Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. Join me for April Runfessions!
TGIF, right? This bas been a trying week, that’s for sure! But wow has it sped right on by. Between workouts, school drop-offs, our first spring practice for Kids Run the Nation, and parenting in general, I feel like life is moving at warp speed!
Overall the month of April has gone fairly well. We traveled to Florida for a quick vacation, and also adopted a Siberian husky — which lasted all of seven hours (if you count the five hours in the car). While a young adult male husky is certainly not in our future, another trip to Florida and a husky puppy certainly are (at some point).
In addition to those shenanigans, I’ve had a busy month. And a few things I need to runfess. I’m linking up with Marcia for this April edition of Runfessions. Grab a cup of Joe, sit back, and relax while I kvetch…
Life Moves Pretty Fast: April Runfessions
I runfess…
1. I’m loving all the extracurricular activities I’ve been up to lately.
You might have noticed on Instagram that I’ve been diving head first into extracurriculars. I’ve basically been interested in everything except running. It started because my friend and I purchased inexpensive week-long passes to a local barre studio. At the same time, my husband and I decided to finally join a gym (!!!). And then as soon as my barre class pass expired, a local Cyclebar was celebrating their second anniversary by offering free rides all week.
I definitely drank the Kool-Aid at barre. It’s such an incredible workout — and so very different from what I was expecting! And though I spent almost the entire winter on my bike, I wasn’t pedaling anywhere near what I pedal in spin class. As much as I want to continue both barre and spin, I do need to focus on my running miles a bit as I get closer to the Cleveland Marathon on May 20th. I’m hoping to run the half so I really need to dial in my long runs. Plus, I think over the summer I might experiment a bit with Krav Maga. But I imagine I’ll be back for barre and spinning in the near future because they’re both amazing workouts. Fantastic cross-training for runners!
2. I’m not loving the new Friday Five format.
Man alive! I thought I would love the new Friday Five format that we announced a few weeks ago. But I find myself struggling almost every week with a topic. Which is funny because as the hostess I was struggling choosing topics, too. Hmm… But at least once I chose a topic it was easy to stay on track. Is anyone else struggling or is it just me?
3. Monthly challenges are on hold for May.
Ack! I know, I know! I said I was running the FREE monthly challenges for the entire year. But I have a FULL plate in May and I honestly can’t keep up with it. Those of you that have been participating in the challenges have been kicking major booty and I don’t want you to lose momentum. So here’s what we’re gonna do. We’re gonna REPEAT the Burpees, Planks, and Push-Ups Challenge from January. If you want to join the Facebook community, please do! But it’s by no means mandatory. So — everyone got that? Burpees, Planks, and Push-Ups for May!
And if you haven’t done a challenge with me before, I highly encourage you to join up. It’s a LOT of fun. And it’s hard work. But damn does it feel good to complete the challenge!
I’ll resume monthly challenges in June. Stay tuned.
4. When will the “extra” weight go away?
When I was sidelined with injury, I gained an extra five pounds. I kept up my activity level but it still crept up on me. And now that I’ve been more active, sometimes pulling double duty with classes and miles, I’m still holding onto the extra five pounds. What gives?! I’m a little nervous it’s the weight that naturally comes with being a woman and all the hormone fluctuations. But damn I sure hope not. I suppose it could be muscle…
Yeah, let’s go with that. It’s muscle!! Duh.
5. All the illnesses are killing my mojo!!
You GUYS! My family has been hit with every freaking illness possible this winter. And now spring. I am OVER IT! If my daughter’s not sick, it’s my son. And if my son’s not sick, it’s my husband. And if it’s not my husband, it’s me! The gloom of the winter was depressing enough — can we puhlease get a break from all these germs??
I’m longing for consistently warm weather and sunshine-filled days. We’re almost there. I can feel it. I don’t want to wish this life to move quicker because as it is life moves pretty fast. But frankly? I want this winter (and joke of a spring) to be over. STAT.
Hopefully I’ll have less to complain about come the end of May. But don’t hold your breath because I’ve got a super busy month ahead! 😉
Have a fabulous weekend, friends!
xo
Let’s talk!
What are you getting into this weekend?
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64 Comments
April certainly has flown by and it looks like you have had a busy month! hopefully the weather will get better and you won’t be struck with so much illness in May!
I really, really hope you’re right!!!!!!!!
Barre and spin are such great workouts! I definitely get a better workout when I go to spin class than when I do it on my own at home. April did go by pretty fast but I’m ready for May and hopefully warmer weather!
Yeah, I spent the whole winter thinking I was doing great on the bike… lol! Notsomuch…
I’m SO READY for May. And June. I need heat ASAP.
Bueller? Bueller? Couldn’t resist. 😉
Just when we finally got some nice weather it turns on us. I swear this weather makes me feel sick!
It’s fun to experiment with new classes!
Haha, I don’t think anyone could resist. 🙂
I agree, this weather is beating me down. It’s no good at all!!
I would LOVE to try a Barre class! Yes, April (and Spring 2018 in general) has been a total buzz kill. I hate wishing this time away as well, but I want my warm weather and if that means full-on summer, than so be it. I’m having a little trouble with the new Friday 5 format as well. I don’t mind having the freedom to write on any topic (rather than have a “chosen” topic), but I cannot get the “five items” out of my mind LOL Here’s to a warm & sunny May!!
You should totally try barre. It’s a really great, challenging workout. So different from what I was expecting!
I really want warm weather, too. Screw spring. BRING ON SUMMER!!!
May is busy for everyone! As the only 2 Chicago RnR Bloggers, Marcia and I are supposed to organize something for Global Running Day June 6. Sure….
Enjoy all your fun activities! And as far as the Friday Five goes, I’m still just doing my thing. Maybe you could just leave it open to interpretation..
It seems like everyone is split on the Friday Five thing. 🙂 I’ll just keep doing my thing, too. Whatever that may be… lol.
I love to go try all the classes in all the studios. It’s fun to mix things up a bit sometimes isn’t it? So glad to hear you are coaching again. Love my little people
It is fun to mix things up. I didn’t realize it until I did it!
Oh Lord this week was brutal for me too. And I know it’s only going to get crazier through May and June. Reading your post makes me wanna go back to my spin class and hit up Barre again, but like you said, I need to focus on running and when I spread myself thin, I just don’t. Sorry the Husky did not work out but I get it.
I definitely have felt like I’ve been spread too thin over the last two weeks. But I also feel stronger and less bored, so I think I needed it. 🙂
Did I miss the Husky story? You know I love all my classes – including CycleBar!
I like the new format. Don’t change back it yet. 😉
I posted an Instagram story when we got him. It literally lasted hours only because he was trying to assert dominance over everyone in the house (except for me). It was a bad situation. But he found a wonderful home so it worked out!
I definitely mix things up more now that I’m not running like I used to. Jeez, I used to be so narrow-minded 😉 haha.
Having topics is definitely helpful (I struggle too), but sometimes even a topic leaves my mind blank!
I used to be super narrow minded and one dimensional, too. Just running… I like doing the other stuff now!
Haha like Judy, I was saying ” Bueller” in my head.
I want to hear more about this Husky situation!
This Spring was definitely not ideal for a lot of us but at least it went fast. Now let’s hope we can just savor summer!
Ha! We adopted an 11 month old male husky. He was sweet as could be — to me. He was trying to dominate everyone else in our house, though, and that wasn’t gonna fly since I have two little kids and another dog at home. Plus huskies are super stubborn. So we’ll try again with a puppy someday. 🙂
I love Barre, but I suck at finding time to go to classes. It’s so much simpler just to work out at home.
And spring? What’s that? I think we had it for about 5 minutes, but summer arrives next week.
And yes, please, on the topics. I’m a wreck without them LOL.
Haha, I’m a wreck, too. But I think I might just go the random thoughts route next week and see what happens…
I used to prefer working out at home but I don’t challenge myself enough. It’s easier to get a good workout in when someone’s telling me what to do. 🙂
I’m a HUGE fan of barre. The Kool-Aid is delicious, haha! I am finally able to join in one of your challenges, so doing the January challenge in May works for me, I can’t wait!
I actually like the new format because it gives me a lot more freedom on what to write! I also like that there’s more variety of topics!
The Kool-Aid IS delicious! I really love barre!
Yay, I’m glad you’re joining the challenge! It’s my favorite one yet. 🙂
I have been wanting to try Barre forever!! And I’m so with you on needing to increase mileage with the Cleveland 1/2 marathon right around the corner!
It’s a great workout!
I don’t know about those lbs. It must be muscle since you look great.
Yes, I like it on Friday when you give us a topic. My brain is dry.
Someday when I have more time, I want to join a gym and go to some classes.
Try finding the week-long inexpensive passes. That’s the best way to do it because then you figure out what you like/don’t like.
And thank you so much! I hope it is muscle…
UGH – I so identify with the illnesses – I got strep this winter (thankfully it wasn’t the flu) but I just feel like I never got over it and returned to normal. I just have some easy runs planned this week – but I am going to see the Avengers which I’m stoked about!
Strep can be pretty bad. I got strep last year. It wasn’t fun at all.
Have a great weekend!
It’s amazing how fast April flew by. It’s a busy month at work with quarterly activities, I attended my cousin’s wedding, and I had HR training for supervisors. I can’t believe next Tuesday is May!
Weddings are so fun! Glad you had a productive April!!
You and Suzy (has the runs) have gotten literally every illness since 1/1/2018. It is amazing. We’ve been pretty lucky, but I know our time will come. I’m glad, though, because it is hard enough with a behbeh!
Amazing or ridiculous? I’m going with ridiculous. It’s so not fun!!!
Your time will definitely come. Especially when your little peanut starts interacting with other kids and putting everything in her mouth. Ugh…
I love the new format! I always have these short little stories I want to tell on my blog or little thoughts that pop into my head. Saving them for a Friday is perfect. Now, they’re not always about running or fitness, but I think that’s okay.
Great! I’ve actually been thinking about going in a totally random direction with Friday posts, too. Maybe i’ll join you. 🙂
I think you should. Personally, I love fun little quirky stories about a blogger’s life!
I think it’s great you’ve been trying some new classes – I love barre and am trying to figure out how to fit it in so I can get back to classes.
I have to admit that I like the old Friday Five format – my creativity is lacking these days and the prompts help 😉
I really love barre. I think I’ll do a few drop in classes here and there over the summer and then maybe purchase a pass for the fall and winter.
My creativity is lacking, too!!
I love that you have been loving exercises besides running! I always say that I often prefer strength training to running, and I don’t feel bad about that at all!
I know. it took me a while, didn’t it? I always thought you were loco for all those classes but i totally get it now. 😜
It sounds like you’ve been super busy! I agree, I really loved barre class but haven’t gone in forever. I’ll have to look into that again. Oops, I had somehow missed the news on the new format, but I like the idea of quick five minute reads 🙂
Barre is a lot of fun. So is spinning!!
I haven’t tried barre but I’m a HUGE fan of cycling for crosstraining. I have a Peloton bike and I love to throw in a few rides between runs. I’ll be doing a long run and a fun bike ride with friends. Plan to catch the Avengers tomorrow afternoon too!
I never really liked the bike until I went to cyclebar!! Now I know what I’ve been missing. 🤓
I love Barre so much! Sounds like a super busy month! I hope you can soon be over and done with all the illnesses!
Same here… summer can’t come soon enough!
I would really like to try a spin class! I am into road cycling and I love music! 🚴🏻♀️
It’s a lot of fun, I highly recommend it!
I taught spin class for about 10 years and loved it. But I’d really like to try a Barre class ….what is it like? Sounds tough! I’ve so enjoyed your monthly challenges …the FB group has helped me stay acountable. I’ll be doing Burpees, planks and pushups next month while you tackle your busy month… hang in there girl!
I would love to teach spin! What a challenge to do the workout AND talk! Lol.
Barre is nothing like I’ve ever done before. It’s NOT ballet. Haha! It’s light weights with high reps, isometric holds, lunges — a lot of variety! I really enjoy it.
I’m so glad you’ve liked the challenges. Keep it up!
I need to be more adventurous and try more classes! They always look so fun!
This was me first foray into group classes. I was always too intimidated. I’m glad I finally went to both!
I’m with you on the extra weight. I’ve been extra conscious of my diet, while increasing the amount of time that I work out, but the scale is barely budging. I too hope that it’s muscle that’s keeping my weight the same!
We are strong girls! 💪💪🤣
We battled with the flu recently, all 4 of us so I hear ya on being done with suck! Also, I love Barre, I’ve only done it a few times but it’s such a workout!
It’s an amazing workout! Can’t wait to go back!!
I kind of struggle with blogging consistently in general. I didn’t always stick to the themes for the old format of the Friday Five, so that’s not my problem. But writing short posts can be a struggle. Posts (long or short) always seem to take me 2-3 hours to put together, so I can only do them as I have time. It works for me but might explain why I’m not growing as much as I’d like.
Sorry to hear your family has been so sick. That sucks. Hopefully, you’ll get some consistent sunshine soon. Meanwhile, we’ve been having near records highs here in Vegas, which I love because I love the heat.
I’m doing the Tone It Up Bikini Series, starting May 7th, but I may try to do a redo of the BPP challenge since I didn’t do it in January. After my ankle debacle in April, I just need to be sure to be smart about challenges so I don’t overdo anything and end up with a painful ankle again.
Definitely don’t overdo it. Burpees might aggravate it. You could always start and dial back as needed!
Hope everyone in your family is back to feeling better soon. Those sickness can really throw things off for sure.
i hope May goes well for you. I am playing catching up and running errands all the day.
April has been a CRAZY month for me! I have to confess I fell off the challenge wagon so I hope I do better in May!
I hope everyone in your family stays healthy now!!
Cheers to May!
Yay for fun extracurriculars! Best of luck to you for May! I’m sorry to hear about the illnesses–it’s been a particularly horrible winter for those, but hopefully you and your family will be okay starting now! I can’t wait for warmer weather too! *-*
Ugh. I hate illness, especially when it’s passed around. I hope you’re all over it now!
I should definitely branch out and take some classes… just to switch things up.
I haven’t been participating in the Friday Five lately (I had other posts planned or just didn’t have time to blog), but maybe you could open up the format to the submission of suggested topics, so you don’t have to come up with all of them yourself.