I hope you’re doing well! It’s been so long since I’ve been able to share some runfessions, and it’s not for a lack of material! Life has just been so busy that I haven’t been able to blog as consistently as I wanted, but I’m still here! Let’s get into it!
I’m joining Marcia for Runfessions and Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida for Fit Five Friday!
Runfessions for August
I’m frustrated about my Runner’s Knee
Back in early July, I noticed some pain/sensitivity in my left knee…it just didn’t feel right. So I took a short break from running and made an appointment with a physical therapist as soon as possible. Sure enough, Runner’s Knee. This is something I dealt with many years ago, so it did surprise me to have a resurgence at this seemingly random time. But I got to work almost immediately, working on strengthening my hips and hamstrings. The frustrating part of it right now is that my recovery is taking longer than I anticipated, and I’ve recently had to “pivot” my treatment to more strength training work to stabilize my hypermobile knees. Unlike my past bouts with PT, I have been really doing my homework and giving it my all, so I just want that hard work to pay off, you know? I’ll just keep doing the best I can and listen to the professionals as I get myself ready for my two half marathons this fall!
I can’t wait for summer to end
While most of you know how much I love running in the winter, running in the fall is a very close second! I am so over the high humidity and 90+ degree temps! I don’t necessarily want all of the pumpkin spiced-things yet, but can I at least get some 70-degree weather? Football season is almost here, which Bret loves, and the fall vibes are what I live for! I can’t wait to see little E picking apples and running around the pumpkin patch this fall!
I feel some guilt from being with my Running Club
I SO love being back with the Running Club for our Saturday morning runs, but I have to runfess that I’ve felt guilty about going out with them! Last summer, my weekends were wide open due to the lack of fall races and the fact that I was newly postpartum, so Bret, Baby E, and I would go out every weekend for a long hike someplace new. It was truly a great bonding time for us all! This year we’ve hardly done that and I feel so guilty about it! Since my running is on a brief hiatus, now will be the perfect opportunity to have more hiking/exploring time with my family. Plus, I think it’s okay if I don’t run with the club every weekend when I am healthy – we have a solid group now that I don’t feel the need to always be there!
I miss practicing yoga
It has been a really long time since I’ve had a consistent yoga practice. At the start of the year, I challenged myself to 15-minute sessions each night. When I was on a roll, it was really nice! Now, with all of the stress that I’ve been experiencing at home and at work, I really feel like I need yoga as an outlet. I also think that it can help me continue to build strength, which isn’t a bad thing. I just need to get started.
I’m feeling weird about races this fall in light of COVID
Races are getting modified left and right as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Philly area, races like the Broad Stree Run and Philly 10K are starting to require proof of vaccination and/or negative COVID tests in order to participate. Others, like the Love Run Half Marathon and New Jersey Marathon, are simply being canceled. So far, my fall races (the Philly Trail Half Marathon and Philly Half Marathon) seem to be moving forward with no conditions, but things are changing so quickly. I am fully vaccinated, but I am still very fearful of getting COVID and bringing it home to my family. It’s safer to be outside on all accounts, but being so close to other people, especially when many refuse to wear masks in corrals, is very uncomfortable for me. Time will tell, as it’s completely out of my control!
What runfessions do you have to share?
Injuries are so frustrating! Never hurts to get a second opinion to see if maybe there is something else you can do differently. I always felt guilty about leaving to take time for myself when my kids were really little. It is so important to do it! I do believe it helps you to be a better mom.Hang in there girl!
Thanks so much, Deborah! Injuries are so frustrating but I’m trying to trust the process, now that we seem on a clearer path! Thank you for the tips <3
I won’t lie…I don’t love running in summer but I love summer. I’m all about my water sports and with my broken ankle and foot, I’ve been able to devote all my time to spending time on the water. This may be my new way to spend my time, lol!
I’ve enjoyed seeing you on the water! I need to find some bravery to get out there myself! I’m always scared I’ll tip over!
Oh… knees. Yep, I’m struggling with that too although I’m still running. It’s really frustrating- hang in there. Remember these things always go away, even if it takes longer than we would like. You’re working with a PT so you’re moving in the right direction.
I’m also determined to practice yoga regularly! And I also haven’t been doing it as much as I’d like to. It’s one of my goals moving forward.
Good luck! Hope you see some good results soon.
Thanks a lot, Jenny! I think this running break will be good for me, though I am getting a little antsy! I love practicing yoga but I need to commit to a day and time to do it!
I’m so sorry about your knee. I’m in the same place with my Achilles. It’s been plaguing me most of the year. You know you shouldn’t feel guilty about run club, but I understand feeling torn. It sounds one you are better going some times but not all the time would be a good balance.
I was so bummed to hear about your knee! I hope things will heal up well (and soon!) since you were able to catch it early. Little E is such a sweetheart. I bet she’s a lot of fun 😉
Thanks a lot, Kim! Fingers crossed that I’m on the right track now! And thank you, E is a handful but we’re having a blast!
I’m sorry your knee is taking its sweet time to get with the program. I’ve been having the same issue with my hip – very frustrating!
Try not to feel guilty about time with the run club (yeah I know easier said than done, right?!) It’s always a challenge to strike a balance as a mom.
And I’m with you on wanting fall weather. This has been a tough summer and I’m so over it!
Work-life-baby balance is so hard! I’m sorry about the runner’s knee, but you’re doing everything you can for that. Hopefully it’ll clear up sooner rather than later
I certainly know plenty of people who have raced with no consequences, but I hear you. We’re closing up a short vacation & we had to eat inside twice which didn’t thrill me.
I am sorry about your knee. Don’t feel guilty about the run club but I know many times that is hard to do. I am also over this weather too. I cannot wait for Fall but not looking forward to Winter.
Thanks, Zenaida. I do think I’m starting to feel better about that guilt! And I’m definitely not looking for winter after the miserable one we had last year!
I’m sorry about your knee.
I think it’s normal to feel nervous about live races. It’s really hard to be around large groups of people in general after being closed up for so long. Just be gentle with yourself and honor those feelings. <3
Thank you, Jenn <3
Omg Baby E’s expression is priceless! So cute! Sorry your knees continue to give you grief. I too am turning the corner on the seasons. The thought of fall and all that comes with it is attractive, although I can do without the growing darkness.
Thanks, Marcia! I forgot about the change in daylight with the fall…that’s not my favorite either!
I hate reading about injuries. I hope yours is short lived.
I love summer. But this humidity is getting on my nerves.
Many races have been canceled but still we have some scheduled. There are COVID restrictions which is often inconvenient but still I’m happy to be out there