Friday, October 26, 2018

Runfessions: October

Time flies when you're having fun and this has been a really fun month! The next thing you know, it's the end of October, the Visa bill is due, and it's time to runfess. Let's head to the runfessional and cleanse our soles. Thankfully, it's pretty painless.



Did you watch the Chicago Marathon? After seeing all my friends proudly displaying their medals,  I runfess I seriously considered throwing my name in the lottery to run it one more time next year. Then I woke up the next morning and reality set in. Knees aching and sore all over after running 8 miles the day before, it was a serious reality check. But the FOMO is real.

Maybe.
I've really been enjoying reading everyone's fall race reports. My favorite recaps are the ones that describe not only the victories but also the struggles and lessons learned along the way. I runfess that I don't find inspiration in race reports that describe a race as easy or a "cakewalk". I've run a lot of races and I wouldn't describe any of them as easy. For me, the satisfaction comes from knowing that I gave it my all at every race I've ever run.

an oldie but a goodie
I know I vowed never to drink the Lululemon koolade again but I signed up to run the Ghost Race. I runfess that I did hope for some of the Lulu swag that was promised along the course. Instead, I received another 25% off coupon, which expires 10/28. Whatever, Lulu. I did have a beautiful run along the lakefront, which was enough reward for me.
It's not just me. 
Speaking of rewards, did you buy a Mega Millions or a Powerball ticket? I runfess that I did not. Although whenever these giant jackpots come up, I think about what I would do with the money. 900 million dollars is just so much money that it's overwhelming! I'd quit my job, for sure. Buy a place on a lake with a boat and all toys. And then plan ALL THE RACECATIONS. Wouldn't you?

Or this. Works for me.
If you read my recap of my recent sister trip to Nashville, you know that I didn't run at all while I was there. My sister and I walked over 8 miles each day and my feet were protesting. I runfess that not running didn't upset me at all. The old me would have been stressing about missing a run, not to mention 2 runs. The new me is starting to accept that my best running days are behind me and that it's ok to skip a run or 2.


And that's all the runfessing for this month. What would you runfess? Having FOMO about a race? Have you ever skipped running and had no regrets? Did you do the Ghost Race? Lululemon, yes or no? Did you buy a lottery ticket? What would you do with 900 million dollars? Race recaps: keeping it real or sugar coated?

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






40 comments :

  1. I'll go for that foot rub. Heck let's just get the back done too. Bradley Cooper though. I skipped Lulu and I'm good with it. To be honest all of my $$$ has been going to Athleta lately.

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    1. I'm not sad that my INB ambassadorship is done because now I can spread my $$ around!

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  2. I'm not a huge fan of Lulu -- I find better deals at Athleta. I found out the DC Ghost course started right by my office but I didn't bother doing it. I see it as a ploy to get more people to share more data, which I'm trying to be more selective about these days. While I am a big believer in crossing the finish line smiling, if it's too easy to do, maybe you weren't really racing. ;-)

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  3. I have successfully avoided the LuLu bandwagon. No regrets ;-)

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  4. I still get serious FOMO when all my friends are running marathons. Hence why I signed up for Phoenix in February. Though after running 13.1 last week I'm not sure I really do have another full in me.

    I didn't see anything about the Ghost Race until your post, so I avoided the koolade there. And I don't shop there, too expensive, even though I get a discount as a fitness professional. I like Lorna Jane and prAna more and I get a much bigger discount.

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    1. You're lucky to get a discount on Lorna Jane--that stuff is pricey!

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  5. I don't like it when people describe a race as a cakewalk either. I'm like, are you actually racing then? Whether it has felt good or extra tough, my best races have been hard freaking work. I think sugar coating is sort of damaging to psychology, because then people read it and back down when their races begin to hurt. I had one athlete who thought races should feel easy, and I worked with her on embracing the hurt. Then she worked hard and broke a big barrier in the half this weekend. We need to keep it real in race recaps!
    I'm not a huge lulu fan, but I LOVE Athleta. Probably too much.

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    1. You get me... when I ran my best marathon, my crossfit coach made sure I learned how to embrace hard work and pain. Mentally, it put me in such a good place to run my best.

      I really like race reports that share the good and the bad. I learn from those and I empathize with the runners.

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  6. Well you will never see me post that a race was easy :). Like you, I am happy to be able to be running out there with my friends and feeling accomplished for doing that. My "competitive" days are behind me and that's ok.

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    1. Even my slow races are hard! I always give my all when I'm out there. Crossing the finish line is always an accomplishment.

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  7. Like you, I've never known a race to be easy. I agree with what Laura said up there. With all the social media, there is a lot of comparison going on. Pretending a race is easy is very misleading to others. In a lot of cases, I'd even say disrespectful to those that work their asses off. But that's just me. ;)

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  8. I have thought about throwing my name in the Chicago Marathon lottery just because I feel like I need redemption from last years disaster of a race, but I don't know if I'm mentally ready to go back just yet. Regarding race reports, you must have enjoyed my last one, lol. It was definitely all about the struggles! It's funny but my horrible photo that I posted on Saturday after that race is one of my most popular IG posts of the year - go figure!

    If I won the lotto I would do SO man epic racecations - Italy, Hawaii, etc.

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  9. Yep, when someone says how easy the race or workout was for them, I just end up feeling bad about my performance. And then I never talk to them again. OK, wishful thinking on that...

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    1. I'm a pretty confident runner but my confidence has taken a nosedive with the declines in my finish times. Reading recaps that a race was 'easy' is like pouring salt in my aging runner wounds...

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  10. hahaha, I did end up getting a couple Mega Millions tickets for me and my friends. I'd pay off my student loans/my friends' loans and my parents' house and we'd all go eat and travel the world. (It's nice to dream... *-*) I'd probably still want to finish my residency though since I'd still like to get to be a legit doctor someday, hehehe.

    I like looking at Lululemon's clothes but...way too expensive for my budget, haha. I own a jacket that I got on suuuper sale but that's all. I have a friend who works there and is about the same size as me though...

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    1. If you won the Mega Millions, Lulu would sure fit in your budget!

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  11. I skipped running when hubs and I were in Italy with absolutely no regrets! I'm going to do more trips with no running involved!

    I have to runfess I've been waiting to sign up for any more races until MCM is over, but now I am getting to the point that I just can't wait. If it doesn't go too badly, I might sign up for a bunch early next week. Don't tell my hubby! :)

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    1. I'm looking ahead to 2019 as well. I've got a few halfs I want to do. But I got my head on straight. No 26.2 for me! Sigh.

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  12. I like the ones that keep it real. I rarely cross the finish line with a smile on my face and sometimes I think what's wrong with me? Didn't I enjoy the race? I have also thought about the lottery. I know I'd set aside half since the IRS would come calling. I'd donate a lot to charities, and then plan some really fun vacations.

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    1. I smile for the camera when I can but it's more like I"m gritting my teeth. Of course, there is that smile in being done!

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  13. I don't own any Lululemon. I've been to their store twice but thought the price didn't match the quality. I prefer Athleta...still pricey but better quality. My opinion ;-)
    I did put in for the lottery because if everyone at work wins without me I would be very sad...and working alone. Lol

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    1. I don't own much Lululemon either! But one year I did the winter race and walked away with a whole outfit. I guess that was a fluke.

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  14. I'm much more of an Athleta girl vs Lulu - better quality for the $$ I think.
    I runfess that I'm thinking of throwing my name in for Chicago...wait did I just say that out loud?!?

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  15. I think I only have like 3 items from Lulu. I can't deny that the seem to be good quality and have lasted a really long time. But hearing about the "rewards" they've been giving for these races is frustrating! I definitely prefer real race recaps too. I like hearing about the ups and downs and lessons learned.

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    1. The runners who describe their races as "easy" make me think they didn't push themselves enough. I'd bet that no elite would ever describe a race as easy!

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  16. So was this Ghost race a virtual race? I just don't understand all the hype about LuluLemon! Thanks for linking up with us!

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    1. The Ghost Race was a virtual race but you had to run it on the course Lulu laid out. There were 12 such courses around the county. I ran the Chicago one.

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  17. I didn't do the Ghost Race and still got the Lulu email yesterday with an expiration today. Yeah, no.
    I agree re: cakewalk reports. Learn way more from struggles

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    1. Yeah, I didn't use my coupon. Seriously--I ran their race and my reward is that I have to buy something?

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  18. I try to keep it real in race reports as I always appreciate knowing all the stuff. Mine are quite long, because I try to remember ALL THE DETAILS! And that's a bit rubbish, the Luluwhatsit thing. But you had a nice run.

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    1. I love race reports that share all the details, good and bad! It's the ones that only share the positive that make me crazy. That is just not inspirational to me.

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  19. My poor feet could use that foot rub right now- they are so swollen! lol
    When I first started running and made schedules I wouldn't miss a run but now I considering other types of exercise (like walking 8 miles in a new city) as a great activity too.
    And yes... even easy races are never "easy!" If they were... what would be the point!

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  20. Hey Wendy! I'm super late to respond, but I'm gonna respond anyway ;) I haven't run since the marathon in January (clearly, I am not built for marathoning....my left knee still isn't happy with me, no matter what exercise I do. So, lot's of FOMO, but it's still a no-go. As for Lululemon, I have never been treated well in any of their stores, so not only do I NOT drink the kool-aid, I roll my eyes in annoyance at any of their PR. Hubby did buy 2 lottery tickets, but I did not--I wouldn't even know how to buy one! If I had won the money, I would quit my job as a teacher and become a full-time advocate for students and the ridiculousness of the amount of testing we do to our children! Finally, I am ALL ABOUT the real. Do no sugarcoat your race recap/report. Tell it like it is (which is one reason I love your blog!)

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    1. Hey Shawn! Glad to hear from you! Oh, don't even get me started on our education system. I get so many kids coming in to clinic for ADHD workups on the recommendations of their teachers it makes me so sad! And you know I'll always keep it real...

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