Michelle

Run Utah – A Giveaway!

February 10, 2017 by Michelle 22 Comments

I’m telling you that there’s nothing worse than receiving an invitation to a great destination race and not be able to take advantage of it! Such is the case with the Utah Valley Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K.

Utah is just beautiful, isn’t it?

When I think of traveling to Utah my first thoughts turn towards skiing and memories of a great family vacation we had there. We always said we wanted to head back, so when I got an email from the nice folks at Utah Valley Marathon, I knew this would be a trip I’d have no problem convincing my husband to take!

A few reasons to run:

The Utah Valley Marathon was named a TOP 10 race in America by Runner’s World Magazine in 2014
In honor of their 10th anniversary, they’re handing out race jackets instead of a T-shirt
A fast downhill course – no uphill people! (the marathon is a Boston qualifier)
Offers a marathon, half marathon, and 10K options, plus a kids 1K

Sounds great right? So why am I not booking my flights…because come June 10th, we will be in the thick of a lacrosse tournament in the RWA household. And, given that I’m helping to coordinate the tourney, disappearing for a race is just not in the cards. But I’ve already penciled it in for 2018 🙂 (Did I mention no uphills!)

So what’s a girl to do with a race entry she can’t use? Host a giveaway of course 🙂 I’ve actually got not one but two entries!

Want to run the Utah Valley Marathon/Half Marathon/10k? Then enter below – or, if you’re just ready to register, you can use code rwa15 to get 15% off any distance! (This is an affiliate code.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received the two free race entries and discount code courtesy of the Utah Valley Marathon. I will receive a small payment for all registrations made using my discount code.

Filed Under: bucket list, giveaways

Two steps forward, One step back

February 5, 2017 by Michelle 35 Comments

It’s just been one of those weeks…

Monday – More time with my new BFF, aka the Arc Trainer, but I did get outside for a brisk walk for the Winter Challenge. Oh, and day 9 of the 10 x 10 plank challenge.

Tuesday – Work and family schedules collided and my run didn’t happen. It was the final day of the Winter Challenge and I enjoyed a snowy walk, plus finished the plank challenge. Whew…10 minutes of planking was a-l-o-t!

Wednesday – Strength training with Trainer Stacy. Quite simply, this workout kicked my arse…and I loved it! Stacy really challenged me and I left feeling really strong…and sore 🙂 Planking continues – going for 5 mins/day for February.

Thursday – Once again my schedule was crazy, but I was able to squeeze 30 mins in on the Arc Trainer.

Friday – Hill repeats – enough said, right?

Saturday – DOMS hit me hard so hello rest day.

Sunday – The plan called for 8 – I barely hung on for just over 5. After feeling so strong after Wednesday, and having a strong run through those repeats, I was hoping to crush this run…instead, my left knee/calf started talking to me within the first half mile and let me know this was going to be a grind. And a grind it was.

So…going to have to say this week was a Cha-cha. Let’s hope there’s less “dancing” this week and more running.

I’m linking up with Tricia and Holly for the #WeeklyWrap. Please be sure to head on over and check out all of the great ladies sharing weekly training, life happenings, motivation and encouragement!

Filed Under: half marathon training, left knee, Weekly Wrap

February Coffee Date

February 4, 2017 by Michelle 27 Comments

Wowza what a week it’s been! I’m so happy to see the weekend and have a chance to exhale. It’s a good time to sit back and catch up over coffee, so I’m joining Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that, everyone in my house has been having fun with our newest gadget Amazon’s Echo – aka, Alexa (affiliate link). My brother-in-law gave us one for Christmas, but we only just got it set up a couple of weeks ago. It tells really corny jokes and sings ditties, which of course cracks my boys up.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m so excited to have been selected as a Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain for 2017! I am a big running skirt fan and think Skirt Sports are just the best. And, of course I’d share with you a code 1SSCAPT20 so you could do a little shopping and save 20%!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that Super Bowl fever is in full effect here! My beloved Patriots are going for #5 and I cannot wait for the game!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’ve been a little obsessed with my new planner. And, as part of my effort to get more organized I’ve started reading Getting Things Done by David Allen (affiliate link). I’m just a couple of chapters in, but I find myself nodding in agreement a lot. I’ll be trying to implement some of his techniques this week so I’ll let you know how it goes.

So what would you tell me over coffee?

Filed Under: #REALwomenmove, Skirt Sports

Monthly Rewind – January edition

January 31, 2017 by Michelle 9 Comments

That whooshing sound you hear is January flying out the door! Seriously what a whirlwind this month was! I definitely hit a couple of speedbumps that kept me from having as strong a start as I wanted…so I’m more than ready to say buh bye to January and to make February fabulous! But first, a quick monthly recap:

Good things for the month:

Winter Challenge completed! By the time you read this I will have logged my final miles for the Winter Challenge – 31 days of outdoor mileage done…pretty good for this self proclaimed non-streaker!
Stayed on track with my strength training, logging at least two workouts per week, and then threw in the 10 x 10 plank challenge for the final 10 days of the month for a little extra push.
Selected as a SPIbelt Ambassador for a second year!

Things I could do without:

Got hit with a nasty cold the very first week – blech
Bounced back from the cold, only a week later to slip during a rainy run that left me unable to run for the better part of a week 🙁
(they say bad things come in 3s, but I’m going to stay positive…)

On the decks for February:

More miles – right the ship on my training and get back to work. The NYC Half is less than 2 months away, and while it’s not my goal race, I would like to have a decent run – which means I’ve got to get in some longer runs and some hill work.
Run the Old-fashioned 10 Miler on 2/19
Get back to good habits – namely, get more sleep and clean up my eating habits…there’s been way too much late afternoon grazing!

How was your January?

I’m linking up with Erika, Marcia and Patty for this week’s Tuesday on the Run – the topic this week is grading your month.

Filed Under: month in review, Tuesdays on the Run

January Runfessions

January 27, 2017 by Michelle 20 Comments

Happy Friday!

It’s the last Friday of the month so, of course that means it’s time to share some runfessions! Thanks to Marcia for this always entertaining linkup!

Runfession: I have just a few days left in this month’s Winter Challenge, and I runfess that I’m ready to be done. I have so enjoyed the camaraderie of the other women on the BGR team, but I’m just not a streaker.

Runfession: I’ve been a little…shall we say cranky since my slip on the oil slick. With the strength work I’ve been doing I was feeling pretty strong, and so this setback feels a little deflating.

Runfession: On the brighter side, spending more time in the gym cross training means I’ve been witness to a whole new group of gym characters! I confess it is pure entertainment and does make the time go by – though I wish I could unsee the older gentleman who insists on wearing sheer tank tops (just no!)…and can someone please explain to me why 20-something guys think jeans are workout wear?

Runfession: It’s only January and I already may have to alter my race calendar. Family schedules are conspiring against me, and short of cloning myself I may end up having to take a pass on next week’s 5 miler. Luckily I had procrastinated registering so I won’t be out any money.

Runfession: I have fallen hard off the early morning workout wagon. It’s just been way too easy to just hit the snooze …ok 3 times…and then there’s no time to workout before the getting the kids to school, work, etc. But I dislike the feeling of trying to jam a workout in late in the day, so it’s time to chase down that wagon and climb back on.

5 Runfessions for January! What do you runfess? #runchat Share on X

So c’mon share…what do you runfess?

I’m also joining Rachel from Running on Happy and Lacey & Meranda from Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five link-up!

Filed Under: Friday Five, Runfessions

Warning: Frustrated Runner Ahead

January 22, 2017 by Michelle 54 Comments

Let me just get this out there…this was not a pretty week from a training standpoint. My run in the rain on Tuesday included slipping on an oil slick in the road – while I didn’t go down, I ended up gimpy. A cranky left knee meant there was no more running until I attempted Saturday morning’s long run. I managed to eek out 6.5 miles – they weren’t easy, but got them done. This girl is not a happy camper…

But, I’m not going to wallow. I can keep my cardio going on the Arc Trainer; so while I will try to run again this week, there may need to be more cross-training.

I’m happy to say that I’m 22 days into the Winter Challenge, and my BGR team has moved into the top 5 teams for total mileage! Since the Challenge allows for both walking and running, I can keep contributing to my team even if it needs to be a brisk walk.

I’m meeting up with Trainer Stacy on Wednesday, and just joined a 10 x 10 plank challenge started by one of my fellow SPIbelt ambassadors (10 mins of planking every day for 10 days) – so there will be a big focus on strength work this week.

And, hopefully there will be some running…fingers crossed!

Tell me – how do you keep busy when you can’t run?

Linking up with Tricia and Holly for the #WeeklyWrap.

Filed Under: half marathon training, injuries, Weekly Wrap

NYC Half Training Week 3

January 15, 2017 by Michelle 20 Comments

Happy Sunday!

Even as I type the words I’m having a little bit of a hard time believing we’re already halfway through the month! After struggling with a nasty cold last week, this week was all about getting back on track.

Monday: I spent most of the day trying to get caught up on work, but did get in a 1.25 miles towards the Winter Challenge – Day 9.

Tuesday: Strength day plus another mile for the Winter Challenge.

Wednesday: 4 mile tempo run.

Thursday: Rest day – a much needed massage happened, and yes a 1.25 miles more towards the Challenge. If you’re wondering why 1.25…that’s one trip around my block 🙂

Friday: 5 mile tempo. I must admit I came so close to phoning this one in. I woke up so tired and the wind was seriously whipping around…I just wasn’t feeling it, but knew I’d be upset with myself later…so out the door I went. There was a lot of cursing, but 5 miles were done.

Saturday: The frigid temps returned, but luckily no wind. My legs felt like lead after Friday’s run and I was very happy to have my husband along for the run. And, it was a beautiful morning!

Sunday: I squeezed in a brisk 1.25 mile walk after my son’s hockey game to keep the Winter Challenge streak going.

All-in-all not a bad week, but the runs all felt tough because I just had no energy (I’m guessing a lingering effect from the cold…plus a few too many nights staying up to watch The Daily Show). The big goal for this week is to get to bed at a reasonable hour so I don’t feel so fried.

I also got the great news this week that I was selected as a SPIbelt Ambassador again for this year! I’ve made no secret of my love for SPIbelt and am psyched to be representing them again!

Filed Under: half marathon training, NYC Half, SPIbelt, Weekly Wrap

2017 Race Calendar

January 10, 2017 by Michelle 19 Comments

As I mentioned over coffee the other day, I’ve been going round in circles on my race calendar. And, while the fall still pretty fuzzy, I’ve got the first half of the year pinned down.

Super Sunday 5 Miler — This race is being billed in part as a celebration of completing the Winter Challenge. There will be live music, food and beer post-race, with all proceeds going to the Race Cancer Foundation. Plus many of my BGR teammates will be there – sounds like a good way to kick off Super Bowl Sunday!

The Old Fashioned 10 Miler — This is a great local race that I’ve missed the past couple of years. I love 10 milers and this is a challenging course.

NYC Half Marathon — Running through Central Park, Times Square and finishing in Battery Park – what’s not to love?!

Boston’s Run to Remember Half Marathon — I opted for the 5 miler at last year’s race because I was far from “half marathon” shape. This is one of my favorite Boston races and will be my goal race for the spring!

Finish at the 50 5K/10K — While I’m not a fan of summer racing, this race has such a fun vibe, with a finish at the 50 yard line at Gillette Stadium, followed by 4th of July fireworks. Added bonus, this will a family affair with both my sons and husband all running!

As for the fall….

I know I’d like to run at least one half marathon…maybe two…the wish list is all over the place, including:

B.A.A. Half — Boston Athletic Association always does a great race and this half sells out in record time. The year I “ran” it I was injured and was out there to be moral support for a friend who was running her first.

RnR Montreal and/or RnR Savannah — Both cities are on my “must see” city list.

Newport Half — Such a pretty course!

And, given my goal to mix-up the distances, there are also a bunch of great 10Ks within driving distances to consider.

Decisions, decisions…guess I’ll see how the spring goes and then figure it out from there.

Have you run any of these races? Got a suggestion for me for the fall?

I’m linking up with Erika, Marcia and Patty for this week’s Tuesday on the Run, where the topic is weekend warrior vs racecation – which do you prefer? Be sure to stop by and see what others are planning.

Filed Under: BAA, Boston's Run to Remember, Finish at the 50, NYC Half, Old-fashioned 10 Miler, race calendar, RnR, Tuesdays on the Run

First coffee date of 2017!

January 7, 2017 by Michelle 24 Comments

Nothing better on a cold winter morning than catching up with friends over a big mug of coffee. Thanks to Coco and Deborah for hosting the Ultimate Coffee Date!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that, despite dealing with a nasty cold, I have kept up with the Winter Challenge this week (the goal is to run or walk at least a mile outdoors each day during January). I’m part of a team from Black Girls Run, and we’ve been having fun cheering each other on – such a positive and motivating group!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m still all over the place on trying to figure out my race calendar. I continue to waiver between staying local vs. the lure of destination races. I think I have the first half of the year figured out, but the fall is really up for grabs.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that one of my big goals for this year is to reorganize/refresh my house. In some rooms, it’s time for fresh paint or new curtains…maybe a new couch in the family room. And then there’s our office, which needs a complete overhaul. So I’ve been scanning Pinterest, collecting paint samples, and my husband is bracing himself for the storm that’s about to come 🙂

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that we are bracing for a snowstorm due to hit this afternoon. I’m dreading facing the madness that always ensues at the grocery store – someone please tell me why the bread shelves are always picked bare? And, seriously, how much milk does one need? I can also never figure out the mad run on shovels they always show on the local news – don’t people still have last year’s shovel?

So what would you tell me over coffee? Have you got your race calendar figured out?

Filed Under: race calendar, Ultimate coffee date

One word and 2017 goals

January 3, 2017 by Michelle 20 Comments

I love this time of year when everyone and everything seems full of possibilities. It’s a great time of reflection and for looking ahead and considering all that can be done in the next 365 (ok 362) days!

Looking back I did pretty good with my 2016 goals. Of the 5 goals I set: Returning to half marathons; Setting a half marathon PR; Losing 12 pounds; Continuing my strength program; and, actively managing my recovery – setting a PR was the only area I fell short. (In full disclosure I lost 9 lbs and consider that a win!) Best of all, my love for running returned!

So what lies ahead for 2017? For the last couple of years I’ve picked one word as the theme for my year, and this year’s word is “Belief.” Across all areas of my life, I want to be driven by belief in what is possible, and not limited by fear or self-doubt.

So, now for my fitness/running goals:

Mix up the distances — Last year I was very focused on getting back to the half marathon distance. This year, I’d like to mix it up more – training & racing different distances will keep me challenged both mentally and physically.
Find some speed — I cannot expect to PR or just improve my times without pushing the pace. I have given the RC coaches the green light to push me out of my comfort zone.
Improve my nutrition — I struggled with finding the right fuel for my runs. I also often didn’t do a great job of giving my body what it needed both pre or post run. Time to change this!
More strength — I love working with Trainer Stacy and made no secret last year that sometimes my time in the gym rivaled my time on the road. I’ve got great momentum here and want to keep it going.
Have fun! — 2016 was about recapturing the joy of running and above all else I want that to continue. More blogger meet ups, more family running, more runs with friends – more fun 🙂

Belief and Goals for 2017! #oneword365 #goals #runchat #bibchat Share on X

Have you set your goals for 2017?

If you need inspiration, check out today’s Tuesdays on the Run link-up with Erika, Marcia and Patty and see what others are planning.