You wouldn’t think I’d have much to “runfess,” with the minimal amount of miles I’ve been running. But have no fear! I can think of a few things to get off my chest. I’m joining Marcia in her monthly “runfessional.” Let’s just see what’s been going on this month…
It has been COLD here lately. By “cold,” I mean “Florida-cold.” South Florida cold. Usually we consider it cold if the overnight temperatures get down into the 50s. This past week we got down to the 40s a couple times, and we actually have a freeze warning for overnight Saturday going into Sunday morning, where temperatures could get down to 32 degrees. Seriously… that’s really cold. We’re not set up for that kind of weather.
In between cold fronts we had a couple warm days again, and I was happy to run in a tank top today:
So, I’ll runfess… it’s kind of fun for a couple days when the temperatures dip down, but I don’t like being cold. That’s why I moved to Florida! Remind me of this next time I complain about the heat.
So, how about that chilly Sunday morning? I runfess that I’ll be enjoying it from the comfort of my bed, where I’ll be snuggled under a warm quilt. While I’m rehabbing my foot, I’m running every other day. That means every other week I’m only running Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. At first I didn’t like that, because I’m so used to doing a long run on Sundays. But then…
I realized that every other Sunday I can sleep late. Sunday is the only day of the week where no one has to be up for school or work (I work on Saturdays) but typically I get up even earlier than normal on Sundays to do my run. That’s my ideal way to spend a Sunday morning- out on a long run.
But, I’ll runfess that it’s an unexpected pleasure to sleep late. After years of “mom-hood” where sleeping late is never an option, it feels like a luxury. Eventually on Sunday I’ll do a yoga or strength class, but there’s no reason to get up early for that. And at some point (hopefully sooner rather than later) I’ll be back to my Sunday long runs, but for now I’ll appreciate my lazy every-other-Sundays.
Lastly, I’ll runfess that I would make a lousy Navy SEAL. After reading Living With a Seal, where Jesse Itzler describes what it’s like living and training with David Goggins for a month, I decided to up my strength game. I added extra pushups to my routine, and a 30 minute Peloton glutes and legs class.. Yes! I’m just as tough as Goggins! Except, today my legs are sore and my neck is all jacked up (not sure how that happened, but possibly from sleeping in a bad position.)
I went for my run this morning but skipped any other strength work. Goggins would not approve, nor would he approve of sleeping late on Sunday and complaining about the weather when it’s 32 degrees. Yes, I’m not quite ready for SEAL training but then, I don’t think the Navy SEALS are accepting 55-year-old women into their program anyway. So it all works out.
So that’s it! Do you have any sleeping late, weather-related runfessions? How about a strength-fession? You can admit it… we’re all friends here.
38 Responses
Sleeping in is everything. I runfess that I could run with friends on most Saturdays and Sundays, but I choose to sleep in instead. It’s all relative though – I’m always awake by 8, and my stepsons can sleep past noon on weekends.
Yes, “sleeping in” probably means 8 or maaaaybe 9 at the latest. Still- it’s late. It’s a little crazy how much I’m looking forward to it!
I runfess I cannot remember the last time I slept in. Maybe I’ve settled into senior life, but I’ve been getting up at 5am sans alarm for years. Lately I’ve been ready to get up at 4:30. It’s a sickness I think. I will say I am SO productive in that 5-7am window though so I’ll go with it.
Be patient with the strength work. It will come and you’ll be better for it!
If you’re up and ready to go at 4:30 that’s amazing. That 5-7 am window is a super productive time if you can manage it.
Sleeping in is the best! I have been prioritizing sleep this last year and it makes a huge difference for me. Stick with your strength training it will pay off for sure! I would expect you to be a little sore -sign of a good workout! Ha stay warm out there!
Yes, you’re right- strength training always pays off. I get killer DOMS though- always have. But you’re right, it’s the sign of an effective workout.
I get to sleep in every other Friday and most Saturdays. It is one of the greatest joys in my life.
I actually find that I like running best in the 40s and 50s. If it’s warmer than that, I get too hot and if it’s colder than that, I feel like my lungs might actually get perforated from icicles. I think if I lived in south Florida, I’d whine constantly about it being too hot. Ha!
You would find it too hot here for sure, even for most of the winter! I’m trying to think of somewhere that has consistent 40s and 50s but I can’t. I guess most places get too hot or too cold, or both- we just have to deal with it.
Yes, I love sleeping in and I love naps. I guess I just love sleeping, except when it’s time to go to bed at night- then I suddenly want to be up reading my book. Sigh!
It’s been colder here than there, so yes, I am staying in bed a little later. I just want to burrow in the blankets and be left alone. Is that too much to ask?
Ha ha… no, not too much to ask at all! Do it!
I like that you’re embracing the sleeping in every other Sunday.
I was just having a discussion with someone today about how many people of ahem! a certain age push, push, push. That more is always better — until they find out it really isn’t!
The problem is no one wants to hear it. Until it’s too late generally.
My coldest half was in Las Vegas. No joke! The difference between when it gets cold in places that are normally warm is that it didn’t last too long. The other difference is y’all aren’t prepared for it! We get warm occasionally. We might even see rain & 40s next week . . . which would make a nice change from waking up to -4. 😉
Ha, your warmup is our freezing cold temps. But you’re right- it won’t last long.
Yes, I think I’m at the point where I should be taking my age into consideration, but I haven’t quite accepted that yet. Makes for a lot of conflict… I’ll get there eventually!
I read Living with a Seal–reviewed a while back on my blog-and it was humbling to realize I would fail as a SEAL. David Goggins is a beast!
I always say that 50 degrees in Florida is not the same as 50 degrees in Chicago. It’s so humid down there and yeah, chills you to the bone!
Yes, there’s something about the Florida cold that gets you! Plus. really think our blood is thinner, makes it feel extra cold.
I definitely enjoy running in cool weather; right now it’s COLD where we live, but the biggest issue for me in the winter is the ice. It’s just so treacherous. I was so over the treadmill so I’ve stopped running completely and I am missing it, but it’s just too much to try for during the winter here (I used to run inside at an arena which had a track around the top so it was very cool, but the ice was far below…but since COVID, that’s not an option).
We’re getting a big snowstorm tomorrow, so I’m just hoping to get in 1km of walking outside and then what is sure to be lots and lots of cardio via shoveling.
A big snowstorm sounds exciting- the shoveling doesn’t sound fun, but then I’m imagining you guys snuggled by the fireplace with mugs of hot chocolate. It seems cozy in my mind!
Yes, when I was younger (and indestructible) I used to run outside in the winter and didn’t think twice about the ice. Now I would have to be super careful. Luckily that’s one thing we won’t have down here.
Ha! I felt the same way when I read that book. I was like, man, I thought I had my shit together, but I do not. Haha. I already do a ton of running and strength work, and I felt like I should be doing way more. And running with a weighted vest or something. David Goggins is crazy, and I love it! I feel you on those temps. I’m in Memphis where it gets a little colder (we complain when it’s in the 20s in the winter), but I do not care for anything below 60.
Yes, I’ve totally been babying myself (by Navy SEAL standards, that is.). 20s is COLD!!! We won’t be seeing those temps- we’re in enough of a panic at the thought of 30s.
Great runfession! I usually get up at 6 on the weekends, but in summer feel like that’s sleeping late because the sun is already up. In winter it’s easier to sleep until 7 …. With shorter long runs and running on the treadmill these days I don’t feel the need to get up early on weekends, but then I still want time to drink a lot of coffee and putter around until I have to do whatever else I have to do.
I know they say you should keep to the same schedule even on weekends- so I’ll probably regret this on Monday morning!
Being on east coast time, the past few weeks, allowed me a bit of sleeping in (since 6:00a.m. was the equivalent of 5:00a.m. Central Time). My body just wakes up early, most mornings without an alarm. It was a perfect fit!!
Interestingly, with all my sleep issues, the one time period where I can always sleep is between 6-8 am- in other words, during the time where I normally have to be up and running. So I have no doubt I’ll be able to sleep in on Sunday1
I rarely run at sunrise but when I do I realize how awesome it is. Call me lazy. But I don’t sleep well at night but in the morning I can. Boo.
Today it is -11 feel and snowing. Counting the days until Florida. No matter what it’ll be better.
I’m with you. Age is just a number. I feel better than I did when I was younger so why slow down. Some day I will have to. I’ll be glad that I didn’t now. Judy and I disagree. I say you rest when you’re dead. Lol.
Age is definitely just a number! One thing I refuse to do is use my age as an excuse.
I slept in today! I slept until after 7, which is three hours later than normal!
Wait- you normally get up at 4? ACK!!!
Sundays are definitely my day to finally sleep in. Monday – Friday I’m up before 7am (I realise that’s sleeping in for some), and Saturday morning the alarm goes off at 5:45 so I have enough time to seriously caffeinate myself before setting up at parkrun. I still usually run on Sunday but we make zero plans in general for Sunday and have no growing children at home to worry about.
I don’t miss the cold so I understand your “cold” in a way. Every time it is really cold or snows here everyone is so excited and I’m like “PLEASE, NOOOOOO…”
It’s nice to have one day to sleep in! As far as the weather goes, it’s funny how it’s all a matter of perspective.
The week end is the perfect period to sleep a bit more. Now it’s a pleasure to enjoy the warm quilt but I can’t linger long in my bed otherwise the cats complain.
And of course Saturday and Sunday are the days for the best workouts, longer and with less car traffic.
Have a good week end!
Ha ha… I may have to feed the cats and then go back to bed! I agree, they make it hard to sleep late.
I usually don’t take a lot of days where I sleep in, but I do occasionally not setting an alarm and staying in bed a little longer than usual… esp. when it’s cold outside. Right now, we’re experiencing the mid 40’s here in CA as well.
I definitely enjoyed my late morning! When it gets down to the 40s (pretty rare for us) I love sleeping with the window cracked open, under a warm quilt.
Sleeping in has to be so nice!! I have always had a really hard time sleeping in on any day of the week. I hope you continue to have a good recovery of your foot!
Thank you Janelle- it’s definitely improving, slowly but surely.
So funny to hear what cold means to someone living in Florida. But I get that Floridians are not used to that kind of weather. My sister lives in San Antonio and complains about the cold weather there too. We kindly remind her how cold it is here (she used to live here). I also read that book and also know I would not make it as a Seal. I would have cried and quit that first day. I know I missed the post but what happened to your foot? Is it still plantar fasciitis? I rarely sleep in but it feels so good on the days that I do. Simply the best!
Ah, the foot issue is ongoing but slowly getting better. It’s a combination of PF and also peroneal tendinitis (where the tendon attaches to the bottom of the foot.) I’m getting shockwave treatments on it and the doctor said I could run moderately in the meantime. Hoping that it’s all resolved SOON.
Yes, San Antonio is probably similar to us- they might actually get a little colder though. We truly are spoiled here in South Florida!
I hope you enjoy some sleep-in Sundays. I think this time of year is perfect for doing a long run later in the day since you don’t have to worry about it getting too hot! I hate the 6-8 months we have to do any outside workout before 8am because the heat will be too much. It’s been nice to go out for a late afternoon walk and not worry about getting overheated!
That’s true, while it’s cool out I really could be running any time. I’m so used to the heat and having to do it early, it’s just a habit now.