Thursday, December 30, 2021

Holiday Runfessions

It's New Year's Eve, but it's also the last Friday of the month, which means it's time for Runfessions! Marcia opens up the runfessional every final Friday of the month. It's a great time to cleanse your soles. Mine are plenty dirty, from running in the mud. What did you think I meant?

Let's get to it!

I runfess... that while I am back to running and feeling good, my ankles are still giving me a little trouble. My right ankle, the one that I broke, has some weird tendinitis on the opposite side of the break. I've changed the way I lace my shoes and I check my form frequently. It seems that when I'm fatigued, the ankle starts to hurt. My left ankle still hurts from when I rolled it last month. It doesn't hurt when I run, so does it even count as an injury?

I runfess... that while gift shopping for my family, I also did some shopping for myself! Damn you Oiselle--sending me a 50% off coupon on my favorite pocket jogger shorts! I bought those Nathan gloves, too. I'm still looking at the post-Christmas sales. It's really the best time to shop, isn't it?

Speaking of Christmas, the hubs gave me trekking poles for Christmas. I runfess... that I have mixed feelings about using trekking poles. After the Mammoth Hike Challenge, I realized that having poles could come in handy on some of the climbs as well as some of the more technical trails. This past week, I could have used them on some of my creek crossings, as the logs were slippery and I almost fell in multiple times. But...how to carry them when I'm running? And do I just whip them out when I need them? Sigh...

And speaking of trail running, I runfess that I signed up for the Ice Age Trail half marathon again! Hoping the third time is the charm, after a deferral due to the pandemic and then my injury. I actually gave a lot of thought to doing the 50k, but I just don't know if I would be ready to do it by May. The training is intimidating too. So yeah, the half marathon. 

I runfess... that with 2022 right around the corner, I haven't set ANY running goals for the new year. Sure, I've signed up for a few races. But goals? With all the uncertainty and cancellations of the past 2 years, it's hard to muster up enthusiasm for a big goal. Ok, here's a goal: just roll with it. 


What do you have to runfess? Any injuries that just won't go away? Did you shop for yourself over the holidays? Any advice on the trekking poles? Did you sign up for any races in 2022? Goals?

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

37 comments :

  1. Happy New Year in advance Wendy! And oh boy do I feel you re (running) goals for 2022. So thanks for sharing that your goal is to roll with it. Sounds like something I'm going to adopt for myself;)
    Touchwood and all, but i really hope 2022 is a better running year for us all!!! Glad your ankle's better and i hope it continues to improve!

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    1. I'm an optimist by nature, but I feel like we've been burned the past 2 years. Hoping for a better year in 2022!

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  2. Trekking poles, Wendy! Many trail runners use them in Switzerland and South Africa and I can see how handy they are.
    A South African trail runner who now lives in the UK reviewed a pair that are collapsible and then fit in your hydropack. I think I'm going to buy these!
    His review is here:
    https://trailrunningforlife.com/distance-carbon-z-trekking-poles-review-black-diamond/

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    1. The hubs bought me the collapsable ones, and I'll let you know how I like them!

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  3. I am totally with you on just roll with it (not the ankles, obviously, sorry they're giving you problems).

    My trekking poles are just used for hiking. I couldn't fathom running with them, although I know there are people who do -- surely someone will have an answer?

    The sales this time of year are the best! Or worst, depending on how you look at it. :)

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    1. I'm doing a lot of run/walking and on the trails, especially the IAT, there are some really treacherous sections where the poles would come in handy. Stay tuned...

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  4. I love that 2022 meme - really does feel like the best way to approach the year doesn't it?! Hopefully 2022 will be kind to all of us.

    The sales this time of year have been too good to pass up - I runfess my credit card could probably use a rest day ;)

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  5. I love the idea of trekking poles! What a thoughtful gift! That said, I have no clue how I'd carry them while running. I'll bet Catrina would know. Running goals? What are those? I guess my running goals are for others, aka coaching goals. Haha! Hope the 3td time IS the charm for you and the IAT half! Happy New Year my friend!

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    1. I was almost afraid to sign up for it! Fingers crossed it all goes well.

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  6. Well, it does not take a runfession for me to admit that I have an activewear shopping issue! Sorry not sorry. I did some damage w sweaty Betty and Athleta for some basic tops and bras. You deserve it. I am off to check out the Nathan gloves :) Wait until you start w all the Brooks gear :) The half sounds perfect for the ice age trail for you. Take care of that ankle

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  7. Oh, I feel that ankle meme! Running would be great if I could take miloxicam every day, but I’m pretty sure that’s not the healthiest approach. I’m also in on that 2022 meme. Don’t wake the bear!

    Good luck with the Ice Age this time around!

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    1. Since I relaced my shoes, the ankle isn't bothering me. Who knew?

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  8. Yesterday was my 10 year anniversary of my ankle surgery. The bad news is that my ankle is still ctanky. But I can run so no complaints.

    I love my poles. I use them for hiking but no, I don't run with them. I've seen runners who carry them in a backpack and run that way and only use them when they need them.

    I have held myself back from buying anything except another pair of knuckle lights. But I would like some gloves.

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    1. I have considered the backpack. I like to travel light, so it's a dilemma!

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  9. I wold say if you have trekking poles, you've become an officially serious trail runner. I have no experience with them but know people use them a lot for ultras. i was going to ask if they fold up, but just read in a previous comment that they do. You'll have to let us know how they work out!
    I'm with you on the running goals. I have no idea what to expect. Um, not get injured? Or should I go big and claim 2022 as "my year?" (ha ha.) I think I'm just going to see how January goes and then reassess.

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    1. I think I'm just going to take each month as it comes. No plans. lol

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  10. I'm closing out my best year of running in ages. I runfess that coming in to 2021 I rejoined WW with the hopes of getting my act together and I am super glad that I did. My only 2022 goal is to run a half marathon each month (alone or in a race) and hope to improve my time. I haven't done a bit of speed work in about 6 years so I want to incorporate that.

    I have a pair of poles that I use for hiking. They are a bit annoying to carry, but I'm always glad I have them when I need them.

    I bought a new pair of running tights on Wednesday at Burlington (Les was looking for a coat.) They are Daisy Fuentes brand and fit perfectly. I wore them for the first time today and didn't need to adjust them a single time. They were $12.99 and I really wish I had bought a couple more.

    Happy and healthy new year to you, Wendy!

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    1. I have never heard of Daisy Fuentes running tights! Glad they worked out for you. You've had such an amazing year and I'm so glad for you!

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  11. I have never used poles and I have never done hiking: I think I have missed something of interesting.
    As I wrote, I have a permanent injury on my right shoulder for a fall during a run.
    Here because of the pandemic many races are cancelled or postponed so it's impossible to sign up.
    Happy and healthy new year.

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    1. It's never too late to take up hiking! I bet you have some amazing places to explore.

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  12. I did add a few more races to my 2022 roster, but the goals are MIA for now. The injury meme is spot-on, LOL

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    1. I'm afraid to sign up for much, the way things are going right now.

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  13. I am so tiptoeing into 2022....fingers crossed and all!! haha On a more serious note a BIG thank you for your blog and all your heart felt posts. 2021 has been a tough one and your honesty and candid writings have been something I have looked forward to. I've found myself often headed towards being a little more depressed and it's always helpful to know you are not alone in the crazy world! Thanks again and (shhhhh) here's to 2022~

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    1. You are so kind and just made my day! It has been such a hard year in so many ways, hasn't it? Fitness has been a bright spot for me, even after my injury. I'm always grateful that I can push this old body. Happy New Year!

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  14. Whispering "Happy New Year" so we don't startle 2022! Please post a pic of your new shoe lacing technique. I have a cranky ankle that started some complaining during a marathon training cycle and then got very angry when I stepped into a plastic packing strap loop while running, tying my feet togther, and causing a total face plant on the concrete. KT tape is helpful, but it continues to linger.

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    1. I will do that on Sunday's post! It's nothing tricky, but I had a pain free run today. Pretty happy about that.

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  15. Happy New Year! I hear you on the non-healing injury - my upper hamstring has never been the same since my first 50k. Hope 2022 goes well for you!

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  16. It seems that a few of us are struggling with big goals for 2022! But I look forward to your Ice Age race!

    I've been thinking about getting poles for our family hikes, but I'm waiting for a good sale to save a few dollars! The downhills in Vermont really showed me that it's a great tool!

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  17. Oh I forgot...use the poles...you will love them. I just run at times holding them with one hand and sometimes switching off. On technical and steep terrain I can't imagine without

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    1. Thank you for this! There were a few climbs that I struggled with on my Mammoth Hike Challenge. I wished I had poles then.

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  18. Those Oiselle joggers are awesome! It was tempting to buy more but I have more than enough. Glad you like them as well.

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  19. I want to get a pair of trekking poles for A for his hikes. I also wouldn't know how to handle them when not in use.

    I also don't have huge running goals for this year. We'll figure it out.

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  20. That is annoying about your ankle but it seems like the kind of thing that will go away eventually with some rehab exercises. As for the holiday shopping- the discounts and deals are so good in December, it's hard not to buy a few things for ourselves!

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