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January Runfessions

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.

This is not me.

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.

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Weekly Rundown- Everything is Awesome!

I don’t want to say this injury is behind me, because that would be tempting fate a little too much.  But let’s just say “Everything is Awesome” from The Lego Movie has been running through my head, and life seems good!  I’m linking up as always with Kim and Deborah for this Weekly Rundown.  Here’s how it all played out… Sunday I walked one mile and ran 3. Everything felt good! Monday I did lower body strength at home, including single leg exercises and squats.  One of the (few) things I’m proud of from my work this summer is the progress I made in the one leg sit-to-stand.  It’s one of the foundation exercises on Sally McRae’s app and also one of the hip stability exercises from Brad Beer’s book.  You start sitting on a chair or bench, and stand up using one leg, then sit back down, stand up again, etc. only on one leg.  When I first started I could only do five reps on each leg- now I can do 36 reps!!!  At least something has improved. I also did Caroline Girvan’s deadbug workout..  I’m really tired of it by now! Tuesday I walked 3 miles… … and then did a different core workout!  I did Caroline Girvan’s Standing Abs Workout, and I liked it.  At least, I liked doing something different. Wednesday Again, I walked one mile and ran 3.  Still feeling good! Thursday I did my single leg exercises, and another core workout.  This one Engie recommended, MadFit Standing Core Workout..  I liked this one too!  Then I had time for 20 minutes of walking. At night we watched the Dolphins game, which was a complete fiasco.  We lost, and our quarterback got ANOTHER CONCUSSION.  The poor guy will be out for… ever?  The rest of the season?  I feel really bad for him, and now our season is a shambles after only the second game. Friday Gym day!  It was a very squat-focused workout, because I skipped deadlifts.  My low back is nagging at me again, and deadlifts sadly make it worse.  After squats and Bulgarian split squats I did some core (abs and low back machines.) At night I planned to go to our high school football game, but it rained so much that the band couldn’t play (so I didn’t go.)  They did manage to play in the rain and our team won!  This was our homecoming, and last year’s homecoming was completely rained out.  September outdoor events just shouldn’t be a thing in South Florida. Saturday This was a big day- I walked one mile and ran 4!!!  I’m getting there! At night we watched the Baylor game.  FINALLY.  A game where it didn’t rain, no one got injured, and we WON!  At least the football week ended on a high note. Sunday Off!  Sleeping in and waffles will be involved (obviously.) So, it was a good week.  Moving forward, I’m going to cautiously try running every other day.  Running every third day was great to get me back from this injury, but I can’t do that forever! How was your week?  Were there any moments where you sang “Everything is Awesome?” Top photo by Stainless Images on Unsplash

Friday Coffee Date!

Hey, it’s Friday!  Pour yourself a beverage in your favorite fall mug (wait- you do have one, right?) and join me. Let’s talk about the weekend!  Tonight is another high school football game, and I will be there.  The last two weeks have been away games, so I’ve missed going.  But you know what that means- it’s time for Homecoming!  My daughter decided to go to the dance with a group of friends, and we started thinking about what she would wear.  But let’s back up for a moment… The high school concert band uniform is tuxes for the boys and long black dresses for girls.  When my daughter was a freshman last year, she said she would prefer to wear a tux. Now, I wasn’t entirely opposed to this, but I just preferred that she wear a dress… like all the other girls?  I told her that whatever she decided to do was fine, but there’s a reason boys usually wear suits and girls usually wear dresses.  Girls are more curvy, so dresses flatter them more.  My daughter is very curvy, and I thought a tux would just make her look kind of big all over. She decided to wear the dress, and I thought she looked lovely!  Then I was telling my friend about how well I handled that situation, and she thought I was VERY WRONG.  Why, she asked, did it matter how she looked?  Why did I make that the most important thing? Er- good question.  When it was time for New Year’s, my daughter wanted to wear a suit to the party.  I agreed immediately, and she actually looked kind of cute (not that it mattered!) Later I asked how she liked wearing the suit, and she said “I loved it.  I felt really confident.”  Okay then. Back to Homecoming!  My daughter said she wanted to wear a suit, and we got to work on her outfit (I was tasked with finding her some new pants, which was surprisingly hard.) Then yesterday she went to the mall to help her friend find a dress, and came home with… a dress, which she is now wearing to Homecoming. You guys, I can’t keep up!  Girls are so hard!!!  Boys are so. much. easier. Anyway, while my daughter is at the dance on Saturday night, my husband and I will be watching the Baylor game!  I have a fun fall-themed dinner planned, with some new things to sample from Trader Joe’s. One last thing- I’ve submitted my request for postponement of jury duty.  Weirdly, the request had to be submitted in writing, and by that I mean I had to write a letter and mail it through the U.S. postal service.  When was the last time you did that? I was so confused.  I couldn’t even really remember how to do it.  When I printed out my letter, my husband looked at it and said “You didn’t leave room for your signature.”  Oh yeah- I totally forgot.  Then I had to find an envelope and a stamp, and take it to the mailbox… I mean, don’t we have more modern methods of communication nowadays?  Anyway, I hope it gets there, and I hope I get my postponement (actually, I’m hoping they forget all about me, but if worst comes to worst I’ll take a postponement.) That’s it for this week! When was the last time you mailed a letter?  I don’t mean a greeting card or postcard, but like an official letter?   Do you think I was wrong to encourage my daughter to wear a dress?  How much does appearance matter? What are your plans for the weekend? Top photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Reading and Eating

I finished Winter of the World, which will from now on be referred to simply as WOW.  It was so, so good, and I’m getting ready to start the third book in the trilogy!  It starts in 1961, where the second book left off. But let’s go back to last week- I had my trip to the used bookstore.  It was everything I hoped it would be (look away, Engie!  I’ve discovered that Engie does NOT like used bookstores!) As I hoped, I did leave with a stack of books. Some classic murder mysteries- I can never resist- and more Ken Follett.  I have no plans to read The Pillars of the Earth anytime soon, but I know I’ll read it eventually, and I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to get a used copy in good condition. Eating!  Once again, I did not do any meal prep on Sunday so we’re limping through the week.  The good news is, I think I’m training my husband and daughter to expect less and less in the dinner department.  I mean- we do eat.  It’s just not fancy. Sunday morning I made gluten-free pumpkin pancakes from Running on Real Food.  First, let’s look at a picture from the website: And here’s, ahem, mine. All that garnish aside, mine look really weird.  But they did taste good!  Chickpea flour is my new favorite flour.  By the way, if you’re making pumpkin baked good this fall, don’t forget the formula to make them really flavorful- double the amount of pumpkin spice, and add a pinch of cloves.  And whatever you do, do NOT forget the salt! What are you reading now? Top photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Getting Back on Track

I wrote in Sunday’s post that I’ve been feeling like my life is just a little off track.  Then I looked around my house and realized one of the reasons is that I’ve been half-assing my beloved Pumpkin Palooza.  I had some, but not all, of my fall decorations out, and then a summer-y wreath was lying on the table.  Furthermore, I hadn’t had one special meal or snack to celebrate the start of football season. This was all wrong!  I needed to rectify the situation right away.  I lit a fall candle… …and got out all the rest of my fall decorations while watching the first half of the Dolphins game.  At halftime I put together a little charcuterie board… …and then we watched the Dolphins come from behind to win the game.  Fall is back on track! Let’s move on to running.  SIGH.  So far, my calf seems to be better, but my race plans are in tatters.  Back in May, I signed up for a race on November 9th.  It’s a trail race, and you run as far as you can in a certain amount of time.  I chose the 12 hour option. Hahahahaha.  Even if everything goes perfectly from now on, I’ll have no business running a 12 hour race in two months.  I guess the good news is, it’s a 4.5 mile loop that you run over and over again.  I can go and just run a couple loops.  That would be kind of sad- but maybe less sad than not going at all?  I’ve already paid for the race so if I can run at all, I’ll probably go. Now let’s deal with this jury summons.  I know it’s our civic duty, but I think it’s unfair that it creates more of a financial hardship for some people than others.  Additionally, some people never get called for jury duty, and some people get called all the time!  Luckily I’ve come up with a great solution. My plan is, all registered voters would be required to submit a form every five years, indicating the time they would like to do their jury duty.  That way, people would be able to pick a time that works best with their work schedule, and have time in advance to arrange for childcare, etc. Of course, if everyone chose July of 2027 it would be a fiasco.  But I have solutions for that too!  People who are retired, independently wealthy, or who have a very flexible work schedule could volunteer to be “swing jurors,” willing to be called at any time.  There could be incentives for people who serve in months like December (which I’m guessing would be the least popular)- like if you sit on a jury in December, you’re exempt for the rest of your life. I’ll be submitting my request for a postponement- do you think I should include my detailed plan for an overhaul of the entire system?  Haha, that might get me excused permanently (“Don’t let this woman near the courthouse- she’s obviously a troublemaker!”) Anyway, I’m starting to feel a little better.  As long as I can continue to run and nothing else goes wrong, I think I’m back on track. How do you like my plan?  Would you volunteer to be a “swing juror?” Top photo by Redd F on Unsplash  

38 Responses

  1. 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.

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    1. 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!

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  2. 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!

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    1. 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.

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  3. 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!

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    1. 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.

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  4. 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!

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    1. 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!

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  5. 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?

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  6. 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. 😉

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    1. 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!

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  7. 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!

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    1. Yes, there’s something about the Florida cold that gets you! Plus. really think our blood is thinner, makes it feel extra cold.

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  8. 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.

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    1. 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.

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  9. 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.

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    1. 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.

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  10. 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.

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    1. I know they say you should keep to the same schedule even on weekends- so I’ll probably regret this on Monday morning!

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  11. 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!!

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    1. 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

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  12. 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.

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  14. 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…”

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    1. 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.

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  15. 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!

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  16. 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.

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    1. 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.

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  18. 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!

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    1. 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!

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  19. 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!

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    1. 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.

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