Ultimate coffee date

November’s Coffee Date

November 5, 2016 by Michelle 16 Comments

It is the first Saturday of the month and time for the Ultimate Coffee Date link-up, hosted by Coco and Deborah!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my proud mama moment from last weekend continued yesterday as I watched my son set a new PR at the league championships and finish his cross country season strong! We’re talking about running a 5 miler together this winter…time for me to work on my speed 😉

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m getting so excited for Vegas! I’ve never been and I know part of the challenge for me will be to not try to run around and see and do “all the things”.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’d really like to get a new sports watch and have no idea which direction to go. I love the look of the Fitbit Blaze, but does it have all of the features I need/want? On the Garmin side, I’ve been eyeing the Forerunner 235 – not as “fashionable” but not bad.

courtesy of specout.com

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that 2017 race planning is underway. Travel vs. staying local? Which distances…half marathons? 10-milers? 10Ks? Repeat races or new ones? And, how many? So many options – I love when the year is wide open and full of possibilities!

So what would you tell me over coffee? Any watch recommendations? Have you started race planning?

Filed Under: race shopping, Ultimate coffee date

Ultimate Coffee Date – October 2016

October 1, 2016 by Michelle 18 Comments

It is the first Saturday of the month so, of course, that means it’s time for another edition of the Ultimate Coffee Date link-up, hosted by Coco and Deborah. When you’re done here, be sure to check out what the other ladies are dishing about.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that October is one of my favorite months of the year. I feel like this is when fall really comes to life – the days are cooler, the leaves turn colors, and its time break out boots and sweaters. Confession I bought a great pair of boots last week that I’m dying to wear 😉 I’m looking forward to apple picking, hiking, celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary, and more fall racing!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m also really looking forward to taking the whole family with me to NYC next weekend for RnR Brooklyn. I lived in NYC for 7 years, and haven’t been back in ages. There’s so much I want to see and do…how am I going to fit it all in?!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that cannot believe that a year ago this time I hadn’t been running for almost two months and was preparing for major surgery. And now, I’m days away from half marathon #11 – what a difference a year makes!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m also so excited to have booked my flights and hotel for Vegas next month! It’s 6 weeks away (yes I’m counting!) – use code ROCKATTITUDE and join me!

So what would you tell me over coffee?

Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date

Ultimate Coffee – Labor Day Edition

September 3, 2016 by Michelle 14 Comments

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

My long run is done and I’m very happy to kick back on my deck and enjoy an iced coffee. It is the first Saturday of the month so, of course, that means it’s time for another edition of the Ultimate Coffee Date link-up, hosted by Coco and Deborah. When you’re done here, be sure to check out what the other ladies are dishing about.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that while training has been going fairly well, after looking at my fall race plans with the RC coaches, we’ve decided to make RnR Brooklyn my goal race instead of RnR Philly. Gives me the chance to use Philly as a tune up which feels right to me, especially since it’s been 2 years since I’ve run a half.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my boys start school next week and I’m excited for all the madness to come! My oldest will be starting high school and my “baby” will be heading into 5th grade. Someone please make the clock slow down!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that while I love the start of school as an opportunity to reset for the fall, I’m nervous about how I’m going to fit in these final high mileage weeks of training. Hello o’dark thirty!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m in the market for a new laptop. My current one has decided it doesn’t want to type the letter “e” any more. Seriously, I have to practically bang on the key. You never realize how many words have the letter “e” until something like this. The laptop has been showing it’s age for a while, but this is the final straw! Any suggestions?

So what would you tell me over coffee? What have you got planned for this long weekend?

Filed Under: back to school, training, Ultimate coffee date

Ultimate Coffee Date – July 4th Weekend Edition

July 2, 2016 by Michelle 18 Comments

Hello July!

Can you believe it’s the 4th of July weekend?! Grab your favorite beverage settle in for another edition of the Ultimate Coffee Date. I’m joining Coco, Lynda and Deborah for this fun link-up! When you’re done here, be sure to check out what the other ladies are dishing about.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you we are finally slipping into summer mode around the RWA household. Both boys have started their camps, dinners on the deck have commenced, the grill is in steady use, and in general the pace of things has s-lo-w-e-d down. Thank goodness 🙂

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m loving the fact that my oldest, who’s away again at overnight camp, decided to send his first letter home to his younger brother! Just made my heart smile!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that that, while the humidity has been oppresive, summer running is off to a good start. After some consultation with my friend Tina, I signed on to train with RunnersConnect. I’ve been working with them since the begining of June and so far have really been enjoying both the community and the coaching.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my husband, youngest son and I will all be running the Finish at the 50 at Gillette Stadium tomorrow – they will be running the 5K (my son’s first!), while I’m doing the 10K. With the expected heat, I’ll be treating this as a training run. The race is always fun and there’s a great fireworks display afterwards.

So what would you tell me over coffee? What have you got planned for this long weekend?

Filed Under: Finish at the 50, summer mode, Ultimate coffee date

Ultimate Coffee – May 2016

May 7, 2016 by Michelle 20 Comments

It’s the first Saturday of the month, and time for the Ultimate Coffee Date. As always, a big thanks to Coco, Lynda and Deborah for hosting! When you’re done here, be sure to check out the link-up and see what the other ladies are dishing about.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m back on my kick to catch up with a friend every week. I started this goal back in March, and managed to finagle lunch/dinner/coffee or something with a friend each week. While I’d hope to keep the streak going in April, I missed out on a couple of weeks. But I’ve already kicked off May with a long-overdue dinner this week with an old college friend, and am determined to make time for more connecting this month.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that speaking of connecting, I’ll be stepping out of my comfort zone this month to participate in some group runs. I’ve never run with a group for fear of being “the slow one,” but I would really like to connect with more local runners so I’m going to give it shot.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m itching to put together a new playlist, and ask you to share your current favorite running tunes.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that it blows my mind that in just 4 short weeks there will be a high schooler in my house! Really how did that happen?! So there are final projects to wrap up, class trips to enjoy and courses to pick. My son mentioned switching from Spanish to Chinese, and I’m thinking I may need to invest in Rosetta Stone just to keep up 😉

Is this in my future?

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my Mother’s Day plan includes sleeping in (if I get to anything post 8 o’clock, it’s a win!), cheering my boys on in Lacrosse (of course!), and, hopefully, a little running. J and the boys will also be cooking one of my fave dishes, Greek-style Shrimp, for dinner.

So what would you tell me over coffee? Happy Mother’s Day to all my fellow mother runners!

Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date

April’s Ultimate Coffee Date

April 2, 2016 by Michelle 16 Comments

It’s the first Saturday of the month, and you know what that means…it’s time for the Ultimate Coffee Date. Thanks to Coco, Lynda and Deborah, as always, for hosting! Be sure to check out the link-up and see what the other ladies are dishing about.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m joining for coffee a little later than usual this morning because I just couldn’t get my face out of my pillow for my run. It was not a great night of sleep and I kept hitting the snooze. Unfortunately, by the time I got going the rain was seriously threatening, and by the first half mile, the skies opened up. Soaked, but run’s done 🙂

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m doing a little happy dance this morning because hockey season is finally ending today! (cue the choir) The final game of the tournament is at 1:30 and then I’m free from the ice rink until August!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that despite calendar madness, I mentioned last month, that I have stuck to my goal of catching up with a friend every week this past month for lunch/dinner/something. It’s been a lot of fun and I’m hoping for a repeat in April.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m going for CPR training tomorrow. I need a refresher before volunteering at the Boston Marathon – I still can’t believe I’ll be at the finish line!

So what would you tell me over coffee?

Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date

Ultimate Coffee Date – March 2016

March 5, 2016 by Michelle 26 Comments

Busy morning ahead, but before I get going I’m making a little time to join one of my favorite link-ups, The Ultimate Coffee Date. Thanks to Coco, Lynda and Deborah, as always, for hosting! Be sure to check out the link-up and see what the other ladies are dishing about.

Grab a mug and join the #UltimateCoffeeDate linkup Share on X

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that there is very little white space left on our kitchen calendar. We’re in the icy grip of hockey playoffs while outdoor practices for lacrosse begin in another week! Let’s just hope the right equipment bag makes it to the correct destination 🙂 Throw in some school activities, including my oldest son’s school play, and…yeah I’m thinking of cloning myself.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that after hibernating through a good bit of last month (there’s just something about February!) I’m looking forward to having some fun catching up with friends this month! I’m making a point of it to have at least one night out/lunch/something with friends each week – finding time to slow down and connect is the perfect counterbalance to the calendar madness.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m also really looking forward to taking my mom to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for her birthday. The grace and power of these dancers is just simply amazing. If you ever have the chance them to see them perform, run don’t walk to get tickets!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’ll be returning to a training plan this week as I get ready for Boston’s Run to Remember. For the past couple of years I’ve run the 5-mile option, but this year I’ll be running the half. Believe it or not, I have not run a half marathon since fall of 2013 – what?!

Yeah I’m looking forward to getting back to this distance, and what better way to do it than with one of my favorite races!

So what would you tell me over coffee?

What are you looking forward to this month?

Filed Under: Boston's Run to Remember, Ultimate coffee date

Ultimate Coffee Kick off 2016!

January 2, 2016 by Michelle 10 Comments

Happy 2016!

It’s the first Saturday of the year and the perfect time to catch-up over coffee. I’m joining Coco, Lynda and Deborah -grab a big mug of your fave hot beverage and let’s catch up for a bit.

If we were having coffee together, I’d ask you what you did to ring in the new year? We had a great family night including our traditional new year’s eve fondue dinner, Lego building, Mario Kart battles and watching the bowl games. The boys had no trouble making it till midnight…I wasn’t so sure I would…but I did see the ball drop.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that we have been making the most of this school break! We saw Star Wars (loved it!!), made it to the Nutcracker and my youngest son & his hockey team were invited back to skate at a Bruins game again! It’s been a good mix of fun things to do and just hanging out – I think we’re all feeling re-charged.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that we had our first blast of frigid weather here, including some sleet. Icy roads meant my first trip to the gym in months – let’s just say I have not missed the treadmill.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m struggling a bit with my race calendar for this year. As I start to pencil in all of the boys sports commitments, J’s lacrosse schedule, plus the races we both want to run, there are conflicts everywhere! Not sure how this will all shake out yet.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I wish I could chat for longer, but I’ve got to fill my travel mug and head to the arena for my son’s hockey game.

So what would you tell me over coffee? Have you figured out your race calendar yet?

Filed Under: race calendar, Ultimate coffee date

Last Coffee Date of 2015

December 5, 2015 by Michelle 17 Comments

Hello December!

I know I start these posts often with the same declaration, but I have to say that I cannot believe it is December already. These days…this year, really, has flown by! Makes me wish time would slow down just a little…

So today marks the last Ultimate Coffee Date of the year. A huge shout out to our hosts Coco, Lynda and Deborah! So let’s settle in and catch up a little, shall we?

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I joined a group of local moms last night for our town’s Holiday Stroll. We toured some beautifully decorated homes and then enjoyed a great gab-fest over wine and pizza afterwards. Such a fun way to kick off the holiday season!

One of the great ideas I want to copy for my own decorating if I can find our old skis!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m feeling slightly panicked that almost the first full week of December is over and our decorations are still buried in the attic. My boys have been ~~nagging~~ gently prodding us to get started…at a minimum I’m determined to get the lights up today. The tree goes up next weekend.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that thanks to online shopping, I have at least gotten started on my gift list, and already have a few things delivered and awaiting wrapping.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you on the running front, things are progressing slowly, but progress is progress, right? I’m feeling hopeful enough to throw my hat in for the Cherry Blossom lottery again. Fingers crossed I get in and can manage the distance comfortably by then.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you how proud I am of my oldest son for deciding to try out for his school’s winter play. He’s talked about it doing it before, but nerves have won out. But, this time, he threw himself into it…and got a part! Great to see him step out of his comfort zone!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you I have to get ready to brave the crowds this morning in search of toys. My son’s community service project is a huge toy drive with one of the local Headstart programs….now if I can just remember what 2- and 3-year olds like to play with 🙂

So what would you tell me over coffee? Have you started getting ready for the holidays?

Filed Under: Cherry Blossom, holiday cheer, Ultimate coffee date

November’s Ultimate Coffee Date

November 7, 2015 by Michelle 20 Comments

Temps in the 70’s?! Is it really November?!

It certainly hasn’t felt much like a typical start to November around here, but it’s been nice to have the windows open so I’m certainly not complaining!

It’s the first Saturday of the month’s and time to join in for Ultimate Coffee Date, hosted by Coco, Lynda and Deborah. Since it’s unseasonably warm, I think I’ll make mine an iced coffee this morning.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m practically pulling my hair out that I cannot run yet. I’ve got one more week to go before I see the doc for clearance – gonna be a l-o-n-g week!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that on Monday I started the Chopra Center’s 21-day meditation experience. I’ve done a couple of these in the past. I’m especially loving this session – the focus is around the power of your beliefs.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m a bit of a planner fanatic. So I’d ask, is it crazy that I already have my 2016 planner? Or, that I’m ready to start adding things to it? There might even be a couple of races lightly penciled in 😉

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my newest addiction are roasted pumpkin seeds.

There is way too much Halloween candy still lurking in my house and unfortunately all of my faves. These pumpkin seeds have been taking care of my snack cravings and keeping me away from the candy bowl – win!