Michelle

Week 13 – Hello April

April 4, 2021 by Michelle 17 Comments

Well, so much for in like a lion and out like a lamb – March came roaring in with strong winds and went out in a blustery fashion as well. While there were hints of spring weather along the way, the weather was all over the place, and things here turned pretty chilly again this week. In other words, a typical March in New England!

I felt a little like the weather this week…all over the place as a migraine put a crimp in my days. Here’s what I managed workout-wise for the week:

Signs of Spring from Sunday’s miles

Weekly Run Down – Week 13

Monday — A ride and upper body strength have kinda been my M.O. for the past few Mondays so it was a 20 min Peloton ride plus 5 min cool down ride, 20 min Upper Body strength, 10 min core, and 10 min stretch to get the week started.

Tuesday — I woke with a headache that had all the makings of a migraine so I took a 1-mile walk and called it a day. Unfortunately, it was a long day at work, which did nothing for my head!
Wednesday — 2.2 miles plus core. The migraine persisted but I was happy to get a couple of miles in.
Thursday — 1.7 miles plus core. It was pouring buckets when I woke up, but with the migraine fading, I snagged a little time on the mill to kickoff my April miles.
Friday — 30 min Ride, 10 min Arms Toning, 10 min Core, and 10 min full body stretch. It felt so good to wake up and finally feel good!
Saturday — 4.25 miles plus Marcia’s 6 Essential Exercises for Runners.

Sunday — I got another quick 2.5 miles in this morning before breakfast and look forward to having a low-key day.

With the migraine behind me, I’m looking forward to logging more miles this week. As I mentioned in my April Goals post, I’ll also be working on making the shift back to early morning workouts this week so I can play Mom-Uber for my son’s lacrosse practices in the afternoons.

Wishing all who celebrate a Happy Easter!

Fit Five Friday Over April Coffee

April 2, 2021 by Michelle 38 Comments

Welcome back to the Fit Five Friday linkup!

Today I’m starting off the 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 April Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m feeling a little sad because my son heads back to school today. I swear his spring break blew by in a blink! It was fun having him home and I cannot believe that his high school graduation is now in sight!

And, speaking of high school, over coffee I would tell you that we just got word that my youngest son’s school is planning to move from our current hybrid plan to full in-person learning. Interestingly, they will be starting with the Seniors and Freshmen first, and if all goes well, then expanding to the Juniors and Sophomores. So, come Monday, he’ll start his first full week of in-person classes since March 2020.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I was really excited to get out into my gardens last week to start cleaning up and planning some re-design. I am now itching to get back to my favorite local nursery to start to bring my sketches to life!

Source

Last month I shared that I was looking forward to putting my subscription to Master Class to use. Well, over coffee, I would tell you that I really enjoyed the Gordon Ramsey class, and now I’m working on improving my knife skills and making pasta dough 🙂

Over coffee, I would tell you that I was finally able to register for the vaccine. My group will not be able to schedule appointments until the week of April 19, and given that the group is ages 16+, there’s no telling how long it will take to get an appointment…but I am encouraged to be moving one step closer.

Now I’d tell you that my cup is empty and I need a refill. So your turn, 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 Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

April Goals

March 30, 2021 by Michelle 19 Comments

If you have spent any time around here, then you know that I am a goal setter! I have often said that I especially like to set monthly goals to help keep me accountable and provide a focus – these short-term goals are a great way for me to break down bigger yearly goals into manageable chunks. So with the start of the new month just around the corner, it’s time to lay out some April goals.

April Goals

65 – 70 miles — Through the ZOOMA Run Club, I set a (rare for me) annual mileage goal of 750 run/walk miles, which nets out to 62.5 miles/month. As I write this I’m slightly behind, but know with the spring weather that I’ll be itching to log more outdoor miles.
Return to early morning runs — I runfessed that I have been chasing the weather, often pushing my runs to the warmer afternoons vs. dark early morning hours. But, truth be told I’m much happier when I get out early to start my day. Also, with my youngest son’s lacrosse practices kicking in this month, I know if I don’t get out early, schedules may collide.

Do you set monthly fitness goals? Sharing my goals for April. #bibchat #TuesdayTopics Share on X

Clean-up my eating — Quite simply, I need to lose a few pounds. I’m not much for scales – I prefer to go by how I feel in my clothes, and, if I’m keeping it real, a few things are starting to feel a little snug. So before these pandemic pounds become permanent, it’s time to clean up my eating. Specifically, no more late-night snacking, more spring vegetables, and being much more mindful about sugar consumption.
Balanced strength training — For March I targeted 3 sessions/week – 1 upper-body, 1 lower-body, and 1 full-body in addition to daily core. This worked well, so as the saying goes if it ain’t broke…

Are you a goal setter? Any goals for April?

I’m linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up.

Filed Under: goals, Tuesday Topics

A Runfession or Two

March 26, 2021 by Michelle 27 Comments

Happy Friday and welcome to another edition of Fit Five Friday hosted by Darlene, Renée, Jenn, Zenaida, and me!

It’s the last Friday of the month, so I’m linking up with Marcia to share a Runfession or two…so let’s get started.

March Runfessions

I runfess that I am in a running rut…on the one hand, I have no complaints because my runs have felt pretty good! But on the other hand, the runs are all starting to feel and look the same. I need to mix up the distances, routes, paces…something. It’s time to shake things up a bit I think.

I runfess that I decided to take the deferral credit on my entry in the New England 10 Miler Series. While this race series had announced a tentative in-person schedule (after being postponed from 2020), I shared over coffee that race organizers have already had to alter the schedule given COVID restrictions. With still so much uncertainty around when I will be vaccinated and varying state restrictions, I opted to take the deferral credit. The credit gives me the option to register for any of the races offered by this race group later in the year or in 2022. I runfess that I’m happier not stressing about if and when these races might go off. I’m still fairly confident that we won’t be racing in this area much before the summer.

In the battle between wearing multiple layers and catching the sunrise vs fewer layers and warmer afternoon sunshine, I runfess that the warmer temps are winning. I’m just tired of wearing all the layers so, for now, I’m letting the weather app dictate the time of day that I run.

Any runfessions to share? Do you let the weather dictate your runs?

Welcome to FitFive 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?

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

Week 11 – Oh So Tired

March 21, 2021 by Michelle 18 Comments

It may have been a slow adjustment to the time change or the constant fire drill that my work continues to be, but I struggled to find my energy this week. “I’m so tired” was a consistent refrain playing through my head. The workouts did happen, though some were fairly low-keyed. Here’s how the week played out.

Weekly Run Down – Week 11

Monday — 30 min Peloton ride, 15 min Upper Body strength, 10 min core, and 10 min stretch. While I seriously thought about taking a pass on working out, I know how much better I feel when I get the week off on the right foot. And, the BHM Fresh Friday ride with Denis was the perfect antidote to my Monday blahs.

Tuesday — Unplanned rest day. It was ridiculously cold when my alarm went off. With no desire to run in the dark (thanks DST!) and bitter temps I pushed my workout to later…and later, for a whole host of reasons, never happened.
Wednesday — 3 miles, 10 min core, and 10 min stretch. With 50s in the forecast for the afternoon, I made sure to step away from my laptop and get out for a run. It was worth the wait!

Tired but happy runner

Thursday — 20 min ride plus 5 min cooldown ride, 20 min Full Body strength, 10 min core, and lower body stretch. This was a great stack of classes!
Friday — 3 miles. This run felt sluggish and slow – I was definitely feeling some DOMS from Thursday’s stack, but I got it done.
Saturday — 4 miles. Had to greet the first day of Spring with a run, even if multiple layers were needed. It did warm-up enough later in the day to venture into my garden to begin my spring clean-up (in other words, lots of weeding and raking).

Love seeing the return of painted rocks on my run

Sunday — I’m feeling the effects of my garden “workout” so I’m taking my sweet time to get into gear. The forecast is showing 50s later so the plan is to snag some afternoon miles along with some yoga to show my very tight hamstrings some love.

The upcoming week is a short work week for me as I have Thursday and Friday off! We’re taking a day trip to visit a college as my oldest inches closer to making a decision.

How was your week? Did you celebrate the first day of Spring with a run?

Why You Shouldn’t Give Up on Virtual Races Yet

March 19, 2021 by Michelle 31 Comments

After a year of watching races either cancel or go virtual, I know that many runners are itching to toe the line as in-person races slowly start to pop-up across the country. But it’s clear that the return to in-person events is going to be a slow drip at best, largely dependent on keeping all things COVID-related in check. No easy task for sure!

So before you turn back on virtual races, I’m sharing a few reasons that you shouldn’t give up on them just yet.

Why Take on a Virtual Race?

Gives you a target — Virtual races give you something to train for, a distance to focus on, with the added benefit of no pressure. This can be a great option for someone coming back from an injury or long layoff.

Serves as a time trial — On the flip side, you can also use a virtual race as a time trial in preparation for an in-person race in the future. Some virtual races provide the opportunity to submit your finish time and feature a leader board for additional bragging rights.

Offers fun bling and swag — If bling and swag are motivating factors, virtual race organizers have really upped the ante in the past year to capture runners’ attention. Beyond medals, many virtual races are offering everything from half zips and hoodies, to water bottles, hats, socks, and more. You may just come across a theme that’s too much fun to resist!

Don't give up on virtual races just yet! #FitFiveFriday #Bibchat Share on X

Supports a charity — Virtual events have become vital fundraising tools for many nonprofit organizations. Running a 5 or 10K in support of a cause near and dear to your heart is always a good way to spend a weekend morning!

Creates a shared experience — Until race-cations and runner meet-ups return to being a regular thing, virtual races are a great way to run “with” friends. While running alone, it’s more fun knowing that friends are out pounding the pavement, trail, or treadmill completing the same distance.

What say you – are you still open to running a virtual race or have you hit virtual fatigue?

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?

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, virtual race

Week 10 – Springing Forward

March 14, 2021 by Michelle 32 Comments

After announcing her presence with authority last week, Ma Nature seems to have had an attitude adjustment. This week featured warmer temps and loads of sunshine.

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

Weekly Run Down Week 10

Monday — 20 min Peloton ride plus 5 min cooldown ride, 10 min bodyweight strength, 10 min core, and 10 min stretch. This was a fun stack and a good start to the week. Keeping my #nevermissamonday streak alive and well.

Tuesday — 3.14 miles and 10 min core. I joined Kim for her Week of Pi challenge. It was shorts weather – enough said!
Wednesday — 45 min full-body strength and a stretch. It had been a hectic day at work and I almost called it a rest day, but when I checked the Peloton app I realized I had just enough time to join the encore presentation of this 45 min strength class. This class did not disappoint – though the 6-minute EMOM at the end of class was just evil. Hello, jelly arms!

Thursday — Another Pi run and 10 min core. DOMS hit hard from Wednesday’s workout, but catching the sunrise was worth it.

Friday — 5-mile walk and 10 min stretch. I had another run on tap but when the chance to take a long walk with a friend presented itself, I opted for the walk. There was lots of catching up and laughs, and I completely forgot about taking a photo — good for the soul!
Saturday — 30 min ride plus 5 min cooldown ride, 10 min core, and 10 min stretch. Robin is one of my favorite Peloton instructors so when it came to celebrating 70th ride, picking one of her rides was a no-brainer. And, I scored another PR!

An all Robin Stack

Sunday — It’s Pi Day so, of course, there was one more Pi Run (officially 3.25 miles). The cold air has crept back in but you could not beat the sunshine! I’m feeling a little creaky post-run so I’m planning on pulling out my yoga mat in a bit.

All-in-all a pretty good week, and I’m hoping to just continue to ride the wave.

5 Self-Care Tips for Spring

March 12, 2021 by Michelle 28 Comments

There was definitely a touch of Spring in the air this week and it felt glorious! I love the sense of renewal Spring signals.

For this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing a few self-care tips for the new season.

Five Self Care Tips for Spring

Refresh your skincare routine – The change in season is a perfect time to refresh your skincare routine. Swap out your heavier moisturizer, step-up your sunscreen game, and check the expiration dates on anything you put on your face (ditch anything 6 months or older). And, don’t forget that skincare extends beyond your face. Shed your winter skin from head to toe by adding exfoliation to your routine.

Take a walk – While I try to get fresh air as much as possible during the winter, I have missed my walks. Embrace the fact that you don’t have to put on all of the layers – get out and soak up some extra vitamin D. Getting fresh air and spending time outside is vital self-care in my book!

Eat fresh – With all of the great produce that will become available during the season, I consider taking time to meal plan and to try new recipes as a form of self-care, don’t you?

Start a gratitude journal – A gratitude journal helps you to focus on the positive, and that, quite simply, is good for your mental health.

Feed your soul – Invest time in your favorite hobby, make time to read, or learn something new. The key is to find something you want to do that will be therapeutic to you in some way. For me, Spring is about spending time in my garden – it’s a chance for me to be in nature and to be creative…it feeds my soul.

What do you do for self-care? Do you change things up with the new season?

Welcome to FitFive 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?

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Self-care

Roaring into March

March 7, 2021 by Michelle 36 Comments

As I sit here sipping my coffee, I think this is the first morning this week that I don’t hear the wind. They say March either comes in like a lamb or lion and this week we certainly heard the lion’s roar in the form of the wind. Here’s how this week’s workouts went down.

Weekly Run Down Week 9

Monday — 20 min ride, 20 min Upper Body Strength, 10 min core, and 10 min stretch. Wind advisory outside so I was happy to stay indoors. I snagged a PR on this ride and this upper body workout left me with jelly arms..but in a good way!

Tuesday — Rest day plus 10 min core and a stretch.
Wednesday — 3 miles, 10 min core, and a stretch.
Thursday — 20 min ride plus 5 min cooldown ride, 10 min arms toning, and 10 min core. This ride had a lot of in and out of the saddle with heavy resistance – my legs were fried by the end. The playlist was a good one!

Friday — 1.5 miles, 10 min core, 20 min yoga. I woke up with everything feeling creaky – the yoga was so needed!
Saturday — Double workout day! I repped my state in the Zooma’s International Women’s Day 5K in the morning and then jumped on my bike for a 20 min ride, plus 10 min core, and 10 min stretch later in the day.

While I haven’t had much motivation for virtual races I liked that ZOOMA is using proceeds to help sponsor Women for Women International, an organization that supports women in countries affected by conflict and war.

Sunday — As I noted at the start of this post, I’m still sipping coffee, but with the wind being a non-factor, I’m sure I’ll be heading out for a few miles.

March Goals

As you know, I like to set monthly goals. I’m keeping it simple for this month…

60 run/walk miles
Continue with daily core workouts
Focus on hydration – 64 oz/daily – I’ve let this slide a bit so I need to follow my own tips and get back on this!
3 strength training sessions/week – 1 upper-body, 1 lower-body, and 1 full-body

How was your week? Did you set any goals for March?

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

Filed Under: goals, Weekly Run Down

Five Things over March Coffee

March 5, 2021 by Michelle 40 Comments

It’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday hosted by Darlene, Renée, Jenn, Zenaida, and me! We look forward to linking up every Friday to share YOUR weekly fitness favorites!

This Friday, I’m kicking off the 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 a little!

Five Things Over March Coffee

Over coffee, I would tell you that spring cannot get here fast enough. I cannot wait for more time outdoors – to break out the deck furniture, get back in my garden, set up the fire pit on the patio…and of course, run without all of the layers!

Last month over coffee, I shared how crazy things were at work. I wish I could say that since then things have improved but the days have still been long and stressful. At least I have re-gained my weekend time back.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I just received an email announcing that the 1st race New England 10 Miler Series (the Portland 10M) has been postponed from April to September. I registered to run this 3-race series last year before COVID and was grateful that the organizers deferred the series instead of going virtual. The first race will now be the Newport 10M in June. With the RDs offering a deferral credit, the question is to wait and see if RI lifts restrictions in time for the June race or consider deferring the whole series to 2022.

Over coffee, I would tell you how much I’m looking forward to having my oldest son home for spring break in a couple of weeks! Given the quarantine restrictions of both my boys’ schools, I’m sure our spring break plans will be pretty low-key – but no matter, I’m always happiest when we’re all together under one roof.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m looking forward to diving into my MasterClass subscription and trying out some new things this month. I’ve had the subscription since Christmas but haven’t made the time to explore any of the classes yet. I think I’m going to start with Gordon Ramsey’s cooking classes.

What would you tell me over coffee? Would you wait to try to run

Welcome to FitFive 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?

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Week 13 – Hello April

Weekly Run Down – Week 13

Fit Five Friday Over April Coffee

Five Things Over April Coffee

April Goals

April Goals

A Runfession or Two

March Runfessions

Any runfessions to share? Do you let the weather dictate your runs?

Welcome to FitFive Friday!

Week 11 – Oh So Tired

Weekly Run Down – Week 11

Why You Shouldn’t Give Up on Virtual Races Yet

Why Take on a Virtual Race?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Week 10 – Springing Forward

Weekly Run Down Week 10

5 Self-Care Tips for Spring

Five Self Care Tips for Spring

Welcome to FitFive Friday!

Roaring into March

Weekly Run Down Week 9

March Goals

Five Things over March Coffee

Five Things Over March Coffee

Welcome to FitFive Friday!

Hi, I’m Michelle

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