Stressing Over Taking A Rest Day

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Coco

‘Tis the season to be tired. The year-end demands at work are colliding with the demands of the holiday season, and I am being squeezed in the middle, burning the candle at both ends. The easiest way for me to get more sleep is to skip my morning workout, but how do I know when taking a rest day really is the right thing to do?

Sleepy Head (alarm clock)

I know that regular rest days are an essential part of a fitness program, but my morning workout is one of my favorite parts of my day. I’m hooked on those endorphins, rely on those sweat sessions to diffuse stress, and–especially this time of year–count on the calorie burn and metabolism boost to balance my indulgent eating. So, when life interferes with my regular schedule, I find myself stressing over taking an extra rest day.

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Looking For Desert Places

Posted on December 14, 2014 by Coco

I have been enjoying participating in the creation of a global Advent calendar on Instagram. Early each morning I get an email reminding me of the word for the day, a few thoughts applying the word to an Advent theme, and a link to a longer essay on the theme. The first word was LOOK.

I quickly scanned the email, and read this message:

Advent is a time to look for “desert places.”

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Posted in My Faith | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers For Runners

Posted on December 12, 2014 by Coco

Only 13 days until Christmas, and except for a few random things I ordered from Amazon, I have yet to do any shopping! My husband’s wishlist is pretty pitiful (new carbon monoxide detectors!) and my kids haven’t decided how they want to break the bank–XBox One? iPhone6?–they can keep dreaming! 

Stocking Stuffers For Runners

If you are still wondering what to put on your wishlist, or need ideas for the runner in your life, here are a few suggestions for fun but inexpensive stocking stuffers for runners.

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My Lucky Seven 2014 Races

Posted on December 9, 2014 by Coco

With only a few weeks left in 2014, I’ve been reflecting on the year and starting to make plans for 2015. Today’s Tuesdays On The Run theme is “Show Off Your Bling,” so what better time to bask in the glow of my 2014 races? 

2014 Races
This year turned out to be a really great year of running for me. I became involved with Moms Run This Town and met women who would brave the cold and the rain for company on long runs. They taught me how great track workouts can be and even made hill repeats fun. I didn’t have to take any time off for injuries, and I ran seven great races.  Continue reading →

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Garmin Vivosmart Review

Posted on December 8, 2014 by Coco

I’ve only had my Garmin Vivosmart for a few weeks, but since people may be putting personal activity trackers on their holiday wishlists, I thought I’d share my initial thoughts in an early Garmin Vivosmart Review. 

Garmin Vivosmart Review
I wore my  Jawbone UP for a year, so I can’t help but compare the Vivosmart to the UP. Like the UP, the Garmin Vivosmart is an activity tracker that counts your steps and alerts you when you’ve been idle for more than hour. What makes the Vivosmart “smart” is its Bluetooth connection to your smartphone. Not only does it upload its data automatically to the Garmin Connect app, it can transmit notifications when you receive a call, text message, or other alert on your phone!  Continue reading →

Posted in Fitness, Product Reviews | Tagged , | 21 Comments