It’s crazy to me that we’re almost done with the first month of the year! Have you been doing well with your New Year’s Resolutions? I hope so!
Every last Friday of the month it’s time to share Runfessions with Marcia’s Healthy Slice and a bunch of other fun bloggers. Let’s just let it all out, shall we?
[bctt tweet=”What running confessions do you have to share this month? Linking up with @teamarcia for #runfessions “]
Runfessions for January
The Runner’s Reset Has Been Fantastic In Showing My Weaknesses
I’m a couple of weeks into the 21 day runner’s reset, and while I haven’t been perfect, it’s been going really well overall. My candy consumption has dropped over 90% and I’ve been able to make some great meals.
But the running and cross-training have been clutch! Doing fartlek runs has been a fun change of pace and I’m remembering how much I enjoy running fast. And when it comes to cross-training, I’m really glad that I’ve had 3-4 workouts to do each week with the reset.
But lunges, side planks, single-legged anything, and V-ups have proven to be pretty darn tough for me. And I can’t even do butt kicks anymore since my hamstrings are so tight! I have to runfess that I’m embarrassed at how exercises that were once easy to me are now a struggle, but I’m not giving up! It’s good to know where your weaknesses are so that you can focus on those areas.
All These Ambassadorships – Am I Worthy?
I have shared how excited and honored I am to be a race ambassador for ZOOMA, the Philly Love Run, and Bibrave Pro, plus a Social Runner for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run. And it’s awesome that I now have a page dedicated to race discounts!
But I have to runfess – I am a bit in disbelief that I have been given all of this responsibility! Obviously, I love running, and I love talking about running with anyone who will listen! I really want to be a helpful resource, but there are so many other ambassadors out there who are really great at promoting themselves, and I don’t think I’m anywhere close to being at that level.
I hope that my excitement will encourage others to sign up for these races, but I am a bit worried that I won’t get enough people to sign up. From my understanding, ambassador groups have regular check in’s to see who’s getting the most signups. I’m scared that despite my efforts, I’ll be at the bottom of the list!
For those who have done this before, do you have any strategies that have worked for you? I’d love any pointers!
The Joys of Winter Running
I love running in the winter. My favorite seasons for running are fall, winter, spring, and summer in a distant fourth place.
Now that we’ve got several inches of snow on the ground thanks to Jonas, I have to runfess that I’m glad to be at the part of winter where there will be fewer runners and bikers on the trails. One of the things I hate most about summer running is all of the bobbing and weaving I have to do because there are too many people out there!
Now don’t get me wrong, it’s great that everyone’s out there and getting in shape on the trails, but running is an escape for me. Winter is the best time of year to embrace that since I can really feel that I’m out on my own, without distractions.
I’m also sharing with Jill for Fitness Health and Happiness and Mar for the Friday Five!
What runfessions would you like to share with me?
You’re an awesome ambassador – just do your thing, Girl! x
I was an ambassador for Nuun last year, but ultimately felt weird about constantly shilling a product, even though I really did love the company and its product. I would love to be an ambassador for a race but have yet to apply to any programs. I’ve always wanted to do the Philly Love Run. If I do sign up, I’ll use your discount.
I think you’d be a great race ambassador! I figured I’d give it a shot and apply, you never know! I really appreciate the offer, Scott! If you run the Love Run, I hope to meet you there!
Honestly speaking, I am not at all satisfied with whatever I am doing. I had made some confessions and promises to myself at the end of December,2015 to quit some of my bad habits and include some good habits in my life, but so far I have not achieved any success in it. Running is not part of my life but going for regular walking is. However, from last couple of days, I am not even able to achieve this becuase of bad weather and busy schedule. I know that it is not that busy but it is just mismanaged time management.
Bharat, try not to be so hard on yourself. Sometimes it’s tough to do all the things we set out to do, even with the best-made plans and intentions. All you can do is keep moving forward. You’ll be back out there 🙂
Congrats on becoming an ambassador for some
great races. I wouldn’t beat youself up for not feeling like you’re doing enough for being an ambassador. Just keep running and enjoying it. That’s what got you there in the first place:)
Thanks, Lacey! You are so right about that.
I know what you mean about nice to have less people out on the trails. I don’t mind the cold but the snow makes it difficult to ride outside and even to do specific running paces outside. Enjoy the winter running!
Thanks! On Sunday it was absolutely insane – the weather was warmer, but the trails were still very narrow and there were tons of people on bikes and running…too much for me!
Congrats on all the ambassadorships! You were picked for a reason and I’m sure you’ll do great. Just let it flow and do what you do. Maybe share those discounts with all the running clubs you join. Thanks for linking up!
Thanks, Marcia! And that’s a really good idea, thanks for the tip! 🙂
Can I be honest? I’m soooo with you on the ambassador thing! When I became a BibRave Pro I almost died – not just because I was so excited, but because I was like “Holy cow how is this happening to little old me?!”. If I was on the east coast I’d be using all your links to sign up for races (you know i love the Love Run!) and I know that lots of other people will sign up as well! Good luck 🙂
Kristen, I’m glad I’m not the only one! And I really appreciate the kind words.
Congrats on your ambassadorships! I’m sure you’ll do great with them!
Thank you, Michelle! 🙂
One reason I stopped applying for/accepting ambassadorships was that I felt like I wouldn’t be doing them justice. It’s hard for me to stay on top of what each company wants out of its ambassadors and what the expectations are! Even if I truly love the brands, I always wonder if I’m doing what I should be!
I had no idea how stressful it could be to be an ambassador, haha! One in particular has been overwhelming to me, but I still think I can find my stride soon.
Congrats on your ambassador roles. We took a step back from some organizations/race ambassador opportunities because we felt unable to give the appropriate amount of time and dedication. However, we love hearing other ambassadors with so much enthusiasm.
Thanks a lot, Pam!
just be yourself and the rest will follow. I wouldn’t stress too much about it, as long as you are having fun and learning a thing or two along the way! Be proud of all you’ve accomplished.
You are so right. Thanks, Mar!
You are absolutely worthy of your ambassadorships!! Congrats!
I feel your stress/pressure though. I am promoting like crazy but don’t know if it is working 🙁 I am enjoying the honor though 😉
Dang it-i have wanted to to the Love Run but I am doing the Philly Hot Chocolate the weekend before 🙁
I’ve lost my running mojo but hoping to get it back soon because I do love cold weather running.
Aw thanks Tamieka! Promoting is tough, but I’m sure we’re both doing better at it than we realize! I read about you and your running mojo, hope it comes back soon!
Here’s my runfession… last winter, I took pride in the fact that I was an outside, cold weather runner! No treadmill for me! I trained for the Love Run 100% outdoors in the cold and snow and wind and ice and felt so good about it. Flash forward to this winter… I’ve done all my runs (except a half last weekend) inside, on a treadmill. Yikes! In my defense though, we don’t have nearly as great of trails in Grand Rapids as in Philly, so it’s tough to find a safe, relatively clear place to run, that isn’t covered in snow or ice. I’m looking forward to the snow melting so I can get back outside, where runs are more fun! 🙂
Don’t beat yourself up about the ambassadorship roles! You’re doing great. If I were in Philly this winter, I’d definitely use your promo codes to sign up for races 🙂
Even more importantly, you’re a great ambassador for the running community in Philly!!
Thanks so much Katie, coming from you that means so much! <3 Oh, I've been in Michigan in the winter...yikes! Hopefully, the weather will clear up so you can get back out there soon!
Nice! Congrats on all your race ambassadorships! You’ll do great! Also, terrific job on your runner’s reset!
Thanks so much, Sherry!
How funny that you and I both wrote about ambassadorships! You will be fine. Do the best you can! I wish I lived near you so I could sign up for that Philly race!
Haha yes, and I really enjoyed your post too! I’m dying to make it to Chicago sometime this year…it would be great to finally meet!
I think it’s awesome you have all those ambassadorships. You are totally worthy!! And when I lived in the DC area, I felt the same way about you and running in the summer. I totally preferred winter running to summer. Stay warm out there!
Thanks a lot, Jenn!
Ambassador programs can be great, but if it’s stressing you out, take a deep breath and a step back. Stick with what you are comfortable doing – if constantly pushing and promoting a race isn’t “you”, don’t do it. The organizations that hand out ambassadorships are usually pretty diligent when they’re making decisions, and they picked you because of how “you” you are! Have faith in yourself, and stay true to yourself, and you’ll be a stellar ambassador!
Thanks so much, Amanda! I really appreciate your comment. I was picked for a reason, so I need to remember that!
I wish I lived closer and I would take advantage of the discounts you have to offer via your ambassadorships! (and, it would be fun to actually meet you in person!). Our weather has been so roller-coaster-like…..lots of snow last Monday, the temps have been climbing (supposed to be almost 50-degrees this afternoon), and we have a BIG storm coming Monday night/Tuesday morning. Momma N is having attitude LOL
Aw, I appreciate that. The weather rollercoaster has been pretty crazy here too! I hate the constant temperature swings. Hopefully your snow storm won’t be too bad!!
I’m new to your blog, but it sounds like you will be an awesome ambassador! You’ve got a great attitude!
Thanks, Michelle! 🙂
You are so worthy of all the ambassadorships! Do not second guess yourself! You do a great job and they will be happy to have you on their team! Love the newsletter you do too! 🙂
Thanks so much for the kind words – oh and I’m glad you like the newsletter, thank you! 🙂
I am loving running this winter too. I really wanted to do that live run race but too close to cherry blossom. Maybe something in the fall
The winter running has been so far so good, even though the air was a little harsh over the weekend.
Additional cross training and plyo workouts are helping me stay strong…I haven’t done some of the workouts in months and it is hard to believe the amount of strength I have lost! I live running in all seasons 🙂
I’m realizing how badass plyometric workouts are! I just wish it wasn’t so “use it or lose it”, you know?
Well, my hamsrings are so tight I struggle with “forward fold” in yoga. That’s pretty bad, right? You are an awesome ambassador – that’s why all these events want you to represent!
Aw, thanks Coco! I hate when my hamstrings feel so tight! Any stretch you can get is good!
I wouldn’t worry about the signups. While some smaller races do care, I don’t think the bigger races put that much emphasis on it. I don’t think it’s a huge deal for Zooma or Rock N Roll. While Zooma offers incentives to get people to sign up I don’t think they look down on people that dont! Don’t fret!
I would focus more on sharing your passion for the particular race / company. That’s why you were chosen! Looking forward to your Cherry Blossom post tomorrow 🙂
Thanks, Courtney! And I’m still working on the post, yours was great! 🙂