September went by in a blink and here we are about to close out another month. Before I put this month in the rearview mirror, for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m joining Marcia to share some Runfessions.
Some Runfessions for September
I runfess…I’m still trying to find my run/walk sweet spot.
Since returning to running, I’ve had an on-again, off-again relationship with run/walk intervals. While I’ve done a fair number of shorter runs continuously, overall, my legs seem to feel better when I incorporate walk breaks.
So, I decided to actually commit to the run/walk method for a bit — taking walk breaks right from the beginning instead of waiting until I feel tired. I even invested in a GymBoss timer so I could stop staring at my watch and let it manage the intervals for me.
And yet…I runfess that I’m still searching for my sweet spot. I’ve been using 2:00 run/30 seconds walk, but I’m experimenting with a couple of other combinations to see what feels best.
Which brings me to my next runfession…
I runfess…walking early in a run still feels weird.
Intellectually, I understand the whole point of planned walk breaks — take them before you need them and you can potentially feel stronger for longer. However, I runfess that my brain still wants to say, But we just started! Why are we walking?!
I’m so used to thinking of a walk break as something you take once you’re tired that deliberately walking while I still feel fresh takes some getting used to. Clearly, there’s still a little mindset shift needed here.
I runfess…everyone else’s race training is making me happy I’m not racing.
My Instagram feed is full of runners deep into fall training — long runs, pace goals, countdowns, taper talk, race-day nerves…all the things.
And while I love following along and cheering everyone on, I runfess that watching it all has made me realize just how happy I am not to have a race on my calendar right now.
There was a time when fall automatically meant training for something, but right now I’m really enjoying running without a finish line hanging over me. Will the race bug bite again? Maybe. But for now, I’m more than happy to spectate.
And there you have it — my September Runfessions.
Do you have anything to Runfess before we close out the month?
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I’m right there with you on no desire to race. Especially when it’s been hot or rainy, I’m so grateful I don’t “have” to be out there banging out miles. My intervals so far have been totally arbitrary, although based on the ache in my hip this last time, maybe I ran a little too much. Oh well.
Now that I can no longer run, I’m right there with you with not missing fall training, and I CAN’T BELIEVE that I don’t miss it. I used to live for those long runs! I do enjoy my little short runs each time I cross a street, though. 😉
Have a great weekend, Michelle! I hope this weekend’s Nor’easter doesn’t create too much havoc for you. Stay safe!
I hear you on the run/walk mental thing. I have zero shame in taking walk breaks, but I know I would struggle, like you, with the walking-when-it’s-not-yet-needed.”
I have two marathons coming up and I’m with you – LOL!
I think being disciplined about the walk breaks is important and agree it takes time to hit the sweet spot. At least the weather is nicer for running!