Michelle

April Runfessions

April 24, 2015 by Michelle 21 Comments

I feel like I say this at the end of every month, but seriously, where did April go!? Well, it’s the last Friday of the month so I’m linking up with Marcia again for another edition of Runfessions. Join us!

Runfession #1 –– While I appreciate having the flexibility of running midday (thanks to working from home), I am clearly an early morning runner. As I returned to early morning runs this month, I really find I’m just much more settled during the rest of my day.

Runfession #2 — I cut both of my runs short this week thanks to some discomfort in my left knee. Truthfully, something didn’t feel good about half way through the BAA 5K and the knee hasn’t felt great ever since.

Runfession #3 — There are 44 days until the Newport 10 miler and I am not where I want to be…sigh.

Runfession #4 — On the good side, I’m still rocking the plank challenge and my strength days at the gym are my favorite days of the week!

So tell me, what’s your Runfession? What’s your preferred time of day to run?

Filed Under: early morning runs, left knee, Runfessions

BAA 5K – A Family Tradition

April 21, 2015 by Michelle 17 Comments

On Saturday, my husband J, our oldest son and I were up and out early to run the BAA 5K. This was our 2nd year all running together (my 3rd time overall) – it’s quickly becoming a fun family tradition!

Just like last year, it was perfect running weather, as we gathered with 10,000 of our closest friends. Yes 10,000 runners for a 5K. So to say it was crazy crowded would be an understatement.

Courtesy of the Boston Herald

With so many runners, the BAA is still trying to find the best way to get everyone to the start line – especially a challenge when the winners are crossing the start/finish line within 15 minutes of starting! Last year volunteers had to quickly move corral barriers to get runners moving as the elites closed in on the finish. So this time around, they had us line up along Beacon Street and split the start/finish line so the elites had a clear path. There was also a pulse start. Once again, we were still shuffling to the start when the elites came in, but at least we got to see them this time!

What I love about this race is the vibe – there’s just a great feel about it. People just seem to be having a really good time, high-fiving and encouraging each other on the turn-around; there were lots of kids running with parents, and overall the crowd support along the course was awesome. Since my son had done absolutely no running beyond sprints for basketball and lacrosse, and one trip to the track with me, we decided to try a run/walk approach. We talked about doing set intervals, but in the end we just kind of did whatever we needed to when we needed to – which worked just fine. With our names on our bibs, I loved all the shout-outs my son got and it was really fun to see him enjoying the whole experience. I’m really proud of the effort he put in!

Running down Boylston St definitely brought a range of emotions that I still find hard to put into words two years later. It’s always something to watch people’s reactions to crossing over the Marathon famous finish line. Soon came the final turn back onto Charles Street and the finish line. Getting our medals, post race food and race shirts was easy-breezy, and we took some time to hang out on the Commons and enjoy the atmosphere before heading off to grab breakfast.

Despite the crowd, this is becoming a family favorite and I think my youngest son finally wants to give it a try next year. Let the family tradition continue!

Filed Under: BAA, family running, race report

Friday Five: Favorite Running Brands

April 17, 2015 by Michelle 26 Comments

Happy Friday All!

My goodness these weeks are flying by! I’m looking forward to a busy weekend with the family, with lots of gardening/yard work, lacrosse games and running the BAA 5k! But first, I’m joining Courtney, Mar and Cynthia for this week’s #FridayFive link-up as we dish about some of our favorite brands.

Athleta — I have shared my love of Athleta clothes on many occasions in the past, so it should come as no surprise that they make this list! From great running clothes to figure flattering bathing suits, they have it all. I just got their latest catalog and let’s just say I need to hide my wallet!

Zensah — Long run recovery always includes some time in my Zensah sleeves – their calf sleeves are a must have for me!

Mizuno — Now I do have to say that I have much love and a long history with Saucony/Kinvaras. That being said, I do find that ever since I received a pair of #WaveRider18 to review back in October, they have become a my go-to shoes of late.

Koss Fit Series — Music is a big part of my workouts and my Koss FitClips are great ear buds – their lightweight, sweat-resistant and don’t fall out – win!

Vitamix — Yes perhaps an unusual choice as a “running brand” but the smoothies I can make with it makes my Vitamix a key part of my recovery.

So tell me what are some brands you’re loving right now?

Be sure to check out the link-up, you may find a new brand to try!

Filed Under: #WaveRider18, Athleta, fave things, Friday Five, Koss Fit Series

Meb for Mortals – Book Review

April 15, 2015 by Michelle 2 Comments

A few weeks ago Runner’s World contacted me about a chance to read and review an advanced copy of Meb Keflezighi’s new book – Meb for Mortals: How to Run, Think, and Eat Like a Champion Marathoner. I’m a huge Meb fan so this was a very quick and easy yes on my part! All opinions expressed here, as always, are my own.

I still remember how thrilling it was to watch last year’s Boston Marathon. My family and I try to go every year to cheer runners on. As the men’s race unfolded, I remember being glued to the set refusing to run the risk of missing history by being in the car driving up to one of our favorite spots in Newton. So we waited and watched as Meb ran an amazing race for the ages, and became the first American man to win Boston in over 20 years. After such an emotional year following the bombings, there was nothing more fitting than seeing an American win. And, of course, everyone wanted to know, how did he do it? How did he beat such a talented field and all just before his 39th birthday?!

In Meb for Mortals, Meb explains this is exactly why he wrote this book – to share how his philosophy and preparation helped him to come out on top. But more importantly, through this book Meb doesn’t just speak to elite runners, but to all runners — to help runners at all levels to improve.

The book is broken down into 9 chapters:

Chapter 1 – Think like Meb
Chapter 2 – Run like Meb
Chapter 3 – Train like Meb
Chapter 4 – Race like Meb
Chapter 5 – Eat like Meb
Chapter 6 – Strengthen like Meb
Chapter 7 – Stretch like Meb
Chapter 8 – Cross-Train like Meb
Chapter 9 – Recover like Meb

While I think you should read the book cover to cover, the book’s set up makes it very easy to jump around to the topics that interest you most. For me, I loved the fact that he begins with the mental side of running. Meb says that there are three key things that determine your long term running success – good goals, commitment and hard work. And, as he points out at the opening of Chapter One:

“Only one of those items is physical. The other two are psychological. That’s how important I think the mental side of running is.”

There is so much good stuff in this book – lots of nuggets of wisdom for runners at every level. So before I go on and on, let me say simply, Meb for Mortals is definitely worth adding to your running library. (You can buy the book here.)

Will you be watching Meb defend his Boston Marathon title? What’s your favorite running book?

Filed Under: #MebforMortals, product reviews

Training Check-in and a Detox Update

April 14, 2015 by Michelle 20 Comments

Last week’s goal was to get 3 runs, 2 strength and at least 1 yoga session, in addition to keeping up with the April Plank Challenge. Reality was a bit of a mixed bag, as I missed both a run and a strength session – I am rocking the planks. I’m not happy about missing the run, but sometimes juggling everything else in life just gets in the way.

It’s a good thing I’m planning on just running the BAA 5K with my husband and son for fun ’cause a respectable time is just not in the cards. I’m even thinking of just leaving the Garmin at home – Have you ever “raced” sans watch?

In other news…when I posted recently that I was doing the Naked Me 14-day tea detox, many of you expressed interest in hearing how things turned out. Well, in a word, I’m underwhelmed. After reading much about this detox across the interwebs, I was really looking forward to trying it. I figured it was a good fit since I’m already a big tea drinker and I liked the fact that there was no extreme diet attached to it.

The detox consists of two teas – the Boost Me morning tea, which is suppose to boost your metabolism, increase energy and regulate your blood sugar levels; and the Cleanse Me evening tea, which is suppose to promote digestion and detoxification. I have to say I just felt no special benefits from drinking these tea blends vs. the green teas I usually drink. I continued to eat healthy and exercise as I normally do and after two weeks I saw no significant changes…and no weight-loss. So there you have it. The only benefit of this two week experiment? I have returned to my evening tea habit, which is always a nice way to wind down at the end of the day.

What are your thoughts on doing a detox?

How’s your spring training going? I’m joining Erika, Patty and April again for Tuesdays on the Run.

Filed Under: training, Tuesdays on the Run

Friday’s This & That

April 10, 2015 by Michelle 10 Comments

This has been one crazy busy week as evidenced in part by the 3 half written blog posts still sitting on my computer and the stacks of clean laundry waiting to be folded and put away. Lots swirling around in my brain…so indulge me for a little randomness…

Running for a cause — While work was one of biggest contributing factors to the craziness of this week, it’s all good because I really enjoy what I do…especially when I get to do something running related! On Monday, I attended a meeting with the Falmouth Road Race organizers. For those of you who don’t know, the Falmouth Road Race is an awesome 7-mile race held on the Cape in August. I was so excited when I heard that the MA Breast Cancer Coalition was awarded 20 bibs! Now it’s my job to pull together our team! (By the way if you’re going to be on the Cape this summer, we need to talk!)

Give it a rest Mother Nature — yep Mother Nature doesn’t know when to quit! We had sleet and hail around here the last couple of days, which definitely messed with my running schedule. But today it’s suppose to get into the 50s and higher this weekend…so we move on.

Summer planning already? — Can I just say it’s a little hard to believe summer’s ever coming when you’re watching hail fall! But, we just got my son’s camp pack list and boy is he going to need to bring a lot of stuff! So I’ll be adding that shopping to my to do list!

Need more time on the track — I’ve made no secret that I’ve fallen into a bit of a running funk…just haven’t found my groove yet. But after last weekend one thing is clear to me, I need to go play on the track more. I’ve always felt at home on the track and while I’m far from being in shape for serious speedwork – there’s always room for any type of running that puts a smile on your face, right?

A much needed day off — This was definitely one of those weeks that I’m so glad I don’t work on Fridays. Today will be filled with yoga, some errands and a long overdue catch-up with a friend!

Have you ever been a charity runner? What have you got planned for the weekend?

Filed Under: Falmouth Road Race, Friday Five, general musings, track work

Training Check-in — Accountability

April 7, 2015 by Michelle 21 Comments

As much as I love my training journal, I’m feeling the need for more accountability. Accountability was one of the main reasons I started this blog in the first place….and so I’m returning to my training check-ins.

A couple of weeks ago, I announced I’d mapped out a training plan to get myself to the start line of the Newport 10 miler. I have been aiming for two days of yoga, two days of strength work and three days of running a week. So how’d it go last week? Thanks to a crazy work schedule and feeling under the weather, my runs were jammed into the later half of the week – but I did get 3 shorts runs done…including some family time at the track (where my oldest snapped the pic above). Since I wasn’t feeling so hot, there was only one strength and one yoga session — I opted instead for much needed rest. But, I did sign-on for Boston Road Runners’ April Plank Challenge, so a daily plank series has been happening.

Given how I was feeling, I’d say it was a decent week. And, after a quiet weekend, I’m feeling rested and ready to go this week! I’ll let you know how it goes….

How’s your training going? Do you find it helpful to post training updates?

I’m linking up again with Erika, Patty and April for Tuesdays on the Run

Filed Under: Newport 10 Miler, training, Tuesdays on the Run

April’s Ultimate Coffee Date

April 4, 2015 by Michelle 14 Comments

I’m joining Coco, Lynda and Deborah for one of my favorite link-ups — The Ultimate Coffee Date. It’s always a fun chance to catch up so grab a mug, settle into a comfy chair and join us!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m actually drinking tea this morning as part of a 14-day detox I’m doing. After hearing much about Naked Me Tea, I decided to give their 2-step detox tea a try. I’m 6 days in…and the jury’s still out. I’ll let you know how it goes.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that the hockey equipment is finally being stored for the season and lacrosse is consuming my house with a vengeance!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that RnR Vegas is now officially on my fall race calendar, as I wasted no time signing up when registration opened on Wednesday. I’m looking forward to seeing some fellow bloggers there – a chance to finally meet IRL! And, it seems like every time I mention Vegas to a friend this week, their eyes light up and there’s talk about them joining in. Could be quite the party before we’re done!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that after carrying the same bag forever, I treated myself the other day to this new tote to usher in spring! Cute, right?

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I need to get going because my youngest son is waiting to dye eggs. 🙂

Happy Easter!!

If we were having coffee together, what would you tell me? Have you ever done a detox?

Filed Under: #StripAtNight, RnR, Ultimate coffee date

March Rewind

April 1, 2015 by Michelle 7 Comments

The thermometer hit 50 degrees yesterday and I can finally see a good chunk of my backyard. The frozen tundra is receding and I can feel that spring is finally just around the corner! So before I wave goodbye to March, let’s see how things shaped up?

Good things for March:

March Movement – I consider my goal to move for 31 days a success. I did take a couple of rest days when I was fending off the beginnings of a cold.)
Discovered the Arc Trainer and it was love at first workout!
Return to Yoga — a big part of reaching my movement goal was getting back to yoga.
Reclaiming my morning routine!

Things I could do without:

Yeah…I’ve whined enough about the weather….let’s just move on, shall we?

What’s up for April:

BAA 5K — this has become a favorite event to kick off Marathon Weekend!
#StripatNight – RnR Vegas registration opens today
Just looking forward to things finally feeling like spring…and planning to enjoy every minute of it!

How about you – was March a good month? Any big plans for April?

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Weekend Update v3

March 30, 2015 by Michelle 28 Comments

It was another weekend of scrambling between a hockey rink and lacrosse fields – but mercifully hockey season is finally coming to an end, and my son’s team came in 3rd in the tournament!

There was more spring cleaning/clutter clean out – I’m determined to get this project done because I know if … when it finally warms up enough to get back into my gardens I’m going to have zero motivation to be indoors!

I also did a little race shopping/prepping for the fall. First this happened:

My husband J & I ran a virtual 5K as part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Kickoff Virtual Run! I’ve been toying with the idea of running the #StripAtNight for a few weeks now, and then last Monday RnR announcemed that registration is opening on April 1. On Friday night, we decided we’re both going to run, so on Saturday morning we headed out to do our “kickoff run.”

To get runners excited for Vegas, RnR is hosting a virtual 5K – you just run or walk a 5K between now and April 1, complete the form with a photo of your watch/treadmill screen/etc. as proof and RnR will send you a free Kickoff Shirt! So Vegas is now on the fall race schedule (or will officially be when I register on Wednesday)!

And, while I had fall racing on the brain, this also happened:

I registered for the RnR Philly half which will be in October – very excited for this one!

The rest of the weekend was spent hanging with family and watching some great NCAA basketball!

How was your weekend? Did you watch any of the elite eight games?

***Don’t forget, if you want to run a Rock ‘n’ Roll race this year, use the code RUNATTITUDE015 to save $15 on either half marathon or marathon registration in the US & Canada – unfortunately Las Vegas is excluded.***

I’m linking up with Tara’s Weekend Update – be sure to stop by and say hi!