Fitness Is Better With Friends

Posted on May 1, 2016 by Coco

I used to workout alone, but between getting to know local fitness bloggers, joining Moms Run This Town, and encouraging colleagues at work, I have developed a circle of friends who enjoy being active. Knowing a friend is going to meet me for a dark o’clock run keeps me from hitting the snooze button and makes a long run feel easy as we chat away the miles. Friends have convinced me to try workouts that I didn’t think I’d really enjoy but quickly fell in love with–like indoor cycling and hot yoga. There are so many reasons that fitness is better with friends!

fitness is better with friends
Sometimes business travel interferes with my workouts and my social life, but on my last trip to Chicago I actually got to run with–and run into–some good friends.  Continue reading →

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Changing Up My Workout Routine

Posted on April 29, 2016 by Coco

Last weekend I ran the last race of my spring racing season, finishing strong at the GW Parkway Classic after having braved the wind at the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and conquered the hills at the Reston 10 Miler. With those 10 milers behind me and the next one not until September, I think this is a good time to be changing up my workout routine.

Ready For A Change
Since it’s the last Friday of the month, I will share five runfessions that explain where I’m coming from and also link up with Courtney, Cynthia and Mar for the Friday Five. Continue reading →

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2016 GW Parkway Classic Race Recap

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Coco

What a difference two weeks makes! Instead of worrying about frigid temperatures and getting blown into the Potomac River off Hains Point like I before the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, my race-day weather concerns for the 2016 GW Parkway Classic were focused on sunshine and allergies. It ended up being a great day for a gorgeous run down the parkway. I didn’t push hard enough for a PR, but I did my best to run fast and finish strong.

2016 GW Parkway Classic Race Recap

Although I’ve run this race many, many times, this was the first time I’ve had to navigate the point-to-point logistics on my own, because my husband/sherpa was out of town. Usually he drops me off near the start and meets me at the finish, but this year I had to park near the finish and take a bus to the start. While that meant leaving the house earlier than usual, everything went smoothly.  Continue reading →

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What I’ve Learned From Fifteen Years Of Running

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Coco

As I enjoy the rolling hills and pretty scenery of the GW Parkway Classic 10 miler this weekend, I will be reflecting on what I’ve learned from fifteen years of running. 15 years. I know some of my friends started running in high school–or even earlier–but I hated running in high school. As a senior, I was forced to join the cross-country team because I couldn’t fit P.E. into my schedule and our cotton gym shorts did not treat my thighs kindly.

Fifteen Years Of Running

My bib from the 2001 GWPC 5k 

Avoiding cotton isn’t the only thing I’ve learned in fifteen years of running, although it could be the most important. Since I’m linking up with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia, I’ll share the top five lessons I’d like to pass on to new runners. Continue reading →

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What Energizes You?

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Coco

I love my morning coffee, it’s true. But I love my morning workouts more. Nothing wakes me up and gets me going as much as running outside, but even an indoor cycling class or strength training session can be energizing.

What Energizes You
My morning usually starts with a walk outside with Tiger Lilly. We’ve braved cold, wind and snow, but she doesn’t like to out in the rain. On the rare day that I don’t set an alarm, she usually wakes me up shortly after daybreak by putting her face in mine and wagging her tail with that “it’s time to get going” wag. Continue reading →

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