How have you been? You may notice that the site looks a little different – a few days ago, my site decided to crash and I had to remove my old theme on WordPress due to the latest system update. At least I think that was the cause – even Bluehost shut me down and I had to get things worked out with them. Needless to say, I see a redesign in the near future!
Since it’s the last Friday of the month, it’s time for more Runfessions with Marcia! This is where I dedicate a litle time to some of the crazy things going on with running, working out, and eating healthy.
I’m also joining Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia for the Friday Five – the theme this week is free, so everyone will have some fun and interesting posts to enjoy!
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Runfessions – August 2016
FitRetreat Kicked My Butt!
Last weekend, City Fit Girls hosted their annual FitRetreat. It was my third year going and I had a great time! I’m still working on the recap, but what I will say now is that I was in pain for DAYS thanks to the workouts I participated in! My calves, shoulders, quads, hamstrings, and abs were so sore! While I had other plans, as soon as FitRetreat was over, I went home and crashed – I usually take a nap after long runs, but this nap was over 2 hours!
Now that I’m in my 30’s, am I feeling the effects of getting older??
I’ve Had a Terrible Sweet Tooth Lately!
Ever since my birthday and the amazing cake and ice cream, I’ve been going a little overboard with the sweets! I went to the mall the other day and they had a huge candy setup that was impossible to resist. I ended up buying a variety of very sour candies that make Sour Patch Kids seem bland in comparison!
I know I need to clean things up, but I just bought 2 big bags of Twizzlers….lol! Thankfully, I’ve been using PlateJoy for my meals and we’ve really enjoyed the recipes so far. It’s all about balance, right?!
I’m Back on the FitBit, But…
I had some technical difficulties with my last FitBit that decided that it no longer needed to keep a charge. And yes, it was the FitBit Charge….go figure. After dealing with that for almost a month, I was finally able to get a replacement, but this time, I was given the FitBit Alta.
I like the Alta, especially with its slimmer design, and I’m really happy to be able to track my steps again. I’ve been inspired to park my car even farther away in the parking lot at work, but I think I’m a little bit jaded now because I”m waiting for this one to stop charging or fall apart like the others did. When I pay over $100 for something, I expect it to last more than a few months, but the quality just isn’t there.
So thanks to that recurring issue, I’m having trouble investing in this product, which is really annoying. I don’t even do many challenges anymore. Hopefully, I’ll get back in the groove!
I Feel Behind in My Marathon Training
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my weekly recaps for marathon training! It has already been quite the journey and I’m proud of everything I’ve been able to do so far.It’s completely irrational, but my mileage doesn’t seem to be as high as others who are training for the Philly Marathon.
It’s completely irrational, but my mileage doesn’t seem to be as high as others who are training for the Philly Marathon.
At this point in the game, my farthest run has only been 11 miles. I’ll be doing 12 miles this weekend, then 14 miles(!) the next weekend. And on top of that, I’m only running only 3 days a week. At some point I’m supposed to get to 4 days, but not for a few more weeks.
I’m working with Coach Kristy once again, and once again, I have to trust the process. This is my first marathon and I shouldn’t be trying to kill myself out there. I’m doing great on the runs that I’m doing, I’m cross training every week, and I’m hitting the foam roller. I’ve been much more disciplined this training cycle than ever before, so clearly I’m doing something right.
But still, I can’t help but feel like I should be doing more…November isn’t that far away…
I Think I May Miss the Crazy Heat and Humidity

No that is not a typo! Isn’t it ironic? I’ve been complaining about the ridiculous summer heat all this time – and we had well over 30 days this summer over 90 degrees. Now I’m a little sad that things are cooling down as we enter September. I guess I was getting used to the misery after all!
The summer is my least favorite season running by far – everybody’s out so it’s more crowded, it’s HOT, and this year, the humidity was just torturous! But through that process, I’ve realized that I feel pretty badass knowing that I’m able to run several miles in these conditions. It was mentally and physically challenging! Call me crazy, but I think I’m going to miss that!
What runfessions do you have to share for this past month?
I do my runfessions tomorrow . . . I’m good with cooler days, but I hear you on the fact that that means winter is coming.
Definitely trust the process. I think too many people get hung up on the mileage (myself included sometimes).
But getting “older” in your 30s? Please! I am fitter now in my mid 50s . . .
I hope to be fit in my 50’s like you are, Judy! And you’re right, I think I always have to find something to “criticize” when it comes to my running, which is so silly. I’m on the right path and that’s what matters!
haha, okay you are crazy 🙂 !!!!!!! I will not miss the heat not one bit LOL I want to cry when I think about the next month here but I will try not tooo!
I can only run three days a week because of my foot issue and I just did a half this week for my long run, but was only supposed to do 12. I went ahead and stole the extra mile because I felt good 🙂 I have a drop back week and the week of the 10th I will be at 14 miles, so i feel like we are pretty close. Richmond is Nov. 12th – 77 days.
I love twizzlers 🙂 mmmmm. it is hard when you get a taste of that sugar to let go lol
LOL, yes, Karen…I’m crazy. But I’m okay with that! That’s great that you ran a half and I’m glad it felt good! Crazy that these fall races are getting so close! Twizzlers, such a weakness. LOL.
I got the Microsoft Band II at Christmas and a few weeks ago it stopped working and the band was falling apart so they sent me a new one. I’m wondering what’ll happen when this one falls apart. Sigh. Yes, trust the process on marathon training and don’t pay any attention to what others are doing. I qualified for Boston 3x by running 3x/week.
Wow, I didn’t realize you BQ’d with a 3 day a week training plan. I guess there’s no perfect formula, we all do what works best for us! Thanks for the perspective. The band issues with these devices is really annoying…
AHH! sorry about the site issues. I got rid of Bluehost and redesigned my site but I also had purchased a theme for my business site so just uploaded that. My car ride home from Fitretreat was soooooo long and then I crashed the second I got home. It was GREAT seeing you last weekend!
I am definitely thinking about leaving Bluehost, they really have not impressed me and their prices are going up, ugh. But anyway, that stinks that your drive back was so rough! Hope you’re feeling better and I loooved meeting you at last!
I went through two Fitbits Charges in one year. I think they should hold up better too! I honestly think they can’t handle my sweat. So, I did not replace the last one. I wouldn’t compare your marathon training miles to anyone else. There are so many different ways to train — and some with incredibly high mileage. You are doing great! Just keep plugging away.
HoHo, you’re so right…I have to keep plugging away and be proud of my accomplishments, not worry how I compare to others! And yeah, I guess maybe we’re too active for those FitBit Charges!
Marathon training is tedious (at times),but it’s all worth it! And, you may find that the training is MUCH harder (physically and mentally) than the race itself.
I’ve been hearing that too that the training is so much tougher than the actual race. I think it’s going well but I always want to push myself even harder for some crazy reason!
I just got an Alta too! At least the bands are replaceable …. Fit Retreat looks like it was fun!
Yes, I’m definitely going to invest in a nicer band at some point to mix things up a little! FitRetreat was a really good time and had me hurting for days!
I noticed your site crashed the other day when I tried to comment! I hope you’re able to get it up and running how you want soon!
My marathon mileage has ALWAYS been lower than other runners. I just can’t do crazy miles every week, and I’m not an elite runner. I think my highest week was 31 miles! Don’t feel behind or discouraged. If you’re getting your runs in, you’re going to be fine. For a first marathon, it’s all about getting to that finish line in one piece, and you can polish and perfect your training on your next one 🙂
Thanks, Ali, that really makes me feel a lot better. I always fall into the comparison trap…things are going well with me and that’s what matters! Yeah, my site going down was such a pain…I’m hoping to get a new theme up this week so things feel more normal for me!
please don’t say you miss the heat and humidity! I am so ready for it to be over!!! I am currently using the Fitbit Blaze. Yes , I have gone to the top- no were else to go! This one better not poop out- I did go thru 2 of the Charge HR in a year…….shameful!
LOL I don’t mean to jinx the weather, but…I think I’ve finally embraced the misery haha. The Blaze looks great!
ok you are crazy I am hating running in this and I am dreaming of fall temps. kudos to you for getting in these long runs in this heat.
I think we’re going to get those fall temps soon…it just seems that every time it feels like it’s gonna get cooler, it hits 90 again! If I can’t beat it, join it, right? lol