Month: October 2022

Tuesday Topics: October 2022 Review

This week’s Tuesday Topic is a FREE topic.  Feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

I cannot believe October is almost over and we have 2 months left this year.  And what a year it has been so far!

So let me tell you about how this month is going.

Mileage:  I am currently at 28.85 miles.  It isn’t my lowest.  It is February with 1.49 miles.  This past weekend was gorgeous with weather in the 70s.  Very unusual for October.  But this week it will get cooler with Fall weather.

Current Book:  I began reading “Landslide” then put it down to catch up on a few TV shows.  Then I requested from the library in audio version “A Place for Women” so I could listen to it on my way to work and home.  I couldn’t focus.  There were some parts I did listen and enjoyed but then got lost when I wasn’t paying attention.  I decided to request the book instead and am waiting for it.  How do people listen to audiobooks all of the time?

Current Shoes:  Still running in the Brooks Ghost.  So far I’ve run in them 230 miles.

2022 Running Goal:  My goal this year was to run 1,200 miles.  To date I’ve run 464 miles.  I am OK with not making this goal.  At least I am out there running whenever I can and want.  It will be interesting to see how many miles I end up doing this year.  I will keep you posted!

Injuries: I am still dealing with plantar fasciitis and hip pain.  My chiropractor said the hip pain could be from a tight hip.  He told me to stretch more.  I am trying.  It hurts to even do that.  My runs have been either 20 or 30 minutes but maybe I should stop running for a few days to get better.  And how could I still be dealing with injuries if I am barely running?

Blog: I had a folder on my computer desktop with ALL of my blog pictures.  I was organizing the desktop (I do not like it when it is cluttered) and I must have deleted it by mistake.  I searched for it but it was gone.  Then I remembered that I may not have all of my photos in a folder but they’re still on the blog.

I am not blogging much these days but am interested in 30-day blogging challenge in November.  Next month is National Blog Posting Month.  Can I do it?  I think that if I sit down and plan then I could come up with blog posts for each day in November.  Read more about it HEREClick here for best practices and here for writing prompts put together by our very own San who blogs at The in between is mineWhat makes me think that I can do this is when she says “Also, remember that not every blog post has to be a deep, long, elaborate piece of writing. Sometimes sharing a picture or some random thoughts is all it takes to engage your readers!”  Sounds manageable?

School:  As usual it is hectic and nerve wrecking.  As much as I tell myself that I need to focus on myself and not work so much, it just isn’t happening.  I am doing too much and there aren’t enough hours in the day to do it all.  It is very frustrating when there is a lot of work to be done to help our students in reading, writing, and math.  Surely it shouldn’t have to fall on all of us to help them with this.  What about the parents?

Health:  I have my days when I sleep OK and other when I do not sleep OK.  I don’t wear my Fitbit anymore and instead wear my Garmin.  The data shows that I sleep usually around 6-8 hours each night.  I don’t feel as tired as I used to but sometimes do take a nap on the weekends.  

Thanks for listening!  This is more like a coffee date than a monthly review.  😀 😀

Topic for next week – Tips for Finding a Running Group.  Feel free to write about this or any running related topic.  We hope you’ll link up with us!

Tuesday Topics

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Tuesday Topics: Favorite recovery tools

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  Favorite recovery tools.  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

Runners have a basket or baskets full of recovery tools.  We need them.  These tools help us feel better and recover faster.  Below are the ones I have on hand.

➡️ Massage Gun Deep Tissue Percussion Muscle MassagerI’ve had mine for three years now.  I’ve used it on my mom and my coworkers.  Lola even likes it!  It is easy to use, quiet, cordless, and rechargeable.

➡️ R3 foot roller-This hurts but helps with plantar fasciitis.

➡️ Ryson Foot Roller Massage Ball for Relief Plantar FasciitisAnother tool for plantar fasciitis.

➡️ HoMedics® Therapist Select Foot & Calf Massager-This was gifted to my mom by two of my sisters.  I use it more than than she does.  I love it!

What I really want are Compression Recovery Boots.  But I think that with what I already have should be enough.

Topic for next week – Free Topic.  Feel free to write about any running related topic.  We hope you’ll link up with us!

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Tuesday Topics: 2022 Chicago Marathon Weekend

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  Tips for Dealing with Running Burnout.  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

I am deviating from today’s topic to write about this past weekend.  Sunday was the Chicago Marathon.  No, I didn’t run was I was spectating in Pilsen.  I had a blast and almost got me motivated to run it again.

The weekend began with a fun event with Alison Désir on Friday.  She was in town promoting her book “Running While Black“.  There was a fun run and a panel discussion with two other runners.  As much as I enjoyed listening to them, I was a little disappointed that Alison did not talk about her or her book.

There were treats for everyone – water, coffee, and snacks.  I tried Nemi cactus sticks and found them to be really good.

I did not run but did try on again a pair of the Brooks Hyperion Tempo.  And just for trying them on I was entered into a raffle to win a $300 head to toe Brooks outfit or one of Alison’s books.  Bummer but I didn’t win.

Every person that attended got a bag.

Sunday was Marathon Day!  I did a quick run in the morning, showered, and got ready.  Pilsen is my favorite place to spectate.  When I got there the wheelchair participants had already begun to pass by.  I knew the runners would be next.

First came the elite men.  I am always in awe of their form.

Then came the elite women and other elite runners followed by everyone else.  I was rooting for Emily Sisson and was pleased she set a record for an American woman.  I really wanted her to win 1st place.

Some fun entertainment.

I saw many friends but missed a few of them as well.  I thought the tracking app did a good job of letting spectators know the location of the runners.

I saw Erica past mile 19 and Renée at the mile marker.

I love this photo of Emily along with the other women that have set a record for an American woman.

Overall it was a fun day and I was tired by the time I got home.  I know, I know, not as tired as the runners.

Topic for next week – Favorite Recovery Tools. Feel free to write about this or any running related topic.  We hope you’ll link up with us!

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Fit Five Friday and October 2022 Ultimate Coffee Date


Wow, how is it already October?  I feel like September went by slow and fast at the same time.  I was very busy with work which made the days go fast but it still felt like a long month.  I know it is already October but I feel like I’ve been in school more than 7 weeks.  On a positive note, I’m starting off the weekend with a little catch-up over the Ultimate Coffee Date hosted by Coco and Deborah.  So grab a mug of your favorite beverage and let’s chat for a bit!

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that I cannot wait to spectate the Chicago Marathon on Sunday!  It is definitely one of my favorite days!!

 If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that we have a new teacher contract.  There were many great new things and perks added to it.  There is a salary increase.  However, an extra 30 minutes will be added to the school day beginning in August 2023.  I am not really crazy about it but we knew that one day the state was going to require us to extend the day.  Another great thing is that we can wear jeans and gym shoes as long as we wear them with spirit wear (school shirt). 

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that I think I am a good driver.  I rarely speed and always stop at the stop signs.  One day I was driving to work and was waiting in the left lane for the light to change so I could turn left.  The light changed and I began to turn.  Then I saw a young boy/teenager about to cross the street.  It was too late for me to stop and let him go.  Then I looked up my mirror and saw that the car behind me had stopped to let him go.  I then wondered if I should have stopped too but I realized that I had the signal to turn.  Plus, the boy should learn how to cross the street!  😆

If we were having coffee…
I’d ask you if you have recommendations for comfortable shoes.  I love wearing jeans and gym shoes.  However, there are days when I want to look nicer.  You know I love my Tieks.  However, I am STILL dealing with plantar fasciitis (I don’t know why since I am rarely running) and my feet hurt when I wear them.  Yesterday morning I ordered two pairs of Allbirds Women’s Tree Breezers (wasn’t sure about size) so we’ll see how those work out.

If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that the later sunrise makes me sad.  I am not liking how dark it is at 6am.  I know I’ve said before that I enjoy running in the dark.  I haven’t been running much anyway so there is nothing pleasant about the darkness.  🤣 🤣

Thanks for linking up with us again this week!  We’ve got FIVE incredible co-hosts, and we are ready to link up every Friday to share YOUR weekly fitness favorites!  Join hosts My First 5K and MoreRunning With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugsand Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday!  Please add your link below.  I am also linking up with Running with Perseverance and Confessions of a Mother Runner for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

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