Friday Five — Page 9

Five Fitness Trends I’ll Never Try

July 10, 2015 by Michelle 13 Comments

Happy Friday all!

When I saw the topic Courtney, Mar & Cynthia proposed for this week’s #FridayFive link-up I chuckled cause I’m sure we can all come up with a few fitness trends where we have the reaction – thanks but no thanks!

Now first I must say that I’m all for anything that gets and keeps people moving. And, just because it is not my cup of ~~Gatorade~~ um tea, does not mean it might not be THE thing for someone else. I’m most definitely a “to each her own” kinda of gal…

So with that said, here are a couple of fitness trends whose bandwagons you won’t find me on any time soon.

Mud runs/Obstacle runs/Color runs – I have friends who are very into doing these runs and try as they might they cannot convince me to join them. I just want to run – plain and simple.

Zumba – Nope.

CrossFit – While this one has peaked me interest in the past, I’m kinda over it.

Spinning – Again, another one where I have friends who swear by it, but being confined in a room with a bunch of others on stationary bikes and music pumping just holds no appeal.

Hot yoga – I greatly enjoy the benefits of yoga, but the thought of doing yoga in a hot, humid room?!?

This picture says it all for me!

Is there a fitness trend you’d pass on?

Filed Under: Friday Five

Friday Five – Fave Summer Activities

June 12, 2015 by Michelle 12 Comments

With temps now dancing just below 90, it is safe to say that summer has officially arrived! After such a brutal winter (yes, I think I’m still traumatized), I am not going to complain about the heat and look forward to making the most of the summer months ahead.

Courtney, Mar & Cynthia have invited everyone to share their favorite summer activities for this week’s #FridayFive linkup, so here are a few of my faves.

Beach: When you say summer to me, one of the first thing that comes to mind is hitting the beach! I can’t wait to get in some day trips to one of my favorite beaches.

Hiking: Hiking is another popular family activity. A well-shaded trail is a welcome escape on a hot summer day.

Farmer’s Markets: I could spend all Saturday morning at our local farmers market – great produce, cheeses, wine and other great local finds – nothing better!

Dining alfresco: Whether at home on our deck or at a favorite restaurant, there’s something about dining outdoors that I just love – I just want to slow down and linger.

Lazing a day away: Sometimes my favorite activity in the summer is no activity. We’re always so go-go-go in the RWA household, and summer gives us a chance to just hang out. Sometimes doing a whole lot of nothing is perfect!

Filed Under: fave things, Friday Five, summer mode, Uncategorized

Friday Five: Sharing the Love of Running

May 8, 2015 by Michelle 23 Comments

Hello Friday!

It’s been another whirlwind week and I am looking forward to getting this weekend started! But first, I’m linking up again with Courtney, Mar & Cynthia. Today’s topic is “5 ways to share running/fitness love.” Since catching the running bug five years ago, I have enjoyed sharing my new passion with anyone willing to listen 😉 But nothing has made me happier than to be able to share my love of running with my family!

Let it be their idea! — I’ve shared before my tips for running with kids before, and by far, I think the most important one is to let it be their idea. If you do, they’re more likely to stick with it!

Make it fun — Getting my family on the running bandwagon means keeping it fun. No thoughts of pace or crazy goals – especially in the beginning!

Mix it up — This is an extension on the idea of keeping it fun. We mix up where we run – sometimes it’s a trail, sometimes it’s the track, and other times it’s around the neighborhood. Helping them to try running in different environments, keeps it interesting.

Cheer their efforts — When my husband J ran his first trail race, the kids and I hiked up to a clearing along the course and cheered he and his fellow runners on. The boys got a lot of high fives and had a ball!

Lead by example — Best way to share your love of running with your family is to invite them to be a part of your journey. Share both the good and bad runs, and your big race goals – your enthusiasm and passion can be infectious.

Does your family share your love of running?

Filed Under: family running, Friday Five

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

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

Believe it or not it’s Spring!

March 20, 2015 by Michelle 20 Comments

I saw this pic on Pinterest and it just cracked me up! Yes folks believe it or not today is the first day of Spring! And “spring” is the theme behind this week’s #FridayFive link-up with Courtney, Mar and Cynthia.

I know Spring will get here…eventually and when it does, here are just a few things I’m looking forward to:

Five Things for Spring!

Outdoor runs — Of course this goes without saying! The thought of running without worrying about snow mounds or icy roads sounds like heaven!

Less Layers — Oh to step outside without looking like I’m a participant in the Iditarod 🙂

Gardening — I cannot wait to get back into my gardens. Spring always means multiple trips to my favorite nursery with my mom – seriously, we can spend hours there! And, something tells me I may have many plants to replace after this winter.

Lacrosse games — You all know how big lax is in the RWA household. Some of us cannot wait as you can see.

Grilling – As much as I have enjoyed making the most of my crockpot for the past few months, I cannot wait to fire up the grill.

OK your turn…what are you looking forward to?

Filed Under: Friday Five, gardening, Lacrosse, Spring fever

I Heart Fridays!

March 13, 2015 by Michelle 29 Comments

Happy Friday!

I’m linking up Courtney, Mar and Cynthia for their #FridayFive link-up. The topic this week is “Day in the Life,” which is always fun – I love a peak into how other people spend their days.

Since I just dished on morning routines, I thought I’d take a different spin and give you five things I love about my Fridays.

Five Things I love about Friday

No work — I don’t work on Fridays – I may check in on email quickly but Fridays are a no work day. Instant long weekend!

Trainer workouts — Since I started working with Trainer Stacy, I try to get workouts with her in a couple of Fridays a month.

Lunch with Friends — No work on Fridays also means I try to book lunch plans with friends as often as possible.

Family downtime — Friday nights are great for just family hangout time. We’re free from homework and my husband and I kind of have an unwritten rule to make no plans for the evening. After running here and there all week, this is one night we can count on to grab dinner and just hang together.

Pizza! — And speaking of dinner, more often than not pizza is the family favorite on Fridays. Sometimes we’ll order take out, but if the energy level is high enough we’ll make our own. Thrown in a glass of wine and it’s the perfect end to a busy week!

Do you love Fridays as much as I do? Any great plans for the weekend?

Filed Under: Friday Five, general musings

Lovin/Not Lovin’ March Edition

March 6, 2015 by Michelle 20 Comments

Linking up once again with Courtney, Mar and Cynthia for their #FridayFive link up. Today’s them is “favorites.” Sounds like the perfect time for another edition of Lovin/Not Lovin.’

Lovin’

Chicken Tortilla Soup — This soup has become a huge favorite this winter (in fact I just made it again earlier this week). It’s super easy – dump everything in the crockpot and go — and you can dial the spice up or down.

Winter Boots — These Timberlands have been my saving grace this winter. I truly love these boots! <Affiliate link alert!>

Source: Cybex International

Arc Trainer —
I recently discovered the Arc Trainer at my gym and it is quickly becoming my new fave cardio machine when I’m not on the mill!

Uptown Funk — With so much indoor training, the tunes are critical! I’m lovin’ this Bruno Mars song.

Not Lovin’

The scary side of so much snow! — Roof collapses are starting to be a regular feature on the local news around here. Last Saturday morning, our town ice rink roof came down – thankfully no one was hurt! Definitely too close for comfort!

Filed Under: fave things, Friday Five

Runfessions – February Edition

February 27, 2015 by Michelle 13 Comments

I know February is a short month but can you believe it’s the end of the month already! I’m linking up with Marcia again for another edition of Runfessions. Join us!

Runfession #1 — We’ve reached 100 inches of snow and my running mojo is buried somewhere under it.

Runfession #2 — I am actually toying with the idea of a run streak challenge in March just to keep my interest and focus. The thought of a run streak usually goes against my belief that my 48-year-old legs need a day off … but I’m also feeling the need to seriously shake things up.

Runfession #3 — On the flip side, my new found love of strength training continues to grow. The beauty of belonging to a new gym is that both the weights and TRX areas are often empty.

Runfession #4 — I’m also lovin’ working with Trainer Stacy. Having a plan to follow, much like with running, really makes all the difference for me — really no surprise there. I had another great workout with her this morning that I’m sure my legs will let me hear about the rest of the day!

Runfession #5 — The downside of the new gym? No “gym crazies!” From time to time, I’ve shared my encounters with the more interesting characters at my gym. But, with this new gym, I’m not sure if it’s the times of day I’ve been going or that the crazies haven’t joined yet, but so far it’s all been very “normal” and I must admit I kind of miss the occasional crazy just to keep the people watching interesting. And, yes I realize I’ve probably just jinxed myself!

I’m also linking up with Courtney, Mar & Cynthia for their Friday link-up. It’s a “Free Friday” this week so be sure to stop and check out what everyone’s talking about!

So tell me, what’s your Runfession? Have you ever tried a run streak?

Filed Under: Friday Five, Runfessions

Friday Five – Lovin’/Not Lovin’

January 23, 2015 by Michelle 16 Comments

Happy Friday everyone!!

Linking up once again with Mar, Courtney & Cynthia — the theme this week is “Things about me.” Since I just shared a day in my life a couple of days ago, I thought I’d take a little liberty with this theme and share a few things I’m lovin’/not lovin’ right now.

Lovin’

This quick post-gym pic doesn’t do it justice

Athleta Strength Hoodie — One of my favorite Christmas gifts is this hoodie from Athleta. It is my go-to cover-up to go to and from the gym. So warm without the bulk!

TRX Workouts — Trainer Stacy added some TRX to the mix last week and I couldn’t be happier.

Anatomy for Runners —

(Affiliate link alert!) I ordered this book ages ago after learning about it from Amanda, but have only recently pulled it off the shelf to read. One more tool in my injury-prevention box!

Not Lovin’

Plague/virus/cold invasion — My husband and oldest son went down earlier this week (actually J’s been sick since last Friday). And this morning I woke up not feeling so hot myself…to which my youngest looked at me over breakfast this morning and declare “So I’m the only one left!” (So much for sympathy, right?)

Late Practices & Early Games — Recently the aforementioned sympathetic son’s hockey schedule has shifted into an ugly pattern of late evening practices (not coming off the ice until 8:30PM) and crack of dawn weekend games. This Sunday he’ll be on the ice at 6:20AM…6:20 on a Sunday people…in a cold rink…ugh!

What are you lovin’ or not lovin’ right now?