Back on My Feet Running Festival Recap

September 21, 2021 by 30 Comments

Last Saturday I participated in the Back on My Feet (BOMF) Running Festival. While I have slowed down on doing virtual races this year, I’m always up for supporting a good cause.

Disclaimer: I received a free race entry as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Back on My Feet Running Festival Recap

BOMF is a great organization working to combat homelessness in 14 major cities across the U.S., including my hometown of Boston. With all the challenges of Covid, BOMF opted to host one large virtual running festival this year, instead of attempting multiple in-person events.

I liked that the Festival offered a range of distances (5K, 10K, 15K, 30K, or you could run all 4 distances) so there was something for everyone! I had originally planned on running the 15K, but my hip had other plans. When I couldn’t make the longer training runs work, I opted to swap distances. The beauty of a virtual event is that there were no restrictions to changing plans – so 10K it was!

As a perk of participating as a BibRave Pro, I received a free race t-shirt (there was a $100 fundraising minimum to receive a shirt). While I didn’t participate in the fundraising I did make a donation as this was a cause I really wanted to support.

A week before the Festival started I also received my bib, along with a GU gel, and finish line banner. I thought the finish line banner was a fun touch!

Race morning I woke up to less than ideal conditions – light rain and off-the-charts humidity. For half a second I toyed with the idea of holding off, but since I did not know how I was going to feel following Monday’s cortisone shot, I stuck with my plan. I had hoped that the rain would make for a cool, refreshing run, but unfortunately, the rain stopped shortly after mile 1 and then the humidity really cranked up. Miles 1 – 3 went by fairly quickly, but my right hip did not love the long gradual climb of mile 4.

The final stretch

I did my best to stick to my 4:1 intervals, but between the humidity and my increasingly angry hip, I was glad I had chosen to just do the 10K. On the plus side, the roads were quiet so it was a nice peaceful run. And, a huge shoutout to my husband J for being a mobile water stop and cheerleader around 4.5 miles!

Just because it’s virtual doesn’t mean you can’t run “with” friends! Cari, Deborah, and Fellow BibRave Pro Kim also took part in the Festival.

Kim, me, and Cari! Thanks to Cari for the photo skills 🙂

The only downside of the Festival for me was the lack of communication from the event organizers. Especially with it being a virtual event, I think this was a missed opportunity to create more excitement among runners — maybe even to have provided a way to connect runners in the 14 cities they operate in.

Overall, I would recommend the BOMF Running Festival and supporting this great organization addressing homelessness across the country. (The Festival is being held through Saturday, September 25th, so there’s still time to get in on the action – click here to register and use code BibRave5! to save $5 off the registration fee).

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

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

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Filed Under: #BibRavePro, #BOMFBR, race report, Runners Roundup, Tuesday Topics

Week 37 – Chasing Sleep

September 19, 2021 by 28 Comments

This was one of those weeks where my sleep cycle was way off – like wide awake at 2 or 3 am and dead tired by late afternoon. I had no trouble falling asleep, but staying asleep was a whole different story. Needless to say, there were very few early morning workouts, which also left me feeling a little off-kilter. But, I did my best to adjust – here’s a look at how the week went down.

Weekly Run Down – Week 37

Monday — Lower body strength, Core, 20 min Ride & Stretch. I didn’t really have a plan for this workout, but this combination of shorter classes worked really well, and I enjoyed the change of pace of the guided scenic ride.

Tuesday — 1-mile walk, Core & Stretch. I did not sleep well at all Monday night so I kept things short and sweet.

Wednesday — 3-mile run & Hip mobility work. There was just nothing good about this run – the humidity had come roaring back and another poor night of sleep had my legs feeling heavy and slow.

Trying to manage a smile

Thursday — Full body strength, Core, 25 min Ride (including 5 min warm-up) & Stretch. This all Robin stack was fun!

Friday — Yoga

Saturday — Back on My Feet Virtual 10K. Full recap coming later, but let me just say that Ma Nature did not play nice. While I didn’t really mind the light rain for the first couple of miles, but the humidity was just miserable.

Sunday — Walk, Core & Stretch

I’m finally getting the cortisone shot tomorrow – who knew I could be this excited for a shot in the hip LOL. So I’m expecting a fairly quiet week ahead…and I’ll be prioritizing getting some much-needed sleep!

In case you missed it:

From Motivation to Habit

Thanks to Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down link-up!

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Filed Under: Weekly Run Down

Weekly Run Down – A Long Short Week

September 12, 2021 by 23 Comments

I have often said that the short work-weeks following a long weekend always feel anything but short! Throw in that my high schooler also returned to school this week so there was adjusting to a new routine. Yep, it was a l-o-n-g short week for sure! Here’s a peek at my workouts this week.

Happy runner post-Friday’s runch

Weekly Run Down — Week 36 

Monday — Lower Body Strength and Core. These two G&L classes were a spicy combination, especially Matty’s AMRAP of suitcase squats and single-leg deadlifts! Hannah’s foam rolling class was so needed.

Tuesday — Unplanned rest day – I was a victim of an out-of-control schedule 🙁

Wednesday — 3 miles, Core, and Stretch.

Thursday — 1-mile walk, Core, Upper Body Strength, and Stretch.

Friday — 2.25 miles and Stretch. After a morning of long Zoom calls, I slipped out for a rare “runch” – sanity restored!

Saturday — 4 miles, Core, and Stretch. This run was hard from almost the first step. My hip was cranky and my heart was heavy reflecting on 9/11. Still hard to believe that it has been 20 years.

Sunday — At the moment coffee. A walk and yoga are planned for later.

Ortho Update

On Thursday I had my long-awaited appointment with the orthopedic doc. The good news is that the mild arthritis detected on last year’s x-rays hasn’t progressed. As we discussed my workouts & runs, he was pleased with my commitment to strength work and cross-training and agreed that I could skip returning to PT and try a cortisone shot. He advised that I stick with running 3 days a week and supplement with time on the Peloton – Not a problem. He did express some hesitation at my mention of the half marathon I want to run in November, but he didn’t say not to run either. We agreed to see how running feels after the shot. Now it’s just a waiting game for that appointment – have I mentioned how frustratingly slow I find the health care system?

Anyone else find this short week l-o-n-g?

In case you missed it:

Five Reasons to Run for a Cause

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

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Filed Under: Weekly Run Down

Five Reasons to Run for a Cause

September 10, 2021 by 20 Comments

As someone who works with a non-profit organization, I can tell you that fundraising in the time of Covid is more difficult than ever.

So as you make your race plans for the fall or are looking ahead to 2022, I urge you to consider putting some of your miles to work on behalf of a charity.

Photo by Capstone Events on Unsplash

Five Reasons to Run for a Cause

Raise much-needed funds. The money raised from registration fees and fundraising pages help to directly advance the charity’s mission.

Raise awareness. Beyond the immediate money raised, many charities can also benefit from a boost in awareness. This awareness can lead to new volunteers and partnerships, and future potential donations down the road.

Pay it forward. Running in support of an organization that has directly impacted you, your family or friends gives you an opportunity to give back.

Get inspired and inspire others — On those days you just don’t feel like training, having a “why” bigger than yourself can be very inspiring. Additionally, your efforts to support your chosen cause can also inspire others to join you or get out in support of a cause of their own.

It feels good! This one may sound selfish but there’s no denying that quite simply it feels good to do good!

Do you run for a cause? Five reasons you should! #bibchat #backonmyfeet #BOMFBR #bibravepro #FitFiveFriday Share on X

I always try to run in support of a couple of charities each year. This year one of the causes I will be supporting is Back on My Feet.

Back on My Feet operates in 14 major cities across the country, focused on combating homelessness through the power of running, community support, and essential employment and housing resources. The Back on My Feet Running Festival will be held September 18 – 25th and features a range of distances (5K, 10K, 15K, or 30K). I’ll be running the 10K. If you’d like to join me, use the discount code “BibRave5!” to save $5 off registration.

Have you run for a charity? Tell me a cause you’d like to support.

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: #BOMFBR, #FitFiveFriday

Wrapping up August and September Goals

September 5, 2021 by 30 Comments

Is anyone else amazed that we’re already in September? For me, August was a month of “juggling all the balls” and in that respect, I’m happy to put it in the rearview mirror.

Weekly Run Down – Weeks 34 & 35

Over the past couple of weeks, I’m happy to say running is getting better! I have kept most of my runs short and at an oh-so-easy pace, and the reward has been no hip pain. I did increase my distance back up to 5 miles yesterday and all was well.

I have been diligent about strength training and daily stretching – both I’m sure are helping to keep the hip happy. I also completed Matty’s Summer Crunch core challenge on Peloton, though in full disclosure I got a little bored and ended up subbing in some other instructors’ core classes this past week.

I’ve also been sticking to low-impact rides, which offer a great endurance challenge without taxing the joints.

September Goals

Hip treatment — This week’s appointment with the orthopedic doctor got bumped due to changes in his surgical schedule. So I have been re-booked for Thursday. I will continue the daily stretching and mobility work. And, I am fairly certain PT is in my future.

Focus on the 10Ks — I runfessed that I was going to drop down from the 15K to the 10K for the Back on My Feet Virtual Running Festival. I’m also running the Ocean Road 10K the first weekend in October. I think focusing on this distance and stretching my “long runs” to 7 miles is the smart choice for now.

Mindful eating — I didn’t just fall off the wagon with my eating over the past month, I jumped! Time to hit the reset button and be more mindful of how I’m fueling my body.

How was your week? Are you setting any goals for September?

In case you missed it:

Fit Five Friday and Labor Day Coffee

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

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Filed Under: goals, Weekly Run Down

Fit Five Friday and Labor Day Coffee

September 3, 2021 by 28 Comments

Happy Friday and welcome back to the Fit Five Friday linkup!

That sigh you hear is me exhaling into a 3-day long weekend! I’m starting my weekend with a little catch-up over the Ultimate Coffee Date hosted by Coco and Deborah. So grab a mug of your favorite beverage, and let’s chat for a bit!

Five Things Over September Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that we had the big college move-in last week! I’m happy to say that things couldn’t have gone smoother and I will be forever grateful to the “move-in crew” – student volunteers who made quick work of unloading our car and moving everything up to my son’s room. We unpacked, hit the local Walmart for a few things, followed by the bookstore, and were saying our goodbyes in a little over 3 hours!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m trying to get used to the house being so much quieter…sigh. But I love hearing how well he’s settling into college life. (Yes we’ve had 1 FaceTime and a phone call!).

Over coffee, I would tell you that I received my volunteer assignment for the Boston Marathon. This marks my 6th year and the first time I will not be at the actual race. I’ll be on bib distribution on Friday afternoon of marathon weekend. If you’re going to be in town for Boston, stop by and visit me!

Over coffee, I would tell you I just cannot wait to embrace all things Fall! I am so over the soul-sucking humidity that seems to have been ever-present this summer. This weekend’s forecast shows mild temps and I am hoping that this will be the start of my favorite season.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I have not been sleeping very well. I’ve been trying to be consistent in shutting down electronics and going to bed at a reasonable hour, and while I have no problem falling asleep, I wake up multiple times during the night.

What would you tell me over coffee? Are you looking forward to Fall? 

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: Ultimate coffee date

End of Summer Runfessions

August 27, 2021 by 24 Comments

Today is college move-in day for my oldest son!

By the time this post goes live, I will be knee-deep in lugging boxes and bags into his dorm. I cannot believe the summer has passed so quickly and here we are on the last Friday of August!

Marcia has opened the Runfessional and the Fit Five Friday crew is ready to go…so let’s get started, shall we?

End of Summer Runfessions

Referral bureaucracy — I runfess that I am completely frustrated with the new practice my doctor recently joined. The referral process to get in to see the sports orthopedic has been a complete cluster. After much back and forth, and jumping through several bureaucratic hoops, I finally have an appointment on 9/1.

Stressed —Between the countdown to college, trying to make time to explore some new career options, and life in general, I runfess that I’m feeling just a tad stressed out.

Mileage? What mileage? — With the combination of the soul-sucking humidity that has been ever-present these last few weeks (er… whole summer?!) and the mini run-break for my hip, I runfess that I am not where I wanted to be in terms of a solid base on which to start my half marathon training. Sigh…it is what it is. My half isn’t until mid-November so there’s time to pull together a decent training plan. Of course, I’ll also have to wait and see what the orthopedist has to say.

Scaling back — But, on a similar note, I runfess that the virtual 15K I’m planning to run next month as part of the Back on My Feet Summer Running Festival will most likely become a 10K instead.

Slightly obsessed — I have been looking for some easy ways to help boost my protein intake and I runfess that I have become slightly obsessed with Quest Chile Lime Protein Chips. These satisfy my salty/crunch craving while delivering 20g of protein.

Source – Quest Nutrition

It's time for another edition of #FitFiveFriday and I've got some #Runfessions to share! Share on X

What are you run-fessing? 

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: Runfessions

Easing back into running

August 22, 2021 by 32 Comments

My mini run break is over so this week was about easing back into running.

Weekly Run Down – Week 33

Monday — 3.4-mile run, Lower Body Strength, Core, and Stretch. It was a glorious 62 degrees when I headed out for my morning run! While there were still some niggles, overall the hip area felt pretty good – throw in a great playlist thanks to Matty’s Aretha Franklin run and I was a pretty happy camper! I was pressed for time due to an early work start so I did my strength workout and stretch later in the day. Today’s core kicked off Week 3 of Matty’s Summer Crush core challenge.

Tuesday — Strength for Runners, Core, 30 min. Aretha Franklin ride plus cool down, and Stretch. After Monday’s Aretha run, it was a given that the ride would be next – I mean can you ever really have enough Aretha Franklin music?! And, I earned a new ride PR!

Wednesday — Unplanned rest day. I slept terribly the night before (no real reason), so an early workout was out of the question. I had planned to work out after work, but when the opportunity to catch up with an old friend came up I took a pass on the workout.

Thursday — 30 min. Low Impact Ride, Core, and Stretch. This class was a reminder that I really need to check out more of Sam’s classes! He always has such a great playlist – this time it was a mix of Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and the like. There were a series of long climbs so it was nice to challenge my legs differently.

Friday — 1-mile walk, Upper Body Strength, Core, and Stretch.

Saturday — 5-mile run and hip mobility work. With 96% humidity, I’m not sure if this should be called a run or a swim!

Sunday — Henri has arrived as a tropical storm so it will a wet and windy ride here today. Right now I’m all about my coffee, but there will be a Ride or Bike Bootcamp later.

I’m happy to say that my hip pain was non-existent during my runs, even on hills! It can still get pretty cranky at times, especially if I sit for too long. I went for an x-ray on Friday, which just re-confirmed that there is some arthritis but no other issues. So, now it’s just the wait to get in to see the sports doc and see what my options are. In the meantime, I’ll be keeping my runs short and easy.

In case you missed it:

Five Reasons to Focus on Strengthening Your Core

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

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Filed Under: injuries, Weekly Run Down

A mini run break

August 15, 2021 by 14 Comments

So with the return of some hip pain, the plan for this week was to take a break from running and to focus on strength training and time on my Peloton bike. And, thanks to Mother Nature “gifting” us with heat indexes in the upper 90s along with oppressive humidity, I can safely say I really didn’t miss running this week!

Here’s a quick peek at my week in workouts.

Weekly Run Down — Week 32

Monday — 1-mile walk, Lower Body Strength, Core, and Stretch
Tuesday — Low Impact Ride, Full-body Strength, Core, and Stretch
Wednesday —  Ride, Core, and Stretch

Thursday — 1-mile walk and Core. I had an intense session with my massage therapist that resulted in much relief around my hip.
Friday — 7.9 miles walking/jogging plus lifting and moving equipment. I spent most of the day setting up for a multisport fundraiser for work. There was a lot of time on my feet as I got the signage and mile markers all set up on the course.
Saturday — 4.1 miles walking/jogging. Event day kept me on my toes, but thankfully no hip pain!
Sunday — At the moment I’m longing on my deck enjoying the fact that the heat has finally passed. There may be yoga…but then again there may not.

The good news is my hip continues to be quiet, so I will attempt a little running this week and see how things go. Fingers crossed!

How was your week? Was it miserably hot where you are?

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

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Filed Under: Weekly Run Down

Weekly Run Down – Hip, Hip, Oh No!

August 8, 2021 by 26 Comments

I wish there was a “hooray” at the end of that title, but sadly no. Just when I thought I might have this cranky right hip under control, it let me know that it was in no mood to play nice (especially if there are hills involved). Sigh…

Nonetheless, there was fitness to be had…here’s how my workouts played out.

Weekly Run Down – Week 31

Monday — Lower Body Strength, Core, and Hip Stretch. I kicked off Matty’s Summer Crunch Core Challenge along with Kim, Coco, Cari, and Deborah – always nice to work out with friends!

Tuesday — Low Impact Ride, Full-Body Strength, Core, and Stretch.

Wednesday –– 4-mile birthday run and Core.

Hello 55!

Thursday — Bike Bootcamp (live class), Core, and Stretch. This was only my second bootcamp class and the first time I tried 45 mins. Not gonna lie this class was challenging, but it was fun to get a high five from Kim at the start. I definitely needed some extra recovery time on the mat!

Friday — Yoga and Core.

Saturday — 4 miles, Core, and Stretch. My plan called for 6 miles, but my hip wanted no part of it. Throw in some oh-so steamy weather and I just didn’t see any point in pushing it.

A beautiful view to distract me from my cranky hip

Sunday — 10K Scenic Ride, Core, and Stretch. Initially, I had thought about trying a short run, but given the way my hip was feeling I was pretty sure it would tolerate the pounding. Thankfully, time on the Peloton bike doesn’t seem to bother my hip, so I decided to mix things up a bit and tried one of the scenic rides. I did the 10K Aguirre Spring (New Mexico) ride – the scenery was beautiful and I enjoyed the playlist.

On Monday, I saw my doctor, who happens to be a runner too 🙂 She’s put in a referral with a sports doc, so I’m just waiting to get the appointment set up. In the meantime, for the week ahead, there will be PT exercises and lots of stretching. As for running, I’ll take it a day at a time but may consider sticking to the bike only.

Tell me something about your week.

In case you missed it:

Five things over August Coffee

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

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Filed Under: injuries, Weekly Run Down