Ultimate coffee date

October Ultimate Coffee Date

October 3, 2015 by Michelle 18 Comments

Can you believe it’s already October?! There’s a great chill in the air this morning – perfect for grabbing a big mug of coffee and settling in for this month’s Ultimate Coffee Date, hosted by Coco, Lynda and Deborah.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I really appreciated all of the comments, tweets and messages I received after I shared the news about my surgery.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that it was great to see my post on Cold Weather Running shared by Women’s Running Magazine this week on their website.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’ve been loving attending my son’s cross country meets. He seems to really be embracing the run. How great would it be if he became a life-long runner!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that the first mutterings about Christmas have already been mentioned in my house. I’ve stuck my fingers in my ears and refuse to listen – not ready to rush fall out the door. (12 weeks from yesterday in case you’re wondering) 😉

Now I should getting moving so I can get my son off to hockey practice and then tackle a long list of errands.

So what would you tell me over coffee?

Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date

September’s Ultimate Coffee Date

September 5, 2015 by Michelle 13 Comments

Happy Labor Day Weekend! It’s the unofficial last weekend of summer, but I must say it feels a little odd since school’s already started for my youngest son. Then again, it’s a long weekend and that’s always a good thing, right? So I’m taking a little time out this morning to join in with Coco, Lynda and Deborah for this month’s Ultimate Coffee Date.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that believe it or not, my youngest son’s hockey season has already begun! And he’ll be on the ice until at least April.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that meanwhile my oldest son has made me a little giddy by announcing he’s decided to run cross country this fall 🙂

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I cannot wait for football season to kick off this Thursday night with the raising of another Super Bowl banner! I don’t want to hear another word about the supposed “deflategate.”

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I came home the other day to a nice surprise from Women’s Running Magazine and the Rock ‘n’ Roll folks – another fun perk as a member of the #RocknBlog team! Women’s Running is also offering all RWA readers a 1-year subscription for just $9.99 – just use code RUNATTITUDE015.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’d better get going – we’re celebrating my dad’s 75th birthday and I still have food to prep!

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

Filed Under: #RocknBlog, football, Ultimate coffee date, Women's Running Magazine

August Ultimate Coffee Date

August 1, 2015 by Michelle 18 Comments

Hello August!

We are flying through the summer! And, while I’m over the heat & humidity combo – especially after this morning’s run/slog, I am looking forward to soaking up all I can of these last couple of weeks!

I’m starting the month off by joining The Ultimate Coffee Date, hosted by Coco, Lynda and Deborah. It’s always a fun link-up! So grab a mug – I’m sticking with an iced coffee from Dunkin’ – and join us 🙂

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that while it’s been a good summer so far, I still have a lot left on my “summer bucket list.” I haven’t even made it to the beach yet, though we’re hoping to fix that with a little family time on the Cape once my son comes home from camp.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that we’re in the middle of a whirlwind of family birthday celebrations – my youngest just turned 10 this past week and my oldest and I both have birthdays coming up this week. My hubs J’s birthday is a couple weeks later.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that running is leaving me feeling a little meh lately – climbing out of the valley of injury is both a slow and tedious trek…and yes I know that the recent wave of humidity is not helping at all. But, I do have to say that I’m loving my PT and his team and am grateful for the pain-free runs!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that this month I’ll be trying out EnduroPacks, which is a 4-step vitamin & mineral replacement system for endurance athletes. The very nice folks over at EnduroPacks offered me a trial a couple of months ago, but I was in the middle of my MRI/What’s wrong with my knee? madness so I decided to hold off until now.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’ve got to run to get ready for a family party this afternoon to celebrate my mother’s retirement!

So tell me, what’s left on your summer bucket list?

Filed Under: EnduroPacks, Ultimate coffee date

July’s Ultimate Coffee Date

July 4, 2015 by Michelle 15 Comments

Happy 4th of July! I’m so glad we could take a little time out during this holiday weekend to catch up with The Ultimate Coffee Date. A big thanks to Coco, Lynda and Deborah for hosting! Don’t forget 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 a 4th of July isn’t complete for me without some fireworks! We caught a great show last night and my youngest is already asking if we can see more tonight.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my oldest son has been away at camp for a week and I’m thrilled to say that he’s already written home! It sounds like he’s having a blast, which makes missing him much easier. I am counting the days until parents’ visiting day – 14 😉

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I started physical therapy on Wednesday. My evaluation revealed weak and unstable hips (no surprise) and limited range of motion in my ankles (who knew?). So I’m faithfully doing my exercises and am scheduled for 2 PT visits a week for the next month or two. The exercises are tedious, but I’ll do anything to get back to running with less discomfort.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m doing two challenges with Black Girls Run! Boston this month – log 50 miles and a daily plank series. I love the way this group of ladies cheer each other on. I’m really hoping to squeeze in a couple of group runs with them this month too.

What have you got planned for this weekend? Are you catching any fireworks?

Filed Under: 4th of July, Challenges, Physical Therapy, Ultimate coffee date

June’s Ultimate Coffee Date

June 6, 2015 by Michelle 19 Comments

Busy morning ahead, but before I get going I’m making a little time to join with 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.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m in the homestretch on all of the school projects/concerts/field trips, etc. After May Madness, things are starting to wind down a bit. I did spend yesterday in my youngest son’s class room helping out with a project – it was a sea of glue sticks, construction paper and stickers, but I survived and made my kiddo happy so it was all worth it.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I cannot believe my oldest son is leaving for overnight camp in just a few weeks! He’s really excited and I’m excited for him…but I’m going to miss him terribly!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that returning to running after a short hiatus is hard…harder than I thought it would be. Some days I feel like I’m starting from scratch and I’m working on not being too hard on myself.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I survived my 3-day refresh, and did lose a few pounds. I’ve got a lot of thoughts to share on the whole thing, but my boys are waiting and lacrosse calls, so I’m gonna save that for a separate post. 🙂

If we were having coffee together, what would you tell me?

Filed Under: injuries, kids, Ultimate coffee date, Uncategorized

May’s Ultimate Coffee Date

May 2, 2015 by Michelle 28 Comments

It’s May! And I’m getting this month started by joining one of my favorite link-ups, The Ultimate Coffee Date. Thanks to Coco, Lynda and Deborah for hosting!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that the forecast is finally showing real signs of consistent spring weather, and I cannot wait to get into my garden this weekend and start planting. Despite the harsh winter, many of my plants look to be in better shape than I thought they would be, but I’ve still got a fair amount of work to do!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that while this week started off a bit hectic, that seeing my son start to feel better, a massage and spending the afternoon doing a little retail therapy with a friend helped to turn things around!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m actually looking forward to my appointment this week with the orthopedist, cause I need someone to help me get to the bottom of what’s going on with my left knee. Running continues to be a real challenge and I’m not feeling good about my two spring races.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that believe it or not my blog turned 5 this past week! It’s really hard to believe that I have been running, and writing about it, for five years! I so appreciate all of you who have been hanging out with me during this ride 🙂

If we were having coffee together, what would you tell me? What have you got planned for this weekend?

Filed Under: gardening, left knee, massage, milestones, Ultimate coffee date

April’s Ultimate Coffee Date

April 4, 2015 by Michelle 14 Comments

I’m joining Coco, Lynda and Deborah for one of my favorite link-ups — The Ultimate Coffee Date. It’s always a fun chance to catch up so grab a mug, settle into a comfy chair and join us!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m actually drinking tea this morning as part of a 14-day detox I’m doing. After hearing much about Naked Me Tea, I decided to give their 2-step detox tea a try. I’m 6 days in…and the jury’s still out. I’ll let you know how it goes.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that the hockey equipment is finally being stored for the season and lacrosse is consuming my house with a vengeance!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that RnR Vegas is now officially on my fall race calendar, as I wasted no time signing up when registration opened on Wednesday. I’m looking forward to seeing some fellow bloggers there – a chance to finally meet IRL! And, it seems like every time I mention Vegas to a friend this week, their eyes light up and there’s talk about them joining in. Could be quite the party before we’re done!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that after carrying the same bag forever, I treated myself the other day to this new tote to usher in spring! Cute, right?

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I need to get going because my youngest son is waiting to dye eggs. 🙂

Happy Easter!!

If we were having coffee together, what would you tell me? Have you ever done a detox?

Filed Under: #StripAtNight, RnR, Ultimate coffee date

Ultimate Coffee Date – March

March 7, 2015 by Michelle 16 Comments

It’s the first Saturday of the month which means its time for the Ultimate Coffee Date! I’m linking up again with Coco, Lynda and Deborah so grab a cup of your fave beverage and join us!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that while I still feel like a lot my race schedule is still in flux, I did do a little race shopping this week and locked in my registration for both the Newport 10 miler and Boston’s Run to Remember 5 miler. My husband J has decided to run RtR with me.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m secretly grateful to see my son’s hockey season coming to an end. The crack o’dawn games are starting to wear thin, and juggling between both hockey and indoor lacrosse practices is definitely stressing out our weekend schedule!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m itching to do some spring cleaning! Also it’s been a while since I’ve gone on a de-cluttering tear through my house. After such a long winter, it feels like the perfect way to welcome in spring. Now if I can just figure out how to get my family on board 😉

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my newest TV addiction is Fixer Upper on HGTV. Maybe it’s because I live in a 120+ year old house, but I love remodel shows. On Tuesday nights, I’m glued to the TV for this one hoping to steal and idea or two.

Sorry I have to cut our coffee time short today, but it’s time for me to start the lacrosse to hockey shuffle.

If we were having coffee together, what would you tell me? Do you like design/remodel shows?

Filed Under: clutter clean out, race shopping, Ultimate coffee date

First Coffee Date of 2015!

January 3, 2015 by Michelle 25 Comments

Happy New Year! It’s the first Saturday of the month/year so grab a cup of your favorite tea, cocoa or coffee and join in for the Ultimate Coffee Date!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that it’s been a great Christmas break around the RWA house! It’s been a great stretch filled with lots laughs, food, family and good times. Going to the Nutcracker and watching my youngest son & his hockey team skate at the Bruins game on New Year’s eve were definite highlights!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my family listened to my ~~not so~~ subtle hints and loaded me up with some great gear from Athleta and a new Garmin 10 for Christmas!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I managed to strain my left medial meniscus just over a week ago (and on the bike no less!). Since then I’ve been diligently doing my PT exercises, leg strength workouts from the trainer, and icing and rolling like it’s my job. The good news is I can get back to running next week!

Source

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’ve decided I want to return to keeping a training journal. After looking at many different ones I settled on the Believe Training Journal by Lauren Fleshman and Roisin McGettigan-Dumas. I love that it’s more than a straightforward training log – it offers goal setting and race day worksheets, motivational quotes, tips on nutrition and training (both physical and mental), and lots of space for reflection. I think the holistic approach will work well for me.

I’m linking up with Coco, Lynda and Deborah so be sure to stop by and check out all the great posts.

If we were having coffee together, what would you tell me?

Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date

Ultimate Coffee Date: December Edition

December 6, 2014 by Michelle 20 Comments

It’s the first Saturday of the month so it’s time once again for the Ultimate Coffee Date! This morning I’m happy to be linking up with Coco, Lynda and Deborah. This is always one of my favorite link-ups – it’s a great time to catch up, so grab a mug and pull up a chair!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’ve started working out with a trainer. I had my first session yesterday and it was a killer…but in a good way! She’s created a great plan for me to help strengthen my trouble zones and correct the imbalance between my left and right sides. Hopefully working with Stacey, combined with the work I’m doing on my own, will put me in good shape come spring.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’ve been thinking a lot about which races I want to do next year. I’ve made no secret of my love of the 10-miler, so I’m going try to run more of them in 2015. There are three races in the area and I’ve decided to throw my hat into the Cherry Blossom lottery. I will definitely take on a half marathon or two, but I’m leaning towards holding off until the fall.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you we’re starting Christmas cookie baking in our house this weekend. Pecan balls, peanutbutter blossoms, rum balls, coffee-cashew biscotti and the classic sugar cookie are some of our faves. But, I’m itching to try something new – do you have a favorite?

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I just got tickets for J, the boys and I to see the Nutcracker over the school break. I took my oldest son a couple of years ago and we had so much fun. I’m really looking forward to all of us going!