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in Friday Five, Runfessions, Yoga · April 28, 2017

April Fitness Runfessions

When you’re not really running it’s hard to have much to runfess. I call these my April fitness runfessions but really, they are sort of random. However, I can connect anything to running in some way or another. So, what do I have to get off my chest this month?

Even without running there is still plenty to confess. Check out my fitness-related confessions from April!

1. Multi-purpose leggings for April Fitness

I have the most comfortable capri leggings (I think they were from Old Navy a long time ago). They are not my favorite for running, but are perfect for everything else: yoga, strength training, biking, wearing around the house. I may have worn these for like a week straight without washing them. As long as they don’t get sweaty, it’s fine right?

leggings

2. The shoe hunt continues

If you were to drive past my house at any point there is probably a 95% chance there will be a box from Amazon or Zappos outside my door. I made a trip to DSW last week, and came out with 2 pairs of shoes, 1 of which I am returning. There was also a pair of Birkenstocks I bought on Amazon but had to exchange for a different size. (I also got these sandals that I shared on Tuesday.) I tried some sandals from Zappos, but they just look awkward-those are going back too. To make matters worse, we used to have a postal store nearby that took UPS, FedEx, and USPS drop offs. It randomly closed! So now I need to drive farther and go to all those individual stores to make returns. 

3. Monster sized-sweet potatoes

I’ve mentioned before that we order groceries on Amazon Fresh. This means we don’t get to pick our produce, but generally they do a  really good job. Last week we were given this monster sweet potato. Seriously, it was 2 pounds, and looks like it could be 3 potatoes in one. My confession is that I threw it out because 1) it creeped me out that it was so big- what kind of pesticides go into something like that? and 2) how would I even cut into such a thing? I’m going to send them a message about it and see if they can try to include small sweet potatoes from now on. Or I may have just been convinced to start buying organic ones. 

monster sweet potatoes

4. The rain keeps me indoors

I used to be fine running in the rain. But walking? Not so much. Who wants to be moving that slowly while getting wet? And lately I feel like it’s raining all the time. 

5. Yoga Update for April Fitness

So one of my goals for spring was to start taking yoga classes in a studio. I did a $25 two-week pass, but only made it there twice. After both classes, my SI joint was talking to me. (After the first class I thought it was a coincidence, but after the second time it does make me feel like the yoga was to blame).

I am feeling torn over all the pros and cons to yoga. The cons being the cost, time commitment, and SI issues (which I’m sure are just due to me not doing something correctly or over-stretching for the first time in a while). The pros are that it helps with strength, flexibility, mindfulness, relaxation, balance, etc. Plus being in a studio I could probably talk to the instructor about my back and see if there are any modifications to make. So, I’m not sure if I will continue going but I am glad I have at least tried out the new studio.

yoga to keep up with April fitness

And that’s that! See, even without running there is still plenty to confess related to April fitness. 

Have you ever seen a sweet potato that big?
Would you go for a walk in the rain?
Do you have a delivery obsession?

You may also like:
How To Start a Healthy Fitness Habit in the New Year
The Ups and Downs of Fall Running Lately
My Running Shoe Journey This Summer: Back to Where I Started
Lots of Questions and Random Ramblings

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristina Running says

    April 28, 2017 at 5:57 am

    I am 100% with you on that potato being sketchy. When I am picking out my potatoes I always pick normal looking ones! I once went for a big one but it took FOREVER to cook and no one has time to wait like 2 hours for a potato to bake!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:17 pm

      Seriously! I don’t even know if I would be able to cut it open to make it cook faster!

  2. Susan says

    April 28, 2017 at 6:37 am

    Ugh…that potato. So weird and creepy! I would walk in the rain–we don’t get rain very often in Colorado so I actually enjoy it (just have to make sure to wear my contacts–a lot of times I just wear my glasses for workouts but not so much in the rain). I get deliveries all the time–only shopping = my life!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:18 pm

      Oh yea I definitely wouldn’t want to wear my glasses in the rain! I usually wear contacts when working out anyway, but lately my allergies have kind of bothered them so Ive been wearing my glasses more.

  3. Susie @ Suzlyfe says

    April 28, 2017 at 6:48 am

    That is like the spaghetti squash that I got that was so big that I got 5 meals out of it. WHAT IS THE POINT OF BEING SO LARGE. I have some old navy capris (the crazy colored ones) that I just adore as well. They were so cheap!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:18 pm

      Old Navy is the best! I never go there but I really should- you never know what kind of good stuff you might find.

  4. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    April 28, 2017 at 6:54 am

    I’m always on a shoe hunt too for dress/work shoes. I’m so glad I found Mizunos to run in, so now the running shoe hunt is over at least!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:19 pm

      I wish my shoe hunt could be over! I feel like I’m getting there…

  5. Marcia says

    April 28, 2017 at 6:59 am

    I’ve noticed the SPs in the store have been giant lately too. I don’t want them either! I haven’t shopped much lately but oh my the teenager! There are shoes on the doorstep every freaking day lately. It’s got to stop. But they fit me too so…

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:19 pm

      My parents are lucky there was no online shopping when I was growing up! I was never big on going to the mall, but Im sure I would have loved ordering stuff online.

  6. meredith (The Cookie ChRUNicles) says

    April 28, 2017 at 7:36 am

    i can handle running in the rain when it’s a light rain but I got caught the other morning in more of a heavy rain so I boltedfor my house! lol. I wouldn’t like to walk in the rain at all. running I can handle but not walking.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:20 pm

      Heavy rain is no good for running! Or walking! Also, I would rather it start raining after I am already out running. (I hate starting my run in the rain)

  7. Kimberly G says

    April 28, 2017 at 7:41 am

    Isn’t is perfect when you find a really good pair of capris or leggings? I would live in leggings or capris if I could 🙂 Umm…that sweet potato kind of scared the crap out of me too – I don;t blame you for not using it. Hopefully Amazon can give you some kind of credit or replacement. How do you like Amazon Fresh?

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:21 pm

      In general I really like it! Sometimes they are out of certain products which is annoying, but at least if we go to Target or the grocery store its only for a few things.

  8. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    April 28, 2017 at 7:51 am

    I have different capri pants for running and yoga too. Then there are ones I just wear around town. I wondered how that amazon fresh service was. Those potatoes do look really large!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:22 pm

      We are usually really happy with Amazon fresh! Every once in awhile something weird like this will happen, but most of the time its good.

  9. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    April 28, 2017 at 7:54 am

    The sweet potatoes at Whole Food have been huge too. And they are organic, which is kind of odd.

    I get SI pain from yoga too–usually when we do reclining twists. It’s not enough to keep me away tho. I just adjust my pose.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:23 pm

      Hm that is weird about the organic sweet potatoes. I always thought organic ones were much smaller.
      With the SI, it doesn’t bother me in class, only later on, so Im not sure which poses irritate it. But Im guesting twists could be one of the culprits.

  10. Coco says

    April 28, 2017 at 8:11 am

    I fell in love with VS capris after I had to buy some on a business trip when my flight home got canceled – they doubled as PJ’s and an outfit to wear home the next day. I runfess that I might wear the same outfit all weekend — possibly changing if we go out to dinner.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:23 pm

      Isn’t is great when you find something you really like by accident like that?

  11. Steff at Run Steff Run says

    April 28, 2017 at 8:16 am

    No rain. I can’t. I don’t know what it is but the thought of running in the rain makes my skin crawl.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:24 pm

      Haha, it’s definitely not for everyone! I don’t mind a light rain if Im already out running. Its hard to step out the door and start running in the rain.

  12. Alaina @ The Simple Peach says

    April 28, 2017 at 9:06 am

    I’m sad to hear that yoga isn’t going how you hoped. That’s a bummer! Maybe you will be able to figure something out.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:24 pm

      I hope so! I used to take yoga classes all the time, so maybe it will just take a little while for my body to adjust.

  13. Sarah @ BucketListTummy says

    April 28, 2017 at 9:09 am

    I am the same with shoes and really anything from amazon! It’s so easy to just order freely and send it back it if doesn’t work. That sweet potato is huge! I think I could last a week on it haha

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:25 pm

      The free returns are so great. It makes sense because how will you know if they will fit or if you will like them util you try them on?

  14. Lesley says

    April 28, 2017 at 9:41 am

    The weather’s crazy, and I have been looking at fitness centers in the area. It’s been raining this week and I don’t want to run in that. The only issue is I’m taking a break from running after my race next month, so do I sign up for a gym and still weight lift, or wait until I’m ready for cardio again?

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:26 pm

      Hmm thats a tough call. Maybe you could see if you could do a free trial or something?

  15. Suzy says

    April 28, 2017 at 10:20 am

    My inlaws grow their own produce and the cucumbers that come out of their garden are the size of my femur and the width of my torso. I’m barely exaggerating. So maybe the size of the potato has nothing to do with chemicals/pesticides? Who knows?!?!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:27 pm

      Hmm that is a good point! Maybe some are just really big and groceries stores just tend to not sell them (because no one would buy them)?

  16. Shathiso says

    April 28, 2017 at 10:40 am

    As long as they don’t get sweaty, that’s me too!! LOL! Yes… those sweet potatoes look very suspect…!!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:28 pm

      Haha, no one has to know about the pants! And glad you agree on the sweet potato:)

  17. Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says

    April 28, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    That sweet potato looks like it’s from one of those vegetable growing competitions! I don’t think I could ever do the fully switch to a grocery service because I am weird about picking out my produce – I get super picky about size and texture. I don’t walk much in the rain! If it’s rainy (which it’s been for practically the whole year straight so far), I will only take the dogs on a 10-15 minute walk.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:28 pm

      10-15 minutes is still a really decent walk, especially in the rain!

  18. Mary Beth Jackson says

    April 28, 2017 at 3:20 pm

    I’m fine with the leggings all week- we won’t tell! If they don’t smell funny, no worries! My hubby is always making a comment about boxes on the front porch like there is something wrong with that? Men…….

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:29 pm

      I know right! Last weekend Rob was telling someone in his family about all the deliveries…luckily she understood where I was coming from! I mean I return half the stuff anyway…

  19. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    April 28, 2017 at 6:42 pm

    Hmmm you do kinda have to wonder about that sweet potato. I chuckled about all of your shoe deliveries – I’ve been putting lots of shoes in my shopping cart but haven’t ordered anything yet.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:30 pm

      It’s so easy to just click “order” without even thinking twice about it!

  20. Rachel says

    April 28, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    I’m going with “buy organic” on that one. But, even then, I’ve gotten some organic monster sweet potatoes from Whole Foods before.

    I don’t do yoga at a studio. Mostly because it’s expensive!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:32 pm

      So I am with you on the organic, but 2 lbs of regular sweet potatoes is $1.99, organic is over $6. It’s hard to spend that much more but it’s probably worth it.

      • Rachel says

        April 28, 2017 at 7:34 pm

        Eh… that’s a lot of dollars for a sweet potato…

        Have you downloaded the EWG app for the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15? It shows you what produce to buy organic and what to buy conventional. I haven’t checked sweet potatoes but I’m guessing if you peel them you’ll probably be fine to get conventional.

  21. Anna @ Pipers Run says

    April 28, 2017 at 9:09 pm

    That sweet potato is massive! I too have yoga leggings that I wear for running or just yoga etc. I just bought a pair at Costco tonight eeek!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 29, 2017 at 5:06 am

      Those are the best! I think everyone needs at least one pair of “perfect” leggings.

  22. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    April 28, 2017 at 9:38 pm

    That sweet potato has some junk in the trunk! haha

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 29, 2017 at 5:07 am

      That’s one way to put it!

  23. Katie Shepherd says

    April 28, 2017 at 10:13 pm

    I RUNfess I’ve been ordering running shirts lately and lots of them. And I don’t need them lol. I would love that big sweet potato! Yum!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 29, 2017 at 5:07 am

      I think we can always find a way to justify buying new running clothes!

  24. Ana says

    April 28, 2017 at 11:40 pm

    Good luck with the shoe search1 What are you looking for? I am currently searching for a nice pair of shoes for works that are not heels, or ugly weird shoes, something for dresses and skirts. It’s too complicated. I know!

    But monster size potatoes have so much more potato to it!!

    Old Navy Capris are the comfiest!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 29, 2017 at 5:08 am

      Thats kind of what Im looking for too, but they need to be supportive!

  25. Kimberly Hatting says

    April 28, 2017 at 11:40 pm

    I love Old Navy! I have had great luck with the gear I’ve gotten there, and the prices are great! That sweet potato is huge…I would have kept it LOL My favorite, easy, way to cook them is the pierce them a few times with a fork, and microwave.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 29, 2017 at 5:08 am

      Old Navy is great! I need to start going there more often for workout clothes.

  26. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    April 29, 2017 at 5:17 am

    I’m with you, as long as the bottoms don’t get sweaty then it doesn’t matter how many times you wear them. Most of us wash clothes too frequently anyway.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 29, 2017 at 11:36 am

      Exactly! Glad Im not the only one who feels that way.

  27. Elaine @myRUNexperiment says

    April 29, 2017 at 1:12 pm

    Wow what a giant potato! Interested in hearing Amazons response to your request. They’re pretty good with customer service.
    I would live in leggings if I can!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 30, 2017 at 6:28 am

      They have been great with customer service!

  28. Megan says

    April 29, 2017 at 4:48 pm

    I have never seen a sweet potato that big, but a couple of years ago we planted some regular potatos (funny, since we are not big potato fans at our house) and we had some that were GIGANTIC. We gave them as gifts when people invited us over. Nothing says “thanks for having us over” like a gigantic potato, right?!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 30, 2017 at 6:29 am

      Haha! I would love it if someone brought over a giant potato (especially if I knew it was home grown)!

  29. Lisa @ TechChick Adventures says

    April 30, 2017 at 7:58 am

    Nope, I would not go for a walk in the rain! Pretty much won’t go for a run in the rain either unless it’s a race and I have to (or meeting a friend and I didn’t take her out of it! Ha!).

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 30, 2017 at 1:06 pm

      I prefer not to run in the rain either, but sometimes its tough to avoid!

  30. Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says

    April 30, 2017 at 7:59 am

    I will have to check out the Old Navy capris, there prices are so reasonable! I have different ones for running & yoga too & these sound great!!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 30, 2017 at 1:06 pm

      I love Old Navy’s prices, and some of their clothes are so comfy!

  31. Sarah says

    April 30, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    Wowser! I’ve never seen a sweet potato that big!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 30, 2017 at 6:48 pm

      Pretty crazy, right?

  32. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    April 30, 2017 at 6:33 pm

    That was definitely a big sweet potato, lol! I’ve never used Amazon Fresh…we do a farm share through work and I can’t wait for that to start up…the produce usually is normal-sized, haha!

    I absolutely adore yoga and wouldn’t have the motivation to do it if I wasn’t in a class. Hopefully you can find one that works for you and does more good than harm to your joints!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      April 30, 2017 at 6:51 pm

      The farm share sounds really great!
      I really do enjoy the yoga classes, but it can be tough to make it work with my schedule. And I agree, it would help if I could figure out how to make it not as stressful on my joints!

  33. Sandra says

    May 1, 2017 at 1:51 pm

    That sweet potato was crazy huge! Yes, organic may be the way to go!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      May 1, 2017 at 7:36 pm

      I think you’re right!

  34. Toni says

    May 2, 2017 at 12:27 pm

    Umm that is definitely not a normal sweet potato……organic ones aren’t usually smaller….

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      May 2, 2017 at 8:06 pm

      Pretty weird, right?!

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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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