio.

Do you have some staples of summer? Tell me something that is a summer must for you.

I’m joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

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5 Things for June Coffee

It’s June 1st people! I cannot believe the pace at which 2018 is clipping by. Let’s snag a moment to sit down and catch up over coffee.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that we survived “May Madness” in my house – it was a mix of chaos, fun, and stress. Today is the last day of school for my youngest, and for my high schooler, he’s just one more exam away from wrapping up what has been a very challenging year. We’re all ready to collectively exhale and head into the summer.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m obsessed with transforming the outdoor spaces around my house. I’ve been clearing flower beds and hauling mulch like crazy. My mom and I made our first of many trips to one of our favorite local nurseries for some new additions for the garden, and of course, I wanted to buy everything! I’ve convinced my husband this is the year to revamp our tiny patio and I’ve got ideas about expanding the border gardens. Ah, the dangers of Pinterest 🙂

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m eyeing one more big addition for the yard  –  a She Shed! I have visions of a quiet spot for yoga, meditation…to breathe. I’ve got a corner of the yard staked out. It won’t happen this summer, but I’m a woman on a mission so heaven help my husband!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I got a Kindle Paperwhite for Mother’s Day and I’m looking to load it up with some good reads.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that on the fitness front I’m getting bored with my cross-training – or perhaps I’m just growing bored with my gym. I’m feeling like I need to mix things up a little, but not sure what I want to try – barre class? OrangeTheory? Kickboxing?

I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

I’m also linking up with Meranda, Lacey, and Rachel for the Friday Five.

What would you tell me over coffee? Any suggestions for my summer reading list?

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Runfessions – Long Weekend Edition

Can I get a Halleluiah that the long weekend is here! (Can you tell it’s been a long week for me?!)

I’m ready to dive into this Memorial Day Weekend, but first, Marcia has opened the runfessional so it’s time to share a few runfessions so I can go into my weekend with a clear conscience 🙂

I runfess that as I sit here on Friday morning making plans to head to the expo this afternoon, I still have no idea if I’m actually going to Sunday’s race.

I runfess that I’m having a hard time getting excited about a race where I feel like I’m settling on the distance (5 miles instead of the half) and where I’m concerned about how my hammy will hold up (especially after yesterday’s less than stellar run) …and did I mention now there’s rain in the forecast. I’ve raced in the rain before and usually, my attitude towards Mother Nature is “Bring it!”, but given everything else I’m feeling very “Meh” about the whole thing.

I runfess that despite the recent running woes, I still remain optimistic about my running plans for the rest of the year. I just added RnR Chicago to the mix for July, and am eyeing the Finish at the 50 10K – while I’m not usually much of a summer racer, I figure I’ll be logging double-digit runs for marathon training so why not have some fun while I’m at it.

I runfess that the madness of the typical May schedule around here is starting to take its toll. I’m seriously starting to have a hard time remembering who needs to be shuttled where, which sports bag is going in which car, signing field trip permission slips, etc. Thankfully the end is in sight!

I love going to my boys’ games but watching how some parents behave is getting harder and harder to take. I runfess that I’m tempted to make up t-shirts that say “Your son is not going Division 1 so calm down!” and start handing them out.

Tell me, do you have any summer races lined up? Have you witnessed parents behaving badly?

I’m also joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

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5 things I’m loving lately and a giveaway!

Happy Friday!

To kick this Friday off I thought I’d share a few things I’ve been loving lately. (This post contains some affiliate links).

Headsweats headbands – I have always loved Headsweats hats and as ambassador, I have had the chance to try out some other products in their line. One of my new favorites is their Ultra Bands. While I wear it mostly as a headband, the design is pretty versatile and it could be anything from a wristband to a face mask. If you want to check out the Ultra Band or any of the Headsweats products, don’t forget to use code ATTITUDE25 to save 25%.

I just got this one – Isn’t this Purple Haze pattern awesome?

Lotta Breeze Skirt– You all know how much I love my Skirt Sports skirts and my go-to style is the Gym Girl Ultra but I recently tried the Lotta Breeze and I’m hooked. It’s so comfortable with a drawstring at the waist that ensures it doesn’t slip and 5.5″ shorties so there’s no risk of chafing. After my first run, I immediately bought another and now I’m eagerly awaiting new patterns. Use code 218Dixo to save 15% when you place an order.


Dynamic Tape – I have Marcia to thank for this find. Dynamic Tape (Affiliate link!) stays put and provides great support – and the tattoo pattern is kinda fun, don’t ya think?!

Spring Energy Gel –  Before I had to cut back a bit on mileage, I had started testing out different fuel options on my long runs. I received a tube of Spring Energy Gel (Affiliate link!) in a recent StrideBox. I really like that Spring Energy is made with real food – it was easy on my stomach, had no aftertaste, and kept me feeling good through eight miles.

StrideBox – And speaking of StrideBox, if you’ve been around here for a bit or follow me on Instagram then you know that I’m a big fan of StrideBox. It’s such a great mix of runner goodies, and I swear each box has just been getting better and better. And for just $15 per month, it’s a great deal.

So thanks to the awesome folks at StrideBox, I’ve got a box to give away! The giveaway is open to residents in the U.S. only and will run from now until 11:59 p.m. on 5/22. If you don’t want to wait, use code MICHELLE10OFF to save $10 on your first box! This code is good until 5/31 so don’t wait!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I’m joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

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Spring Runfessions

Happy Friday!

Wowza what a long week it’s been! I’m looking forward to the weekend, but first things first – today is the last Friday of the month and Marcia has opened the runfessional so let’s share, shall we?

I runfess that this year’s weather has really gotten into my head more than usual. I’m not usually such a fair-weather runner, but I am just so done with wearing “all the layers”. Thankfully, Mother N seems to have finally settled down and the past few days have felt like spring!

I runfess I’m more in love with the idea of running than actual running at the moment. My runs have kind of been all over the place lately – I’m either feeling like I’m in a groove or even the easy runs feel ridiculously hard. There’s no rhyme or reason to it. Running has its ebbs and flows, and I’m currently in an ebb.

I runfess that I’ve been having a hard time watching some of the trainer-led workouts going on at my gym lately. While I do not profess to be an expert, if someone’s doing a plank and they look more like a triangle, shouldn’t you correct them? I watched a training session going on next to me the other day and couldn’t believe it. The trainer seemed more concerned with looking at his phone than what his client was doing. Then again, the trainer was also dressed in jeans…so there’s that!

I runfess that while I was fully committed to Rachel’s Tricep Dips, Push-ups & Jump Squat Challenge, my mojo has waned this week as the number of reps reached the 90s – the dips and push-up are leaving me with jelly arms. I’ve been doing them usually in sets of 20 and admit to not always getting back to finish the final sets this week.

I runfess that today is the 8th anniversary of this blog! (You can read my very first post here). When I realized earlier this month that it was coming up, I had grand plans for honoring the occasion, but then promptly forgot about them in the hubbub of daily life. Perhaps I’ll get it together for a belated celebration in May.

Tell me, do you ever see trainers re-inforcing bad form at the gym? Do you celebrate your blog anniversary?

I’m also joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

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