Thursday, February 25, 2021

Runfessions: February

It's the end of February and I could not be happier. It's been a long, cold month, the pandemic rages on, and really, doesn't every day right now feel like groundhog day? I almost considered not runfessing this month, you know, same old, same old, but my soles are heavy and in need of absolution. I haven't missed a monthly runfession session yet. Thank goodness Marcia opens the runfessional on the last Friday of every month. And here we go...

I runfess... This cold, snowy winter and my issues with anxiety have really taken a toll on my motivation. I haven't wanted to run...or go to CrossFit...or strength train with SJ. Everything has been feeling hard, but I keep pushing myself to keep on moving. On Thursday, I signed up for a CrossFit WOD and way overestimated my abilities, putting too much weight on the bar. But thanks to a supportive coach, I got it done and I didn't vomit, which was a huge win. As I laid on the floor dying recovering with the other participants, I felt an enormous weight lift off my chest. Pun completely intended. Pushing myself never felt so good. Knowing that I wasn't alone in my pain helped. I needed this.

I runfess... while I really enjoyed that live trail race I did earlier this month, I am reluctant to sign up for the next one in March. It's 8 miles and I sure don't relish another deep snow run.  Right now we're thawing out but there's a lot of snow to melt! Will the trails be slushy? Muddy? Maybe I'll be completely wrong and the trails will be dry. A runner can hope. But I'll hold off until closer to the actual race to make my decision. 

Speaking of live races, I runfess... that I had to suppress a scream when I received the email that the Ice Age Trail race, which was postponed from last May to last September to this May, HAS BEEN POSTPONED AGAIN! The email stated that the state of Wisconsin is not currently approving gatherings of more than 50 people, so the RD feels it's better to reschedule to September 11. At least it didn't go virtual. The weird thing is that there's an ultramarathon on a different segment of the IAT scheduled for June--and they are expecting 400 registrants. Doesn't make sense to me.


I runfess... that while I'm happy to be an ambassador for RoadID for another year, I'm wondering if there is anyone who is NOT an ambassador? RoadID set up a Facebook group for us and I swear, there are over 150 people in the group! I remember when Nuun did something similar a few years ago and it felt like everyone I knew was a Nuun ambassador. It's an interesting marketing strategy. 


I pandemicfess... I have been wondering all year about these people who drive alone in their cars, wearing a mask. Why? Is it too much work to take it off? I just don't understand. I have to admit that wearing a face mask out in the cold has been a win this winter. But in the car?


What do you have to runfess? Are you dealing with low motivation right now? Have you signed up for any races this year? Any virtual races? Are you a roadiD ambassador this year? Do you wear a mask in your car?

I'm linking up with Marcia for Runfessions and with the ladies of Fit Five Friday:  DarleneMichelleReneeJenn, and Zenaida !



49 comments :

  1. Haha, Wendy, knowing you I'd say you will be doing that 8 mile trail race in March, come snow, mud or hail. You might as well sign up now!

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    1. You do know me well! I'll make my decision over the next few days.

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  2. That's too bad about ice age! But I guess its better to know now so you can plan ahead? I also wonder about people wearing masks in the car. As soon as I get in I can't take to take it off my face.

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    1. I wear a mask all day at work, so yeah, I'm happy to take it off as soon as I can!

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  3. That's so odd about Ice Age. Seems like every race in the universe has moved to fall. I do see those masked people on their cars. Figured maybe somebody was lying on their lap. :P I don't understand the business model for so many ambassadors either. Skirt Sports seems to have a ton as well. I plan on bringing this warm weather home with me so don't despair. Although Caveman wants to stay another week.Ha!

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    1. I can't blame him at all! Although we are supposed to hit 52 this weekend! Hello!

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  4. Oh I forgot to tell you I have a friend who does CrossFit who tore her spinal column doing a heavy back squat. That gave me pause. Be careful out there!

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  5. I runfess that I am right there with you for February motivation. I know that all of the miles I've put in on the TM are better than not running at all but it's just so old...

    I've heard one valid reason for wearing a mask in the car. Someone said that it helps them not to touch their face, so if you've been to the store and don't have hand sanitizer, it can help tide you over until you can wash your hands. I'm not that diligent myself but I dunno...kind of makes sense?

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  6. My husband is always wondering about the solo mask drivers too!

    My motivation to get out & run is definitely at a low too. I think it's a Winter thing for most of us who live in cold, gray, snowy climate.

    Oh no on the IAT race! I'm sorry. I will bet you the trails will either be still icy or very muddy in March. But I'll happily send you some dry trail vibes.

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    1. I'm not thinking I'll do it. It's quite a drive from here and to run in the mud? Heck, my trails will be loaded...

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  7. Sorry to read that the Ice Age Trail race has been canceled. Postponing it is aa better option (in my opinion) that going virtual, though. Especially for a trail race.

    I did an in-person trail race the end of January. There was snow and ice on the ground, but it wasn't deep. With YakTrax, it was definitely runnable. After I did that, I signed up for another one on March 13. Then we got a bunch of snow. It has been warm the last few days, so I have high hopes the trails won't be too bad.

    I hope your anxiety stays at bay. I have been suffering anxiety during the pandemic too. It's been pretty good lately, though. We will get through this!

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    1. Actually, the IAT was postponed...I think that's what you meant. Anyways, it has been quite a struggle since the new year. Here's hoping for things looking up!

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  8. I agree. It is so hard to go out when it is cOLd and GRAY! But your trails are so pretty. I'm sur that helps your motivation.

    That sucks when they cancel a race, postpone a race!! I hope there will be others for you until then.

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    1. I love my trails--but I'm going to have to take a hiatus while we wait for the snow to melt, lol!

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  9. I think it's good to over estimate your lifting abilities every once in a while! No hard in seeing what you can do and no harm in dropping your weights mid workout if you need to. One of our instructors says, "no ego amigo". And, it seems to have helped your mood so I call that a win. We still don't have any races here in person.Looks like May. Not sure I am mentally ready! Your road ID example above was one of the reasons why I dropped skirt sports a few years ago. But, it's a great product so no harm. Have a good weekend

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    1. That WOD was ridiculous. We ended up doing 80 cleans. Clearly i can't do math or I would have planned better, lol!

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  10. I was told back in the day (mid-2020) that some people, nurses who work with covid patients in particular, keep their masks on after work until they can get home and basically decontaminate. Also people who are running errands or something and just getting in and out of their car. I don't understand it otherwise. The first thing I do when I get in the car is pull off my mask.

    My marathon got postponed (now both the live races I've signed up for have been) until October 24. It's Rock 'n' Roll so I figured it would happen. Now I just have to hope that the Mesa Marathon doesn't pick the same weekend!

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  11. I'm not sure if my motivation is low or I'm just bored in general. I'm bored and sick of humans in the country I live in who are making it very difficult for us all to get on with normal life. I keep going, and I generally give things my all but many times I have to start on auto pilot.

    I am fairly certain I will not do any live events this year. :(

    I figure people wearing masks in a car either just came from being around someone or are quickly going to someone and just keep the mask on. But I don't know. At least they are wearing a mask hahaha!!

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    1. I think you'd REALLY hate being here in the US. Although lately, people are behaving better. Interesting...

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  12. Oh the mask thing. Ugh. We still have patients showing up to the ED without a mask. Seriously people, it’s been a year, you must own a mask. And I’m pretty sure they are wearing it to the grocery store so why go to the hospital of all places without it? I just can’t anymore.

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  13. I am actually more motivated than I've been in a few years. I kicked off the year by focusing on healthy eating and I've now lost 14 pounds (my goal is to say goodbye to my peri-menopause 30.) Running gets "easier" every week as my body gets lighter. Currently not thinking about pace, but consistency. I'm considering signing up for a virtual half marathon so I'll have something to train for... still not sure.

    I wonder about those people with masks on in the car. Do they also wear them in shower??

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    1. Good for you, dropping those menopausal pounds! You are right, lighter body means easier running. At CF, when i have to carry the wreck bag i always think, what if I weighed this much more?

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  14. I had to chuckle at your last 'fession - I always wonder about people wearing masks in their cars too!

    Oh my motivation is way low at the moment - I feel like I'm really pushing myself to do the bare minimum.

    Sorry about your race postponement (again!) - so odd that another race will be taking place on the same course at an earlier date?!? I'm afraid that if people don't get their acts together we're never going to get back to in person racing ... sigh.

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    1. I think that too... why do people think they don't have to follow the rules?

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  15. When I lived up north I always thought of this season as "opposite time." Whatever it is you feel like doing, do the opposite. Instead of sitting on the couch eating bon bons, do a Crossfit WOD! Sounds like it worked for you.
    I also wear a mask all day at work and can't wait to take it off in the car! I guess some people are super concerned about germs and don't want to touch their face? But then why not just keep hand sanitizer in the car... I don't get it.

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    1. But if you properly remove the mask by the loops, you don't touch your face at all! Of course, I had a dad wearing gloves this week. (insert eye roll)

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  16. This has felt like the longest month ever and I'm really hoping that March goes by faster.

    I actually caught myself driving with my mask on while leaving OTF last week. I caught myself after 2 minutes and took it off, but I had to laugh ay myself. I guess the mask is such a part of me now that I forgot about it.

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    1. I find myself forgetting to put my mask on sometimes, which is so weird to me!

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  17. I just signed up for a live 5K race on April 17th. It's limited to 250 people and when it hits that number it will go virtual. I signed up for it immediately to get a live spot!

    I was a Road ID ambassador years ago, but then they cancelled to program to revamp it. I've not applied since.

    I watched a lady leaving a parking lot yesterday wearing a mask while driving alone. She reached up toward it and I thought that she was going to remove it, but nope, she was just adjusting the nose thing to make it tighter.

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    1. I would have signed up immediately too! Excited for you! A live race!

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  18. Yeah, what is with the masks in the car? Then again, my college town is pretty unique...I see a lot of students, outside, all alone, with a mask and face shield.

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    1. Face shields on college kids? Well, I wouldn't have expected that!

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  19. I don't care if people wear a mask in their car alone (or on the street, or in the shower if they want!). I don't know their story and I have bigger things to worry about (or not worry about ;) ) Judging people for potentially going above and beyond the health and safety guidelines does not seem worth my time. One can wonder, but the meme is basically calling them stupid. Was that your intention?

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    1. I'm sorry if I offended you. That certainly was not my intention! It was just a question.

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  20. My motivation was down, but it's starting to perk back up.

    I've run a few in-person events. Florida has a different take on things, as I'm sure you know.

    I'm back on the RoadID team. It was one of my favorite ambassadorships last year, and I am happy to have a FB group and more interaction this year.

    I think right now, we are all at the of our ropes. I get super frustrated and annoyed about all the things. we are all worn out and fatigued. It's going to get better.

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  21. Good for you for pushing through your malaise. One thing about working at home, I never come close to vomiting. No way do I push myself that hard! I heard someone complain when a delivery person wasn’t driving with their mask on (although I don’t think the risk of breathing on packages is that high), so maybe delivery drivers are encouraged to mask up, but I don’t understand others.

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    1. I don't understand the logic behind driving with a mask, but obviously it's a personal choice!

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  22. You are lucky that you have been able to run an in person race. There are still no races going on here.
    I've been really picky lately with ambassadorships because most just want to give it to anyone they know just so they can give their discount code out AND free advertising. If 100's of people are going to advertise your product for free, than why not have them as ambassadors?...lol
    Have a great weekend Wendy!

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  23. knowing you, you will sign up for that race! Everything is melting and hopefully the trail will be clear of snow and mud. I didn't apply for the ambassadorship because I forgot. That is OK though. Maybe next year.

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    1. It's actually a good one! I was just shocked at how many ambassadors they have.

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  24. My first time commenting although I have read your entire blog from the beginning as a very late comer. I recently had my first in person race in a year, a Valentines Day 5k. It was so nice to have an actual race again. There is another one of the same series on March 14th. Nothing fancy, no medals or swag but a real race!!!! I hope you get to do your March trail race.

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    1. Thanks for commenting! I'm not sure I'll run it--I may go with my hubs up to the lake to give him a hand. But I'll hopefully hit the Ice Age Trail for a few miles.

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  25. Even though the weather has started to warm up here, the trails are still a slushy, icy, muddy mess. I hope you get to thaw out soon for that upcoming race! Wow, I can't believe they postponed Ice Age again! These races have just been so unpredictable but I totally understand in these times...

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