race calendar

Five Races for 2023

February 17, 2023 by Michelle 16 Comments

As I continue to make steady progress with my physical therapist, my thoughts are slowly starting to turn toward potential races I want to run this year. I love the fun, camaraderie, and challenge races can provide! For this week’s Fit Five Friday I’m sharing some races I’m hoping to run this year.

Five Races for 2023

Mystic 10K (May) – I actually just registered for this one and for added fun my husband is going to run it too! HMF events put on a great race so I’m looking forward to this one.

Newport 10M (June) – I haven’t run this race since the inaugural race and now it’s preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Time flies! This race offers a beautiful course that includes both the infamous Newport mansions and beautiful coastal views.

Ocean Road 10K (October) – I have run this race in 2018 and 2021. I love this course and had planned to run it last year, but it collided with college parents’ weekend.

Western MA 10M (November) – I ran the inaugural race last year and really liked the point-to-point course and post-race vibe. As soon as I finished this race I knew I wanted to run it again.

As for #5? I’ve got a couple of options I’m thinking about – ZOOMA Cape Cod (September), Ted Corbitt 15K (December), and the MR8K (December) are all possibilities. Also, Run Happy Team members are being offered the opportunity to participate in Brooks-sponsored races, so for me, this could mean the Philadelphia Distance Run (September half), Twin Cities 10M (part of the Twin Cities Marathon weekend in October), or the Indianapolis Monumental Half (late October).

So yes, there could easily be more than five races and, as long as injuries stay at bay, I’m here for it!

What races are you planning to run this year?

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 link, 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!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, race calendar

Time to Think About Training

August 14, 2022 by Michelle 27 Comments

Well I finally have a fall race on the calendar so it’s time to start thinking about training again. But before I get ahead of myself, I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down. Here’s how this week in fitness played out…

Week 32 — Time to Think About Training

The view from Friday’s miles

Monday — Peloton Strength Split & Stretch. After loving last week’s Strength Split with Robin, I decided to try another program, this time with Callie. Day 1 was 45 mins of Back, Biceps & Legs.
Tuesday — Rest day. I had a jam-packed workday so there was some much-needed stretching and not much else happening.
Wednesday — 3.1 miles & Stretch. After 6-days the heatwave finally broke! This run in light rain and upper 60s felt like heaven.

Thursday — Split training Day 2 – Chest, Shoulders & Triceps.
Friday — 3 miles, Core & Stretch.
Saturday — Split training Day 3 – Legs & Core
Sunday — 4 miles & Stretch.

Running this week felt really good – no doubt the break in the humidity and cooler mornings ushered in after Wednesday’s rain certainly helped!

In my cool weather giddiness, I signed up for the Western Mass 10. I love the 10-mile distance and there are so few around here so I jumped at the chance to register for this new race. I’ve got 12 weeks to prep, which is more than enough time, but this will help to add some extra motivation to my runs. If training goes well I may register for the Philly Half later in November or the Frosty Half Marathon in early December.

How was your week? What’s on your fall race calendar?

Filed Under: fall racing, race calendar, Weekly Run Down

Five Races I Hope to Run in 2022

February 11, 2022 by Michelle 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 Click To Tweet

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!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, race calendar

2020 Race Calendar

February 11, 2020 by Michelle 24 Comments

My 2020 race calendar is slowly starting to take shape. For those who have asked – yes there will be another marathon, but not this year. I’m looking forward to mixing up the distances more this year and having a more “relaxed” summer 😉

My race season kicks off this Sunday with the Old Fashioned 5K, and here’s what else I’m planning.

My 2020 Race Calendar

Portland 10 Miler (4/26)

Boston’s Run to Remember 5 Miler (5/24)

Newport 10 Miler (5/31)

Narragansett Summer Running Festival 10K (7/12)

Ocean Road 10K (10/4)

Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon (10/18)

Vermont 10 Miler (11/1)

Where are you racing this year? I'm sharing my 2020 race calendar and some race discounts! #BibChat #BibRavePro Click To Tweet

I’d still like to add in a couple more races, especially another half marathon in either September or November. I may just have to wait and see where I’ll be visiting colleges with my oldest and then look for a local race.

Speaking of half marathons, if you want to join me for the DFP Half in October, you can use code “BIBRAVEDET20” for 10% off the registration. And, if you are still looking for races to add to your calendar, be sure to check my list on this blog of BibRave race discounts – I’ll be updating this list periodically, so be sure to check back often.

What’s on your race calendar this year?

I’m linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up

I’m also linking with Debbie, Rachel, Deborah, Lisa,
Smitha and Jenn for the Runners’ Roundup

Filed Under: #BibRavePro, race calendar

Weekly Run Down – Catching up

November 17, 2019 by Michelle 18 Comments

Halfway through the month already!

While things have been extra quiet in my little corner of the blogosphere, the workouts have been happening, I’m making progress on my November goals, and I may have found a new obsession!

Running

With the exception of one very sluggish day, my runs over the past two weeks have been pretty good. Mother Nature has essentially pulled the plug on fall weather, so I’ve pushed most of my runs to the afternoon when it’s relatively warmer. And, given how hectic work’s been lately, the added bonus to these afternoon runs has proven to be a good stress-reliever. With the distances hovering between 3 – 5 miles, I’ve been playing with picking up the pace, and have been rewarded with a handful of negative split runs!

Orangetheory Fitness

One of my big goals for November is to focus on more cross-training so this week I finally got a chance to check out Orangetheory Fitness. And, let me just say, it was love at first workout! OTF offers first-timers a free class so I signed up for my first class on Wednesday. The theme of the class was “Power” – it was fun and challenging, and I really liked the vibe, so I was in! I followed up with my second class on Friday and can’t wait to go back next week!

Other November Goals

On my other November goals, so far it’s a bit of a mixed bag. While my plank streak is holding strong on Day 17, my eating habits are, at best, still a work in progress. And, on the race calendar planning, I’ve got my first 3 races for 2020 by registering for the New England 10 Miler Series. I love 10-mile races so I’m really looking forward to this!

So tell me, have you registered for any 2020 races yet? Ever tried Orangetheory?

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.

Filed Under: OTF, race calendar, Weekly Run Down

Summer Running Plans

June 18, 2019 by Michelle 28 Comments

Though it is clear Ma Nature has clearly not gotten the memo, summer officially kicks on Friday. While I’m usually first to ~~whine~~, er…um…express my lack of enthusiasm for summer running, I’m going to do my best to embrace the season. In fact, I’ve even got a couple of races on the calendar…I know, right?! Who am I?!

2019 Summer Running Plans

Marathon Training — Well no big surprise here! First and foremost I’ll be logging summer miles with one key goal in mind: making it to the starting line of the Chicago Marathon. When dealing with challenging situations, it always helps to remember your “why” – so when the heat and humidity become unbearable, there will be no bigger “why” for me than this one!

BAA 10K — On Sunday I’ll be lining up with my brother once again to take on the BAA 10K. This race features a nice out and back course through the heart of Boston. We ran this race together last year, but I was seriously hobbled so it was a grin-and-bear-it affair. I’m looking forward to enjoying the run this time around.

Narragansett Running Festival – Somehow I let my brother talk me into another race – this time the Narragansett Running Festival in mid-July. There are 5K, 10K, and half marathon options, plus a “Beat the Heat Challenge” which involves running a combo of either the 5K or 10K and the half marathon on back-to-back days. While I haven’t officially registered yet, I’ll more than likely join my brother for the 10K. I’m hoping we can turn it into a family affair as my oldest son and husband are also thinking of running. There will be music and beer, and it’s a 20-minute drive from my house…so really, what’s not to love?

An August race, too? — I’m toying with the idea of going for the trifecta and running a race in August as well. While there is, of course, no shortage of 5Ks, I am intrigued by a race called Triple Threat. The Triple Threat features a 1-mile, 5K, and half marathon, with the choice of running one race or all three, back-to-back-to-back for 17.2 glorious miles along the beautiful coast of Cape Ann. I’ll have to check in with Coach Marc and see where I am with my training plan, but it could be a more interesting way to get a long run in. Plus, race day happens to fall on my birthday – a fun (or insane) way to kick off another trip around the sun!

Any races on your summer calendar? Do you use races to break up marathon training?

I’m linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

Filed Under: marathon training, race calendar, Summer running, Tuesday Topics

PT Update and Swapping Races

October 15, 2018 by Michelle 28 Comments

Happy Monday!

Well, I swear I blinked and the weekend went by! After last week where Mother Nature seemed confused over what season it was (80 degrees at one point then crashing back to the 40s at another), I’m hoping for some consistency this week in that fall weather that I love.

Between the crazy temperature roller coaster ride, a fair amount of rain, and a hectic work schedule, it was a little hard to find a rhythm last week. Somehow I managed to eek out 3 runs, 2 days of strength training, and a nice power walk catching up with a friend — I’ll take it!

PT Update & Swapping Races

I also managed to catch up with my PT Abby. It’s the first time I’ve had a chance to see her since the Ocean Road 10K so it was good to be able to fill her in and talk about next steps. While I have definitely made progress, the suspect hammy can still make running a challenge, especially once I hit the 4 – 4 ½ mile window – the fact that I got to 5 ½ miles yesterday was a big win in my book!

Of course, time waits for no one and as I watch the days tick by I’ve started to question whether running the Harborside Half makes sense. My fall goal is to get a half marathon in before the year’s done and luckily, I’ve been keeping an alternative race on the back burner – the Half Merrython. It will be held on December 2 which would buy me 3 more weeks over Harborside, and, based on the revamped training plan I’ve sketched out, the extra time should allow me to comfortably get to double-digit running before race day (barring a major hammy flare up). Abby was on board with this idea and gave me a new routine to follow daily to help get me to the starting line.

So it looks the Harborside Half will have to wait for another year. Thankfully, I had held off on registration, so it looks like it’s bye bye Harborside and hello Half Merrython – now it’s time to register!

Have you ever swapped out one race for another? Has fall weather consistently arrived where you are?

I’m linking up with Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap.

And, with Erika, Marcia, and Patty for Tuesdays on the Run.

Filed Under: race calendar, Tuesdays on the Run, Weekly Wrap

Fall running plans

September 4, 2018 by Michelle 23 Comments

Ever since I made the decision back in June that I would be deferring MCM, my fall race calendar has been left wide open. And with the god-awful humidity of this summer and rehabbing my hammy, I’ve been pretty happy to keep my running fairly low-keyed.

But we’re now entering into my favorite season for running and racing and it’s almost impossible for me to miss out on all the fun and not jump into at least one or two races.

So here’s what I’m thinking…

Ocean Road 10K — features a great course running up the Rhode Island coast to Narragansett. I was eyeing this one last year but it sold out before I could pull the trigger so I didn’t wait too long to make a decision this year. And, good thing too because it did sell out again! Added bonus – my husband J will be running with me!

Reebok 10K for Women — formerly the Tufts 10K, I haven’t run this race in a long time. It’s a fun run through Boston and held on Columbus Day. Hopefully, with the school holiday, I can make this one work.

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds 10K — this is a (new to me) local race that would fit nicely into my half marathon training plan …which leads me to…

Harborside Half Marathon — I had to take a DNS on this race last year so it would be great to get a chance to run this one!

Putting a couple of races on my fall calendar! Where are you racing? #TOTR #Runchat Click To Tweet

I’m linking up with Erika, Marcia, and Patty for Tuesdays on the Run.

Where are you racing this fall?

Filed Under: fall racing, race calendar, Tuesdays on the Run

2018 Race Calendar is Taking Shape

January 30, 2018 by Michelle 14 Comments

My race calendar is slowly starting to take shape and the one thing that’s for certain, I’ll be running my favorite hometown race again this year – Boston’s Run to Remember.

Boston’s Run to Remember was my first half marathon back in 2011 and I knew even before I’d crossed the finish line that I’d be running it again (You can read that recap here). This race has everything – a scenic tour through the streets of Boston, a relatively flat course, good crowd support, enthusiastic volunteers, and a great cause. The race is put on by the Boston Police Department and the Boston Police’s Runner’s Club in honor of fallen law enforcement officers and first responders. And, I especially love how many police officers are out along the course cheering and supporting the runners. It’s held on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend, which can make this a hot one to run – and you all know what a heat weenie I can be, but I still find myself registering again and again. In the past couple of years, I’ve opted for the 5-miler but this year I’ll be running the half again.

So at the moment, my 2018 Race Calendar looks like this:

March – Black Cat 10-Miler (3

April – Portland 10 Miler

May – Boston’s Run to Remember Half

June – BAA 10K (I’m still debating – this one can be uber hot!)

July – Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago (keeping my fingers crossed that the stars will align for this one)

September – Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half

Then there’s that fall marathon thing to figure out 😉 In case you missed it, I’m debating, MCM, Richmond, or Philly for my first full – you can check out that debate here.

I’m also holding out hope for Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio in December, but I’ll have to see how family schedules line up. And speaking of Rock ‘n’ Roll – if you want to join me be sure to use code RNRRNB2018 to save $15 when you register for either a half or full marathon.

Looking forward to running these races in 2018! Will I see you at the start line? #runchat #rocknblog Click To Tweet

I’m linking up with Erika, Marcia, and Patty for Tuesdays on the Run – this week’s topic is favorite hometown races.

I’m also joining Deb’s Race Link Up, which is a great way to find others for race meet-ups.

Where are you running this year?

Filed Under: Boston's Run to Remember, race calendar, Tuesdays on the Run

5 tips for planning your 2018 race calendar

December 15, 2017 by Michelle 32 Comments

So many races and so little time! Does Anyone else feel this way?

With just weeks to go until the new year, have you started mapping out your race schedule? Today I’m sharing a few tips for planning your 2018 race calendar.

Start with your goal race — Do you have one big goal race for the year? Typically, I’ve picked a goal half marathon for the spring and another for the fall. Once you get the key race or races figured out, you can fill in from there, adding tune-up races or other shorter distance events that could line-up nicely with your training plans.

Think about your training preferences — Do you loathe the idea of heavy mileage in the summer heat? Then perhaps an October race is not for you. Not a fan of winter running or having to log long miles on the ‘mill to avoid snow…then maybe you want to pass on those early spring races.

Consider all impact events — Family/friends weddings, major school events for the kids, etc. You’ll want to make sure you don’t pick your goal race for the same weekend as a major family gathering (I’ve already got Columbus Day weekend blocked off for my nephew’s wedding). Or, perhaps you don’t want to be at the peak of marathon training on a weekend you need to be out of town.

Let’s talk budget — We all know race registrations can get pricey so, of course, your budget has to be part of the planning process. Are you hoping to do some traveling next year or are you staying local? Going big or sticking with smaller, more affordable races? Keeping an eye out for race discount codes and great airline and hotel deals can help defray the costs of a racecation, but planning well in advance is key. Early registration will always save you some cash, so the earlier you can commit the better.

Know your body — It can be pretty easy to get caught up in race fever and want to “run all the races” – especially when it feels like everyone you follow on social media is running a particular race. But it is important to know your body and factor in the downtime it needs. Breaks from racing and training are important to keep you from burning out both mentally and physically – so plan accordingly.

Planning tips for your 2018 race calendar #runchat #bibchat #running Click To Tweet

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