Runfessions: August Style

Hello? How did we already get to the end of August? The end of summer? The only thing that makes me realize we're there is that I have SO MUCH to runfess. It's almost scary how much builds up over the month. Thankfully, Marcia opens the runfessional every month and she doesn't even hand out a penance. Whew!

On with the cleansing...

Let's talk about the eclipse. Being a total science nerd, I was so excited about it! The last time I experienced anything close to this was when I was in 3rd grade, and I won't tell you what year that was. There was so much hype for this eclipse. In anticipation, I ordered the special viewing glasses, which of course didn't come until the day after the eclipse. Not to worry, I was at work and so many people had glasses. We all headed outside at 1:20 to witness the eclipse. I runfess I was a little disappointed by the eclipse itself. Where I live, we were supposed to have 87% coverage. Unfortunately, it cloudy and a little underwhelming. It was really cool to see all the hospital employees outside, witnessing this experience together! Oh, and the late arriving glasses? I'm keeping them. The next eclipse is supposed to be in 2024 and I don't want to be left empty handed.

photo credit to Senora, one of the CMAs I work with

I'm so happy to be running with Steph again! Hello, running friend, goodbye run/walk intervals. For the most part. I runfess that there have been another kind of interval. It seems like this is becoming a theme for me, but we did have a few stops because I had tummy troubles. Again. This time, I blame the ibuprofen I've been taking for my oral surgery pain.

Steph and I did have an encounter of the strange kind. We were running on the limestone path and came upon a guy, wearing pajama pants, sitting cross-legged on a bench, chanting. I runfess that we sped up to get away. Remember, this is the suburbs. But this is also the path where I encountered Hans and Franz last month.

My trip to Alabama was a blast. I loved every moment of it--from the waterskiing to the 5k we ran to the fresh peaches we ate. It's always interesting running races, witnessing the odd things runners do. This race was no different. While running the 5k, I passed a guy wearing a Camelback. I runfess I wanted to bite back a snarky comment. Yes, it was hot and humid but really? A hydration pack for a 5k? Ok, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt--maybe he was continuing on after this run for more miles?

I've been commenting all summer that I need to get on my bike. Every time I go out to the garage, I feel as if my bike is calling me to ride. I want to take it out but I runfess that I'm a little scared to ride on the road. Earlier this summer, I rode with my sister but I fell a couple of times. I don't know if it's RA brain or not, but I don't feel as confident on my bike as I have in the past. It doesn't help that I've seen so many crazy drivers and accidents this summer. Just this past Wednesday on my way home from work, I came upon an accident scene--with a bike down in the middle of the road. Seeing that just reinforced my fear and the bike stays in the garage for now.

What do you have to runfess? Did you love the eclipse or were you underwhelmed? Does ibuprofen keep you running to the portapotty? Any strange encounters on the run this month? Hydration pack for a 5k? Bikeophobia?

I'm linking up with Marcia for Runfessions and with Fairytales and Fitness and Running on Happy for the Friday Five!