Happy Friday! I hope that you all had an awesome week. Here in CT we have been dealing with total opposite ends of the weather spectrum. On Wednesday it was 73 degrees and yesterday it was cold, rainy and around 40 degrees. We’re also expected to get rain/sleet today. I give up on trying to understand Mother Nature, lol.
Can you believe that there are only a few days left in February? Kind of crazy how this month went by faster than January! But I’m happy that it’s the last Friday in February because that means it’s time for runfessions! Here’s some things I need to get off my chest this month.
I runfess that I’m ready for marathon training to be over
Even though this training cycle is only 12 weeks, I am very much looking forward to the taper, and ultimately running the race. I’ve packed a lot of runs and workouts into this training cycle so far. I could be feeling this way because I’m in the midst of another peak week this week and I’m tired, lol. But seriously, I really enjoy the taper time and I’m very excited about this race. Just looking at all that will be available for race weekend (the actual races, the expo, speakers, pre-race dinner, etc) makes me smile from ear to ear!
I runfess that I might be ready to break up with the gym
If you follow me on Instagram you know that as of Wednesday, I’m pretty fed up with my gym. To be honest, I’ve been a member of the gym for about 8 years and there have always been some issues, but they did get better. It kind of goes in waves – for a few months things are great and then they go downhill, and then the pattern continues. Lately it’s just been pissing me off more than usual, especially with all of the “New Year” gym members crowding the classes. Also the gym is like one big petri dish and with so many people sick with the Flu, I wipe down everything like crazy! To be honest, with the treadmill, Peloton bike and some free weights in the basement, I can really do my own workout at home. If I decide to cancel my membership, I might buy some more items (kettlebells, BOSU ball, more weights) to have a really awesome home gym.
I runfess that giving up chips for Lent was a super smart decision
I struggled on what to give up for Lent this year. Finally I decided on giving up chips. I have noticed that chips were becoming my “go-to” snack which is horrible! The craziest thing is that I would grab a handle of chips even when I wasn’t hungry. I was literally just eating them because they were there. Talk about mindless eating!
I runfess that I’m a little stressed out about my job
We’re going through a bit of a transition at my job. It’s pretty complicated so I can’t even really explain it properly, but there’s a chance I may be transferred over to another company. I will not know for sure until mid-March but it is causing me a bit of stress. The sad part is that my current team will be split up so I will definitely miss working with those team members. I know that there’s a 50% chance I’ll stay with my current company so I am hoping that happens!
I runfess that my girls trip last weekend was more necessary than I realized
Last week I flew to Cleveland to meet up with two of my best friends. We planned the trip a while ago and I was super excited to see them. Because we all live in different cities, we only get to see each other once or twice a year. We speak everyday but there’s still nothing like seeing them in person. I really miss them a lot since I don’t really hang out too much with anyone where I live. It was really nice to hang out with them and catch up and talk about tons of stuff.
That’s it for this month – thanks for reading my runfessions! I hope that you have a great weekend!
I’m linking up with Marcia from Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Runfessions.
I’m also linking up for Friday Five 2.0 with Rachel from Running on Happy and Lacey and Meranda from Fairytales and Fitness.
Do you have anything you want to runfess for February?
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Thats really frustrating about your gym. I also went to an LA Fitness and there were things about it I didnt like. It sounds like you have a good plan for working out at home if you do end your membership!
kookyrunner says
Hmm, it seems like LA Fitness may just have a problem across the board!
Wendy says
It seems like everyone is stressed out this February. It doesn’t help with what’s going on in our country right? At least we always have running.
kookyrunner says
Oh yes, I can’t even get started on what’s going on with our government – I can write a book about how I feel about everything!
Kimberly Hatting says
I always say that marathon training is way harder than the actual race itself. I always, ALWAYS, embrace the taper when it starts. Must be a “Kim thing?” π
kookyrunner says
LOL, it must be a “Kim” thing for sure! Whenever I hear people complain about the taper I’m like “What is wrong with you?” LOL
Deborah Brooks says
oh those chips are hard to give up and super addictive (especially if there is guacamole involved). You really put a ton of work into your training cycles and I bet you are tired. I have a feeling this Shamrock race is going to be your sweet spot. Almost there!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Deborah! Yes, almost there..just a few more weeks until Shamrock, but then I go right into training for the Cleveland Half Marathon, lol
Marcia says
You more than earned that tired, girl! Sorry the gym is a pia right now. I’ll only go really early and even then there are annoyances. So fun to get together with your besties! Thanks for linking.
kookyrunner says
I got so much sleep last night – it was amazing, lol. Ahh the gym…between all the issues and the crazy locker room people, is it really worth it?!
Coco says
Sorry about the work stress. I hope you get to stay where you are — or that it all works out well anyway. LOL on your tired tired. I did NOT give up chips for Lent, but I have before. They are an issue for me too. π
kookyrunner says
I do miss chips, but I know that it’s all a part of my mindless snacking which I really need to stop if I want to lose weight.
Debbie says
My go to snack lately has been peanut butter pretzels. Better than chips, I guess (more nutritional value? π) but still, the calories add up. I should probably give them up. But theyβre so good!
kookyrunner says
That does sound like a good snack! I’ve been doing peanut butter and an apple, or an apple and a piece of string cheese for a snack lately.
Farrah says
I’ve been on the fence about breaking up with my gym because I technically have a free membership elsewhere–the only thing that’s been stopping me = the fact that it’s closed during the summer + for winter break/spring break (noooo). Still in contemplation mode!
I’m sorry to hear about your job stress–that sucks that they’ll be splitting the team. :[ I hope you get to stay there though!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Farrah! I’m trying to keep my stress to a minimum but I guess I just hate the not knowing part!
Jennifer @ Fit Nana says
Oh man, I’m used to CrossFit gyms without a/c but at least the doors are open and they have gigantic industrial fans to make it “better.” A corporate fitness center should be much better managed than that!! π
And work stress is the WORST!! Especially if you like your job and your team. I’m sorry you’re dealing with that while you’re in the middle of a tiring training cycle!
kookyrunner says
My thoughts exactly! Granted I don’t pay an awful lot for my membership, but as a paying member I expect things to be in working order. That’s the least they could do!
Yeah the whole work thing couldn’t have come at a worse time to be honest but I’m just rolling with the punches.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
Hang in there with your training – you’ve been crushing it so I’m not surprised you’re tired! I feel your pain on the gym thing. Honestly if I could figure out where to put a treadmill in my house I’d ditch my membership!
Sorry about the work stress – any chance your team will get to stay together?
So glad you had a great girls weekend. There’s nothing like downtime to catch up with friends!
kookyrunner says
I just don’t understand why it’s so hard for a gym to function properly – it’s really not hard to have working equipment at the bare minimum!
Unfortunately it looks like my team will be split up but I honestly wasn’t too surprised by that.
Patrick@looneforfood.com says
I have not been to a gym in years. My basement is my gym and I don’t think Ill ever go back to paying to go to a gym! Have a great weekend
kookyrunner says
I’m really starting to like the idea of a basement gym to be honest!
Darlene says
I get it. My job is totally stressful.
Yes, girls trips are super necessary. I need a few each year to stay sane.
kookyrunner says
I really wish I could do a girls trip every month – it’s so refreshing!
Lesley says
I’ve been stressed and worried this month too. I ordered a diffuser to use at work, and got a Joy combo oil thing. It even has a happy face on it. I’m planning a girls trip with my mom for next February, and I’m super excited about it already.
kookyrunner says
That’s a really good idea about using a diffuser at work. I actually might look into doing that – thanks for the suggestion!
I’m sure your girls trip with your mom next year will be awesome!!
Chelsea says
I’m so sorry your job is causing you so much stress!! Fingers crossed it settles down really soon!!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Chelsea!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I’ve belonged to a few different gyms, and I really enjoyed them when I was a member, but in the end, I usually end up working out at home. I’m pretty self motivated, which is important. I had intentions of trying a few classes around town this month but I guess I’ll push that off to March. It’ll be lighter longer anyway. π
That’s really too bad about your job. That sort of thing is terribly stressful. I hope that everything works out the way you want it to!
Is there ever a runner training for a marathon that says please, sir, can I run some more miles? Well, I’m guessing there are, but I would also guess they’re the exception, not the rule. π
kookyrunner says
The one thing I love most about the gym are the classes. Although I’m also pretty self motivated, I do enjoy the fitness classes because I tend to push myself more there than at home.
I’m also amazed at runners that hate the taper when during marathon training – I just really don’t get it!
Rachel says
You have a treadmill and a Peloton bike at home? What the heck are you doing going to a gym?! I would have given up that membership long ago. π But I know you love your classes.
I hope things settle down at work for you. Hugs.
kookyrunner says
I know – it doesn’t make much sense to have a gym membership considering I have good equipment in the basement, but you’re right – I do love the classes. I always seem to push myself much harder in the classes!
fairytales and fitness says
Chips are definitely my downfall too. I don’t buy them for the house but when I visit my parents they always have them!
kookyrunner says
After Lent I’ll need to make a deal with myself not to buy chips because if they are in the house, I’ll eat them!
Teresa says
Okay, so now I’m second guessing signing up for my second marathon. The training really was much more annoying than the race itself.
I’ve had my fair share of break-ups with gyms ….I feel your pain.
Chips? Oh girl …..you’re marathon training! Eat the damn chips!!!! Lol
kookyrunner says
I really believe that the training is so much more difficult than the actual race! Don’t second guess yourself though – you rocked your first marathon and you will rock your second π
You chip comment made me LOL!
Zenaida Arroyo says
My weakness is potato chips with hot sauce. I always have a bag or two in my pantry. Bad choice, I know.
Ugh, I hate that about the gym. I haven’t going to mine and I LOVE mine because I’ve been doing my runs outside. I think that once marathon season is over for me, I will cancel it. I am hoping that by that time I will have a bigger place and can buy a treadmill.
kookyrunner says
Chips are just so yummy!!
I hope that your house hunting goes well and that you find something that you really love!
San says
Giving up chips for Lent is huge! (I love chips. I love all salty snacks!)
Go you!
kookyrunner says
Thanks San! I know it will be a challenge but so far so good!
Esther says
I am SO glad you had a good trip! I have those types of friends who live far away and it is fun to get together as much as we can!
Bummer about the gym stuff. I feel your pain! One of the Houston clubs I teach at has the worst AC/heat issues. And recently I found out that the systems are controlled by a computer in CA!
Hope your job stuff works out soon!
kookyrunner says
Yes meeting up with friends is always a great thing! I only wish that we lived closer together.
My LA Fitness uses the same excuse about the AC, something about it being controlled from California – it’s quite weird.
vicki says
I hear you on the chips… I need to give those up! That stinks about your gym, but it sounds like you have a good start for a great workout space of your own.
kookyrunner says
It’s so easy for me to eat way too many chips in one seating so I am hoping that giving it up for Lent will help curb my cravings!