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

Ultimate Coffee – February

February 7, 2015 by 14 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 almost a week later I’m still giddy over my beloved Patriots winning the Super Bowl. It was an unbelievable game and I must say the final two minutes almost took me out!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m really happy that both my husband J and my oldest son have decided to join me again in running the B.A.A. 5K! This race has become crazy-popular in the past couple of years so we wasted no time registering when it opened on Wednesday. We had so much fun last year – it’s a fun way to kick off Boston Marathon weekend. And, speaking of the marathon, I also submitted my application to volunteer again  – it will be a couple more weeks before I get my assignment.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I was so psyched to finally receive my discount code for the Rock ‘n’ Roll races that I can share with everyone! You can use the code RUNATTITUDE015 to save $15 on both half and full marathons in the US & Canada or £3 (GBP) off international races.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my new favorite addiction is BarkThins! Bark I especially like the dark chocolate pretzel…seriously, I made need an intervention.

 

If we were having coffee together, what would you tell me? 

What’s your current snack addiction?

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

Balancing the Urge to Run

February 4, 2015 by 13 Comments

The road back from an injury can be a long winding one, full of ups and downs and twists and turns.  I find as you travel along this road your greatest companions are determination, belief and patience.

You must have the determination to do the work needed to heal and get stronger.

You must believe you that the work you put into your recovery will pay off.

Ah but patience….there’s the tough one. As the injury starts to heals….as you start to feel “better” the urge to run or to push your runs grows stronger. It’s easy to want to leave patience behind and get back into the game. But go too fast or too hard and you’ll find that road to recovery extending a lot further out in front of you than you want.

patience-is-form-of-wisdom-jon-kabat-zinn

I remind myself of this every time I step on to the treadmill. My knee is definitely healing and I’m definitely feeling anxious as I eye the calendar….but I need to balance the urge to run and train with patience.

The ultimate goal this year is to Thrive not just survive….A slow and steady return will payoff in the end!

 

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Filed Under: injuries, patience, to push or not to push

Runfessions – January edition

January 30, 2015 by 12 Comments

It’s that time again…last Friday of the month so I’m joining Marcia again for another edition of Runfessions – a chance to cleanse your sweaty soul!

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Runfession #1 — Cherry Blossom training was suppose to begin this week… but didn’t. I’m still in the run/walk, knee-watch phase…and right now 10 miles seems so far!

Runfession #2 — Thanks to Juno and more snow on the way today, I probably won’t be seeing too many outdoor runs in the near future. With no place to put the snow, the roads are very narrow and on some of my favorite routes, sidewalks are non-existent. The thought of treadmill-only running does not bode well for my training plans.

Runfession #3 — I have to admit I’m much happier on my strength training days vs. my run days – maybe because I feel like I’m seeing more progress.

Runfession #4 — Or maybe this should be labeled food-fession…Let’s just say I stepped on the scale recently and there are 6 pounds or so that need not be there. Time to lay off the comfort food! ‘Nuff said there.

Runfession #5 — Due to my work schedule I didn’t sign-up for the current 12-week session of my favorite Pilates barre class and I miss it terribly! I may have to break down and try the Pilates classes at my new gym just so I don’t go through complete withdrawal.

There…I feel better now! What’s your runfession?

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Filed Under: general musings, Runfessions

My 2015 Race Calendar

January 29, 2015 by 16 Comments

After reflecting back on lessons learned from a not so great race, it seems like the perfect time to look ahead to this year’s race calendar. Ah the race calendar…so many races to consider. If only there were infinite time and funds!

So here’s what I’m thinking (hoping) so far:

March 29th:  Cambridge City Run 5-miler City Run

April 12th:  Cherry Blossom 10 Miler cucblogo

April 18th:  BAA 5K  baa_logo

May 24th:  Boston Run to Remember 5 miler  66423_351740471611351_1208731592_n

June 7th:  Newport 10 miler  Newport 10 Miler

June 23rd:  BAA 10K ** This one is a big question mark because I’ll be working a big event for my job the day before and sometimes late June in Boston is just too hot!

The second half of the year will be all about the half marathon and some #RocknBlog fun!

RocknBlog Badge

I’ve narrowed down the #RnR options to Virginia Beach, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Savannah and San Antonio. The dates for Philly and Brooklyn have not been finalized yet…believe it or not the Pope is playing a role in holding up the Philly date! So for now I stalk watch the website and Facebook for an announcement. There may be another race or two of shorter distances in the fall, but I want to get these figured out first.

So I’ve got a pretty good mix of favorite repeats and some new destinations

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Filed Under: #RocknBlog, BAA, Boston's Run to Remember, Cherry Blossom, Newport 10 Miler, race calendar

Lessons from My Worst Race

January 27, 2015 by 11 Comments

Erika, Patty and April posed an interesting question for today’s Tuesday on the Run topic: What was your worst race? Worst kind be defined a lot of different ways – missed goals? horrible weather?  injury? DNF?

For me the race came to mind immediately – the Wicked Half Marathon.  countdown_wickedHalfYou can read about the full debacle here. This was an ugly race for me because I was sick. In hindsight, I knew I didn’t feel well when I left that morning for the drive up to Salem, but I ignored the early warning signs and went anyway. I knew something was off as I waited for the race to begin…again I didn’t heed the warning. You see where this is going, right? Long story short, the wheels came off the wagon a mere 5 miles into the race. I made my first ever in-the-middle-of-a-race porta potty stop, briefly considered the nearby med tent but instead chose to keep going. I went from a run, to a shuffle, to a walk. And yes I did finish, but I was so sick afterwards that I had to wait around almost an hour post-race before I could drive myself home. (Turned out I was at the front-end of a virus that stuck around for several days!)

Lessons learned?

Listen to your body! — Yes there are times to push your limits, but it’s most important to heed the warning signals your body is giving you. There will always be another race.

My kids are a great source of motivation — They eagerly ran, walked and cheered me through the course. As always, they were a great source of inspiration!

Runners are wonderfully supportive — I met some great runners along the course who stopped to check on me and encourage me. And I bonded with many other “walking wounded” all determined to finish the route.

Mental toughness will carry you a long way — While physically my body had given up on this race early on, I still found a way to will myself on. It’s an experience I’m sure I’ll reflect on, the next time a race gets tough.

What was your worst race? What did you learn from it?

Tuesdays-on-the-run

 

 

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Filed Under: lessons learned, race, Wicked Half Marathon

Friday Five – Lovin’/Not Lovin’

January 23, 2015 by 16 Comments

Happy Friday everyone!!

Linking up once again with Mar, Courtney & Cynthia — the theme this week is “Things about me.” Since I just shared a day in my life a couple of days ago, I thought I’d take a little liberty with this theme and share a few things I’m lovin’/not lovin’ right now.

Lovin’

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This quick post-gym pic doesn’t do it justice

Athleta Strength Hoodie — One of my favorite Christmas gifts is this hoodie from Athleta. It is my go-to cover-up to go to and from the gym. So warm without the bulk!

TRX Workouts — Trainer Stacy added some TRX to the mix last week and I couldn’t be happier.

Anatomy for Runners —

(Affiliate link alert!) I ordered this book ages ago after learning about it from Amanda, but have only recently pulled it off the shelf to read. One more tool in my injury-prevention box!

Not Lovin’

Plague/virus/cold invasion — My husband and oldest son went down earlier this week (actually J’s been sick since last Friday). And this morning I woke up not feeling so hot myself…to which my youngest looked at me over breakfast this morning and declare “So I’m the only one left!” (So much for sympathy, right?)

Late Practices & Early Games — Recently the aforementioned sympathetic son’s hockey schedule has shifted into an ugly pattern of late evening practices (not coming off the ice until 8:30PM) and crack of dawn weekend games. This Sunday he’ll be on the ice at 6:20AM…6:20 on a Sunday people…in a cold rink…ugh!

What are you lovin’ or not lovin’ right now?

 

DC_linkup

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Filed Under: Athleta, Friday Five

A Day in the Life

January 21, 2015 by 7 Comments

I always enjoy sneaking a peak into how others manage their day…maybe because it helps me to feel less crazy 😉 So when Katie suggested doing a Day in the Life link-up I couldn’t resist playing along.

I must admit that since the holidays, I have been s-l-o-w to settle into a consistent morning routine. I have been easing my way back to my early morning workouts so my day alarm goes off around 5:30AM. I stumbled around in dark tiptoe around my house getting ready and head to the gym.

My view as I pull into the gym parking lot

My view as I pull into the gym parking lot

With the workout done, I hurry home to make sure I get back in time so my husband and my oldest son can head out the door to school/work. A quick check of the day’s schedule, including making sure my son has everything he needs for the day (all books, saxophone and basketball uniform…check, check and check) and they’re off. Now it’s time to get my youngest ready for school – I pack lunch, snack and double-check his backpack. He has breakfast and I my first cup of coffee while we chat about the day ahead – this morning we practice spelling words for his test.

After chatting at the bus stop with my neighbors, there’s time for some meditation, a shower, and a quick clean-up of the kitchen before settling in in front of my computer.

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There’s a little time for checking email, blogs and Facebook before I start working. I’m so lucky to work from my home as it offers me great flexibility in managing my schedule. I can also swing getting laundry and other odds and ends done in between conference calls and replying to emails. Today’s a day of grant-writing and I am grateful for a quiet house so I can focus.

By early afternoon, I’m itching for a break and take my “office mate” our for some fresh air. Taz Soon it’s time for some combination of bus, carpool and a flurry of books, papers and catching up on all the details of the kids’ days…or what I’m able to drag out of them besides “It was good.” (Does anyone else have that problem?)

Some nights there’s hockey practice for my youngest or a late meeting for my husband, so of late family dinners have been hard to come by during the week – not something I’m thrilled with! My goal is to have dinner together at least 3 times a week, which we were able to do for the most part last fall. Before bed my youngest will come and cuddle on the couch and we’ll read together. Cuddling

Depending on  the homework load, it may be close to 9:30 before my middle schooler is asleep and things quiet down. If I have the energy I may return to my computer for a little blogging and catch up on FB, etc., but of late, I’m toast and just happy to sack out on the couch and watch a little TV with my husband before calling it a night.

And that’s pretty much a typical day in my world.

How ’bout you – are your days pretty routine or always changing?

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Filed Under: Typical day

Friday Five – What’s in my gym bag

January 16, 2015 by 12 Comments

Happy Friday!

This has been a loooong week and I’m so happy to see Friday come!

I’m linking up once again with Courtney, Mar and Cynthia for the Friday Five. Today’s topic “What’s in your gym bag?” couldn’t be more appropriate since I’ve been living at the gym lately working on getting stronger – in fact I had a great session with Trainer Stacey this morning that I’m sure I’ll be feeling the rest of the day 😉

Gym bag

Koss FitClips — I’ve made no secret of my love for music when I’m working out and since I’m not always a fan of the music playing in the gym, my  Koss FitClip earbuds are a must have.  I got to review these a year ago and they’ve been a fave ever since!

Koss Headphones

Strength training plan – I find I’m doing much better being consistent with my strength work now that I’mgym bag2 following a training plan just as I would do for running.  Seems so obvious right?!

Towel — My old gym didn’t offer a towel service, and even though my new gym does I find I never leave home without a towel in my bag.

Water bottle — Gotta stay hydrated right? And yes, there’s usually Nuun Energy in that Nuun water bottle – again it was a another product I got to review and have just kept right on using.

Multiple Shoes — One of the things I love about my gym bag is that it is roomy enough for multiple pairs of shoes. So if I hit the treadmill or elliptical I throw on my Wave Riders, but if I’m doing strength work I’d rather have the extra stability of my Asics Gel Pursue. The Gel Pursue definitely proved to be more shoe than I wanted for running, but I’m finding they offer the great stability I want for strength work – win! I also keep a pair of Nike Studio Wraps in the bag for when I head to my Pilates Barre classes. Yes I know…I have shoe issues 🙂

And speaking of my gym bag…I would be remiss if I did not mention just how much I love my Apera tote (you can check out my review here). It’s got a ton of pockets and holds everything I could possibly need with room to spare!

So what are you hauling around in your gym bag?  DC_linkup

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Filed Under: #WaveRider18, Apera Yoga Tote, ASICS GEL-Pursue, Friday Five, Koss Fit Series, Nuun, Strength training

#NoExcuses Challenge

January 15, 2015 by 10 Comments

To help get the year off to the right start, I joined my fellow Sweat Pink Ambassadors for the #NoExcuses Challenge. The challenge is simple – to commit to moving every day in the month of January and share what you do via social media. There are weekly emails with prompts to help keep you motivated and the potential to win some great prizes!

Today it’s time for a little Mad Lib fun! Thanks to Amy for tagging me 🙂

MadLib

  • Hey 2015, it’s me Michelle (nickname, spirit animal, real name, blog name)

  • This year I would like to learn more about nutrition, truly commit to strength training, and stay off the injured reserve.

  • It would also be super duper awesome if I also did snag a PR or two this year. It’s not a resolution, though, just a reminder to myself to try and have the best year yet because I want to Thrive!

  • The thing I am looking forward to most this year is having fun!

  • I’ll use the one thing that truly gets me out of bed in the morning which is that voice in my head saying “make it happen” to help me get up, get moving (verb) and get after my #NoExcuses 2015.

  • Speaking of excuses (ahem), my very favorite excuse is not enough time and I have used it to get out of doing rolling and proper recovery on more than one (number) occasion.

  • I vow to move my body and be more healthy this year even if it means I have to give up my night-owl ways.

  • Even if my alarm clock gets eaten by the dog in the middle of the night, I’ll still be woken up by my snoring husband (seriously you should hear him!)

  • I will stop blaming the kids [ex: kids, dog, husband] for eating the rest of the chocolate covered almonds from Trader Joe’s when everyone knows it was really me.

  • My crazy family schedule [job, hair, car, husband, kids] is not the reason I make excuses. I will show my crazy family schedule [same as before] who’s boss this year and get my run [type of sweaty activity] on.

  • I know that any workout [type of workout] is better than working long hours at my desk [noun].

  • I will reward myself by booking some spa time.

  • No Excuses 2015 has just begun and already I am imagining myself a winner. I can’t wait to rock a hoodie (article of clothing) from Augusta Active. I can’t wait till my sweaty friends are jealous of how fresh, clean and not stinky (adj) I am between workouts with help from ShowerPill body wipes. I can see myself rocking sumo deadlifts [yoga pose / workout move] in new Tie One On Legging [article of clothing from Actio926] from Actio926 and looking fit and fly while doing it. And of course, I’ll be taking my workouts to the next level and improving my core [noun] with my new ActivMotion Bar to help me train for my next half marathon [distance] race with Sasquatch Racing.

  • Oh, and let’s not forget how amazing my favorite tank [article of clothing] will smell in my / during my Pilates Barre class  [favorite type of workout] after washing with some WIN Detergent. And lastly, I’ll keep rocking my 2015 with clean eats and nutrition from Beaming with Health!

  • Tag, Tweet, shout-out, call, text, fax or email 3 friends to take this survey and share how they will have a #NoExcuses 2015. Remind your friends to simply fill in the underlined parts!

  • Use the #NoExcuses hashtag and post to win prizes from Augusta Active, ShowerPill, ActivMotion Bar, WIN Detergent, Actio926, Beaming with Health, and Sasquatch Racing.

I’m tagging Coco, Sue, and anyone else who wants to play 🙂

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Filed Under: #noexcuses, just having fun, Sweat Pink