Hip Surgery Runfessions

February 28, 2025 by 11 Comments

It’s crazy to think that I’m already on Day 10 post-op! What a wild ride this has been. So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m linking up with Marcia to share a few surgery-related Runfessions.

Hip Surgery Runfessions

Given how much better my hip feels, I runfess that I wish I hadn’t waited so long to have the surgery. I also runfess that I wish someone had warned me of how painful muscle spasms can be – whew! Thankfully I think the worse of it has passed.

While I was initially a little disappointed that my surgeon was not of the “go home the same day” club, I runfess that I am truly grateful for the extra nursing attention I received during my one-night stay in the hospital.

I runfess that the recovery process can be humbling. While I didn’t expect to be “back to normal” right off the bat, it has been humbling to have to rely on others for some of the basics (hello putting socks on or driving anywhere). I am quickly learning how to MacGyver most situations. (Please tell me that you get that reference, or am I dating myself LOL).

I runfess that I’m actually looking forward to starting out-of-home PT. I’ve been working with a therapist in-home, and while she’s very nice, the sessions are beyond tedious. Will regular PT be wildly exciting – probably not, but there will be more equipment and a change of scenary is always good, right?

Have you ever had surgery? What would you runfess?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Techer 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!

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions, Total Hip Replacement

Catching Up Over February Coffee

February 7, 2025 by 22 Comments

There may only be 28 days in February but it is shaping up to be a busy month for me! For this week’s Fit Five Friday I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So grab a mug and let’s catch up!

Catching Up Over February Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m scheduled for hip replacement surgery in a couple of weeks! If you’ve been around here for a bit then you know I have tried all the things to help with my right hip issue, but nothing has worked and the arthritis has significantly worsened. My ortho connected me with a great surgeon who’s supportive of the idea of me eventually returning to running – first and foremost I’m just looking forward to much more pain-free mobility!

Over coffee, I would also share my other big news – I’m wrapping up my job and taking a much needed break! I can’t get into all of the details, suffice it to say that the nonprofit I was working for ran into some funding difficulties and the decision was made that it would merge with a bigger affiliate. I did start the job search process and had two very promising opportunities, but I quickly came to the conclusion that what I really wanted was some much needed time off!  I’m very fortunate to have this kind of flexibility and I’m sure that I won’t be idle for too long…but for now, I’m semi-retired 🙂

OK, 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 Techer 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!


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, hip replacement, Ultimate coffee date

January ’25 Runfessions

January 31, 2025 by 18 Comments

It’s the last Friday of the month, which means for this week’s Fit Five Friday I’m joining Marcia as she invites us all to share a few runfessions before we start the new month.

January ’25 Runfessions

I runfess that this month has felt hella long! Is this a preview for what 2025 has to offer? I’m struggling to find a balance between staying informed and protecting my sanity.

I’ve seen multiple versions of this meme lately so I’m sensing I’m not alone in how I’m feeling!

I runfess that in an effort to protect my peace, I’ve taken a step back from social media in the past few weeks. I haven’t had much interest in posting and I’m taking some time to “curate” my feed – unfollowing and/or muting can be good for the soul!

Any runfessions to share? 

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Techer 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!


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

Five Reasons to Strengthen Your Core

January 24, 2025 by 12 Comments

One of my goals for January is to get back to doing consistent core work. While many may equate “core” with 6-pack abs, a strong core is really about much more than the aesthetics of flat abs. Your core is actually a whole series of muscles including pelvic floor muscles, diaphragm, internal and external obliques, transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, multifidus, erector spinae, and glutes. This complex set of muscles are your body’s powerhouse and key to all movement.

So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing five reasons to focus on strengthening your core. (This post was originally published in August, 2021 and has been updated).

Five Reasons to Strengthen Your Core

Enhanced stability and balance — When you strengthen your core, you engage the pelvis, lower back, and hips to work in better coordination, providing both balance and stability, and minimizing the risk of falling.

Improved running efficiency — In addition to enhanced stability and balance, when these muscles are moving smoothly in sync, you expend less energy, which can help your running efficiency.

Improved posture — Strong core muscles stabilize the torso, and help you to remain upright. Maintaining good posture, in turn, reduces strain on both your muscles and joints and can be especially important for runners in the later stages of a race or long run, when fatigue sets in and running form may start to suffer.

Reduced risk of back injuries — Without a strong core, you are asking your back to work harder to support your body, which can lead to muscle strain and back pain.

Everyday movement — From carrying groceries to pulling weeds in the garden, having a strong core makes bending, lifting, twisting, and reaching overhead easier.

Do you make core work a consistent part of your workout routine? 

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Techer 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!


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, core work

Five Tips to Avoid Quitter’s Day

January 10, 2025 by 10 Comments

Did you know that the second Friday in January has earned the dubious title of “Quitter’s Day”? According to various research, by the second Friday in January, between 70-80% of people who make resolutions have started to give up on them.

Of course, with the right mindset and strategies, you can keep your fitness goals alive all year long. For this week’s Fit Five Friday, here are five tips to help you stick with your goals and avoid Quitter’s Day.

Fit Five Friday: Five Tips to Avoid Quitter’s Day

Set Realistic Goals
While a goal should stretch you beyond your comfort zone, if the goal is too much of a reach it could backfire when you struggle to make progress. It’s fine to “go big” with your goals but be sure to build in smaller goals along the way so you have some wins along the way.  Success breeds motivation!

Make It Personal
Your goals should reflect your interests – not what others are doing. Whether it’s running, yoga, weightlifting, or dance, pick something you enjoy. If you’re chasing a goal because others are doing it/have done it and you feel like you “should” then you’re not setting yourself up for success.

Find Your Why
So what is your Why? When chasing your goals gets tough you need to remember why you’re doing this – Is it to feel stronger, have more energy, clock that PR, or set an example for your kids? When motivation wanes (and it will!), reconnecting with your “why” can give you the push you need to keep going.

Make a Plan
Dreams need structure! Map out your workouts for the week and schedule them like you would any important appointment. When you’re facing multiple demands on your time (work, family, and other personal commitments), it can be tough to find time for your workouts.  Scheduling your workouts as you would any other meeting or obligation is key to ensuring that you have the time you need to make consistent progress toward your goals.

Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Fitness is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate every win, no matter how small—whether it’s showing up for a workout, hitting a personal best, or simply feeling better. Recognizing progress helps build momentum and keeps you inspired to continue.

How do you make sure you stay on track with your goals?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Techer 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!

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, goals, motivation, tips

One Word for 2025

January 7, 2025 by 8 Comments

I really enjoy the practice of picking one word as a theme for the year. And, though I’ll be the first to admit that some years I do better holding to the theme than other years (I’m looking at you 2020 and 2024!), I have found that my one word usually serves as a great anchor for my goals and intentions for the year.

For this week’s Tuesday Topics link-up, Jenn and Zenaida are inviting everyone to share their word for the year. I love to see the words others have selected, so after reading here, be sure to check out what others are sharing!

One Word for 2025

 

Nourish encourages the focus on growth, healing and self-care. As I think of the year ahead and where I want to put my energy, I want to invest in that which will nourish my mind, body and spirit….and let a lot of other ish go!

Do you pick a word for the year?

 

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Filed Under: one word, Tuesday Topics

Coffee Catch Up for the New Year

January 3, 2025 by 20 Comments

Happy 2025 – I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday season!

I’m kicking off the first Fit Five Friday of 2025 by linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So grab a mug and let’s chat.

Coffee Catch Up for the New Year

Over coffee, I would tell you that while I was missing my mom terribly, I did mange to enjoy the holidays more than I expected. There were lazy days, big meals and lots of family time. Maybe there’s something to be said for letting go of expectations and just taking the days as they come.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m looking forward to us setting up our home gym this month. As we wrapped up the renovation last year, one outstanding item was that we needed steps to connect the old basement to the new section that will house the gym. Well now that the steps are in place, and things are quieting down post-holidays it’s the perfect time to turn our attention to this project.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m excited to be back with Jenn, Darlene, Renee and Zenaida for another year of the Fit Five Friday link up! We’ve got some fun topics lined up in addition to joining in for Coffee and Runfessions. Of course, you’re always welcome to write about any fitness/wellness topic you’d like. We hope you’ll join us!

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 Techer 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!

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Final Runfessions for 2024

December 27, 2024 by 6 Comments

It is crazy to think that we are in the final days of this year!  For this last Fit Five Friday of 2024, I’m linking up with Marcia has to share a couple of final runfessions before we turn the page to a new year.

Final Runfessions for 2024 

I runfess that I’m growing tired of doctors with no answers. Yes that’s my way of telling you I’m still no closer to running!

Actually, I runfess that my goal at this point isn’t even running – I’d just like to be able to power walk for a decent distance without pain.

I runfess that it is much easier to not be running while there’s ice on the ground and frigid temps. I’m happy leaning into strength training during the winter months.

That being said, I runfess that not giving up yet…I have an EMG test scheduled along with an appointment with another orthopedic specialist in January. Onwards!

What’s the longest you’ve gone without running?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Techer 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!


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, injuries, Runfessions

Smith Seeker Sunglasses Review

December 13, 2024 by 6 Comments

I’m a big fan of sunglasses – they are must-wear gear for me! So when I was offered the opportunity to try out a pair of Smith’s Seeker sunglasses, I was certainly interested. I’ve now had the chance to wear them for a bit and for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m excited to share my thoughts.

Disclaimer: I received the Smith sunglasses in exchange for a review.  All opinions, as always, are my own.

Smith Seeker Sunglasses Review

Comfort and Fit

From the moment I put them on, the Seeker sunglasses impressed me with their comfort. Thanks to the Megol temple and nose pads, these glasses provide a secure, non-slip grip that keeps them firmly in place—even during longer wear sessions. They’re lightweight enough to forget you’re wearing them, yet snug enough to stay put, making them a great option for active days.

Still comfy after a day out and about for the day!

Lens Performance

One of the standout features of the Seeker sunglasses is Smith’s proprietary ChromaPop™ lens technology. This tech delivers exceptional color clarity and enhances object definition, making it easier to spot changes in terrain, road signs, or other details in your environment. I’ve tested them in a variety of lighting conditions—from bright sunny days to overcast afternoons—and the lenses performed beautifully, offering crisp, distortion-free views.

Versatility and Design

While I haven’t tested them on a run yet, the Seekers have become my go-to for daily walks and errands around town. The subtle side shields are a nice addition, effectively blocking out unwanted side light and dust. This feature, combined with their Megol non-slip grip, makes them a fantastic choice for runners, walkers, and cyclists navigating changing environments.

Smith also included some practical accessories – the sunglasses come with a convenient rolltop buckle pouch, which includes a built-in microfiber cloth, making storage and cleaning a breeze. Additionally, they come with a paracord leash if you want added security against accidental drops.

Final Thoughts

Smith’s Seeker Sunglasses deliver on both style and substance. Thanks to their ChromaPop™ technology, lightweight design, and thoughtful features like Megol non-slip grips, side shields, and the paracord leash, these sunglasses are a a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re out for a run, a hike, or just running errands, they provide exceptional clarity and comfort without compromising on style.

Are sunglasses on your must-have list?  What feature is most important to you?

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! 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!

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, product reviews

Last Coffee Catch Up for 2024

December 6, 2024 by 22 Comments

Now that we’ve hit December, it will feel like a mad sprint to the end of the year! I’m trying to do my best to slow down, to make time to relax and to connect with family and friends.  In fact I have lunch plans with a friend later, but first, for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m connectingwith Coco, Deborah, and you for the last Ultimate Coffee Date of the year! So grab a mug and let’s chat.

Last Coffee Catch Up for 2024

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m looking forward to getting our Christmas tree this afternoon. After being under construction last year at this time, I’m really looking forward to decorating this weekend!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m once again participating in the #3for31 Challenge. This is one of my favorite challenges hosted by Peloton instructor Robin. The goal is to run or walk 3 miles or move 30 minutes daily in December. I like having this little extra nudge to make sure that I don’t slack off due to holiday stress and end-of-year overwhelm!

I’ll be heading out later this morning for today’s installment!

Over coffee, I would tell you that just as my husband and I were talking about eliminating our Peacock subscription – we got it for the extra Olympics coverage – we’re now hooked on the new series The Day of the Jackal. It’s a great thriller starring Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch and feels more like a movie vs. a TV series. I guess we won’t be purging Peacock any time soon.

Are you streaming anything good lately? If you celebrate, have you started your Christmas decorating?

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! 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!

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Filed Under: #3for31, #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date