Runfessions...Can We Talk?

Don't you just love this time of the month?

A chance to bare your soles (see what I did there?) and chat about all things running (and otherwise) over coffee with friends. So what if we're not all seated together, around the same table in the same coffee bar, we still got each other's company. We all have our beverages of choice, and we all probably have plenty to say.

So, what's been on my mind mind recently? Glad you asked....

First of all, there's this thing with the weather. I realize I probably whine about Momma N relentlessly, but she is forever getting her seasons mixed up. I was quite content with most of her summer antics (because I LOVE all things summer), but she's really been a piece of work during this season we call "Autumn." September, at least in Iowa, was cooler than usual. Not autumn-like cool, but early winter-like cold. October was darn near frigid (umm...can you say snow?). We had maybe 10 pleasant days of true autumn-in-Iowa weather in the early part of November (and I gotta runfess that they were wonderful)...but now we're experiencing what feels like the dead of winter. Fortunately, we've had very little snow (and it all melted within a day), but the temps have pretty much been stuck in the low 30F's range and the wind has been brutal. Is it any wonder why I keep pining for my summer to return? Anyways, moving on...

Yes, single digit feels-like temps

Let me just put this out there....I have been hanging with 'Milly almost every day this week. Remember her? She's my treadmill (and neither of us like the other). Also, remember what I just said about the weather? It's been so cold, that I have turned to 'Milly for my power walking endeavors (don't worry, all of my runs have still been happening outside). I gotta runfess, as much as I loathe running with 'Milly, I don't mind her company for fast-paced walking. One night, I set the incline on 3 and the speed on 4.7, and she nearly whooped my buttocks (literally).

walking with 'Milly

A recent revelation I had is that, most ironically, the cold weather doesn't feel quite so cold in the dark. On the mornings when I have been outside for my runs, I runfess the freezing cold temps have been pretty tolerable, even with the wind. Some of that is probably because I am actually running (as opposed to "just" walking). It's also early, and I'm just right out of bed LOL. I think another factor is that without any sunshine, I have ZERO expectations of warmth. Crazy, huh.

chillin' (but not too chilly) in the pre-dawn hours...

To streak or not to streak? That has been the question for me this week. I have done the Runner's World Winter Streak for the past five years (running at least one mile each day from Thanksgiving until New Year's Day). It's usually my last hurrah of the year because there's never much for races in my area this time of the season. That said, my heart has not been in it as much this year as in previous years. My body is still (a bit) in recovery mode from the marathon, so I have been keeping things low-key...which has made things a bit boring running-wise. Yadda Yadda Yadda. Wouldn't you know, Thursday morning I had the most amazing everything-feels-oh-so-good run! I gotta runfess, that run reinforced why I do this Streak each year. After three continuous days of easy-paced 1-milers, Thursday's 2-miler felt almost like an effortless tempo run. Of course, the temps were slightly warmer, and the wind was a no-show...but still.  That run actually felt quite fun...so I'm gonna continue my streaking for the time-being. Besides, I can stop at any time and the sun will still rise each day. Stay tuned.

Yes, I DO run for FUN (just not on the 'mill)!

Last of all, there's those November Goals that have kept me active. Although I have kept up with the goals on a daily basis, I have to runfess that I have modified them. Originally, I planned to do 50 daily push-ups, but this past week, I scaled that down to 30. I was hoping to do five total minutes of planking every day, but after the first 10 days or so, that reverted back to my regular 2:30 forearm plank most mornings. I have kept up with the leg lifts...100 each day (many days, 200). The stretching? Well, there has been stretching, but probably not as much as there should have been. But, I have continued dynamic stretching before each run, and I have added clam shells and bridge holds most evenings.

Whew, does that feel good! My sole(s) have been cleansed and I'm ready to move forward to December. Onward!

Your turn, anything on your mind that you'd like to share? Weather woes? Running outside or inside this time of year? Any fitness goals for the month that were met?

I'm linking up with Marcia for the monthly Runfessions 

Since it's the first weekend of the month, I'm linking this with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

I'm also linking this with Meranda and Lacey for the Friday with Fairytales and Fitness link-up.