Michelle — Page 60

March Coffee Date

March 4, 2017 by Michelle 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?

Filed Under: meditation, Ultimate coffee date

Monthly Rewind – February edition

February 28, 2017 by Michelle 16 Comments

Well, we’ve sprinted through another month, but before we look ahead, let’s put a wrap on this month.

Good things for the month:

Loving working with my new chiropractor.
After two weeks of following “no run” orders, I got in 3 pain-free miles on Saturday and am heading out this morning for another run today! Ending the month on a positive note!
Kept my 5-minute daily plank challenge going. I think this streak may continue into March!

Things I could do without:

You all have heard enough about my non-running, race-canceling woes so we’re not going to dwell here!
Saying goodbye to Trainer Stacy 🙁

On the decks for March:

Return to training. I’m working with my RC coaches now to map out a new plan. As long as I can string together a few more pain-free runs, I’ll be able to start training for Boston’s Run to Remember!
Consistent work with the chiro to make the return to training possible.
Challenge myself to try some new strength workouts and not slack!

How was your February?

I’m linking up with Erika, Marcia, and Patty for this week’s Tuesday on the Run – the topic this week is grading your month.

Filed Under: month in review, Tuesdays on the Run

February Runfessions

February 24, 2017 by Michelle 12 Comments

February is flying by and it’s already the last Friday of the month, which means it’s time to come clean with some Runfessions! Be sure to check out what our host Marcia and others are confessing!

I’m trying my best to follow the chiro’s orders of no running this week, which has been extremely hard given Mother Nature’s sudden spring preview. I runfess that I have twice laced up my running shoes, but I held off. Whether I make it through this weekend is a tough call…

And speaking of the spring preview, I runfess that I’d be perfectly happy for this little weather trend to continue. While it has been a mild winter by New England standards, I have just had zero desire to deal with the cold this year. And now that we’ve had a taste of spring, I just can’t go back!

Trainer Stacy, who I’ve been working with for a while is taking a new job, and her new gym isn’t even remotely close. Without her to ~~kick my butt~~…push me, I gymfess that I’m worried my gym time intensity will slack off.

Clearly my lack of running is not stopping me from buying new running gear. I runfess that I may have done a little shopping with Skirt Sports…I may need an intervention!

(By the way if you want to join me in my madness, use code 1SSCAPT20 to save 20 by 3/31 and save 20%)

So c’mon share…what do you runfess?

Filed Under: Runfessions, Skirt Sports

Hitting the Training Reset Button

February 19, 2017 by Michelle 52 Comments

It’s time to hit the reset button…

My little slip during a run last month did more than just tweak things. And, while I’ve been able to eek out some runs, it’s been inconsistent at best…and with some significant pain at worst. No bueno. I’ve probably known for a couple of weeks now that I need to re-think my plans, but I didn’t want to admit it. I’d been hoping to hold it together and some how stick to my race schedule, but it’s just not happening.

So after a trip to the new chiropractor (who was awesome!) and conferring with the RC coaches, it’s time to hit the reset button on my training. I took a pass on the 10 mile race I was planning to do this morning and I’m deferring my entry in the NYC Half until next year. And while I’m especially bummed about putting off NYC, I’m refusing to have a pity party.

So I’m focusing on the positives:

Better to have this happen now while the year is still young and there’s still lots of time for running and races
I still have 14 weeks until my Spring goal race, Boston’s Run to Remember
I’m loving the new chiro I was referred to – he’s mapped out a course of treatment and believes he can get me back on track shortly
My RC coaches are all very positive that we can work around this and put together a decent training plan
Since the whole family was looking forward to heading to NYC, we’ve decided to still hit the city during the school spring break

I’m headed back to the chiro tomorrow, and this week will probably be heavy on the cross-training and strength work. 14 weeks to go!

Linking up with Tricia and Holly for the #WeeklyWrap.

Quick housekeeping note:

Congrats to Jessica & Stephanie for winning entries into the Utah Valley Marathon/Half Marathon/10K! (Check your email boxes for details. ) If you didn’t win but are still interested in running, you can use code rwa15 to get 15% off any distance! (This is an affiliate code.)

Filed Under: chiropractor, DNS, half marathon training, injuries, NYC Half Marathon, Weekly Wrap

Weekly Wrap – Embracing the mill

February 12, 2017 by Michelle 22 Comments

Happy Sunday!

As I type this, the wind is picking up and the snow is falling. The second significant snow storm in just 4 days. School’s already been cancelled for tomorrow, and I’m trying to re-configure my work day.

But before I get to dealing with that I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for the #WeeklyWrap. Please be sure to head on over and check out all of the great ladies sharing weekly training and life happenings!

Between the snow, icy conditions and a hectic schedule, it was all about the gym and time on the mill this week. And, the 5 min/day planking streak continued!

Monday — Rest Day
Tuesday — Speed work- While I’m not a fan on running on the mill in general, I don’t mind doing speed work on it. Just set the pace and go!
Wednesday — Strength day followed by a much needed massage!

Thursday — Shoveling snow counts for cross-training right?
Friday — Back to the mill for 800 meter repeats
Saturday — Rest day
Sunday — 4 more mill miles as once again the left knee/calf wasn’t really not interested in doing a long run – which is problematic when you’ve got a half marathon just 5 weeks away….but let’s not think about that right now!

The left leg was pretty unhappy all week and required a lot of special attention. At the urging of my massage therapist (she’s convinced I’m out of alignment), I’m going to try to squeeze in an appointment with the chiropractor this week. I really don’t want to take any more time off from running, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Filed Under: left knee, treadmill run, Weekly Wrap

Run Utah – A Giveaway!

February 10, 2017 by Michelle 22 Comments

I’m telling you that there’s nothing worse than receiving an invitation to a great destination race and not be able to take advantage of it! Such is the case with the Utah Valley Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K.

Utah is just beautiful, isn’t it?

When I think of traveling to Utah my first thoughts turn towards skiing and memories of a great family vacation we had there. We always said we wanted to head back, so when I got an email from the nice folks at Utah Valley Marathon, I knew this would be a trip I’d have no problem convincing my husband to take!

A few reasons to run:

The Utah Valley Marathon was named a TOP 10 race in America by Runner’s World Magazine in 2014
In honor of their 10th anniversary, they’re handing out race jackets instead of a T-shirt
A fast downhill course – no uphill people! (the marathon is a Boston qualifier)
Offers a marathon, half marathon, and 10K options, plus a kids 1K

Sounds great right? So why am I not booking my flights…because come June 10th, we will be in the thick of a lacrosse tournament in the RWA household. And, given that I’m helping to coordinate the tourney, disappearing for a race is just not in the cards. But I’ve already penciled it in for 2018 🙂 (Did I mention no uphills!)

So what’s a girl to do with a race entry she can’t use? Host a giveaway of course 🙂 I’ve actually got not one but two entries!

Want to run the Utah Valley Marathon/Half Marathon/10k? Then enter below – or, if you’re just ready to register, you can use code rwa15 to get 15% off any distance! (This is an affiliate code.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received the two free race entries and discount code courtesy of the Utah Valley Marathon. I will receive a small payment for all registrations made using my discount code.

Filed Under: bucket list, giveaways

Two steps forward, One step back

February 5, 2017 by Michelle 35 Comments

It’s just been one of those weeks…

Monday – More time with my new BFF, aka the Arc Trainer, but I did get outside for a brisk walk for the Winter Challenge. Oh, and day 9 of the 10 x 10 plank challenge.

Tuesday – Work and family schedules collided and my run didn’t happen. It was the final day of the Winter Challenge and I enjoyed a snowy walk, plus finished the plank challenge. Whew…10 minutes of planking was a-l-o-t!

Wednesday – Strength training with Trainer Stacy. Quite simply, this workout kicked my arse…and I loved it! Stacy really challenged me and I left feeling really strong…and sore 🙂 Planking continues – going for 5 mins/day for February.

Thursday – Once again my schedule was crazy, but I was able to squeeze 30 mins in on the Arc Trainer.

Friday – Hill repeats – enough said, right?

Saturday – DOMS hit me hard so hello rest day.

Sunday – The plan called for 8 – I barely hung on for just over 5. After feeling so strong after Wednesday, and having a strong run through those repeats, I was hoping to crush this run…instead, my left knee/calf started talking to me within the first half mile and let me know this was going to be a grind. And a grind it was.

So…going to have to say this week was a Cha-cha. Let’s hope there’s less “dancing” this week and more running.

I’m linking up with Tricia and Holly for the #WeeklyWrap. Please be sure to head on over and check out all of the great ladies sharing weekly training, life happenings, motivation and encouragement!

Filed Under: half marathon training, left knee, Weekly Wrap

February Coffee Date

February 4, 2017 by Michelle 27 Comments

Wowza what a week it’s been! I’m so happy to see the weekend and have a chance to exhale. It’s a good time to sit back and 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, everyone in my house has been having fun with our newest gadget Amazon’s Echo – aka, Alexa (affiliate link). My brother-in-law gave us one for Christmas, but we only just got it set up a couple of weeks ago. It tells really corny jokes and sings ditties, which of course cracks my boys up.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m so excited to have been selected as a Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain for 2017! I am a big running skirt fan and think Skirt Sports are just the best. And, of course I’d share with you a code 1SSCAPT20 so you could do a little shopping and save 20%!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that Super Bowl fever is in full effect here! My beloved Patriots are going for #5 and I cannot wait for the game!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’ve been a little obsessed with my new planner. And, as part of my effort to get more organized I’ve started reading Getting Things Done by David Allen (affiliate link). I’m just a couple of chapters in, but I find myself nodding in agreement a lot. I’ll be trying to implement some of his techniques this week so I’ll let you know how it goes.

So what would you tell me over coffee?

Filed Under: #REALwomenmove, Skirt Sports

Monthly Rewind – January edition

January 31, 2017 by Michelle 9 Comments

That whooshing sound you hear is January flying out the door! Seriously what a whirlwind this month was! I definitely hit a couple of speedbumps that kept me from having as strong a start as I wanted…so I’m more than ready to say buh bye to January and to make February fabulous! But first, a quick monthly recap:

Good things for the month:

Winter Challenge completed! By the time you read this I will have logged my final miles for the Winter Challenge – 31 days of outdoor mileage done…pretty good for this self proclaimed non-streaker!
Stayed on track with my strength training, logging at least two workouts per week, and then threw in the 10 x 10 plank challenge for the final 10 days of the month for a little extra push.
Selected as a SPIbelt Ambassador for a second year!

Things I could do without:

Got hit with a nasty cold the very first week – blech
Bounced back from the cold, only a week later to slip during a rainy run that left me unable to run for the better part of a week 🙁
(they say bad things come in 3s, but I’m going to stay positive…)

On the decks for February:

More miles – right the ship on my training and get back to work. The NYC Half is less than 2 months away, and while it’s not my goal race, I would like to have a decent run – which means I’ve got to get in some longer runs and some hill work.
Run the Old-fashioned 10 Miler on 2/19
Get back to good habits – namely, get more sleep and clean up my eating habits…there’s been way too much late afternoon grazing!

How was your January?

I’m linking up with Erika, Marcia and Patty for this week’s Tuesday on the Run – the topic this week is grading your month.

Filed Under: month in review, Tuesdays on the Run

January Runfessions

January 27, 2017 by Michelle 20 Comments

Happy Friday!

It’s the last Friday of the month so, of course that means it’s time to share some runfessions! Thanks to Marcia for this always entertaining linkup!

Runfession: I have just a few days left in this month’s Winter Challenge, and I runfess that I’m ready to be done. I have so enjoyed the camaraderie of the other women on the BGR team, but I’m just not a streaker.

Runfession: I’ve been a little…shall we say cranky since my slip on the oil slick. With the strength work I’ve been doing I was feeling pretty strong, and so this setback feels a little deflating.

Runfession: On the brighter side, spending more time in the gym cross training means I’ve been witness to a whole new group of gym characters! I confess it is pure entertainment and does make the time go by – though I wish I could unsee the older gentleman who insists on wearing sheer tank tops (just no!)…and can someone please explain to me why 20-something guys think jeans are workout wear?

Runfession: It’s only January and I already may have to alter my race calendar. Family schedules are conspiring against me, and short of cloning myself I may end up having to take a pass on next week’s 5 miler. Luckily I had procrastinated registering so I won’t be out any money.

Runfession: I have fallen hard off the early morning workout wagon. It’s just been way too easy to just hit the snooze …ok 3 times…and then there’s no time to workout before the getting the kids to school, work, etc. But I dislike the feeling of trying to jam a workout in late in the day, so it’s time to chase down that wagon and climb back on.