Hello April

It’s a new month, which around here means setting a few monthly goals to keep me accountable and on track. But first here’s a quick look at this week’s workouts.

Week 13 and Setting April Goals

Monday — 3-mile run, Core & Stretch
Tuesday — 2-mile walk & Yoga
Wednesday — Upper Body Strength, Core & Stretch
Thursday — 3-mile run & Stretch
Friday — 4-mile run
Saturday — 2-mile walk & Upper Body Strength
Sunday — 7-mile run & Stretch

It was a pretty busy week which left me with less time for strength training and it was a rare week without a Peloton ride. But, I am happy to have logged another 4 run week!

Sunday’s 7 miler was my longest run in a while

April Goals

I had 3 goals for March:

  • Run 4 days/week and reach an LSD of 8 miles by month-end
  • Opt outside daily
  • Prioritize sleep

I was consistent with the 4 weekly runs and came up just a mile short on the long run. I also racked up 74 miles for the month which is the most miles I’ve had since sometime last fall – I call that a win! The daily outdoor plans took a hit as there were many days over the course of the month when Ma Nature thought serving up icy rain was a good idea. I think I did a much better job with my evening routine which contributed to better sleep – though there’s still room for improvement.

So what’s the plan for April? Pretty much more of the same:

  • Continue to increase my monthly mileage to 90 miles and get the long run up to double digits
  • I’m going to give opting outside daily another go. Right now I have a 4-day “streak” going – hopefully, the weather will cooperate!
  • Return to early morning runs – as much as I have enjoyed my lunch-time runs for the sake of milder temps, my April calendar is starting to look fairly hectic so getting up and out the door early will be a necessity. And, truth be told I really do prefer getting out on the roads early before the rest of the world (and distracted drivers!).

What have you got planned for April? Any races planned? What’s your preferred time of day to run?

I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down. Join us!

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Catching up over April coffee

Happy Friday!

We’re rolling into the first weekend of the month which means Coco and Deborah are hosting the Ultimate Coffee Date. It’s also time for another edition of Fit Five Friday! I’ve got a big mug of coffee in hand, so grab your fave hot beverage, and let’s catch up a little.

April Catch-up Over Coffee

Over coffee in February, I shared my challenges trying to find a new car.  Well, I’m happy to say that a couple of weeks ago the planets aligned finally and I found my new ride!

Over coffee, I’d tell you that I was recently interviewed for an article for Women’s Running Magazine on the impact of fibroids on running. Believe it or not, the article’s author found me through a blog post I wrote back in 2015. The article is part of Outside.com/Women’s Running’s member-exclusive content and can be found here.

Over coffee, I’d tell you that I’m planning to return to school for a professional development certificate program. I haven’t taken classes since business school so let’s hope I haven’t forgotten how to do this!

Your turn…what would you tell me over coffee?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

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Um Spring – where did you go?

Just as I was welcoming spring weather with open arms, it seems that Spring has slipped into hiding. Yes I know that it’s only March, and in typical New England fashion, I really shouldn’t expect things to really warm up until mid-April…but I’m itching to shed the layers so hope burns eternal 😉

It was another 4-day run week, and with the exception of today’s stomach issues, running continues to feel pretty good. I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down. Here’s how things played out.

Week 12 – Where did Spring go?

Monday — 3.3-mile run & Core
Tuesday — Rest day.
Wednesday — 3.5-mile run, Core & Stretch

Thursday – Peloton Ride, Upper Body Strength & Stretch
Friday — 3-mile run, Full Body Strength & Stretch
Saturday — 3.6-mile walk & Yoga for hips
Sunday — 4-mile run. The plan called for 6 but stomach issues had me struggling from the outset of this run (and fighting the wind didn’t help!). Dizzy and nauseous I finally pulled the plug at 4. I’m not sure what went sideways here, but I’m happy I still got a few miles in.

At least it was a beautiful morning.

The week ahead looks to be a busy one as spring break comes to an end, lacrosse season kicks into gear, and I’ll be easing into my hybrid work schedule.

How was your week? Are you enjoying Spring or has it gone into hiding?

 

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March Runfessions

Happy Friday! March has blown by and now we’re here on the last Friday of the month, which of course means it’s time for some soul (or is that sole?) cleansing. Marcia has opened the runfessional and I’ve got some ‘fessing to do, so let’s get to it, shall we?

March Runfessions

Runch Lover

Last month I runfessed that I was chasing the weather to find the day’s most mild temps. Well, I runfess that all that weather chasing has turned me into a fan of “runches” – runs during lunch. I have found myself stalking my weather app and when possible planning afternoon zoom calls around my run schedule.

Shoppers Anonymous

I runfess that I think I may need to put myself in a shopping timeout. I seem to be craving “all the gear” lately and may or may not have a number of items in the carts of a couple of my favorite brands.

Peloton Sharing

While I love having my oldest son taking classes from home for a bit, I runfess that I am less fond of having to share my Peloton bike. I mean yes technically we bought the bike for “the family” and everyone tried it initially, but I’m really the one who wanted it and have been the only one consistently riding it ….until now.

Joining @teamarcia for March Runfessions #FitFiveFriday #Runfessions Share on X

Are you a fan of midday runs? Anyone else need a shopping intervention?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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Running into Spring

Well, we made it to the first day of Spring and I couldn’t be happier! I celebrated the start of the new season with my longest run in quite a while and I’m pleased to say it was a strong effort! Here’s a quick look at how this week in fitness played out.

Week 11 – Running into Spring

Monday — 3.14 miles & Stretch. Joined Kim in wrapping up the #WeekofPi challenge with one more Pi run to celebrate her birthday! It was a bit frosty, but I finished in the glow of the sunrise.


Tuesday — 2-mile walk & Yoga. I discovered this Hips-focused class on the Peloton app that will definitely be in constant rotation for me.


Wednesday — Peloton Ride, Core & Stretch.
Thursday — 4 miles & Stretch. So much fog – it was like running in a cloud.

A little green glow for St. Paddy’s Day!

Friday — 3 miles, Core & Stretch. 70 degrees and a runch was a perfect way to head into the weekend!


Saturday — Upper Body Strength, 2.5-mile walk & Stretch.
Sunday — 6.25 miles & Yoga for hips. I was not feeling this run at all when I started but I settled in quickly, enjoyed Rebecca’s 90’s Hip Hop playlist, and had a surprisingly strong run – I love when that happens!

In case you missed it:

Five Friday Favorites

I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.

How was your week? What have you got planned for the spring?

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Five Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!

I’m sorry I missed out on last week’s Fit Five Friday link-up but I had been cranking on some things for work last week and truly just ran out of bandwidth. So I’m happy to be back this week and sharing a few things that I’ve been loving lately. (This post contains affiliate links).

Fit Five Friday – Friday Favorites

The Dare Crossback Bra from Brooks

I received this as part of my Run Happy Team welcome kit. I’m a fan of the wide smooth straps and the overall fit, and it offers great breathability.

Sharing some current favorites #FitFiveFriday #FaveThings Share on X

Youth to the People Skincare

I discovered this skincare line last year and while I’ve deviated to try other brands cause I’m a bit of a skincare product junkie, I have returned to these products. I especially like the Superberry Hydrate & Glow Dream Mask.

Vuori Performance Joggers

These joggers are not a new discovery, but of late they have become my go-to’s. I am obsessed with just how soft they are, especially after so many washings.

Yasso Greek Yogurt Poppables

Poppables have become my new guilty pleasure. They’re frozen Greek yogurt bites coated in a chocolate and quinoa crispy shell – so yummy!

March Madness

While I don’t follow college basketball consistently I always tune in for the NCAA Tournament. It really is competition at its finest! The quality of play and the heart these kids bring to the game is far better than the pro game in my opinion.

And don’t miss the women’s tournament – as someone who played point guard in high school, the women’s game has a special place in my heart!

What are you loving at the moment?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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Winter Rebound

Winter weather was back again in full effect this past week. Mother Nature seems to enjoy keeping us off-balance as she threw in a day in the 50s before blasting us with another round of snow and ice. So I zigged and zagged right along with the weather. Here’s how my workouts played out.

Week 10 – Winter Rebound

Monday — 2-mile walk and yoga
Tuesday — 3.14-mile run, Upper Body Strength, Core & Stretch. It was the first day of Kim’s Week of Pi Challenge, and while I’m not a streaker, my plan was to run 4 of the 7 days, so I kicked things off with a sunrise run.


Wednesday — Full Body Strength & Stretch
Thursday — Peloton Ride, Core & Stretch. I had planned on running but Ma Nature thought it would be fun to give everything an icy coating.
Friday — 3.2 mile (Pi plus a little) run. 50s & sunshine had me out for another midday run – a perfect way to head into the weekend.

Saturday — 3.14-mile run & Stretch. Icy rain, strong winds, and eventually snow = hello treadmill. Full disclosure, treadmill runs always feel challenging to me and this run was no different. Matty’s Donna Summer playlist was a good distraction. Can someone tell me why 3 short miles can feel like forever on the mill?
Sunday — Peloton Ride, Lower Body Strength, Core & Stretch. The plan was to run 6 miles, but my hip flexor was not having it. I definitely aggravated something during my mill run and decided it just wasn’t worth tempting fate. The hip flexor was fine on the bike and I purposefully picked one of my favorite Strength for Runners classes that plays out like a good PT session.

Between my work/family schedule and the weather, walking miles took a hit this week, but the upcoming forecast is looking very promising for a lot of outdoor time. And, hopefully, the hip flexor will be happier staying off the mill. Just 1 more week until spring!

In case you missed it:

My Ode to Long Runs

I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.

How was your week? Are you looking forward to spring?

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My Ode to Long Runs

(Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2012.)

Long Runs…

….at times, a confidence booster,
and other times…..an ego crusher

….show you how far you’ve come,
or how much farther you need to go

….a chance for mental cleansing,
or a time for “chatter brain” to be unleashed

….time to connect with running buddies,
or much needed “me” time

….done just as the sun is rising,
or chasing the sun to bed

….allow you to shed all the roles you wear in life,
except for one….runner.

Which do you prefer, short or long runs?

I’m linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

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March 2022 Goals

I love the start of a new month – so full of new possibilities. As most of you know, I always like to set a couple of goals for the month – it helps to keep me on track. But first, here’s a quick recap of this week’s workouts.

Week 9 – Setting Goals for March

Monday — Full Body Strength, Core & Stretch. Jess did not mess around with this workout and her Mary J. Blige playlist was on point.


Tuesday — 1.5-mile walk & Yoga. Once again I stacked a few of Peloton’s 10 min. Focus Flow classes concentrating on hips and hamstrings.
Wednesday — 3.2-mile run, Upper Body Strength & Stretch. So much black ice! I managed to stay upright so that was a win!


Thursday –– 4-mile run. It was a bit warmer and there was much less black ice to contend with. I finished the workday with a much-needed sports massage.


Friday — 2-mile walk & Core. I had planned a Peloton ride, but another poor night of sleep (it was a theme all week!) left me dragging, and it just never happened. The midday walk and core was a nice break in the day.
Saturday — 4-mile run, Core & Stretch. I opted to sleep in and run around noon. It was a good call – the temperature was 20 degrees warmer.


Sunday — 3-mile run & Stretch. 4th day of running this week!

March Goals

As I noted, today was the first time I’ve run 4 times in a week in quite a while. Shifting to 4 runs/week had been one of my February goals, but a combination of scheduling & feeling various aches kept this from happening.  So this will now be among my March goals:

  • Lay the foundation for half marathon training — 4 days/week of running and extend my “long run” to 8 miles by the month’s end.
  • Opt outside daily — The goal is to run all of my runs outdoors and on my off days to head out for a walk. With just 14 more days until Spring, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the weather will cooperate (i.e., no more snow/ice storms!)
  • Make sleep a priority — My sleeping was so poor this past month so I’m going to focus on what I can to set myself up for success. That means stepping away from both my laptop and phone earlier in the evening, adding in a stretch or yoga class before bed, and being consistent with my end-of-day meditation.

What have you got planned for March? Any races? Starting training?

I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down. Join us!

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March Coffee Date

It’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday! We’re also rolling into the first weekend of the month which means Coco and Deborah are hosting the Ultimate Coffee Date. I’ve got my mug of coffee, so let’s chat a little.

Over coffee, I would tell you that today marks the completion of 6 weeks in the new job. The weeks are just flying by! I’m really enjoying it and feeling more settled in and into the groove of things every day.

Over coffee, I would also tell you that as I get ready to spend a couple of days a week in the office I definitely need to update my wardrobe – translation I’ve been working at home for a long time and live in athleisure wear. I’m considering trying out one of those subscription services because while I don’t mind shopping, that’s not really how I want to spend my free time.

Over coffee, I’d tell you that I’m having a hard time with the fact that my youngest son has his first meeting scheduled with his school’s college counseling office. What the what?! He’s a sophomore and I’m not even sort of ready to think about him leaving for college!

I may have shared this meme before but it’s so spot on!

OK, your turn, what would you tell me over coffee? Have you tried a shopping subscription service – any suggestions?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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