Runfessions — Page 8

Runfessions – Long Weekend Edition

May 25, 2018 by Michelle 32 Comments

Can I get a Halleluiah that the long weekend is here! (Can you tell it’s been a long week for me?!)

I’m ready to dive into this Memorial Day Weekend, but first, Marcia has opened the runfessional so it’s time to share a few runfessions so I can go into my weekend with a clear conscience 🙂

I runfess that as I sit here on Friday morning making plans to head to the expo this afternoon, I still have no idea if I’m actually going to Sunday’s race.

I runfess that I’m having a hard time getting excited about a race where I feel like I’m settling on the distance (5 miles instead of the half) and where I’m concerned about how my hammy will hold up (especially after yesterday’s less than stellar run) …and did I mention now there’s rain in the forecast. I’ve raced in the rain before and usually, my attitude towards Mother Nature is “Bring it!”, but given everything else I’m feeling very “Meh” about the whole thing.

I runfess that despite the recent running woes, I still remain optimistic about my running plans for the rest of the year. I just added RnR Chicago to the mix for July, and am eyeing the Finish at the 50 10K – while I’m not usually much of a summer racer, I figure I’ll be logging double-digit runs for marathon training so why not have some fun while I’m at it.

I runfess that the madness of the typical May schedule around here is starting to take its toll. I’m seriously starting to have a hard time remembering who needs to be shuttled where, which sports bag is going in which car, signing field trip permission slips, etc. Thankfully the end is in sight!

I love going to my boys’ games but watching how some parents behave is getting harder and harder to take. I runfess that I’m tempted to make up t-shirts that say “Your son is not going Division 1 so calm down!” and start handing them out.

Tell me, do you have any summer races lined up? Have you witnessed parents behaving badly?

I’m also joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

Filed Under: Friday Five, Runfessions

Spring Runfessions

April 27, 2018 by Michelle 34 Comments

Happy Friday!

Wowza what a long week it’s been! I’m looking forward to the weekend, but first things first – today is the last Friday of the month and Marcia has opened the runfessional so let’s share, shall we?

I runfess that this year’s weather has really gotten into my head more than usual. I’m not usually such a fair-weather runner, but I am just so done with wearing “all the layers”. Thankfully, Mother N seems to have finally settled down and the past few days have felt like spring!

I runfess I’m more in love with the idea of running than actual running at the moment. My runs have kind of been all over the place lately – I’m either feeling like I’m in a groove or even the easy runs feel ridiculously hard. There’s no rhyme or reason to it. Running has its ebbs and flows, and I’m currently in an ebb.

I runfess that I’ve been having a hard time watching some of the trainer-led workouts going on at my gym lately. While I do not profess to be an expert, if someone’s doing a plank and they look more like a triangle, shouldn’t you correct them? I watched a training session going on next to me the other day and couldn’t believe it. The trainer seemed more concerned with looking at his phone than what his client was doing. Then again, the trainer was also dressed in jeans…so there’s that!

I runfess that while I was fully committed to Rachel’s Tricep Dips, Push-ups & Jump Squat Challenge, my mojo has waned this week as the number of reps reached the 90s – the dips and push-up are leaving me with jelly arms. I’ve been doing them usually in sets of 20 and admit to not always getting back to finish the final sets this week.

I runfess that today is the 8th anniversary of this blog! (You can read my very first post here). When I realized earlier this month that it was coming up, I had grand plans for honoring the occasion, but then promptly forgot about them in the hubbub of daily life. Perhaps I’ll get it together for a belated celebration in May.

Tell me, do you ever see trainers re-inforcing bad form at the gym? Do you celebrate your blog anniversary?

I’m also joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

Filed Under: Friday Five, Runfessions

Some March Runfessions

March 30, 2018 by Michelle 36 Comments

It’s the last Friday of the month which means it’s time for some soul (or is that sole?) cleansing. Marcia has opened the runfessional and I’ve got some runfessing to do, so let’s get to it, shall we?

If you’ve been around here for a while then you know that I’ve been spinning myself in knots over the idea of which marathon to run this fall. I runfess that while I really wanted to run Marine Corps, I was starting to psyched myself out over the whole “beat the bridge” time thing, and had stated to rationalize picking another marathon. And, after doing some research I was prepared to announce that I was going to run the Hartford Marathon.

But then the reminder for MCM lottery registration I’d set up in my phone months ago, popped up the other day. I runfess that instead of deleting it, I kept hitting the snooze. I may have also ventured out to the MCM site a couple of times, but was too intimidated to enter.

I runfess that as I was talking to my brother about my decision to not even enter the MCM lottery, something didn’t feel right. I didn’t like the fact that I was shying away from the potential challenge of running MCM. Wasn’t my one word for the year “Brave”?

I runfess that I went back to the MCM site and threw my name into the lottery not long before it closed. “It isn’t like I’ll get in – lots of people apply.” I was still rationalizing, but I also knew I couldn’t just not apply. You can see where this is going right?

I got in! What?! Yep – this appeared in my mailbox on Wednesday morning!

I runfess that I’m both excited and terrified! I had always said if I ever decide to run a marathon I wanted to run Marine Corps – well it sounds like the universe was listening cause I’m MCM-bound! Oorah!

Tell me, what are you runfessing?

I’m also joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

Filed Under: Friday Five, Marine Corps Marathon, Runfessions

Runfessions for February

February 23, 2018 by Michelle 32 Comments

It’s the last Friday of the month which means it’s time for some soul (or is that sole?) cleansing. Marcia has opened the runfessional so let’s get to it!

I runfess that being stubborn and trying to power through being sick was not my best choice. I was kind of in a bit of denial about sick. Sometimes you need to let go of plans and “must do’s” and just rest!

I runfess that I’m both disappointed and a little worried that I’m going to go into Black Cat undertrained. It’s my first race of the year and I had really wanted to kick things off strong, but two weeks off from running threw a wrench in those plans. Now it becomes a TRB (training run with benefits) and I’ll focus on training for a strong run at the Portland 10 Miler in April.

I runfess that my eating habits have been a bit of a mess lately. When I first got sick I dropped 5 lbs in a couple of days – not ideal but that’s what happens when you live on green tea, water, and soup. As I emerged from my flu fog, I fell into eating whatever felt comforting…yeah no good. I need to start paying attention again.

The Runfessional is open and I've got some #runfessions to share! #fridayfive #runchat Share on X

I runfess that I’m growing tired of Mother Nature’s twisted sense of humor. We had glorious 70-degree weather on Tuesday and Wednesday, only for it to snow yesterday and colder temps have returned. This weather whiplash has gone on all month, and I have to say if I wasn’t over the winter before I sure am now. I have no desire to bundle up again now that I’ve broken out my running skirts – bring on spring!

Weather whiplash!

I runfess that I still haven’t settled on a fall marathon. I’ve talked myself in and out of each of my 3 options, but am having a hard time choosing. I’m waiting for divine inspiration…or for the MCM lottery to open, whichever comes first.

I’m also joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

So how was your month? Anything you want to come clean on?

Filed Under: Friday Five, Runfessions

New Year, New Runfessions

January 26, 2018 by Michelle 46 Comments

We’re quickly bringing this first month of 2018 to a close and so that means it’s time to link up with Marcia for another edition of Runfessions!

I runfess that I have spent more time in the gym…specifically on the treadmill this month. Mother Nature really put us through some just brutally cold weather and, while in the past I’ve been willing to layer up and get out there at all costs, this month not so much. We’ll have to see what February brings.

Since I have been spending more time on the gym mills, I runfess that I’ve gotten very picky about which ones I’ll run on to the point where I’ve been willing to become “that person” who will take the treadmill right next to someone despite others being open. I may have caught the woman on the next treadmill giving me the stink eye the other day.

Despite best intentions and setting my alarm, I runfess that early morning workouts have been few and far between. It’s been tough to leave the warmth of my bed, but the downside has been I’ve been left juggling to get my workouts done in between work, the kids’ schedules, and errands. (Workout or hit the grocery store…hmmm)

I runfess that at my brother and husband’s ~~urging~~ suggestion, I may have recruited my oldest son to join our Run this Year team. The reality of just how many miles lies in front of us may have started to sink in and they think we may need his young legs (and his fall cross country season) to help carry us to the finish line.

I runfess that last Sunday’s run with my husband was my best run in a long time. It helped that it was 50 degrees out, but I also think it helped that I had someone to run with. I’m usually a solo runner, but it has got me wondering whether I should look for a run group to infuse a little energy back into my runs.

It's the end of the month so this week's #FridayFive are all about #Runfessions Share on X

So what do you runfess? Have you ever been that person at the gym?

I’m also joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

Filed Under: Runfessions

Runfessions – Thanksgiving Edition

November 24, 2017 by Michelle 20 Comments

November blew by in a flash and here we are once again on the last Friday of the month, which means it’s time to share some runfessions so we can roll into the holiday season with a clear conscious. So let’s get to it, shall we?

I runfess that I’m not a fan of Black Friday. I love a good deal as much of the next girl, but dealing with the crazed crowds, or even worse camping out and waiting for stores to open? Yeah no…I’m all set with that.

I runfess that back when I registered for the Harborside Half, which was supposed to be my goal race of the fall, that for the first time I added the option of registration insurance. I hoped I wouldn’t need it, but clearly, there was a part of me that knew my nagging injuries could be an issue. Fast forward to last week and I was one happy camper to receive confirmation that my registration fee had been refunded!

I runfess that my #RunNovemberChallenge streak hit a speed bump. When I woke Wednesday morning I was greeted with a driving rain, so I pushed my required 1 mile to later rationalizing that there would be time after we arrived at our Thanksgiving destination to squeeze it in later. Well, our normally 6-hour drive morphed into 8 and by the time we dragged our road-weary selves into our hotel, there was barely enough time to become presentable before we had to meet family members at a restaurant. You can see where this is going…the mile never happened and the streak is no more.

I runfess that while I have been enjoying this slow and easy approach to my “runner rebuild” there is a part of me that’s feeling like it’s time to kick into gear soon. In the absence of a training plan or long distance target, I can see how easy it would be to get into a short run rut. Time to mix things up!

That being said, I runfess that I almost skipped this month’s runfessions because I wasn’t sure I’d come up with much. November’s been a good month and brought with it the joy of running again. I’m grateful to be running pain-free and to be back in the mental space where I look forward to getting out for a run vs. dreading it.

I’m linking up with Marcia for Runfessions

and

Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

Any runfessions to share? Do you do Black Friday?

Filed Under: #RunNovemberChallenge, Black Friday, Runfessions

Runfessions of an Injured Runner

October 27, 2017 by Michelle 38 Comments

Well, here we are again on the last Friday of the month, which means it’s time to cleanse our soles (pun intended) with some runfessions. So let’s get to it, shall we?

Sharing some #runfessions of an injured runner! #FridayFive #Runfessions #Runchat Share on X

I runfess that I am not loving running right now…there I said it. As long as my runs stay 5 miles or less, and at an easy peasy pace, all the body parts cooperate and it’s all good. But add miles or really push the pace, and I’m gritting my teeth – no bueno.

Unfortunately, my hip pain has returned with a vengeance and has left me on non-speaking terms with my training plan. I runfess that this cycle of injuries I’ve been dealing with this year (hip then ankle, now hip again) has been exacerbated by my pushing to get back to training too soon.

I runfess that it’s hard to sit on the sidelines while others are preparing for races – FOMO is a powerful thing…the struggle is real!

I runfess that if I am being totally honest, I’ve probably known for a while that I was pushing my luck with this training plan, but how could I possibly not have a fall goal race…ah denial!

While I’m not usually one to throw a pity party, I runfess that I’ve had a moment or two over the past month where I have asked myself if I should give up running. Now, of course, that didn’t last very long – it’s just the frustration talking.

I am certainly not going to stop running. I am going to back-off of following a training plan, put racing on the back burner, focus on a treatment plan for this SI Joint, and embrace my time in the gym, on a yoga mat, and the short leisurely runs I can do (I’ll take 3 or 4 miles vs none!).

So what are you run-fessing?

I’m linking up with Marcia for Runfessions, and Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

Filed Under: Friday Five, injuries, Runfessions

September Runfessions

September 29, 2017 by Michelle 23 Comments

It’s the last Friday of September (what?!?) so it’s time to join Marcia for some runfession fun!

While I really enjoyed the experience of meeting up with the other SS ambassadors at the Wicked Half, I run-fess that the race itself left me feeling meh! The course was open to traffic (I’m never a fan) and while the police were great at managing the major intersections, the course had no cones or other markers to let drivers even know there was a race going on. Cars often got a little too close for comfort and I saw many runners moving to the sidewalks vs. dealing with running next to cars.

I run-fess that I doubt that this is a race I’ll be running again.

I recently got all fired up about the fact that I need to do a better job about my nutrition. I run-fess that I bought this a couple of weeks ago and have yet to crack the seal on it! (Going to change that this weekend)

I run-fess that it is a pet peeve of mine when runners can’t be bothered with acknowledging other runners. There’s one woman I see on my runs quite often and she never gives a nod, wave, eye contact…nothing. I’ve seen her do it to other runners too so I don’t take it personally – but I do think she could make even the smallest effort.

I run-fess that while I’m not trying to look past my November half marathon, I’m already eyeing 2018. I’m feeling the need to take on a new challenge – the what?… I’m not sure yet.

It's the end of the month and time for some runfessions! #FridayFive #runchat Share on X

What are you run-fessing?

I’m also joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

Filed Under: Friday Five, Runfessions

August Runfessions

August 25, 2017 by Michelle 26 Comments

It’s the last Friday of the month…so you know that means it’s time to join Marcia for runfessions! It’s a chance to cleanse your sweaty sole (like how I did that?) and start the new month fitness fresh! So let’s get to it, shall we?

My running mojo comes and goes like the wind lately, and I runfess that I’ve thought about phoning it in on my September half marathon…I won’t, but I’ve thought about it.

I’ve been really dragging lately, and I runfess that I was so tired on Wednesday that I seriously toyed with the idea of just hiding in my car vs. driving to the gym (I did go to the gym).

I runfess that I’ve not been doing a great job focusing on my recovery. I’ve basically been squeezing in my runs or workouts and then rushing off to the rest of my day. I need to get back to being on consistent speaking terms with my foam roller, and make sure I’m refueling properly.

It's #Runfessions time on the blog today! Join in and share yours! #FridayFive Share on X

On the non-fitness front, I runfess that the start of school is less than two weeks away and I’m so not on top of my game. I may have pulled a late night the other day ordering textbooks so they’d arrive in time and we have no school supplies yet.

And speaking of back-to-school, I runfess that, while I’m totally unprepared, I’m secretly looking forward to the returning to a routine that the fall and school schedule brings.

There…now I feel better! Tell what are you run-fessing?

I’m also joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

Filed Under: back to school, Friday Five, Runfessions

Runfessions – July Style

July 28, 2017 by Michelle 25 Comments

It’s the last Friday of the month…so you know that means it’s time to join Marcia for runfessions! So let’s get to it, shall we?

Runfession #1 – OK let’s just get this first one out of the way….I runfess that I’m turning into a weather whiner. This summer’s humidity is kicking my arse. I know I’m not alone in this…but I am just so over it!

Runfession #2 – My next race, the Wicked Half, is now just 7 weeks away so I runfess I probably need to start doing “long runs” of more than just 6 miles.

Runfession #3 – I runfess that I may have picked a goal race in November in part to avoid heaving training in this heat.

Runfession #4 – I admit that I haven’t done a great job lately of paying attention to my eating (or the summer cocktails). Well, good grief people I got on the scale the other day and hmmm let’s just say my “lack of attention” was really showing! I runfess that I’m not surprised – I can feel I’m carrying a little extra weight on my runs – time to clean up the snacking.

Runfession #5 – I runfess that I have been stalking the Skirt Sports website as the new patterns are rolling out for the fall. I picked up these Gym Girl Ultras the other day, and may or may not have a few more items sitting in my cart waiting for check out (luckily I have a birthday coming up soon!).