Patriots

Catching Up Over Coffee

February 2, 2018 by Michelle 51 Comments

These past few days (weeks!) have been a blur – time for a quick catch up over coffee.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m declaring February my “do over” month. High hopes of getting out the gates fast on a number of things to start the year were derailed by being sick. The creeping crud has finally vacated our house and in it’s a wake is an over-flowing to do list!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that February is already off to a great start with the email I got yesterday inviting me back for my second year as a Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain! I absolutely love this company – not just for their cute and comfy clothes, but also for the positive community they foster among women. Their positive vibe and mission to encourage all women to push past their perceived limits really connects with me and I am looking forward to sharing the Skirt love again this year!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that the college outreach to my oldest son has begun and I’m so not ready to think about it! There are daily mailings and email solicitations pouring in and meanwhile, I’m thinking were we not just celebrating him starting Kindergarten?! Someone please make the clock slow down!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m feeling the need to shake up my strength workouts a bit. I felt like I was making the most progress when I was working with a trainer so I’m on the hunt to find a new strength coach – unfortunately I’m now wowed by any of the trainers on staff at my gym so I’ve got to scout out other alternatives.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I cannot wait for the Super Bowl and a chance to see my Patriots bring home another Lombardi trophy! I think the whole 2-week build up is just too much – I’m looking forward to less talk and just playing!

(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

So what would you tell me over coffee? Do you work with a trainer or do your own thing? Are you planning to watch the game?

I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

I’m also linking up with Meranda, Lacey, and Rachel for the Friday Five.

Filed Under: #REALwomenmove, #skirtsports, Friday Five, Patriots, Skirt Sports Ambassador, Ultimate coffee date

Slow and steady progress

November 25, 2013 by Michelle 13 Comments

Sitting here a little bleary-eyed thanks to staying up to the wee hours of this morning to watch my beloved Patriots pull off an amazing comeback against the Broncos…so with my second mug of coffee in hand, a little randomness to start this Monday…

While making the decision to not run my half in December wasn’t easy, I must admit that the lack of pressure to hit certain paces or log enough miles has been kind of refreshing. This has been a tough fall running-wise and only now am I starting to see that I needed a break mentally as much as physically.
This past week I logged more time strength training than running – that’s a first!
Saturday was my longest run in weeks – 5 miles, including 3.1 dedicated to the Hope for the Philippines 5K. It was great to participate in this virtual run to help provide some aid to those so hard hit in the Philippines.
Saturday was also my first run with my running buddy E, who’s also been nursing an injury. I’ve missed those Saturday morning runs! We keep reminding each other that slowly but surely, we’ll build those miles up again. I’m really grateful that I have her to rely on as I try to get back into the swing of things.
Of course I’ve been looking at 2014 races and I’m getting excited for the first half of the year – could be the year of the 10-miler! (More to come on the race calendar soon)
And because I cannot resist

Filed Under: #13in2013, football, injuries, mileage shrinkage, no training plan, Patriots

Weekend wrap-up

January 21, 2013 by Michelle 5 Comments

Since we were heading out of town for a hockey tournament this weekend, I decided to move my long run to Friday. Unfortunately, Mother Nature decided on 20 degrees with the wind chill of 9. Now I’ll do almost anything to avoid the ‘mill, but given the frigid temps I really felt like I had no choice. So this would be a first – long run on the mill!

I played every mind game I could think of, varied my pace and the elevation, alternated between music and ESPN, and people-watched the handful of people in the gym who came and went. It took everything trick I could come up with, but I got it done….10 miles….a new treadmill distance PR!

Next we were off to the hockey tournament. While the boys’ didn’t win, the games were hard fought. Truthfully I think the boys all enjoyed the time between the games more – the beauty of staying in a hotel with an indoor pool and arcade! We also got to catch up with family – J’s parents live about a half hour from the arena and my sister-in-law and nephew drove down from Upstate New York to meet us.

Unfortunately, we got home on Sunday to watch my beloved Patriots implode last night in the AFC Championship game – so I will be running my #MilesofShame this week. (Pavement Runner and NYC Running Mama organized a little runners’ wager on this weekend’s games – if your team lost, you run the point differential. Luckily for me, you had the option to cap your miles, so I’ll only be running 10 instead of 15!)

The kids are off today for Martin L. King Day….and yes of course that means there’s another hockey game! Otherwise, we plan to spend the day hanging out and I’m hoping to get J to come with me to check out a new gym.

How was your weekend?

What’s the farthest you’ve gone on a treadmill?

Filed Under: #MilesofShame, general musings, Patriots, treadmill run

Friday Five

February 3, 2012 by Michelle 16 Comments

After 3 workouts in a 24-hr span, I am thoroughly embracing a rest day today! Some core work but nothing else – I want to have something in the tank for tomorrow’s long run.
I’m beginning to realize that I have been underestimating the importance of getting enough sleep. While it is tempting to stay up to read, catch The Daily Show, try to get some writing done, etc., I need to do a better job of stepping away from all of it and catch some more zzz’s. My body and mind will thank me for it.
I’m desperately on the hunt for some new tunes for the playlist – any suggestions? Please share.
With the impending loss of Google Friend Connect, I’m starting to embrace the fact that I need to give those of you interested enough in following my little journey, alternative ways to follow. So you’ll see in the side bar that I’ve added a few options, including finally setting up a Facebook page. As I start writing more, I’ll be posting links to my Examiner articles there, so I hope you’ll check it out and give it a “like.”
Looking forward to a relatively quiet weekend full of the usual family activities, capped off with watching the Patriots bring home another Super Bowl win!

Any big weekend plans?

Filed Under: Examiner, Facebook, Friday Five, need more sleep, Patriots

Week 6 – Monday Motivation

January 23, 2012 by Michelle 9 Comments

Source: Run the Edge

OK so the step back week is done and now it’s time to pick up the pace a bit – I’ve got 4 weeks until the Wampanoag 10-miler and R’n’R DC is still 8 weeks out.

On the plan for this week:
Monday: Continue to bask in the glow of the Patriots win! Plus an easy run (3) & core work
Tuesday: Speedwork – 1600 repeats (ack!)
Wednesday: Easy run (3) plus weekly Pilates class
Thursday: Whatever run (4) — meaning whatever pace my legs will go! & core work
Friday: Yoga
Saturday: Long run (12)
Sunday: Core work or total rest

I’m going to see how things go this week – if I continue to find that I’m dog-tired on Thursday to the point that I’m still feeling it when I head out Saturday, then I may consider cutting out the Wednesday runs and adding a couple more miles in on Mondays.

What’s your week look like?

Happy Running!

Filed Under: Monday Motivation, Patriots, training