I Heart Fridays!

March 13, 2015 by 29 Comments

Happy Friday!

I’m linking up Courtney, Mar and Cynthia for their #FridayFive link-up. The topic this week is “Day in the Life,” which is always fun – I love a peak into how other people spend their days.

Since I just dished on morning routines, I thought I’d take a different spin and give you five things I love about my Fridays.

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Five Things I love about Friday

No work — I don’t work on Fridays – I may check in on email quickly but Fridays are a no work day. Instant long weekend!

Trainer workouts —  Since I started working with Trainer Stacy, I try to get workouts with her in a couple of Fridays a month.

Lunch with Friends — No work on Fridays also means I try to book lunch plans with friends as often as possible.

Family downtime — Friday nights are great for just family hangout time. We’re free from homework and my husband and I kind of have an unwritten rule to make no plans for the evening. After running here and there all week, this is one night we can count on to grab dinner and just hang together.

Pizza! — And speaking of dinner, more often than not pizza is the family favorite on Fridays. Sometimes we’ll order take out, but if the energy level is high enough we’ll make our own. Thrown in a glass of wine and it’s the perfect end to a busy week!

 Do you love Fridays as much as I do? Any great plans for the weekend?

 

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Filed Under: Friday Five, general musings

Refreshing the morning routine

March 11, 2015 by 18 Comments

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With all of the crazy snow days we had from the end of January and throughout February, my morning routine has essentially gone right out the window. No great surprise, when my morning kickoffs in the right way it makes all of the difference in my attitude and how my day unfolds for me.

So, with spring on the way (really I promise it is!), it seems like a good time to refresh the morning routine. Honestly “routine” is probably not even the right word to use, because I know no two mornings will unfold for me in precisely the same way…but there are some “rituals” that help me to make sure that I run my day, instead of the other way around.

What do I need in my morning?

Meditation — This is my chance to connect and get centered.

Hydration — While my first instinct many mornings is to reach for coffee, I like to get a glass of water with lemon down first.

Working out — I have been working out and running post-work in the afternoon, but I know it definitely works for me best to get moving in the morning, so it’s time to get back to that.

Daily planning —  I am a planner geek from way back, so my morning is not complete without a little time sitting quietly with my planner and a mug of coffee to review both mine and my family’s schedules, identify the “must do’s” vs. “like to do’s” and set my plan/intentions for the day.

And yes, Coffee — I do love a mug of coffee…I’m trying hard now to reel it in and keep it to just one cup!

Now the trick to either refreshing or creating a morning routine is to build slowly. Conventional wisdom says it takes at least 21 days to form a habit. And, taking baby steps is more likely to be effective than making one giant leap – especially if the routine you’re trying to adopt is a radical departure from where you are now. Finally, if part of your routine feels more like a chore than a source of inspiration, it may be time to re-access and consider making some changes until you find what feels right for you.

So tell me, what’s your morning routine like?

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Filed Under: meditation, refocusing, Routines/Rituals

Ultimate Coffee Date – March

March 7, 2015 by 16 Comments

The Ultimate Coffee Date

It’s the first Saturday of the month which means its time for the Ultimate Coffee Date! I’m linking up again with Coco, Lynda and Deborah so grab a cup of your fave beverage and join us!

 

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that while I still feel like a lot my race schedule is still in flux, I did do a little race shopping this week and locked in my registration for both the Newport 10 miler and Boston’s Run to Remember 5 miler. My husband J has decided to run RtR with me.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m secretly grateful to see my son’s hockey season coming to an end. The crack o’dawn games are starting to wear thin, and juggling between both hockey and indoor lacrosse practices is definitely stressing out our weekend schedule!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m itching to do some spring cleaning! Also it’s been a while since I’ve gone on a de-cluttering tear through my house. After such a long winter, it feels like the perfect way to welcome in spring. Now if I can just figure out how to get my family on board 😉

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my newest TV addiction is Fixer Upper on HGTV.  Maybe it’s because I live in a 120+ year old house, but I love remodel shows. On Tuesday nights, I’m glued to the TV for this one hoping to steal and idea or two.

HGTV-showchip-fixer-upper

Sorry I have to cut our coffee time short today, but it’s time for me to start the lacrosse to hockey shuffle.

If we were having coffee together, what would you tell me? Do you like design/remodel shows?

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Filed Under: clutter clean out, race shopping, Ultimate coffee date

Lovin/Not Lovin’ March Edition

March 6, 2015 by 20 Comments

Linking up once again with Courtney, Mar and Cynthia for their #FridayFive link up. Today’s them is “favorites.” Sounds like the perfect time for another edition of Lovin/Not Lovin.’

Lovin’

tortilla soupChicken Tortilla Soup — This soup has become a huge favorite this winter (in fact I just made it again earlier this week). It’s super easy  – dump everything in the crockpot and go — and you can dial the spice up or down.

Boots

 

Winter Boots —  These Timberlands have been my saving grace this winter. I truly love these boots! <Affiliate link alert!>

 

Arc Trainer

Source: Cybex International

 

Arc Trainer —
I recently discovered the Arc Trainer at my gym and it is quickly becoming my new fave cardio machine when I’m not on the mill!

Uptown Funk — With so much indoor training, the tunes are critical! I’m lovin’ this Bruno Mars song.

 Not Lovin’

The scary side of so much snow! — Roof collapses are starting to be a regular feature on the local news around here. Last Saturday morning, our town ice rink roof came down – thankfully no one was hurt! Definitely too close for comfort!

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Filed Under: fave things, Friday Five

March Movement

March 2, 2015 by 17 Comments

I mentioned in my Runfessions the other day that I was toying with the idea of a March run streak – something to help shake things up and maybe help me find my running mojo. While an intriguing idea, in the end I’m not convinced that 31 straight days of running is really for me. I’ve come to embrace my rest days and know how important they are for keeping my legs happy. Plus, with more snow last night and more to come later in the week, the thought of trying to do the streak on a treadmill might just push me over the edge.

What I do like about the idea of the streak is committing to doing something every day – so that’s become my goal for March…. 31 days of movement in the form of strength work, yoga and running. I was psyched to see that Black Girls Run! Boston is doing another 50 mile challenge – these are always fun as we cheer each other on, so I’ve joined in and am hoping to get in on some group runs if the weather cooperates.

yoga-pose-rodney-yeeI’ve also dusted off my yoga DVDs and kicked off March Movement yesterday with a little Rodney Yee! If I can swing a studio class in with my schedule than that will be a bonus, but at least the DVDs will guarantee I’ll get two days of yoga a week — along with 3 days of running, 2 days of Trainer Stacy’s strength work should make for a good week.

So that’s my plan for March! What are your goals?

 

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Filed Under: goals, Yoga

Runfessions – February Edition

February 27, 2015 by 13 Comments

I know February is a short month but can you believe it’s the end of the month already! I’m linking up with Marcia again for another edition of Runfessions. Join us!

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Runfession #1 — We’ve reached 100 inches of snow and my running mojo is buried somewhere under it.

Runfession #2 — I am actually toying with the idea of a run streak challenge in March just to keep my interest and focus. The thought of a run streak usually goes against my belief that my 48-year-old legs need a day off … but I’m also feeling the need to seriously shake things up.

Runfession #3 — On the flip side, my new found love of strength training continues to grow. The beauty of belonging to a new gym is that both the weights and TRX areas are often empty.

TRX

Runfession #4 — I’m also lovin’ working with Trainer Stacy. Having a plan to follow, much like with running, really makes all the difference for me — really no surprise there. I had another great workout with her this morning that I’m sure my legs will let me hear about the rest of the day!

Runfession #5 — The downside of the new gym? No “gym crazies!”  From time to time, I’ve shared my encounters with the more interesting characters at my gym. But, with this new gym, I’m not sure if it’s the times of day I’ve been going or that the crazies haven’t joined yet, but so far it’s all been very “normal” and I must admit I kind of miss the occasional crazy just to keep the people watching interesting. And, yes I realize I’ve probably just jinxed myself!

I’m also linking up with Courtney, Mar & Cynthia for their Friday link-up. It’s a “Free Friday” this week so be sure to stop and check out what everyone’s talking about!

So tell me, what’s your Runfession? Have you ever tried a run streak?

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Filed Under: Friday Five, Runfessions

Race Shopping Dilemna

February 25, 2015 by 14 Comments

So the juggling of my race calendar continues….

I have been anxiously waiting for Rock ‘n’ Roll to announce the date of #RnRPhilly, and this happened…..

PHI15_announce_datacap

And I was all “Yay sign me up!”….then I realized that this puts #RnRPhilly one week before #RnRSavannah….gah!

I was so looking forward to running both of these races, but running them on back-to-back weekends is not an option. So now what?

I’ve gone back to staring at the R’n’R website to figure out where I’m going to get my #RocknBlog groove on – and the list of potential races is long:

In September — Virginia Beach and Montreal

In October — Denver (how bad is the altitude?) and Philly

In November — Savannah and Las Vegas (racing at night?)

In December — San Antonio

TBD — Brooklyn

Decisions… decisions – Run Philly or Savannah? Consider running the Strip at Night?And, am I crazy to even consider putting Chicago in July on the list?!?

Any words of advice? Have you run any of these races?

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Filed Under: #RocknBlog, race calendar, race shopping, RnR

Back on the bucket list

February 18, 2015 by 20 Comments

If you been around here for a while then you know that to say lacrosse season is big in my house is a bit of an understatement! Both of my boys play (my oldest actually plays for two teams), my husband runs the boys’ program in our town…. and did I mention that this year I got dragged into volunteered to manage  the town program’s website and all communications?! Well the league our town is in recently announced the big season kickoff date – April 12. Because of Easter, we’re starting later than usual this year…so the season kickoff is the same day as the Cherry Blossom 10-miler.

Bucket ListI did briefly mull over whether I could manage all of the lacrosse logistics I’ll need to keep track of from a DC hotel room – it makes my eyes cross just thinking about it. But, the more important thing to consider is just how disappointed my boys will be if I’m not there for the season opener and all the hoopla and excitement that goes with it. No doubt in my mind about where I need to be.

So it looks like Cherry Blossom stays on my bucket list for another year and I’ll be on the lookout for another 10 miler to take its place. In the meantime, if you know someone who’s looking for a bib, send them my way!

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Filed Under: Cherry Blossom, running dilemnas

Long Weekend Update

February 16, 2015 by 13 Comments

Happy Monday!

Mondays are always so much sweeter when they are part of a long weekend 🙂

Did you do anything special for Valentine’s Day? I may be the rare woman, but I’m not much for Valentine’s Day and all of the hoopla over hearts, flowers and candy. Don’t get me wrong I’m all for my husband buying me flowers…or chocolate for that matter – I’m just not much for the one designated day that these things are “suppose” to happen, know what I mean?

So my Saturday kicked off with a run and workout at the gym with my hubby J, followed by running errands, trying to clear the roof and pathways around our house before the storm and hanging out with the kids playing games.

Mario

Mario Kart

Once the kids were in bed we opted for our favorite way to toast V-Day – sushi dinner at home and a movie! Sushi dinner

 

We woke up to this…

More snow Yep, more than another foot of snow. So there was more cross-training in the form of shoveling and neighbors trying to help dig each other out. After 4 straight weekends of getting snowed in we’re getting really good at it! When we could finally see the driveway, pathway and deck again it was time to collapse into a heap on the couch. Another afternoon of games, cooking and hanging out.  All good stuff!

We finished the day watching the SNL 40th Anniversary Show  SNL 40 – I rarely watch the show any more (I can’t stay awake!) but seeing some of the old skits was a great stroll down memory lane.

So the weekend continues today, but with the windchill around -20 it looks like I’ll be needing to find more indoor activities with the kids!

So how was your weekend? Did you watch SNL?

Linking up with Tara’s Weekend Update

Running 'N' Reading
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Filed Under: weather, weekends

Snow-crazed

February 11, 2015 by 13 Comments

68.6 inches of snow in 17 days….

68.6 inches people…and more is on the way.

I’d wave a white flag but with all this damn snow you’d never see it.

I am officially snow crazed…

…. the condition when you can no longer cheerfully announce that shoveling is a form of cross-training

…. the condition when you jump when the phone rings for fear it’s the announcement of yet another snow day from school

….. the condition when you’ve played all the games and watched enough movies that even your kids are starting to look weary

….. the condition when you actually start to have homicidal feelings towards the plow drivers who keep pushing the snow back into the end of your driveway

Snow rage

Gratefully, the kids are headed back to school today and I’m headed to the gym to regain a little of my sanity, even if I have to do it on the ‘mill.

Is any one else cursing Mother Nature lately?

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Filed Under: general musings, Mother Nature, weather