I hope you’re doing well! It’s been quite some time since I’ve shared updates on the running front, and since it’s the last Friday of the month, it seemed fitting to jump back into Marcia’s Runfessions! It’s a fun way for folks to bare their “soles”. Keep reading to see what I’m runfessing for September!
September Runfessions
I’m dealing with Plantar Fasciitis Again
I’ve been so annoyed and frustrated because fall is giving us some PERFECT running weather, but I can barely tolerate an outdoor walk because my left foot is battling plantar fasciitis. I haven’t seen a doctor or physical therapist, but since this is the 3rd time I’ve had this issue, I was able to make my own diagnosis. I have to runfess that while I was initially doing a pretty consistent job of stretching my calves and icing, and even pulled out the night splint to wear to bed, I started to feel defeated as my pain didn’t improve, so I haven’t really been doing much to treat it these past couple of weeks. Bad Janelle.
The FOMO is strong
I think I’ve been MIA on Instagram because seeing all the happy runners smashing their goals is a little bit too much for me right now. I loved seeing all the good news about the Berlin Marathon – lots of PR’s and world records broken – but I just felt so envious and wished I could be back on a race course.
I do have a race coming up
A while back we signed up for the Run Now Wine Later 5K. It’s become an annual favorite of ours. Normally it’s held in September but this year it’ll be in early October, this coming Sunday. Last year, I pushed E in the stroller and literally got stung by a bee on the course. Lately, she’s NOT interested in sitting in the stroller for any reason so I still don’t know how that’s going to work. Plus, considering the whole foot thing, I probably shouldn’t run at all right? What would you do?
I’m starting to look to the spring
2022 has been an extremely light year for me when it comes to running and racing. After the way 2021 was so hectic, I did need a bit of a step back, but I didn’t intend to fall off as much as I have this year. While I’m currently slacking on my PF recovery, I do plan to step it up in the remainder of this year and do what I can to start training again. The Philadelphia Trail Half Marathon is on April 23 and I would love to be healthy enough to train for it over the winter!
I left the FitBit Family and got a Garmin smartwatch!
I was frustrated with my FitBit bands falling apart so easily and having to replace my device every couple of years, so I decided to upgrade and switch to a Garmin Lily. It’s so pretty, and I’ve been using the Garmin 235 running watch for years, but I’ll runfess that it’s been quite a transition to the Garmin ecosystem. I love the measurement of stress and the body battery (which is extremely accurate based on how I’ve been feeling lately!) but the sleep metrics are awful – it always overestimates the amount of sleep I get, which is not helpful at all. I definitely took for granted how accurate the FitBit sleep metrics were. I’m still in my 30 day trial, but I’m pretty sure I’ll stick with it. Any Garmin users have tips on how to have a better experience?
Peloton has become a good friend
I’ve continued to enjoy my Peloton app subscription. I will runfess that I’ve been doing cycling workouts on the exercise bike at work, but it’s a hot mess lol. I have no idea how to correspond the metrics to my non-spinning bike, and the bike has seen better days. But I’ve still been having fun and getting in a good workout! We’re going to be getting a Peloton bike in our upgraded gym at work and I’m super excited to finally try it out! I’ve been enjoying Ally Love’s tabata classes. I did a couple of Tunde’s but they were too intense!! Who do you like?
What runfessions do you have to share?
I’m so sorry you are suffering from PF. I had a lengthy bout of PF in 2016 and that is when I started pool running. Have you considered it? I hope it calms down soon.
I’d do that race if you are feeling up to it, just saying…
Thanks, Wendy! I’ve never tried pool running…E goes to the pool for swim class but we don’t have a Y membership, otherwise…
It’s looking like it’ll be a miserable day to race, but I think I’m going to take it very easy, tape up the foot and hopefully don’t get too caught up in it all! It might be a game day decision!
Ugh, plantar fasciitis- my arch-nemesis. For what it’s worth, a lot of people have success with shockwave treatments. Since what you’re doing on your own isn’t working, maybe it’s time to see a podiatrist. It might really help you.
I wouldn’t know from experience but doing a Peloton workout on an actual Peloton bike should be pretty great! That’s cool you’re getting one at work.
Good luck with your race, if you decide to do it. You never know- maybe your foot will feel good!
I’ve actually never heard of the shockwave treatments! I’m a little sour from podiatrists because one recommended SuperFeet insoles for me that were totally wrong for me, but if things don’t improve I gotta check all my options!
I really look forward to using the bike – I used to love spin class and look forward to getting the full Peloton experience!
PF is the worst. When I had Achilles issues (due to tight calves) what really made a difference was holding long calf stretches — 1-2 minutes. I hope it resolves soon.
My fav Peloton cycling instructor is Hannah Frankson —especially her interval classes. I also love Camilla but think she is hard. And Cliff – especially his English classes.
It really is the worst. I think I’m going to hold my calf stretches longer, usually I would do 1 minute but more time is probably needed…not to mention consistency!
I’ll have to try your recommendations – well maybe not Camilla just yet! 🙂
Sorry to read about your PF battle. Do you have a massage gun? That always does more for me than just rolling.
Can you walk the 5K to be a part of it? Not sure how that will work for the munchkin though
Thanks Cari. I actually do have a massage that I never use! I need to put that thing to work! We actually decided to let E stay at my sister’s while Bret and I run, so now I just have to try walk/running for the race.
Aw Janelle, I am so sorry you are struggling with PF again. Come hang out with me on IG, I’m smashing nothing apparently except my self-esteem LOL. I also have FOMO and while I know it it what it is I am a bit envious too that it seems to be going well with literally the entire world except for me. We will persevere though my friend! Maybe the race isn’t a good idea right now? Or can Bret push E or stay with her while you try to run or run/walk it?
Thanks Renee…I definitely should hang with you on IG!! You’re right that we’ll get through these tough times!
I’m still on the fence…the weather is supposed to be cold and rainy tomorrow, I know I won’t want to walk in that kind of weather so it will probably be a game day decision! Thankfully, E will get to stay with he auntie and stay warm and dry (and not grumpy!)
I’m so sorry the PF is rearing its ugly head again. I’m sure it’s difficult to see others running and smiling. Both my kiddos rejected the stroller (even the jog one) way earlier than they should have and I ended up selling it so I totally get it if E is no longer enjoying it. Sigh. All things considered, it sounds like that 5k wouldn’t be the best idea ever. Here’s to a better running year ahead! Thanks for joining us in the Runfessional!
I actually do pay a lot of attention to the stress metrics — I know most done, but it’s part of why I think it’s still a booster reaction even more than a week later as even when I’m resting a lot it tells me I didn’t rest enough.
I’m sorry about the PF. That is SUCH a bummer and yes, Fall is one of the best times to run!
Ok, I gotta ask — HOW do you train for a trail half over the Winter? The trails are impassable here (at least usually) in the Winter!
Thinking good thoughts for you, Janelle.
I LOVE Tunde…I’ve done A LOT of her upper-body/arms classes, and some of her cycling classes. She’s a badass! I’ve done a lot of Ally’s Barre classes and some cycling, but not any Tabata ((yet)). That’s a total bummer on the PF still rearing its ugly head. I hope you get some relief from it soon <3
so sorry to hear that you have PF again. People have had good results with prolotherapy if you want to look into that