TGIF!! You wouldn’t believe how happy I am that it’s Friday. It’s been SUCH a crazy month and I’m happy to see that it’s almost over.
Since it’s the last Friday of the month, It’s time for Runfessions with Marcia’s Healthy Slice, where we are letting out all of our running confessions!
I’m also linking up with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia for the Friday 5 since the theme is free this week!
[bctt tweet=”Let’s spill those #runfessions! What running confessions do you have this month? ” username=”Janelle_RWNR”]
Runfessions- April 2016
I Haven’t Run Much Since the Cherry Blossom Run
Ever since I ran the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run in early April, I have really been slacking on my runs. That was my goal race and once the training plan ended, I really lost a sense of direction.
Even though I ran a half marathon relay and a 5K (with PR!) the following two weekends, I haven’t been hitting my long runs or running 4 days a week like I normally do.
In March, I ran over 70 miles. In April, I’m not even reaching 50 miles. I feel guilty about it because not only do I have the Broad Street Run this weekend, I have a 10 miler in late may and my last spring race, the 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon, in early June. I really need to snap out of it….that’s why I can’t wait for it to be May!
I’m Annoyed About Rain for Broad Street
Yesterday, I shared my goals for the Broad Street Run, and as each day passes, the weather forecast keeps getting worse. It now looks like we’re going to have rain all morning and all afternoon, and it’s gonna be steady.
SUNDAY: Our next system arrives very quickly, so that by the time most of you wake-up, it’s probably already raining. The steadiest rain on Sunday now appears to be during the morning—-bad news for the Broad Street Run. Showers may linger into the afternoon. Some late drying is possible. Along with the rain, it will be chilly with temperatures in the upper 40s at dawn with an afternoon high of just 60.
This is a huge race, with tens of thousands of runners and spectators. Here’s what I’m dreading:
- Being jammed on the Broad Street Subway heading towards the race start
- Standing around in chilly rain for over an hour before I even cross the start line
- Finishing the race in the Navy Yard in a sea of chaos with a bunch of tired, wet people!
- Wandering back to the subway to get home, with hundreds of other people.
Though it will definitely be a race to remember, come on, Mother Nature, you’re killing me!
I’m Trying to Get My Name Out There
Ever since The Blog Connect blogging conference hosted by PHLBloggers, there have been a few companies reaching out to me for opportunities. It’s been really exciting and I hope to share some exciting news soon! In addition to that, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can make more of an impact in the Philadelphia community as a runner and ways that I can get more involved and interact with more people.
April was such an insane month, but I’m looking forward to the months ahead so that I can really nail down my strategy. There are so many great groups in the city and it would be awesome if some partnerships could develop along the way! Fingers crossed!
I’m A Little Sad I’m Not Running ZOOMA Annapolis
Last year I ran the ZOOMA Annapolis 10K with my dear friend and mentor JoAnn. It was an amazing experience and she really supported me on an extremely hot, humid, and hilly run!
This year, I’m honored to be a ZOOMA Ambassador and would be able to run either the 10K or half marathon for free, but I’m already booked that weekend to run the 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut. It seems that all the good races are on June 4 this year!
I’m bummed because not only is my sister running this race as her first 10K, so many of the ZOOMA Ambassadors are going to be at this race, and it would have been a wonderful opportunity to meet them.
But all isn’t lost because I’ll be going to Cape Cod in September! I can’t wait to run the half marathon in such beautiful scenery! Finally a real racecation!
P.S. – if you’re interested in running in Annapolis, Cape Cod, or in Amelia Island, FL, use my code JANELLE16 to get 10% off your registration!
Getting Free Stuff is Awesome, But…
I’ve been so fortunate to get tons of free swag this year by being affiliated with different companies. When I was a Love Run Ambassador, it was amazing to earn prizes for getting people to sign up with my $5 code (I still can’t believe it was used by 160 people!). And as a BibRave Pro Ambassador, it’s so cool to get to try out new gear in exchange for an honest review.
But I do wonder if there’s a point where things start to get a little bit too corporate as a blogger, and your content is dominated by sponsored posts…you guys don’t think I’m a sellout, do you??
First and foremost, among many other things, I am a runner and a writer. I love talking about running, sharing my experiences and any tips that will help others in their running journeys. That will always be the purpose of Run With No Regrets.
All of the benefits I’ve had from being a race ambassador is a blessing, but I want it to be clear that the perks are simply that, perks. The main focus here is to talk about running, healthy living, and positivity! Thanks for being a reader and being part of the conversation, because no free stuff is cooler than that!
What runfessions do you have to share?
I don’t get a lot of free swag — not yet — but I do think about that balance. It’s hard!
Ugh! Everyone will be at Cape Cod too, but that’s like a week before my potential fall half (and I’ve already done MA). I’m so tempted — not the half, the 10k, like I said, I ran my half in MA. And last were I WAS at Annapolis, but I hadn’t started blogging yet so I didn’t know anyone (but I was able to get together with a HS friend afterwards, so there was that).
Oh that weather does not sound fun – Ma Nature really does need to start cooperating!
The ZOOMA Cape race is a fun one – hilly! but fun. I think it conflicts with another race I’m looking at, but I should check…the Cape is beautiful in the fall!
Totally know what you mean about ‘sponosred posts’. When I look at my blogging calendar for the month, I try to make sure I have a good mix of sponsored content and personal content as well, but it’s definitely a hard balance.
I do not think you are a sellout at all! I can tell that your review are completely honest and well thoughtout!
I’ve been blogging a few years now, and have cut back some on product reviews. As a newbie I was excited to be contacted by any brand, but now I’m just accepting the ones that make sense for me.
Cape Cod is gorgeous. I really regret not being into running when I was growing up in Boston. Now that I’m no longer living there, I keep finding so many fun races.
Good luck this wkend! That really puts a damper on things having it suppose to rain. I will pray to the rain gods to hold off…..fingers crossed!
I love that you made some great connections at The Blog Connect! I don’t think sponsored posts are a bad thing as long as you write about products honestly, use your own voice and make sure the content is relevant to your blog and your readers. We all need to make a living, after all!
I don’t think you’re a sellout, but I’m going to be honest: sometimes if I see that a post is about a product I skip it entirely. Usually that’s just because I can tell the product is it going to be something that applies to me, like cold-weather gear.
After a huge goal race, I take time off too. Sometimes you need to or you stop loving running, and then…what’s the point?! 🙂
I feel you on the sponsored content. I love free stuff, too, but sometimes I feel like I’m a sellout. Having said that, though, I never review stuff I don’t actually want to review so it’s a legit opinion. Therefore, not a sellout!
I’m trying to get my name out there, too. I wish CLE had something as awesome as your conference! Maybe it’s time for me to make it happen in my city. 🙂
Gosh I hope the weather improves for your race. I have run a 20K in conditions like that. Not fun but it makes for great memories. I think your blog has a good balance so far with sponsored posts but I agree that if bloggers have too many sponsored posts, I have stopped reading…
Broad Street Run looks like a great race, but that is not going to be great weather for it. Hope it somehow turns out not too bad. That’s awesome all the connections you made at The Blog Connect. I worry sometimes about that when time is limited and my only posts seem to be for BibRave as well, but I try to still be me and feel as long as I’m honest, it will be just a post that is about what I got to try, and not feel like a “sell out”.
Sorry that its supposed to rain for your race! The weather this week has been awful, I wish that spring would come back!
Oh man it seems like foul weather is going to be an issue for much of the country this weekend, here included, but I’m not racing. I hope by some miracle, Mother Nature spares you and you have a great race. I know what you mean about sponsored posts. It’s a tough balance sometimes. Thanks for linking up!
I hope the weather is in your favor this weekend – it seems like rain is definite, but I hope it won’t be a downpour. Good luck and have fun!
I think taking a break is a good thing and you come back fresh, rested and better than ever! 🙂
Fingers crossed for sunshine and wrong weather predictions. It sounds great to have made connections and opportunities. It really is a balancing act, follow your heart and Im sure it will all turn out for the best
As I posted on Instagram earlier, “Rain is my reality” this weekend. UGH. Definitely not my favorite race day scenario, but it is what it is. Momma N is having attitude, huh! The forecasted rain is now “down” to 30% at race time (it had been 70% a couple days ago)…so #glasshalffull. I would LOVE to venture out east someday and do a race with you 😉
Oh, I hope the weather isn’t too miserable tomorrow! If it is, you will just have to embrace the suck! As far as sponsored posts, as long as you are reviewing fitness-related products and are up-front about the post being sponsored (which you are very good about!) I want to know what you think. There is so much “gear” out there now if helps to sort through and make choices. Plus, when I find a new product I LOVE I really do want to spread the word about it, especially if it has solved a problem for me — like the Orange Mud Hydraquiver that I am not an affiliate for but really love. 😉
rainy races can be fun if you let them be! 🙂 sorry you won’t be in annapolis this year! i do very few (almost no) product reviews with additional compensation because they take a TON of time to do properly. i think if you feel uncomfortable with your reviews, maybe scale back? good luck tomorrow!
Hope your race went well today!
Thanks, I actually had a PR today! 🙂
I’m not big enough to be concerned with a lot of sponsored posts. I am surprised by some companies that reach out that really don’t seem to be relevant and I always politely decline. As long as you believe in the product, I think it’s great. I hope Mother Nature was kind to you this weekend! I runfess, my April mileage was pretty low as well — even with 3 half marathons!
I’m also bummed that you won’t be at ZOOMA Annapolis. It was so great to finally meet you at RnRDC and I would have loved to see you again in Annapolis, but I’m sure you’ll have fun at the other race.
Bummed I won’t get to meet you at Annapolis. I was hoping to do Cape Cod too but now have a wedding that weekend. Oh well! Hope your Broad Street Run went well even though it was in the rain!