Fit Five Friday & The Ultimate Coffee Date July Edition

July 1, 2022

Time flies when you are having fun, right? It’s that time of week again! Fit Five Friday with with your FIVE amazing hosts – me, My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Runs with Pugs, Zenaida ! Feel free to join in on the fun!

It’s the First Friday of the month which also means…

If we were having coffee together, I would be enthusiastic to tell you a few things that I’d really like to do this month. And of course I want to know what your plans are too!

Let’s dive in shall we?

Things I’m definitely doing in July

Going to the Gym

Yep, I said this in May and it took us about 4 weeks just to sign up thanks to both the Hubs and I having insane work situations. We finally went to work out on June 7th and then … corona.

So in July, I’m really, really, really going to the gym. Two times a week. Mark my words.

Question: Have you had any setbacks lately that kept you from accomplishing something? And I don’t mean only fitness-related, I mean anything!

Getting back on my running schedule

This is really non-negotiable, though my training could be “different” than I wanted it or expected it to be. So far I’ve run twice since recovering from covid and it wasn’t exactly easy. Of course I don’t expect “easy” all the time, in fact, some training runs should be difficult! That’s the challenge! BUT… I am hoping that running will get better with just a little bit of time and my heart rate won’t be skyrocketing within the first two minutes.

Question: How do you get back on schedule after stress or sickness?

Find a solution to my work “problem”

I’ve updated my CV and my LinkedIn profile. I don’t really want to leave my current job, but I also don’t want to be taken advantage of and not compensated properly. I think it will be tough to find a new job, especially at my age; companies say they don’t discriminate but I’m fairly certain they do. I just got rejected for a job that I was definitely fully qualified for but they gave the generic reason that I didn’t fulfil the requirements….

I haven’t talked about it much because I’m certainly not going to blast my company online. However, when I was still at Starbucks they strung me along (and I let them ) for two years and still never fulfilled their promises to me. I don’t want to be in that situation again.

I guess this also fits in the “self care” category! Obviously if we were having coffee in real life I would dish it ALL to you.

Question: Have you switched jobs later in life and did you find it difficult? I mean, I’m 53 and still have a huge chunk of working years ahead of me. I don’t want it to be a bitter and complacent experience.

Tell me all your plans for the summer!

Join the Fit Five Friday Link-up!

Here are the guidelines:

Your link should center around some kind of fitness (exercise, wellness, mental health, nutrition… the possibilities are endless!)
Please link back to your hosts! It’s the right thing to do!
Share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!
Feel free to share about Fit Five Friday on your social media! Tag #FitFiveFriday to get the word out!

Here are the guidelines:

Your link should center around some kind of fitness (exercise, wellness, mental health, nutrition… the possibilities are endless!)
Please link back to your hosts! It’s the right thing to do!
Share the link-up love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!
Feel free to share about Fit Five Friday on your social media! Tag #FitFiveFriday to get the word out!

Comments

29 responses to “Fit Five Friday & The Ultimate Coffee Date July Edition”

jenny

July 1, 2022

Okay, we’re going to hold you to that- the gym, twice a week! Blogging about things like that usually holds me accountable- I don’t want to have to admit I didn’t do it. i agree that it’s hard to get back into things like strength training and running when you haven’t been doing it. Good luck with it!
And good luck with the job search. I think some people definitely discriminate based on age, but I also think there are companies that value someone with more wisdom- you’ll find something if you just keep at it.

Reply
1. Renée
  
  July 5, 2022
  
  Good!! hold me accountable!!
  
  thank you so much! It will be worth the effort and the wait. The right thing will come along!
  
  Reply
Zenaida Arroyo

July 1, 2022

You need to send me a message each time you are at a gym. Oh and a picture too! 🙂 Good luck on the job search! Stay positive. The perfect job is out there for you.

Reply
1. Renée
  
  July 5, 2022
  
  maybe if I just get back to daily posting on IG that would already help hahaha!! Thank you, I’m positive and patient 🙂
  
  Reply
Kim at Running on the Fly

July 1, 2022

While I’m not in the job market, a friend of mine is. He’s having a tough time finding something. I know he’s well-qualified for the leads he’s been following up on, but I think the employers would rather hire someone younger (unfortunately, with less experience) so they don’t have to pay them as much.

Reply
1. Renée
  
  July 5, 2022
  
  That’s definitely a thing. Companies have this huge list of qualifications but then they don’t want to pay for it… seems really strange to me! Also, I don’t have a degree. In anything. But I do have over 25 years of work experience. Surely that’s worth something?
  
  Reply
Erica @ erica finds

July 1, 2022

I think there is definitely ageism, but also, later in life you have more experience and likely get paid more than many candidates they have in mind. I work as a contractor and my boss has told me a few times that she “might have to go with someone cheaper.” I try to remind her that I can do a lot in less time plus I know what needs to be done – you get what you pay for!

Re: return to run… have you tried run / walk?

Reply
1. Renée
  
  July 5, 2022
  
  So many more are getting this type of corona now. Ugh.
  I switched out my “new” orthotics for an old pair and it seems that’s helping me. But I still am thinking of new shoes… because what runner doesn’t love new shoes?
  I am still considering a run/walk plan of attack, but I think the hardest part right now is getting a real rhythm in my training schedule. I’m not ruling run/walk out.
  
  Reply
deborahbrooks14

July 1, 2022

Lots of runners have struggled to come back post covid. Starting slow with run/walk intervals is what seems to work for so many. Hope the job search starts to pick up for you. Nice to see you back for the coffee date!

Reply
1. Renée
  
  July 5, 2022
  
  Yes it’s so true. I know many who’ve had covid and getting back into running was even harder than I’m experiencing.
  
  thanks so much for the job wishes and it’s always good to join the coffee date!
  
  Reply
Darlene

July 1, 2022

You will get back there. Just take it slow. I post my runs on my blog and I hold myself accountable. Same when I had a gym membership. Still it’s hard with a job to fit it all in.

I hate job but I feel like I’m too old to find a new one. But I was over 60 when I started this one. I don’t think you are too old to change jobs. Another employer would be lucky to have you.

Good luck with everything.

Reply
1. Renée
  
  July 5, 2022
  
  Thanks Darlene. I’m counting on it. I’m thinking of posting my workouts on the Friday post instead of the WRD simply because I’m finding I have less time to blog. But you are right, it sure keeps us accountable if we put stuff out there in black and white!
  
  Thanks so much. I’m slowly accepting that I have a few options and am going to just see where I land. I can stay where I am and fight the grading system or I could find a new job. Time will tell.
  
  Reply
Wendy

July 1, 2022

Setbacks in training? Today I was slammed with an RA flare…ugh. I’m not training for anything but still! I’m hoping it’s short lived.

I’m not happy at my current employer either. But I’m not wanting to change jobs for so many reasons–most importantly that i’m really close to retirement. It’s definitely important to weigh everything!

Reply
1. Renée
  
  July 5, 2022
  
  ugh. I am so sorry Wendy. That sucks!!
  
  I do hear you on reasons to not find new employment. On one hand I feel a little bit the same but on the other I just can’t stay in this place for 15 more years with no room to earn any more and them not budging on my Payscale. Basically I’m stuck in one scale and I can’t get a raise unless I bust my ass every single year and perform consistently above average (review scale 1 – 5, most people are a 3, a 4 or 5 gets you a pay rise in my case). I’m not saying I don’t work hard but it takes a LOT to get above average. I’ve done it once and was completely exhausted.
  
  Reply
Farrah

July 2, 2022

Aww, I’m sorry! :[ I hope you get to go back there soon! My gym is now in my garage so I have zero excuses other than…being super super tired and feeling vaguely under the weather lately.

It really sucks that they age-discriminate even though they say they don’t, but experience is so valuable too! I hope you’re able to find another job that treats you better and compensates you appropriately!

Reply
1. Renée
  
  July 5, 2022
  
  Thanks Farrah. Gym is definitely a priority now – I too have loads of stuff at home but I really was missing the group classes so much. If I can get a rhythm then I will also likely sell some of my Les Mills equipment at least. But first I need to prove myself to myself!
  
  Thanks for the job wishes!
  
  Reply
Chocolaterunsjudy

July 2, 2022

I have no doubt you will get back to the gym now!

I know many people who have really had to ease back into running after COVID. So take your time, give your body the rest you know it needs, and it will thank you later down the road.

Ageism is definitely a thing. Applying for jobs is not what it used to be, either, it can be really soul crushing (and most of the time you never even hear back from them!).

Mr. Judy really thought he’d get another job. He was 58 when he got laid off. He does some contracting, but in general I’ve tried to point out that in some ways it’s a good thing — he’s also much less stressed. But your ego takes a huge hit.

At about the same time my brother (who is basically the same age as Mr. Judy)) switched law firms. He’d been with the other one forever, and switching was SUPER hard on him. He works like a dog, too, but that’s a different subject.

Good luck Renee!

Reply
1. Renée
  
  July 5, 2022
  
  Definitely got the gym on priority now! And as far as easing into the running, I’m definitely listening to my body. Like yesterday was one giant cup of Nope. But today was better.
  
  Applying for jobs is definitely not what it used to be! And the amount of rejections that are just plain generically generated emails is indeed soul crushing. I hate that Mr Judy had such a hard time. Why don’t people want to hire us? Isn’t experience something that is valued? Generally speaking if we are this age looking for a job then we are likely not ready to be complacent in our work life. And sad for your brother – we also shouldn’t have to work like a dog either.
  
  Thanks so much!
  
  Reply
Michelle @ Running with Attitude

July 2, 2022

I find run/walk intervals to be a huge help.

Sadly ageism is a thing, but don’t lose hope! I started my job search last Spring and landed a job offer by Thanksgiving. I started in January and it’s been a great experience so far. Work every connection you can – LinkedIn was a big help. I’m wishing you the best of luck!

Reply
1. Renée
  
  July 5, 2022
  
  I need to discuss with my coach to see if we are going to go the run/walk route. Because if anything it needs to not be willy-nilly, but really set intervals.
  
  I reactivated my LinkedIn account so I’m really ready to start searching and contacting people in my network! It’s so nice to know that others have been through it and still found something fulfilling!
  
  Reply
Coco

July 2, 2022

Running after having covid can be tough — you really can’t push yourself until you know your lung have fully recovered. I hope they have!

I have a friend about the same age who ^finally^ switched companies after being passed over too many times. It was an adjustment to her new position, but she’s happy she did it. I hope things work out for you.

Reply
1. Renée
  
  July 5, 2022
  
  Oh I hear you. Luckily my lungs weren’t super affected but my nose still seems to be really blocked. I think I’m more tired than anything.
  
  Nice to know that others our age have been able to make a switch as well! I am just not the type to accept that it is what it is in these cases – when I’m ready to stop growing and learning (in my job) then I hope it’s right about the time I’m going to retire!! And then I’ll be doing other growing and learning things!
  
  Reply
runswithpugs

July 3, 2022

I think I’ve been very depressed lately over all the things going on in the country, and that is a huge setback for me. Boo.

I hope you find something that fulfills you and makes you feel appreciated.

It’s been a weird summer. A has been working and volunteering, and we are just getting him around to all his obligations. We had a nice family mini vacation in Mt. Dora and now we are going to spend some time in NC.

Reply
1. Renée
  
  July 5, 2022
  
  Sorry to hear you’ve been down. There really is so much going on that just makes the mind bend. It’s hard. Hang in there!
  
  Thank you so much. I have to just believe the right thing will come my way.
  
  I wonder if the summers are going to feel weird from now on for you guys. A is definitely not a tot anymore and he will continue to grow and move on with more grown-up sort of things. That must be hard for you too in some ways.
  
  Reply
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets

July 4, 2022

I’m planning to make more time for the gym in July as well – I have one at work but I always claim to be “too busy” to pop in for a workout!

The job thing is so frustrating. I’m sorry that you’re not being fully appreciated! I definitely think you can find something – all the experience and knowledge you have would be an asset wherever you go next!

Reply
1. Renée
  
  July 5, 2022
  
  It’s crazy how we can really feel we are too busy to go for a workout. I mean, even 20 minutes is better than not making the time. So I’m really going to stick to it. Even if it means shuffling my schedule around a bit in order to prioritise it.
  
  Thanks. I am looking at different options and hope it doesn’t take too long to find something good and meaningful.
  
  Reply
Marcia

July 9, 2022

I can only imagine how difficult it is to resume your fitness routine after covid. Hugs to you. All the best with the job search. I do contract work for a number of companies and there is more than enough work to go around. It’s a total juggling act but it works and I think they are less judgmental about age and there are no office politics.

Reply
1. Renée
  
  July 27, 2022
  
  It’s been tough but I think I’m over it now. Thank goodness!! I firmly believe that the right company will come along and we’ll be a total match and I’ll want to be with them as much as they want to be with me. Things are changing and there are some really good companies out there who look at the person as a whole and not an age or a specific degree.
  
  Reply
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