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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!
I had to get a few things off my chest, so these are my #runfesssions… Click To Tweet
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?
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 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.
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!
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.
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?
