Hey there! First of all, can I just say how grateful that I am that we are still permitted to go outside for runs in Philly? Running continues to be the gift that keeps on giving. Living through a pandemic and being under a stay-at-home order with no end in sight is intense, so I’m grateful to still have this outlet since I don’t have a treadmill at home.
Since it’s the last Friday of the month, I’m joining Marcia for Runfesssions! I’m guessing that in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that we have a lot on our minds and plenty we want to get off our chest! So let’s get to it!
Runfessions – Quarantine Style
I’m not running with a mask anymore…
Please don’t be mad at me, but the first time I ran with a cloth mask was absolutely miserable. I wear glasses and my Aftershokz wireless headphones while I run, so adding a mask to my face is just too much. My glasses fog up and the mask has trouble staying in place, sliding down my nose. It’s such a distraction that I really can’t focus on my run while struggling to breathe with the mask on. Now, technically, the Philadelphia Office of Public Health does not mandate runners to wear masks, so I’m not breaking any laws, but I did switch to wearing a Buff around my neck so that I can pull it on if I approach people on my run, which I make sure isn’t often. Are you running with a mask or a Buff?
I’m getting bored with my routes
In general, I get bored with my running routes but now I feel like my options are extremely limited as I go out the door to run in my neighborhood. One of my go-to routes that I really enjoyed is currently detoured because a bridge is out, so that has thrown me off a bit. I only run 1-3 days a week so I haven’t exhausted all my options yet, but it’s a challenge. Still, this is definitely a first-world problem.
I’m scared to hit the trails
I have some really nice trails near me, but regardless of the time of the day, I just can’t do it, at least not on my own. People are walking and hiking more than ever and I know I’m going to end up running into a family of 4 and getting stressed out and annoyed by their presence. Then there’s the other extreme that I’ll be the only person on the trail and then I’ll be constantly looking over my shoulder for deer (which always freak me out) or creepers…smh! It stinks because it would definitely mix things up for me, but I’m just too nervous right now.
Audiobooks are giving me life during my runs
On a lighter note, during this time, I’ve really appreciated listening to audiobooks while running. I’m currently listening to the famous “Born to Run”. Prior to that, I listened to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, which I hadn’t read in years. It’s hard to find time to sit and read a book with a baby in the house, so audiobooks are saving me! I’ve been using the Libby and Hoopla apps to get books from the library, though all the good ones have wait times of 20+ weeks. Do you have any recommendations for good books to listen to while running? I will say that I learned that it’s hard to focus on a book while doing speedwork, lol!
I’m a little worried for my feet…
Now that I’m getting back to running more consistently, I’m a little nervous that old injuries will come back to haunt me. I suffered from a relentless bout of plantar fasciitis in 2018, and it took me almost a year to feel fully recovered. After going through PT, I invested in $500 custom orthotics to wear in my running shoes, and several hundreds of miles later, I’m thinking I may need to get some new ones. I’ve been stretching my calves on the steps before coming back in the house post-run, and I’ve started doing some foot strengthening exercises again. Prehab is still a thing! Does anyone know of slightly cheaper insoles that have worked well for them? I’ve used Superfeet before but they did more harm than good.
Solo running is great
I’ve always enjoyed running by myself but in this current situation, I’m really enjoying the solitude. I don’t have to apologize for my slower pace (like I normally do when I run with other people). I can run wherever I want and not have to discuss or debate options with another person. I can zone out, clear my head, not have to carry a conversation (though I’m happy to gab while running). I’m a bit insecure about my running right now as I approach being 4 months postpartum. I’ve heard so many claims that people get faster after having kids, meanwhile, I’m just trying to get back to my early pregnancy pace. So not actively comparing myself to others is another benefit of running solo right now.
Okay, okay, I think I’ve made enough runfessions for this month! Again, I am so grateful that I am healthy, able to physically run, and permitted to run outdoors when so many others can’t say the same. What running confessions do you have to share?
I do not wear a mask either.Can’t breathe.
I am so grateful that I can leave the house and run.
I can run whenever I want and at my pace but I know that solo I walk too much, stop and take pics.I need friends to give some mojo to run and get back to where i was before the pandemic.
my feet are my weakness and I do worry that they will end my running.
The mask sounds good in principle but practically, it just doesn’t work! I’m thankfully I don’t come across too many people when I do go out to run. This is such a rare time though to be able to stop and smell the roses; you’ll get back to your normal running!
Making sure my calves aren’t too tight has really helped with keeping foot issues at bay for me.
I agree that it’s hard to run with a mask, especially when you wear glasses because it fogs up! What I’ve started to do it keep it pulled up when I’m running near people and then pull it down a little when I’m not around anyone. Those little breaks provide a good amount of breathing relief lol
No mask for me while running – they’re not mandated for runners here and so far when I’ve encountered other runners we’ve managed to do the awkward dance of one of us crossing the street or running in the road to give each other lots of space.
I’ve been thinking about trying audiobooks on my runs so it’s nice to hear that you’ve been enjoying them. I’m currently reading Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng – it’s a great read so I’d recommend it if you can find the audio version.
4 months PP is nothing! Don’t sell yourself short. You’re doing great. I always think audio books would be awesome to run with but then I never get any. I too love the solitude of running alone right now. Thanks for linking!
I have many of the same issues w the trails by me. They are way too crowded but I sure miss them. I am not wearing a mask for running bc I am sticking to side streets and really don’t see anyone around. Glad you are still able to get out on your own and get a break
That’s good you’re able to maintain social distancing in your neighborhood too. I can’t wait to have the trails back! Thanks!
I think you have a great attitude…enjoying the solitude right now and not worrying about your pace. It sounds like you’re simply enjoying the freedom to run, and that’s something we all should embrace 😉
I think we are struggling with a lot of the same issues. You are doing great to get out for a run at all, so I’m glad you are not putting pressure on yourself. I don’t freak out when I see deer, but Scooby sure does!
So, so bored with my routes but sticking with them now for the same reasons you are. Also not wearing a mask, but also a buff around my neck (which I haven’t had to pull up while running).
Obviously I’ve never been pregnant, but my guess is it just takes time for your body to get to its new normal (and it will be a new normal). So be patient. Hey, you grew a human in there! That’s pretty amazing, isn’t it?
I’m so sorry to hear that your custom orthotics don’t seem to be doing the job anymore. I got my first pair after two-years of pain and lots of PT did nothing for my plantar fasciitis. Within two weeks of wearing them the pain went completely away and hasn’t come back (knock on wood)! About a year later I got tired of constantly switching my orthotics in and out of my running versus my other shoes I wear to train clients in (basically less dirty/less smelly running shoes), anyway they’re now ten and nine years old and still doing the trick. I did send each pairs back to get refurbished about three years ago. I don’t think refurbishing does much more than make them look good again.
I don’t wear a mask when I run, but I do cross the street if I see someone coming toward me. Of course, I’m running on our neighborhood circle so there isn’t a lot of traffic. I like the idea of wearing a buff and pulling it up as needed. Thanks for the tip!
Hi Janelle! Great post! You had me nodding my head until the last one – I am not a lover of solo runs! I think I get too much in my head and my head is just not as motivating as running friends.
Thanks, Irma! I can totally understand that!