Friday Five – April Goals

April 1, 2016 by 14 Comments

Happy Friday!

As last week’s runfessions revealed I’ve been feeling a little whiny about my running. So in an effort to focus on the positive, I’m skipping my monthly rewind, in favor of looking ahead to goals for this month!

April Goals

 

  1. Run all the miles — Don’t leave any run shorter than planned.
  2. Lose the negative thoughts — Going to replace that negative voice that’s been all too present on the road with me lately. I will focus on the mile I’m in.
  3. Return to morning runs — I’m best when I start my day working out – then when the schedule runs amok, at least I’ll know I’ve already taken care of myself.
  4. Step-up the strength work — Going back to work with Trainer Stacy and I can’t wait!
  5. Lose 3 pounds — One of my 2016 goals is to lose 12 pounds, and while I’ve been making a little progress here, I know I lost my focus a bit last month – I’m recommitting.

What are your goals for April?

I’m linking up with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia for the #FridayFive link-up – This week’s theme is “fitness.” DC-Trifecta-Friday-Five-linkup

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Filed Under: Friday Five, goals

February Runfessions

February 26, 2016 by 28 Comments

How is it possible that it is time for another round of Runfessions?!

The last Friday of every month Marcia of Marcia’s Healthy Slice invites us all to share our run-, gym-, swim- fessions. Some come cleanse your sweaty soul and join us!

What are you runfessing this month? Link up with @teamarcia and share Click To Tweet

 

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Runfession #1 –– So I returned for another message last week – thank goodness for the gift certificates I got for Christmas! The massage therapist was a little less horrified than last time – I’ve been following her advice to roll using a lacrosse ball.

Runfession #2 — I’ve been slacking on my PT exercises and it was showing in the form of a slightly angry ITB earlier this month. Since I’ve gotten back on track my IT band has quieted down to being just slightly annoyed.

Runfession #3 — The double workout days of running and doing T25 are seriously kicking my tail! I confess over this last week, I’ve skipped the T25 on run days. Please don’t tell Shaun T…

Shaun T

Runfession #4 — I wish I had a race coming up earlier on the calendar. I know the smart thing to do was to ease back into running and build my base, but I must admit some days my motivation to run is a little schizoprentic. I’m feeling the need for a training plan to help hold me accountable.

Runfession #5 — On the other hand, I run fess that I’ll more than make up for the lack of spring racing this fall. I keep stalking race websites and trying to figure out how many I can register for without wearing a groove in my credit card or racing every weekend.

OK – now it’s your turn. What are your runfessions?

I’m also joining Mar, Courtney and Cynthia for their Friday Five link-up. DC-Trifecta-Friday-Five-linkup

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Filed Under: Friday Five, Runfessions

Five Tips for Staying Motivated for Winter Running

January 22, 2016 by 22 Comments

While December was gloriously warm here in New England, Mother Nature has finally caught up with the calendar and the frigid temps are here. I’ve been digging deep to get myself up and moving for my runs, so I thought I’d share a few tips for staying motivated for winter running.

winter

Use short term goals to keep you focused — sign up for a small local race or join a winter challenge (or create one!). “Competition” in the form of a race or mileage challenge can help to keep you going.

Join a group or find a running buddy — Committing to meet others on a regular basis will always help get you out the door, and it’s always easier to brave the elements when you’re not alone.

Keep visual reminders of your spring goals — Aiming for a PR? Got a great destination race planned? Post some visual reminders in key spots around your house.

Make sure you have the right gear — Dressing the part is always important, but never more so than when facing winter weather. Check out my cold weather running tips here and here if you need any ideas.

Change your alarm — Switch up the music on your alarm in the morning to something that will motivate you to get out of bed. (A friend gave me this suggestion a couple of years ago and I still use it.) Another option is to move your alarm so you have to get out of bed to turn it off – once you’re up you might as well keep moving, right?

What’s your best motivation tip?

I’m linking up with Courtney, Mar & Cynthia for today’s Friday Five.DC-Trifecta-Friday-Five-linkup

Also linking up with Jill for her Fitness, Health & Happiness link up. Fitness Health Happiness badge

 

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Filed Under: Friday Five, motivation, winter running

Five Tips for Returning to Running

November 20, 2015 by 27 Comments

If you follow me on Twitter (and I hope you do! – @RunAttitude) then you may have seen yesterday’s tweet:

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Yes! Yes! Yes! After 8 long weeks I’ve been green-lighted! Despite the desire to throw on my running shoes and sprint out of my doctor’s office I know I’ve got to be smart about this. So as I venture back out on to the roads, here are a few tips I plan to bear in mind:

Take it slow: My doctor’s parting words to me and crucial advice to follow so I don’t end up injured. To start, I will be more focused on time on my feet vs. miles covered.

Build core strength: Focusing on building core strength — abs, hips, and glutes — will improve both stability and balance – critical after such a long layoff.

Cross-train: Every workout cannot and should not be a run. Now that I can run again, it is tempting to want to only run, but I know that it will be more important than ever to give both muscles and ligaments a break from the stresses of running. Cross-training will help improve my endurance, especially while my mileage is low.

Be kind to yourself: It’s easy to get caught in the trap of comparison, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s comeback is different.

Set realistic goals: While I’m very goal-oriented, I know it’s going to be important to have a mix of goals – both big and small. I’ll admit that I do have my eye on a couple of races…and I may have even registered for one 😉 Having smaller goals along the way will help me both track my progress and stay motivated towards the bigger goal. The key is to take it one day at a time, celebrate small victories and be grateful to be running again.

Have you ever had a long lay-off from running?

rp_DC_linkup-150x150.jpgI’m linking up with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia for the #FridayFive link up. They’re sharing their favorite cool weather drinks so be sure to stop by.

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Filed Under: Friday Five, injuries

Friday Five – Favorite Fall Activities

September 25, 2015 by 11 Comments

Hello Friday!

I don’t know about you, but it’s been one l-o-n-g week and I am so happy to see Friday! Fall weather rolled in nicely this week and it looks like a beautiful weekend  ahead. When I don’t have to be inside for my son’s hockey game or practices, I plan to be out making the most of it.

Courtney, Mar and Cynthia are asking everyone to share their favorite fall activities for this week’s #FridayFive – well I could go on and about my love for the fall, but here are a few things that definitely top my list:

fall faves

 

  • Hiking — Hiking is a favorite family activity. We are lucky enough to have some great trails within a short drive from our house. I love that the whole family gets out together – even our dog. And, with the fall foliage as a backdrop, you can’t ask for a more perfect way to spend an afternoon.
  • Apple Picking — Another family fave is apple picking. We’ve gone every year since the boys were really little. In fact, we’re toying with going this weekend! It just doesn’t seem like fall until we’ve hit our favorite orchard.
  • Cooking — After spending most of every summer living off the grill, I really enjoy getting back in my kitchen to do some cooking. I just watched the season finale of Master Chef and am inspired to get back to trying some new recipes!
  • Football — I am a huge football fan and I love that the fall means the return of watching and attending football games.
  • Running and racing — While I am missing  running terribly right now, I couldn’t put a top 5 list together and not include it!

What’s your favorite fall activity?

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Filed Under: fave things, Friday Five

Fall Racing – A Moving Target

September 4, 2015 by 8 Comments

When I saw that this week’s #FridayFive link-up topic was Fall Races, I was tempted to skip posting. Racing has been such a moving target for me, between injury and conflicts with my family schedule, that I’m almost hesitant to count any race as a sure thing at this point. But, if you’ve been around here for a bit then you also know how much I love a fall race….so here’s what I’m hoping for at the moment.

1) #StripAtNight 

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This is my one and only definite race…well it’s actually two because I’ll be doing the Remix Challenge (5K and Half). My husband and brother are running with me, and I just saw friends yesterday who confirmed they’re in! I’ve been waiting all year to get to a Rock ‘n’ Roll race as part of the Rock’n’Blog team – and, well c’mon it’s Vegas! And, speaking of the Rock’n’Blog team, we were just given special codes for a Vegas discount – use code RUNATTITUDE015LV and you can do either the half or the full for $145!

2) Still Rockin’ — Staying with the Rock ‘n’ Roll theme for a minute, I’m still hoping to get to RnR Philly at the end of October, but family conflicts are starting to crop up from all sides…keep my fingers crossed. But, if schedules don’t work, then I’ll be looking at finishing up my 3-race Tour Pass by heading to San Antonio for #RnRSA the first week of December.

3) Tufts 10K for Women is one of my favorite Boston races. It’s always held on Columbus Day, which means it could potentially come in conflict with the boys’ sports schedules/tournaments – it’s happened before, but if I’m free this is always a great race!

4) Canton Fall Classic is another local favorite – I usually run the 5K and my husband J runs the 10K. My son is thinking about running it this year…so once again as long as schedules don’t collide, this could be a family race.

Jingle+Bell+15) Jingle Bell Run — OK this one may technically be a “winter” race as some years it falls on the weekend before Christmas. As you can see from the picture of my brother and I on race morning, this one’s all for the costumes and post-race beer fest. (And, yes that is a giant ball of mistletoe on his hat!) 🙂

Do you find your race schedule is pretty well set or is it a moving target?

(As part of the Rock’n’Blog team, I receive a 3-race Tour Pass. If you want to add a RnR race to your fall schedule, don’t forget to use my code on my sidebar for a discount (or the code above for Vegas!)

I’m linking up with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia – be sure to stop by to check out where they’ll be racing this fall!

 

 

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Filed Under: #RocknBlog, #StripAtNight, Canton Fall Classic, fall racing, family running, Friday Five, Jingle Bell Run, RnRPhilly

Five Fitness Trends I’ll Never Try

July 10, 2015 by 13 Comments

Happy Friday all!

When I saw the topic Courtney, Mar & Cynthia proposed for this week’s #FridayFive link-up I chuckled cause I’m sure we can all come up with a few fitness trends where we have the reaction – thanks but no thanks!

Now first I must say that I’m all for anything that gets and keeps people moving. And, just because it is not my cup of Gatorade um tea, does not mean it might not be THE thing for someone else. I’m most definitely a “to each her own” kinda of gal…

So with that said, here are a couple of fitness trends whose bandwagons you won’t find me on any time soon.

Mud runs/Obstacle runs/Color runs – I have friends who are very into doing these runs and try as they might they cannot convince me to join them. I just want to run – plain and simple.

Zumba – Nope.

CrossFit – While this one has peaked me interest in the past, I’m kinda over it.

Spinning – Again, another one where I have friends who swear by it, but being confined in a room with a bunch of others on stationary bikes and music pumping just holds no appeal.

Hot yoga – I greatly enjoy the benefits of yoga, but the thought of doing yoga in a hot, humid room?!?

This picture says it all for me!

This picture says it all for me!

Is there a fitness trend you’d pass on?

 

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Filed Under: Friday Five

Friday Five – Fave Summer Activities

June 12, 2015 by 12 Comments

With temps now dancing just below 90, it is safe to say that summer has officially arrived! After such a brutal winter (yes, I think I’m still traumatized), I am not going to complain about the heat and look forward to making the most of the summer months ahead.

Courtney, Mar & Cynthia have invited everyone to share their favorite summer activities for this week’s #FridayFive linkup, so here are a few of my faves.

Time at the beach

Beach: When you say summer to me, one of the first thing that comes to mind is hitting the beach! I can’t wait to get in some day trips to one of my favorite beaches.  

Hiking: Hiking is another popular family activity.  A well-shaded trail is a welcome escape on a hot summer day.

hiking

farmers market

 

Farmer’s Markets: I could spend all Saturday morning at our local farmers market – great produce, cheeses, wine and other great local finds – nothing better!

 

Dining alfresco:  Whether at home on our deck or at a favorite restaurant, there’s something about dining outdoors that I just love – I just want to slow down and linger. 

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Lazing a day away: Sometimes my favorite activity in the summer is no activity. We’re always so go-go-go in the RWA household, and summer gives us a chance to just hang out. Sometimes doing a whole lot of nothing is perfect!

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Filed Under: fave things, Friday Five, summer mode, Uncategorized

Friday Five: Sharing the Love of Running

May 8, 2015 by 23 Comments

Hello Friday!

It’s been another whirlwind week and I am looking forward to getting this weekend started! But first, I’m linking up again with Courtney, Mar & Cynthia. Today’s topic is “5 ways to share running/fitness love.” Since catching the running bug five years ago, I have enjoyed sharing my new passion with anyone willing to listen 😉 But nothing has made me happier than to be able to share my love of running with my family!

Let it be their idea! — I’ve shared before my tips for running with kids before, and by far, I think the most important one is to let it be their idea. If you do, they’re more likely to stick with it!

Make it fun — Getting my family on the running bandwagon means keeping it fun. No thoughts of pace or crazy goals – especially in the beginning!

3 runners

Mix it up — This is an extension on the idea of keeping it fun. We mix up where we run – sometimes it’s a trail, sometimes it’s the track, and other times it’s around the neighborhood. Helping them to try running in different environments, keeps it interesting.

Cheer their efforts — When my husband J ran his first trail race, the kids and I hiked up to a clearing along the course and cheered he and his fellow runners on. The boys got a lot of high fives and had a ball!

Lead by example — Best way to share your love of running with your family is to invite them to be a part of your journey.  Share both the good and bad runs, and your big race goals – your enthusiasm and passion can be infectious.

Does your family share your love of running?

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Filed Under: family running, Friday Five

Friday Five: Favorite Running Brands

April 17, 2015 by 26 Comments

Happy Friday All!

My goodness these weeks are flying by! I’m looking forward to a busy weekend with the family, with lots of gardening/yard work, lacrosse games and running the BAA 5k! But first, I’m joining Courtney, Mar and Cynthia for this week’s #FridayFive link-up as we dish about some of our favorite brands.

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Athleta — I have shared my love of Athleta clothes on many occasions in the past, so it should come as no surprise that they make this list! From great running clothes to figure flattering bathing suits, they have it all. I just got their latest catalog and let’s just say I need to hide my wallet!

Zensah — Long run recovery always includes some time in my Zensah sleeves – their calf sleeves are a must have for me!

Mizuno — Now I do have to say that I have much love and a long history with Saucony/Kinvaras. That being said, I do find that ever since I received a pair of #WaveRider18 to review back in October, they have become a my go-to shoes of late.

Koss Fit Series — Music is a big part of my workouts and my Koss FitClips are great ear buds – their lightweight, sweat-resistant and don’t fall out – win!

Vitamix — Yes perhaps an unusual choice as a “running brand” but the smoothies I can make with it makes my Vitamix a key part of my recovery.

So tell me what are some brands you’re loving right now?

Be sure to check out the link-up, you may find a new brand to try!

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Filed Under: #WaveRider18, Athleta, fave things, Friday Five, Koss Fit Series