Runfessing The Latest...

Somehow, October is coming to a close.

How did that happen? And, how is it that we only have two months remaining of 2017? Well, one good thing about the month ending is that it gives one a chance to reflect on some things....and, if you're a runner, you can runfess those very things.


Care to hear what I've been pondering as of late?

Running revelation
This was my first summer (in the 12 years that I have called myself a runner) that I did ZERO running (June 19-Sept. 16). Granted, there were times when I was extremely envious of everyone else who was running. Simply being able to at least be outside (albeit WALKING), surprisingly, was very satisfying, though. Although running is my favorite sport, I was reminded that it is not my all-in-all. I have to runfess that I honestly did not miss it as much as I thought I would.

I actually developed a big appreciation and respect for walking

Blogging frustrations
I have been blogging for almost five years. I have always been a writing dork, and blogging has given me a chance to combine my love of running with my desire to document and share the experience with others. I put a lot of time and effort in each post I write, and I eagerly read blogs from other runners as well. It's interesting to see how we have so much in common despite our different lives. I realize we all blog for different reasons, and it can be a serious time commitment to stay active in the blogosphere. That said, why don't some bloggers interact, reply to comments, or return the love? I runfess, it annoys me that I LET it bother me more than I should. The thing is...we all know who they are LOL. Anyways, moving on.

Why can't we all just play nice?

Racing FOMO
Although I was able to keep active over the summer (even with my limited mobility), I also missed out on a lot of races. I had two races I had to swallow a DNS for, and several favorite late summer/early fall races I had to take a pass on registering for while I continued healing from my surgery. I have already done two races (and snagged an AG award from one of them) and have a half marathon on tap for November 12th. There's another race next weekend I'm considering doing, but have not (yet) made a command decision on it. I don't consider myself a racer, but I do love races! I'd love to find a few races nearby before 2017 comes to a close, but there are not many options. As much as I want to do all the races, I gotta runfess it's probably a blessing the racing season is winding down in my area...or I'd be at a high risk for injury from doing too much.

at the Kickoff to Kinnick 5K, my first race after recovering from surgery

Those damn DOMS
I have been very cautious with my return to running. I dutifully followed all of my surgeon's orders and abstained from running until he thought my suture seam was healed properly (he gave me the green light on Sept. 14th). Granted, the surgery was not injury-related (I had an undetected staph infection near my knee that required emergency surgery to clean and flush out all the infected matter, leaving me with a 6-inch suture seam in a high-maintenance area). I didn't have any broken bones or torn muscles...just a big scar that required limited bending for several weeks, and then gradual movement over time. I have not been running a lot (only 3-4 times each week) and I have not been running excess miles (most runs are 2-5 miles in distance), nor have I been trying to run fast (Ha! I'm still working on getting full range of motion back in my knee...speed is not a priority right now). Even with all of my precautionary efforts, I gotta runfess the DOMS are biting me everywhere. Ugh! It's crazy that my body seems to have found most of its endurance back (rather quickly), but the muscles are putting up a fight on occasion. Apparently, foam rolling and stretching need a bit more attention...

The DOMS are everywhere...

Summer.....

The temps have recently taken a  turn for the cold. We're supposed to get our first hard freeze Friday night, for crying out loud! Even though the fall-like temps (40's -50's) feel awesome for running, the truth of the matter is that I am not always running. Often times, I'm just walking (like with Max-our dog-or the hubby)...and those "perfect fall temps" are a bit uncomfortable, especially if they're accompanied with a N/NW wind. I'm just gonna say it, in case there's any doubt or confusion....I runfess that I want my summer back! I know I'm flying solo with that ideology, but I'd rather be sweaty and hot than freezing and miserable.

Give me warm weather, tank tops, and flowers year-round, please!

Whew! Oh, do I feel better. Thanks for listening.

How about you? Can you relate to any of my runfessions? Any you'd care to add?

I'm linking up with Marcia for the monthly Runfessions 

I'm also linking this with Meranda and Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0.