Friday, July 31, 2015

Runfessions for July


I can hardly believe that it's the end of July, but here we are and it's time for another edition of Runfessions. Do you runfess? Marcia at Marcia's Healthy Slice hosts this link up. I never seem to have any issues finding things to runfess. I'm telling you it's THE BEST. Get it off your chest. Tell everyone what you've done. Believe me, you'll feel better...

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This is my coach. Who claims not to be a runner.
Image courtesy of Buckshot Images
Let's start off with my big runfession...I've upset my coach. I promised Becky I'd stick to her training plan and oops...right off the bat, I had that bike ride instead of that 4 miler she wanted me to do. She didn't look pleased when I told her. When we were discussing my upcoming races, I neglected to tell her about Venus de Miles. I promised her I'd be good after that and so far, I've stuck to the plan. Even running that 10 miler she had on the plan the day after the bike race. I also made her unhappy by sharing my training plan on the blog. Not a great way to start off marathon training, and I need to make it up to her by behaving. I had been entertaining the idea running of a supported 20 miler for my long run, but she has 18 miles on the plan, and I don't think it would be wise to challenge that. After all, "trust the plan" is another one of my mantras!

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I wanted to avoid this...
And speaking of Becky, I had a little bit of guilt at the relief I felt at the end of this strength cycle. After my near miss with the hamstring pull, I dropped the set. That really scared me. I think you all know me well enough that I never quit on a workout, but I did that day.  I didn't want to lift at all anymore, but I knew better than to admit to that. Becky told me to get over it, and I have, but I had to put it out there. I know that avoiding injury is the key here, but I'm not a quitter...

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And I believe they both had a good one.

It was my son's and my husband's birthdays this month and I didn't buy them any presents. Do you have trouble shopping for the men at your house? I asked them both what they wanted and they told me "nothing". So that's what I gave them...ok, not really, but I'm tired of wracking my brain trying to come up with good gifts for them. I gave my son my credit card and told him to buy himself some new clothes. Which made him extremely happy. I did make them an ice cream cake! When I served it, my husband looked at it and said, "you made this?" Which put a huge smile on my face. Not only was it pretty, it was delicious. My husband is always happy with a good meal and a good dessert. Yep, I do have kitchen skills....

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Remember how I admitted to being a huge procrastinator? If it costs me money, I always wait until the last minute to do it. Like registering my boys for high school. The due date is today, and who finally took care of business yesterday? Me. After all those threatening robocalls from the school, I decided to pay up. I don't know about your schools, but we have "fees" to pay. It's not cheap and that's on top of all those taxes we pay. Naturally, I like to keep my money in my bank account and wait until the last minute. But no worries, they're all signed up. I do the same thing with my real estate taxes, which are due on Monday. I still need to renew my professional memberships for work and sign up for the 2 conferences I'm planning on attending in the fall. And I have yet to register for my fall half marathon. But tell me there's a sale at Athleta? Oh, and an extra 20% off coupon? I'm there....it's all about priorities, right?

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So many runners take their training so seriously, they change their diets. And forgo alcohol. Me, I'm over here already thinking, "is it 5 o'clock yet?" "Should I have red or white wine tonight?" "Boy, a beer sure would taste good in this heat..." I don't think I have a problem...do I? I have so few vices left..a glass or 2 of wine shouldn't affect my training, really. I'm hitting all my paces. I think it's ok. I'll even admit to drinking wine the night before a race. It relaxes me, ok? Please don't judge me....

Would you do the 20 miler? Drinking wine during your marathon training? Got anything to Runfess?




63 comments :

  1. I would probably do the 20 miler. My coach and I have a general understanding that I should follow the intent of her plan, but if I need to modify due to my schedule or in order to have a supported long ride or run, it works as long as I don't (1, increase distance too much or 2) go out at race effort if it is supposed to be tempo or aerobic work). I will be changing coaches this fall as I plan for a season that is predominantly cycling focused. It will be interesting to hear his philosophy and get used to a new relationship.

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    1. I'm ok with 18 miles...it would have been fun but this way I don't have to pay...

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  2. I don't see any harm in the 20 miler. But if it pisses Becky off that much, maybe I wouldn't. $515 to sign Thing 1 up for hs. And she wonders why I waited.

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    1. Seriously. What do we pay taxes for? I shelled out almost 1K for both boys....

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  3. Hmm, you probably shouldn't ask your coach what she thinks about that wine ... Our son never has anything on his wish list, but my daughter's is a mile long. Maybe its a guy/girl thing?

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  4. My coach has a very strict no wine policy.

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  5. ha ha ha ha ...we are SO in sync! The husband usually buys himself something near his birthday (power tools, etc.) and tells me that it can be his "birthday present." I'm good with that. The son, he's happy with gift cards. Seriously, all of my kids want gift cards now days.....it takes all the fun out of finding the perfect little something just for them, bet that's our society now. Not happy with it, but accepting that things change. And the procrastination? I'm totally on board with that.....why do today if it can wait until next week (or later)? Thanks for the morning smile :-)

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    1. It feels wrong to gift like this, but the men at my house don't care, so no biggie,right?

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  6. LOL my trainer gets mad at me all the time when I think I can come up with my own plan. Have a great weekend!

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  7. I definitely would drink the wine (sometimes the night before the race..sh!). Most of my runfessions this month have to do with skipping out or shortening my runs because of the stupid weather. And since I usually run a couple 20+ runs during marathon training, yes, I'd do the 20. :-)

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  8. Oh no!! Don't make your trainer mad!!! :-)
    Have a great weekend!

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  9. There's nothing wrong with enjoying some wine during training. Its a great reward after a long, hard training run. :)

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  10. I also drink wine and beer during training. I am going to a bachelorette party tomorrow and I will be making apple martinis!! :-) Just curious but not sure why your coach mad simply because you shared your training plan.

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    1. Because she made it, I guess she is worried that other people will copy it. But it wasn't specific in the workouts, except for the running. Oh well...

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  11. I'd definitely do the 20 miler for your training. I think it's more mental, but so important in my opinion! I too, put off the crazy registration fees we have to pay for "public" schools here!! It's nuts.

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    1. I didn't do a 20 miler last year, so it isn't a big deal to me.

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  12. I'd have to say I would definitely do the 20 miler...just for the mental aspect. I contemplating 22-23 myself. I've got to know I can. You've already got this knowledge and I don't. I fly a flag in my backyard "It's Five O'clock Somewhere"...just saying. The best margaritas live at a Mexican dive on the way home from the lake, with my long run always scheduled the morning after. It still happens.

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    1. I didn't do a 20 miler last year, and I did just fine. Again, trust the plan! Becky's goal is to not break me down before the marathon. Low mileage is a part of that.

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  13. I did a 20 miler yesterday. I was supposed to do a 18 miles but I still had plenty in my tank at the end, so I rounded up to 20. It's such a nice feeling knowing one of the 20 milers is done:) I usually try to go with the 10 % rule though. Just to avoid an injury.

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  14. My husband and I gave up buying each other gifts a while back. Or if we do it's little things. It almost makes it harder to buy for someone when you've been together a long time, because you know they really don't need anything! I am right there with you on the beer and wine! I had a glass of wine the night before my last marathon. I didn't want to do anything differently, ha ha!!

    Was your coach annoyed you shared the plan because she didn't want anyone to know her training technique? I'm curious.

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    1. I think that's why she was bothered, but sharing my training last year wasn't an issue. Not sure.

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  15. Based on that photo, I am terrified of your trainer enough for both of us. She looks bada$$! I would do everything she says. Although I would still drink the wine :)

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    1. Thank you! She scares me a bit too...! Just kidding. She's awesome!

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  16. I like a beer the night before and the night of a long run. Carb loading, people.

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  17. I would do the 20 miler. I'm thinking of a doing a half instead a 12 miler. And yes, rules are meant to be broken. Drink that wine.

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    1. I only put it out there because it would have been fun to do the supported run. But I only did 18 miles last year for my long run, and it was fine.

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  18. I totally procrastinate on anything that requires me to shell out money, too. On that note, thanks for the reminder on the real estate taxes!!! THAT is something you don't want to forget about. =D

    My husband and I don't buy presents for each other, either. That ice cream cake sounds fabulous, though!!! Please share the recipe! Do you have any pictures!?!?!?

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    1. I didn't take pix of the cake and I should have. I found the recipe on Whole Foods website.

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  19. I have to say that I'm very OCD about sticking to my training plan; I think this comes from having a very rigid and strict home life as a child - ha! I never do anything different without asking my coach first, and I rarely stray from the schedule. I think you're such a rebel, Wendy - ha! Um, how could I get through ALL of marathon training with no alcohol? Isn't that sort of the point of marathon training? HA! I'm with you on that one!! Hope you have a great weekend!

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    1. I'm definitely a rule challenger! LOL! But Becky got my head on straight...

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  20. I so laughed at the SNL weight lift/arm thing :)
    Men are ALWAYS so hard to buy for... its ridiculous!

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    1. Well, that's how I felt when she made me lift those heavy weights!

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  21. What a fun link-up! I love this idea! And - guys are the WORST to shop for! My husband will mention something he wants in early Dec (just in random conversation) and I'll get excited b/c I now have a gift idea for him, then he'll go out and buy the thing he mentioned for himself 2 days later! I told him he's not allowed to buy himself anything in December anymore.

    And - I usually stick to the training plan, but with my sprint triathlon, I've been changing things up more than usual. I've been rearranging workouts based on the weather, the pool hours, the beach hours...I've been riding for 57 minutes instead of 60 because that's when my I arrive back at my house. And, this morning, I was supposed to get up at 5:45 to swim...but I had a really bad night's sleep and decided to skip it! Which actually felt kind of good :) Maybe I'm doing this b/c it's my first sprint tri and I'll end up regretting it and never changing things up again!

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    1. Or maybe it's because you are an experienced athlete and you know nothing is set in stone!

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  22. I can relate to SO MANY of your confessions.
    Money I HAVE to spend? Wait. Running clothes or gear or something fun? SPEND ALL THE MONEY. Hahahaha.

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  23. Drinking wine during marathon training = a must! Unless you're dehydrated or drink a whole bottle before a long run, I say keep wine on the menu. Also - why ARE men so hard to shop for?! Seriously. Can we start a support group for women to help each other think of gift ideas?

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  24. I actually think having a beer the night before a race or long run helps me run better the next morning. There may be some physiological benefits, but maybe there are also psychological benefits as well. If I am not depriving myself of a beer, my stress levels go down and I'm more relaxed the next day.

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    1. I agree! The last 3 races I ran, I had wine and pizza the night before. All PRs. Coincidence? I think not...

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  25. Your runfessions just sound like "life"... I can relate to the procrastination though. Have a great weekend!

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    1. I got a lot done this week, but that list was the last to be completed!

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  26. You have to pay for regular old high school? are you kidding me? YIKES! If we had to do that in Florida just imagine what our homeless population would explode too! You know there is never any judgement from me. I have a 70 minute run on the schedule tomorrow morning and you can damn sure guarantee my hubby will text we at 4:30 and ask where we are meeting for happy hour! :) it is all good- TGIF my friend!

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  27. I procrastinate too. Especially the longer summer goes. I really don't feel like doing anything. Today I must clean the entire house and here I am commenting on blogs instead of getting started! What sort of fees do you have to pay to register your kids for HS? Are they like fees for playing sports and stuff?

    I drink during training and I have definitely had a drink the night before a race! Since my body is used to having one glass of wine or one martini (or similar!) a night, it's fine for me to have it before a race or a long training run. But I wouldn't drink more than normal or something completely new that could risk upsetting my tummy. I understand why some people avoid it if it affects their running negatively. Hopefully they can enjoy one after their race!

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    1. I really don't know what the HS fees are for! It's just a "fee". There are additional fees, for sports, and there's a "senior" fee for my oldest. It's not sitting well with me!

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  28. YES ... I would drink wine during marathon training....the days I run, which is usually 4 days a week, my night glass of wine(sometimes 2) tastes so much better.... I have a very hard time buying gifts for my husband... half the time I end up buying him clothes that he needs but doesn't care about. I'm easy to shop for...a cute simple t-shirt makes me happy. I was never a procrastinator, but unfortunately, it's a skill I'm acquiring...

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    1. I'm what you might call a selective procrastinator! There are somethings I jump on and others...not so pleasant tasks, like paying bills, that I sit on..

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  29. I would not do the 20 miler and stick to what your coach has planned! But I say that coming from a coach's perspective ;) No wine and training for me! I find my IT band injury flares up when my eating habits aren't the greatest, so when I'm training I try to keep my diet as on point as possible. For the most part ;)

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    1. Oh, I'm going to stick to the plan, but I had to put it out there that I thought about it...Seriously, who would run more than necessary?

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  30. Trust your coach... trust your training. :)

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  31. I don't get it. I mean, I keep an ongoing wish list. If anyone ever asks me what I want, I gladly tell them. To answer "I don't know" or "nothing" when asked what I want for Christmas or my birthday just seems absurd. lol It has to just be a man thing. Me and my husband stopped buying each other gifts for Christmas/birthdays/anniversaries years ago and just spend that money doing things or getting things for the house now. It made life much simpler. BUT that doesn't stop the rest of the family from hounding me at Christmas, "What can I get for Dewayne?!?!" I try really hard to listen all year long and make a note of it when he mentions anything he'd like to have.

    My punch card at my CF gym is about to run out, and you've given me the idea of talking to the owner to see if she would consider doing private coaching with me. She knows I run, and she used to run a lot too before she got into CF hard core, so I think she'd be a good one to work with.

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    1. The gift thing makes me crazy. My mom asked what my boys wanted for their birthdays and I told her to get them gift cards. She's all worried that they won't have any gifts to open. But they don't care! So why should she? Ugh... My sister buys them gifts that they don't like...again, why do that? Just a rant...

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  32. Haha, give up alcohol? Ummm, I don't think so, but I do think I need to start cutting back a smidge, lol. As for the birthday stuff. My husbands birthday was in July and I didn't even get him a card. OMG, I'm a terrible wife. I took the kids to the store and they picked out two cheesy tshirts and that's what he got. In my defense we had just gotten back from our two weeks in NH that was filled with drama and all of June I was playing nurse maid to my hubby who had 2 surgeries. I think I should get a pass this year ;)

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