This is one of those weird months where the last day of the month falls on a Thursday so the last Friday of the month seems to fall really early. Still, it seems like a good time to get some runfessions out of the way!
1. Rain
I feel like I really struggled this month with all the rain we had. While I am ok with running outside in the summer rain, the week of rain we had was still on the chilly side and I just did not feel like being out there. Surprisingly the treadmill wasn’t all that appealing either, although I was happy to have it as an option. Really, all I wanted to do was curl up in my pajamas under a blanket and wait for the sun to come back!
2. Heart rate
I tried wearing a heart rate monitor a few times this month just to see if my easy runs are actually easy. I noticed that my heart rate is all over the place (from one run to the next or even from one mile to the next). It’s more accurate on the treadmill I guess because there are no other elements involved and I can control the speed and incline. I’m not sure if it’s something I want to experiment with further.
3. Motivation
Going along with the rain I just still haven’t had that motivation to train this month. Now that summer is quickly approaching I know that any races I sign up for will feel even harder than they did in the spring and fall. So I just need to decide, do I want to train/race? Do I want to just any races for fun? Or do I just want to keep running as I have been without setting any real goals?
4. Florida heat
Speaking of summer quickly approaching, I’m heading to Florida for a few days I’m a little nervous to run in the heat and humidity there. We have been to Florida in May a bunch of times and it is always such a shock to run in that weather, but at least it helps me to prepare for summer running.
5. Blogging
Finally, I’ve just felt like blogging has sort of taken a backseat this month with everything else going on. I cut back to posting two days a week which has worked out better. I like to post on the days that I know I will have more time in the evening to respond and read other blogs. Hopefully I’ll eventually get back to posting more, and actually posting interesting content rather than just random updates about my lack of real training, but we’ll see. I keep reminding myself that I stepped away for a few weeks last summer when things were crazy and I was able to jump right back in when I was ready.
[Tweet “This month’s #runfessions are all about this busy, rainy month and adjusting to the heat! @milebymilerun “]
Has anyone else struggled with staying motivated lately?
Do you wear a heart rate monitor when you run?
Who else feels like this is a really busy time of year?
I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness and Running on Happy for the Friday Five 2.0 and Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Runfessions!
Me! Me! Me! My motivation has completely left me. I think it’s because I’m so overwhelmed with everything that’s going on. I’m ready to put May in the rear view mirror.
We’re having Florida-like heat, so I can empathize with you!
As much as I try not to rush things, I will be glad when May is over! And now that I’m in Florida and it’s pouring rain, I’m kind of wishing it was super hot and sunny.
I wear a Fitbit but don’t pay much attention to my heart rate. I am so over all the rain as well. And I go to Florida a lot and the summer heat is a shock on the golf course!! Lots of sunscreen and water
Hey Patrick, commenting here because your browser keeps blocking me as a “suspected bot.” If it’s happening to others you may want to check it out. 🙂
I bet it’s really hot out on the golf course! Usually I spend my days in Florida by the pool.
To be honest, I haven’t really been motivated to train hard all year. Blame the injury, being busy, heat, there’s always something to blame if we want to. Actually just running for fun has worked out well. I’ve cut back on blogging too and it feels so good! Have fun in Florida!
I feel like I can come up with all sorts of excuses to blame on my lack of motivation. I agree, running for fun isn’t so bad.
Similar to you, my blogging has taken a backseat this month as well. I actually felt like I didn’t really have a lot of things to write about, so I just stuck to my weekly recaps. I’m hoping I get more drive to blog more next month.
I hope you have a great time in Florida!
It can be hard to come up with good content all the time! I feel like by at least posting once or twice a week it helps me stay connected to everyone.
I actually have liked running in the rain more than the humidity. It got hot fast!
It really did! I like running in the rain when it’s warm out, especially if it’s a light rain.
I usually only post twice a week. It is so great to not worry about getting that 3rd post done! Way back when I basically posted 5 times a week. It seems like the less I post, the more pageviews and interaction I get.
Enjoy Florida! The best thing to do is run early, which is kind of a drag when you’re on vacation, but better than running when it’s too hot!
I used to post 5 days a week too and I have no idea how I used to manage that!
Thanks! Yes, I will definitely have to get out there early- although I think I am going to be planning my runs around the thunderstorms!
Yes, total agreement, a “hot rain”is much more tolerable than a “cold” one. No argument there. I have never used a MR monitor…I’m not really into gadgets much, so the idea of something else throwing out stats at me (even helpful & insightful stats) just is not enticing.
It sounded like a good idea to look at my HR but it is too overwhelming! I think it’s better to just pay attention to your body to know if you’re working easy or hard. Maybe some day I’ll learn more about it, but it just seems like too much right now.
I meant to say HR monitor LOL
Haha I figured!
I’ve been in a “run for fun” mode for months now! I don’t feel like training for anything, so I just go into all my races with the attitude to go out and have a fun time. It’s working for me for now.
I think thats a good way to go about it! At least you are doing races. I feel like my running has been so blah that I have no desire to even attempt a race.
I wasn’t motivated at all during the last couple weeks of training. Now that I’ve had my race, it’s so nice to not worry about it. No motivation isn’t an issue right now when I need to rest and recover.
I hope you enjoy your rest and time off from training!
I have only ever wore my Garmin as that has a HR monitor. I wonder how accurate that is. I never pay attention to it though. Have fun in Florida. I was just there for a few weeks while in training and it was super hot!
When I look at my Garmin with the wrist-based HRM it is all over the place. I’ve compared it to the chest strap before and overall its similar but in the moment the wrist one could jump from a really high number to a really low one. I don’t like the chest strap as much but to actually get a good sense of HR that one is probably more accurate.
I definitely know what you mean about motivation. Now that my marathon is done I don’t know what’ll excite me and push me next when it comes to races. But I know this rut is temporary so I try not to stress about it too much!
All the rain did make it a dreary May, though!
After your race you deserve some time off to just relax! I think once you are fully recovered your motivation will come back.
I’m not motivated either. I have two half marathons in the fall that I need to train for but kind of don’t want to. 🙂
We have having some HOT weather here so that isn’t motivating either.
It’s especially hard to adjust to the heat when it comes on so quickly! I feel like we haven’t had any time to adjust.