Five Tips to Avoid Quitter’s Day

Did you know that the second Friday in January has earned the dubious title of “Quitter’s Day”? According to various research, by the second Friday in January, between 70-80% of people who make resolutions have started to give up on them.

Of course, with the right mindset and strategies, you can keep your fitness goals alive all year long. For this week’s Fit Five Friday, here are five tips to help you stick with your goals and avoid Quitter’s Day.

Fit Five Friday: Five Tips to Avoid Quitter’s Day

Set Realistic Goals
While a goal should stretch you beyond your comfort zone, if the goal is too much of a reach it could backfire when you struggle to make progress. It’s fine to “go big” with your goals but be sure to build in smaller goals along the way so you have some wins along the way.  Success breeds motivation!

Make It Personal
Your goals should reflect your interests – not what others are doing. Whether it’s running, yoga, weightlifting, or dance, pick something you enjoy. If you’re chasing a goal because others are doing it/have done it and you feel like you “should” then you’re not setting yourself up for success.

Find Your Why
So what is your Why? When chasing your goals gets tough you need to remember why you’re doing this – Is it to feel stronger, have more energy, clock that PR, or set an example for your kids? When motivation wanes (and it will!), reconnecting with your “why” can give you the push you need to keep going.

Make a Plan
Dreams need structure! Map out your workouts for the week and schedule them like you would any important appointment. When you’re facing multiple demands on your time (work, family, and other personal commitments), it can be tough to find time for your workouts.  Scheduling your workouts as you would any other meeting or obligation is key to ensuring that you have the time you need to make consistent progress toward your goals.

Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Fitness is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate every win, no matter how small—whether it’s showing up for a workout, hitting a personal best, or simply feeling better. Recognizing progress helps build momentum and keeps you inspired to continue.

How do you make sure you stay on track with your goals?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and The Running Techer every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Coffee Catch Up for the New Year

Happy 2025 – I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday season!

I’m kicking off the first Fit Five Friday of 2025 by linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So grab a mug and let’s chat.

Coffee Catch Up for the New Year

Over coffee, I would tell you that while I was missing my mom terribly, I did mange to enjoy the holidays more than I expected. There were lazy days, big meals and lots of family time. Maybe there’s something to be said for letting go of expectations and just taking the days as they come.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m looking forward to us setting up our home gym this month. As we wrapped up the renovation last year, one outstanding item was that we needed steps to connect the old basement to the new section that will house the gym. Well now that the steps are in place, and things are quieting down post-holidays it’s the perfect time to turn our attention to this project.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m excited to be back with Jenn, Darlene, Renee and Zenaida for another year of the Fit Five Friday link up! We’ve got some fun topics lined up in addition to joining in for Coffee and Runfessions. Of course, you’re always welcome to write about any fitness/wellness topic you’d like. We hope you’ll join us!

What would you tell me over coffee?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and The Running Techer every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Final Runfessions for 2024

It is crazy to think that we are in the final days of this year!  For this last Fit Five Friday of 2024, I’m linking up with Marcia has to share a couple of final runfessions before we turn the page to a new year.

Final Runfessions for 2024 

I runfess that I’m growing tired of doctors with no answers. Yes that’s my way of telling you I’m still no closer to running!

Actually, I runfess that my goal at this point isn’t even running – I’d just like to be able to power walk for a decent distance without pain.

I runfess that it is much easier to not be running while there’s ice on the ground and frigid temps. I’m happy leaning into strength training during the winter months.

That being said, I runfess that not giving up yet…I have an EMG test scheduled along with an appointment with another orthopedic specialist in January. Onwards!

What’s the longest you’ve gone without running?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and The Running Techer every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!


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Smith Seeker Sunglasses Review

I’m a big fan of sunglasses – they are must-wear gear for me! So when I was offered the opportunity to try out a pair of Smith’s Seeker sunglasses, I was certainly interested. I’ve now had the chance to wear them for a bit and for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m excited to share my thoughts.

Disclaimer: I received the Smith sunglasses in exchange for a review.  All opinions, as always, are my own.

Smith Seeker Sunglasses Review

Comfort and Fit

From the moment I put them on, the Seeker sunglasses impressed me with their comfort. Thanks to the Megol temple and nose pads, these glasses provide a secure, non-slip grip that keeps them firmly in place—even during longer wear sessions. They’re lightweight enough to forget you’re wearing them, yet snug enough to stay put, making them a great option for active days.

Still comfy after a day out and about for the day!

Lens Performance

One of the standout features of the Seeker sunglasses is Smith’s proprietary ChromaPop™ lens technology. This tech delivers exceptional color clarity and enhances object definition, making it easier to spot changes in terrain, road signs, or other details in your environment. I’ve tested them in a variety of lighting conditions—from bright sunny days to overcast afternoons—and the lenses performed beautifully, offering crisp, distortion-free views.

Versatility and Design

While I haven’t tested them on a run yet, the Seekers have become my go-to for daily walks and errands around town. The subtle side shields are a nice addition, effectively blocking out unwanted side light and dust. This feature, combined with their Megol non-slip grip, makes them a fantastic choice for runners, walkers, and cyclists navigating changing environments.

Smith also included some practical accessories – the sunglasses come with a convenient rolltop buckle pouch, which includes a built-in microfiber cloth, making storage and cleaning a breeze. Additionally, they come with a paracord leash if you want added security against accidental drops.

Final Thoughts

Smith’s Seeker Sunglasses deliver on both style and substance. Thanks to their ChromaPop™ technology, lightweight design, and thoughtful features like Megol non-slip grips, side shields, and the paracord leash, these sunglasses are a a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re out for a run, a hike, or just running errands, they provide exceptional clarity and comfort without compromising on style.

Are sunglasses on your must-have list?  What feature is most important to you?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Last Coffee Catch Up for 2024

Now that we’ve hit December, it will feel like a mad sprint to the end of the year! I’m trying to do my best to slow down, to make time to relax and to connect with family and friends.  In fact I have lunch plans with a friend later, but first, for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m connectingwith Coco, Deborah, and you for the last Ultimate Coffee Date of the year! So grab a mug and let’s chat.

Last Coffee Catch Up for 2024

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m looking forward to getting our Christmas tree this afternoon. After being under construction last year at this time, I’m really looking forward to decorating this weekend!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m once again participating in the #3for31 Challenge. This is one of my favorite challenges hosted by Peloton instructor Robin. The goal is to run or walk 3 miles or move 30 minutes daily in December. I like having this little extra nudge to make sure that I don’t slack off due to holiday stress and end-of-year overwhelm!

I’ll be heading out later this morning for today’s installment!

Over coffee, I would tell you that just as my husband and I were talking about eliminating our Peacock subscription – we got it for the extra Olympics coverage – we’re now hooked on the new series The Day of the Jackal. It’s a great thriller starring Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch and feels more like a movie vs. a TV series. I guess we won’t be purging Peacock any time soon.

Are you streaming anything good lately? If you celebrate, have you started your Christmas decorating?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Runfessions for Black Friday

Happy Friday! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

It’s the last Friday of the month so Marcia has opened the runfessional. It’s also time for another Fit Five Friday hosted by DarleneReneeJennZenaida, and yours truly, so let’s get started.

Runfessions for Black Friday

I runfess that the Black Friday hype just feels silly to me at this point – retailers have been screaming about Black Friday sales since the start of the month – it makes you wonder if these are really the best deals any more.

I runfess that I am feeling the pressure to get going on my holiday shopping especially with one week less than usual between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m feeling pressure largely because I’m struggling for gift ideas – my boys get harder and harder to shop for as they get older…and my husband is impossible to buy for!

I also runfess that I’d be fine punting on the gifts in favor of putting money towards a larger vacation.

Have you started your holiday shopping?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and The Running Techer every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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5 Quick Tips for Managing a Busy Week

My brother texted me earlier this week to announce that Thanksgiving is just 2 weeks away…which of course means Christmas and the start of Hanukkah is just 6 weeks away, and then it’s New Year’s Eve, and the books will close on 2024. Now throw in all of the “end of year” wrap-up at work…can you feel the “busyness” starting to creep in?

At this time of year, it’s so very easy to become overwhelmed by the “busyness” of the season. So for today’s Fit Five Friday I’m re-sharing a few quick tips for managing a busy week.

This post was originally published in May 2022.

Five Quick Tips for Managing a Busy Week

Prioritize — When your calendar is overflowing, let go of trying to do “all the things” and just focus on those things that are non-negotiable. Also, protect your time by being willing to say no to some obligations. Remember that “No” is a complete sentence.

Delegate and ask for help — Even after setting your priorities you may find there are still too many items on your to-do list. Time to enlist some help! Don’t fall into the “superwoman” trap – ask friends, family, or co-workers to help take a few things off your plate.

Take breaks — Trying to go at full speed all day will leave you feeling depleted and will just add to the feeling of being overwhelmed. So be sure to schedule some breaks in your day. And, yes, schedule them or they won’t happen! Step away from your computer to get some fresh air to take a walk, throw on some music and have a quick dance party, or literally just stop and take some deep breaths to settle yourself.

Get enough sleep — When you’re in the middle of a particularly busy stretch it is so important to give both body and mind a chance to rest and recharge.

Eat wisely — In the same way, you need to give your mind and body the rest it needs, also make sure that you’re fueling properly. Coffee is not a complete meal! Heading into a busy week, stock up on healthy snacks so you’ve got easy, and healthy, grab-and-go options. Plan and prep meals in advance so you won’t risk defaulting to lots of take-out…or worse yet, forgetting to eat altogether (am I the only one guilty of this?).

How do you manage when things get busy?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and The Running Techer every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Returning for November Coffee

It’s been quiet here on the blog while I took a much needed break. Now, as we usher in a new month, it’s a good time for a little coffee catch-up, so I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. And, of course, it’s Friday so that means another Fit Five Friday link-up! So grab a mug of your fave beverage and let’s chat.

Returning for November Coffee

Over coffee,  I would tell you how overwhelmed and grateful I am for all of the cards, text messages, DMs, and notes I have received since the passing of my mom. All of it has bouyed my heart during a difficult time.

Over coffee,  I would tell you that it’s been almost 6 weeks since my PRP injection and I’m still waiting for the angels to sing. Some days feel better than others but overall progress feels slow. I’m seeing my ortho on Monday and hoping he sees my progress differently.

Over coffee back in August, I shared that I wanted to learn a language. At the time I was debating between French and Spanish and selected French.  While I diligently put in the time on the Babel app daily, things kinda petered out a few weeks later and then life happened. Well, I’m happy to say that I’m back at it, but I’ve switched to Spanish! I am finding more practical uses for it and it helps to have others to practice with. We’re talking about a trip to Barcelona next year, so there’s some additional motivation!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m starting another gratitude challenge on Instagram. I did one a couple of years ago, and with the combination of life events, work stress, election fatigue, etc., I’m feeling the need to focus on the positive! So for the month of November, I’ll post daily either in my IG feed or story something I’m thankful for that day using #FocusingonGratitude. Join me!

 

What would you tell me over coffee? 

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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From Motivation to Habit

Happy Friday!

Maybe it’s being on the cusp of a new season (hello Fall!), or perhaps it’s all of the years of getting my kids ready for “back to school”, but I have often thought of September as a kind of “new year” – a time to settle into a routine, create new habits, and set some goals for the remaining months of the year.

And, a peek at my social media feeds tells me I’m not alone in viewing the pending new season as an opportunity to create some new habits.

So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing a few tips to help turn this “new season motivation” into good habits to finish the year strong.

This post has been updated from September 2021. 

Fit Five Friday – From Motivation to Habit

Pace yourself — Take starting a new fitness routine or upping your training; it’s very easy to get too hyped up, go out too hard, and then fizzle, or worse … get injured. Start small…baby steps can add up to big payoffs down the road.

Be consistent — Everything I’ve ever read says that it takes between 21 and 28 days to build a good habit, and from personal experience, I believe that to be true. Whatever the new habit is that you’re trying to adopt, schedule it into your day/week. Being consistent will help ensure the new habit sticks.

Be kind to yourself — Everyone experiences setbacks. When you fall down (either literally or figuratively), the key is to not beat yourself up over it, but be willing to pick yourself up and begin again.

Find a partner or group — There’s a lot to be said for being accountable to someone else and having someone to draw motivation from on those days when you’re not feeling it. On the flip side, beware of spending time around others who don’t support your efforts – they will drain you! As much as possible, spend time with others who model the behavior/habits you’re striving for.

Keep your “why” front and center  — Whether it’s a word, phrase, or photo, posting visual reminders where you’re sure to see them will help keep your why and your goals at the forefront. Energy flows where attention goes so make your goals hard to ignore and you’re more likely to follow through.

Do you use this time of year to build new habits or set goals? What tricks work for you?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!


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September Coffee Catch Up

Happy Friday! Let’s kick the weekend off with a little coffee catch-up. For this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. Grab a mug and let’s chat!

September Coffee Catch Up

Over coffee, I would tell you that it is crazy to me that my son’s already been on campus for two weeks. College drop-off went off without a hitch and he sounds like he’s settling in nicely. Of course I miss him big-time, but I take his lack of calling as a good sign. And, Parents’ Weekend is at the end of the month so I’ll get to hug him again soon enough!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m scheduled for a PRP injection later this month. In case you don’t know, Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use a patient’s own blood to help heal injuries and improve tissue function. My sports ortho had actually suggested PRP a few months ago, but I was initially not excited by the long recovery time, not to mention insurance won’t pay for it. Now, I wish I had just bitten the bullet because I’d be that much further along but it is what it is and I’m just happy it’s an option available to me.

What would you tell me over coffee? If you know any PRP success stories please share! 

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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