Wow is it really December already?! Thanks so much for joining Coco and me for the December Ultimate Coffee Date. I feel like I have so much to fill you in on since our last coffee date. Grab you favorite mug and let’s sit down and catch up!
If we were having coffee, I would tell you...I am setting small December goals for myself. It’s such a stressful time and I like to feel like I have accomplished something everyday. My goals are: to move everyday but cut myself some slack if my duration and intensity is less and to enjoy eating some of the yummy holiday time foods.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you…I am so looking forward to spending quality family time away with my husband and kids. We are going to Aruba at the end of the month and it will be so nice to get away from so many stressful things and just enjoy being with each other. Remembering last year’s trip here:
If we were having coffee, I would tell you..I am already starting to think about my racing calendar for 2017. It is so easy for me to get carried away and sign up for “all the races”. I am trying to plan out a more strategic schedule this year. More on that as soon as I figure it out.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you…There are so many social obligations this time of year and sometimes I need a quick snack or meal. I’ve been enjoying these new varieties of Morningstar Farms Veggie Bowls. My favorite one so far is the Italian “sausage” bake ironically. I even ate it for breakfast the other day. They are full of veggie protein and make a great side or snack for me. Thanks for the samples Morningstar farms!
If we were having coffee, I would tell you…I am working really hard to tune out so much of the negativity and focus on what the true spirit of the holidays are about. For me, that is appreciating and being very grateful for the health and happiness of my family and friends.
If we were having coffee, what would you tell me?
Karen - Fit in France says
It is important to cut ourselves some slack this time of year, because things can quickly become so overwhelming. I have started to think about my race schedule too, but making an effort not to over commit. I did that last year and ended up missing a few races I had signed up for. Have a great month & a fabulous time on vacation in the sun !
Deborah Brooks says
It is so hard not to over commit! I am trying really hard. Happy holidays and thanks for joining us as always nice to have you
Tamieka says
Aruba!!!! OMG that should be so much fun and so relaxing!! I need to do better at planning my family vacations.
This time of year can get a bit stressful for sure. Good idea to take it as it comes. What are some of the goodies you enjoy during the season?
I only have 2 races planned for next year so far. Rev3 Westfield Tri April 30th and Philly Hot Chocolate April1st.
I have not had Morningstar products in so long (years and years ago) I am sure they have changes since then-I need to give them another try.
Deborah Brooks says
Yes so looking forward to getting away with the family it;s been a crazy few months. I will be signing up for Westfield and hope we can get a bike ride in together in the early spring. I am an outdoor bike wimp in the cold. I am ok to run but do not enjoy biking in the cold.
Coco says
Oh, I’m jealous of your vacation! Looks like we will be spending the holidays figuring out what my son needs to figure out to start grad school Jan 9! I hope we have time for some real coffee before the year is over!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes we do need a real coffee date or yoga date. I also plan to do much more biking in 2017 so hope we can do that too. Always great to catch up with you!
Kimberly Hatting says
If we were chatting over coffee (or chai), I’d tell you I just registered for another race last night…Leprechaun Chase (10K) happening March 11th. That’s two races on my 2017 calendar thus far (that are paid for LOL). I’m hoping to finish my holiday decorating this weekend (hopefully today). I got both trees up (and lit!) before the daughter went back to Pennsylvania last weekend…and haven’t done anything since #oops
Deborah Brooks says
ha ha! It’s so hard for me not to sign up for all the races! I want to do everything. Hope you have a great weekend and thanks for joining us this morning
Lara @ Uptite Mamas says
I agree with everything you say here!! Remove negativity, small goals to feel accomplished through the insanity, family time, race calendar!! 🙂 And now I just have to give those veggie bowls a try too. Enjoy this month as we wrap up 2016. Thanks for a fantastic year of coffee dates!
Deborah Brooks says
Thank you for joining us! I love catching up over the coffee dates
[email protected] says
I would love a vacation to aruba right now! LA has had some unusually cold mornings and I have been getting a glimpse of what “cold” weather running is like. If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I am really looking forward to all the holiday parties coming up, starting with the first one tonight:)
Deborah Brooks says
I always think it’s funny when people in LA think it’s cold 🙂 Have fun at all of your holiday parties look forward to seeing the pic on IG
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
It’s so nice that you have your family Aruba trip to look forward to! It’s one of my favorite islands.
I’m trying to be smarter about my race strategy too and not go on a mad sign-up spree – though so tempting sometimes!
Thanks for the link-up – Have a great week 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
It is hard not to go crazy she says after just signing up for a race next weekend 🙂
Clarinda says
I’m so jealous of your upcoming trip to Aruba! Definitely something fun to look forward to and help get you through the stress of the holidays. I recently wrote a post on quick, easy, do-anytime-anywhere tips for stress relief. You should check it out. 😁
Deborah Brooks says
Yes I am really excited about our family trip!
dynise says
Aruba sounds great right now. Something to look forward to! I think everyone is feeling a bit pooped right now. I sure am – about running and everything. But we need rest.
Enjoy your vacation!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes I completely agree!
Farrah says
I can’t believe it’s already the last coffee date of the year! I’m super looking forward to seeing my friends and family again at the end of this year! I haven’t seen em’ since June! I’ve also been massively tuning out the negativity (as much as possible)!
Deborah Brooks says
Wow that ‘s a long time I hope you really enjoy your family time and get a needed break!
Kerri McGrail says
So jealous of your trip to Aruba! That sounds so fun! I bet it will be great to get to relax with your family!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes it definitely will!
Barrie says
I will have to try those Morningstar bowls- they would be a good “just in case” kind of healthy meal! Enjoy your time with your family~
Deborah Brooks says
Yes exactly! Thanks hope to have a great vacation. Happy Holidays
Akaleistar says
A trip to Aruba sounds like a lovely way to end the year 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
I know! Super excited
Teresa says
Those Morning Star Farm veggie bowls look really good …I will have to try them. Aruba sounds like a fabulous place to go after the holidays! The hubs and I have a little trip planned for New Years Eve as well. I, too, am looking forward to getting away for some quality time after all of the hustle and bustle of the month!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes exactly! It’s a great time to get away and recharge
Gingi Freeman says
What a fun concept!!! I dont feel like I am interesting enough to join this link up tho, haha… – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Deborah Brooks says
Oh yes you are! It’s for everyone first Saturday of every month join us it’s fun
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Eye on the prize: Aruba. I may or may not be going with you 😀 The temps are dropping this week, and now that you’ve mentioned Aruba, that is where I wish I was heading!!
Deborah Brooks says
How much fun would that be?! Yes I am really excited about getting away with the family for sure
Erica @ Erica Finds says
Amen to focusing on the positive and enjoying the holiday spirit. This has been a rough year in the country for sure.
Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your quality family time!!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much happy holidays!
Debbie @ Deb Runs says
I think setting small goals – one day at a time – is the best way to help keep stress at bay during the busy holiday season. Have so much fun in Aruba! You’ll feel the stress slip away as soon as you finish packing that last bag and take off for the airport!
Hope you have a great upcoming week!
Deborah Brooks says
I sure hope so! Setting small goals is the way to go for sure. Have a great week stay warm
Emily @ Out and About says
Ahhhhh – travel safe to Aruba and have a wonderful time there!!!!! I totally know what you mean about having to be careful to not go overboard on signing up for too many races. Black Friday was hard because there were so many race registration specials!!! I am also a huge fan of Morningstar products. They are super delicious and quick!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes so hard not to sign up for everything!
Kristy from Southern In Law says
It really is hard to step away from the busyness and stress of the holiday season and take a moment to realise all the things you have to be thankful for! Hopefully your trip to Aruba gives you plenty of time to do just that though!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes! I hope so have a wonderful holiday season yourself
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
I know what you mean about getting carried away with the 2017 racing plans! I’m trying to reign it in a bit and be smart about it. A warm destination this time of year is brilliant- have an amazing time!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes I am trying not to go crazy with my race plans (says the girl who just signed up for one next weekend).
Mary Beth Jackson says
Can’t wait to see what you have planned for 2017! So many races so little time! Do you have extra room in that suitcase? I can be Aruba ready 😊!
Deborah Brooks says
Now that would be fun!!
Marcia says
Aruba sounds like the perfect way to end the year! I’m kind of just trying to breathe through all the stress and count the days ’til I’m back in Florida.
Deborah Brooks says
That sounds like a great idea too.
Megan @ Meg Go Run says
Aruba sounds awesome! I would love to getaway somewhere warm th u still winter. Enjoy the special time with your family!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much can’t wait!
vicki says
Aruba sounds awesome this time of year (heck anytime of year).
Deborah Brooks says
It sure does!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
I hate that I’m so late in joining your for coffee! I think the holidays can be a wonderful time of the year but there always seems to be more and more pressure and stress. I hope you have a wonderful vacation with your family!
Deborah Brooks says
There can be lots of stress for sure! Always available for coffee with you