Thursday, May 28, 2020

Dirty Runfessions

Get your mind out of the gutter. What did you think this post was about? All month I've been training on the trails. It's been muddy, sloppy, yes, dirty. Very dirty. So much so that I have to hose off my shoes every time I run.

The runs might be solo, the venues virtual, but the runfessions still pile up. It's pretty amazing that I can't get through a month without needing to runfess my running sins. Thank goodness Marcia opens the runfessional every month. I get to cleanse my soles and start the new month fresh.

Don't judge me for any of this. Let he who is without transgression cast the first shoe...



I ended last month with a virtual half up at Lake Wisconsin. It wasn't an easy mission and when I was done, I runfess I stopped to take a selfie, hoping to set up my phone in a mailbox. An old guy in a car pulled out of his driveway and asked if he could 'help me'. 'Nope, just catching my breath,' I said. He drove away slowly, stopping halfway down the road, I assume to see what I was doing. I busied myself along the lakeshore and when he was gone, I got my photo.


I runfess that I purchased the medal for that race. I never do that but this is such a strange time and I think you'll agree that it really is the perfect medal to commemorate the year of virtual races.


I runfess that after seeing these new Brooks Adrenaline 20 shoes on Michelle's social media, I immediately went on the hunt to find them. Even better, I used my nurse discount to purchase them. Many companies are offering COVID-19 discounts on their merchandise to first responders and medical personnel. Brooks has been hosting shoe giveaways for nurses too. Pretty sweet. Run happy, indeed!
These shoes just make me smile every time I wear them!
I runfess that my tummy troubles continue to plague me on my runs. Without the availability of portapotties, what's a runner to do? I've got to figure this all out as I embark on my 50k training. In fact, I runfess that every time I go on a trail run, I experience some new issue! Chafing, blisters, insect bites...it's a continual learning experience. It's enough to make me feel like a complete newbie.


I runfess that I am not masking when I run. It's just too hard to breathe with my face covered when I'm moving. Most experts say that wind and being outdoors make it very unlikely that runners would spread the virus to others as long as they maintain a safe distance. That distance is still subject to debate. Just keep moving forward, my friends.


What do you have to runfess? Are you doing any virtual races? Do you get the medals? Do you buy shoes because of the way they look? Tummy troubles anyone? I wish I could get on top of this! Have you tried anything new this year? Are you masking when you run?

I'm linking up with Marcia's Healthy Slice for Runfessions and with Fridays with Fairytales and Fitness.


40 comments :

  1. That medal is special! I would have bought it, too!
    I also need the potty a lot when I'm out running - fortunately, I have quite a few very clean ones on my running routes. Otherwise it's the bushes... and hoping that nobody passes by!

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  2. I haven't worn a mask when I run either. I used a buff once but didnt even pull it over my face at all during the run, and now its just too warm out. I dont see anyone anyway when Im out! Im more concerned about afternoon walks with the stroller. There are kids everywhere and it gets tricky when they swerve towards us with their bikes. I think everyone is passing each other quickly enough and we are still probably at least 6 feet apart.
    I havent gotten any medals for virtual races yet. I did get a pin for one of them. And Im not sure if we are getting medals for the most recent 10k I did. I do think they are mailing out race shirts though.

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    1. Most, if not all of the virtual races I've run offer a medal for an extra charge. I figured this was worth the price.

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  3. I runfess that wearing a mask while running would be a deal breaker for me. I'm happy to wear one at the grocery store and I am very grateful that I don't have to wear one for any longer than that b/c breathing is kind of an issue. I also runfess that I don't think it's a half marathon unless you get a medal so I approve of your purchase.

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    1. I wear a mask all day at work and really, it is mind over matter. But wearing one while running is a whole different thing!

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  4. No mask while running here either. I can't keep a buff on when its zero. But social distance is easy where I run and I always slow to a walk when I pass too. I love that medal! I did not get the IL race one. Having all the issues now means you'll know how to handle anything that arises on race day.

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    1. I can run with my ninja face mask in the winter but there is a little ventilation port!

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  5. I love those shoes too! And that medal! I’m not wearing a mask running, but usually can avoid the few people I might encounter by crossing the street or dipping into the road. I try to give extra room to walkers wearing masks so they don’t hate me.

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    1. Well the walkers walk side by side and don't move for me, so I don't care how they feel about my unmasked self!

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  6. I love that race medal! I did laugh when I saw (and hopefully last) on the medal, LOL. Let's hope that's true!

    I also love those Brooks sneakers but I still have a few pairs of brand new sneakers in boxes in my closest so I'm trying to do the responsible thing and not buy more - sigh :(

    I run with a Buff and it's super annoying. Because I run in my city, I never know when I'm going to "run up" on someone so I have it just in case. It seems like everyone is out now - either running or walking - no matter how early I leave the house so it's hard to avoid people.

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    1. I was running with a Buff for a while but now I don't even do that.

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  7. I take a mask w me on my runs and pull it up when I encounter groups of people. It's ridiculously har to breathe w it though. I have been caught numerous times taking weird selfies on a run. Your trail running photos make me want to run trails too. I would totally kill myself. Way to crush it out there this month!

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    1. I'm about as klutzy as it comes but I've really worked on being more mindful on the trails. No music and I pay attention to wear I'm running!

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  8. I laughed out loud at the old man picture. That's hilarious!
    That is a sweet race medal. I would have opted for that myself. I'm doing the GVRAT virtual 1000K across Tennessee and they are offering a belt buckle or a medal. Of course I'm choosing the buckle. Only 3 months to go.
    I don't wear a mask when I'm out, but I've been running exclusively on the roads, as the parks and trails are just too crowded for my peace of mind. I will even cross the street when an oncoming bicycle rider approaches.

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    1. I go super early and I usually have the trails mostly to myself!

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  9. I don't wear a mask while running either, and most of the time, I'm not close to everyone. I keep planning to do a post on whether or not you should wear a mask, but I'm enjoying my outside time too much.

    We'll get a meal for our virtual women's race (a first). It's a 5k. I runfess I don't really want the medal, I only want medals for halfs!

    I feel you on the bathroom issue, even though I don't have bathroom issues. I plan to go see my mom next week. It'll be like 4 hours of driving for maybe an hour or less of visiting & it kills me I can't even hug her. We're still working on the bathroom issue -- I think in the end we'll find one, but it will probably add on to the drive.

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    1. I'm just going to say that you're going to invite a lot of controversy if you do a post on masking....

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  10. Having all the things now means you won't have them in the race! And yes, if it isn't one thing it's another, esp on the trails! No virtual races, no masking when running - in fact it's quieter out early now for some reason. Maybe everyone was doing a secret first-thing run when we could only go out once a day!

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    1. Just when I think I've got a handle on this trail running thing, another thing pops up! The heat really threw a monkey wrench into the whole picture.

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  11. very happy to finally get my buffs - they were backordered for so long. highly recommend for running so you can pull up & down very quickly if anyone's in the vicinity. I runfess I'm sensitive to getting stink-eye from others, even though many of the walkers aren't masked either

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    1. I have so many buffs and I never used them until this year!

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  12. Too funny - I runfessed about those Brooks shoes too! I'm glad you were able to track down a pair.

    I'm not masking when I run either - I've just been trying to get out at the crack of dawn and have for the most part been able to avoid people.

    I love that race medal!

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    1. After I saw those shoes on your blog, I had to get a pair. I absolutely love them!

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  13. I did my Hot Chocolate 15k virtual race this morning. I got really lucky - we had a marine layer and it was about 60 degrees the entire time. I got the medal and the jacket.

    I rarely get the cute shoes because they don't come in my size!

    I figured out most of my tummy troubles are from sugar alcohols (Xylitol, Sorbitol, etc.) I do my best when I stick to Hammer Nutrition (Hammer Gel, Perpetuem, Endurolytes.)

    No mask for me when I run. I usually have one with me, but I'd rather step out into the street to put distance between me and others.

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    1. I am even having issues with Tailwind. I just don't know what to do!

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  14. I don't wear a mask when I run either. Like you said - too difficult to breathe. I do stay at least 6 feet away from anyone I pass and I try to run at places and times where I don't encounter too many passersby.

    And yes, my mind did "go there" when I read your title. Ha! Good for you for all the trail runs. My best running days are trail days.

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    1. Every day is a good day on the trails. Even the bad days! :p

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  15. I did love that "home" medal and thought about registering for that particular event. There are just so many.

    I runfess that I don't wear a mask outside either. I use them for stores and if i have to be in close contact, but that's it.

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    1. I figured since it was a race from the National Parks people, it would be a good one. I wasn't disappointed! Probably one of the nicest medals I've ever gotten.

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  16. Oh I totally buy shoes based on how they look (although i do stick with my same brand and style). I had heard of Brooks doing giveaways for first responders and medical staff. That is so great!

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    1. I've been able to take advantage of a few healthcare worker discounts!

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  17. That is a cool medal. I don't wear a mask. I can't breathe. Love those shoes! I bought a NYC Brooks pair and I don't wear Brooks because they were cute.

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  18. I am the queen of tummy troubles, but with no running lately, I hadn't really thought about it recently. Come to think of it, part of my poor eating habits during this pandemic have to do with me not running and not worrying about what goes in must come out - and usually while running. LOL

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  19. As much as I'm a hardware junkie, I do't really "need" them for a virtual. That said, I do have a couple from this spring's races (that were forced to go virtual), and I did give in and get the UN-Canceled medal (after registering for round 2) since all of these 5K's are teaching me discipline and perseverance. And, I'll probably get the Iowa medal for the race across the state. Yeah, scratch my first sentence LOL

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    1. I am actually not a bling chaser but yeah, there are a few medals that I'm collecting during this strange time. That includes the Uncanceled medal. What a strange year.

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  20. Hey Wendy! I don't actively wear my mask when I run, but I have one that I can wear around my neck, and I pull it up when approaching others on the road. I have always loved a race medal, and after being injured for almost 2 1/2 years, I did purchase the Un-Canceled Project medal to commemorate my return to running as well as this crazy time! As for the shoes, my local running store always knew the brand I liked, and when I was in the market for new shoes, they knew to go ahead and order the "brightly colored" version. No basic black or white for this girl!

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