It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

I participated in the 10 week Freihofer Train Challenge… As an ambassador, I felt I should support the runners. My runfession is that I did not follow their training plan.  But I did enjoy meeting up and running with new and old running friends.

2. I runfess…

For the same reason as above (except that I had pay $$), I signed up for the Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge.

pic from 2 years ago

3.I runfess…

I almost didn’t sign up because the runs are on Tuesdays. Tuesdays are my rest day.

#nevermissamonday #wednesdaygrouprun #thursdaytrails #longrunsaturday

Yes I’m anal about my schedule.

4. I runfess…

Now that I’m working from home again, I could run before work. But it’s dark out and daylight is decreasing each day.

Yup. Another excuse to enjoy that leisurely morning cup of coffee.

5.I runfess…

My bikes are lonely.  Both Big Red and George have gotten zero attention!!  I just can’t get motivated this summer to ride either one….

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blog

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It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

I ran short races on the weekend when I should have been doing my LSD for my upcoming half marathon.

Yes, I do use a rough training plan but I’m not good with following it.

• • 07-04– Firecracker 4 – should have been 5 miles
  • 07-25- FASNY 5k – should have been 8 miles
  • 08-07– Run for the Roses 5k – should have been 10 miles
  • 08-14 – Whipple City 10k – should have been 11 miles

2. I runfess…

I don’t learn from my mistakes, I signed up for two 5ks before my October 3 half marathon.

• • 09-11 – Malta 5k – should be 11 miles
  • 09-25 – Freihofer Run for Women  – should be 8-10 miles

3.I runfess…

I love our trail runs but because it’s often technical, hilly or muddy, I walk much of the run.

But my runfession is that I count them as running miles (not walking miles). Sue me.

4. I runfess…

I was very excited about signing up for three months of Peleton. I had good intentions of using it for walks, strength training maybe even yoga.

Nope, not happening yet. I think I used it for once.  My excuse is that I have not been running solo. I have no good excuse (besides, work, life, etc) for not using it for those other areas.

5.I runfess…

Without any walking challenges, I am walking much less when working from home.  I know why. I use my free time to do household things like cleaning, laundry. etc.

I go back to the office in a week and the good news is that I WILL walk during my lunch hours (not much else to do.)

I need to limit my daily intake of Starbucks too

Unfortunately, running will be a rush to get it done before darkness and mostly alone. More importantly not forgetting to bring everything I need for all weather conditions.

back to after work runs at UAlbany

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blog

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

This month’s should actually be called Shoefessions.

1. I runfess…

I went to our local running store to buy more Gu.  The cashier asked me if I needed any running shoes.  It was hard to refuse but I said “No, because you don’t carry Topos.”

And he replied, “We just started to but they are not displayed yet.”

Well, you know the rest of the story…

Do you have a hard time resisting buying new running shoes in a store?

2. I runfess…

I have several types of Topos – actually 3 (FlyLyte, Ultrafly and Magnifly).  They are all wearing out at the same time because I alternate them.

I was tempted to buy another pair but I also wanted to try the two types that I don’t own – Phantom and Cyclone.

Do you buy the same shoe or do you like to try different ones?

3.I runfess…

So the salesperson brought me the Phantoms in grey and the Cyclones in sky blue.

I didn’t like either of the colors. In fact, the color choice for Topos are really lacking.

In the end, I asked them to order both in white (ok, at least it’s neutral and I do not have any white shoes.)

Does color matter to you when choosing a running shoe?

4. I runfess…

I usually only buy shoes online if I have run in them before.  I like to try them on in the store to see if they are comfortable and run in them.

However when I went to the shoe to pick up my shoes, I was pressed for time. So I just grabbed them and left.

Do you buy you shoes online or do you try them on in the store?

5.I runfess…

My plan was to run in both pairs and then decide which pair I liked, if any and return one or both.

Well, I liked both. The Phantoms are heavier and have more support so good for longer time on my feet. The Cyclones are light and airy so better for short runs and short races. So I kept them both.

My justification: Saved $$ on gas not going back to the store, had $25 & $5 coupons for the store and at work, if we participate in Virgin Pulse and get $100 each quarter (Mar, June, Sept, Dec).  IOW, that second pair was free!!

Do ever buy TWO pairs of running shoes at the same time?

Happy Running! Anything to runfess or shoefess this month? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

Unless I have company, I’ve gotten pretty lazy about walking.

In the beginning of the pandemic, I walked 2-3 times a day.  Always alone.

hit the neighborhood or waterline everyday

Now I rarely never walk before work or during lunch.

Luckily I have friends to walk with at least twice a week after work.

former co-workers and now walking buds

Do you need friends to get you moving or do you get your steps in alone?

2. I runfess…

Due to my work schedule, I wind up running at the hottest time of the day – noon during my lunch break. As a result, my runs are short and sloooow.

lunch sweat fest

Does weather or schedule influence when and how long you run?

3.I runfess…

I am worried about how going back to office will affect my running (3 days a week starting July 6 and 5 days starting Sept 7).

I know, for years I worked and traveled and got in all my runs.

running while working in Buffalo

How did I do it? (I guess I got spoiled working from home and being flexible with running, dressing, eating, etc.)

Any tips for adjusting to going back to the office?

4. I runfess…

I have started participating on weekly group trail runs.

I love the trails but not for running.

I am clumsy and uncoordinated and I just don’t want to fall.

So why attend trails runs?

For purely social reasons. lol

Should I run at another time or do these trail run/walks count as runs?

5.I runfess…

I enjoyed my recent races more than I thought I would. I have not been training. I have not done any speed work. But I run better in a race. I guess you can say, my races are my speed work.

So I guess that I need to find some more races to sign up for before fall….

smiling even running in the pouring rain.

Are you racing? Have you found not racing has slowed down your pace?

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

I usually enjoy not wearing my Garmin during a race because I feel no pressure.  So for the Prospect Mountain Road Race, I left it home and used my Apple Watch instead.  But I didn’t start the Strava app.  Obviously I don’t use the Apple app often.  It showed the time and splits for the run.  However, I was disappointed that it didn’t show an elevation map.

you would never know that there was over 1600 ft of elevation gain

I guess I need to wear my Garmin again for races (at least hilly ones.)

Do you like to see the elevation for your runs and/or races?

2. I runfess…

I used to love 5k races. I ran them a lot!  I enjoyed them. I used to win my age group. Yadda Yadda.

Smiling – June 2019

Whether it’s due to age or the Pandemic, but any speed that I once had has disappeared.

They are now HARD!  It’s such a struggle.

there was a frown under that mask lol – Dec 2020

I think I may want to only run longer races…..

Do you enjoy short races?  Does your finish time matter?

3.I runfess…

I was complaining during the Pandemic that all events were cancelled so I had hike or run alone every evening.

Now things have opened up. Activities have been scheduled.

First on Thursday evenings, I started walking with two former co-workers. And I still do every week.

Soon, Thursday Trail group runs will be starting up again (after a year off).

Also the Freihofer Training Challenge is scheduled (after a year off).  Instead of big groups, this year, there will be many small groups. So far, the Advanced group was been scheduled… You guess it. On Thursday!

Choices. Choices.

Anyone else now have scheduling conflicts?

4. I runfess…

My feet still hurt.  They have not stopped me from running (just slowed me down,)

I thought zero drop shoes were the answer.

TOPOS Magnifly

No miracle cure.

So I decided to go back and try a higher drop shoe.

BROOKS Ghost

Now I am really confused, my feet felt the same.  Still not a fair assessment since it wasn’t a half marathon.

Does anyone wear BOTH high drop and low drop running shoes?

5.I runfess…

As you know I love to race. So I’ve already signed up for fall races.

Malta 5k in-person this year – 9/11/2021

and for a fall race-cation:

Oct 3, 2021 – in-person half marathon!!

Have you signed up for any fall races or race-cations?

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

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It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

Last month I did a big de-clutter of my Skirt Sports skirts.  (I got the idea from Deborah.) I sold 12 skirts on FB in 5 minutes!!  They were all old ones that did not fit right. (And I priced them cheaply.)   But still I had a hard time letting go….

I love the older patterns and I remember races that I ran in them

Do you get rid of running clothes frequently?  Do you donate them or sell them?

2. I runfess…

So of course, I was now tempted to take advantage of other runners’ Skirt Sports sales.  However, I quit looking after buying two items.

Nope, I bought two more…

Do you buy used running clothes online or do you always buy new?

3.I runfess…

Since I cancelled my Peleton membership, I’ve lost my indoor cycling mojo. Maybe there’s no connection. It could be just that the weather is improving or my bike is no longer a novelty.

lonely George

Anyone ride their stationary bike consistently?

4. I runfess…

Speaking of biking, I did take my bike out of the basement. It is now in my garage.  I have ridden it once. I find it boring and it’s a pain to put the bike rack on and off my car to I can ride on the bike paths.  Maybe I need to name my bike so I do not neglect it.

last year’s pic…I now even own a helmet

How often do you bike?

5.I runfess…

I am currently in Naples, Florida. I forgot how hot and humid it is even early in the morning. Usually I have a race on Sunday which motivates me to get out and run. Not this year and it is very tempting to sleep in and then just play tennis (that’s X-training, right?)

wearing my running shoes!?

Do you run everyday while on vacation?

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

I am still a Skirt Sports ambassador but I have NOT bought a thing this year. In fact, I am not even tempted.  It’s not that I dislike their clothes, it’s that I don’t NEED anything!

I own so many tanks and skirts already….

If you are an ambassador for a product, do buy their items?

2. I runfess…

That being said, I am still on the hunt for the shoe that will make my foot pain disappear. I bought a new brand, KURU, that I had never heard of because it boasted being for those with all my foot problems (bunion, hammertoe, neuroma).

They are comfortable but I doubt they will work for running – too stiff, too heavy, etc.

But I do a lot of walking and I will use them for that (and not wear out my running shoes.)

Do you wear different shoes for walking than running?  Have you ever heard of this brand??

3.I runfess…

I already signed up for a half marathon for next year.  Yes, that far in advance.  I had deferred this race this year so I wanted to make sure I didn’t lose my money.  You could register for free if you deferred.

Feb. 12, 2022 in Melbourne, FL.

Anyone else register for a 2022 race?

4. I runfess…

Although I registered that race, they said that I could defer again to 2023.  My sister-in-law sold her house there.  That was one of the reasons I chose that race.  I may instead re-do the one I ran this year if it is back on the original course.

Fort Lauderdale again in 2022?

Do you run repeat races or do you prefer to run new ones?

5.I runfess…

I was thrilled with my PW at my last race.  I’m a pretty competitive person and before the pandemic, I would have been disappointed that my finish time was over 2 minutes slower than normal. But nope. I didn’t care one bit.  Once normal racing opens back up, I hope I can hold onto this attitude. Easy short weekday runs, long slow weekend runs and lots of time on the trails instead of drills and training plans!!!

and I AM smiling under my gaiter.

Do you enjoy running races for fun or do you train so you can have a good finish time?

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

When I went to Florida this month, I was more worried about a negative reaction from my second COVID vaccine than catching COVID.

Phew! Felt totally normal!

Are you worried about a negative reaction to the COVID vaccine?

2. I runfess…

In spite of all the warnings that Florida was the worst place to visit during the Pandemic, I felt safe and enjoyed my visit.

Masks were required in all places that I visited.

Have you gone on any vacations during the Pandemic?

3. I runfess…

Even with sore feet and climate acclimation difficulties, I enjoyed running these 13.1 miles more than my local one in November.

my post-race Atlantic dip may have been a factor…

How do you feel about race-cations? Are those races more fun than your local ones?

4. I runfess…

I did wear my Garmin for the first time in exactly a year.  I used it to see what mile I was on. The pace was so depressing that I deleted all the stats.  I think I definitely enjoy racing without a watch.  If all that matters is completing the distance, why bother?  This is the new me because I used to post all my split times and over-analyze the race and how I could improve on the next one.

Mar 2019 – checking my watch before even crossing the finish line?

Anyone else just care about getting to the finish line? Or do your splits really matter to you? Do  you post them in your race recap?

5. I runfess…

Our local running club has offered a new in-person race in March.

No surprise – I signed up. I’m a sucker for races.

Anyone else sign up for any in-person races for 2021? Do you like to run new races or do you prefer ones that you’ve done before?

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

and the first one for 2021!!

1. I runfess…

I jumped on the FREE two month trial of Peleton.  I have done some of the runs and the cycling classes.

an Elvis ride

Everyone seems to LOVE it.

Maybe I expected too much.  I find it hard to search for classes. I want to be able to search by the type of music!  I also want to listen to the music and not have it overshadowed by the instructor’s voice. I know they are trying to motivate you but …. And I also find the running classes too short.  Most are 20 or 30 minutes (a few are 45 min.) I usually run 3 miles.  So I have to start running early and then switch or run after to get my miles done.  Lastly, I wish that I could download the class onto my phone so I could run outside without using up all my data and my battery life. (I do not have unlimited.) I’m pretty sure it’s my problem because my phone connects to my Apple watch which I use for distance and recording my steps (for Virgin Pulse $$). I think I just have to put both on airplane mode (haven’t had the time to experiment.)

Have you signed up for Peleton? Do you love it?  Or do you have any complaints about it?

2. I runfess…

I am stubbornly continuing to run 10 miles every weekend.  I admit. It is hard for me to run that many miles alone.  With the weather and COVID-19, the size of my running crew has shrunk. I think this winter is going to be challenging.

not fun!!

Do you do your long runs solo or do you prefer to have company?

3.I runfess…

I still haven’t decided on my next half marathon. I reserved my hotel rooms, booked my flights, rented a car (and got time off from work) just in case I run this one:

Feb. 14, 2021

I am DEFERRING this Melbourne race until 2022:

Feb. 7, 2021

The Fort Lauderdale race would work out perfectly timing-wise. I have Lincoln’s birthday and Presidents’ Day off (Friday & Monday).  I also have four friends who winter in Delray Beach (about 20 min away.)

But the virus and wearing masks…..

Anyone else running or have run any in-person races in Florida?

4. I runfess…

I had deferred last year’s April (re-scheduled to August) half marathon.  Fortunately, our local racing organization (ARE) will be holding this race and a few others. We have until Feb. 1 to decide whether to run it in 2021 or defer again to a future year.

April 17, 2021

I so want to race that I signed up for this year.  Reluctantly. It’s not on the original course but on the course that I ran on last November. (It will go back to the original course in 2022.)

2019 – downhill

vs

2020 – hilly

Have you signed up for any in-person races yet? Do you plan to?

5.I runfess…

I signed up for three virtual races – a free 5k on January 1.

and a 15k on January 30.

Virtual Houston 15k

I didn’t plan to race either one but I will have company for both.

New Year’s Day virtual friends

One of my running friends who is in Florida will run the 15k with me virtually tomorrow as well Kim (and maybe some other bloggers.)

And then this one by March 15k:

a 5k – you get this medal and a gaiter. Who could resist this memory of 2021?? What to join me (virtually)??

Do you enjoy running virtual races with virtual running friends or do you run them alone?

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a3325ea8d75a7b860d96Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

and it’s the last one for 2020!!

1. I runfess…

I’ve passed by many of those small library boxes.  I always look to see if there’s a book that I want.  I have gone back to get some books.  But recently I saw two holidays DVDs.  I took them because I could just stuff them in my waist band and continue my run.

I mean it was “Love Actually” and a Reese Witherspoon movie

Have you ever done something so silly? What is your favorite holiday movie?

2. I runfess…

I’ve used Strava for a few 5k Virtual Races because NYRR/ Strava sponsored them.  I do not pause my watch when I tie my shoe, stop to walk or even take pictures.  So yes, the elapsed time is way slower than the moving time.  I know that if it were a real race, I could run as fast as (or hopefully faster than) the moving time. I don’t feel guilty.

Do you pause your watch when you stop running?

3.I runfess…

I haven’t decided on my next half marathon but I had already registered (before the pandemic) to run a Feb. 14 one in Fort Lauderdale (with Cari).

Feb. 14, 2021

But there was a Cyber Monday discount so I also registered for one the week before in Melbourne (where my Sister-in-law lives).

Feb. 7, 2021

No, I don’t plan to run both. I may run neither.  Both races offer deferrals.  Hopefully I will run one and defer the other to 2022.

Anyone want to join me in either of these races?

4. I runfess…

I ordered all my holiday presents myself. So I love them all. Running shoes, socks, lighted vest, turkey trot beanie & socks.

Do you prefer surprise gifts or do you like to pick out what you want?

5.I runfess…

I had a hard time getting in the holiday spirt with everything going on.  But I always make and send holiday photo cards.  So I did.

Do you still like to send and get “real” cards?

6.I runfess…

I said that I was over virtual races.  And I am. At least mostly (No more virtual half marathons!!)

But I already signed up for two virtual races – a free 5k on January 1.

and a 15k on January 30.  This one supports a great charity and has awesome swag (and blogger Kim is also running this one.)

Virtual Houston 15k

Anyone want to join me in either of these races?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.