Runfessions...the Truth Comes Out

First off...How is it even possible that 2016 is almost history? Seriously?

Second.....there are a few things that I have kept (relatively)quiet about....until now. Are you ready? I'm gonna spill a few Runfessions to ya'll (and hopefully sleep better as a result).



Runfession #1--My hair
Isn't it crazy how we think we're doing alright with a "modern" 'do? Then, on a whim, we decide to try something a little new & different. And then...wham...bam...thank you (hairdresser) ma'am! You realize your "modern" 'do really was lacking a bit (or a lot) of style? #oops

This is what happened on Thursday...from flat to flirty

I'm in a constant battle with my hair...it's bone straight (which I like) but it is very flat and lifeless (which I detest). As much as I prefer to have it long, it really looks best at a medium length. Fortunately, I have a lot of hair (even though the individual strands are puny), so when I do venture out of that long-length comfort zone and chop off several inches...I'm always pleased at how full and "thick" it looks. My new cut definitely has a bit more sass & attitude to it, and I'm good with that.

Runfession #2--My Achy Groin
Something went a bit awry in the hip/groin "region" on the left side of my body just prior to my marathon. Things felt a bit off, but I honestly was not concerned because I felt ZERO discomfort while in the act of running. And, don't we all get those phantom niggles while in taper?

Fast forward to mile 2 of Route 66, and this phantom niggle wanted to come out and play (actually, it was more like a duel) with me.  For the remaining 24.2 miles to the finish line, there was a constant battle between my mind and body as to what to do. I persevered and finished, albeit a good 30 minutes slower than I'd hoped (due to several necessary walk breaks).

An exaggeration...but not too far off the mark

Well, it's been almost six weeks since the marathon, and the achy groin is still achy. It has not gotten any worse (thankfully) but is still clear and present (intermittently) at times. Again, I feel next to nothing when I run, but if I bend over or twist or turn abruptly, I can definitely feel a strange pulling sensation. Granted, the timing of the running streak has not been ideal (it started four days after the marathon), but I have really taken it easy with the running. It's only in the past 10 days or so that I've started to add an additional mile (or two) to some of the runs. Rest assured (literally!), in a few days, when the streak ends, I will take a few periodic days off from running and see if that makes a difference.

Runfession #3--My Runner vs. Racer Epiphany
I have always been more of a runner than a racer, but this past year I desperately tried to fight that natural tendency of mine. It was exciting clocking some faster-than-usual splits while training for Route 66. And that sub-2-hour finish at the Red Shoe Half Marathon left me feeling like a total badass racer, eager and ready for the next conquest.

But it seemed more often than not, many of my races did not play out the way I had hoped. I don't think I went into any of them over confidant, but I certainly was optimistic for some potential PR's. I don't know if it was pure fate, unfortunate race day conditions, or (subconscious) self-sabotage, but there were very few races that didn't throw some tough challenges my way.

My new Garmin...I hope to have a better relationship with it than previous watches on race days

As much as I tried to just enjoy the races for what they were, I spent far too much time focused on my watch instead. It's really tough to smile at the spectators, high-5 the kids, or even laugh at yourself when you're constantly crunching numbers in your head. I also realized that I don't have that "eyes on the prize" mentality if I'm in pain or distress.

Bottom line - I have not been true to myself...I'd rather be having fun than so focused on my finish time that I lose sight of the big picture (which is the pure gift of running itself).

Runfession #4--I recently OD'd on Sugar
It's true. I'm a sugaraholic (and I'm not ashamed to admit so). I didn't make a lot of cookies this holiday season, but instead, I concocted a lot of new candy-type creations. Almond bark, peppermint bark (with and without crushed pretzels), imitation chocolate turtles, toffee, and caramel what-have-you. The list goes on. And I enjoyed it all.

It's called Christmas Crack...and there's no argument it's addicting

Runfession #5--The Ambassadorship "thing"
Truth be told, I really don't get it with the ambassadorships. I was an ambassador for a drink product last year. It was a product I wasn't really that crazy about, but so many of my friends were becoming ambassadors, I jumped on the bandwagon and applied to become an ambassador as well. We were highly encouraged to promote their product frequently (hash-tagging, etc.), and in exchange we had access to a minimal discount (I think it was 10%). No swag, no big networking gigs, and (to the best of my knowledge) no link-backs to any of the ambassadors' social media accounts. Hmmmmm. It really made me wonder who was benefiting from this "exclusive" opportunity? The ambassadors or the company itself?

So, enlighten me, Friends. Did I just have a bad experience? Or do they all have a similar system?

Runfession #6 --BONUS Runfession!
I have been in a bit of a Debbie Downer funk since my marathon. The disappointing finish time, the phantom groin injury, and the lack of mileage (due to my recovery) have not been a good mix. Thankfully, I'm a glass-half-full type of person, and all is well (especially now that I've runfessed all of this stuff LOL). Stay tuned, I have some great goals on tap for 2017!

So, that's it for now. 

What would you runfess? Do you change your hairstyle periodically or go with a tried and true "you" style? Are you a runner or a racer? Do you like your sugar?

I'm linking up with Marcia for the final Runfession of 2016, and also with Lacey and Meranda and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0. Do head over to checkout the hostesses and all the fabulous blogs!