Friday’s This & That

April 10, 2015 by 10 Comments

This has been one crazy busy week as evidenced in part by the 3 half written blog posts still sitting on my computer and the stacks of clean laundry waiting to be folded and put away. Lots swirling around in my brain…so indulge me for a little randomness…

NBFRR 2015 logoRunning for a cause — While work was one of biggest contributing factors to the craziness of this week, it’s all good because I really enjoy what I do…especially when I get to do something running related! On Monday, I attended a meeting with the Falmouth Road Race organizers. For those of you who don’t know, the Falmouth Road Race is an awesome 7-mile race held on the Cape in August. I was so excited when I heard that the MA Breast Cancer Coalition was awarded 20 bibs! Now it’s my job to pull together our team! (By the way if you’re going to be on the Cape this summer, we need to talk!)

Give it a rest Mother Nature — yep Mother Nature doesn’t know when to quit! We had sleet and hail around here the last couple of days, which definitely messed with my running schedule. But today it’s suppose to get into the 50s and higher this weekend…so we move on.

Summer planning already? — Can I just say it’s a little hard to believe summer’s ever coming when you’re watching hail fall! But, we just got my son’s camp pack list  and boy is he going to need to bring a lot of stuff! So I’ll be adding that shopping to my to do list!

Need more time on the track — I’ve made no secret that I’ve fallen into a bit of a running funk…just haven’t found my groove yet. But after last weekend one thing is clear to me, I need to go play on the track more.  I’ve always felt at home on the track and while I’m far from being in shape for serious speedwork – there’s always room for any type of running that puts a smile on your face, right?

A much needed day off — This was definitely one of those weeks that I’m so glad I don’t work on Fridays. Today will be filled with yoga, some errands and a long overdue catch-up with a friend!

Have you ever been a charity runner? What have you got planned for the weekend?

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Filed Under: Falmouth Road Race, Friday Five, general musings, track work

Believe it or not it’s Spring!

March 20, 2015 by 20 Comments

bird in hat

I saw this pic on Pinterest and it just cracked me up! Yes folks believe it or not today is the first day of Spring! And “spring” is the theme behind this week’s #FridayFive link-up with Courtney, Mar and Cynthia.

I know Spring will get here…eventually and when it does, here are just a few things I’m looking forward to:

Five Things for Spring!

Outdoor runs — Of course this goes without saying! The thought of running without worrying about snow mounds or icy roads sounds like heaven!

Less Layers — Oh to step outside without looking like I’m a participant in the Iditarod 🙂

Gardening — I cannot wait to get back into my gardens. Spring always means multiple trips to my favorite nursery with my mom – seriously, we can spend hours there! And, something tells me I may have many plants to replace after this winter.

Lacrosse games — You all know how big lax is in the RWA household. Some of us cannot wait as you can see.

lax in snow

Grilling – As much as I have enjoyed making the most of my crockpot for the past few months, I cannot wait to fire up the grill.

OK your turn…what are you looking forward to?

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Filed Under: Friday Five, gardening, Lacrosse, Spring fever

I Heart Fridays!

March 13, 2015 by 29 Comments

Happy Friday!

I’m linking up Courtney, Mar and Cynthia for their #FridayFive link-up. The topic this week is “Day in the Life,” which is always fun – I love a peak into how other people spend their days.

Since I just dished on morning routines, I thought I’d take a different spin and give you five things I love about my Fridays.

i-love-fridays

Five Things I love about Friday

No work — I don’t work on Fridays – I may check in on email quickly but Fridays are a no work day. Instant long weekend!

Trainer workouts —  Since I started working with Trainer Stacy, I try to get workouts with her in a couple of Fridays a month.

Lunch with Friends — No work on Fridays also means I try to book lunch plans with friends as often as possible.

Family downtime — Friday nights are great for just family hangout time. We’re free from homework and my husband and I kind of have an unwritten rule to make no plans for the evening. After running here and there all week, this is one night we can count on to grab dinner and just hang together.

Pizza! — And speaking of dinner, more often than not pizza is the family favorite on Fridays. Sometimes we’ll order take out, but if the energy level is high enough we’ll make our own. Thrown in a glass of wine and it’s the perfect end to a busy week!

 Do you love Fridays as much as I do? Any great plans for the weekend?

 

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Filed Under: Friday Five, general musings

Lovin/Not Lovin’ March Edition

March 6, 2015 by 20 Comments

Linking up once again with Courtney, Mar and Cynthia for their #FridayFive link up. Today’s them is “favorites.” Sounds like the perfect time for another edition of Lovin/Not Lovin.’

Lovin’

tortilla soupChicken Tortilla Soup — This soup has become a huge favorite this winter (in fact I just made it again earlier this week). It’s super easy  – dump everything in the crockpot and go — and you can dial the spice up or down.

Boots

 

Winter Boots —  These Timberlands have been my saving grace this winter. I truly love these boots! <Affiliate link alert!>

 

Arc Trainer

Source: Cybex International

 

Arc Trainer —
I recently discovered the Arc Trainer at my gym and it is quickly becoming my new fave cardio machine when I’m not on the mill!

Uptown Funk — With so much indoor training, the tunes are critical! I’m lovin’ this Bruno Mars song.

 Not Lovin’

The scary side of so much snow! — Roof collapses are starting to be a regular feature on the local news around here. Last Saturday morning, our town ice rink roof came down – thankfully no one was hurt! Definitely too close for comfort!

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Filed Under: fave things, Friday Five

Runfessions – February Edition

February 27, 2015 by 13 Comments

I know February is a short month but can you believe it’s the end of the month already! I’m linking up with Marcia again for another edition of Runfessions. Join us!

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Runfession #1 — We’ve reached 100 inches of snow and my running mojo is buried somewhere under it.

Runfession #2 — I am actually toying with the idea of a run streak challenge in March just to keep my interest and focus. The thought of a run streak usually goes against my belief that my 48-year-old legs need a day off … but I’m also feeling the need to seriously shake things up.

Runfession #3 — On the flip side, my new found love of strength training continues to grow. The beauty of belonging to a new gym is that both the weights and TRX areas are often empty.

TRX

Runfession #4 — I’m also lovin’ working with Trainer Stacy. Having a plan to follow, much like with running, really makes all the difference for me — really no surprise there. I had another great workout with her this morning that I’m sure my legs will let me hear about the rest of the day!

Runfession #5 — The downside of the new gym? No “gym crazies!”  From time to time, I’ve shared my encounters with the more interesting characters at my gym. But, with this new gym, I’m not sure if it’s the times of day I’ve been going or that the crazies haven’t joined yet, but so far it’s all been very “normal” and I must admit I kind of miss the occasional crazy just to keep the people watching interesting. And, yes I realize I’ve probably just jinxed myself!

I’m also linking up with Courtney, Mar & Cynthia for their Friday link-up. It’s a “Free Friday” this week so be sure to stop and check out what everyone’s talking about!

So tell me, what’s your Runfession? Have you ever tried a run streak?

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Filed Under: Friday Five, Runfessions

Friday Five – Lovin’/Not Lovin’

January 23, 2015 by 16 Comments

Happy Friday everyone!!

Linking up once again with Mar, Courtney & Cynthia — the theme this week is “Things about me.” Since I just shared a day in my life a couple of days ago, I thought I’d take a little liberty with this theme and share a few things I’m lovin’/not lovin’ right now.

Lovin’

hoodie2

This quick post-gym pic doesn’t do it justice

Athleta Strength Hoodie — One of my favorite Christmas gifts is this hoodie from Athleta. It is my go-to cover-up to go to and from the gym. So warm without the bulk!

TRX Workouts — Trainer Stacy added some TRX to the mix last week and I couldn’t be happier.

Anatomy for Runners —

(Affiliate link alert!) I ordered this book ages ago after learning about it from Amanda, but have only recently pulled it off the shelf to read. One more tool in my injury-prevention box!

Not Lovin’

Plague/virus/cold invasion — My husband and oldest son went down earlier this week (actually J’s been sick since last Friday). And this morning I woke up not feeling so hot myself…to which my youngest looked at me over breakfast this morning and declare “So I’m the only one left!” (So much for sympathy, right?)

Late Practices & Early Games — Recently the aforementioned sympathetic son’s hockey schedule has shifted into an ugly pattern of late evening practices (not coming off the ice until 8:30PM) and crack of dawn weekend games. This Sunday he’ll be on the ice at 6:20AM…6:20 on a Sunday people…in a cold rink…ugh!

What are you lovin’ or not lovin’ right now?

 

DC_linkup

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Filed Under: Athleta, Friday Five

Friday Five – What’s in my gym bag

January 16, 2015 by 12 Comments

Happy Friday!

This has been a loooong week and I’m so happy to see Friday come!

I’m linking up once again with Courtney, Mar and Cynthia for the Friday Five. Today’s topic “What’s in your gym bag?” couldn’t be more appropriate since I’ve been living at the gym lately working on getting stronger – in fact I had a great session with Trainer Stacey this morning that I’m sure I’ll be feeling the rest of the day 😉

Gym bag

Koss FitClips — I’ve made no secret of my love for music when I’m working out and since I’m not always a fan of the music playing in the gym, my  Koss FitClip earbuds are a must have.  I got to review these a year ago and they’ve been a fave ever since!

Koss Headphones

Strength training plan – I find I’m doing much better being consistent with my strength work now that I’mgym bag2 following a training plan just as I would do for running.  Seems so obvious right?!

Towel — My old gym didn’t offer a towel service, and even though my new gym does I find I never leave home without a towel in my bag.

Water bottle — Gotta stay hydrated right? And yes, there’s usually Nuun Energy in that Nuun water bottle – again it was a another product I got to review and have just kept right on using.

Multiple Shoes — One of the things I love about my gym bag is that it is roomy enough for multiple pairs of shoes. So if I hit the treadmill or elliptical I throw on my Wave Riders, but if I’m doing strength work I’d rather have the extra stability of my Asics Gel Pursue. The Gel Pursue definitely proved to be more shoe than I wanted for running, but I’m finding they offer the great stability I want for strength work – win! I also keep a pair of Nike Studio Wraps in the bag for when I head to my Pilates Barre classes. Yes I know…I have shoe issues 🙂

And speaking of my gym bag…I would be remiss if I did not mention just how much I love my Apera tote (you can check out my review here). It’s got a ton of pockets and holds everything I could possibly need with room to spare!

So what are you hauling around in your gym bag?  DC_linkup

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Filed Under: #WaveRider18, Apera Yoga Tote, ASICS GEL-Pursue, Friday Five, Koss Fit Series, Nuun, Strength training

December Runfessions

December 19, 2014 by 16 Comments

Given that the last Friday of the month falls on the day after Christmas, Marcia decided to do her monthly “runfessions” today – and once again, I’m in.

Runfessions

Runfession #1 — I’m very excited that the lottery gods smiled on me and I’m in for the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler! After playing around with lots of race possibilities for 2015, there’s something about having this one firmly on the calendar that makes me finally ready to pull the trigger on some others.

Runfession #2 —  I have so been enjoying running without a watch that I’m actually starting to wonder how I’m going to get use to it again once training starts.

Runfession #3 — I really miss my running buddy E, and it looks like her prognosis to return to running is not looking good. While weekend runs with my husband have been fun, there’s nothing like catching up with a girlfriend while logging the miles.

Runfession #4 — Working with the trainer has shown me in no uncertain terms just how little attention I’ve been paying to strengthening my hamstrings and glutes. It was no secret to me that I’m quad dominant, but these workouts have been a leg-shaking eye-opening experience!

Runfession #5 — I’ve been invited to another event at Athleta tonight – oh be still my heart! Is it wrong to offer to my husband to buy my own Christmas presents 😉

There….I feel better now! Do you have any runfessions to share?  

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Filed Under: Athleta, Cherry Blossom, Friday Five, general musings, Runfessions, Strength training

More Runfessions

November 21, 2014 by 16 Comments

Joining up with Marcia, from Marcia’s Healthy Slice, for her monthly “runfessions” – a chance to cleanse your sweaty soul.

Runfessions

Runfession #1 — I was suppose to be getting on a plane tomorrow to head to the Philly half. Every time I get an email update from the race I must admit it stings just a little.

Runfession #2 — I’m not running much at all. I’m finding it hard to hit some those pre-dawn runs in the bitter cold when I’m not training for something.

Runfession #3 — I have been hitting the cross-training more and more…cause frankly I’m hard to live with if I don’t workout! Just ask my husband…

Runfession #4 — I am starting to plan a race schedule for 2015 that I’getting excited about. Now I either need to hit lotto or find a sponsor to cover the race fees 😉

Runfession #5 — Not at all run-related, but it’s freaking me out a little how quickly these weeks are slipping by.  My youngest son keeps announcing the weekly countdown till Christmas and I haven’t even started planing yet. (Just under 5 weeks in case you were wondering!)

There….I feel better now! Do you have any runfessions to share?  Have you started planning for the holidays yet?

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Filed Under: Friday Five, general musings, Runfessions

Friday Five – Cold Weather Running Tips

November 14, 2014 by 22 Comments

It’s Baaaccck! The Polar Vortex that left most of us feeling like human popsicles is back – and adding insult to injury it’s making an early appearance! With temps quickly dropping as much as 40 degrees in a day in some areas, Courtney, Mar and Cynthia’s link-up topic of “Cold Weather Running Tips” couldn’t be more appropriate!

Surviving Winter

Layer, layer, layer! —  Surviving and thriving in cold weather running is all about layering. I think at minimum you’ll want to consider three layers: a base layer, an insulating layer and an outer layer. Depending on the weather and your tolerance for the cold, you may want to use more than one insulating layer. And, layering isn’t just for your upper body. Start with a good pair of running tights, and if you find that one layer isn’t enough, add wind-proof track pants over your tights for extra protection.

Wicking still matters — Just as with running in the summer heat, this is no time for cotton! Make sure your base layer is made of a wicking material to keep sweat away from your body and to help keep your skin warm and dry.

Protect you extremities — Did you know that you can lose as much as 40% of your body heat through your head? Wearing a fleece or wool hat can go a long way to keeping you warm during your runs. You can also lose a fair amount of body heat through your hands so you’ll want to keep them covered with moisture-wicking gloves or mittens.

Change quickly post-run — Chills can quickly set in as your body’s core temperature drops post-run. Quickly change out of your running clothes and jump into a hot shower or, my favorite, a warm Epsom salt bath.

Be willing to hit the ‘mill — Some days it may just be too cold to run outdoors, so be willing to head for a treadmill or do some form of cross-training.

How do you manage cold weather running?

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Filed Under: Friday Five, winter running