May’s Ultimate Coffee Date

The Ultimate Coffee Date

It’s May! And I’m getting this month started by joining one of my favorite link-ups, The Ultimate Coffee Date. Thanks to Coco, Lynda and Deborah for hosting!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that the forecast is finally showing real signs of consistent spring weather, and I cannot wait to get into my garden this weekend and start planting. Despite the harsh winter, many of my plants look to be in better shape than I thought they would be, but I’ve still got a fair amount of work to do!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that while this week started off a bit hectic, that seeing my son start to feel better, a massage and spending the afternoon doing a little retail therapy with a friend helped to turn things around!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m actually looking forward to my appointment this week with the orthopedist, cause I need someone to help me get to the bottom of what’s going on with my left knee. Running continues to be a real challenge and I’m not feeling good about my two spring races.

fiveIf we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that believe it or not my blog turned 5 this past week! It’s really hard to believe that I have been running, and writing about it, for five years! I so appreciate all of you who have been hanging out with me during this ride 🙂

If we were having coffee together, what would you tell me? What have you got planned for this weekend?

signature

Thursday Thoughts – Just a little randomness

Can you see FridayThis has been one crazy week…(and it’s not over yet!)

…the kind where you try to juggle work and a sick kiddo. My oldest son was hit with a virus on Saturday and was down and out until making it back to school on Wednesday.

…the kind where it’s 3:00 and you realize you forgot to eat lunch – happened more than once this week…not good!

…the kind where you finally get an appointment with a sports med doc, only to get caught in a crazy traffic jam and you have to reschedule (Found out later that the traffic was caused by a car fire…luckily no one was hurt!)

…the kind where you tear the house apart trying to find your sunglasses, only to then realize they’re on top of your head (Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s done this?!)

Yep it’s been an interesting week so far…but I have a massage scheduled for later today, so it’s all good 🙂

How’s your week going? Have you ever forgotten to eat?

Thinking-Out-Loud2

I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud.

 

signature

April Runfessions

I feel like I say this at the end of every month, but seriously, where did April go!? Well, it’s the last Friday of the month so I’m linking up with Marcia again for another edition of Runfessions. Join us!

rp_Runfessions-300x294.jpg

Runfession #1 – While I appreciate having the flexibility of running midday (thanks to working from home), I am clearly an early morning runner. As I returned to early morning runs this month, I really find I’m just much more settled during the rest of my day.

Runfession #2 — I cut both of my runs short this week thanks to some discomfort in my left knee. Truthfully, something didn’t feel good about half way through the BAA 5K and the knee hasn’t felt great ever since.

Runfession #3 — There are 44 days until the Newport 10 miler and I am not where I want to be…sigh.

Runfession #4 — On the good side, I’m still rocking the plank challenge and my strength days at the gym are my favorite days of the week!

So tell me, what’s your Runfession? What’s your preferred time of day to run?

signature

BAA 5K – A Family Tradition

 

BAA 5K BibsOn Saturday, my husband J, our oldest son and I were up and out early to run the BAA 5K. This was our 2nd year all running together (my 3rd time overall) – it’s quickly becoming a fun family tradition!

Just like last year, it was perfect running weather, as we gathered with 10,000 of our closest friends. Yes 10,000 runners for a 5K. So to say it was crazy crowded would be an understatement.

Courtesy of the Boston Herald

Courtesy of the Boston Herald

With so many runners, the BAA is still trying to find the best way to get everyone to the start line – especially a challenge when the winners are crossing the start/finish line within 15 minutes of starting! Last year volunteers had to quickly move corral barriers to get runners moving as the elites closed in on the finish. So this time around, they had us line up along Beacon Street and split the start/finish line so the elites had a clear path. There was also a pulse start. Once again, we were still shuffling to the start when the elites came in, but at least we got to see them this time!

Group shot

What I love about this race is the vibe – there’s just a great feel about it. People just seem to be having a really good time, high-fiving and encouraging each other on the turn-around; there were lots of kids running with parents, and overall the crowd support along the course was awesome. Since my son had done absolutely no running beyond sprints for basketball and lacrosse, and one trip to the track with me, we decided to try a run/walk approach. We talked about doing set intervals, but in the end we just kind of did whatever we needed to when we needed to – which worked just fine. With our names on our bibs, I loved all the shout-outs my son got and it was really fun to see him enjoying the whole experience. I’m really proud of the effort he put in!

Running down Boylston St definitely brought a range of emotions that I still find hard to put into words two years later. It’s always something to watch people’s reactions to crossing over the Marathon famous finish line. Soon came the final turn back onto Charles Street and the finish line. Getting our medals, post race food and race shirts was easy-breezy,  and we took some time to hang out on the Commons and enjoy the atmosphere before heading off to grab breakfast.

Despite the crowd, this is becoming a family favorite and I think my youngest son finally wants to give it a try next year. Let the family tradition continue!

signature

Friday Five: Favorite Running Brands

Happy Friday All!

My goodness these weeks are flying by! I’m looking forward to a busy weekend with the family, with lots of gardening/yard work, lacrosse games and running the BAA 5k! But first, I’m joining Courtney, Mar and Cynthia for this week’s #FridayFive link-up as we dish about some of our favorite brands.

Fave graphic

Athleta — I have shared my love of Athleta clothes on many occasions in the past, so it should come as no surprise that they make this list! From great running clothes to figure flattering bathing suits, they have it all. I just got their latest catalog and let’s just say I need to hide my wallet!

Zensah — Long run recovery always includes some time in my Zensah sleeves – their calf sleeves are a must have for me!

Mizuno — Now I do have to say that I have much love and a long history with Saucony/Kinvaras. That being said, I do find that ever since I received a pair of #WaveRider18 to review back in October, they have become a my go-to shoes of late.

Koss Fit Series — Music is a big part of my workouts and my Koss FitClips are great ear buds – their lightweight, sweat-resistant and don’t fall out – win!

Vitamix — Yes perhaps an unusual choice as a “running brand” but the smoothies I can make with it makes my Vitamix a key part of my recovery.

So tell me what are some brands you’re loving right now?

Be sure to check out the link-up, you may find a new brand to try!

signature

Meb for Mortals – Book Review

Meb-For-Mortals_Cover

A few weeks ago Runner’s World contacted me about a chance to read and review an advanced copy of Meb Keflezighi’s new book – Meb for Mortals: How to Run, Think, and Eat Like a Champion Marathoner. I’m a huge Meb fan so this was a very quick and easy yes on my part! All opinions expressed here, as always, are my own.

I still remember how thrilling it was to watch last year’s Boston Marathon. My family and I try to go every year to cheer runners on. As the men’s race unfolded, I remember being glued to the set refusing to run the risk of missing history by being in the car driving up to one of our favorite spots in Newton. So we waited and watched as Meb ran an amazing race for the ages, and became the first American man to win Boston in over 20 years. After such an emotional year following the bombings, there was nothing more fitting than seeing an American win. And, of course, everyone wanted to know, how did he do it? How did he beat such a talented field and all just before his 39th birthday?!

In Meb for Mortals, Meb explains this is exactly why he wrote this book – to share how his philosophy and preparation helped him to come out on top. But more importantly, through this book Meb doesn’t just speak to elite runners, but to all runners — to help runners at all levels to improve.

The book is broken down into 9 chapters:

  • Chapter 1 – Think like Meb
  • Chapter 2 – Run like Meb
  • Chapter 3 – Train like Meb
  • Chapter 4 – Race like Meb
  • Chapter 5 – Eat like Meb
  • Chapter 6 – Strengthen like Meb
  • Chapter 7 – Stretch like Meb
  • Chapter 8 – Cross-Train like Meb
  • Chapter 9 – Recover like Meb

While I think you should read the book cover to cover, the book’s set up makes it very easy to jump around to the topics that interest you most. For me, I loved the fact that he begins with the mental side of running. Meb says that there are three key things that determine your long term running success – good goals, commitment and hard work. And, as he points out at the opening of Chapter One:

“Only one of those items is physical. The other two are psychological. That’s how important I think the mental side of running is.”

There is so much good stuff in this book – lots of nuggets of wisdom for runners at every level. So before I go on and on, let me say simply, Meb for Mortals is definitely worth adding to your running library. (You can buy the book here.)

Will you be watching Meb defend his Boston Marathon title? What’s your favorite running book?

signature

Training Check-in and a Detox Update

Training Check In

Last week’s goal was to get 3 runs, 2 strength and at least 1 yoga session, in addition to keeping up with the April Plank Challenge. Reality was a bit of a mixed bag, as I missed both a run and a strength session – I am rocking the planks. I’m not happy about missing the run, but sometimes juggling everything else in life just gets in the way.

It’s a good thing I’m planning on just running the BAA 5K with my husband and son for fun ’cause a respectable time is just not in the cards.  I’m even thinking of just leaving the Garmin at home – Have you ever “raced” sans watch?

In other news…when I posted recently that I was doing the Naked Me 14-day tea detox, many of you expressed interest in hearing how things turned out.  Well, in a word, I’m underwhelmed. After reading much about this detox across the interwebs, I was really looking forward to trying it.  I figured it was a good fit since I’m already a big tea drinker and I liked the fact that there was no extreme diet attached to it.

The detox consists of two teas – the Boost Me morning tea, which is suppose to boost your metabolism, increase energy and regulate your blood sugar levels; and the Cleanse Me evening tea, which is suppose to promote digestion and detoxification.  I have to say I just felt no special benefits from drinking these tea blends vs. the green teas I usually drink. I continued to eat healthy and exercise as I normally do and after two weeks I saw no significant changes…and no weight-loss. So there you have it. The only benefit of this two week experiment? I have returned to my evening tea habit, which is always a nice way to wind down at the end of the day.

What are your thoughts on doing a detox?

Tuesdays-on-the-run

How’s your spring training going? I’m joining Erika, Patty and April again for Tuesdays on the Run. 

signature

Friday’s This & That

This has been one crazy busy week as evidenced in part by the 3 half written blog posts still sitting on my computer and the stacks of clean laundry waiting to be folded and put away. Lots swirling around in my brain…so indulge me for a little randomness…

NBFRR 2015 logoRunning for a cause — While work was one of biggest contributing factors to the craziness of this week, it’s all good because I really enjoy what I do…especially when I get to do something running related! On Monday, I attended a meeting with the Falmouth Road Race organizers. For those of you who don’t know, the Falmouth Road Race is an awesome 7-mile race held on the Cape in August. I was so excited when I heard that the MA Breast Cancer Coalition was awarded 20 bibs! Now it’s my job to pull together our team! (By the way if you’re going to be on the Cape this summer, we need to talk!)

Give it a rest Mother Nature — yep Mother Nature doesn’t know when to quit! We had sleet and hail around here the last couple of days, which definitely messed with my running schedule. But today it’s suppose to get into the 50s and higher this weekend…so we move on.

Summer planning already? — Can I just say it’s a little hard to believe summer’s ever coming when you’re watching hail fall! But, we just got my son’s camp pack list  and boy is he going to need to bring a lot of stuff! So I’ll be adding that shopping to my to do list!

Need more time on the track — I’ve made no secret that I’ve fallen into a bit of a running funk…just haven’t found my groove yet. But after last weekend one thing is clear to me, I need to go play on the track more.  I’ve always felt at home on the track and while I’m far from being in shape for serious speedwork – there’s always room for any type of running that puts a smile on your face, right?

A much needed day off — This was definitely one of those weeks that I’m so glad I don’t work on Fridays. Today will be filled with yoga, some errands and a long overdue catch-up with a friend!

Have you ever been a charity runner? What have you got planned for the weekend?

signature

Training Check-in — Accountability

 

Training Check In

As much as I love my training journal, I’m feeling the need for more accountability. Accountability was one of the main reasons I started this blog in the first place….and so I’m returning to my training check-ins.

A couple of weeks ago, I announced I’d mapped out a training plan to get myself to the start line of the Newport 10 miler. I have been aiming for two days of yoga, two days of strength work and three days of running a week. So how’d it go last week? Thanks to a crazy work schedule and feeling under the weather, my runs were jammed into the later half of the week – but I did get 3 shorts runs done…including some family time at the track (where my oldest snapped the pic above). Since I wasn’t feeling so hot, there was only one strength and one yoga session — I opted instead for much needed rest. But, I did sign-on for Boston Road Runners’ April Plank Challenge, so a daily plank series has been happening.

Given how I was feeling, I’d say it was a decent week. And, after a quiet weekend, I’m feeling rested and ready to go this week! I’ll let you know how it goes….

How’s your training going? Do you find it helpful to post training updates?

I’m linking up again with Erika, Patty and April for Tuesdays on the Run Tuesdays-on-the-run

 

signature

April’s Ultimate Coffee Date

The Ultimate Coffee Date

I’m joining Coco, Lynda and Deborah for one of my favorite link-ups — The Ultimate Coffee Date. It’s always a fun chance to catch up so grab a mug, settle into a comfy chair and join us!

Naked Me TeaIf we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m actually drinking tea this morning as part of a 14-day detox I’m doing. After hearing much about Naked Me Tea, I decided to give their 2-step detox tea a try. I’m 6 days in…and the jury’s still out. I’ll let you know how it goes.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that the hockey equipment is finally being stored for the season and lacrosse is consuming my house with a vengeance!

RnRVegas-300x297If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that RnR Vegas is now officially on my fall race calendar, as I wasted no time signing up when registration opened on Wednesday. I’m looking forward to seeing some fellow bloggers there – a chance to finally meet IRL! And, it seems like every time I mention Vegas to a friend this week, their eyes light up and there’s talk about them joining in. Could be quite the party before we’re done!

MK ToteIf we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that after carrying the same bag forever, I treated myself the other day to this new tote to usher in spring! Cute, right?

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I need to get going because my youngest son is waiting to dye eggs. 🙂

Happy Easter!!

If we were having coffee together, what would you tell me? Have you ever done a detox?

signature