Happy Friday! Since it’s the last Friday of the month, 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.
This year has been flying by, but I really feel like this was the fastest month yet. It was a pretty busy month with a lot of work projects, Mother’s Day, my dad’s birthday, the AirBnB Brooklyn Half Marathon and the start of marathon training. I think the month flew by because I wasn’t focused so much on the days, but all of the things going on this month! Nevertheless, it’s time for my May runfessions.
I runfess that I enjoy fundraising!
Sure, it’s a little awkward asking for money, but I’ve found that people are more than willing to give when they know it’s for a great organization. Also it’s important to let people know that large donations are not necessary to make a difference. All donations, no matter how small or big, add up and make a difference!
I’m still fundraising for Bennett Cancer Center and will be participating in the Hope in Motion 10K race next Sunday! There’s still time to donate and get raffle tickets (prizes listed here)! Remember that each raffle ticket is only $5!
I runfess that I am nervous about Marathon training..
I know, I know…this sounds crazy because I ran a marathon last year. I think I’m nervous about this training cycle for a few reasons:
– I’m doing a 20 week plan vs. a 16 week plan. I know this will be good for adding in tempo runs and hill repeats, I just hope my body can handle it!
– I really want to PR. Chicago is a MUCH flatter course than NYC, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I can PR because I wasn’t thrilled with my marathon time last year.
– I’m running Chicago as my goal race and running NYC again “for fun” – let’s hope I make it! LOL
I’m sure the nerves will subside by next month, but right now I just need to work through all those feelings.
I runfess that I’m totally in love with the running community
Okay, okay…this isn’t anything new, but I have just really been feeling the love from the running community all this month – more so than usual! I had some tough training runs this month and then I pretty much crashed and burned in my goal race. May definitely didn’t go as planned when it came to running, but all of you with your kind words and insights made me feel a lot less bummed. For all of that I say,
Runners are really some of the kindest people on the planet. It’s probably because we understand how running can be so fickle – your best friend one minute and arch enemy the next. It’s nice to hear from people that know EXACTLY what you are going through.
I runfess that I hate summer running
I am already dreading running in the summer heat! Last week we had a few 90 degree days and all I could think about was how much I the running in that weather. I sweat a lot under normal circumstances, but add in heat and humidity and I look like a swamp monster, seriously. I know that running in the heat will get better after I do it for a few weeks. It might get better, but it never gets easier.
Ice, water and cooling towels are my best friends in the summer! Thankfully I also have tons of Headsweats visors and thin tank tops/shirts to also keep me cool in the summer.
I runfess that I’m happy I don’t have any races in July or August
Okay, so hear me out on this one. This is kind of aligned to my whole “hating summer running”. While I LOVE races (my Fall racing schedule is packed), I don’t like running races in the summer. If at all possible, I want to enjoy myself whenever I race. It’s hard to do that when I’m sweating like a pig and hating the Sun, lol. I usually don’t have many races during July/August anyway, so this is nothing new (although I will miss doing RnR Chicago in July).
I’ll also be able to focus mainly on Marathon training during these two months. New York Road Runners (NYRR) hold “long training runs” in Central Park in July, August and September for only $10 bucks. I will be participating in these long runs. They are not actual races, but there is course support such as pacers and water/Gatorade stations. Plus it’s a great way to train with a bunch of other runners as well (doing long runs solo can be lonely sometimes)!
Do you have anything you want to runfess for May?
Have a great long holiday weekend!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
I always complain about the heat but right now Im ready for summer weather! The weather this month has not felt like May other than a couple of days here and there. But i am with you on summer races- its really hard to run fast when its hot and humid!
kookyrunner says
It’s been in the 50’s here all week and we’re on our 4th day straight of rain – it’s crazy! It’s not that I’m wishing for summer, but a little more consistency would be awesome.
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
You might be the only person who enjoys fundraising. Want to come work for Team Challenge???
kookyrunner says
LOL, I mean it’s stressful, but I always like thinking of the end goal which is all the good that money can do for the charity!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
You are going to do great for Chicago. I runfess that I only did a 12 week plan for my last 2 Chicago marathons. You’re in great shape already, so don’t sweat it!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Wendy! You are a rockstar for being able to run a marathon with only 12 weeks training. I wish I was that good!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I do love the running community as well! It’s like a built in network of friends whenever you need them. Seems like everyone is running Chicago this year!
kookyrunner says
Definitely agree with what you said about the built in network of friends!
Marcia says
Take each run and training week as it comes so you’re not overwhelmed with Chicago training. Success in Chi depends heavily on the weather. If you get a good day, and run the tangents, you’ll be golden!
kookyrunner says
I did pretty well at running the tangents in NYC last year so I hope I can repeat that in Chicago. I’ll be keeping my fingers and toes crossed for cool temps for the race!
Mer @ scootadoot says
I also am not a huge fan of summer running – or rather summer racing. I can train in the summer but slowly… very slowly. I have Ragnar next week and then nothing on the race calendar until September. But hey, as long as we keep on truckin’, that’s what counts – right?
kookyrunner says
Exactly! As long as we keep moving forward, that’s all that counts. I definitely have no problem slowing down the pace when running in the heat. Better safe than sorry!
Kimberly Hatting says
I have heard so many great things about Chicago…..the flatness will certainly be a BIG advantage 😉 I’m one of the rare few who like the summer heat (but I also LOVE stair climbing LOL)…so it may just be that I’m not normal. My thinking is that in heat, you can always slow down and walk…but in the winter, you will freeze off your booty if you slow down too much, right? 😉
kookyrunner says
LOL, you make a very valid point when it comes to winter running. I’ve noticed that as soon as I stop running in the winter I need to find shelter ASAP or risk becoming a Popsicle lol
Fairytales and fitness says
Wow Chicago and NYC! You’re gonna have a great year!
Summer running is a double edge sword for me. I love it because I have more time in the summer since I don’t work but on the other hand even though I have all the time, I can’t run as far as I’d like because of the heat! Have a good weekend!
kookyrunner says
Keeping my fingers crossed that I can do NYC – hopefully my legs cooperate! That’s so true about the summer. I do like the summer because it stays lighter outside longer, which is a great plus since I run after work, but I just don’t deal with the heat and humidity that well!
Coco says
So much to runfess! I used to be uncomfortable fundraising but I’ve learned that when I believe in a cause it’s easy and people are happy to donate if they can. I have the Lawyers Have Heart 10K in June — with fundraising for the American Heart Association — but nothing after that until September.
kookyrunner says
Thats great! Good luck with fundraising for your upcoming race next month 🙂
Debbie says
I hate fundraising! The time that I’ve done it, and it’s been a while, my husband did all the hard part.
Good luck in your training! Chicago should be a great race to PR in.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Debbie! I agree that Chicago should be a great race to get a marathon PR. Hopefully all the stars align that day!
Jen @ SprinklesHikes.com says
I totally agree about having no summer races! I honestly don’t know how y’all do it – training for fall marathons over the summer. Summer time, for me, means work (backpacking and camping trips with clients) and I only do my cardio in the gym. It’s just too DANG HOT for me to run outside in the summer, even at 9 pm!
I totally agree about the running community. I never knew how supportive it truly was until I had a bad run or a bad race. We all get it and we’re all here for each other.
kookyrunner says
I ccan totally see why you can’t workout outside in the summer because it’s so brutally hot where you live during the summer. Backpacking sounds like so much fun – I wish I could do that!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
Oh, I’m so with you on no summer races! The humidity of July & August are like kryptonite for me – I just keep telling myself there’s a big payoff in the fall 🙂
You’re going to do great with your Chicago training! Looking forward to following along!
kookyrunner says
LOL, me too – that’s what I try to tell myself when I slogging through long runs in the summer heat!
Thanks so much – I’m looking forward to Chicago!
Megan @ Meg Go Run says
I hope your marathon training nerves subside, or at least turn into more of the “excited” nerves, you know? I’m sure they will as you begin training and start feeling confident for your race!
I love summer running! Bring on the heat!!!!
kookyrunner says
I think you’re right, it will probably turn into excited nerves within the next two weeks!
Anna @ Pipers Run says
I’m actually really looking forward to running in the summer heat. Crazy I know! I think I’ll be more motivated to get out for early runs knowing that it will be warm and I want to avoid the real heat of the day running.
kookyrunner says
That’s a good point! I think I wouldn’t mind the summer runs if I could run in the morning before work. Unfortunatley I can’t do that so all my weekly runs are always after work, around 4:30/5 when it’s so hot outside!
Rachel says
False: running in the scorching heat is AMAZING! I LOVE summer running!!!! 😉
Don’t be nervous about training. You’ve got this. I’m so excited for you!
kookyrunner says
LOL, we’ll have to agree to disagree when it comes to summer running!
Thanks Rachel! I hope training goes well (keeping fingers crossed)
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I’m also not a fan of summer running. I do have a race I generally do on the 4th. One I did once in August — a 10k. And that’s about it. Heat sucks the life out of me.
I totally agree about the running community! We get each other. What do the guys do? Or hang out?
kookyrunner says
The heat and I have never gotten along, we’re not buddies, LOL.I’ve done the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago race in July twice – the heat was awful one year but we lucked out last year with decent weather.
Mary Beth Jackson says
I runfess that I have a 5K on July 4th and that is it for July and August and I am happy about it too! It is hot and I am already one big, hot, sweaty, and stinky mess- LOL!
kookyrunner says
Exactly! It’s bad enough I have to be a hot, sweaty mess during my training runs. No need to add a race to all that mess lol
Farrah says
Best of luck to you on your marathon, and hooray for fundraising for awesome causes! <3
I don't run, so I guess that's part of why I don't mind warm/hot weather at all–I could definitely do without the humidity though!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Farrah! Hoping the marathon training goes well!
Mary says
If I were a runner I’d for sure be in on that Chicago Marathon. October is a good month in the Midwest, nice temperatures (I’m with you about that summer heat), fall leaves, and there’s all that stunning Chicago architecture to enjoy. Not to mention the Bean!
kookyrunner says
Chicago is such an awesome city! If the weather is good on race day it should be an awesome race!
Sandra Laflamme says
I love longer training cycles. If it feels like too much at time just give yourself a bit of extra rest! Can’t wait to follow along with your training!
Karen Bayne says
I totally get being nervous about marathon training, it is a best of a task! I ran a marathon last year but to be truthful I am not convinced I can do it all again lol
I dislike summer running more than anyone on the planet – I am sure of it LOL I won’t race in the summer at all, last year training for a Nov. marathon was tough.
Chicago for sure should be a much “easier” course than NY!!
kookyrunner says
Marathon training is hard, but if you did it once, you can do it again!! 🙂
Hopefully I have a good marathon experience in Chicago!
Zenaida Arroyo says
I have no doubt you will PR in Chicago!! I am excited to following along on your training. Let me know if you need anything or have any questions.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Zenaida! You’re so sweet! 🙂
Ana says
Good luck with your marathon training !! I’m sure your body will remember all the previous training !
kookyrunner says
Thanks Ana – that’s what I’m hoping for, lol!
HoHo Runs says
Even if I wanted to race in the summer (and I don’t!) I couldn’t find any as there are none around due to the extreme heat/humidity. Summer is a great time to run for fun — if that’s possible. LOL. I trained for Chicago the last two summers. I’m going to miss that a little bit this year. I’ll have to live vicariously through you!
kookyrunner says
Now that you mention it, we don’t have too many races around me in the summer either! I’d have to travel into NYC to run races. Thank goodness I prefer to not race in the summer heat, lol.
I’m excited for Chicago because I’ve heard so many great things about it!!