Five Things Over October Coffee

October 3, 2025 by 12 Comments

It’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday – and what better way to kick off a weekend than with a little coffee catch-up with friends?

I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date, so grab a mug, and let’s chat!

Five things Over October Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you how happy I am that October has arrived – it is probably one of my favorite months! I love all things fall – apple picking, leaf-peeping, hiking, and afternoon football games. October is also my anniversary month – my husband and I will be celebrating 33 years!

Over coffee, I’d tell you that after some glorious fall weather in September, Mother Nature’s now playing a game of bait and switch with the weather as the forecast is showing temps in the 80s for this weekend and most of next week. C’mon – I’m ready for sweaters and boots already!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m amazed at how well the roses continue to thrive in my garden. I don’t ever remember having so many blooms so late in the season – perhaps the upside of this crazy weather pattern.

Over coffee, I would share a puppy update: Ryker is now 8 months and approaching 75 lbs with no signs of slowing down! He’s a crazy bundle of energy and still pulls like crazy on the leash, which makes walking him quite the adventure. He’s also the biggest snuggler – he’s been such a fun addition to our household.

Catching up in size to his big brother!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m looking forward to a pretty packed calendar this month – lots of plans to catch up with friends over lunches, dinners and coffee. I’m also super excited to finally see Hamilton performed live!

Now I’d tell you that my cup is empty and I need a refill. So your turn, what would you tell me over coffee?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please remember to share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts’ posts!


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, general musings, Ultimate coffee date

My Ode to Long Runs

March 8, 2022 by 24 Comments

(Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2012.)

Long Runs…

….at times, a confidence booster,
and other times…..an ego crusher

….show you how far you’ve come,
or how much farther you need to go

….a chance for mental cleansing,
or a time for “chatter brain” to be unleashed

….time to connect with running buddies,
or much needed “me” time

….done just as the sun is rising,
or chasing the sun to bed

….allow you to shed all the roles you wear in life,
except for one….runner.

Which do you prefer, short or long runs?

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

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Filed Under: general musings, long runs, Tuesday Topics

5 Things You May Not Know About Me

April 23, 2021 by 32 Comments

While I have been at this blogging thing for a while…(believe it or not it will be 11 years next week) there still might be a few things you do not know about me. So, I thought it might be fun just to share a few random facts about me.

Five Things You May Not Know About Me

Rugby — I joined the women’s rugby team my freshman year in college after one of my male floormates made fun of one of the women in our freshman unit who made mentioned she was thinking of going out for the team. Long story short, I came to her defense, there was a dare involved, I went to tryouts with her – she didn’t last, I loved it! I was even Captain of the team my Junior year. Still love the sport and watch it every chance I get!

Broken bones — I’ve never had a broken bone…gotcha, I’m sure you thought with rugby this was a given.

Country music  — My taste in music is pretty broad as evidenced by some of my run playlists, but the one thing I have absolutely no stomach for is country music. Can. not. stand. it.

Planner fanatic — I love quality stationery and planner supplies, and I’m a sucker for a pretty journal. You could say I’m a bit obsessed.

Tequila — I love a good tequila…and I’m not talking shots, but a good sipping tequila. (I’m also a big fan of margaritas and am still trying to perfect my recipe).

OK, your turn – tell me one fun fact about you.

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! Who’s ready for some fun?

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, general musings

It’s time for April coffee

April 7, 2018 by 13 Comments

As we ease into a new month, this is the perfect time to settle in and catch up over coffee. I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date, so grab a mug of your fave hot beverage and let’s chat.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that it’s deja vu all over again. Just like March’s coffee date I cannot believe that I’m still dealing with snow. We got hit with a freak storm yesterday that made visibility on the roads tough and more is expected on Tuesday. I can’t whine about this winter anymore so I’ll just move on…

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that once the weather does settle down I cannot wait to get out in my garden and get planting. I have two gardens around my house (one sun and one shade) and they are both in need of some redesign – removing old plants that are past their blooming prime and relocating others that have gotten too big. I’ve been pouring over garden catalogs and sketching out some new layouts, and I’m itching to get started!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’ve just finished reading The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod (Affiliate link) and my curiosity is peaked. Elrod’s premise is that by intentionally managing your routine during the first hour of the day you can set the stage for success across many areas of your life. He provides guides on how to do this and elements he recommends be part of your routine. I’m going to try his 30 day challenge, and have wrangled my husband into joining me.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that lacrosse season officially kicks off in my house this weekend as both boys have their first games! With both boys playing across 3 teams, we’ve got a lot of games on the calendar over the next couple of months. This is always a crazy hectic time of year for us, but I love that this is a sport our whole family enjoys!

What would you tell me over coffee? 

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Filed Under: gardening, general musings, Lacrosse, Ultimate coffee date

May 2017 Coffee Date

May 6, 2017 by 23 Comments

It’s the first Saturday of the month, so of course, that means it’s time for catching up over coffee! Thanks to Coco and Deborah for hosting the Ultimate Coffee Date link-up.  Grab a mug and join me!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I cannot believe how fast our new pup is growing! He weighed in at just over 26 pounds at last week’s vet appointment, gaining 8 pounds in 2 weeks! Everyone who sees him comments on the size of his paws – he’s gonna be a big boy I think.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I think I’ve finally got all the camps and various activities figured out for my boys for the summer. I even have the pup’s trainer lined up to start in July. Now if I can just figure out a vacation spot for August that will take dogs. Any suggestions?

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my latest snack addiction is Turmeric Pepitas. These things are seriously addictive! I found them in Run Fast, Eat Slow (affiliate link) and it’s become an instant favorite.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m heading to a Chi Running clinic this morning. I did a one-on-one session with a Chi Running coach 6 years ago when I wanted to make the transition from heel strike to forefoot strike. My chiro and I are convinced there’s something that’s gone awry with my gait, so when the opportunity to join this clinic came up I jumped on it.

Now I should get moving – got a busy day ahead!

What would you tell me over coffee?

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Filed Under: ChiRunning, general musings, Ultimate coffee date

Earn that Shirt!

March 22, 2016 by 7 Comments

So the lovely ladies of Tuesdays on the Run linkup (that would be Marcia, Erika and Patty) are asking an age-old question this week – Do you race in the race shirt or not?

Race shirts

              Just a few from the growing collection

I’m not a judgmental person when it comes to race day – hey if you’re out there I applaud you for putting in the time, showing up and toeing the line! Wear what you want to wear and good luck to you!

However, I have to admit that the minute I saw this race shirt question I had an immediate reaction – you’ve got to earn that shirt! Since my very race – a local 5K…cotton shirt (don’t even get me started on wearing cotton to run under any circumstances!) –  I’ve wanted to do the distance before donning the shirt.

If I choose to wear the shirt at all, it’s usually later that same day (post-shower of course) or the next day – Of course there are some shirts that I never bother with because a lot of races still go with unisex sizing and those shirts are always too big. I beg all race directors to recognize that there are more women running races than men – embrace the women’s cut t-shirt!…but I digress.

So tell me: To race or not to race in the shirt – which do you do?

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Filed Under: general musings, Tuesdays on the Run

Recovery – Week 1 Done!

October 13, 2015 by 16 Comments

Keep Calm Injury

Hi all! Just a quick check-in from my couch.

Hard to believe it’s already been a week since the surgery. I’m happy to say that things went well, I had great nurses and was sprung and home by Thursday afternoon.

Since then, I’ve been developing a mean game of Mario Kart vs. my son, moving from a shuffle to a walk….and resting as much as my body demands.

Of course the real trick will be in keep “resting” from turning into “restless” – but at least for now, my recovery is off to a good start 🙂

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Filed Under: general musings, listening to your body

Running Pet Peeves

September 8, 2015 by 13 Comments

Erika, Patty and April are inviting us to dish on some of our running pet peeves for this week’s Tuesdays on the Run. From sidewalk hogs to clueless drivers, you know you’ve got one or two 🙂 Here are some of mine:

pet-peeves

Runners who don’t acknowledge — I get that we all have moments where we’re pushing hard and are in the zone, but really is it so hard to raise a hand, nod, etc. when another runner greets you?

Rolling through right on red — I have had one too many close calls with drivers who come rolling through a red light to make a right turn without looking.

Waiting for a satellite — I’ve mentioned more than once lately that my Forerunner 10 is bumming me out lately with it’s inability to find a satellite. It can be frustrating to be ready to run and your watch is not! (I’ve been trying to use the time productively by getting in some dynamic stretches.)

Being told by non-runners that I should stop running — After running for 5 years, I’m still amazed by the number of non-runners who are quick to tell me that running is bad for my knees, back, etc. Really? I would never imagine sharing unsolicited advice about a sport that someone is clearly passionate about, would you?

Treadmill grunting — You knew I’d include a gym crazy here 🙂 My new fave at the gym is a treadmill grunter. Again, I have much respect for putting in a hard effort, but if I can hear you over my music….

What are some of your running pet peeves?

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Filed Under: general musings, pet peeves, Tuesdays on the Run

Thursday Thoughts v6

August 13, 2015 by 8 Comments

Nope, I have not dropped off the face of the earth…I have been knee-deep in prepping for two major events for my job this weekend. My schedule lately has left me with many thoughts circulating in my head but nothing cohesive. So much randomness, so little time….so here come some Thursday Thoughts…

….I am giddy that my oldest son is coming home from camp tomorrow! What’s been so sweet is watching my youngest count down these final days. Let’s home this brotherly love holds on after they’re both back under one roof!

….I’ve recently discovered that Real Housewives of NY really helps to pass the time on the treadmill. Honestly, it’s a bit addictive (file this one under guilty pleasure)

Danielle Chips…. And speaking of addictive, my new fave snack addiction are Danielle pineapple chips. I love, love, love pineapple and these chips are way too tasty. I may need an intervention!

…. I’m Cape Cod bound this weekend, and while there will be some work involved, I am really looking forward to finally getting some beach time with the family 🙂

I’m linking up again with Amanda from Running with Spoons for Thinking Out Loud Thursdays. Thinking-Out-Loud2

By the way, Amanda recently posted a recipe for flourless white chocolate blueberry muffins that looks amazing – can’t wait to make them!

What’s your latest snack addiction? Guilty TV pleasure?

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Filed Under: general musings, Thursday Thoughts

My Mom the Runner

July 19, 2015 by 10 Comments

I recently saw this fun questionnaire on both Angela‘s and Sue’s  blogs giving a kid’s perspective on life with a mother runner. I thought it would be fun to play along and luckily my youngest son was game (Son #1 continues to enjoy life at sleep-away camp!)

level of crazy

1. What does mom eat before a run?

“I don’t know cause I don’t see you before your runs…maybe a protein bar?” No, but a good guess.

2. How far does mom run everyday?

“20 – 26 miles.” — Seriously who does he think I am?!

3. What was mom’s favorite race?

“The B.A.A. Half.” — He clearly doesn’t remember that I was injured going into this race and limped my way through it.

4. Why do you think your mom runs?

“Just to run!” — That made me laugh!

5. What injuries has mom had from running?

“Not sure…a knee injury or something.” — I like the “or something.”

6. Do you like going to mom’s races?

“Yes cause it’s fun to cheer you on!” — Aww, best answer!

7. Have you learned anything from having a mom who runs?

“Not that much…well maybe something about running.”– hmmm…

8. Does having a mom who runs make you want to run?

“Yep makes me want to run with you, but I don’t want to race.” — Interesting since he’s been talking about running a 5K?!

9. What’s your least favorite thing about having a mom who runs?

“That you run too much!” — Well sure he thinks I run too much, he also thinks I run 20 miles a day!

10. Do you think you’ll run when you are your mom’s age? And how old do you think your mom is?

“I don’t think I’ll be running at 48, but I think I’ll be playing in a men’s lacrosse league like dad.” — I knew he’d get the age right…I also could have guessed the rest of his answer. I live in a lax-obsessed household!

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Filed Under: general musings, kids