Michelle

Fit Five Friday: KURU Atom Fusion Review

April 18, 2025 by Michelle 10 Comments

I received a pair of KURU Atom Fusion sneakers to try out, and after a couple of weeks of wearing them everywhere, I’m happy to say they’ve earned a spot in my recovery rotation. As I work through physical therapy and continue increasing my walking mileage, I’ve been looking for a shoe that offers a solid combo of comfort, support, and style.

So for this week’s Fit Fve Friday, I’m sharing five key takeaways on how the Atom Fusion stacks up. As always, all opinions expressed here are my own.

Fit Five Friday: KURU Atom Fusion Review

1. Instant Comfort with No Break-In Needed
The KURU Atom Fusions felt great right out of the box—no stiffness, no hotspots, just easy comfort from the first wear. For anyone dealing with injury recovery (or just tired feet), that’s a big plus. I also appreciated that the shoes offered a roomy toe box without feeling sloppy. (And, if more space is needed, the Atoms are also available in wide).

2. Support That Stands Out
The shoe offers a really nice balance of cushion and structure, with excellent arch support and a slightly firmer heel cup that adds stability. KURU describes this feature on their website as KURU SOLE, “patented heel-hugging technology…that dynamically flexes with each step to hug and protect your heels.” It’s been perfect for both my single-leg work at PT and longer walks. My hips and legs still feel good at the end of the day—always a sign that the shoe is doing its job.

Source: KURU website

3. Versatility for Real Life
Let’s be real: sneakers are my go-to for just about every outfit these days. The Fusion comes in 3 simple, but classic colorways (Jet Black-Bright White, Midnight Blue-Jet Black, and Mist Gray-Lavender) and avoids the clunky/chunky silhouette typical of a “support shoe”. I’m all in when function meets fashion! I have the Jet Black and think I may pick up the Mist Gray next.

4. Durability & Breathability
Even after steady wear in and out of the gym, these shoes are holding up beautifully. I appreciate the mesh upper that keeps things breathable, especially during longer walks or full days on my feet.

5. Cushioned and Supportive, But… Would I Run in Them?
I typically go for shoes that offer both cushioning and support, and the Atom Fusion definitely delivers. That said, the heel has a firmer feel than some of my running favorites, so I’m not sure how they’d perform on a run. For walking, strength work, and everyday wear, though—they’re a win.

If you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with foot pain, or just looking for a versatile everyday sneaker with serious support, the KURU Atom Fusion is absolutely worth checking out.

Have you tried KURU shoes before? Drop a comment and let me know what you think!

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!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, product reviews

April Coffee Catch Up

April 4, 2025 by Michelle 24 Comments

It’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday, and since it is the first Friday of the month I’m linking up with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So let’s chat a bit. (This post contains an affiliate link).

April Coffee Catch Up

Over coffee, I would first tell you that I hit a big milestone this week – I’m now 6 weeks post surgery! I’ve had this date circled as 6 week would mark when my surgeon said I’d have no restrictions. Now, I still am not cleared to run just yet, but I can take on more strength training and more walking miles…all of which will get me back there.

Over coffee, I would tell you that tomorrow I’ll be picking up a new walking buddy – a puppy! My hubs and I have been wanting to get a second dog and have been debating when…well then this little face appeared in my feed from one of the rescue groups I follow and we had our answer! He’s a German Shepard/Great Prynees mix and I can’t wait to meet him and add him to our family (Fingers crossed our current Shepard feels the same way!).

Over coffee, I would share that one of my goals for this year is to make more time for reading and so far so good. One of my latest reads was The First Lie Wins — oh so good! It’s face-paced thriller that will keep you guessing right to the end. If you haven’t read it, I’d encourage you to add it to your list.

OK, your turn, what would you tell me over coffee?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Some Runfessions for March

March 28, 2025 by Michelle 16 Comments

How is it the last Friday of the month already?! Marcia has opened the runfessional, and it’s also time for another Fit Five Friday hosted by Darlene, Renee, Jenn, Zenaida, and yours truly, so let’s get started.

Some Runfessions for March

I had my post-op appointment with my surgeon yesterday and I runfess that going into it I was more than a little nervous. Eventhough I’ve been feeling pretty good for the most part, going through a major surgery like this has made me a tad paranoid. Happily, the appointment went off without a hitch.

I runfess that I’m so over this weather and ready for Spring! March kinda gave up on the “in like a lamb out like a lion” routine in favor of lion-mode for most of the month. This is one of the windiest months I can remember and as someone trying to rebuild my walking mileage, I could really do without the extra challenge of wind resistance!

I runfess that I’m about ready to throw in the towel on Instagram. I’m really not sure what’s up with the algorithm but I seem to be seeing fewer and fewer posts from people I’m actually following. I feel like I’m seeing more ads (of the same products, over and over) or random people IG suggests I follow…so annoying…

Has your IG feed gone rogue? Any runfessions to 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 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!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, hip replacement, Runfessions

Fit Five Friday – 5 Reasons Sleep is Essential for Your Health & Fitness

March 14, 2025 by Michelle 2 Comments

This week is National Sleep Awareness Week, so what better time to talk about one of the most underrated aspects of health and fitness—SLEEP! We often focus on workouts, nutrition, and recovery tools, but quality sleep is just as important (if not more so) for overall well-being.

Whether you’re training for a race, trying to stay consistent with workouts, or just aiming to feel your best each day, sleep plays a huge role in making it happen. So, let’s break down five reasons why sleep is a non-negotiable part of a healthy lifestyle.

Fit Five Friday: 5 Reasons Sleep is Essential for Your Health and Fitness

1. Muscle Recovery and Growth
Ever wonder why you feel extra sore after a bad night’s sleep? When you sleep, your body gets to work repairing muscle tissue, reducing inflammation, and replenishing energy stores. Skimping on sleep can slow down recovery, making it harder to bounce back after tough workouts.

2. Improved Performance
Want to feel stronger and more energized during workouts? Prioritizing sleep can improve endurance, reaction time, and even motivation. Studies show that athletes who get quality sleep perform better, both physically and mentally—so if you’re looking for a training edge, start with your bedtime routine.

3. Better Mood and Mental Clarity
Lack of sleep doesn’t just affect your body—it messes with your mind, too. Poor sleep can lead to brain fog, irritability, and trouble focusing. Whether you’re tackling a long run, strength session, or just a busy day, getting enough rest helps keep your mood and mindset in check.

4. Stronger Immune System
If you’re constantly feeling run down or catching every little bug that comes your way, your sleep habits might be to blame. Quality sleep strengthens your immune system, helping your body fight off illness and keep you on track with your fitness goals.

5. Weight Management and Craving Control
Sleep plays a huge role in regulating hunger hormones. When you’re sleep-deprived, cravings for sugary and processed foods tend to spike, making it harder to make healthy choices. Plus, quality sleep supports metabolism, helping your body efficiently process and use energy.

The Bottom Line: Prioritize Your Sleep!
If you’ve been pushing late nights and early mornings, consider this your sign to take sleep more seriously. Simple habits like setting a consistent bedtime, creating a relaxing nighttime routine, and limiting screen time before bed can make a huge difference.

How do you make sure you get quality sleep? Let me know in the comments!

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Sleep

Coffee Catch-up – March ’25

March 7, 2025 by Michelle 17 Comments

It’s the first Friday of the month so for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m linking up with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date. Grab a mug of your fave hot beverage and let’s chat a bit.

Coffee Catch-up – March ’25

Over coffee, I would start by telling you that my recovery continues to be on track. I was discharged from in-home PT yesterday, have been cleared to drive, and look forward to starting outpatient PT in about a week.

Over coffee, I would ask if you’ve streamed anything good lately? I’m half way through Laid, a dark comedy on Peacock that’s quite funny and a nice change of pace from the typical TV comedy.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I have looking forward to tackling some new house projects over the next couple of months. While we had hoped to start working on the home gym in January, things got hella busy for my hubs at work so we put a pin in that project temporarily. But now that things have quieted down a bit, and I’m past my surgery, we’re ready to tackle it! Additionally, we’ll be gathering landscaping estimates (our yard is a disaster following the remodel) and I’m planning to do a refresh on our garden. Of course, in New England it’s anybody’s guess when Spring will arrive!

What would you tell me over coffee? Any signs of Spring where you are?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Hip Surgery Runfessions

February 28, 2025 by Michelle 16 Comments

It’s crazy to think that I’m already on Day 10 post-op! What a wild ride this has been. So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m linking up with Marcia to share a few surgery-related Runfessions.

Hip Surgery Runfessions

Given how much better my hip feels, I runfess that I wish I hadn’t waited so long to have the surgery. I also runfess that I wish someone had warned me of how painful muscle spasms can be – whew! Thankfully I think the worse of it has passed.

While I was initially a little disappointed that my surgeon was not of the “go home the same day” club, I runfess that I am truly grateful for the extra nursing attention I received during my one-night stay in the hospital.

I runfess that the recovery process can be humbling. While I didn’t expect to be “back to normal” right off the bat, it has been humbling to have to rely on others for some of the basics (hello putting socks on or driving anywhere). I am quickly learning how to MacGyver most situations. (Please tell me that you get that reference, or am I dating myself LOL).

I runfess that I’m actually looking forward to starting out-of-home PT. I’ve been working with a therapist in-home, and while she’s very nice, the sessions are beyond tedious. Will regular PT be wildly exciting – probably not, but there will be more equipment and a change of scenary is always good, right?

Have you ever had surgery? What would you runfess?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions, Total Hip Replacement

Catching Up Over February Coffee

February 7, 2025 by Michelle 22 Comments

There may only be 28 days in February but it is shaping up to be a busy month for me! For this week’s Fit Five Friday I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So grab a mug and let’s catch up!

Catching Up Over February Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m scheduled for hip replacement surgery in a couple of weeks! If you’ve been around here for a bit then you know I have tried all the things to help with my right hip issue, but nothing has worked and the arthritis has significantly worsened. My ortho connected me with a great surgeon who’s supportive of the idea of me eventually returning to running – first and foremost I’m just looking forward to much more pain-free mobility!

Over coffee, I would also share my other big news – I’m wrapping up my job and taking a much needed break! I can’t get into all of the details, suffice it to say that the nonprofit I was working for ran into some funding difficulties and the decision was made that it would merge with a bigger affiliate. I did start the job search process and had two very promising opportunities, but I quickly came to the conclusion that what I really wanted was some much needed time off! I’m very fortunate to have this kind of flexibility and I’m sure that I won’t be idle for too long…but for now, I’m semi-retired 🙂

OK, your turn – what would you tell me over coffee?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, hip replacement, Ultimate coffee date

January ’25 Runfessions

January 31, 2025 by Michelle 18 Comments

It’s the last Friday of the month, which means for this week’s Fit Five Friday I’m joining Marcia as she invites us all to share a few runfessions before we start the new month.

January ’25 Runfessions

I runfess that this month has felt hella long! Is this a preview for what 2025 has to offer? I’m struggling to find a balance between staying informed and protecting my sanity.

I’ve seen multiple versions of this meme lately so I’m sensing I’m not alone in how I’m feeling!

I runfess that in an effort to protect my peace, I’ve taken a step back from social media in the past few weeks. I haven’t had much interest in posting and I’m taking some time to “curate” my feed – unfollowing and/or muting can be good for the soul!

Any runfessions to share?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

Five Reasons to Strengthen Your Core

January 24, 2025 by Michelle 12 Comments

One of my goals for January is to get back to doing consistent core work. While many may equate “core” with 6-pack abs, a strong core is really about much more than the aesthetics of flat abs. Your core is actually a whole series of muscles including pelvic floor muscles, diaphragm, internal and external obliques, transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, multifidus, erector spinae, and glutes. This complex set of muscles are your body’s powerhouse and key to all movement.

So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing five reasons to focus on strengthening your core. (This post was originally published in August, 2021 and has been updated).

Five Reasons to Strengthen Your Core

Enhanced stability and balance — When you strengthen your core, you engage the pelvis, lower back, and hips to work in better coordination, providing both balance and stability, and minimizing the risk of falling.

Improved running efficiency — In addition to enhanced stability and balance, when these muscles are moving smoothly in sync, you expend less energy, which can help your running efficiency.

Improved posture — Strong core muscles stabilize the torso, and help you to remain upright. Maintaining good posture, in turn, reduces strain on both your muscles and joints and can be especially important for runners in the later stages of a race or long run, when fatigue sets in and running form may start to suffer.

Reduced risk of back injuries — Without a strong core, you are asking your back to work harder to support your body, which can lead to muscle strain and back pain.

Everyday movement — From carrying groceries to pulling weeds in the garden, having a strong core makes bending, lifting, twisting, and reaching overhead easier.

Do you make core work a consistent part of your workout routine?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, core work

Five Tips to Avoid Quitter’s Day

January 10, 2025 by Michelle 10 Comments

Did you know that the second Friday in January has earned the dubious title of “Quitter’s Day”? According to various research, by the second Friday in January, between 70-80% of people who make resolutions have started to give up on them.

Of course, with the right mindset and strategies, you can keep your fitness goals alive all year long. For this week’s Fit Five Friday, here are five tips to help you stick with your goals and avoid Quitter’s Day.

Fit Five Friday: Five Tips to Avoid Quitter’s Day

Set Realistic Goals
While a goal should stretch you beyond your comfort zone, if the goal is too much of a reach it could backfire when you struggle to make progress. It’s fine to “go big” with your goals but be sure to build in smaller goals along the way so you have some wins along the way. Success breeds motivation!

Make It Personal
Your goals should reflect your interests – not what others are doing. Whether it’s running, yoga, weightlifting, or dance, pick something you enjoy. If you’re chasing a goal because others are doing it/have done it and you feel like you “should” then you’re not setting yourself up for success.

Find Your Why
So what is your Why? When chasing your goals gets tough you need to remember why you’re doing this – Is it to feel stronger, have more energy, clock that PR, or set an example for your kids? When motivation wanes (and it will!), reconnecting with your “why” can give you the push you need to keep going.

Make a Plan
Dreams need structure! Map out your workouts for the week and schedule them like you would any important appointment. When you’re facing multiple demands on your time (work, family, and other personal commitments), it can be tough to find time for your workouts. Scheduling your workouts as you would any other meeting or obligation is key to ensuring that you have the time you need to make consistent progress toward your goals.

Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Fitness is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate every win, no matter how small—whether it’s showing up for a workout, hitting a personal best, or simply feeling better. Recognizing progress helps build momentum and keeps you inspired to continue.

How do you make sure you stay on track with your goals?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, goals, motivation, tips

Fit Five Friday: KURU Atom Fusion Review

April Coffee Catch Up

April Coffee Catch Up

Some Runfessions for March

Some Runfessions for March

Fit Five Friday – 5 Reasons Sleep is Essential for Your Health & Fitness

Fit Five Friday: 5 Reasons Sleep is Essential for Your Health and Fitness

Coffee Catch-up – March ’25

Coffee Catch-up – March ’25

Hip Surgery Runfessions

Hip Surgery Runfessions

Catching Up Over February Coffee

Catching Up Over February Coffee

January ’25 Runfessions

January ’25 Runfessions

Five Reasons to Strengthen Your Core

Five Reasons to Strengthen Your Core

Five Tips to Avoid Quitter’s Day

Fit Five Friday: Five Tips to Avoid Quitter’s Day

Hi, I’m Michelle

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