Five Random Runfessions for Friday

I have not done a RaNdOm PoSt in awhile, and this seems like the perfect opportunity. After all, it's time for Runfessions, and it's also the Friday Five spotlight.

Ready? Here goes.....

1) First off, I must runfess that I actually LOVE this hydration vest.

Ready to run...

I never considered myself a "hydration vest person," and certainly really never had a need for one. After all, most of my long runs are broken into 5-6 mile segments (looping back to my house for water, potty stops, etc.). In races of long lengths, there's ample water stations (usually) along the course. And, quite honestly, the idea of a vest with a refillable bladder totally made me want to gag.

Then this little beauty from SLS3 entered the scene. It has a big pocket on the back, and two slim pockets on the front straps that hold the water bottles. And there's lots of extra storage for almost anything else you could want with you. I have a full review in the works, so stay tuned.

This hydration vest also works great for cycling!

2)  Next, I runfess that I wish the trench run (on August 14) would have had more obstacles and/or less running (on gravel). Hands-down, this course was a great challenge, and the organizers did a fabulous job in all of the details. It was my first Obstacle Course Race (OCR), so I had nothing to compare it to other than what I had heard from others who have done OCR's. The course wound up being just over seven miles, and most of the running was done on gravel (there were some segments on grass trails and a brief half-mile or so at the finish line on cement, though).Oh, my ankles were so achy upon finishing! The outer areas of the soles of my feet are still a little cranky. I'm just thankful I had the opportunity to be in condition to withstand the course and the obstacles, and I'm really glad the event fell in the lull of my down-time as I was recovering from my ultra and didn't have any other events on the roster for several weeks following.

hoisting the sand bag...

3) I have to runfess that I am dreading what's gonna happen in November.....and in the two months leading up to it with all the negative campaigning. I respect everyone's right to their own opinion, but PLEASE. I sincerely wished people realized their outbursts (usually which are negative about their desired candidate's opponent) are only making me roll my eyes instead of thoughtfully considering what they may be saying. Their viewpoint probably has merit, but all that negativity just makes them look (and act) like the "evil candidate" they're critisizing. That's all I have to say about that.

4) Moving along, I runfess that I am loving my early morning runs of late, even if it means rising at 4:58AM and stumbling to the bathroom (so far, no stubbed toes). Honestly, I don't know how I fell out of this pattern of early morning miles,but I'm glad to have found my way back!

Another run in the wee morning hours

5) Lastly, let me runfess that I have ZERO anxiety about my next marathon, Route 66, happening on November 20th. I'm not going into the training with my eye on a BQ. As much as I'd like to land a spot at the start line in Hopkinton someday, Route 66 will not be the qualifying race to get me there. Seriously, I know how this works. Most people pick "fast and flat" courses for that objective...not a hilly course (with a bonus .3 mile jaunt deemed The Center of the Universe Detour). Essentially, Route 66 will be another ultra since the total distance will be further than 26.2 miles. And, as I cross that finish line, I will "technically" have run an equal number of ultras and marathons when all is said and done (three of each). Yes, ME! The lanky and clumsy girl who was shunned by most of her gym teachers and coaches in her "past life."

ultra miles do NOT scare me

Oh, and just for kicks, here's a BONUS Runfession: I have been doing so much planking in recent months, that it's just a routine thing for me...like brushing my teeth and walking Max. My abs still are not washboard-quality, but everything is tighter and firmer. My skinny jeans are not skin-tight. My love handles have vacated the premises. Life is good...and I owe it all to planking (because crunches are worthless to me).

daily planking = results

So, there you have it. Some random runfessions, and I'm feeling better already. How about you, do you have any of these in common with me? Or, any runfessions you'd like to share?

Care to Runfess? Go ahead, I'm listening

I'm double-linking today...with Marcia for the Runfessions link-up...

...and also with the DC gals ( Mar , Cynthia , Courtney) for the Friday Five link-up.