Wrapping up August and September Goals

September 5, 2021 by 30 Comments

Is anyone else amazed that we’re already in September? For me, August was a month of “juggling all the balls” and in that respect, I’m happy to put it in the rearview mirror.

Weekly Run Down – Weeks 34 & 35

Over the past couple of weeks, I’m happy to say running is getting better! I have kept most of my runs short and at an oh-so-easy pace, and the reward has been no hip pain. I did increase my distance back up to 5 miles yesterday and all was well.

I have been diligent about strength training and daily stretching – both I’m sure are helping to keep the hip happy. I also completed Matty’s Summer Crunch core challenge on Peloton, though in full disclosure I got a little bored and ended up subbing in some other instructors’ core classes this past week.

I’ve also been sticking to low-impact rides, which offer a great endurance challenge without taxing the joints.

September Goals

Hip treatment — This week’s appointment with the orthopedic doctor got bumped due to changes in his surgical schedule. So I have been re-booked for Thursday. I will continue the daily stretching and mobility work. And, I am fairly certain PT is in my future.

Focus on the 10Ks — I runfessed that I was going to drop down from the 15K to the 10K for the Back on My Feet Virtual Running Festival. I’m also running the Ocean Road 10K the first weekend in October. I think focusing on this distance and stretching my “long runs” to 7 miles is the smart choice for now.

Mindful eating — I didn’t just fall off the wagon with my eating over the past month, I jumped! Time to hit the reset button and be more mindful of how I’m fueling my body.

How was your week? Are you setting any goals for September?

In case you missed it:

Fit Five Friday and Labor Day Coffee

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

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Filed Under: goals, Weekly Run Down

Fit Five Friday and Labor Day Coffee

September 3, 2021 by 28 Comments

Happy Friday and welcome back to the Fit Five Friday linkup!

That sigh you hear is me exhaling into a 3-day long weekend! I’m starting my weekend with a little catch-up over the Ultimate Coffee Date hosted by Coco and Deborah. So grab a mug of your favorite beverage, and let’s chat for a bit!

Five Things Over September Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that we had the big college move-in last week! I’m happy to say that things couldn’t have gone smoother and I will be forever grateful to the “move-in crew” – student volunteers who made quick work of unloading our car and moving everything up to my son’s room. We unpacked, hit the local Walmart for a few things, followed by the bookstore, and were saying our goodbyes in a little over 3 hours!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m trying to get used to the house being so much quieter…sigh. But I love hearing how well he’s settling into college life. (Yes we’ve had 1 FaceTime and a phone call!).

Over coffee, I would tell you that I received my volunteer assignment for the Boston Marathon. This marks my 6th year and the first time I will not be at the actual race. I’ll be on bib distribution on Friday afternoon of marathon weekend. If you’re going to be in town for Boston, stop by and visit me!

Over coffee, I would tell you I just cannot wait to embrace all things Fall! I am so over the soul-sucking humidity that seems to have been ever-present this summer. This weekend’s forecast shows mild temps and I am hoping that this will be the start of my favorite season.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I have not been sleeping very well. I’ve been trying to be consistent in shutting down electronics and going to bed at a reasonable hour, and while I have no problem falling asleep, I wake up multiple times during the night.

What would you tell me over coffee? Are you looking forward to Fall? 

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

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End of Summer Runfessions

August 27, 2021 by 24 Comments

Today is college move-in day for my oldest son!

By the time this post goes live, I will be knee-deep in lugging boxes and bags into his dorm. I cannot believe the summer has passed so quickly and here we are on the last Friday of August!

Marcia has opened the Runfessional and the Fit Five Friday crew is ready to go…so let’s get started, shall we?

End of Summer Runfessions

Referral bureaucracy — I runfess that I am completely frustrated with the new practice my doctor recently joined. The referral process to get in to see the sports orthopedic has been a complete cluster. After much back and forth, and jumping through several bureaucratic hoops, I finally have an appointment on 9/1.

Stressed —Between the countdown to college, trying to make time to explore some new career options, and life in general, I runfess that I’m feeling just a tad stressed out.

Mileage? What mileage? — With the combination of the soul-sucking humidity that has been ever-present these last few weeks (er… whole summer?!) and the mini run-break for my hip, I runfess that I am not where I wanted to be in terms of a solid base on which to start my half marathon training. Sigh…it is what it is. My half isn’t until mid-November so there’s time to pull together a decent training plan. Of course, I’ll also have to wait and see what the orthopedist has to say.

Scaling back — But, on a similar note, I runfess that the virtual 15K I’m planning to run next month as part of the Back on My Feet Summer Running Festival will most likely become a 10K instead.

Slightly obsessed — I have been looking for some easy ways to help boost my protein intake and I runfess that I have become slightly obsessed with Quest Chile Lime Protein Chips. These satisfy my salty/crunch craving while delivering 20g of protein.

Source – Quest Nutrition

It's time for another edition of #FitFiveFriday and I've got some #Runfessions to share! Share on X

What are you run-fessing? 

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

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Easing back into running

August 22, 2021 by 32 Comments

My mini run break is over so this week was about easing back into running.

Weekly Run Down – Week 33

Monday — 3.4-mile run, Lower Body Strength, Core, and Stretch. It was a glorious 62 degrees when I headed out for my morning run! While there were still some niggles, overall the hip area felt pretty good – throw in a great playlist thanks to Matty’s Aretha Franklin run and I was a pretty happy camper! I was pressed for time due to an early work start so I did my strength workout and stretch later in the day. Today’s core kicked off Week 3 of Matty’s Summer Crush core challenge.

Tuesday — Strength for Runners, Core, 30 min. Aretha Franklin ride plus cool down, and Stretch. After Monday’s Aretha run, it was a given that the ride would be next – I mean can you ever really have enough Aretha Franklin music?! And, I earned a new ride PR!

Wednesday — Unplanned rest day. I slept terribly the night before (no real reason), so an early workout was out of the question. I had planned to work out after work, but when the opportunity to catch up with an old friend came up I took a pass on the workout.

Thursday — 30 min. Low Impact Ride, Core, and Stretch. This class was a reminder that I really need to check out more of Sam’s classes! He always has such a great playlist – this time it was a mix of Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and the like. There were a series of long climbs so it was nice to challenge my legs differently.

Friday — 1-mile walk, Upper Body Strength, Core, and Stretch.

Saturday — 5-mile run and hip mobility work. With 96% humidity, I’m not sure if this should be called a run or a swim!

Sunday — Henri has arrived as a tropical storm so it will a wet and windy ride here today. Right now I’m all about my coffee, but there will be a Ride or Bike Bootcamp later.

I’m happy to say that my hip pain was non-existent during my runs, even on hills! It can still get pretty cranky at times, especially if I sit for too long. I went for an x-ray on Friday, which just re-confirmed that there is some arthritis but no other issues. So, now it’s just the wait to get in to see the sports doc and see what my options are. In the meantime, I’ll be keeping my runs short and easy.

In case you missed it:

Five Reasons to Focus on Strengthening Your Core

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

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Filed Under: injuries, Weekly Run Down

Five Reasons to Focus on Strengthening Your Core

August 20, 2021 by 6 Comments

For one of my goals this month, I’m working on completing Matty’s Summer Crunch core challenge on Peloton.  So far, it has been a great way for me to return to consistent core work. While many instantly think of 6-pack abs when they think about core exercises, 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 today’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing five reasons to focus on strengthening your core.

Five Reasons to Focus on Strengthening 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.

Are core workouts a part of your routine? 

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, core work, Uncategorized

A mini run break

August 15, 2021 by 14 Comments

So with the return of some hip pain, the plan for this week was to take a break from running and to focus on strength training and time on my Peloton bike. And, thanks to Mother Nature “gifting” us with heat indexes in the upper 90s along with oppressive humidity, I can safely say I really didn’t miss running this week!

Here’s a quick peek at my week in workouts.

Weekly Run Down — Week 32

Monday — 1-mile walk, Lower Body Strength, Core, and Stretch
Tuesday — Low Impact Ride, Full-body Strength, Core, and Stretch
Wednesday —  Ride, Core, and Stretch

Thursday — 1-mile walk and Core. I had an intense session with my massage therapist that resulted in much relief around my hip.
Friday — 7.9 miles walking/jogging plus lifting and moving equipment. I spent most of the day setting up for a multisport fundraiser for work. There was a lot of time on my feet as I got the signage and mile markers all set up on the course.
Saturday — 4.1 miles walking/jogging. Event day kept me on my toes, but thankfully no hip pain!
Sunday — At the moment I’m longing on my deck enjoying the fact that the heat has finally passed. There may be yoga…but then again there may not.

The good news is my hip continues to be quiet, so I will attempt a little running this week and see how things go. Fingers crossed!

How was your week? Was it miserably hot where you are?

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

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Weekly Run Down – Hip, Hip, Oh No!

August 8, 2021 by 26 Comments

I wish there was a “hooray” at the end of that title, but sadly no. Just when I thought I might have this cranky right hip under control, it let me know that it was in no mood to play nice (especially if there are hills involved). Sigh…

Nonetheless, there was fitness to be had…here’s how my workouts played out.

Weekly Run Down – Week 31

Monday — Lower Body Strength, Core, and Hip Stretch. I kicked off Matty’s Summer Crunch Core Challenge along with Kim, Coco, Cari, and Deborah – always nice to work out with friends!

Tuesday — Low Impact Ride, Full-Body Strength, Core, and Stretch.

Wednesday –– 4-mile birthday run and Core.

Hello 55!

Thursday — Bike Bootcamp (live class), Core, and Stretch. This was only my second bootcamp class and the first time I tried 45 mins. Not gonna lie this class was challenging, but it was fun to get a high five from Kim at the start. I definitely needed some extra recovery time on the mat!

Friday — Yoga and Core.

Saturday — 4 miles, Core, and Stretch. My plan called for 6 miles, but my hip wanted no part of it. Throw in some oh-so steamy weather and I just didn’t see any point in pushing it.

A beautiful view to distract me from my cranky hip

Sunday — 10K Scenic Ride, Core, and Stretch. Initially, I had thought about trying a short run, but given the way my hip was feeling I was pretty sure it would tolerate the pounding. Thankfully, time on the Peloton bike doesn’t seem to bother my hip, so I decided to mix things up a bit and tried one of the scenic rides. I did the 10K Aguirre Spring (New Mexico) ride – the scenery was beautiful and I enjoyed the playlist.

On Monday, I saw my doctor, who happens to be a runner too 🙂 She’s put in a referral with a sports doc, so I’m just waiting to get the appointment set up. In the meantime, for the week ahead, there will be PT exercises and lots of stretching. As for running, I’ll take it a day at a time but may consider sticking to the bike only.

Tell me something about your week.

In case you missed it:

Five things over August Coffee

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

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Filed Under: injuries, Weekly Run Down

Five things over August Coffee

August 6, 2021 by 16 Comments

Happy Friday everyone!

Is there a nicer way to kick off a weekend than with a little catch-up with friends? So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. I’ve got my iced coffee in hand, let’s chat! (This post contains affiliate links).

Five Things over August Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that we are in the middle of a birthday bonanza at my house! My youngest turned 16 last Thursday, I celebrated another trip around the sun on Wednesday, and today, my oldest turns 19! My hubby’s b-day is in a couple of weeks. Let’s hope all of this celebrating doesn’t add too much to my waistline 🙂

Over coffee, I would tell you that I cannot believe we still have not made it to the beach this summer. Seriously these weeks have been flying by and I’m starting to think this may be one thing from my summer “must do” list that may not get done. While our next couple of weekends are accounted for, I’m still holding out hope of hitting the sand before the month’s over.

Over coffee, I would tell you with Covid numbers rising with the delta variant I’m not feeling very confident about the future of fall racing.  I have two in-person races on the calendar and watching the news lately makes me wonder if they’re going to happen. Sigh.

Over coffee, I would tell you how much I want to make more time to read. While on vacation I read The Last Thing He Told Me – it was a great page-turner! I loved getting lost in the story, and have promised myself that I’m going to spend a little less time scrolling on my phone and more time reading. Next up, Stronger than Dark.

Over coffee, I would tell you we’re just 3 short weeks away from moving my son into his college dorm. We’re knee-deep in shopping for “all the things” – it’s feeling very real now.

What would you tell me over coffee? Any good book suggestions? Have you made it to the beach this summer?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

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Filed Under: Ultimate coffee date

Hello August!

August 1, 2021 by 13 Comments

And just like that, it’s August 1st! What has happened to Summer?!

As I usually do, I’m setting some new goals for the month… but first, here’s a quick recap of the week that was.

Weekly Run Down – Week 30

Monday — 3-miles, Core, Full-Body Strength, and Stretch. Re-entry after a vacation can make a Monday feel extra-Monday if you know what I mean. I decided to get out for a run to get things off to a good start. It was foggy and crazy humid, but the run felt pretty good.

Tuesday — Yoga.
Wednesday — 1-mile walk, Upper Body Strength, Core, and Stretch
Thursday — 3.1 miles, Core, and Stretch
Friday — 2-mile walk, otherwise rest day
Saturday — 5.25 miles, Core, and Stretch. Hard to believe it was just 60 degrees when I headed out! With the Back on My Feet Running Festival 15K just 7 weeks away, I’ll need to start stretching out these Saturday runs.

The virtual running festival is September 18-25 with the option to run the 5K, 10K, 15K, 30K, or run all four distances during the month of September. Join me and use code BibRave5! for $5 off the registration – you can register here.

Sunday — 3-mile walk, Core, Lower Body Strength, and Stretch.

Plans for August

While I will continue to work on the summer fitness goals I posted in June,  I’ve got a couple of things I want to specifically focus on this month.

  • Matty’s Summer Crunch Challenge – Thanks to Kim for bringing this Peloton challenge to my attention! I did Matty’s enCORE challenge back in February and it was a good one, so I’m looking forward to this one.
  • Increase my “long run” to 8 miles
  • Prehab exercises 3x’s/week — gotta keep the hip on track!

How was your week? Are you training for any fall races?

In case you missed it:

Time for Some July Runfessions

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

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Filed Under: goals, Weekly Run Down

Time for Some July Runfessions

July 30, 2021 by 9 Comments

It’s the last Friday of the month which means Marcia has opened the Runfessional!

It’s also time for another edition of Fit Five Friday hosted by Darlene, Renée, Jenn, Zenaida, and me! So, let’s get started, shall we?

July Runfessions

Vacation Re-entry — Can I start by saying this week felt so l-o-n-g! Why is it that re-entry following a vacation is always so hectic?! I runfess that I didn’t realize just how much I needed this vacation until I actually got a chance to step away. While I enjoyed my staycation in May, nothing can beat time away. I’m determined to strike a better balance between work and home life moving forward.

New Shoe Delay — You may remember that I was lucky enough to win a pair of Brooks Glycerins as part of a Dick’s Sporting Goods giveaway. When they arrived at the end of June I couldn’t wait to run in them. Then my hip started acting a little wonky and I got skittish about changing shoes. Well, call me paranoid, but I runfess that I didn’t take them out for a run until just this past weekend.

Weather fatigue — OK…you know it’s coming so I’m just going to say it… I runfess that I am so over this weather! We had one of the rainiest Julys on record, and when it wasn’t pouring, the humidity was off the charts. I bracing myself for August.

Ready for training? — The time off from running while on vacation seems to have done my hip a world of good! But now with my fall races on the horizon, it’s time to start to increase my miles and I runfess that I’m a little nervous to see how my hip responds. I’ll be building some extra time into my schedule to return to some of my key PT exercises and I runfess that I’m willing to sacrifice some miles, if necessary to keep injury at bay.

It's time for another edition of #FitFiveFriday and I've got some #Runfessions to share! Share on X

How about you – 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 Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions