Runfessions for May

Happy Friday!

Welcome to another edition of Fit Five Friday hosted by DarleneRenéeJennZenaida, and yours truly! We appreciate all of you who have joined in to support this link-up!

And, since it’s the last Friday of the month, Marcia has opened the Runfessional. I’ve got a few things to share so let’s dive right in!

I runfess that I have slacked on post-run stretching and foam rolling lately and I think there’s a direct correlation to the ITB flare. Needless to say, I’m back on all my post-run recovery work like it’s my job.

A new gym recently opened where our former gym once stood. They are, of course, offering great deals to entice people to sign up. My husband and boys are all fired up to check out the gym and get the details on their family membership package. I runfess that I’m not as enthusiastic. Access to a greater range of weights would be great, but I must admit that I’m still a little leary of the idea of indoor workouts with random other people.

While I’m considering a couple of races for the fall, I runfess that the recent burst of summer weather has left me wondering just how far I want to be running during the next few months. If only there were a way to arrive at Fall start lines ready to go without enduring the summer slog.

Any runfessions to share? Do you make time for post-run recovery? Are you ready for summer running?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!
Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please be sure to show your hosts some love and visit some of the other bloggers in the link-up. Who’s ready for some fun?

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SiS Immune Tablets – Product Review

Disclaimer: I received Science in Sport Immune Tablets to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

I am always looking for products to help with my recovery and nutrition. Enter Science in Sport (SiS) Immune Tablets. I am a huge SiS fan (their gels got me through marathon training!), so when I was given the opportunity to try these tablets I was all in.

Research shows that intense workouts can stress your immune system – our immune system is potentially suppressed for up to 72 hours after a workout. This can lead to higher occurrences of a variety of illnesses, including upper respiratory issues. All the more reason to give your body proper time to recover and to refuel following a run or workout.

5 Benefits of SiS Immune Tablets

  • Contains 200mg of Vitamin C and 2.5mg of Iron – both help your body to maintain the normal function of your immune system during and after intense workouts
  • Also contains key electrolytes so SiS Immune supports your immune system while also aiding your hydration — a double win
  • Just 9 calories/serving, vegan-friendly, and Dairy/Gluten/Wheat/Nut Free
  • Refreshing, light orange taste
  • Quick and easy to use – just 1 tablet a day and you’re good to go

Of course, this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, but they do bring some goodness to the table…and every little bit helps, right? 

In short, the Immune Tablets are another win from SiS!

Sharing 5 things I love about @ScienceinSport Immune Tablets #bibravepro #sisbr #bibchat #immunitysupport Share on X

Want to try out these tablets for yourself? Visit the Science in Sport website and use code SiS-BibRave-21 to save 15% off your order. Don’t delay – this discount code expires at the end of May! Added bonus: this discount works with all other promotions too!

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!
Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please be sure to show your hosts some love and visit some of the other bloggers in the link-up. Who’s ready for some fun?

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5 Tips to Beat Running Boredom

I think even the most dedicated runners will admit that while they love to run, it doesn’t mean they always love the run they’re in. Sometimes we go through cycles where running just feels a little tedious.

When I start to feel this way I know it’s time to shake things up a little. So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing some tips to beat your running boredom.

Five Tips to Beat Running Boredom

Change your view
There’s no doubt that running the same routes over and over makes for a bored runner. Changing your view can make a run feel fresh and new, and kickstart your senses. Take the time to map out some new routes or consider driving to a new location…even running your usual route in reverse can help to make your run feel less “run-of-the-mill”.

Mix up it
Try Fartleks, speedwork, tempo runs, or hill repeats. Steady-state running probably makes up the bulk of your running, especially when you’re not following a training plan. Mixing up your pace or the terrain you run will not only help to make your runs more interesting, but it will also challenge your body in a different way, making you a better runner.

Try music or a podcast
If you usually run in silence, perhaps some motivating tunes will help. Or, try listening to a podcast or audiobook for a nice change of pace. If you already run with tunes, try making a new playlist or put your music library on shuffle and see what comes up.

Run with a friend
If you usually go it alone, make plans to meet up with a friend for some of your runs. Nothing makes the miles tick by more than running and chatting with a run buddy.

Try a challenge or sign up for a race
Having a mileage challenge or a race to train for (virtual or in-person) can help to provide some new focus and motivation for your runs.

How do you keep run boredom from creeping in?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!
Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please be sure to show your hosts some love and visit some of the other bloggers in the link-up. Who’s ready for some fun?

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May Coffee Talk

Happy Friday!

I am so happy that it’s Friday! I’m starting off the weekend with a little catch-up over the Ultimate Coffee Date hosted by Coco and Deborah. So grab a mug of your favorite beverage and let’s chat for a bit!

Over coffee, I’d tell you that I recently made a return to outdoor dining! I caught up with a friend recently for lunch and we tested out igloo dining. It was an interesting hybrid between outdoor and indoor dining. It was so fun to be dining out – I felt pretty comfortable because the igloo was well ventilated and the friend I had lunch with was fully vaccinated.

Source

Over coffee, I would tell you that May 1 was College Decision Day, and my son’s chosen to become a Golden Knight at Clarkson University! He had some great choices and I’m so proud of him.

Which of course means that over coffee, I would tell you it’s graduation month! In just a couple of weeks, my oldest will be graduating high school and I’m left to wonder how the years went by so quickly. I am so grateful that his school has figured out how to hold an in-person graduation. I can’t wait to see him walk across that stage!

Over coffee, I would tell how much I am looking forward to a week-long staycation at the month. Work continues to be a grind and I am really feeling fried (just too few bodies for all that needs to get done and I have way too much on my plate!). Taking the last week off of the month will time out perfectly with my son coming home from school, getting my second vaccine, and the Memorial Day long weekend.

And, while the staycation will be a nice break, over coffee I would tell you that we’re on the hunt for a real summer vacation. I need a change of scenery! We’re hoping to find something within a reasonable driving distance (not ready to jump on a plane just yet!) – so the question remains beach vs mountains? My criteria are simple – someplace fairly low-keyed, remote, and relaxing.

Now I’d tell you that my cup is empty and I need a refill. So your turn, 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 Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

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Some April Runfessions for Fit Five Friday

It’s the last Friday of the month which means Marcia has opened the Runfessional! It’s also time for another edition of Fit Five Friday hosted by DarleneRenéeJennZenaida, and me! So, let’s get started, shall we?

April Runfessions

I runfess that I think I have a psychological block when it comes to mileage goals. I’m fine when mileage is part of a challenge (like run across the state, etc), but as a stand-alone, run XX miles goal for the month, not so much. I’m not a fan of feeling like I “have to run” just to hit an arbitrary target.  So for now, I’m letting go of any thoughts of annual mileage goals and the calendar math that goes with it, and we’ll just see how things play out in the end.

I runfess that the minute I made this decision earlier this week, I felt less stressed.

While I absolutely love the abstract pattern and purple color of my new Adrenalines, I runfess that it sometimes bothers me when they clash with some of my running outfits. Hmmm, do you think it’s time to do some shopping?

Now that our governor has given a green light to the return of road races, I runfess that I’m a little giddy to see the flow of race emails hitting my inbox. I already had plans to run one of my favorite 10Ks this summer, and now I finally feel like I can do some fall race planning.

Any runfessions to share? Do you set mileage goals? 

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!
Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

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5 Things You May Not Know About Me

While I have been at this blogging thing for a while…(believe it or not it will be 11 years next week) there still might be a few things you do not know about me. So, I thought it might be fun just to share a few random facts about me.

Five Things You May Not Know About Me

Rugby — I joined the women’s rugby team my freshman year in college after one of my male floormates made fun of one of the women in our freshman unit who made mentioned she was thinking of going out for the team. Long story short, I came to her defense, there was a dare involved, I went to tryouts with her – she didn’t last, I loved it! I was even Captain of the team my Junior year. Still love the sport and watch it every chance I get!

Broken bones — I’ve never had a broken bone…gotcha, I’m sure you thought with rugby this was a given.

Country music  — My taste in music is pretty broad as evidenced by some of my run playlists, but the one thing I have absolutely no stomach for is country music. Can. not. stand. it.

Planner fanatic — I love quality stationery and planner supplies, and I’m a sucker for a pretty journal. You could say I’m a bit obsessed.

Tequila — I love a good tequila…and I’m not talking shots, but a good sipping tequila. (I’m also a big fan of margaritas and am still trying to perfect my recipe).

OK, your turn – tell me one fun fact about you.

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!
Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

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Reasons to Run in the Morning

One of my April goals is to return to early morning runs. So as I make the shift back to my early morning workouts, I thought I’d share some of the benefits of getting an early start.

Five Reasons to Run in the Morning

Fewer schedule conflicts — We all know that as the day wears on there’s a high probability that life will get in the way of the best-laid plans. Getting out early for a run reduces the possibility of schedule conflicts and any stress related to worrying about how to fit a run in later in the day.

More time in your day — Being able to check the box on completing your run early in the day, essentially frees up time to take on more – adding more time to your day.

Alert and focused — Running gives you a great boost of both endorphins and adrenaline, which can help you to feel more focused and alert – not to mention the positive mood boost. That sounds like a good way to start the day to me!

A range of health benefits — Did you know that studies have shown a range of health benefits from early morning runs, including lower blood pressure, a more resilient immune system, and better sleep?

A moment of quiet beauty  — Quiet roads, fewer people to dodge, no mask needed…and the possibility of a sunrise. Getting out for an early morning run offers a moment of quiet to breathe and prepare for the day.

What's your favorite time to run? Sharing 5 reasons for early morning runs. #FitFiveFriday #bibchat Share on X

Are you an early morning runner? What’s your favorite time of the day to run or work out?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!
Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

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Fit Five Friday Over April Coffee

Welcome back to the Fit Five Friday linkup!

Today I’m starting off the weekend with a little catch-up over the Ultimate Coffee Date hosted by Coco and Deborah. So grab a mug of your favorite beverage and let’s chat for a bit!

Five Things Over April Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m feeling a little sad because my son heads back to school today. I swear his spring break blew by in a blink! It was fun having him home and I cannot believe that his high school graduation is now in sight!

And, speaking of high school, over coffee I would tell you that we just got word that my youngest son’s school is planning to move from our current hybrid plan to full in-person learning. Interestingly, they will be starting with the Seniors and Freshmen first, and if all goes well, then expanding to the Juniors and Sophomores. So, come Monday, he’ll start his first full week of in-person classes since March 2020.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I was really excited to get out into my gardens last week to start cleaning up and planning some re-design. I am now itching to get back to my favorite local nursery to start to bring my sketches to life!

Last month I shared that I was looking forward to putting my subscription to Master Class to use. Well, over coffee, I would tell you that I really enjoyed the Gordon Ramsey class, and now I’m working on improving my knife skills and making pasta dough 🙂

Over coffee, I would tell you that I was finally able to register for the vaccine. My group will not be able to schedule appointments until the week of April 19, and given that the group is ages 16+, there’s no telling how long it will take to get an appointment…but I am encouraged to be moving one step closer.


Now I’d tell you that my cup is empty and I need a refill. So your turn, what would you tell me over coffee?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!
Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

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A Runfession or Two

Happy Friday and welcome to another edition of Fit Five Friday hosted by DarleneRenéeJennZenaida, and me!

It’s the last Friday of the month, so I’m linking up with Marcia to share a Runfession or two…so let’s get started.

March Runfessions

I runfess that I am in a running rut…on the one hand, I have no complaints because my runs have felt pretty good! But on the other hand, the runs are all starting to feel and look the same. I need to mix up the distances, routes, paces…something. It’s time to shake things up a bit I think.

I runfess that I decided to take the deferral credit on my entry in the New England 10 Miler Series. While this race series had announced a tentative in-person schedule (after being postponed from 2020), I shared over coffee that race organizers have already had to alter the schedule given COVID restrictions. With still so much uncertainty around when I will be vaccinated and varying state restrictions, I opted to take the deferral credit. The credit gives me the option to register for any of the races offered by this race group later in the year or in 2022. I runfess that I’m happier not stressing about if and when these races might go off. I’m still fairly confident that we won’t be racing in this area much before the summer.

In the battle between wearing multiple layers and catching the sunrise vs fewer layers and warmer afternoon sunshine, I runfess that the warmer temps are winning. I’m just tired of wearing all the layers so, for now, I’m letting the weather app dictate the time of day that I run.

Any runfessions to share? Do you let the weather dictate your runs?

Welcome to FitFive Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

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Why You Shouldn’t Give Up on Virtual Races Yet

After a year of watching races either cancel or go virtual, I know that many runners are itching to toe the line as in-person races slowly start to pop-up across the country. But it’s clear that the return to in-person events is going to be a slow drip at best, largely dependent on keeping all things COVID-related in check. No easy task for sure!

So before you turn back on virtual races, I’m sharing a few reasons that you shouldn’t give up on them just yet.

Why Take on a Virtual Race?

Gives you a target — Virtual races give you something to train for, a distance to focus on, with the added benefit of no pressure. This can be a great option for someone coming back from an injury or long layoff.

Serves as a time trial — On the flip side, you can also use a virtual race as a time trial in preparation for an in-person race in the future. Some virtual races provide the opportunity to submit your finish time and feature a leader board for additional bragging rights.

Offers fun bling and swag — If bling and swag are motivating factors, virtual race organizers have really upped the ante in the past year to capture runners’ attention. Beyond medals, many virtual races are offering everything from half zips and hoodies, to water bottles, hats, socks, and more. You may just come across a theme that’s too much fun to resist!

Don't give up on virtual races just yet! #FitFiveFriday #Bibchat Share on X

Supports a charity —  Virtual events have become vital fundraising tools for many nonprofit organizations. Running a 5 or 10K in support of a cause near and dear to your heart is always a good way to spend a weekend morning!

Creates a shared experience — Until race-cations and runner meet-ups return to being a regular thing, virtual races are a great way to run “with” friends. While running alone, it’s more fun knowing that friends are out pounding the pavement, trail, or treadmill completing the same distance.

What say you – are you still open to running a virtual race or have you hit virtual fatigue?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?


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Click here to enter


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