September’s Ultimate Coffee Date

September 5, 2015 by 13 Comments

The Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Labor Day Weekend! It’s the unofficial last weekend of summer, but I must say it feels a little odd since school’s already started for my youngest son. Then again, it’s a long weekend and that’s always a good thing, right? So I’m taking a little time out this morning to join in with Coco, Lynda and Deborah for this month’s Ultimate Coffee Date.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that believe it or not, my youngest son’s hockey season has already begun! And he’ll be on the ice until at least April.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that meanwhile my oldest son has made me a little giddy by announcing he’s decided to run cross country this fall 🙂

PatriotsIf we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I cannot wait for football season to kick off this Thursday night with the raising of another Super Bowl banner! I don’t want to hear another word about the supposed “deflategate.”

WomensRunningIf we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I came home the other day to a nice surprise from Women’s Running Magazine and the Rock ‘n’ Roll folks – another fun perk as a member of the #RocknBlog team! Women’s Running is also offering all RWA readers a 1-year subscription for just $9.99 – just use code RUNATTITUDE015.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’d better get going – we’re celebrating my dad’s 75th birthday and I still have food to prep!

So what would you tell me? What have you got planned for this weekend?

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Filed Under: #RocknBlog, football, Ultimate coffee date, Women's Running Magazine

Fall Racing – A Moving Target

September 4, 2015 by 8 Comments

When I saw that this week’s #FridayFive link-up topic was Fall Races, I was tempted to skip posting. Racing has been such a moving target for me, between injury and conflicts with my family schedule, that I’m almost hesitant to count any race as a sure thing at this point. But, if you’ve been around here for a bit then you also know how much I love a fall race….so here’s what I’m hoping for at the moment.

1) #StripAtNight 

RnB15_LasVegas

This is my one and only definite race…well it’s actually two because I’ll be doing the Remix Challenge (5K and Half). My husband and brother are running with me, and I just saw friends yesterday who confirmed they’re in! I’ve been waiting all year to get to a Rock ‘n’ Roll race as part of the Rock’n’Blog team – and, well c’mon it’s Vegas! And, speaking of the Rock’n’Blog team, we were just given special codes for a Vegas discount – use code RUNATTITUDE015LV and you can do either the half or the full for $145!

2) Still Rockin’ — Staying with the Rock ‘n’ Roll theme for a minute, I’m still hoping to get to RnR Philly at the end of October, but family conflicts are starting to crop up from all sides…keep my fingers crossed. But, if schedules don’t work, then I’ll be looking at finishing up my 3-race Tour Pass by heading to San Antonio for #RnRSA the first week of December.

3) Tufts 10K for Women is one of my favorite Boston races. It’s always held on Columbus Day, which means it could potentially come in conflict with the boys’ sports schedules/tournaments – it’s happened before, but if I’m free this is always a great race!

4) Canton Fall Classic is another local favorite – I usually run the 5K and my husband J runs the 10K. My son is thinking about running it this year…so once again as long as schedules don’t collide, this could be a family race.

Jingle+Bell+15) Jingle Bell Run — OK this one may technically be a “winter” race as some years it falls on the weekend before Christmas. As you can see from the picture of my brother and I on race morning, this one’s all for the costumes and post-race beer fest. (And, yes that is a giant ball of mistletoe on his hat!) 🙂

Do you find your race schedule is pretty well set or is it a moving target?

(As part of the Rock’n’Blog team, I receive a 3-race Tour Pass. If you want to add a RnR race to your fall schedule, don’t forget to use my code on my sidebar for a discount (or the code above for Vegas!)

I’m linking up with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia – be sure to stop by to check out where they’ll be racing this fall!

 

 

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Filed Under: #RocknBlog, #StripAtNight, Canton Fall Classic, fall racing, family running, Friday Five, Jingle Bell Run, RnRPhilly

September Simplicity

September 1, 2015 by 10 Comments

It’s September 1 and fall can’t be far away – though Mother Nature is once again thumbing her nose at the calendar with the return of heat and humidity this week. No matter, September signals the start of my favorite time of the year and I’m ready to embrace it!

September peanuts1

My September goals are really quite simple:

– consistently run 3 -4 days a week with 2 days strength work

– return to double digit long runs

– wrap-up my physical therapy sessions

– let go of the stress

Yeah that last one is the key. I admitted in my runfessions that my running is stressing me out. And, when I stopped to think about that, it is insane to me that something that usually is a stress-reliever for me is turning into the complete opposite.

Time to let it go – the days are going to count down towards my next race whether I stress about it or not, right? So why waste the energy…and why let it take the joy out of running?

So I’m keeping it simple in September.

What are your goals for the month? Does your running ever stress you out?

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Filed Under: attitude adjustment, goals

August Runfessions

August 28, 2015 by 17 Comments

I’ve missed the past couple of Runfession Fridays, but I’m happy to be linking up with Marcia today! Time to cleanse my sweaty soul. Who’s in?

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Runfession #1 –– My running is stressing me out! While I am thrilled to be running again, both my progress and my pace are slow and I’m feeling like the calendar is my enemy – 63 days til RnR Philly.

Runfession #2 —  The recent killer humidity (like 97%) has pushed me off the early morning run bandwagon and back into the gym. Everyone has their breaking point and 97% by 6 a.m. is mine!

Runfession #3 — The gym has been uber-quite lately and I must admit I miss the gym crazies.

Runfession #4 — I mentioned the other day how much I’m enjoying my new FitBit, but I have to say I’m a little horrified at my low step count on non-running days. With my hectic work schedule of late, I am clearly sitting in front of my computer far too much.  Nothing like those little glowing numbers staring you in the face for some extra motivation – must.move.more.

OK – now it’s your turn. What are your runfessions?

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Filed Under: gym crazies, RnRPhilly, Runfessions

Lovin’/Not Lovin’ – Summer Edition

August 26, 2015 by 16 Comments

I realized the other day that I haven’t done one of these types of posts since the spring so now seemed like a good time to share some of my fave…and not fave…things at the moment.

Lovin’

Brooks hatBrooks Running Hat — I received this hat as part of an awesome #TrainingRockBox that Rock ‘n’ Roll and their sponsors sent out to all of the Rock’n’Blog team – and it’s become an instant fave. I don’t think this picture does the hat justice – it’s a cute mix of purples and blues and has great mesh venting on the sides and even a zipper pocket!

LarabarLarabar Apple Pie — Apples, nuts, spiced with a little cinnamon – what’s not to love? Especially in these little bites.

FitBit

 

FitBit Charge HR — I got a FitBit for my birthday and have been having a lot of fun playing with it these past couple of weeks. (I may do a full review after I’ve had a chance to wear it for a while.)

ZealotsSaucony Zealot ISOs — Back in June I mentioned that I was going to give these shoes a try – and so far I’ve been really happy with them. As promised, the Zealot ISOs are light weight and have a similar ride to the Kinvara, but with much more cushioning – which my legs seem to appreciate lately.

Not Lovin’

Forerunner 10 — My Forerunner woes continue – It still seems to take forever to find a signal, and now it’s new glitch is the auto pause – it stays paused well after I’ve made it pass a traffic light…and the other day, it paused on its own. Needless to say, I’ve turned the function off. Back to customer support…

So tell me – what are you lovin’ lately?

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Filed Under: #RocknBlog, #TrainingRockBox, fave things, Garmin, Saucony

Thursday Thoughts – Summer Mode

August 20, 2015 by 21 Comments

Summer mode continues in full effect around these parts. I’m clearly not adhering to any set posting schedule, and right now, I’m ok with that. So as I sit here kicking back on my deck, I’m sharing a few more Thursday Thoughts.

I’m happy to say that our family unit is now back in tact – my oldest is home from camp and so far peace reigns among the brothers 😉

Source: Trip Advisor

Photo Courtesy of Trip Advisor

Time away is good for the soul…especially when there’s some beach time involved. Wish we could have stayed longer!

We came home just in time for another bout of heat and humidity. I’m trying hard not to whine about it… so I’ll just say, I’m done!

I love to read, but am surprised to say that this is the first summer that I’ve not been plowing through books. Time to get back to my books. I’ve been debating Harper Lee’s new book, Go Set A Watchmen…but I loved To Kill A Mockingbird and don’t know if I’m ready to have my memory of those characters changed.

So, any good book suggestions? Have you been able to get away this summer?

Linking up again with Amanda for #ThinkingOutLoud Thursdays Thinking-Out-Loud2

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Filed Under: Thursday Thoughts

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

86 days….

August 5, 2015 by 18 Comments

 

commitment

86 days until the Rock ‘n’ Roll Philly half…

Yes I counted.

86 days to see if I can get back to running double digits….

It’s been a while since I’ve seen 10 or higher staring back at me from my Garmin.

86 days to see if PT, strength work, bargaining, praying…oh yeah and running can get me to the starting line.

But I am making a promise…no a commitment… to myself to do everything that I can to get there.

I’m linking up with Deb for Wednesday Word – Be sure to stop by and see what others have to say about Commitment.rp_WednesdayWordScrabbleButton.jpg

 

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Filed Under: #WednesdayWord, pulling out all the stops, RnRPhilly

August Ultimate Coffee Date

August 1, 2015 by 18 Comments

 

The Ultimate Coffee Date

Hello August!

We are flying through the summer! And, while I’m over the heat & humidity combo – especially after this morning’s run/slog, I am looking forward to soaking up all I can of these last couple of weeks!

I’m starting the month off by joining The Ultimate Coffee Date, hosted by Coco, Lynda and Deborah. It’s always a fun link-up! So grab a mug – I’m sticking with an iced coffee from Dunkin’ – and join us 🙂

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that while it’s been a good summer so far, I still have a lot left on my “summer bucket list.” I haven’t even made it to the beach yet, though we’re hoping to fix that with a little family time on the Cape once my son comes home from camp.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that we’re in the middle of a whirlwind of family birthday celebrations – my youngest just turned 10 this past week and my oldest and I both have birthdays coming up this week. My hubs J’s birthday is a couple weeks later.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that running is leaving me feeling a little meh lately – climbing out of the valley of injury is both a slow and tedious trek…and yes I know that the recent wave of humidity is not helping at all. But, I do have to say that I’m loving my PT and his team and am grateful for the pain-free runs!

EnduroPacks2If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that this month I’ll be trying out EnduroPacks, which is a 4-step vitamin & mineral replacement system for endurance athletes. The very nice folks over at EnduroPacks offered me a trial a couple of months ago, but I was in the middle of my MRI/What’s wrong with my knee? madness so I decided to hold off until now.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’ve got to run to get ready for a family party this afternoon to celebrate my mother’s retirement!

So tell me, what’s left on your summer bucket list?

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Filed Under: EnduroPacks, Ultimate coffee date

Journal Menu Review & Giveaway

July 27, 2015 by 11 Comments

Journal Menu provided me with a Running Journal in exchange for a product review.  As always, all opinions are my own. 

I’ve shared here many times that I am a bit a planner obsessed – using my planner is a key part of my morning routine, helping me to stay on top of a busy family schedule, work, to do’s and long-term goals. When I first started running I use to track my workouts and progress in my planner, but it quickly became too much and I switched to using a separate training log. I like having one place dedicated to my running, and I’ve kept a training journal for each of the last 4 years. So when Erica from Journal Menu reached out to me and offered me a customized journal, there was no way I could turn her down!

Journal2

Well, let me just come right out and say that there’s so much to love about this running journal! There are sections for:

  • goal planning
  • sample training plans and space for your training plans
  • race planning and reviews
  • pace charts
  • interval training
  • personal records
  • inspirational quotes throughout, and
  • the daily entry covers everything from food journal, weather, pace, mileage and notes

Best of all is the level of customization Journal Menu provides – you pick the cover art, the pages to be included and the tracking template. Journal Menu also offers journals for yoga, triathlons, general fitness and a running/crossfit hybrid. Each journal is unique – you build it the way you want it. Seriously, what’s not to love!?

After spending these past couple of months working my way back from injury, this journal’s already got me dreaming big for next year!

So how’s you like the chance to create your own customized journal? Thanks to Journal Menu one lucky RWA reader will win their very own customized running journal!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

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Filed Under: giveaways, product reviews