Friday, January 29, 2016

Runfessions for January

It's time once again for that monthly confessional, hosted by my friend Marcia at Marcia's Healthy Slice. You know you want to bare all...now is your chance to share. Come on in, the water's fine...


What you see isn't always what you get....
So you all know that I'm participating in SweatPink's #flexandflow yoga challenge. Every day, the ladies at SP post the pose of the day and participants not only strike a pose, but they also have to present it creatively. I've had a blast channelling my creative side here. Yep, nurse practitioner by day, creative yogi by night. But I have to runfess is that sometimes there are many takes before I get "the shot". When I use the timer on my phone, I have only 10 seconds to set up the pose. It doesn't always fall into place in time. The camera catches it all!

Like this:
This is what you saw. Headstand. With a beautiful sunrise.
And this:
Oops!
What you didn't see. Actually, no one saw it hopefully. I was alone in the park. Whew.
And ouch. This one made my sons laugh out loud.
But it was on sale....
I must runfess that since the holidays I have been buying ALL THE THINGS. Last week, I was meeting my friend Sara for lunch and...oh, how interesting...Athleta is right next to the restaurant we chose. They just happened to have 20% off all the sale items. And I just happened to have a coupon. The prices were irresistible and I couldn't help myself. I'd call it therapy, except that I also bought a few things from REI earlier in the week. 



A blogger in real life...
I have to runfess that it's always a little awkward when a random stranger tells me they read my blog. This time, it happened last week, while I was in line at Whole Foods. The woman in front of me was talking to the cashier about a half marathon she was supposed to run in Florida that was cancelled due to storms. Of course, anytime I hear someone talking about running, my ears perk up. My Mrs Kravitz powers kicked in and I eavesdropped. When she turned to me and told me she reads my blog, I was, of course, thrilled because yay, someone reads my blog, and simultaneously embarrassed because oh no, someone reads my blog! We chatted and it turns out she lives very close to me. I told her to drop me a line so we can meet up for a run. Hi, Alicia! Thank you!


#Branding...
I runfess that I've been giving the brand ambassador thing a lot of thought. One of the brands that I worked with in the past upped the ante for their ambassadors this year. They developed a kit that ambassadors were required to purchase, which included compression socks and a shirt. The new requirements were for ambassadors to wear the shirt and socks for races and training photos. I'm always honored to be chosen as a brand ambassador, and I understand that we have to represent the brand in exchange for discounts on products and other perks. I'm happy to promote the products and share product reviews and discounts on social media. But the requirement to purchase the kit and wear it to every race bothered me. A lot. Shouldn't they be providing the kit? Sadly, I've parted ways with that company. 


News you can use....
I runfess that on my nightstand, I have a stack of Runner's World and Running Times from July to present. Between my niece's Girl Scout magazine sale and my CARA membership, I think I'm subscribed through 2017. I need to get through the pile before the next issue comes. Yesterday, I read the December issue of Runner's World and besides the usual array of running articles, I learned a few new things:
-Did you know that smoking marijuana is a "thing" for many long distance runners? Apparently the natural endocannabinoids aren't enough for that runner's high...nope, these runners toke up on the run. For nausea control and that chill vibe, apparently. That might be the only way you'd see me running an ultra distance. But if you want to try pot running with a shorter distance, the 420 Games might be for you. It's a 4.2 mile run. Brownies at the finish.
-The best shoe for you? Is the one that fits. A large retrospective study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that the best running shoe for a runner is the one that is the most comfortable. And there you go. Advice you can take to the road. Oh, and maximalist shoes are a "thing" now. And "bounce" shoes. 
-Finally, I learned that RBF (resting bitch face) is also a thing in running (RBF) as well. Explains why often I don't get runners waving back at me. Apparently, this is how I look most often: 

I'm not having a bad run. It's just my RBF.
What do you have to runfess? Any brand ambassadors that are required to sport logo gear for races? Ever been recognized by a random stranger who knows you from social media? Any great buys from holiday sales you want to share? Running bitch face anyone? 

Besides linking up with Marcia, I'm also linking this post with the DC Trifecta for Friday Five. Head over to Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia's blogs to see what everyone is sharing today.







93 comments :

  1. My very first Ambassadorship was like that! We had to buy our kit at a "discount" which was still way too expensive AND we had to write for their blog, which was a ton of work. Needless to say I didn't re-up that one. Sheesh. Thanks for linking up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This particular ambassadorship was my first as well. Coincidence?

      Delete
  2. The truth about your selfies!! Finally! Hahaha. I have started posting a few yoga selfies since I started Yoga Fix 90, and quickly realized how hard it is to strike a pose in 10 seconds or less. I still can't believe you managed a handstand!
    And yes about the blog readers, we were recently walking through the mall and ran into my husbands boss and her wife. We are all shaking hands and the boss's wife says "So you're the Well-Read Redhead!" I was flattered that she liked my blog but still...awkward!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a little weird, isn't it? I have to expect it, since I'm putting myself out there, tho!

      Delete
  3. Wendy! You can download a timelapse photo app for your iPhone! I have "Lapse it" and you can specify the resolution and the interval of the shots and the delay before the first shot. That might help - I know I struggled with yoga trying to really get into an asana in 10 seconds!! That said, you've come up with some great shots!! Keep up the good work :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I should have asked you about this! Thank you! Altho it is pretty funny getting the "outtakes"!

      Delete
  4. LOL on meeting a blog reader off-line - I'd have the same yay/oh, no! reaction. And yikes on the brand demands. I think that's the rule for NFL players, but I'm also pretty sure they are supplied with head-to-toe gear - and that's their full-time job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the NFL provides the players uniforms--LOL--and a nice salary to match! Heck even, my work provides my lab coats!

      Delete
  5. Wendy, your Yoga pics are some of the best around. I love seeing them on Instagram. I'm not surprised somebody at the store recognized you! You're quite a celebrity in Running Blogs!:):) I read your blog before I was a blogger:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would never think of myself like that, but it's nice that you say it!

      Delete
  6. OMG I laughed so hard at your fall. Not because you fell, because i am sure it hurt, but that you actually got a photo of it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am nodding away over here! Yes, being required to buy the kit as a brand ambassador is ridiculous! You made the right move there. And I am equally embarrassed when I hear someone reads my blog...which is probably why I don't get too personal in my posts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I try not to share too many details about my family. And nothing about work. But my running? It's an open book.

      Delete
  8. It took great self control to not partake in the Athleta sale - always so many cute things! Love the selfie confession :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've had the exact same reaction when meeting a blog reader in person. While its flattering to know that somebody actually reads your blog, it just feels so awkward. Maybe that's because as a blogger we get to sit behind the computer screen instead of interacting with people to face to face?

    ReplyDelete
  10. Not so sure about that toking on the run. I'd never make it past Taco Bell :-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love your yoga pics. And I want to get recognized! Like crazy papparazzi! That's a lie, lol. But I do love to know when people read my blog :D When you are a brand ambassador, you shouldn't have to buy things to start out. Otherwise, what is the point?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree Susie! If you're a brand ambassador they should give it to you and the fact that you need to where the gear at every race? That's a bit unrealistic - like they own you.

      Delete
    2. This requirement just didn't feel right to me. I'm on Team Nuun, and we have to sport their logo, but it can be a shirt, a tattoo, socks, a bottle...I don't mind that at all.

      Delete
  12. Thank you for the outtake - you made my Friday morning brighter! Great news clips, too. I have an issue with wearing "only" one brand. It is not realistic! You have to wear what works for you. Have a good weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, that's the thing! I have a few brands I love and want to wear them!

      Delete
  13. RBF = meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. I once made a New Year's resolution to smile more to try to combat this.

    NUUN will be the first brand that I've been required to rock at races as an ambassador. I'm good with it as long as it doesn't break the bank and it's good quality stuff!:)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Your blog is so entertaining. I just love it! And, I did lol at your fall with your yoga pose. It takes me sometimes 5-10 pics to get the one I want too! :) And, since I copied your new athleta pants, I TOO have been spending way to much on gear. But that's another reason that running is fun! Oh and the RBF - HA!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are so many fun pants and capris now...I had to up my wardrobe. Too much!

      Delete
  15. I totally get you on the instagram photos (yours are gorgeous though) I usually put video on so I can do a few shots and then screen shot what I like :-) Easier than setting a timer!

    Happy Friday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not tech savvy enough to do a screen shot from a video--I guess I need to work on that!

      Delete
  16. Yes some guy at a local race came up to me and said he read my blog. It was years ago and my blog was very lame. I was kinda embarassed.

    I use my timer on my iphone and it takes my takes even when I am not striking a yoga pose.

    I am a sale shopper. I get sucked it on bargains hence 6 pairs of smartwool socks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm pretty sure your blog wasn't lame! Or he wouldn't have come up to you.

      Delete
  17. love your handstand outtake! All of your yoga poses have been great the last few weeks looks like you are enjoying the challenge

    ReplyDelete
  18. I agree with you on the ambassador thing! I shouldn't be required to purchase anything, especially if I'll be giving them all kinds of free coverage. Not cool, brand, not cool.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Commenting a second time - this time on the ambassador thing. That's pretty crazy. With Wattie Ink we sign a contract to race in team kit and they provide us one kit (we can by other stuff at team prices). However, we can train in what we want and race anything outside of tri for other brands or teams. That seems a lot more reasonable.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Those "behind the scenes" photos are always a hoot! The sacrifices we make for our blogging! But I've never been recognized for my blog, THAT has got to make you feel like a celebrity!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I was a Beef Team ambassador for two races, but then I decided that I hated not being able to wear whatever I wanted at the races, so I ended that relationship. There's a fine line with having to wear "their" products, especially when you have to buy them in the first place...something just isn't adding up in our favor.

    Love the outtake!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am pretty sure I have Running Bitch Face because I have Resting Bitch Face!!

    That is cool you got recognized! I never got recognized by a stranger but there are times people I just know as acquaintances tell me they read my blog EVERY day! It is flattering but also it is like... wow these people pretty much know everything about me and I know nothing about them! It's funny, my friend's husband reads it every day and I NEVER would have thought that. You just never know who is interested.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't that the truth? I'm sometimes surprised by who reads my blog. You know who doesn't? My husband!

      Delete
    2. My husband doesn't either! He says, "I don't need to read it, I LIVE it." Which is actually untrue because I write about certain thoughts I have that he knows nothing about. But I suppose living with me is a handful and reading my blog could just take it over the edge. ;) It is funny though because if my husband had a blog, I would read it every day!

      Delete
  23. Great photo! Often wonder how runners get shots of themselves running. I guess the timer is key.

    Yea, we've re_evaluated brands that we wanted to be ambassadors for this year. It has to be a good fit for both!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And Kelli told me about another app, called lapse it, which I"m going to play with. It will buy me a little more time with the self timer.

      Delete
  24. I've met a few readers in real life and have actually gained some wonderful friends along the way. My favorite was the reverse - finishing the 2014 Honolulu marathon next to stranger, who turned out to be Amanda from Run to the Finish! (http://www.runtothefinish.com/) I didn't realize it (hello, I just ran 26.2 miles in the pouring rain!) until a few days later when I read her recap!

    Love the yoga fall, not because you fell, but because of how many photos I delete on a daily basis.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Ooooh Ooooh (hand raised). I have RBF. All the time! It's why I don't post many selfies! Your yoga blooper pic is hilarious. I'm impressed you didn't immediately hit the delete button! I bought neon yellow highlighter pants with huge letters saying "Just Do It" and I runfessed about it already.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have so many deleted yoga poses, but I've kept the funny ones!

      Delete
  26. I love your RBF ;-) Unfortunately, mine makes an appearance (frequently) in race photos. And training runs. And in accidental selfies when the timer on my phone fails LOL

    ReplyDelete
  27. all your yoga pics are fantastic I have to say!! good job with it even with the outtakes. I agree you shouldn't have to pay to rep a brand, at the very least the kit shouldn't be required. Ugh. Good on you for making the decision to part ways.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Your Yoga photos are amazing. You manage to catch the light at just the right moment. You may have noticed that we are really particular about the whole ambassador thing. And yes, they should be providing you with the race kit if they require you to wear it at all your races.

    ReplyDelete
  29. You're hysterical! I love yoga and I wish I was half as flexible and balanced as you! I've learned I have a running BF and a resting BF, so I don't buy many race pics...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've learned to smile whenever I see a photographer! Like that picture in my header!

      Delete
  30. I read that RBP article...I loved it. I'm amazed that you get yourself into a headstand in 10 seconds; I'm sure I would fail. Interesting to run into a random reader! I can't think of any runfessions, other than I'm looking forward to my marathon being over so that I can go back to running whenever I want at whatever speed and number of miles I want, rather than being on a schedule...and of course I am having the taper doubts, again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was pretty shocked that I could get up into a headstand that fast...but as you can see it doesn't always go well! I could use an app with a longer timer, but I kind of like the challenge of being on the clock like that!

      I always feel as you do when I'm marathon training! That means you're ready. But trust me when I tell you that you will miss being on a training plan...

      Delete
  31. Lol, RBF, I've never heard of that. I love your yoga pics! That's too bad about the brand ambassador thing. You shouldn't have to be required to purchase a kit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, it's a service I provide. Keeping us hip with all the 'things' out there. RBF, it's a 'thing".

      Delete
  32. You're famous! That's exciting. I do remember reading about RBF for running which did make me feel a little bit better that people aren't as friendly when you run past them. I never seem to find good sales for running clothes. I like Athleta but I can't justify the price, even though I have some awesome capris that I love.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I got some great bargains at Athleta this time around. But TJMaxx and Marshalls are my jam.

      Delete
  33. You are too funny!! Running Bitch Face?!? I probably have it too. Oh well. Maybe I should check out Athleta now. You're not the first one to mention scoring some great deals there. Hmmm....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was pretty excited about my deals. Even the sweater tunic that I bought. I didn't need it but it was the only one left and it was my size. Pretty sure it was meant to be.

      Delete
  34. Hi Wendy. When I saw the title of your post I thought I don't have any runfessions. I was wrong. My runfession is that being attacked by a dog while running 2 years ago forever changed my love of running and it wasn't too long ago that I realized it. Or maybe I just didn't want to accept it.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Those self-timers are not long enough, especially for tricky poses! I usually play around with it in my basement so no one sees all the embarrassing outtakes, but my phone captures them! I am very impressed by your headstand! But ouch- that fall looks like it hurt!

    ReplyDelete
  36. LOL I love your outtakes!! Great job on your handstand, too!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I LOVE your blog and you crack me up! I run for a team and they give us free jerseys so that stinks that you have to buy a kit. If we wear the jerseys, we get reimbursed for certain races so there is incentive to wear them. I am so glad you ditched that ambassadorship!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Ouch! That handstand fail looks painful. And potentially dangerous!

    Ambassadorship is a slippery slope. Of course I'm pretty much too small to be considered usually, but it's still something I've thought about a lot and still haven't completely made up my mind about.

    I had that coupon, too, and every intention of buying something . . . yet I didn't. Oddly enough I haven't been doing hordes of shopping lately. Now that I have the time!

    Wish doesn't mean it isn't right around the corner. Although working on the blog does suck up a lot of shopping time -- I should point that out to my husband, right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm a natural klutz, so I'm really good at falling. How sad is that?

      Delete
  39. I love the behind the scenes on your pictures, and here I was thinking wow you are just that good! :) I may be guilty of laughing but it's because I know how I'd look even trying to get in that pose! I bought me a mini tripod for my phone. I haven't used it yet. Propping it up with pine cones and rocks were just not working. What do you use?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pine cones and rocks! And sometimes a snowball. When I'm in the park, I prop my phone up on the lamppost. Really bad....

      Delete
  40. RBF? LOL! Never heard of this! I think I have RDF, running die face! :) I know what brand ambassador program you are talking about. They have really upped the ante, I don't plan on running the shirt for every race at all so we will see if I get thrown out :( Funny post as always, I do get a little embarrassed if one of my hubby's staff, says hey I follow you- YIKES!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was so glad to learn about RBF because now I know why some people look at me the way they do when I'm running! RDF, LOL!

      Delete
  41. I am so new to yoga that I didn't post any pictures for the sweat pink challenge. The timer is a a great thing. That's too bad about the company. I find lately a lot of companies are requiring runners to purchase products or the discounts are not that worthwhile for the work you have to do.
    Because I write a running column for my local newspaper & my picture is always in the paper, I do get the odd hey I know you. Generally I brace for the worse but most people are quite kind. Look at you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you, people are really nice when they talk to me about what I write. I've actually only ever had one negative comment and that was about a race proof I posted. Other than that, this community is prettye amazing. How nice that you get to write a column! I'd love that!

      Delete
  42. This is one of the best Runfessions posts I've ever read! Love all of these points! I TOTALLY relate on the photo fails. It often takes me an embarrassingly high number of takes before I get a snapshot I actually want to share. This is even with static things like my running shoes - never mind challenging yoga poses! BTW - I've been working on headstand for a long time in a controlled studio environment. I envy that you can do it on command in a setting like that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm actually kind of surprised that I've been able to get myself up in 10 seconds. I think the timer is a good thing, in this case. It forces me to really check in with my body before I pull up into the pose!

      Delete
  43. Oh my goodness but your 2nd yoga pose made me laugh. I do love your photos but had no idea how much work and time it took. Still for 10 seconds in your timer you have some really great pictures.

    As for the brand ambassador, if they want you to race in their gear then they should provide it to you. I agree.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I love your yoga outtake. While working on balancing on the Swiss ball, I thought it would be funny to have an outtake video of me trying before I conquered it!

    That's annoying that a brand won't supply a shirt for their ambassadors if they're expected to wear for training and races. That alone is expecting a lot.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd love to see the outtake! It's been really fun doing these challenges!

      Delete
  45. I love meeting people at races and stuff that read my blog but when it's in the real world, it is kind of awkward. I'm so happy people read it but I don't love all the attention (which is weird because I'm not shy at all). So yeah, I get that. :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hahaha, RBF...I get accused of that ALL of the time! As for the photo shoots...take video and then screen shot it. That way you don't have to set the timer and rush to get into your pose!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I need to get better about the video thing! Altho the timer does challenge me to get into position quickly.

      Delete