How have you enjoyed keeping fit in September? I’m still in disbelief that the month is coming to an end!
Since it’s the last Friday of the month, it’s time for more Runfessions with Marcia! This is where I dedicate a little 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 great posts to enjoy!
[bctt tweet=”Last Friday of the month = time for RUNFESSIONS! Spill it! #runchat” username=”Janelle_RWNR”]
Runfessions – September 2016
Yoga Is Starting to Become a Thing
Over the last month or so, I’ve spent a lot of time in the yoga studio…and I’m loving it! I have always enjoyed yoga but struggled with consistency. Now that I have a studio literally around the corner from me, there’s no reason not to go to yoga! It’s a small space but everyone is really friendly, and I’m starting to feel like one of the regulars.
Lunchtime yoga is back for the next 8 weeks so I’m really excited about that too. It looks like we’re going to have a really small class, but I like it that way.
I still sometimes think that I don’t “look” like a yogi, but hey…I’m doing my thing and that’s all that matters! As a runner, I’m really feeling the benefits of yoga in strengthening my hips, gradually improving my balance, and building core strength! But on a deeper level, I love the way that I feel when I get out of class. There really is a sense of ease and a huge weight lifted. I try to carry that with me for the rest of the day…but it’s not always easy!
I’m An Ambassador for the 2017 Love Run Half Marathon!
Some of the 2016 Love Run AmbassadorsI’m so excited to once again serve as an ambassador for the Love Run! This past year was my first time running the race – I ran the half marathon relay. This year, I’ll be finally running the half. The race is back in its normal time of late March, so the weather will probably suck…but I’m still really looking forward to it. I hope to do as good of a job as I did last year as an ambassador so that I can do more race giveaways on the blog – always fun! Prices are going up after October 1, so use code JANELLELOVE to get $5 off registration!
I Like Girl Power Better Than Boy Bands
Confused? I’m talking about my Throwback Thursday Running Playlists! I have listened to my Girl Power and Boy Bands playlists while on the run over the past month and I can say without a doubt that I definitely prefer my ladies! While I practically worshiped *NSYNC back in the day, some of the other boy bands just didn’t have as much of an impact me, even though I did enjoy their songs. But listening to TLC, Destiny’s Child, and 3LW really take me back….I can’t resist some female empowerment! What type of playlist should I create next?
I Somewhat Miss Running on Kelly Drive…
I used to run on Kelly Drive, the popular running trail in Philly, several times a week. But once I moved to my house, I had to say goodbye! Now, I’m realizing how much I missed having Kelly Drive as a “flat” place to run. My current hood is extremely hilly, which is great, but not the best when I’m trying to do training runs at marathon goal pace. So last week I took a short drive so I could run on Kelly Drive and MLK Drive and over the East Falls Bridge. It was nice to be back and be able to know exactly where I’m running. It also didn’t hurt that I had a strong run too! So I may have to head back to Kelly Drive once in awhile…for training sake!
Wild Animals Have Been Freaking Me Out!
Okay, here’s my last runfession…running in my neighborhood has been great, but I continue to get freaked out by the wildlife! Late on a Saturday afternoon a few weekends ago, I went on a trail by myself and was frightened by a deer galloping off in the distance! I also had a run on a residential street where a fox appeared out of the bushes. The last encounter I had with an animal, I was running in the evening by myself…there was also a couple doing some power walking, which made me feel a lot safer. I had the sneaking suspicion that I’d end up seeing a wild animal, and I did…a giant bullfrog or toad on the sidewalk! I was running around a cul-de-sac and there it was! I’m really feeling like I live in suburbia! Are there any animals that you see while running? Which ones should I be worried about?
What runfessions do you have to share from this past month?
That’s awesome that you are getting into Yoga. I have a DVD that I try to use once a week. I know it’s not enough, but it’s at least a start!
Speaking of wild animals, I just saw a deer by my parents house this morning, lol.
I like to think that practicing more yoga is making a difference. Definitely a stress reliever too!
I guess it’s better see deer on a run than during a drive, lol!
I used to do yoga earlier this spring and really enjoyed it because the studio was right across the street from my place but they have since moved and now that I have to drive I know I won’t go. Also I can take free classes at my gym so I just need to take advantage of that.
It’s great when you have easy access to yoga class. I need the accountability since there’s no way I’ll commit to doing it on my own!
The deer are crazy this year around here. On this new (to me) trail I’ve been frequenting they’re just a few feet off my path and they don’t even move when I pass. I’m afraid they’ll charge at me but so far it’s all good. Once there were coyotes flanking the entrance to my sub division. Let’s just say I turned around and ran another mile hoping they’d be gone when I returned. Thankfully they were.
Coyotes?? OMG I would have been terrified! Glad the animals have been keeping a safe distance away from you. At least I haven’t seen a deer with antlers yet, those really freak me out!
I would be pretty wigged out by wildlife if I saw any… mostly because I am in the city, lol. Congrats on the ambassadorship! I took my first official yoga class since breaking my back yesterday and it felt so incredible. I’ve done some myself, but this was my first real class! Hopefully many more to come!
I’m so happy for you being able to get back to yoga since your injury. Glad it went well!! Yeah, my neighborhood is a little more suburban-esque even though I am technically still in Philly. Before I moved I only saw cats and geese!
I enjoy seeing deer and foxes out and about – don’t like snake encounters..
Congrats on the ambassador half gig!
My neighborhood is hilly and i have a time in the heat but in the winter I can handle the challenge. I would not enjoy trying to pace runs on hills lol I guess it depends how hilly it is!
Oh I haven’t seen snakes yet…I don’t know how I’d react to that lol! Thanks on the congrats. Hills are so challenging but I am glad to have such easy access to them, for better or worse!
Yoga has made such a difference in my running! I’m more flexible and seem to suffer from less injuries. It’s also a relaxing activity before heading to bed to de-stress from the day.
I’m hoping that yoga is helping with injury prevention…I’ve been injury-free for a few years now and I plan to keep it that way! 🙂
Congratulations on being a race ambassador! This sounds so cool and can’t wait to hear more about it. I really need to make yoga more of a thing. I used to do yoga for runners (aka for people who are not stretchy) and thought it really helped me.
Thanks, Lindsay! I’m glad that they selected me to participate again, the Love Run is a great race! I think yoga complements running really well, definitely recommend it!
Yoga really is amazing, isn’t it? I found myself getting stronger mentally and physically through regular practice! What started as compliments to my running has turned into a thing!
Yoga is the truth. I’m loving it and I really hope to stick with it this time! I totally agree about the increased physical and mental strength!
Yay for yoga! I’m so glad you are loving it!
Yes, I am hooked!!
We have foxes in our neighborhood and I saw a coyote last week! The craziest thing was seeing deer clomping down the road – we are in inner subburbs!! The more yoga classes I go to, the more I realize our stereotypes are just that – yoga is for everyone!
Foxes and coyote really scare me…I just don’t know what they’ll do! And you’re so right that yoga is for everyone. Sometimes I get a little self-conscious but it’s getting better with each practice!
Signed up for the Love Run Half Marathon. My first every half-marathon. As excited I am to be running with 2 of my best friends, I am also feeling a nervous pit! Yikes! Thank you always for the inspiration 🙂
Oh that’s awesome! I hope you have a great time, it really is a nice race and will be even better to enjoy with friends 🙂 You’re so welcome!
I’m terrified of running into wildlife while running solo. Not so much of seeing them but of getting startled and then doing something stupid like twisting an ankle or something. So I hear you!
Yeah that is definitely a legitimate concern! Hopefully I’ll get used to the wildlife at some point…LOL.
I love yoga and really need to get back to doing it regularly, it really helps with so many things.
I tend to see a lot of squirrels, rabbits, turtles, and armidillos on my runs. I know there are wild hogs near where I run because there were reports of a recent roadkill one on a road that I run down… I definitely don’t want to run into one of those!
Wow, I think I’d enjoy seeing turtles and armadillos, but I’d pass on the wild hogs! At least chipmunks don’t make me jumpy anymore, lol!