Cherry Blossom

Five Bucket List Races and Fitness Events

August 23, 2024 by Michelle 6 Comments

For a runner or fitness enthusiast, there’s no shorter of races or events to capture your imagination! For this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing five races and fitness experiences that are high on my bucket list.

Fit Five Friday: Five Bucket List Races and Fitness Events

Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run

The Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run in Washington, D.C., is a springtime classic that I’ve long wanted to experience. When my boys were playing lacrosse, schedules never aligned to make this race possible, but with them both in college now I’m hoping to make this race a reality.

Broad Street Run

The Broad Street Run is another 10-mile race high on my list. The course is a straight shot down Broad Street, running through the heart of Philadelphia, and is one of the most popular road races in the country. It’s a race that celebrates the spirit of Philly, and I can’t wait to be a part of it!

BolderBoulder 10K

The BolderBoulder 10K in Colorado is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of community, fitness, and fun. With live music, great spectators, and a finish in the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field, this race offers an unforgettable experience. The altitude and the energy of Boulder make it a unique challenge I’m eager to take on.

NYC Half Marathon

Running through the streets of New York City is always special, and the NYC Half Marathon is no exception. The course takes you through Times Square, Central Park, and other iconic spots, all while soaking in the energy of the city. It’s a perfect way to experience NYC’s vibrant atmosphere while tackling a challenging but manageable distance.

Peloton Studios, NYC

While not a traditional race, a live class at Peloton Studios in NYC is a fitness experience I’m eager to check off my list. The energy of being in the studio with one of my favorite Peloton instructors coaching would be an awesome experience!

What’s on your racing/fitness bucket list? Share in the comments below!

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Bolder Boulder, Broad Street Run, bucket list, Cherry Blossom, Friday Five, NYC Half Marathon, Peloton, races

Last Coffee Date of 2015

December 5, 2015 by Michelle 17 Comments

Hello December!

I know I start these posts often with the same declaration, but I have to say that I cannot believe it is December already. These days…this year, really, has flown by! Makes me wish time would slow down just a little…

So today marks the last Ultimate Coffee Date of the year. A huge shout out to our hosts Coco, Lynda and Deborah! So let’s settle in and catch up a little, shall we?

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I joined a group of local moms last night for our town’s Holiday Stroll. We toured some beautifully decorated homes and then enjoyed a great gab-fest over wine and pizza afterwards. Such a fun way to kick off the holiday season!

One of the great ideas I want to copy for my own decorating if I can find our old skis!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m feeling slightly panicked that almost the first full week of December is over and our decorations are still buried in the attic. My boys have been ~~nagging~~ gently prodding us to get started…at a minimum I’m determined to get the lights up today. The tree goes up next weekend.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that thanks to online shopping, I have at least gotten started on my gift list, and already have a few things delivered and awaiting wrapping.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you on the running front, things are progressing slowly, but progress is progress, right? I’m feeling hopeful enough to throw my hat in for the Cherry Blossom lottery again. Fingers crossed I get in and can manage the distance comfortably by then.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you how proud I am of my oldest son for deciding to try out for his school’s winter play. He’s talked about it doing it before, but nerves have won out. But, this time, he threw himself into it…and got a part! Great to see him step out of his comfort zone!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you I have to get ready to brave the crowds this morning in search of toys. My son’s community service project is a huge toy drive with one of the local Headstart programs….now if I can just remember what 2- and 3-year olds like to play with 🙂

So what would you tell me over coffee? Have you started getting ready for the holidays?

Filed Under: Cherry Blossom, holiday cheer, Ultimate coffee date

Back on the bucket list

February 18, 2015 by Michelle 20 Comments

If you been around here for a while then you know that to say lacrosse season is big in my house is a bit of an understatement! Both of my boys play (my oldest actually plays for two teams), my husband runs the boys’ program in our town…. and did I mention that this year I ~~got dragged into~~ volunteered to manage the town program’s website and all communications?! Well the league our town is in recently announced the big season kickoff date – April 12. Because of Easter, we’re starting later than usual this year…so the season kickoff is the same day as the Cherry Blossom 10-miler.

I did briefly mull over whether I could manage all of the lacrosse logistics I’ll need to keep track of from a DC hotel room – it makes my eyes cross just thinking about it. But, the more important thing to consider is just how disappointed my boys will be if I’m not there for the season opener and all the hoopla and excitement that goes with it. No doubt in my mind about where I need to be.

So it looks like Cherry Blossom stays on my bucket list for another year and I’ll be on the lookout for another 10 miler to take its place. In the meantime, if you know someone who’s looking for a bib, send them my way!

Filed Under: Cherry Blossom, running dilemnas

My 2015 Race Calendar

January 29, 2015 by Michelle 16 Comments

After reflecting back on lessons learned from a not so great race, it seems like the perfect time to look ahead to this year’s race calendar. Ah the race calendar…so many races to consider. If only there were infinite time and funds!

So here’s what I’m thinking (hoping) so far:

March 29th: Cambridge City Run 5-miler

April 12th: Cherry Blossom 10 Miler

April 18th: BAA 5K

May 24th: Boston Run to Remember 5 miler

June 7th: Newport 10 miler

June 23rd: BAA 10K ** This one is a big question mark because I’ll be working a big event for my job the day before and sometimes late June in Boston is just too hot!

The second half of the year will be all about the half marathon and some #RocknBlog fun!

I’ve narrowed down the #RnR options to Virginia Beach, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Savannah and San Antonio. The dates for Philly and Brooklyn have not been finalized yet…believe it or not the Pope is playing a role in holding up the Philly date! So for now I ~~stalk~~ watch the website and Facebook for an announcement. There may be another race or two of shorter distances in the fall, but I want to get these figured out first.

So I’ve got a pretty good mix of favorite repeats and some new destinations

Filed Under: #RocknBlog, BAA, Boston's Run to Remember, Cherry Blossom, Newport 10 Miler, race calendar

December Runfessions

December 19, 2014 by Michelle 16 Comments

Given that the last Friday of the month falls on the day after Christmas, Marcia decided to do her monthly “runfessions” today – and once again, I’m in.

Runfession #1 — I’m very excited that the lottery gods smiled on me and I’m in for the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler! After playing around with lots of race possibilities for 2015, there’s something about having this one firmly on the calendar that makes me finally ready to pull the trigger on some others.

Runfession #2 — I have so been enjoying running without a watch that I’m actually starting to wonder how I’m going to get use to it again once training starts.

Runfession #3 — I really miss my running buddy E, and it looks like her prognosis to return to running is not looking good. While weekend runs with my husband have been fun, there’s nothing like catching up with a girlfriend while logging the miles.

Runfession #4 — Working with the trainer has shown me in no uncertain terms just how little attention I’ve been paying to strengthening my hamstrings and glutes. It was no secret to me that I’m quad dominant, but these workouts have been a ~~leg-shaking~~ eye-opening experience!

Runfession #5 — I’ve been invited to another event at Athleta tonight – oh be still my heart! Is it wrong to offer to my husband to buy my own Christmas presents 😉

There….I feel better now! Do you have any runfessions to share?

Filed Under: Athleta, Cherry Blossom, Friday Five, general musings, Runfessions, Strength training