#FitFiveFriday

Five Songs for Your Workout Playlist

June 21, 2024 by Michelle 6 Comments

Happy Friday!

Thanks for joining Darlene, Jenn, Renée, Zenaida, and me for another edition of Fit Five Friday. This week we’re talking about music for workouts. (Of course, you should always feel free to write about any fitness/wellness-related topic.)

Whether I am running or working out music is almost always part of the mix for me. I like a wide range of music and at any time you can find many different genrés on my playlists – country and metal being the exceptions! What I’m listening to really depends on my mood, but here are five songs you might want to add to your playlist.

Five Songs for Your Workout Playlist

Lose Yourself by Eminem – a classic workout song in my opinion, both for its uptempo beat and motivational lyrics. 17 years after it debuted it still gets your heart pumping!

Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand – I added this one to my play list after my son and his ensemble performed it at his fall concert.

Golden by Jill Scott — I just love the vibe of this song and the lyrics. It never fails to put a smile on my face.

Demons by Imagine Dragons — at least one Imagine Dragons’ song often seems to make it on to my playlists.

Smooth by Santana, featuring Rob Thomas — This one comes from one of my favorite albums, Supernatural, and makes me want to dance my way through a workout.

I could definitely share more than five – but tell me, what are some songs on your workout play list?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, music

June Coffee Catch Up

June 7, 2024 by Michelle 22 Comments

Happy Friday!

It’s the first Friday of the month which means for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So grab your fave beverage and let’s catch up!

June Coffee Catch Up

Over coffee, I would tell you that tomorrow we’re closing the book on the high school years. These past couple of weeks have been a blur of all the Senior things and I’ve been doing my best to slow down and take in each event. I cannot believe graduation is tomorrow!

Over coffee, I would tell you that next week we’re off to UNH’s orientation – yep no rest for the weary!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I had my second cortisone shot a couple of weeks ago, and I’m still no closer to running again. Sigh.

Over coffee, I would tell you that because work has been off the chain lately, I now find myself with a lot of vacation days to use. Not a bad problem to have at all! I have today off and will be plotting how soon I can put the rest of these days to good use.

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What would you tell me over coffee? Any vacation plans in the works?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

MAYhem Runfessions

May 31, 2024 by Michelle 9 Comments

Wowza here we are on the last day of May – I have to ask why is May such a busy month?! Overall it’s been a good, but hectic month – living up to its “MAYhem” reputation. As we move into June I’m personally hoping to see more white space on the calendar.

Since it’s the last Friday of the month, for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m linking up with Marcia to share a couple of Runfessions so I can go into June with a clean slate.

MAYhem Runfessions

I runfess that blogging has really been pushed to the back burner. I only recently realized that my blog anniversary had come and gone. It’s hard to believe it’s been 14 years! Perhaps as things slow down during the summer I’ll find my blogging mojo again.

I runfess that this month I have been inundated with product review requests coming through the blog – oh the irony!

At the begining of the month I got the update of the Garmin Connect app and I runfess that I wish I hadn’t. I can’t find the data easily – I’m not a fan of having to scroll so much, it’s cumbersome. In my opinion there was nothing wrong with the old interface – as I saw someone else post, it feels like change for change sake. Sigh…

Have you ever had an “upgrade” that you could have lived without? What would you runfess?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

Fit Five Friday – 5 Benefits of Walking

May 17, 2024 by Michelle 3 Comments

Welcome back to another edition of Fit Five Friday! This week, we’re diving into one of the simplest yet most effective forms of exercise: walking. Even before I was sidelined from running, walking has long been an activity I’ve embraced. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual jogger, or someone just starting on their fitness journey, walking can offer a myriad of benefits. So today I’m sharing five reasons to incorporate walking into your routine.

Fit Five Friday – Five Benefits of Walking

Boosts Cardiovascular Health
Walking is a great way to give your heart a workout without putting too much strain on your body. Regular walking can help lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Just a brisk 30-minute daily walk can make a significant difference in your cardiovascular health.

Improves Joint Health, Flexibility, and Strength
Walking helps improve joint health by lubricating and strengthening them, without putting strain on them. It’s especially beneficial for those (like me!) with arthritis or joint pain. Regular walking can help to increase range of motion, making everyday activities easier and more comfortable. Plus, walking strengthens your leg and core muscles, leading to better balance and posture.

Easily Accessible
Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise. It requires no special equipment and can be done almost anywhere – your neighborhood park, the local track, or even on a treadmill when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Enhances Mental Well-being
Walking isn’t just good for your body; it’s also great for your mind. Spending time outdoors and moving your body can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. The rhythm of walking can also promote a meditative state, allowing you to clear your mind and boost your mood, (much like running!). It’s a great way to take care of your mental well-being and find a sense of calm.

Promotes Longevity
Regular walking can add years to your life. Studies have shown that consistent walking can lower the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall health, leading to increased longevity. Walking increases the circulation of immune cells in your body, helping you fight off illnesses and recover more quickly so by making walking a part of your routine, you can help keep your immune system strong and resilient. Essentially, walking is an investment in your future self, one step at a time.

Walking is a simple yet powerful exercise that offers numerous benefits for your body and mind. It’s a fantastic way to stay active, improve your health, and boost your mood, and it’s a versatile activity that fits into just about any lifestyle – a total win!

Is walking a regular part of your routine?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, walking

Catching Up Over May Coffee

May 3, 2024 by Michelle 18 Comments

As we welcome in a new month, it’s the perfect time to settle in and catch up over coffee. For this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date, so grab a mug of your fave beverage, and let’s chat.

Catching Up Over May Coffee

Over coffee I would tell you that April was a whirlwind! 3 out of the 4 weekends we were attending admitted student events. My highschooler had narrowed it down to this final 3 and we promised him we’d make the visits before he made a final desision. The planets aligned with the event dates on consecutive weekends so up and down the east coast we went!

And, over coffee, I would tell you that a decision has been made – he’s heading to the University of New Hampshire! In addition to a great engineering program, the school checks a lot of his boxes. It’s been wonderful to see him have some great options and to see the smile on his face when he announced his choice – Go Wildcats!

Over coffee, I would tell you that I am preparing for what we affectionally refer to in my house as “May Madness” – from wrapping up Lacrosse season, team awards dinner, seniors’ dinner, end of classes, senior project, a major work event and the homestretch of the renovation, I’m just going to buckle up and hold on for one chaotic ride.

What would you share over coffee?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

Runfessions for April

April 26, 2024 by Michelle 18 Comments

And, as is so often the case, we’ve blinked an another month is quickly coming to an end. But before I put April in the rearview mirror, for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m joining Marcia to share some Runfessions.

Runfessions for April

So can you have runfessions if you’re not currently running? Let’s see…

I runfess that getting emails from one of my fave races while I’m sidelined is like salt in a wound. I will miss not toeing the line this Memorial Day weekend but there’s always next year.

And, speaking of emails, I runfess that I’m really starting to question Gmail’s spam filter based on some of the emails I’ve been receiving. For example, I’ve received two emails from a woman pitching her article for my blog on top sex positions for maximum calorie burn…meanwhile emails from legit companies that I subscribe to are landing in the spam folder?!? BTW, the article’s author felt the need to add the claim “research-backed” to her subject line…I runfess that was an additional nugget of information I could have lived without LOL.

Received any interesting emails lately?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

Five Favorite Races

April 19, 2024 by Michelle 7 Comments

This week the Fit Five Friday crew is inviting you to share your Five Favorite Medals/Races. While it was hard to narrow it down to just five races, it was fun to take a little walk down memory lane!

Fit Five Friday – Five Favorite Races

Boston’s Run to Remember — This was my first half marathon and I’ve run both the half and the 5 miler numerous times. I love the course and I love the vibe of this race! I’m also a fan that the race honors fallen first responders. I will miss running it this Memorial Day but can’t wait to run it next year.

Philly Half Marathon — This is was my first destination race and was definitely another good vibe race. I really enjoyed both the course and the great crowd support! I ran the 8K (also part of the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend) last year and it did not disappoint, but I would love to get back to run the half again.

Western MA 10M — If you’ve been around here a bit than you know how much I love the 10-mile distance! The Western 10M is a point-to-point course, starting on the UMass Amherst campus and ending in the town of Northampton, with most of the run taking place on the Norwottuck Rail Trail – a beautiful trail for runners, walkers, and cyclists, especially in the Fall when the race takes place. This race had great volunteers and a fun post-race party and it’s another one I’m hoping to run again.

Ocean Road 10K — This is another repeat race for me and with good reason! The 10K course winds along Rhode Island’s coastline, starting at the Point Judith Lighthouse and ending at Narragansett Beach. It’s a lot of fun, well organized, and how can you beat running near the ocean?!

Chicago Marathon — How could my first (and only) marathon not be on my list?! This is such a great race – I loved everything about my experience. Running through all of the different Chicago neighborhoods was amazing and the spectators came out in force! A fabulous experience, especially for a first time marathon!

What is one of your favorite races?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Boston's Run to Remember, Chicago Marathon, Friday Five, Ocean Road 10K, Philly Half, races

Catching Up Over April Coffee

April 5, 2024 by Michelle 10 Comments

For this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date, so grab a mug of your fave beverage, and let’s chat.

This post contains affiliate links.

Catching Up Over April Coffee

Over coffee I would tell you that while we’ve hit a couple of snags, I am celebrating that our kitchen cabinets have been delivered and the painters started their work earlier this week. We’re that much closer to wrapping up the reno!

Over coffee, I’d ask you if you got swept up into March Madness? College basketball has been on non-stop in our house, and I’ve been loving that the women’s games have been as exciting as the men’s!

And speaking of college, over coffee I would you that we are in the final push to College Decision Day! We have a campus to visit on the calendar for each of the first 3 weekends of the month as my high schooler continues to narrow down his choices.

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Over coffee, I would tell you that I as part of my Spring reset, I’m doing the Miracle Morning 30 day challenge. I have been wanting to shift back to an early morning start to my day (including workouts) and this month feels like a great time to do that!

What would you tell me over coffee? Are you an earlier riser?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, mornings, renovations, Ultimate coffee date

Runfessions for March

March 29, 2024 by Michelle 17 Comments

It’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday, and, since it is the last Friday of the month, I’m linking up with Marcia to share some Runfessions. So let’s get to it!

Runfessions for March

It’s been two weeks since I got my cortisone shot and I runfess that I’m starting to feel pretty defeated because I had hoped to feel better at this point. While I thought I had turned a corner after last weekend (race volunteering on Saturday and then a solid run/walk effort on Sunday) by Tuesday I was feeling a little achy and then Wednesday was just not fun 🙁 I have been trying to stay positive, but I runfess that I’m struggling to maintain that positive attitude.

I runfess that I am just not a fan of DST right now. While I do like that daylight lingers later and later in the day, I very much prefer working out early in the morning, and I runfess that my motivation to get out for a walk or run/walk in the dark is way low. I’ve been slipping in workouts midday or after work, but I can’t wait for more early morning light!

Have you ever had a cortisone shot? Are you missing the early morning light?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

Fit Five Friday – Five Places I Want to Run

March 15, 2024 by Michelle 7 Comments

Welcome back to another edition of Fit Five Friday! Today, we’re talking about places you want to run. So let’s embark on a virtual journey to five breathtaking destinations where I’m itching to lace up my running shoes and hit the ground running. From exotic coastlines to picturesque countryside, I think these locations would be great places to both vacation and run.

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Fit Five Friday – Five Places I want to Run

1. Maui, Hawaii: Hawaii has been on my bucketl list for a while – so why not run while I’m there, right? Picture yourself running along the sun-kissed shores of Maui, with the gentle sound of waves crashing against the golden sand. Whether you’re exploring the lush trails of Haleakalā National Park or tracing the scenic coastline along the Hana Highway, Maui offers a paradise for runners seeking both tranquility and tropical beauty.

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2. Big Sur, California, USA: While I’ve driven and hiked along the beautiful coastline of California I haven’t run there. Running the winding roads that hug the cliffsides and taking in the breathtaking panoramas of the Pacific Ocean seems like a winning combination!

3. Lake District, England: Tucked in the northwest corner of England, the Lake District beckons with its rolling hills, shimmering lakes, and quaint villages. Although I haven’t done much trail running, I think it would be hard to not want to explore the network of trails that wind through this UNESCO World Heritage site.

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4. Vancouver, Canada: I got to briefly visit Vancouver last summer, as it was the port we sailed out of for our Alaskan cruise. In the brief time we were there I instantly fell in love with the natural beauty and charm of this vibrant city. I’d love to get back there to spend more time and take a run along the scenic seawall that encircles Stanley Park – great views of the city skyline and snow-capped mountains in the distance. I’d also like to explore the Pacific Spirit Regional Park for a peaceful run amidst towering trees and babbling creeks.

5. Côte d’Azur, France: It’s been years since I’ve been in the south of France – and when I was there I wasn’t a runner. How amazing would it be to run along the stunning coastline of the Côte d’Azur with views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea stretching out before you – need I say more?!

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I could certainly go on and on, but I stop there! So many places so little time 🙂

Where would you like to run?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, bucket list, Run destinations

Five Songs for Your Workout Playlist

Five Songs for Your Workout Playlist

June Coffee Catch Up

June Coffee Catch Up

MAYhem Runfessions

MAYhem Runfessions

Fit Five Friday – 5 Benefits of Walking

Fit Five Friday – Five Benefits of Walking

Catching Up Over May Coffee

Catching Up Over May Coffee

Runfessions for April

Runfessions for April

Five Favorite Races

Fit Five Friday – Five Favorite Races

Catching Up Over April Coffee

Catching Up Over April Coffee

Runfessions for March

Runfessions for March

Fit Five Friday – Five Places I Want to Run

Fit Five Friday – Five Places I want to Run

Hi, I’m Michelle

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