#FitFiveFriday

For the Love of Running

February 10, 2023 by Michelle 13 Comments

Happy Friday! This week the Fit Five Friday crew is inviting you to share what you love about running – of course, you can join the link-up with any fitness-related post you have …but with Valentine’s Day just a few days away, how could we not talk about our love of running!

A relationship with running definitely can have its highs and lows – at any time your answer to the question “What do you love about running?” can be different. Right now, here are five things I love about running.

Five Things I Love About Running

Running…
… gives me the time and space to sort through “all the things.” There’s a reason I call it my road therapy.

… shows me that I am often stronger than I think I am.

… connects me. I have connected with so many great folks from all over through this healthy obsession.

… reminds me to give myself grace and celebrate the small wins. Coming back from injuries is hard y’all!

… helps me to appreciate and enjoy the process vs. just focusing on the final destination.

What do you love about running?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida 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, Friday Five, gift of running

Runfessions from the PT’s Table

January 27, 2023 by Michelle 25 Comments

Happy Friday! It’s time for another edition of Fit Five Friday, and since it’s the last Friday of the month, I’m joining Marcia for some sole cleansing Runfessions. So let’s get started!

Runfessions from the PT’s Table

So I started physical therapy this week and I runfess that it was both eye-opening and humbling.

While I’ve posted running reels for IG, I runfess that I don’t study my gait. In fact, I haven’t done a gait analysis since I worked with Coach Marc a few years ago. So it was interesting to have the PT film me and then ~~pick apart~~ assess my stride. He quickly pointed out a hitch in my right leg motion thanks to a very tight TFL.

He next put me through a series of moves and determined that my right glute is probably not engaging. I runfess that despite all of my lower body strength training there’s clearly some work to do to correct my imbalances – my quads are dominating and it’s time to make the glutes earn their keep.

I runfess I did breathe a huge sigh of relief that the PT feels pretty confident that what ails me can be course corrected and thankfully there was no talk of “not running”. I may have to slow my mileage build a bit but I will get there.

Have you ever worked with a physical therapist? Was it a yay or nay experience?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

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

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Physical Therapy, Runfessions

Five Challenges to Reaching Your Fitness Goals

January 20, 2023 by Michelle 20 Comments

At the start of the new year, you may have set some fitness goals – perhaps a new race distance? Or going for that PR? Or a mileage milestone? Or the addition of strength training, cross-training, or a new sport altogether. Whatever goals you have laid out, it’s important to be prepared for possible pitfalls along the way.

Fit Five Friday — 5 Challenges to Reaching Your Fitness Goals

Lack of Consistency – Progress towards any goal requires a consistent approach. Striving for small efforts done consistently will always yield greater success vs. trying to make big efforts in fits and starts.

Lack of Time – The companion challenge to consistency may be scheduling. When you’re facing multiple demands on your time (work, family, and other personal commitments), it can be tough to find time for your workouts. Scheduling your workouts as you would any other meeting or obligation is key to ensuring that you have the time you need to make progress toward your goals.

Unrealistic goals – While a goal should stretch you beyond your comfort zone, if the goal is too big of a reach it could backfire when you struggle to make progress. Now I’m not discouraging anyone from shooting for the stars, but it may be helpful to build in smaller goals along the way so you have some success and can build momentum.

Someone else’s goal – Are you running that marathon because you really want to run a marathon or because your friend is? When chasing your goals gets tough you need to remember your why – so it is really important that you pick a goal that matters to you. If you’re chasing a goal because others are doing it/have done it and you feel like you “should” then you’re not setting yourself up for success. And, is it really a goal you want to be pursuing in the first place?

Mindset – Even if you do everything right, you still may encounter setbacks. This is where not only your why matters, but also your mindset. The thoughts you hold and your self-talk will have a significant impact on your ability to reach your goals. Building a practice of positive self-talk (through mantras and affirmations) will serve you well when things get challenging.

What challenges do you face when trying to reach your fitness goals?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Friday Five, goals

Fit Five Friday – Five Current Favorites

January 13, 2023 by Michelle 8 Comments

Happy Friday!

Thanks for joining me, Darlene, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida for another edition of Fit Five Friday! This week we’re inviting you to share 5 things that motivate you. You are, of course, always welcome to write about any other fitness-related topic. Personally, I’m deviating this week to share a few of my current favorites with you. This post contains affiliate links.

Five Current Favorites

Garmin 255 – My husband gifted me a new Garmin 255! So many features that I still need to learn, but I already love it!

Brooks Shield Hybrid Vest 2.0 & Shield Hybrid Jacket 2.0 – OK I’m cheating a little here with this one but I honestly couldn’t pick between the two. I’m usually a vest-first girl when it comes to running outerwear, (the Brooks Shield Hybrid Vest has been in my constant rotation), but when Brooks sent Run Happy Team members the jacket last fall it quickly became a go-to for both my running and non-running days. Both the vest and jacket feature multiple pockets (a must for me!) and are surprisingly warm without being bulky.

The jacket made it on my November vacation – perfect for hiking the California coast!

Cozy Karma Asym Pullover – This pullover from Athleta lives up to its name, cozy inside and out! Its wrap front and asymmetrical neckline give it nice visual interest. It’s become a staple and perfect to snuggle in on a cold day.

The Five Minute Journal – I’ve shared before some reasons to start a gratitude journal. After seeing a few reviews, I started using the Five Minute Journal in August, and it has become a key part of both my morning and evening routine. I really like that it provides space for morning gratitude, daily highlights and affirmations, and reflection. What are some of your favorites?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, fave things, Friday Five

First Coffee Chat for 2023

January 6, 2023 by Michelle 17 Comments

Happy Friday!

It was a bit of a rough “re-entry” into the first week of the new year and I must admit that I’m ready for the weekend! I’m kicking off the first Fit Five Friday of 2023 by linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date. So grab a mug of your beverage of choice and let’s chat a bit.

First Coffee Chat of 2023

Over coffee, I would tell you that it’s hard for me to believe that I will be celebrating my first year anniversary at my job! And, what a year it’s been – big fundraising events, a change in the CEO position, and so much more. It’s been hectic at times, but I do enjoy the challenges of my “new” position.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m going to my high schooler’s college counseling meeting for parents next week. It’s starting to get real that my “baby” will be applying to colleges this fall.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I am hoping to dive into a house remodeling project this year. My husband and I have never loved our kitchen/family room layout and if we can settle on a contractor we like, construction could begin in the spring.

This could be me in the Spring

Over coffee, I would tell you that thanks to the anticipated remodel project, one of my non-fitness goals for 2023 is a massive purge! I am on a declutter tear and my boys are hiding their things LOL

Over coffee, I would tell you that the Fit Five crew has decided to try something new this year and we have created a whole calendar of suggested topics for the Friday link-up. You can, of course, write about whatever fitness topic strikes your fancy, but we thought it would be fun to try some themes this year, (we’re all still planning to continue to link up for both coffee and Marcia‘s Runfessions) – I hope you will join us!

What would you share with me over coffee? Any home remodeling advice you care to share?

Welcome to FitFive Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun?

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

End of the Year Runfessions

December 30, 2022 by Michelle 22 Comments

Can you believe that we’re at the end of 2022?! Well, before we put this year in the rearview mirror, Marcia has opened the runfessional so we can stride into the new year with clear ~~souls~~ soles. It’s also time for another Fit Five Friday hosted by Darlene, Renee, Jenn, Zenaida, and yours truly, so let’s get started.

End of Year Runfessions

While the slow and easy approach over these past few weeks appears to have helped my hip flexor/quad issue quite a bit, I runfess that I’m not fully convinced that I’m out of the woods yet.

I have rationalized that I could stick with what I’m currently doing and see how things go, but I also runfess that I’m growing tired of this cat-and-mouse game. So, I checked in with my primary care doc the other day to get a referral for PT.

I can’t believe I’m saying it, but I runfess that I’m excited about starting PT (someone please remind me in a couple of weeks that I said this!). I’ve got races I want to run next year and I’d really like to toe the line not hobbled.

How about you – do you tend to go the PT route or try to course correct on your own?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

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

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

Keeping Holiday Madness in Check

December 16, 2022 by Michelle 10 Comments

So how’s everyone doing?

Hanukkah begins Sunday. Christmas is 9 days away. Students are winding up semesters in a flurry of projects, exams, papers, and performances. Work is a sea of urgent requests, budget negotiations, or insert your industry’s last-minute push here. While I love the holidays, this time of year can be stressful! So for today’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing a few tips on keeping the holiday madness in check.

Keeping Holiday Madness in Check

First, and most importantly, give yourself some grace. Often the holidays can feel like an endless to-do list of shopping, cooking, hosting, and decorating. If you’re striving for the holidays to be “perfect”, let it go. Cut yourself a break and don’t feel the need to do all the things. And, always remember that it is ok to say No.

Give others grace — This time of year is hard for many for a whole host of reasons so check your expectation of others. Letting go of the “shoulds” as in s/he/they should do/be is very freeing. Focus on why you’re together and if someone is truly toxic do your best to minimize your exposure to them (see tip number 1 above!).

Move your body — Be it a run, walk, strength training, yoga, ice skating, or other activity, moving your body and protecting your fitness routine is good for your mind and body. Commit to carving out time each day to move. Some days you may have time for your regular run, but other times you won’t so have some quick backup workouts ready. And, remember every little bit counts, so take the stairs when you can or park at the far end of the parking lot when you’re out shopping.

Get enough sleep — As tempting as it may be, don’t sacrifice sleep in the name of getting more done. Stay consistent with your regular bedtime – your mind and body will thank you!

Take in the moment — As simple as it sounds, remember to stop, breathe and take in the moment. The holiday season is not a race – Enjoy the time with friends and family. And, embrace some self-care time for yourself.

How do you keep holiday season stress in check?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, holiday sanity

Fit Five Friday – Stocking Stuffers for Runners

December 9, 2022 by Michelle 11 Comments

Happy Friday!

The holiday shopping crunch is on! In my house, stocking stuffers are a big deal so for this week’s Fit Five Friday I’m sharing a few stocking stuffer ideas for the runners in your life. This post includes affiliate links.

Heat Holders — Heat Holders offer socks, hats, and gloves made with an advanced insulating yarn designed to trap your body warmth and keep it close to your body. Every winter is a challenge for me dealing with Renaud’s syndrome so I’m all about gear that will help to lessen the effects of winter.

These Oslo Gloves come in a variety of colors but I think the black stripe is so cute!

Noxgear — I’ve been a big fan of Noxgear vests for years. The Tracer Lamp is a great addition to the Noxgear line-up. The lamp is a 500-lumen rechargeable light that securely attaches to the buckle of any Tracer vest to help light your path and improve your visibility.

Road ID – This is a must for any runner, walker, and cyclist. There are so many options in colors and designs.

Knockaround Sunglasses — Polarized lenses, durable, lightweight, and in a range of fun designs, Knockaround sunglasses are a great addition to your favorite runner’s gear. I’m personally a fan of the Paso Robles model.

Sukeen Cooling Towels — Once activated these towels will stay cool for up to 3 hours – perfect for those hot summer runs or after any intense workout. Just soak it in water, wring it out, snap it and go!

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Gifts for runners

December Coffee – The last coffee of 2022

December 2, 2022 by Michelle 14 Comments

I swear once we hit Thanksgiving it always feels like a sprint to the end of the year. Well, I’m doing all I can to slow down and enjoy this last month of the year, and that begins with a little catch-up over coffee with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date. And, of course, since it’s Friday, it’s also time for the Fit Five Friday link-up! So grab a mug of your fave hot beverage and let’s chat.

December Coffee — The Last Coffee of 2022

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m looking forward to breaking out the Christmas decorations this weekend. My husband still insists on getting a real tree so we’ll wait on getting one right now for fear that it will be a fire hazard before Christmas – but we will take care of all of the lights and all of the outdoor decorations, along with most of the indoor stuff.

And, speaking of Christmas, over coffee I would also share that I am really struggling with gift ideas this year. By now I usually have some inkling of what I’m getting everyone, but this year I’ve got bupkis. I’m trying not to panic.

Over coffee, I would tell you that I’m really looking forward to my son’s school concert next week! It’s been more than two years since the school has hosted a concert and in that time my son has switched from the trumpet to the drums – a much better fit for his personality! The drummer is always spotlighted in these performances and I can’t wait to see him perform.

Over coffee, I would tell you that we had a fantastic trip to Sonoma last month! And, we’re still enjoying the effects of the trip as shipments of wine continue to arrive. Clearly, we were enjoying ourselves because we didn’t fully remember what we had ordered LOL. Now the question is what do you do when you have more wine than you have wine rack space?

What would you tell me over coffee? What are you looking forward to this month?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Ultimate coffee date

November Runfessions

November 25, 2022 by Michelle 20 Comments

Happy Friday!

This month flew by in a blink (I feel like I say that often!), and here we are on the last Friday of the month. That means Marcia has opened the runfessional. It’s also time for another Fit Five Friday hosted by Darlene, Renee, Jenn, Zenaida, and yours truly, so let’s get started.

November Runfessions

I runfess that I am so over hearing the phrase “Black Friday”! I may or may not be spending some time today checking out the online deals, but absolutely no in-store shopping!

I runfess that as much as I wanted to join a few of my fellow bloggers for the Team Wilpers Holiday Run Challenge I’ve decided to take a pass. Speedwork is just not something my hip flexor needs right now. I’ll be focusing on the boring but necessary rehab work and hopefully, I can dive into the next Wilpers challenge in January.

As I start to look ahead to possible races for 2023, I runfess that at the moment distances of 10 miles or less hold the most appeal. While I’ve seen some great deals for early registrations, I’ll be holding off committing to anything.

How about you – have you registered for any 2023 races yet? Are you a Black Friday shopper?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, Runfessions

For the Love of Running

Five Things I Love About Running

Runfessions from the PT’s Table

Runfessions from the PT’s Table

Five Challenges to Reaching Your Fitness Goals

Fit Five Friday — 5 Challenges to Reaching Your Fitness Goals

Fit Five Friday – Five Current Favorites

Five Current Favorites

First Coffee Chat for 2023

First Coffee Chat of 2023

Welcome to FitFive Friday!

End of the Year Runfessions

End of Year Runfessions

Keeping Holiday Madness in Check

Keeping Holiday Madness in Check

Fit Five Friday – Stocking Stuffers for Runners

December Coffee – The last coffee of 2022

December Coffee — The Last Coffee of 2022

November Runfessions

November Runfessions

Hi, I’m Michelle

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