February Virtual Coffee Date

February 7, 2025 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 12 Comments

Happy first Friday in February! I’m joining several other bloggers today for a virtual coffee date, which is fun. If you know me, you know I don’t actually drink a lot of coffee in real life, or caffeine. But if you care to join me over a decaf latte, here’s what I’d share over coffee:

Note – there are some affiliate links below, so if you decide to buy my exercise bike, thanks in advance 🙂 But I really do love all these!

I’m over winter … but surviving! Okay, I hate to start with a grumble, but if we were actually meeting for coffee, I’m sure you’d say the same! We’ve had SO MUCH wintery weather this year, and many schools were closed near me yesterday for ice! Can’t it just be spring? Here is how I’m surviving this winter:

My treadmill – I’m LIVING on it.
My Merach exercise bike. I admit it’s no Peloton, but as someone who mostly works out on a treadmill or outside, it’s been nice to have an affordable bike for me to use as cross training when it’s too cold, icy, or my legs are sore.
Yaktracks. I bought these new ones a few weeks ago for running, and they seem to work well! I don’t love running on snow often because it impacts my gait, but if there’s a little snow and not much ice, these have been lifesavers.

What I’m reading lately. I am still in the middle of Onyx Storm and just got to some serious action and can’t put it down! I don’t want to finish it because I’ve heard it just ends (ugh!) and it will be some time before the author writes the next in the series. So I’m taking my time. I did just finish two good reads that I’d recommend:

If you like historical fiction with a little spice: The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr was enjoyable. It was like Evelyn Hugo meets World War II Nazi drama.
If you like sci-fi that takes place in modern times on Earth: An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green was so good. I loved the way it was written and that it wasn’t too far out. We read it for book club and I’ve already read the second book because I couldn’t wait to hear what happened next!

What I’m excited for this weekend. Our weekends have been crazy lately – we typically have 2 basketball games, a soccer game, 1-2 futsal games, piano lessons and ice skating … and all that’s for the kids! Well, this weekend I’m taking time for ME and going to the Cleveland Marathon Kickoff Run! It is thanks to arranging for childcare, having my husband carry the load, and having FW get rides from other parents … but I’m going to make it happen and go run with the group on Saturday morning.

photo from last year’s kickoff run

As a reminder, I’m a Cleveland Marathon Ambassador, which means I also have discounted race admission should you want to sign up – you can use SAVE20MELCARN for 20% off your race entry into ANY of the races (including 5K, 10K, kids run!).

Thanks for joining me for my Ultimate Coffee Date!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Ultimate-Coffee-Date-1.jpg Ultimate Coffee Date is hosted by Coco and Deborah

Questions for you:

If you have crazy weekends, how do you fit in time for you?
Are you over winter yet, too?

Five Friday Fitness-Related Favorites

March 15, 2024March 13, 2024 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

Happy Friday! I’m joining the Fit Friday Five linkup today to share Five Fitness-related Favorites. Say that five times fast amiright?

Now that my leg is nearly recovered, I’m feeling like I am finally getting back in the groove of my fitness routine. I’m back to running (somewhat) regularly, doing cross training, planking daily (up to 2:30!) and fitting in push ups and other exercises. So here are five things that I’m loving lately, related to fitness:

Note – there are some affiliate links below, but I really do love all these!

A good pair of shoe inserts. These are my go-to orthotic inserts for my running shoes. They are (relatively) cheap (compared to prescription ones) and they last me a while. Each time I buy a new pair of running shoes, I remove the inserts that come with them and add these instead. They’re so easy to use and keep me feeling supported when running!

From their website (but I’ve also bought at Amazon and from Fleet Feet)

PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles | Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Relief Orthotic

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My massage gun. I was gifted with the Bob and Brad C2 Pro Massage Gun and it has become part of my routine. I use it weekly on my legs and lower back to help loosen up sore areas or places that I’m tight at. It comes with different tips, and you’re able to use it as a hot OR cold massager, which I LOVE. I’m always cold in the winter and love the heat option. I haven’t used it in the summer, but I know the cold will be lovely in summertime. It also comes with a carrying case, which makes it easy for when I bring it from the basement (where I work out) to other areas of the house. Note — if you want to try out this massage gun for yourself, here is a 10% off discount code: PRC2PRO10. I don’t personally benefit from this code, but you do get a good deal, thanks to the Bob and Brad team.

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A variety of core workouts. I have been trying to do a plank every day, and am doing 2-2:30 minutes ata time most days, which is great for me! I also like to switch it up and try different online core workouts. One of my favorite fitness influencers who has a variety of core workouts that I’m loving these days is Pamela Reif. She has a ton of pilates, yoga, aerobics and core/ab workouts, which I have been trying out. And best of all – they’re all free and online for anyone!

My running vest. In Cleveland, it’s the season of in between weather. And on those days where it’s not quite cold enough for a jacket, but it’s too cold for just a shirt (or when I just want some extra pockets), I THRIVE in my running vest. I had a Nike one for years, which I have loved, but as it got older and more worn, I was looking for a new option. I found this affordable one (more affordable than some major running brands) on Amazon which has been perfect for me! In the winter I was wearing it over my running layers for extra heat. This week, one morning it was in the 40s and I wore shorts, a long sleeve and this vest. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something with pockets, that’s affordable and less frills.

(Yes, the brand name is “Little Donkey,” which is hilarious)

I’m wearing it in this photo – I brought it to Thanksgiving for their turkey trot!

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Local raw honey. What does honey have to do with fitness you ask? Plenty! Well for me, at least. I LOVE honey for my fuel for long runs. I have honey packets for carrying with me during long runs. And because I’ve been fighting a cold, I’ve been having a teaspoon (err..or a few teaspoons) of the raw honey that we bought at Pancake Town a few times a day – before my run, and later in the day as well. It not only gives me energy, but I truly believe in its healing powers. Oh and it tastes delicous!

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Shoe inserts, a massage gun, online core workouts, my running vest and raw honey – those are what’s keeping me fitness-happy lately. What about you?

Fit Five Friday is hosted by My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher

Questions for you:

Do you like honey? I admit I’m kind of a honey fanatic.
Do you wear a running vest often?

Friday Favorites and a Virtual Coffee Date

March 1, 2024March 1, 2024 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 14 Comments

Happy first day of March! I’m joining several other bloggers today for a virtual coffee date, which is fun. I can’t remember the last time I did an actual real-life coffee date with someone (it’s been some time), so it’s fun to share with you instead some things I’ve been enjoying lately.

Over coffee, I would tell you that these are five things I’ve been grateful for lately:

Note – there are some affiliate links below, so if you decide to buy my bike, thanks in advance 🙂 But I really do love all these!

This tea. Okay, I don’t actually drink caffeine regularly, so if we were having a coffee date, I’d probably be sipping on some delicious tea – Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice. And this tea has been giving me life lately. If I do need a little jolt of energy, this is what I’m brewing these days. If you like cinnamon, I highly recommend it!

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My exercise bike. I have been getting over a running injury (ugh!) and I’ve been so grateful to have my Merach exercise bike to get me through the past few weeks. It has kept me sane when I can’t run, and also given me a way to sweat and work some new muscles that I don’t focus on when running. It’s no Peloton, but I does it’s purpose and is a great bike for when cycling is your cross-training and not your primary workout. Oh, and it’s a great tool to have when your toddler is waking up at 6 am on weekends and wants to watch Daniel Tiger …

This nail polish. I go through phases with my nails, but I have always loved a good painted nail. This Esse Gel Couture is a polish I use at home (thanks to my friend Emily for introducing me to it!) and it lasts longer than my traditional home “manicure.” I’ve done my nails on a Friday or Saturday and gone to work most of the following week with it still looking good, and that says something! Best of all – it’s regular nail polish. No need for any UV light or do anything special to take it off. I use regular polish remover with acetone and a cotton ball and it comes right off. I have this bright red color and the below pink, which is an amazing nude color.

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What I’m reading lately. After reading Killers of the Flower Moon, I wanted to find an easy, short book and this was everything I was looking for. Sourdough was a light, fast read. It wasn’t my favorite book of the year but it was quick and easy. It also made me think about getting into the sourdough baking cult (yes, I know I’m 4 years too late).

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Morning walks. As the weather starts to get warmer, I’m so glad to be able to get in a short morning walk with GM after the big kids go to school. The bus picks them up around 7:15, and if I’m working from home, I have a 45 minutes or so to kill before starting my day. While it was chilly some mornings this week, we had some beautiful 50-60 degree days with a gorgeous sunrise and I was able to get GM out for a few miles. These walks have also been key to my sanity while I’m not running – getting in any movement has been a blessing!

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Hope you liked my first Ultimate Coffee Date/Fit Five Friday linkup!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Ultimate-Coffee-Date-1.jpg Ultimate Coffee Date is hosted by Coco and Deborah
Fit Five Friday is hosted by My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher

Questions for you:

Do you drink coffee or tea regularly?
How often do you paint your nails or get them done?

WIAW #18: Baseball and Basketball Games

June 10, 2015June 10, 2015 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 5 Comments

Happy Wednesday – are you ready for another What I Ate Wednesday? These were my eats from YESTERDAY. I tried to switch things up a little bit in my eats – starting with breakfast. For those of you who follow me on a regular basis, you know I typically eat egg whites and veggies in the morning – I started it with a little different food! Here we go:

The day started with a 5-ish mile run with Nicole around downtown! We made sure to run by the Q (Quicken Loans Arena) where the Cavs are playing in the NBA playoffs. There were already news stations parked downtown (ESPN, etc.) and the streets were alive and decorated. Before the run I had a spoonful of honey and some water.

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My post-run breakfast was a homemade yogurt parfait. I had leftover yogurt at work from our last week’s smoothie party – Dannon Light & Fit – which I mixed with some frozen berries, chia seeds and flaxseed. Yum!

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For lunch, I had made myself a salad. I typically have leftovers but I decided to give B the leftover stir fry for today and instead I had a salad with chickpeas, quinoa, a Heinen’s veggie burger, carrots, radishes and black beans. No dressing – I’m super picky about the dressing and didn’t have any homemade dressing available.

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Snacks the day included a nectarine, lots of herbal tea (my office was freezing!), some radishes, some mints and a handful of nuts. Nuts not pictured.

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B made me dinner – some whole wheat pasta with sausage from our CSA and sautéed zucchini and shallots. It was soo good and luckily I got home from work about 6:45 and we had time to eat before heading to the Indians game.

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We ended up spending the evening at the Indians game BEFORE watching the Cavs game so my after-dinner snack was a beer at the ballpark. I didn’t realize it was going to be this big and I admit I didn’t finish it all. I maybe should’ve gone for the ice cream 🙂 We enjoyed spending time in the ballpark watching the Indians (they lost :() but also spent time in the ballpark bar and watched the Cavs game – and watched the Cavs win!! What a perfect ending to a Tuesday … is it Friday yet?

Hellllo ginormous beer

Me and Nicole at the Indians stadium bar watching the Cavs game

That was it! That was my day. How did I do? Two questions for you:

Who are you rooting for in the NBA Finals? Cavs? Oakland? Nobody?
What’s your favorite ballpark food? If we hadn’t eaten dinner I would’ve gotten a pretzel or veggie burger. Or ice cream 🙂

Scenes from A “Do Nothing” Weekend

March 12, 2014March 12, 2014 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 5 Comments

We all have those weekends. Those weekends when someone asks you what you’re doing and you’re SO happy to say, “Nothing!” Or maybe you’re not happy. But I was happy to be able to say that about last weekend. After a few weeks of traveling, and looking at my calendar and realizing that I’m traveling likely every weekend through April 19th, I was looking forward to a weekend of doing nothing. And boy, was it a GREAT do nothing weekend.

Here are some of the highlights:

Friday night included dinner at one of my favorite places, the Flaming Ice Cube. I love their vegan, carbolicious food before a long run! B and I split the Buffalo “chicken” dip, and I got the kalebouli wrap. I could eat kalebouli every single day and be happy.

Saturday started early with a 12 mile run with B and his sister. Despite not getting the pace we wanted (B was shooting for 9 min/miles for the whole time) I felt pretty good the entire time. Perhaps the key to feeling good is running slower? Mary kept on going for 15 total miles – I was very happy to be done with 12. And I think my body was too – after our run for a few hours I had some shooting pain down my back right side – from my glutes to just above my calf. Thank goodness it went away!

Post-run, B and I picked up some supplies at the West Side Market for meals for this week. I won’t be able to shop there until the end of April, so I took advantage of the opportunity to get tons of food – probably too much. I’ll be eating spaghetti squash, eggplant and butternut squash for a few days 🙂

Love the fresh produce!

Did I mention we also got lunch at the Souper Market (LOVE their bread and Mulligatawny) and shared a giant Apple Fritter from the West Side Market?

seriously, these are the BEST apple fritters

After the market, B and I decided to get coffee and tea. Well, coffee for him (Rising Star) and tea (from the new Hingetown Tea Revival shop) for me. I LOVED my ginger turmuric infused tea. And how cute is the shop?

After our Ohio City escapades, B and I decided to do some outlet shopping. I actually didn’t end up with anything (surprise! I’m saving money for our upcoming vacation) but B left with 2 new suits that actually fit him. I didn’t realize how big the suits he’d been wearing were on him until he tried on the new suits. WOW – what a difference! I can’t wait until he wears them 🙂 If he lets me I’ll post a photo because they looked really good.

And the night included a few drinks out and then a lazy evening of watching Game of Thrones (and I didn’t fall asleep during the episode!), homemade pizza, and wine.

Sunday I ended up having to work most of the day so I spent the day at a coffee shop before meeting B’s family for dinner. Today is B’s mom’s birthday (Happy birthday!) so we celebrated Sunday evening with more pizza, more wine and other Italian food.

Food, family and a good run. That’s what I call a pretty good “do nothing” weekend – don’t you?

I know it’s already Wednesday. But how was your weekend? Do you enjoy “do nothing” weekends? Do you already have plans for this weekend?