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January 1, 2017 by 30 Comments

Happy New Year!

The week between Christmas and the New Year is always one of my favorite times of the year. It’s usually all about spending time with family, relaxing and recharging. And this past week I stuck with that tradition – though I did have to acknowledge a little email in my inbox on Monday from the RC coaches noting that I’m 12 weeks out from the NYC Half.

Hmmm…a not so subtle hint that it’s time to return to a training plan. Thankfully the RC team recognized that I was still in holiday/vacation mode so the plan for this week was fairly light.

NYC Half Marathon Training Week 1

Monday: Day after Christmas is always “Family Pajama Day” – no houseguests, no meal prep, just the 4 of us hanging out – a perfect day!

Tuesday: 800 meter repeats on the treadmill.  (What was I saying about it being a light week?!)

Wednesday: Too much family fun = no workout

Thursday:  Strength day – even got my youngest son to join me! There were lots of planks, squats, deadbugs, bridges and lunges – it was all about core and legs.

Friday: 3.1 miles – J joined me for running the last virtual 5K of the Rock’n’Roll Winter Runningland Series. Conditions were much icier than we expected so this was part run, part shuffle.

Source: Rock n Roll Marathon Series

Saturday: Saturdays are usually my long run day, but we started the day very early shuttling out to the middle of nowhere for my son’s hockey game. By the time the game was done and we made the drive back I just couldn’t will myself back out into the frigid temps to run. And once I spied the forecast for Sunday, my decision was made.

Sunday:  40 degrees this morning! My ideal running weather – so I got in 5 miles while the family slept. Happy to get the new year off on the right foot 🙂

Yeah…pretty easy peasy this week and I’m fine with that! I’m pretty sure the RC coaches will not be so kind during this upcoming week.

Did you have any big plans for New Year’s Eve? Are you training for anything yet? 

I’m linking up again with Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap. Please be sure to stop by and checkout both of these great ladies, and join in and share how your week went! 

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

Santa Must be a Runner

December 30, 2016 by 8 Comments

Hope everyone had a great Christmas/Hanukkah/Festivus 🙂 We had a wonderful Christmas here in the RWA household and I’ve been enjoying a relaxing week with the family!

Since I haven’t visited my little slice of the blogosphere in while I thought I’d check in share a few of my favorite new things that were waiting for me under the tree for this week’s Friday Five.

Forerunner 235 – So excited to have a Garmin again! I’m still trying to figure out everything it does.

Knuckle Lights – These were on my gift guide for runners and apparently one of Santa’s elves was paying attention. Since I’ve had the luxury of running later in the morning this week I haven’t had a chance to try them out yet, but they’ll be getting plenty of use soon.

Oofos –  This girl loves a sport slide and these feel so good!

 

Momentum Wrap – Always happy to have a little extra motivation…and I especially love this message!

 

 

 

 

U/A Running Gear – Always happy for a new running outfit, and I’m loving this bright pop of color! (My photo skills do not do the top justice – it’s a great mint green) 

Medal Rack – (bonus #6) There was a lot of Rock’n’Roll bling earned this year so it only seems fitting that Santa gave me this medal rack!

Yep…I think Santa’s a runner 😉 (Much love to all of my family who gave me these wonderful gifts and fully support my running habit!)

Linking up with Rachel from Running on Happy and Lacey & Meranda from Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five link-up! Thanks for hosting ladies!frifive2

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Filed Under: fave things, Friday Five, Garmin, Gifts for runners

2016 Year in Review

December 18, 2016 by 28 Comments

13 – just 13 days people and 2016 is a wrap! While my running plans for 2017 are well underway (more to come on that), it feels like a good time to reflect on this year of running.

Best race experience:  The RnR Vegas weekend!  My brother, husband and I had such a good time from start to finish – and this weekend included not one, but two races as I took on the Remix Challenge! A first for me doing back-to-back races. (You can check out my recap here.)

Best run: I can’t say that there was one run that stood out. My husband started joining me for my long runs on Saturdays, and I will say those became my favorite runs each week.

Best new piece of running gear: Aftershokz headphones! (affiliate link) I love that they let me hear my music and my surroundings with such clarity.

Best running advice you’ve received this year: Don’t let comparison (to past times/PRs) take away from the current journey. This came from one of the RC coaches and I refer back to it often.

Most inspirational runner:  I’ve always been a huge fan, but after getting to meet him in Vegas, …this one was easy – Meb!

Favorite picture from a run or race this year: There was lots of family running this year – these are just a few of my favorite photos!

Race experience you would repeat in a heartbeat: For the fun of it I would do Vegas again without a doubt. If I were looking for a “do-over” I would pick RnR Philly – the humidity was atrocious and really sucked the life out of me. I’d love a chance to do that course again…  with more fall-like conditions! 😉

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words what would they be? Good to be back! After no racing and a very little running in 2015, it was wonderful to get back into the groove. I made a lot of progress this year and cannot wait to see what 2017 will bring!

I’m linking up with Courtney, who is hosting the annual Year of Running link-up. Head over to check out her blog, and see what everyone else has been up to in 2016!

 

I’m linking up with Tricia and Holly for the #WeeklyWrap. Be sure to check out all of the great ladies sharing their weekly happenings!

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Filed Under: Weekly Wrap, year in review

5 Things I love about StrideBox & a Giveaway

December 16, 2016 by 13 Comments

Rachel, Lacey and Meranda are inviting everyone to share holiday gift ideas for this week’s Friday Five. Since I have already shared my Holiday Gift Guide, I thought I would take this chance to share about a new favorite  –  StrideBox!

(Disclosure: This post and giveaway is sponsored by StrideBox. All opinions, as always, are my own.)

  1.  A great mix! – StrideBox offers a great combination of food/fuel options, running gear, and body care. This month’s box included a Bonk Breaker energy bar, GU chews, two packs of Run Gum, VFuel performance drink, Hammer gel and Essentials reflective safety shoe laces.
  2.  The Stride Guide. – In each box you get the Stride Guide, which is a nice cheat sheet on what’s inside the box with a suggestion on when to use each product (each item is coded for “before” “during” “after” or “always”).
  3. No long-term commitments.  – I really like that StrideBox offers an easy monthly subscription you can stop at any time.
  4. Affordable!  – StrideBox offers so much goodness for just $15/month.
  5. Makes a great gift!  – With each box offering such a great mix for both newbie and seasoned runner alike, and at a price that won’t break the bank, StrideBox is a perfect way to give your favorite runner lots of running treats from both well-known and new brands  – and delivered right to their door! What’s not to love?!
Check out my @StrideBox review & Giveaway! #stridebox #runnersgifts Share on X

Want to try one for yourself? The great folks at StrideBox have offered to give 2 RWA readers a free box to try! The giveaway will run from now until 11:59 p.m. on 12/21. Winners will be announced on Thursday, December 22nd. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Filed Under: #StrideBox, Friday Five, Gifts for runners, product reviews

Weekly Wrap: the Plague, Prada & NYC

December 11, 2016 by 14 Comments

Last weekend, I had a great long run, mapped out some December goals and was ready to take on the week ahead. Then I wasn’t…by Monday afternoon I was hit hard by the plague. It started as a stomach bug that morphed into a malaise that would linger the rest of the week. That may sound a bit dramatic, but I tell you it was not pretty!

I managed to eek out a brief strength workout on Thursday and a short elliptical workout on Friday. I was determined to not let the whole week go by without a run, so Saturday morning I braved the very windy, 23-degree conditions and cranked out a respectable 5.25 miles. Today was all about rolling & stretching, and finishing decorating my house for Christmas.

Well not the week I was hoping for, but I’m happy to say I am feeling better. And, while not the ideal way to do it, I’m willing to bet I’ve dropped a couple of pounds.

I actually watched this on Friday night…one of my favorites!

And I got this nice surprise in my inbox:

So the first race of 2017 is all set!

rp_WeeklyWrap-1-300x300.jpgI’m linking up with Tricia and Holly for the #WeeklyWrap. Head on over and check out all of the great ladies sharing weekly training, life happenings, motivation and encouragement!

 

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Filed Under: NYC Half, Weekly Wrap

A couple of December goals

December 7, 2016 by 12 Comments

It’s amazing to me to think that we are in the final days of 2016. I feel like the year kicked off a sprint pace and never let up. So now that my race season is over, it’s the perfect time to regroup and refocus before diving into training again. With that in mind, I’m setting just a couple of goals for this month.

december-2016

Strike a balance….Without a race to focus on, it seems like the perfect time to up my strength game. So the goal is 3 days of strength work and 3 days of running.

Keep a good base….In the past, I have slacked off on my mileage at this time of year, but this time around I’d like to keep my weekly mileage around 18 – 20 miles.

Roll & Stretch….Daily rolling and stretching are necessary, and with things being more low-keyed I can make the time for this. (And my body will thank me for it!)

All things in moderation….I’ve done really well with my weight loss goal this year so why go and blow it in the last month, right? But, I also don’t believe in denial…so I will enjoy all the tempting holiday treats in moderation 🙂

So tell me, how are you planning to wrap-up the year?

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Filed Under: goals, no training plan, refocusing

Last coffee date of 2016

December 3, 2016 by 14 Comments

Believe it or not we’ve reached the last coffee date of 2016. So grab a mug of your fave beverage and join in on this fun link-up hosted by Coco and Deborah!

The Ultimate Coffee Date

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that my new TV guilty pleasure is Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party. Yes that would be Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg. I can’t tell you exactly what it is about this combination, but it does put a smile on my face!

snopp-and-martha

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I signed up for the Winter Warrior Challenge – the challenge is to run or walk a mile a day for the month of January. This is the first year the challenge allows for treadmill miles, but only outdoor miles count towards prizes. My goal is to stick to the outdoors. Should be a fun way to add a little extra motivation to start 2017, and all the proceeds go to charity!

winter-challenge-2017-logo-final

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m not looking forward to trying to wrangle my sons today for a decent picture for my holiday cards. But, I need to get them done and off to Shutterfly as quickly as possible, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they smile and cooperate!

skisIf we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m looking forward to starting to decorate the house today for Christmas. We probably won’t get the tree until next week, but today is all about lights, wreaths, poinsettias, etc. If I’m feeling ambitious I may take on a project I spotted last year and paint a pair of old skis red to put my front porch. This is what I’m going for… wish me luck!

So what would you tell me over coffee?  

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Filed Under: Challenges, Christmas, Ultimate coffee date

Holiday Gift Guide for Runners

November 28, 2016 by 5 Comments

Just in time for Cyber Monday, I’m sharing a few ideas for the runners in your life .. or for your own wish list 🙂

gifts

Sharing some gift ideas for runners #runchat #bibchat Share on X
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Source: SPIbelt.com

Let’s start with one of my must haves – SPIbelt. The SPIbelt is the first piece of running gear I ever bought at an expo and I’ve been running with one ever since (that’s 6 yrs and counting!). I love that it’s lightweight, doesn’t bounce, and holds my phone and other essentials.

Use code michelle2016 at checkout and receive a special goody bag!

zensah

If you’ve been around here for any length of time or follow me on Instagram than you know I make no secret of my love of compression sleeves – especially Zensah! These sleeves are a post-run must have, and they’ll also make a big difference on a long car ride or flight 🙂 In fact I’m such a fan of all things Zensah, I recently became a Zensah Ambassador!

Check out Zensah’s site for some great sales going on right now!

roadid_catalog_elitescreenshot-www-roadid-com-2016-11-27-17-30-33Another must have in my book for any runner (or cyclist) is a Road ID. I’m still amazed at how many runners I come across who don’t carry some ID when they run. I recently just chastised my brother for this! A Road ID speaks for you if heaven forbid there’s an accident and you can’t. Use code TAFW2DYPQ83 for $5 off the RoadID Elite.
believejournal_b897a982-0a50-4537-b102-15b07126cd02_1024x1024I think keep a training journal is a great way to help keep you accountable and motivated. And, while I like tracking stats online, nothing for me beats the written word. The Believe Journal (affiliate link alert!) offers a great mix of training log, running advice and inspirational quotes.

screenshot-www-knucklelights-com-2016-11-27-18-03-23Now this last item is high on my own wish list – Knuckle Lights! Being able to see and be seen is critical, especially if you’ve got to log your runs before the sun’s up or long after sunset. I’ve never been a fan of wearing a headlamp, so the on-hand design is perfect. I also love that these lights are rechargeable – cause who’s got time to hunt for batteries! Use code YKAF5544 to save 10%.

Of course, I couldn’t put together a runner gift guide and not suggest the gift of a race registration. Since the race gift card doesn’t exist yet (though I don’t know why…hello race directors!!), I can suggest using my Rock’n’Blog code for $15 off a half marathon or marathon registration. I’m psyched to announce that the code is now good for early 2017 Rock ‘n’ Roll races, including Arizona, NOLA, Dallas, Mexico City, DC and Nashville!

RnBCode Black

Have you started your holiday shopping?

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Filed Under: #CyberMonday, #RocknBlog, Gifts for runners, holiday sanity, SPIbelt, Zensah

Wrapping up Thanksgiving week

November 27, 2016 by 16 Comments

As I runfessed on Friday, I allowed myself some much needed down time after we got back from Vegas. So this week was about slowly finding some mojo…

Monday: Strength session with Trainer Stacy. Nothing helps to knock the rust off faster than an intense hour working on core, hips and shoulders!

Tuesday: Well, I got a little overambitious with Monday’s workout so a little gentle yoga was needed.

Wednesday: 7 hrs of travel in a car – thank goodness for compression sleeves!

Thursday:  3 easy miles on the hotel treadmill before Thanksgiving festivities.

Friday: 6+ hours of car travel followed by some much needed rolling!

leaf-raking

Saturday: Cardio by way of leaf raking. (If I never see another leaf again I’d be ok with that!)

Sunday:  I laid in bed for a long time listening to the wind whip around the house and debating a run. I opted for a strength workout following the new plan Stacy created for me.

So yeah…finding that mojo was a little slow going. The goal for this upcoming week is simple – get some miles in. I’d really like to up my strength training during this “off season” so Stacy and I worked out a plan that should have me in the gym 3x’s a week. That still leaves 3 days to run and a yoga/rest day – at least that’s the plan.

rp_WeeklyWrap-1-300x300.jpgAs always, I’m linking up with Tricia and Holly for the #WeeklyWrap. Head on over and check out all of the great ladies sharing weekly training, life happenings, motivation and encouragement!

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Filed Under: Weekly Wrap

Runfessions – Thanksgiving edition

November 25, 2016 by 16 Comments

Happy Friday!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I’m still on the road hanging with the in-laws, but am taking a short break to join in to share some runfessions with Marcia and others. Come join us and cleanse your sweaty soul!

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Runfession: I took a full week off from running after my Vegas adventure …and I didn’t miss it! I was t-i-r-e-d y’all and my body was clearly craving some down time.

Runfession:  My eating habits have gone way off the rails. I mentioned that there was some “indulging” in Vegas (how could there not be?!), but things have not improved greatly since then. Time to reel it in!

Runfession: Last month I runfessed, or gym-fessed, that I missed the gym crazies…well ask and ye shall receive! They have returned to my gym with a vengeance including the guy who insists on working out in jeans. I’m glad they’re back – they make going to the gym so much more entertaining 😉

Runfession: Over coffee earlier this month I had mentioned my casual desire for a new sports watch. Well now that I’ve started looking it’s turned into a full on obsession! I’ve been stalking product reviews like a champ, and am now dropping less than subtle hints to my husband. I’m keeping my fingers crossed the Forerunner 235 will be mine (…such first world problems, I know!).

Runfession: And speaking of first world problems…I continue to wrestle with local vs. destination races. While I have loved traveling these past 3 months for the Rock ‘n’ Roll races, there is a lot to be said for rolling out of your own bed on race morning, (easier on the wallet too, I might add!). If I want to take advantage of some great “early bird” registration deals on some local races I’ll need to pull the trigger soon, but that means giving up some destination races I’ve been eyeing. What’s a runner to do?!

I’m also joining Rachel from Running on Happy and Lacey & Meranda from Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five link-up! frifive2

So tell me, what do you runfess? Have you started race shopping yet?
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Filed Under: Friday Five, race shopping, Runfessions