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in Fall Running, Friday Five, Runfessions, Running · September 25, 2020

Fall Runfessions: Where Did Summer Go?

Another month has gone by and it’s time for fall runfessions. I can’t help but wonder, where did summer go? Sure, we got cooler weather this year much earlier than usual. But also I’m left wondering what exactly I did this summer. There were no vacations, not even any time off work, and we really didn’t even go anywhere local. What a weird year! Just lots of hot and humid runs!

As I share my fall runfessions, I can't help but wonder, where did summer go? Fall arrived quickly and not much happened this summer. Here are my running confessions for this month!

Where did summer go?

Every year by the end of August I am ready for cooler running weather. Usually we continue to have warm weather in Maryland until October. What a surprise that it’s been in the 40s for some morning runs lately! While it may warm up a bit again, I don’t think we are going to have the 80 degrees and humidity again, which is fine with me. 

fall running

I runfess that this year I am embracing these fall temps, but I am also really nervous about a long, cold winter. Remember in the spring when it was still so chilly in May? Being able to get outside is more important than ever this year, so we need winter to stay away for a long time!

I don’t know how to dress (us) for these temperatures.

I runfess that seeing a forecast of 45 degrees left me wondering what I wear in those temperatures. I am not ready to put away my shorts yet so I’ve been wearing shorts, compression socks, and long-sleeved shirts for my runs.

compression socks

Dressing Grayson is another story. His little hands get cold so easily, and he doesn’t keep anything on them. I put him back in his bear suit from last year which is a little small, but the arms can fold over and cover his hands. This worked for a bit, until he wanted to take a drink and eat his snack, which he can’t do when his hands are covered. I also tried covering him with a blanket, but he just pulled his hands out from under it.

bear suit

I finally replaced my Brooks Levitates after almost a year.

I runfess I’ve been wearing the same pair of Brooks Levitates since October 2019. At the time I got 2 pairs, so I had another pair in my closet. I finally decided it was time to change them out. My guess is that I ran about 400 miles in them, but I really have no idea. 

brooks levitate

I’ve been terrible about tracking my shoe mileage.

I runfess that I have not been tracking my shoe mileage. Back in 2018 this was one of my monthly goals. I used an app on my phone and it was really helpful. Once I got back to running after having Grayson I didn’t start tracking again.  I should start doing it now that I broke out a new pair of shoes. We’ll see…

Our fox neighbors have been creeping me out lately. 

A few weeks ago when I walked outside for a morning run there were like 4 foxes sitting in the middle of my street. They didn’t move as I turned on my headlamp and started my run (in the other direction). We have a lot of them around here and they usually run away when they see anyone coming.

foxes

I runfess they’ve been making me a little more nervous lately. Neighbors have said that they will stand there and stare at their dogs (like later in the morning when it’s light out). Another neighbor said that as she was running down the street around 8 am one of them was blocking her on the sidewalk and didn’t move. There’s one in particular that is pretty big. I think I know the spots that they typically hang out, so I’ve been avoiding those streets on my runs.

That’s about it for my runfessions this month! I can’t believe over the next few months we will be starting to talk about the winter and the holidays. 

You may also like:
Late Summer Runfessions
Runfessions of Summer Running Amnesia

Are you wondering “where did summer go”?
Have you figured out how to dress for this time of year?
Any creepy animals in your neighborhood?

I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five and Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Runfessions!

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Comments

  1. Wendy says

    September 25, 2020 at 6:27 am

    I don’t think foxes will hurt people–but I’m not so sure. I’ve been told that about coyotes too. Maybe I’m just naive.

    We’ve had a few chilly mornings but nothing below the 50s. That’s all going to change next week! It makes me kind of sad-like you, I’m worried about a long cold winter.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      September 25, 2020 at 8:03 pm

      I’ve also heard that foxes won’t hurt people so hopefully that’s true! It’s just weird that they’re acting a little different this year.

  2. Marcia says

    September 25, 2020 at 6:41 am

    I don’t see fox very often, but when I do they scurry right along. I’ve been overdressing lately. I know better yet I keep doing it. We’ve been getting cool overnight but technically our daytime temps almost hitting 80 are way above normal for this time of year. Go figure.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      September 25, 2020 at 8:04 pm

      Cool mornings and warm days are perfect! It’s going to be tough when its not as warm during the day.

  3. Kimberly Hatting says

    September 25, 2020 at 7:16 am

    I have not seen any foxes, no t sure if there’s just not any in my area or if I’m lucky LOL This time of year is always tough to figure out the layers. Since I’m biking, it’s even trickier because the bike feels much colder (not cooler) than running. It seems the past few winters have arrived early and stayed late, so I’m in no hurry to kick summer out the door.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      September 25, 2020 at 8:05 pm

      I bet it’s really tough to dress for the bike!

  4. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    September 25, 2020 at 7:54 am

    No creepy animals, thank goodness! Although we do have some skunks, but thankfully I’ve never seen (but have smelled) them in our yard yet.

    It’s always hard to figure out what to wear as the temps are in flux! My outfit is pretty much like yours, but a skirt instead of shorts. I loved the cooler weather when I wore my vest, too, cause more pockets!

    Grayson looks adorable in his bear outfit. 🙂

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      September 25, 2020 at 8:06 pm

      Pockets are always a good thing!

  5. Deborah Brooks says

    September 25, 2020 at 8:18 am

    We have a lot of fox in our neighborhood as well. I don’t think they would hurt you. Summer did fly by! It does seem like w have cooled off a bit more quickly this September. I am not sure we are done w the humidity yet though. Still wearing shorts over here too.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      September 25, 2020 at 8:06 pm

      It seems like the humidity came back over the past 2 days! I don’t mind it nearly as much when its cooler though.

  6. Kim G says

    September 25, 2020 at 9:26 am

    Summer left here quickly as well, but no complaints from me, lol.

    Those foxes would freak me out too! I’ve never heard of foxes being aggressive, so hopefully everything will be okay and they won’t attack any dogs, or people.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      September 25, 2020 at 8:07 pm

      Agreed about the foxes! Although I do wonder about the dogs. I’m not sure if they would see them as a threat.

  7. Michelle D. says

    September 25, 2020 at 10:56 am

    We have foxes around my neighborhood but they usually run when they see people coming. I think having them stare me down would make me a little nervous.

    I’ve been terrible about tracking my shoe mileage, and still have a pair of Gylcerins from last year’s marathon training that I’m still running in but should probably retire!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      September 25, 2020 at 8:08 pm

      It’s so hard to give up a good pair of shoes! Especially if you’re not fully convinced that they’re passed their prime.

  8. Laurie says

    September 25, 2020 at 4:23 pm

    Although I hate to see summer go (along with all those hours of sunlight), I must admit I am enjoying the cooler temps here in PA too, especially in the mornings. I like not having to get out at the crack of dawn to run before it is sweltering.

    I am pretty good about tracking my shoe mileage ever since a bout of plantar fasciitis caused by wearing running shoes too long.

    Cool fox photo!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      September 25, 2020 at 8:09 pm

      Good for you for tracking your shoe mileage! It’s one of the easiest ways to prevent injuries.

  9. Coco says

    September 25, 2020 at 7:41 pm

    I wore long sleeves on one run this week, but it was warm enough for short sleeves the rest of the week — I’d rather be a bit cold than overdressed. Since I am wearing both Ravenna and Adrenaline I am really trying to track my mileage using the Garmin app. It’s easy if I remember to “add gear” after each run. Grayson is so cute!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      September 26, 2020 at 4:27 am

      I’ve heard its easy to do with the Garmin app, i just need to get it set up! I think maybe when I tried a few years ago you could only track one pair at a time? Or maybe I was just doing it wrong, which is definitely possible.

  10. Beckett @ Birchwood Pie says

    September 25, 2020 at 7:59 pm

    I love summer so much, but I’ve been ready for fall running since May! I don’t run in the dark b/c I’ve fallen a few times (with a light) but there was many a morning when I would hear something in the bushes and know that it had the potential to not be a good situation.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      September 26, 2020 at 4:28 am

      It’s pretty well lit around here and I usually run in the street where it’s flatter than the sidewalk. I have a feeling I’ll be back on the treadmill soon enough so I’m trying to take advantage of the last few weeks (months?) when I can get outside.

  11. Jenn says

    September 27, 2020 at 8:53 am

    Well, if you need some summer, you can come to my house LOL! It got up to almost 100 yesterday. Sigh.

    FOXES! I love foxes. I’ve never seen them be so brazen, though. Usually, they are a little stealthier. Be careful.

    I can’t help you on G’s hands. Our winters are always so mild so it as never too much of an issue here.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      September 28, 2020 at 4:11 am

      Summer returned here this weekend and now I’m officially ready for fall!

  12. Cari says

    October 4, 2020 at 3:01 pm

    Yesterday morning was high 50s. I had capris and long sleeves but switched to the tee in the first mile. It’s so confusing, especially mid morning with higher sun than some weekday runs
    That outfit on GRayson is so cute.
    I track shoe mileage obsessively. I’m forever afraid of injuries

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      October 4, 2020 at 8:18 pm

      It’s really hard to know what to wear this time of year! Especially when it starts out chilly but warms up as the sun comes out.

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Life Is What Happens When You're Busy Running Marathons

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Would it even be race week if I wasn’t a ball of n Would it even be race week if I wasn’t a ball of nerves and not able to sleep? This is my first big marathon in 10 years, my first time traveling to a race in 10 years, and my first time spending the night away from my kids. And of course I’m tapering so I can’t run off the nerves 🙃 #marathontraining #taper #richmondmarathon
Looked like fall, felt like summer 🍁 I was definit Looked like fall, felt like summer 🍁 I was definitely overdressed for this run but it was nice to not wear gloves or a headband! This was the run I needed a week before my marathon. After last week’s disaster of a long run it felt great to just run an easy 10 miles. (And these days 10 miles feels like nothing). I think I figured out the fueling and shoes 🤞so nothing left to do but take it easy, carb load, and get in the right mindset! Is it unseasonably warm where you are?

#running #marathontraining #longrun
Yesterday’s long run was not what I wanted it to b Yesterday’s long run was not what I wanted it to be. The plan was to take the day off from work, head to the trail where I could run 10 uninterrupted miles at MP (16 total) and practice my race day fueling while wearing my race day shoes.

What actually happened? All week I was stressed about this run and the condition of the trail. We had lots of rain on Thursday, and Friday was forecasted to be very windy. I tried to get in the best mindset possible, reminding myself that I won’t be able to control the conditions on race day. Meanwhile, I haven’t been sleeping well thanks to my 2 year old waking up every night, and my watch has been basically telling me that I’m losing all my fitness and need a week of recovery.

While I started the run feeling pretty good, after 11 miles (7 at MP) my stomach turned and I almost got sick on the side of the trail. I just couldn’t recover from that. The best I could do was run the rest of the miles easy, and needed some walk breaks. On top of that, my shoe kept rubbing my foot on top and I stopped twice to retie it. This has never happened before and now I’m questioning what shoes I should wear for the race. The trail was also in rough condition with several trees blocking it, lots of wet leaves, and rocks/sticks that I had to look out for.

I just can’t believe how bad I felt for the last 5 miles of this run and I can’t pinpoint the cause. Am I overdoing it with the fueling and can’t handle it on harder effort runs? Was it something I ate recently? The hard part is there’s no time to really try something different before the race, as all I have left is a 10 mile easy run next weekend.

I’m trying to remember that one bad run does not take away from all the good runs this training cycle. I’m using today to reset and move on so I can make the most of my last 2 weeks of training. It’s not the way I wanted my last big long run to go, but I suppose it was good practice for pushing through even when I felt pretty awful.

Who else has had a terrible long run close to your race?

#running #marathontraining #longrun
Spent almost every step of this 21 mile run questi Spent almost every step of this 21 mile run questioning my life choices. Like waking up at 3am to run 12 miles on the treadmill and 9 outside. This was a crazy week with a kid that wasn’t sleeping great and fighting a cold and super busy days at work. My legs were just tired the whole time today. It was really hard to run outside after so many treadmill miles and my pace was much slower than inside.

I reminded myself that this is peak week. It’s supposed to feel hard. If it was easy everyone would do it. I ran 53 miles this week and am not injured. The weather is perfect. I’ve gotten in every planned run of this training cycle so far.  I get to do this. 

And I managed to finish strong with my last 3 miles the fastest of the (outside) run. I owe that to a solid fueling plan and taking all my gels even when I really didn’t want to.

3 weeks to go until race day!

#running #marathontraining #longrun
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