5 Quick Tips for Managing a Busy Week

November 15, 2024 by 18 Comments

My brother texted me earlier this week to announce that Thanksgiving is just 2 weeks away…which of course means Christmas and the start of Hanukkah is just 6 weeks away, and then it’s New Year’s Eve, and the books will close on 2024. Now throw in all of the “end of year” wrap-up at work…can you feel the “busyness” starting to creep in?

At this time of year, it’s so very easy to become overwhelmed by the “busyness” of the season. So for today’s Fit Five Friday I’m re-sharing a few quick tips for managing a busy week.

This post was originally published in May 2022.

Five Quick Tips for Managing a Busy Week

Prioritize — When your calendar is overflowing, let go of trying to do “all the things” and just focus on those things that are non-negotiable. Also, protect your time by being willing to say no to some obligations. Remember that “No” is a complete sentence.

Delegate and ask for help — Even after setting your priorities you may find there are still too many items on your to-do list. Time to enlist some help! Don’t fall into the “superwoman” trap – ask friends, family, or co-workers to help take a few things off your plate.

Take breaks — Trying to go at full speed all day will leave you feeling depleted and will just add to the feeling of being overwhelmed. So be sure to schedule some breaks in your day. And, yes, schedule them or they won’t happen! Step away from your computer to get some fresh air to take a walk, throw on some music and have a quick dance party, or literally just stop and take some deep breaths to settle yourself.

Get enough sleep — When you’re in the middle of a particularly busy stretch it is so important to give both body and mind a chance to rest and recharge.

Eat wisely — In the same way, you need to give your mind and body the rest it needs, also make sure that you’re fueling properly. Coffee is not a complete meal! Heading into a busy week, stock up on healthy snacks so you’ve got easy, and healthy, grab-and-go options. Plan and prep meals in advance so you won’t risk defaulting to lots of take-out…or worse yet, forgetting to eat altogether (am I the only one guilty of this?).

How do you manage when things get busy?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Techer every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, crazy week, holiday sanity

Returning for November Coffee

November 1, 2024 by 19 Comments

It’s been quiet here on the blog while I took a much needed break. Now, as we usher in a new month, it’s a good time for a little coffee catch-up, so I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. And, of course, it’s Friday so that means another Fit Five Friday link-up! So grab a mug of your fave beverage and let’s chat.

Returning for November Coffee

Over coffee,  I would tell you how overwhelmed and grateful I am for all of the cards, text messages, DMs, and notes I have received since the passing of my mom. All of it has bouyed my heart during a difficult time.

Over coffee,  I would tell you that it’s been almost 6 weeks since my PRP injection and I’m still waiting for the angels to sing. Some days feel better than others but overall progress feels slow. I’m seeing my ortho on Monday and hoping he sees my progress differently.

Over coffee back in August, I shared that I wanted to learn a language. At the time I was debating between French and Spanish and selected French.  While I diligently put in the time on the Babel app daily, things kinda petered out a few weeks later and then life happened. Well, I’m happy to say that I’m back at it, but I’ve switched to Spanish! I am finding more practical uses for it and it helps to have others to practice with. We’re talking about a trip to Barcelona next year, so there’s some additional motivation!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m starting another gratitude challenge on Instagram. I did one a couple of years ago, and with the combination of life events, work stress, election fatigue, etc., I’m feeling the need to focus on the positive! So for the month of November, I’ll post daily either in my IG feed or story something I’m thankful for that day using #FocusingonGratitude. Join me!

 

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 The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, gratitude, Ultimate coffee date

From Motivation to Habit

September 20, 2024 by 12 Comments

Happy Friday!

Maybe it’s being on the cusp of a new season (hello Fall!), or perhaps it’s all of the years of getting my kids ready for “back to school”, but I have often thought of September as a kind of “new year” – a time to settle into a routine, create new habits, and set some goals for the remaining months of the year.

And, a peek at my social media feeds tells me I’m not alone in viewing the pending new season as an opportunity to create some new habits.

So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing a few tips to help turn this “new season motivation” into good habits to finish the year strong.

This post has been updated from September 2021. 

Fit Five Friday – From Motivation to Habit

Pace yourself — Take starting a new fitness routine or upping your training; it’s very easy to get too hyped up, go out too hard, and then fizzle, or worse … get injured. Start small…baby steps can add up to big payoffs down the road.

Be consistent — Everything I’ve ever read says that it takes between 21 and 28 days to build a good habit, and from personal experience, I believe that to be true. Whatever the new habit is that you’re trying to adopt, schedule it into your day/week. Being consistent will help ensure the new habit sticks.

Be kind to yourself — Everyone experiences setbacks. When you fall down (either literally or figuratively), the key is to not beat yourself up over it, but be willing to pick yourself up and begin again.

Find a partner or group — There’s a lot to be said for being accountable to someone else and having someone to draw motivation from on those days when you’re not feeling it. On the flip side, beware of spending time around others who don’t support your efforts – they will drain you! As much as possible, spend time with others who model the behavior/habits you’re striving for.

Keep your “why” front and center  — Whether it’s a word, phrase, or photo, posting visual reminders where you’re sure to see them will help keep your why and your goals at the forefront. Energy flows where attention goes so make your goals hard to ignore and you’re more likely to follow through.

Do you use this time of year to build new habits or set goals? What tricks work for you?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, goals, habit building, motivation

September Coffee Catch Up

September 6, 2024 by 23 Comments

Happy Friday! Let’s kick the weekend off with a little coffee catch-up. For this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. Grab a mug and let’s chat!

September Coffee Catch Up

Over coffee, I would tell you that it is crazy to me that my son’s already been on campus for two weeks. College drop-off went off without a hitch and he sounds like he’s settling in nicely. Of course I miss him big-time, but I take his lack of calling as a good sign. And, Parents’ Weekend is at the end of the month so I’ll get to hug him again soon enough!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m scheduled for a PRP injection later this month. In case you don’t know, Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use a patient’s own blood to help heal injuries and improve tissue function. My sports ortho had actually suggested PRP a few months ago, but I was initially not excited by the long recovery time, not to mention insurance won’t pay for it. Now, I wish I had just bitten the bullet because I’d be that much further along but it is what it is and I’m just happy it’s an option available to me.

What would you tell me over coffee? If you know any PRP success stories please share! 

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date, Uncategorized

End of Summer Runfessions

August 30, 2024 by 15 Comments

Amazing that we are here on the cusp of the last weekend of the Summer. I feel like I say it often, but time does feel like it’s flying by faster all the time.  Since it’s the last Friday of the month, for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m linking up with Marcia to share a couple of Runfessions so I can go into the Fall with a clean slate.

I runfess (or is it blogfess) that I almost skipped this post today. Work has been so off the chain lately that once I finish the day I want very little more to do with my laptop.

I runfess that I managed to make it through most of the summer with very little “runner envy”. I’ve never made any secret of my dislike of running through the heat and humidity. I’ve been content with walking and strength training…and then we got a taste of Fall this week. These cooler morning have me longing to lace up my running shoes – hopefully I can be back at it before my favorite run season is over.

Dreaming about fall running!

What’s your favorite season for running? 

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

Five Bucket List Races and Fitness Events

August 23, 2024 by 6 Comments

For a runner or fitness enthusiast, there’s no shorter of races or events to capture your imagination! For this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m  sharing five races and fitness experiences that are high on my bucket list.

Fit Five Friday: Five Bucket List Races and Fitness Events

Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run

The Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run in Washington, D.C., is a springtime classic that I’ve long wanted to experience. When my boys were playing lacrosse,  schedules never aligned to make this race possible, but with them both in college now I’m hoping to make this race a reality.

Broad Street Run

The Broad Street Run is another 10-mile race high on my list. The course is a straight shot down Broad Street, running through the heart of Philadelphia, and is one of the most popular road races in the country. It’s a race that celebrates the spirit of Philly, and I can’t wait to be a part of it!

BolderBoulder 10K

The BolderBoulder 10K in Colorado is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of community, fitness, and fun. With live music, great spectators, and a finish in the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field, this race offers an unforgettable experience. The altitude and the energy of Boulder make it a unique challenge I’m eager to take on.

NYC Half Marathon

Running through the streets of New York City is always special, and the NYC Half Marathon is no exception. The course takes you through Times Square, Central Park, and other iconic spots, all while soaking in the energy of the city. It’s a perfect way to experience NYC’s vibrant atmosphere while tackling a challenging but manageable distance.

Peloton Studios, NYC

While not a traditional race, a live class at Peloton Studios in NYC is a fitness experience I’m eager to check off my list. The energy of being in the studio with one of my favorite Peloton instructors coaching would be an awesome experience!

What’s on your racing/fitness bucket list? Share in the comments below!

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Bolder Boulder, Broad Street Run, bucket list, Cherry Blossom, Friday Five, NYC Half Marathon, Peloton, races

Five Tips for Staying Positive While Dealing with an Injury

August 9, 2024 by 6 Comments

Injuries are a tough pill to swallow, especially for those of us who love running and fitness. As someone who is currently navigating the ups and downs of an injury, I know how challenging it can be to keep a positive mindset. So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing my top five tips for staying upbeat while you heal:

Fit Five Friday: 5 Tips for Staying Positive While Dealing with an Injury

Focus on What You Can Do – Instead of dwelling on what you can’t do, concentrate on what you can. Perhaps this is a great time to work on your upper body strength, flexibility, or even to dive into a new fitness activity that you’ve always wanted to try. Shifting your focus helps maintain a sense of accomplishment and progress.

Set Small, Achievable Goals – I’m a goal setter, and find that setting small, realistic goals can give you a sense of purpose and achievement. Whether it’s being able to walk without pain or completing a certain number of physical therapy sessions, each milestone you reach is a step toward recovery. Celebrate these victories, no matter how minor they may seem.

Stay Connected with Your Community – Staying in touch with your running and fitness community can provide much-needed support and encouragement, and keep you motivated, especially on the tough days.

Explore Creative Outlets – Injury recovery can be a perfect time to explore creative activities that you enjoy but might not usually have time for. Whether it’s drawing, painting, writing, cooking, or playing a musical instrument, engaging in creative pursuits can be incredibly therapeutic and fulfilling. It helps shift your focus away from the injury and provides a productive way to express yourself and stay mentally engaged.

Try to Keep a Positive Outlook – Do what you can to remind yourself that this injury is temporary and that you will come out stronger on the other side. Visualize your recovery and the goals you’ll achieve once you’re healed. Positive affirmations and mantras can also be great tools to maintain an optimistic mindset.

How have you dealt with an injury? What other tips would you add?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, injuries

August Coffee Catch Up

August 2, 2024 by 19 Comments

Hello August – Can you believe we’re at the start of a new month already?!

And, since it’s the first Friday of the month, for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. Grab a mug – or perhaps an iced coffee, and let’s chat!

August Coffee Catch Up

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’ll be enjoying 4-day work weeks for the rest of the summer. My office closes every other Friday for “Summer Fridays” so I figured why not throw in some of my vacation days to even out the weeks. Work continues to be off the chain so why not lean into some long weekends, right?

Over coffee, I would ask you if you’ve been watching the Olympics? I have been all in  – I have especially loved watching the women’s and men’s gymnastics teams, the swim events, and women’s rugby. So many great moments and I’m looking forward to the track events to come!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I want to learn a language. I have been thinking about this for a while but have been putting it off. I recently received an email promoting Babbel’s birthday sale and am taking it as a sign to dive in! Now the debate is whether to go with Spanish or French. I took Spanish in high school and have retained some over the years, while I only took a semester of French in college. Both will work for future vacation plans…decisions, decisions.

Over coffee, I would tell you that we are 3 weeks away from moving my youngest into his dorm. I’m not ready! Deep breaths…

What would you tell me over coffee? Do you have a favorite moment from the Olympics?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Fit Five Friday – Current Favorites

July 19, 2024 by 8 Comments

Happy Friday!

For this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing some of my current favorites.

Fit Five Friday – Current Favorites

(This post contains affiliate links)

Holos – This has become a go-to breakfast for me of late. I love the range of flavors and that it delivers 20g of protein among other goodness! I like mine topped with fresh fruit.

Hydra Vizor Invisible Face Moisturizer SPF 30 – This moisturizer from Fenty Beauty is lightweight, doesn’t slide off my face, and delivers sun protection – all the things I want in a summer moisturizer. I also love that the product offers refillable packaging. I’ll have to wait to see if it is lighter than I need for winter days in New England, but for now I’m a fan!

Zensah Recovery Compression Shorts – These shorts are my BFF as I work my way back to running again. They offer great support for both quads and hamstrings, and they’re moisture-wicking.

Source: Zensah

On Shoes – I shared on IG a couple of weeks ago that I was excited to try out the Cloud 5 by On. These are my first pair of On shoes and will most certainly not be my last. Comfortable, lightweight, supportive – and so cute! What’s not to love?!

Peloton Sleep Mediations – Of late, I have really been enjoying the Peloton sleep mediations to help me to wind down and drift off to sleep. Ross’ classes are especially effective – I have yet to reach the end of one of classes 🙂 I’m so disappointed that Ross is leaving Peloton – I hope they don’t purge his classes any time soon.

Have you tried any of these? What’s one favorite you’re enjoying right now? 

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, fave things

July Coffee Catch Up

July 5, 2024 by 18 Comments

Taking a quick pause in the 4th of July weekend festivities for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So grab your fave beverage and let’s catch up!

July Coffee Catch Up

Over coffee I would tell you that this week I have been enjoying a much-needed staycation! My office is closed for the week of July 4th and the timing of this break couldn’t have come at a better time. After a whirlwind that was June, I’m hoping that I can slow down a bit to enjoy the lazy days of summer and this week is a good start.

Over coffee, I would tell you how excited I am to finally be back in my kitchen! Our whirlwind renovation is coming to a close – we’ve  got a few items left on the punch list for our contractor, but we are moving back into the new space.

Over coffee, I would tell you that, after the second cortisone shot provided only a brief pause in my hip-area pain, I’m moving on to shockwave therapy. My first appointment is this morning – wish me luck!

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 The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date