Runfessions over Coffee: November

The calendar says the end of November but the thermometer says January. With almost a foot of snow on the ground, coffee sounds good, doesn't it? Last weekend, I brought my Badger back to Wisconsin and came home with some of the local grounds from Colectivo. I've got a pot brewing, so let's sit down and catch up over a cup!

Speaking of Turkey Trots, earlier this week, I shared my recap from my recent half marathon. Since posting, I learned of a local guy who takes thousands of photos at some of the smaller races in the area and posts them on his FB page. I found some of me and I runfess that I'm a little disappointed in the photos. Actually, I don't think I've ever looked less athletic than I do in these pictures. If a picture paints a thousand words, I don't want to know what this one is saying...

I may have gone completely insane here or maybe I'm smiling because I'm approaching the finish line.

Do you remember that beautiful snowy trail run I did earlier this month? It's always wonderful running in the first snowfall of the year. But there was a dark side to that run. I was aware of some tummy issues during the run but I had no idea how bad it was until we all met up later at Starbucks. I ordered my coffee and went to use the restroom. I'll spare you the details but I runfess that I left that bathroom minus one undergarment. I calmly retrieved my coffee and joined the club at the table as if nothing happened.

Over the years as a nurse practitioner, I've precepted many students in my clinic. This week I said goodbye to my current student. I teachfess that I received her request in a most unusual way--we were following each other on Instagram. She's a yogi and does beautiful poses. We also learned that we had our careers in common. Even more of a coincidence was that not only is she local, but we work for the same healthcare system. When she asked me to precept, I said yes, not knowing a whole lot about her. Sometimes it pays to go with your gut because both of us enjoyed our time together. We closed the semester with a clinic yoga pose. Funny how social media brings people together, isn't it?

Nurse practitioner warriors!

Speaking of social media, I play Words With Friends online with my mom and my aunt--and anyone else who wants to play. I'm a little leary of accepting game requests from people I don't know and oops, I did it again. A man I didn't know wanted to play and against my better judgment, I gamefess that I accepted. As soon as I sent a word, I started getting messages from him. I ignored them but he persisted. Does this happen to you? I'm getting almost daily FB friend requests from strange men and I've gotten IG messages as well. Is this the new version of honking at a woman who is walking (or running) down the street?

Make words, not love.

ICYMI, last week I took a steroid pack to ward off a flare of rheumatoid arthritis. I am finished with the steroids and as I expected, am feeling much better. I do have some residual symptoms, though, including pain in my big toe. I runfess that I considered continuing the steroids. In fact, I wish I could be on them all the time. Seriously. They make me feel 20 years younger! Too bad they have long-term side effects like bone thinning and high blood pressure.

What would you 'fess to me over coffee? Winter getting to you yet? Are you getting unwanted attention from strangers on social media? Have you made friends or connections with anyone through social media? Any Turkey Trot stories? The runs? Thanks to all for your kind words of support with my recent flare.

It's the trifecta of linkups! I'm linking up with Marcia for Runfessions, Fridays with Fairytales and Fitness, and with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date.