Coffee Date – No April Foolin’

April 1, 2017 by 25 Comments

Nothing better then a chance to slow down and catch up over a mug of coffee (or tea if you prefer). So I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the monthly Coffee Date. Settle in, grab a comfy chair, and let’s chat a little, shall we?

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m just not enjoying Mother Nature’s little weather joke! After an unusually “warm” February, March proved to be colder than any month this winter – what’s up with that?!?


If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that believe it or not hockey is still alive in my house! You may remember the last time we got together for coffee I was looking forward to wrapping up the hockey season. Well, who knew that our team would start playing inspired hockey in the playoffs! We finally head to the championship game late this afternoon.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m so excited to volunteering at the Boston Marathon again! I’ll be returning to the finish line area, which was a blast last year. Can. not. wait!


If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that we’re getting a puppy! After losing our beloved German Shepherd last June, it didn’t take long for our family to decide we wanted to get another dog. We knew we wanted another Shepherd but decided to get a sable this time.

So what would you tell me over coffee?

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Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date

March Coffee Date

March 4, 2017 by 25 Comments

Please tell me I’m not the only one who feels like we’re moving at a breakneck pace through these first couple of month of 2017?!

Well, I’m always happy to take a little time out to catch up over coffee, so I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that, I’m really looking forward to our family trip to NYC next weekend! Despite having to sit out this year’s NYC Half, I’m so glad we decided to stick to our plans of spending a few days in the City.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that we’re in the final stretch of my youngest son’s hockey season and I just can’t wait for it to be over. Trekking all over heaven and earth to stand in sub-zero arenas always wears thin on me by this point in the season (I’m mean seriously, we’ve been at it since the end of August!) Luckily the playoffs are in sight.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my favorite new app is the Calm meditation app. I actually downloaded this app a while ago, but am now getting around to using it regularly. I’ve written about how much I think meditation helps me, and I think for anyone interested, this app would be a great way to get started.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I finally got a copy of Run Fast. Eat Slow. (affiliate link) I feel like I’ve seen this book everywhere! I was flipping through it last night and already have a bunch of recipes I want to try, including the infamous Superhero Muffins.

Have you tried any recipes from this book?

What would you tell me over coffee?

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Filed Under: meditation, Ultimate coffee date

First coffee date of 2017!

January 7, 2017 by 24 Comments

Nothing better on a cold winter morning than catching up with friends over a big mug of coffee. Thanks to Coco and Deborah for hosting the Ultimate Coffee Date!

The Ultimate Coffee Date

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that, despite dealing with a nasty cold, I have kept up with the Winter Challenge this week (the goal is to run or walk at least a mile outdoors each day during January).  I’m part of a team from Black Girls Run, and we’ve been having fun cheering each other on – such a positive and motivating group!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m still all over the place on trying to figure out my race calendar. I continue to waiver between staying local  vs. the lure of destination races. I think I have the first half of the year figured out, but the fall is really up for grabs.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that one of my big goals for this year is to reorganize/refresh my house. In some rooms, it’s time for fresh paint or new curtains…maybe a new couch in the family room. And then there’s our office, which needs a complete overhaul. So I’ve been scanning Pinterest, collecting paint samples, and my husband is bracing himself for the storm that’s about to come 🙂

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that we are bracing for a snowstorm due to hit this afternoon. I’m dreading facing the madness that always ensues at the grocery store – someone please tell me why the bread shelves are always picked bare? And, seriously, how much milk does one need? I can also never figure out the mad run on shovels they always show on the local news – don’t people still have last year’s shovel?

So what would you tell me over coffee?  Have you got your race calendar figured out?

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Filed Under: race calendar, Ultimate coffee date

Last coffee date of 2016

December 3, 2016 by 14 Comments

Believe it or not we’ve reached the last coffee date of 2016. So grab a mug of your fave beverage and join in on this fun link-up hosted by Coco and Deborah!

The Ultimate Coffee Date

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my new TV guilty pleasure is Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party. Yes that would be Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg. I can’t tell you exactly what it is about this combination, but it does put a smile on my face!

snopp-and-martha

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I signed up for the Winter Warrior Challenge – the challenge is to run or walk a mile a day for the month of January. This is the first year the challenge allows for treadmill miles, but only outdoor miles count towards prizes. My goal is to stick to the outdoors. Should be a fun way to add a little extra motivation to start 2017, and all the proceeds go to charity!

winter-challenge-2017-logo-final

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m not looking forward to trying to wrangle my sons today for a decent picture for my holiday cards. But, I need to get them done and off to Shutterfly as quickly as possible, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they smile and cooperate!

skisIf we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m looking forward to starting to decorate the house today for Christmas. We probably won’t get the tree until next week, but today is all about lights, wreaths, poinsettias, etc. If I’m feeling ambitious I may take on a project I spotted last year and paint a pair of old skis red to put my front porch. This is what I’m going for… wish me luck!

So what would you tell me over coffee?  

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Filed Under: Challenges, Christmas, Ultimate coffee date

November’s Coffee Date

November 5, 2016 by 16 Comments

It is the first Saturday of the month and time for the Ultimate Coffee Date link-up, hosted by Coco and Deborah!

The Ultimate Coffee Date

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my proud mama moment from last weekend continued yesterday as I watched my son set a new PR at the league championships and finish his cross country season strong! We’re talking about running a 5 miler together this winter…time for me to work on my speed 😉

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m getting so excited for Vegas! I’ve never been and I know part of the challenge for me will be to not try to run around and see and do “all the things”.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’d really like to get a new sports watch and have no idea which direction to go. I love the look of the Fitbit Blaze, but does it have all of the features I need/want? On the Garmin side, I’ve been eyeing the Forerunner 235 – not as “fashionable” but not bad.

watches

courtesy of specout.com

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that 2017 race planning is underway. Travel vs. staying local?  Which distances…half marathons? 10-milers? 10Ks? Repeat races or new ones? And, how many? So many options  – I love when the year is wide open and full of possibilities!

So what would you tell me over coffee?  Any watch recommendations? Have you started race planning?

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Filed Under: race shopping, Ultimate coffee date

Ultimate Coffee Date – October 2016

October 1, 2016 by 18 Comments

It is the first Saturday of the month so, of course, that means it’s time for another edition of the Ultimate Coffee Date link-up, hosted by Coco and Deborah. When you’re done here, be sure to check out what the other ladies are dishing about.

The Ultimate Coffee Date

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that October is one of my favorite months of the year. I feel like this is when fall really comes to life – the days are cooler, the leaves turn colors, and its time break out boots and sweaters. Confession I bought a great pair of boots last week that I’m dying to wear 😉 I’m looking forward to apple picking, hiking, celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary, and more fall racing!

october

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m also really looking forward to taking the whole family with me to NYC next weekend for RnR Brooklyn. I lived in NYC for 7 years, and haven’t been back in ages. There’s so much I want to see and do…how am I going to fit it all in?!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that cannot believe that a year ago this time I hadn’t been running for almost two months and was preparing for major surgery. And now, I’m days away from half marathon #11 – what a difference a year makes!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m also so excited to have booked my flights and hotel for Vegas next month! It’s 6 weeks away (yes I’m counting!) – use code ROCKATTITUDE and join me!

So what would you tell me over coffee?  

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Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date

Ultimate Coffee – Labor Day Edition

September 3, 2016 by 14 Comments

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

My long run is done and I’m very happy to kick back on my deck and enjoy an iced coffee. It is the first Saturday of the month so, of course, that means it’s time for another edition of the Ultimate Coffee Date link-up, hosted by Coco and Deborah. When you’re done here, be sure to check out what the other ladies are dishing about.

The Ultimate Coffee Date

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that while training has been going fairly well, after looking at my fall race plans with the RC coaches, we’ve decided to make RnR Brooklyn my goal race instead of RnR Philly. Gives me the chance to use Philly as a tune up which feels right to me, especially since it’s been 2 years since I’ve run a half.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my boys start school next week and I’m excited for all the madness to come! My oldest will be starting high school and my “baby” will be heading into 5th grade. Someone please make the clock slow down!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that while I love the start of school as an opportunity to reset for the fall, I’m nervous about how I’m going to fit in these final high mileage weeks of training. Hello o’dark thirty!

Bugs in the am

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m in the market for a new laptop. My current one has decided it doesn’t want to type the letter “e” any more. Seriously, I have to practically bang on the key. You never realize how many words have the letter “e” until something like this. The laptop has been showing it’s age for a while, but this is the final straw! Any suggestions?

So what would you tell me over coffee?  What have you got planned for this long weekend?

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Filed Under: back to school, training, Ultimate coffee date

Ultimate Coffee Date – July 4th Weekend Edition

July 2, 2016 by 18 Comments

Hello July!

Can you believe it’s the 4th of July weekend?! Grab your favorite beverage settle in for another edition of the Ultimate Coffee Date. I’m joining Coco, Lynda and Deborah for this fun link-up! When you’re done here, be sure to check out what the other ladies are dishing about.

icedcoffee july
If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you we are finally slipping into summer mode around the RWA household. Both boys have started their camps, dinners on the deck have commenced, the grill is in steady use, and in general the pace of things has s-lo-w-e-d down. Thank goodness 🙂

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m loving the fact that my oldest, who’s away again at overnight camp, decided to send his first letter home to his younger brother! Just made my heart smile!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that that, while the humidity has been oppresive, summer running is off to a good start. After some consultation with my friend Tina, I signed on to train with RunnersConnect. I’ve been working with them since the begining of June and so far have really been enjoying both the community and the coaching.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my husband, youngest son and I will all be running the Finish at the 50 at Gillette Stadium tomorrow – they will be running the 5K (my son’s first!), while I’m doing the 10K. With the expected heat, I’ll be treating this as a training run. The race is always fun and there’s a great fireworks display afterwards.

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So what would you tell me over coffee?  What have you got planned for this long weekend?

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Filed Under: Finish at the 50, summer mode, Ultimate coffee date

Ultimate Coffee – May 2016

May 7, 2016 by 20 Comments

It’s the first Saturday of the month, and time for the Ultimate Coffee Date. As always, a big thanks to Coco, Lynda and Deborah for hosting! When you’re done here, be sure to check out the link-up and see what the other ladies are dishing about.

The Ultimate Coffee Date
If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m back on my kick to catch up with a friend every week. I started this goal back in March, and managed to finagle lunch/dinner/coffee or something with a friend each week. While I’d hope to keep the streak going in April, I missed out on a couple of weeks. But I’ve already kicked off May with a long-overdue dinner this week with an old college friend, and am determined to make time for more connecting this month.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that speaking of connecting, I’ll be stepping out of my comfort zone this month to participate in some group runs. I’ve never run with a group for fear of being “the slow one,” but I would really like to connect with more local runners so I’m going to give it shot.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m itching to put together a new playlist, and ask you to share your current favorite running tunes.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that it blows my mind that in just 4 short weeks there will be a high schooler in my house! Really how did that happen?! So there are final projects to wrap up, class trips to enjoy and courses to pick. My son mentioned switching from Spanish to Chinese, and I’m thinking I may need to invest in Rosetta Stone just to keep up 😉

Rosetta Stone

Is this in my future?

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my Mother’s Day plan includes sleeping in (if I get to anything post 8 o’clock, it’s a win!), cheering my boys on in Lacrosse (of course!), and, hopefully, a little running. J and the boys will also be cooking one of my fave dishes, Greek-style Shrimp, for dinner.

So what would you tell me over coffee?  Happy Mother’s Day to all my fellow mother runners!

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Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date

April’s Ultimate Coffee Date

April 2, 2016 by 16 Comments

The Ultimate Coffee Date

It’s the first Saturday of the month, and you know what that means…it’s time for the Ultimate Coffee Date. Thanks to Coco, Lynda and Deborah, as always, for hosting! Be sure to check out the link-up and see what the other ladies are dishing about.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m joining for coffee a little later than usual this morning because I just couldn’t get my face out of my pillow for my run. It was not a great night of sleep and I kept hitting the snooze. Unfortunately, by the time I got going the rain was seriously threatening, and by the first half mile, the skies opened up. Soaked, but run’s done 🙂

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m doing a little happy dance this morning because hockey season is finally ending today! (cue the choir) The final game of the tournament is at 1:30 and then I’m free from the ice rink until August!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that despite calendar madness, I mentioned last month, that I have stuck to my goal of catching up with a friend every week this past month for lunch/dinner/something. It’s been a lot of fun and I’m hoping for a repeat in April.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m going for CPR training tomorrow. I need a refresher before volunteering at the Boston Marathon – I still can’t believe I’ll be at the finish line!

So what would you tell me over coffee?  

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Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date