Is anyone else really confused that it’s about to be April? I think a late March snow storm really threw me off. I feel like it’s still the middle of winter. Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited to turn the calendar to April and I hope that it brings some warmer weather!
It feels like it’s been awhile since the last round of runfessions, probably since March is kind of a long month. I actually looked back on my February Runfessions and so much has changed since then! I was still ok with winter, wanting to run in the snow, and questioning if I should do a 5k. (In case you missed it, I ran a 5k a few weeks ago!)
So what do I have to runfess this month? Let’s get started.
1. Treadmill Enjoyment
I’ve probably mentioned this before, but I’m really enjoying running on the treadmill. It saves me time, makes it easier to get dressed and takes less mental energy because I don’t have to think about where to run. The less decisions you need to make at 5am, the better.
I also think running on the treadmill has given me a new appreciation for the runs that I do outside. When I get out on the weekends or on a warmer morning, it just makes me so happy.
So I guess my runfession is that this runner who swore off the treadmill for years has changed her ways.
2. Running Outfits
When I run on the treadmill I don’t care what I wear. I could wear the same thing every day and it would be fine. Except that I have a feeling it would be weird to post running pictures on Instagram where I’m always wearing the same thing. Knowing that the Instagram world may see what I’m wearing pushes me to actually change up my running outfits. Besides, it’s good to get some use out of just more than pair of shorts and tank top.
3. Race Hesitations
After my 5k last month I’m not sure what I want to do about races moving forward. Initially I was planning to do more 5ks so I could get more comfortable with the distance, but I’m not ready quite yet. I’ve really enjoyed the past week of doing easy runs and whatever types of runs I wanted.
I’ve debated an April 10k but I’m not really to commit to that either. Now, we already know I have commitment issues with races, however I’m not even ready to commit to speed work again. I’m sure I will get the itch again soon but it’s just not there right now.
That being said, my strength training workouts are going to be speed based so I’m thinking a few weeks in I can start adding in speed workouts again once my body has adjusted and I’ll see what happens.
4. Running Shoes
Once again I have a running shoe confession, but this month is different. I’m trying to figure out what to do about my next pair of shoes. I’ve been doing great about tracking my shoe mileage and am in the mid 200s for both my Pure Flows and Levitates. I know they both still have plenty of life left but I want to buy a new pair when they hit 300 miles so I have them on hand and can start breaking them in when I am ready.
So here is my issue. I’ve been running in the Pure Flow 6s which they no longer make. The 7s are not on sale yet. The Levitates are not on sale either and are a more expensive shoe ($150- I got my first pair for my birthday last fall.) I’m trying to hold out until something goes on sale but I’m worried I won’t be able to find a pair in my size before they release the new models. I feel like I finally found shoes that work for me and I am worried that I won’t be able to replace them!
I guess this isn’t really a runfession, it’s just a complaint! Or I’m runfessing that these are the things that keep me up at night.
5. Foam Rolling
One of my goals for March was to foam roll 5 days a week. I actually think I’ve been doing well with this. However, my problem is I’m not keeping track of it! I could guess that I foam rolled 5 times this week or try to count by memory but it can be really hard to remember. In general I have been terrible about writing in my training journal. I always stop around this time of year for some reason!
But back to the foam rolling, it’s really helped to do it before some of my workouts. Then a few times a week I try to pull it out later in the day or at least use the Roll Recovery. I think what counts is that I’ve been feeling good and using the foam roller when I need it. Although it would have been nice to have actually kept track so I could have something to look back on!
You may also like:
Monthly Check-In: March 2016
The Final Round of Runfessions for 2016
Adventures in Physical Therapy Week 2: Hip Exercises and Simple Running Drills
Does running indoors make you appreciate outdoor runs more?
Are there any running outfits that you tend to wear all test time?
Do you write down your training? Do you keep track of things like foam rolling?
I can appreciate the treadmill for the same reasons but still prefer to go outside. I’ve been slacking on my Rolling this week. Need to get back to it!
Try looking at Dick’s for running shoes! They typically have the older version of a shoe when running specialty stores don’t have them. Plus if you sign up for their rewards program you can get coupons. I just got one recently for $20 off a $100 show purchase.
Thanks, I will have to try that!!
Funny about the outfits–when I do yoga at home, I have started wearing yoga clothes, because, social media…I’m rolling my eyes as I type this….
The shoe dilemma is real!
It’s ridiculous, right?! But at least it forces me to wear different things. For all the running clothes I own, I might as well wear more than one outfit!
I’m in the same boat with running shoes. I just got a new pair before Christmas, and they have been great, but I know I will need some new shoes later this summer. I’m hoping by scoping out some of the sites I can find an exact pair of what I’m currently loving (Brooks Adrenaline 17’s) before they all disappear.
Exactly! And even better if you can find them on sale, right?!
Heck I don’t think I am foam rolled 5 time within the last month. Have you tried on other websites like Running warehouse or 6pm? I always seem to find great deals on there of the shoes that I like.
Running Warehouse is my go-to but they didnt have them. I just checked 6pm and they have the PureFlows! Thanks so much for the suggestion:)
I had to laugh at your second runfession because I’m the same way. I don’t usually run with a shirt (just a sports bra), but if I take a treadmill photo I throw on a shirt.
Totally understand what you mean about the running sneakers. Sometimes they only have odd sizes available when they go on sale. Sometimes runningwarehouse.com has sneakers on sale, so maybe that could be a good backup option if the Brooks website doesn’t have the sale sneakers in your size.
I was pretty surprised that Running Warehouse didnt have the PureFlows on sale! Thats where i usually buy my shoes. I actually just lucked out and found the PureFlows on 6pm which I never checked before!
I feel like running in one environment makes me appreciate the other–I love the lack of decisions of running inside, and I like the distraction of running outside. I hadn’t thought of it as a lack of decisions that was so comforting, but you are right!
Yes, it’s so easy to just hop on and go! And the variety between the two is definitely nice.
Sad but true, I did look at my IG feed before getting dressed for my run to make sure that I did not wear the same thing twice in a week. I have been slacking on the rolling again this week ugh
Haha the struggle is real when it comes to social media pics!
Too funny about the running outfits and instagram. I feel you on that one! So glad the treadmill is working out for you! I have one as backup just in case I need it and it’s definitely a nice thing to have!
It’s been a really great option this winter, and definitely makes it easier to get in those early morning runs!
LOL, I def think I need to stop grabbing the same shirt off the top of my drawer every time I run or it looks lame on Instagram. I agree, it doesn’t feel like April to me, either
haha, and the funny thing is, no one else probably notices unless they stalk your profile.
Your treadmill posts make me want to go get one! I love the flexibility of having it on-hand.
I usually try to mix up my running clothes, but I don’t have a lot of running pants so they do get worn a few times, lol!
Oh yea the pants and shorts are almost always the same ones! But I feel like that’s less noticeable than the shirt!
I have actually enjoyed my treadmill all winter long as well. I turn on netflix or Hulu and get lost.
I am realizing that its not nearly as bad as I used to think it was! I definitely think it helps having one at home vs having to go to a gym.
Girl, nearly every single picture of me running this winter had me in my pink turtleneck and blue jacket! I’ll wear those items 2 days in a row, wash them, wear them again lol. They stink…
Haha well whatever works, right? Especially with outdoor running clothes for winter I definitely have favorites that I would wear every day if I could.
I refuse to run inside anymore! So I will run outside in (almost) any weather. Enjoy your weekend!
I am starting to get more excited for outdoor running now that its starting to warm up a little!
I feel you on the running shoes! I HATE shopping for shoes and now that I finally have a pair that I like, I just want to buy a hundred of them and be done with it forever. I wish each brand would have a basic, core shoe that would never change.
I put each of my planned runs into my Google calendar and then change them to a different color when I’ve finished them, which gives me a weirdly outsized psychological boost. Maybe doing something similar with foam rolling sessions so you could get the satisfaction of checking them off would help?
I love your blog—thanks for writing!
Thats a good idea! I used to keep track of my runs in an excel doc but lost track of that. I just need to find something I will be consistent about, whether its electronic or hand-written.
I notice in my Instagram photos that I wear the same few pieces of running clothes over and over again – and always purchase the same colors! I never remember to log foam rolling in my training log either.
I think many of us have a few favorites that we like to wear all the time!
As much as I sometimes whine about treadmill running I swear if I had room in my house for one I’d buy one in a heartbeat just for the flexibility you mentioned.
Running Warehouse is always my go-to too – Glad you were able to find a pair on 6pm. I’ll have to remember that site in the future!
It’s so convenient to have a treadmill at home! I never used to like it as much when I had to go to the gym to use it.
I love how much you enjoy your mill. It really is a great thing to have. My treadmill attire is horrendous. I basically grab anything. Totally mismatched and usually older stuff. You’re right though. Not good for the Gram. Ha!
Its nice to be able to wear whatever you want on there unless you decide to take a picture!
Amazon for your shoe needs? I’d been stalking my New B alance’s there, and then luckily the NYRR New Balance store had a VIP night which took the price to close.
I have an excel doc where I track my runs and there’s a notes column for relevant details like whether I had time to stretch/roll.
I used to use an excel doc and should really get back to that! Unfortunately Amazon didnt have my shoes but 6pm did!
Yay! I never have luck with 6PM for any shoes, Zappos has been my crack
I am with you on the treadmill…. when I work out in the early mornings (before work), I love getting on the treadmill where I can just zone out.
Yes! Its nice to just hop on and not think about where to run.