It’s been another busy week, but I cannot wait to now take a much-needed break and spend time with family. So as I finish up my wrapping and cookie-making, I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
Don’t let stress be a thief
December 16, 2015 by 16 Comments
You hear it over and over again….”this is a stressful time of year!” I’ve uttered the phrase myself on more than one occasion. And, yes there is a lot to do this time of year between year-end to do’s at work, all that goes into preparing for the holidays, trying to attend this or that party or gathering — just add in end of term school projects, concerts and the like and you definitely have the makings of a stressful time.
I’m here to say to you and myself – stop and take a deep breath! Do not let stress be a thief and steal the joy out of this time of year.
During this holiday season I am going to remember to relax and breathe, knowing that there are things that will not get checked off that massive to do list….and that’s ok. I’m letting go of perfection and choosing instead to focus on family, friends and having some fun! That’s the best gift I can give myself.
How do manage this time of year – do you embrace the madness or want to run away?
I’m joining Deb and others for today’s Wednesday Word – be sure to check out what they have to say about “Stressful.”
Weekly wrap wk 2
December 13, 2015 by 16 Comments
My goodness did this week fly by! It was one of those weeks where I felt like I was constantly juggling, and working out was often a “what you can, when you can” situation #wycwyc 😉 I’m joining in with Holly & Tricia again for another weekly update. So let’s break it down, shall we?
Monday — My Mondays are typically nutty – in large part because I don’t work on Fridays so the number of emails waiting for me Monday mornings sometimes verges on ridiculous. Nonetheless, I managed to get 25 minutes of yoga to help maintain a little zen.
Tuesday — Another day of scrambling, so I had to settle for squeezing in some planks in between conference calls.
Wednesday — I woke up determined to get in a run, but once again work and family schedules collided. Settled for a short walk and 20 minutes more of yoga.
Thursday — 3 mile run/walk!
Friday — I was surprisingly sore from the hills of Thursday’s route. So, I took it easy and enjoyed my day off with an afternoon of shopping and lunch with a friend.
Saturday — A mix of shuttling to and from the boys’ various sports activities, buying our tree and finally starting to decorate. Sadly, no workout.
Sunday — Headed to the track with my oldest son – great way to start the day!
Not as much working out as I would have liked – but sometimes that’s just the way it goes. I’m hoping to get ahead of the madness this week and get at least 3 runs in, along with a couple of days of strength work and yoga.
So how was your week?
Thursday Thoughts v10
December 10, 2015 by 8 Comments
As much as I am happy to be able to run again, I have to admit my motivation has been a mixed bag. Getting over the mental hurdle of accepting how slow this process is going to be leaves me wanting to just stay in bed some mornings.
A little reminder I have taped to my mirror
I’m thinking it’s time to set some goals. While I do have one late spring race on the calendar already, I haven’t really thought about my goals for the new year – highly unusual for this Type-A gal! Time to get quiet and think about where I want to be by this time next year….
I am really ready to get rid of our land-line phone. The spam calls are just out of control – despite being on a “Do not call” list. Based on the recent calls, I’ve won several trips from contests entered at “the mall,” need solar panels, am on “final notice” from the IRS, and have a problem with my Windows software. Seriously?!
Do you get a lot of crazy calls? Have you figured out your 2016 goals yet?
Linking up again with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursdays. 
Last Coffee Date of 2015
December 5, 2015 by 17 Comments
Hello December!
I know I start these posts often with the same declaration, but I have to say that I cannot believe it is December already. These days…this year, really, has flown by! Makes me wish time would slow down just a little…
So today marks the last Ultimate Coffee Date of the year. A huge shout out to our hosts Coco, Lynda and Deborah! So let’s settle in and catch up a little, shall we?
If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I joined a group of local moms last night for our town’s Holiday Stroll. We toured some beautifully decorated homes and then enjoyed a great gab-fest over wine and pizza afterwards. Such a fun way to kick off the holiday season!
One of the great ideas I want to copy for my own decorating if I can find our old skis!
If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m feeling slightly panicked that almost the first full week of December is over and our decorations are still buried in the attic. My boys have been nagging gently prodding us to get started…at a minimum I’m determined to get the lights up today. The tree goes up next weekend.
If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that thanks to online shopping, I have at least gotten started on my gift list, and already have a few things delivered and awaiting wrapping.
If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you on the running front, things are progressing slowly, but progress is progress, right? I’m feeling hopeful enough to throw my hat in for the Cherry Blossom lottery again. Fingers crossed I get in and can manage the distance comfortably by then.
If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you how proud I am of my oldest son for deciding to try out for his school’s winter play. He’s talked about it doing it before, but nerves have won out. But, this time, he threw himself into it…and got a part! Great to see him step out of his comfort zone!
If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you I have to get ready to brave the crowds this morning in search of toys. My son’s community service project is a huge toy drive with one of the local Headstart programs….now if I can just remember what 2- and 3-year olds like to play with 🙂
So what would you tell me over coffee? Have you started getting ready for the holidays?
Weekly Wrap – Much to be thankful for
November 29, 2015 by 8 Comments
I knew the couple of days leading into Thanksgiving were going to be busy work days, and I wasn’t wrong – Monday & Tuesday were a blur of conference calls and project deadlines. But, things went smoothly and then I had short day Wednesday – perfect for starting Thanksgiving prep and hanging with my kids.
Thanksgiving was a wonderful day with my family – lots of laughter and food! My brother hosted and I will admit I totally indulged…including discovering a very tasty apple prosecco 🙂
We took advantage of Friday’s gorgeous and unseasonably warm weather to play outside with the kids and take care of the last of the yard and garden work for the season (No Black Friday madness for me, though I did get started online later in the weekend).
Saturday was filled with kid sports – lacrosse and hockey – along with lots of house projects and a lot of football!
The week was also the start of my running comeback — OK there was more walking and shuffling than running, but I’m grateful for all of it!
I’m working with McMillan RunClub and am following an 8-week plan designed to ease me back into running. 1 week down and 7 to go!
I’m linking up with Holly at HoHo Runs and Tricia from MissSippiPiddlin for their Weekly Wrap. Make sure to stop by and say hi and check out the other great bloggers joining in!
So tell me, how was your holiday? Did you Turkey trot or take a rest day?
Five Tips for Returning to Running
November 20, 2015 by 27 Comments
If you follow me on Twitter (and I hope you do! – @RunAttitude) then you may have seen yesterday’s tweet:
Yes! Yes! Yes! After 8 long weeks I’ve been green-lighted! Despite the desire to throw on my running shoes and sprint out of my doctor’s office I know I’ve got to be smart about this. So as I venture back out on to the roads, here are a few tips I plan to bear in mind:
Take it slow: My doctor’s parting words to me and crucial advice to follow so I don’t end up injured. To start, I will be more focused on time on my feet vs. miles covered.
Build core strength: Focusing on building core strength — abs, hips, and glutes — will improve both stability and balance – critical after such a long layoff.
Cross-train: Every workout cannot and should not be a run. Now that I can run again, it is tempting to want to only run, but I know that it will be more important than ever to give both muscles and ligaments a break from the stresses of running. Cross-training will help improve my endurance, especially while my mileage is low.
Be kind to yourself: It’s easy to get caught in the trap of comparison, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s comeback is different.
Set realistic goals: While I’m very goal-oriented, I know it’s going to be important to have a mix of goals – both big and small. I’ll admit that I do have my eye on a couple of races…and I may have even registered for one 😉 Having smaller goals along the way will help me both track my progress and stay motivated towards the bigger goal. The key is to take it one day at a time, celebrate small victories and be grateful to be running again.
Have you ever had a long lay-off from running?
I’m linking up with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia for the #FridayFive link up. They’re sharing their favorite cool weather drinks so be sure to stop by.
Thursday Thoughts – Recovery Madness
November 12, 2015 by 26 Comments
I hit 5 weeks post-op on Tuesday…and I have to admit I’m starting to lose it a little. Recovery madness has fully taken hold…
Yoga, walking and whatever else I can find to keep myself active are all fine and good…but I miss running. I’ve been devouring other people’s race recaps like an addict looking for a fix.
I’m missing my greatest stress reliever…
Patience has never been my strong suit and I have been constantly reminding myself that I cannot just dive back into running and expect it all to be glorious…it’s going to take time.
And, let’s be honest I haven’t run in so long I’m not sure my body will even remember what to do on that first trot back.
My inbox is flooded with “early bird” registration offers and it’s taking every bit of strength I have not to exceed my credit card limit and sign up for everything!
Hopefully just a few more days….
I’m linking up with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud.
November’s Ultimate Coffee Date
November 7, 2015 by 20 Comments
Temps in the 70’s?! Is it really November?!
It certainly hasn’t felt much like a typical start to November around here, but it’s been nice to have the windows open so I’m certainly not complaining!
It’s the first Saturday of the month’s and time to join in for Ultimate Coffee Date, hosted by Coco, Lynda and Deborah. Since it’s unseasonably warm, I think I’ll make mine an iced coffee this morning.
If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m practically pulling my hair out that I cannot run yet. I’ve got one more week to go before I see the doc for clearance – gonna be a l-o-n-g week!
If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that on Monday I started the Chopra Center’s 21-day meditation experience. I’ve done a couple of these in the past. I’m especially loving this session – the focus is around the power of your beliefs.
If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m a bit of a planner fanatic. So I’d ask, is it crazy that I already have my 2016 planner? Or, that I’m ready to start adding things to it? There might even be a couple of races lightly penciled in 😉
If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my newest addiction are roasted pumpkin seeds.
There is way too much Halloween candy still lurking in my house and unfortunately all of my faves. These pumpkin seeds have been taking care of my snack cravings and keeping me away from the candy bowl – win!
So what would you tell me over coffee? Do you still have Halloween candy in your house?
(Oh…I’d also say, don’t forget to my Heart Hemps Giveaway!)
Hemp Hearts Review & Giveaway
November 6, 2015 by 3 Comments
This post is sponsored by Manitoba Harvest through my affiliation with Sweat Pink. As always, the opinions expressed here are completely my own.
I was recently offered the opportunity to try Hemp Hearts. Since I’m always looking for an easy way to add a little extra protein into my diet, so I was eager to give them a try.
Hemp Hearts are raw, shelled hemp seeds. These little seeds pack 10g of protein and 10g of health omegas into a 30g serving. In fact, they deliver more protein and omegas and less carbs than the same serving size of either chia or flax seeds. They have a light, nutty taste, and, as I quickly learned, you can use them on just about anything.
I tried them sprinkled in yogurt and on salads. I also substituted them in my smoothies in place of my usual flax seed. I especially liked them sprinkled on top of a bowl of oatmeal along with a little Macintosh apple.
Manitoba Harvest also offers a wide range of recipes on their website – you can check them out HERE. I’m planning to try the pumpkin hemp pancakes this weekend!
Want to try them for yourself?
The nice folks at Manitoba Harvest are offering a bag to one lucky RWA reader. This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents. If you win this giveaway, and have already won another prize from Manitoba Harvest through another blog, please disclose that you have already won so another winner can be chosen.
