Five February Runfessions

Byangela @marathonsandmotivation
27 Comments

Happy Friday!  February sure flew by, and since this is the last Friday of the month, I am compiling a list of my top 5 February Runfessions.  I will start by saying that the beginning of the month was rough in terms of running (or training in general for me), but fortunately, it is ending on a positive note!

Here are my top 5 Runfessions for February:

Runfession #1: I hate running on the treadmill! We have some rough winter weather here in Maine, which forces me to run inside for safety at times. This month has been rough and I have had to do some long runs on the 'mill, which were particularly mind numbing. I really struggled at times getting on the treadmill, then off, then back on.... I had to talk myself into many of the runs, which was mentally very tough.

Runfession #2: I love running on the treadmill! It is a true love-hate relationship here. As much as doing the long runs on the treadmill are soul sucking, I know that without it, there are times I would not be able to run at all.  I can curse at it as much as I want, but it has been a lifesaver when it comes to marathon and ironman training. It is actually great in the winter because my bike is on the trainer right next to it, which makes bike/run bricks very convenient to do!

Runfession #3: I have had second thoughts about Ironman Lake Placid. This is a biggie... I have been struggling so much with motivation over the post few months that I really began to question whether or not I should I do this huge race. I signed up for it last Summer and it has been a dream of mine for years, however, my family life has been so busy. However, after some serious soul searching at the beginning of the month (combined with my son's hockey season coming to an end 🙂 ), I am ALL IN for this race and feeling very excited now!

 

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Runfession #4: I can run in circles and circles.  I have had a few times this month that required me to get creative to fit it all in. One of those times was running in a parking lot for 45 minutes while my daughter was at birthday party! It was a big parking lot, but I ran 4 large circles around it to squeeze in my run. This week, I had a 10 mile run on my schedule, but my kids were off from school. I don't like leaving them alone for very long, so I ran 4- 2 ½ mile loops around my neighborhood to get in my long run while staying close by. Yes...my neighbor's think I am crazy!!

 

Runfession #5: I love running in new places! I did get a break from winter last week as my family and I went to St. Thomas for a wonderful week long vacation. It was beautiful and warm there! I really enjoyed running along the beach and soaking up the sun. I absolutely love running in new places as there is so much to see and running is a perfect way to take everything in!

How was your February? Do you have any "Runfessions" to share? Do you run while on vacation? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

 

I am linking up with: Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five and Marcia's Healthy Slice for Runfessions.

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27 Comments

  1. I STILL don't know how you ran in a parking lot for 45 minutes! Crazy girl! But, you got it in! Congrats on the iron man. What a HUGE goal and such a sweet accomplishment. I'm looking forward to reading about it!
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  2. It felt so good to run outside this past week with the warmer temperatures. It was just what I needed for some extra running motivation. :) I admire you for keeping with your goals that lie ahead no matter how many times that damn self doubt creeps in. Keep up the great work and have a beautiful weekend! :)
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  3. I'm with you -- I love running in new places, too. It really helps during long distance training to explore and keep the mind fresh and active.
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  4. It's comforting to hear not everyone enjoys running ALL the time. I struggle with going over a mile because 1) my breathing is awful and 2) I get bored. Thanks for sharing. Lynn N. http://emmaandrose.com Pinterest/Twitter: @emmaandrose Instagram: @emmaandroseblog
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  5. I give you so much credit for running in the parking lot to get those miles in! I also love running in new places. That's why I'm such a fan of racecations! :)
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  6. I agree with you on many of these confessions. The treadmill can be a pain at times, but also helps us get a workout in when the weather is not so kind! I am not sure I could run around in circles for 45min, so kudos to you!
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  7. If I can avoid the treadmill, I do! but I runfess I have had a pretty bad attitude about training in the winter outside so far (this year I'm doing group training; previous years I did it on my own and almost all winter training was on the 'mill). And yet each training I do, grumpy or not, still feels successful in the end. I LOVE running in new places and always run on vacation. Also this is one reason I'm "addicted" to doing races somewhere else! All of the marathons I've run have been in other countries. Many of the Halfs have been in other countries. Sure I do races locally too, but there is something about running somewhere besides "home" that really inspires and motivates me!
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  8. I will just say I don't like running on the treadmill there is NO love to it at all for me! It is nice to be able to run in new places, I feel like such an explorer ! :)
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  10. I have done silly repetitive loops before....I have a 2-mile loop I do sometimes in the dark of night (or early morning) because it is well-lit and flat. I'm actually taking a mini-vacay next weekend, and I plan on running!
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  11. Running in a parking lot! Of all the places that is one place I've never run, well or a marathon or half marathon. I have run in other counties though! Vacation running is one of my favorite times to run.
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  13. I have a love hate relationship with the treadmill too. I am missing mine since we've moved. I have run around and around our new neighborhood for my long runs too! Have a great weekend!
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  14. I love having a treadmill in my house it am so lacking motivation to event run at the momen. However, I'm not being lazy, I am doing other sports...just not much running.
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  15. I hate running on the treadmill so I subscribed to the ifit program for it so I could be more entertained while running this winter. Turns out our winter has been warm and I haven't used the treadmill as much s I planned.
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  16. I love running in hew places too. When my husband and I travel it's one of our favorite things to do. Small loops are a mental challenge for me. My husband? He runs ultras that are sometimes the same loop or 2 over and over.
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  17. 45 minutes of running in a parking lot?!? Wow, I would have gone nuts! I went nuts last weekend having to run the same loop 3 times in order to get all of my miles in. I felt like I was running on a track.
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  19. I'm glad you're all in for IMLP because I think you'd regret it if you backed out now, no matter how tough the training and finding time for it is. Love your tights! I absolutely adore exploring new places on the run. Those are the best parts of any training cycle! Thanks for linking up!
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  20. I definitely have a love-hate relationship with my treadmill. I love it most for interval workouts. Way to get your runs in no matter what! I bet know that you have debated IMLP you will be more motivated because you really CHOSE to be doing it. Plus, it will be awesome!
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  21. Hate the treadmill. No love about it. And I will run short loops, too. We're talking 1/3-1/5 mile loops, just to be close to home. It's mind-numbing and soul-sucking, but you do what you have to do. Best of luck to you at Lake Placid. It's going to be amazing and I'm glad you're all in! I love running on vacation. It's a great way to see a new area, and also a good way to stay on track.
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  22. I can not stand the treadmill. I will outside in just about all weather to avoid having to run on the treadmill. Your Runfession #1 followed by #2 had me cracking up!
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  23. So glad to hear you were able to find the motivation you needed to keep going with your training! Keep going!! Even if it is in circles. :-)
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  24. I will do almost anything to avoid running on the treadmill for a long run, but it's a useful tool for some of the shorter runs -- yes, I'd rather run outside, but sometimes it's the right choice. I love running in new places & the beach is my very favorite!
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  26. I love running when I travel too, it's always a highlight of my vacations. Treadmills are definitely love/hate! It's gotten me out of a few jams so I'm grateful for it, but there are definitely some treadmills that are better/worse than others and I can feel the difference!
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  27. Loved them all! Yes, I've totally run in circles before to stay close to home and the kiddos. I actually have a 2 mile road that I run a lot because mentally it helps me get through speed work and tempos. Thanks for the link ups. Loved this post! Totally relate to it!
    Reply

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