I hope you’re having a great day! Can you believe that we’re almost at Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer? I’m so looking forward to it!
Since it’s the last Friday of the month, I’m joining Marcia for Runfessions! This is always a fun way to share some of the things that have been on my mind lately when it comes to running and fitness.
Runfessions for May
I think I’m out of my speed rut!
I previously runfessed that I was feeling like I plateaued with my running. I was working so hard over the winter training for my half and it seemed like I couldn’t get out of the 12-12:30 pace zone. Interestingly, ever since the race has passed, I’ve still been following a plan from Coach Laura and I’ve finally returned to my comfort zone of 11-11:30 for my easy weekday runs. It’s been really encouraging to see that consistency is making a difference. I hate that I get so stuck on pace sometimes, but now I’m starting to feel more like myself as a runner since having Baby E and it’s a relief. Can anyone relate?
I’m thinking of ending my barre membership
I have been practicing barre for years at my local studio. During the pandemic, they moved out of their studio and transitioned to hosting classes on Zoom. Once upon a time, I used to go to 8 classes a month, now, I’m barely getting in 2-3 despite having an unlimited membership. So I’m thinking of canceling the $70 membership and just signing up as I go. What’s holding me back? I’m torn because of the loyalty I have to the studio! They took such a hit and I feel bad for them.
I’m loving my new Puma running shoes!
Thanks to Bibrave, I’ve had the opportunity to test out the new Puma Velocity Nitro running shoes and they have been amazing for me! They are supportive while not being too squishy, and they are so lightweight! Considering they have an 8 mm drop, I’m pleasantly surprised how well I’ve been able to adapt. Maybe these will be my new go-to moving forward!
I’m a little anxious about fall races
The fall is shaping up to be an extremely busy season for racing. I think it’s great that we’ll be able to get back to our favorite sport again! I am signed up for the Philly Half Marathon in November, which I originally deferred in 2019 since I was pregnant! I’m also considering the Philly Trail Half Marathon in October, which would be my first real trail race! But at the same time, I’m dreading how crowded it’ll be on the weekends with everyone training through the summer and fall. Even though I’m fully vaccinated, I am still leery about being around so many people outside. We’ll see how it goes!
What runfessions would you share with me?
Those Pumas look so sweet! That’s great news on your pace returning to where you want it…it can really be defeating when a plateau hits (been there, done that). Isn’t it great to have all these races returning? I’m trying to keep my summer open, since I’ll be 26.2 training, but the races are so tempting. Restraint is not my strong suit LOL
Thanks, Kim! Plateaus are frustrating for sure, running always seems to test my patience! How exciting that you’ll be training for a marathon!
I love the look of those Puma running sneakers – especially the color! They also look super comfortable too.
Definitely understand being nervous about Fall races. I haven’t signed up for any Fall races but I have one scheduled for Spring 2022.
Thanks, Kim! The color is so fun and they feel great. It’ll be interesting to see how things look in Spring 2022!
Sounds like things are really going well for you! I’m so happy for you. I’ve got 2 trail races on my schedule for fall. We’ve got this!
Thanks so much, Wendy! I love seeing you on the trails – I bet your races will be awesome!
I get stuck on my pace too. I’m tempted to leave my watch at home and run by feel but then my miles wont get recorded and how will I know my pace.Lol!
Don’t you just love when new shoes work out perfect?
The good thing is that I don’t look at my watch while I run, so that has definitely helped! It’s so tough for me to be happy with shoes! I’ve run in a variety of conditions now so I’m confident that they are a winner!
Glad to read you are getting back to your comfort zone. My kids were all older when I started running, so I never had to come back after having a baby, but it can’t be easy!
Have you ever done any Uberendurance Sports races? They are usually really fun and well-organized. I have been looking at the Philly Trail Half too. I did a 25k there with the same race company a few years ago and it was awesome. Maybe we will both wind up doing the same race!
I’ve done the 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut a few times and they had an Oktoberfest 10K that was fun, but I would love to get into more purely trail races. I hope we do get to meet at a race sometime, you seem to always find the good ones!
I actually don’t mind so much running outside without a mask at my usual haunts now. I don’t really feel the urge to race, though. Not so much from worry, because all the restrictions just don’t appeal to me. Some day we’ll be back to more normal with racing, I’m sure.
Although I am keeping my eye on Rehoboth beach, wondering if I should make a hotel reservation just in case.
So happy you’re finding your speed again — which is doubly awesome because it’s been hot & I know that really slows me down — great job!
I’m so glad you are feeling like you are out of your speedrut! that is great news!
I can understand feeling loyal to your studio. but at the end of the day I think they will understand that you have to do what is best for you right now.
Those pumas are an awesome color too!
I think a lot of people are feeling slightly apprehensive about getting back to racing. But it’s great that you guys have the opportunities. We have a few events that have opened for registration, whether they will happen or not is still to be seen.
Thanks a lot, Renee! The more I think about it, the more I know that I should end my membership. I still feel bad! It’s exciting to see races coming back, I just hope they continue to work to keep people safe!
Yeah on getting your groove back! I am pretty comfortable being around people outside — but I’ve only eaten outside a few times. So, encountering others on the bike, I’m OK with, but not sure I’m ready to be standing around in a packed race corral!
Thanks, Coco! The corrals are definitely uncomfortable, I just started to run without having a buff around my neck, but the next race I do I will definitely have it with me!
Races were probably the easiest thing to resume for me. We never really had to wear masks outdoors, and our races started back with limited numbers. I did skip out on our biggest event for this year (capped at 8000, because that felt like a lot), but otherwise, it was the most natural thing in the world.
Re-entry is just wild.
Those are fun shoes! I’ve seen various Pros posting on Instagram.
It seems most people got the Deviate Nitros that have a carbon plate, but I’m loving the Velocities so far! I should have added to my runfession that it took a crazy long time for us to get the shoes!
Same on the crowds in the park this summer. I’m not ready for that normal, but think I’ll get there if the rates stay down despite this travel surge.
Way to go on the speed and feeling mroe like yourself
Thanks, Cari! Yes I definitely hope the rates continue to go down…I still don’t feel like we’re fully in the clear!
Those Pumas look pretty sweet! Glad to hear that they’re working out for you.
Nice that your pace is improving – I’ve been thinking I need to pick things up with my run coach again to start to see some improvements.
I share your apprehension about the fall races. I’m eyeing a couple but haven’t registered for anything yet.
The Pumas look so good! I like the color!
I can imagine it beeing hard, cancelling the barre membership, after many years. But it sounds like you’d still go, when you could, even w/out a membership. I hope whatever you decide works out for the best.