#FitFiveFriday

October Coffee Chat

October 7, 2022 by Michelle 26 Comments

Hello Friday! This was one of those weeks where I was having a hard time keeping track of what day it was – basically I was ready for Friday by the end of the day Tuesday, ha!

But now, it IS Friday and time for another edition of Fit Five Friday – and what better way to kick off the long weekend than with a little coffee catch-up with friends? I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date, so grab a mug, and let’s chat!

October Coffee Chat

Over coffee, I would tell you how fun it was to visit my son last weekend for Parents Weekend. We hit the football game with a food truck tailgate on Saturday and a big riverside family picnic on Sunday. In between, we checked out some of the local restaurants for some great meals, took him shopping, and soaked all the goodness of campus life. He seems happy and settled in so, of course, that makes me one happy mama 🙂

Over coffee, I would tell you that my husband and I are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary next week. 30 years?! That number just sounds crazy to me. Since we’ve got our Sonoma getaway planned for next month, we’ll probably just go out for a nice dinner.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m on a mad hunt for a dress for my company’s big fundraising gala that’s coming up at the end of the month. The event is being held in an upscale nightclub and I need the right vibe, but so far no luck.

Over coffee, I’d ask you for suggestions for Halloween costumes for my husband and me. We’ve been invited to a party later this month so the clock is ticking to come up with costumes…and so far, I’ve got nothing.

What would you tell me over coffee? Any big plans for this month?

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! Share your fitness-related link (exercise, wellness, mental health, nutrition… the possibilities are endless!), link back to your hosts, and share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Mistaken Identity Runfessions

September 30, 2022 by Michelle 22 Comments

It’s the last Friday of the month, which means Marcia has opened the runfessional. It’s also time for another Fit Five Friday hosted by Darlene, Renee, Jenn, Zenaida, and yours truly, so let’s get to it!

Mistaken Identity Runfessions

I runfess that asking my husband to take pictures for me during my runs may become hazardous to his health!

Let me explain…Recently J came out to check on me during a run and offered to take a few action photos for the Gram. He set up a couple of blocks ahead and snapped some shots as I continued on my run. Well shortly after I passed him a woman in a car approaching from a side street started beeping at me. When I slowed down she yelled out the window – “He’s videotaping you!” – she looked both alarmed and angry! I quickly assured her that I was ok and that he was my husband. She was embarrassed, but I told her not to be – I appreciated that she was alert and willing to get involved.

I runfess that I keep teasing my husband that I’m going to have an “Insta Husband” t-shirt made for him so no one mistakes him for a creeper!

What are you run-fessing? Have you ever had a case of mistaken identity on a run?

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! Share your fitness-related posts (exercise, wellness, mental health, nutrition… the possibilities are endless!), be sure to link back to your hosts, and share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

Five Reasons to Start a Gratitude Journal

September 23, 2022 by Michelle 20 Comments

Did you know that Wednesday was World Gratitude Day? It got me thinking about the power of gratitude and the practice of keeping a gratitude journal.

While I’ve had a long-standing practice of noting 3 things I’m grateful for most evenings before bed, I’ve recently returned to keeping a physical gratitude journal. Since I think mental health is just as important as physical health, for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing some reasons why you might want to consider starting a gratitude journal.

Five Reasons to Start a Gratitude Journal

Mood Boost — When we focus on the positive things in life, our brains release dopamine and serotonin – two chemicals linked with feelings of well-being. An added benefit – when we experience feelings of gratitude, stress hormones are modulated, reducing anxiety and depression

Improves Overall Health — A 2003 study found that people who kept gratitude journals reported fewer health complaints, fewer symptoms of physical illness, and more time exercising (which also leads to the release of dopamine and serotonin).

Better Sleep — For those of you who have laid awake ruminating over the events of the day or worrying about what might be coming tomorrow, taking time before bed to write down a few things you’re grateful for has been shown to help set you up for a better night of sleep. Reflecting on the day and making note of the positive moments (however big or small) helps to shift your focus from your worries and clear your mind for a more restful sleep.

Increases Self Esteem — Through the practice of writing down gratitude for what you have, you’re less likely to compare yourself to others, or to view yourself as “less than” or “not enough”. It can help you to build mental resilience against the negative situations you encounter.

Space for Reflection — On those days when things are not going so well, a gratitude journal can be a space for reflection. Reading through your journal entries can help serve as a reminder to you that you have great people and things in your life – helping to reframe your mindset.

How do you practice gratitude?

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! Please share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, gratitude

Five Things for This Fall

September 16, 2022 by Michelle 16 Comments

I make no secret that Fall is my favorite season and I could give you a long list of the things I love about it. But, for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing 5 things I’m most looking forward to this season.

Five Things for This Fall

Fall Weather!
Yeah, ok maybe an obvious choice, but I am such a sweater, jeans, and boots kind of girl. And fall also means perfect running weather! It was in the upper 40s for my run this morning and I loved it!

Fall Races!
I have not one…but two races on the schedule for November. First up is the Western Mass 10M – 10 milers are my favorite distance so I’m really excited to be a part of this race’s inaugural year!

And then later in the month, I’ll be running the Philadelphia Half Marathon! I ran this race 10 years ago and had a blast (recap here). I’ve been wanting to go back for a while but could never get things to align in my schedule. For added fun, my hubby J has decided not only to travel with me but to run the 8K!

Parents Weekend!
I will fully admit that I am counting down the days until I can go visit my college boy. The schedule for the weekend’s festivities came out a few days ago and it looks like a pretty jam-packed, fun couple of days.

Vacation!
I shared over coffee a couple of weeks ago that our anniversary getaway is booked! I’ve got some big work events happening throughout October so a November vacation to wine country will be a perfect reward.

What are you looking forward to this fall?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, fall racing, fave things

Labor Day Weekend Coffee

September 2, 2022 by Michelle 24 Comments

Happy Friday!

And, not only is it Friday but it is the start of a long weekend…and it’s extra long for me because my office is closed today for our last “Summer Friday” of the season! I’m ready to kick back and relax so for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. Grab your favorite beverage and let’s chat.

Over coffee, I would tell you that the college move-in day was a big success! I am so impressed with how well the college organized everything. We had him unpacked and set up in under 2 hours with plenty of time to hit the bookstore before enjoying the family barbeque and music on the main green.

Over coffee, I would tell you he gave me a quick call after his first day of classes and I could literally hear him smiling through the phone 🙂

Over coffee, I would tell you that I returned to acupuncture this week and I’ve never been so happy to be a human pin cushion again. As I shared just a couple of weeks ago, there are many benefits to acupuncture and I’m hopeful that I can find some relief to this on-again, off-again TFL pain.

Over coffee, I would tell you that we just booked our anniversary getaway! We’re Sonoma-bound for all the wine tasting, fabulous meals, and spa treatments we can handle. We don’t leave until November but it’s fun to have this to look forward to. Can. not. wait!

What would you tell me over coffee? Any plans for the long weekend?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday

Five Ways Runners Can Benefit from Acupuncture

August 19, 2022 by Michelle 15 Comments

I’m happy to say that my quest to find a new acupuncturist is finally over and I cannot wait for my appointment! I’ve been a big believer in acupuncture since I was first introduced to acupuncture over 20 years ago as a solution for my once debilitating migraines.

When I became a runner, acupuncture became a go-to solution when dealing with an injury and was a key staple when I was training for the Chicago Marathon. Thanks to COVID, my practitioner paused her practice and then eventually closed shop for good. So, it’s been almost 3 years, and I can’t wait to get back to it!

Why am I so excited? Let me share just a few ways runners can benefit from acupuncture.

Five Ways Runners Can Benefit from Acupuncture

Photo Source

Accelerates Recovery — Acupuncture improves blood circulation, which helps with muscle recovery and healing.

Improves Mobility — The insertion of acupuncture needles in key points can aid in releasing tightness in myofascial tissue providing greater mobility and decreasing muscle imbalance.

Strengthens Immunity — Research shows that acupuncture can help regulate the immune system which can be especially helpful to runners who are taxing their systems with intense training. Seriously, who wants to miss runs or a race because of illness?

Improves Sleep — Runner or not, we all know important sleep is to give the body time to rest and repair.

Relieves Pain without Side Effects — The World Health Organization has actually endorsed acupuncture for pain relief. Acupuncture aids the nervous system to produce painkilling chemicals and, because it works naturally with the body, there are none of the side effects of traditional pain medication.

Have you ever tried acupuncture?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, acupuncture

Five August Goals…a little late

August 12, 2022 by Michelle 10 Comments

I know, I know, it’s already the 12th of the month – perhaps it’s a little late to talk about the month’s goals. But, I did set some at the start of the month and meant to share them earlier, then work/life got in the way and I never posted.

So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing my goals to keep myself accountable.

Five August Goals….a little late

Hydration — Despite the heat, I got way off my hydration game last month which sometimes resulted in headaches. The plan for this month is to track it carefully. I’m also testing out a few different electrolyte supplements (thanks Erica!) to see if that helps.

Build my long runs to 8 miles — In anticipation of fall races, it’s time to stretch the long runs. 8 miles feels like a good target because ramping up to a 10M or half marathon from there doesn’t feel like too much of a leap.

Daily Stretch or Foam Roll — Similar to the hydration, I’ve fallen off consistent stretching – it’s become too easy to be pressed for time, and let it slide. I’ll be correcting that this month.

Settle on Fall Races — And speaking of fall races, I’m feeling the itch to register for a couple and fill my race calendar so the goal is to find at least two races and commit.

Peloton Split Strength Program — I’ve been interested in trying out the Split program since it was introduced in the Spring. There are 4 programs offered by Robin, Adrian, Callie, and Matty. Robin’s one of my favorite instructors so my goal is to complete Robin’s program at least twice during the month along with trying at least one other.

What are you taking on this month? Any fall race suggestions?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, goals

Catching Up Over August Coffee

August 5, 2022 by Michelle 12 Comments

Happy Friday everyone!

My office is closed for a Summer Friday and I’m more than ready to dive into a long weekend! And, is there a nicer way to kick off a weekend than with a little catch-up with friends? So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. I’ve got my iced coffee, so let’s chat!

Catching Up Over August Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that we had a great vacation in Stowe last month. There was lots of hiking, kayaking, a tour of the Ben & Jerry’s factory (of course!), and a day trip of sightseeing in Montreal. So much goodness and way too short – the week went by in a blink. So, of course, I’m starting to plan the next vacation.

I loved our time on the water!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I have completed my professional certificate program! I wrapped up my final project on Sunday and grades were posted late Monday. While I really enjoyed the coursework, it feels so good to have it all wrapped up.

Over coffee, I would tell you that we’re in the midst of a flurry of family birthdays with both my sons’ birthdays being just a week apart and my husband’s is in a couple of weeks. I marked another trip around the sun yesterday, and to be honest will be stretching out the celebrations over several days – I met a friend for dinner Tuesday, celebrated with the family Thursday, heading to lunch and shopping today with a friend, and brunch plans with another friend on Saturday.

I see nothing wrong with an extended celebration 😉

Over coffee, I would tell you that we are now a household of 4 drivers as my youngest got his license a few weeks ago. I would also tell you that I haven’t driven with him yet – seriously I don’t think I can do it without clutching the door handle. And let’s not discuss car insurance with two teenage boys under 20! It is kind of hard to imagine that my mom Uber days are over.

What would you tell me over coffee? Do you enjoy celebrating your birthday?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Heat Runfessions

July 29, 2022 by Michelle 14 Comments

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 Darlene, Renée, Jenn, Zenaida, and Me! So, let’s get started, shall we?

Heat Runfessions

I runfess that I almost didn’t write a post for this week because I’m trying really hard to not complain about the weather. I mean it’s summer, …it’s supposed to be hot, right? Clearly, I’m losing this battle!

Last month I runfessed that given how humid the weather can be in September that I was holding off on registering for the Philly Distance Run until I tried a couple of double-digit runs in July. Well, I runfess that I haven’t done a run longer than 5 miles this month…so you can see where this is headed.

I’m pretty sure I’ve used this meme before, but it fits!

Despite how I have been feeling about running in this heat, I runfess that I have surprised myself by actually enjoying a return to speedwork this month. It will be fun to see if this pays off in the fall.

Any runfessions to share?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions, Summer running

Five Ways to Enjoy a Summer Staycation

July 15, 2022 by Michelle 16 Comments

I was lucky enough to have a bonus week off from work last week – the organization I work for closed the office for the July 4th week, giving us all a paid week off! I was feeling very fried leading into the July 4th holiday and so it was a perfect time for a little staycation!

For today’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing five ideas to enjoy your next summer staycation.

Five Ways to Enjoy a Summer Staycation

Play tourist in your hometown – Most cities are full of special attractions that locals often take for granted. Spend a day or two exploring some local attractions.

Create an outdoor oasis — Turn your deck or patio into an outdoor “room”, a space perfect for alfresco dining, reading, working out, or just soaking up some sunshine.

Spend time on a favorite hobby or start a new one — Take advantage of the free time to indulge in a favorite pastime or try your hand at something new.

Set up an at-home spa retreat — How can you argue with a spa day? Collect your favorite skincare treatments for both your face and body, try an at-home mani/pedi, and don’t forget to also focus on your internal wellness with time spent journaling, meditating, and practicing yoga.

Truly unplug — Just because you’re home doesn’t mean you have to stay hyper-connected. Give yourself a break from screentime on your phone – less social media, don’t check your email…you get the picture.

How do you spend time on a staycation?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Staycation, summer mode

October Coffee Chat

October Coffee Chat

Mistaken Identity Runfessions

Mistaken Identity Runfessions

Five Reasons to Start a Gratitude Journal

Five Reasons to Start a Gratitude Journal

Five Things for This Fall

Five Things for This Fall

Labor Day Weekend Coffee

Five Ways Runners Can Benefit from Acupuncture

Five Ways Runners Can Benefit from Acupuncture

Five August Goals…a little late

Five August Goals….a little late

Catching Up Over August Coffee

Catching Up Over August Coffee

Heat Runfessions

Heat Runfessions

Five Ways to Enjoy a Summer Staycation

Five Ways to Enjoy a Summer Staycation

Hi, I’m Michelle

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