Happy Friday! How was April for you? Despite the wacky weather, I had a pretty good month. I’m currently training for the Cleveland Half Marathon and so far so good. I’m not training for a PR, but I still want to make sure I get my mileage in so that I can actually enjoy the race and not suffer through it. I’ve also been keeping up with my strength training which is making me feel stronger every day. I’m really happy that I recommitted myself to strength training at least 3x a week.
Since it’s the last Friday of the month, I’m linking up with Marcia from Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Runfessions. Let’s get started!
I runfess that Tunes Tuesday is coming to an end π
Janelle, Steff and I have made the decision to end our Tunes Tuesday link-up. Although we all love writing about music that we listen to while running, the link up never really took off. It’s a lot of work to put together the post but the posts never really get a lot of views. Don’t worry, I’ll still write about music and running every now and then π If you missed this month’s post, click here.
I runfess that I don’t understand super long volunteer shifts
I have volunteered for the NYC Marathon twice. Both times I selected the morning volunteer shift from 8am-Noon. Since I’m not running the marathon this year, I went on the website earlier this month to sign up for a volunteer shift at my normal spot and the only option was 9am-3pm. Umm…that just seems crazy to me. Why would you not have a morning and afternoon shift? I like to volunteer AND spectate so I cant do that with that volunteer shift. I’m going to see if there are any shifts available to help out at the Expo (give out bibs, etc). I definitely still want to volunteer during that weekend because it’s such an exciting time!
I runfess that I’m slowly getting used to Invisalign
I’m about 3 weeks into the process now and it’s getting a lot easier. I still have many more months to go, but I’m confident that I’ll be happy with the end result. My smile wasn’t horrible before, but there were 3 things I wanted to fix, including my slight overbite. The only thing I really miss is snacking. Because I have to wear the aligners 22 hours a day, it doesn’t leave a lot of time for eating so I just space out my meals 3 times a day and it’s been working for me.
I runfess that I’ve found some great deals on work clothes online
Since I did a major spring cleaning last month, I need to buy some items to spruce up my wardrobe. Over the past few weeks I’ve found some awesome deals online (Old Navy, Banana Republic, GAP Factory, Banana Republic Factory) for some new work dresses and tops for the Spring/Summer. Ever since The Limited closed it’s been a struggle trying to find cute and affordable work clothes so I was happy to stumble upon some great sales on those websites.
I runfess that I just did spring cleaning…again
So I’m going to call this Spring Cleaning, Part 2. When I got home from work on Wednesday I saw a few books that I no longer needed so I decided to offer them for sale on Instagram. I still have a few left (I’l list the titles below). If you’re interested in any of the books, just send me an email!
The Simple Art of Eating Well Cookbook ($15)
The Big Book of Marathon and Half-Marathon Training ($10)
Running a Marathon for Dummies ($8)
A Race Like No Other ($5)
The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances ($5)
First Marathons: Personal Encounters with the 26.2 Mile Monster ($8)
The Best Life Diet ($5)
That’s it for this month – thanks for reading my runfessions! I hope that you have a great weekend!
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 April?
Marcia says
OMG that marathon (pardon the pun) volunteer shift is a deal breaker for sure. What are they thinking?? Hmmm maybe I need some Invisalign action to curb my snacking. haha! THanks for linking!
kookyrunner says
Right?! I just think that seems like a super long volunteer shift. I loved the 8-12 shift because then I could spectate the rest of the afternoon!
Megan @ Meg Go Run says
A have a couple friends getting Invisalign. It seems like a very common thing nowadays. I’m glad you are getting used to it. Happy Friday!!
kookyrunner says
I think it’s a great alternative to regular braces. I had braces as a kid and knew I didn’t want to get them again.
Chaitali says
Wow, that is a long volunteer shift! It definitely seems like it would make more sense to have a morning and afternoon shift. I wonder if the transition period is too difficult or something. I’m glad the invisaligh is going well π
kookyrunner says
Right? It just seems super long. It’s a shame because I loved that volunteer spot (mile 18 handing out water and/or Powerade gels). Hopefully I can volunteer at the expo though.
Denise @ runheartfit says
It’s funny you are stopping the Tuesday Tunes because I was just working on my Music Monday. I used to post weekly then it was hard to pick music every week and I felt it lost it’s meaning. I was thinking of making it a monthly link up on the 1st Monday of the month.
I was going to link up with you but couldn’t remember which blog I saw it on π
That volunteer shift is so long. Volunteering can be more tiring than actually running it. π
kookyrunner says
Awwe so sorry about that you weren’t able to link up with us for Tunes Tuesday π But I’m still looking forward to reading your post!
Darlene says
That is a way too long shift even in perfect weather.
I love shopping at TJMax and Marshalls for work clothes. I also have found great deals at the Loft.
kookyrunner says
I usually find a few good things at Marshalls every now and then, especially accessories and shoes π
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
Yes, it’s sad that Tunes Tuesday has had to end, but I really enjoyed it while it lasted! Do you think you’ll bring back your Music Mondays? I may get back to a few Throwback Thursdays, but it’ll be nice to have the pressure off!
Glad Invisalign is working well, though I’d be sad about the lack of snacks, lol!
kookyrunner says
I did too! I thought it was a really fun link-up π I think I’ll still do a few music posts here and there but I’m not sure about going back to Music Mondays, we’ll see!
Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner says
I keep telling myself that I am going to do spring cleaning that day and it just does not happen. My closet is a disaster right now!
kookyrunner says
It always takes me a while to do it but once I get started I get in a zone so I’m able to be really productive!
Wendy says
I runfess that I had no idea The Limited closed! LOL! I need to look for some deals. I usually just go to TJMaxx or Marshalls but they have been slim pickings for me lately. I guess that’s a good thing.
Maybe I need Invisalign too–I’m eating so much!
kookyrunner says
I was so sad when it closed because I absolutely loved their dress pants. I agree that Marshalls and TJMaxx can be hit or miss sometimes when it comes to clothing – I usually have more luck finding accessories there.
Anna @ Pipers Run says
I’m in need of new spring and summer clothing as well. I runfess that I don’t like volunteering for long shifts either, half a day is plenty for me.
kookyrunner says
Totally agree – those super long volunteer shifts are not for me. Like you said, half a day is long enough!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
I hear you on the long volunteer shift – that’s the reason I didn’t sign up to volunteer for the Boston Marathon this year. While I love volunteering the shifts are all day so you can’t spectate π
I have some spring cleaning to do – I like your idea of trying to sell some items on IG.
kookyrunner says
Oh wow, I didn’t know that about the Boston Marathon. I wonder if all the huge marathons follow the same model when it comes to volunteering shifts – very interesting!
Kimberly Hatting says
Wow, that IS a long volunteer shift. Could it be because they’re having problems finding volunteers? I would think with a race of that magnitude, there would be plentiful people wanting to help out in some capacity. Glad to hear the Invisilign is working better for you….as I said before, I’m really curious how that compares to actual braces. I just cannot make myself commit to either…yet.
kookyrunner says
I’m not really sure but you raise a good point. I just don’t think they are going to get a lot of people signing up for that shift.
I will say that the Invisalign takes a little while to get used to but it really isn’t that bad and I think it’s less painful than traditional braces.
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
That must be so hard to not snack with the invisalign! I would have to eat so much at meals to hold me over. I did some spring cleaning a few weeks ago but there are still a few places throughout the house that need it!
kookyrunner says
I definitely find myself packing in more food to my 3 meals a day so that I’m not starving in between meals!
Rachel says
I used to buy all my work clothes at the Limited. They had such great suits at great prices! There are some days I miss dressing up for work and others when I’m like, ” yoga pants and a running shirt today” — and then I feel happy I don’t have to dress up anymore. π
kookyrunner says
If I could wear pajamas or sweatpants to work every day I would be the happiest person!
Coco says
My half marathon is three weeks away and I’m planning my first 12 mile run this weekend. Fingers crossed my PF doesn’t rear it’s ugly head again. That volunteer shift makes no sense — no wonder that slot is still open.
kookyrunner says
I hope that your long run goes well this weekend! Ive got 11 miles to do tomorrow.
Michelle says
My daughter is doing Invisalign. Definitely some challenges with it but itβll be worth it in the end!
kookyrunner says
Definitely! It’s a great alternative to braces.
Teresa says
Now that I’m working again, I’m in the market for some cute work clothes …I forgot about Old Navy and Banana Republic! Thanks for the reminder. I really need to do some serious spring purging!
kookyrunner says
You an definitely find some really cute tops, dresses and accessories at Old Navy. Banana Republic also has awesome pants too.
Fairytalesandfitness says
Our neighborhood is having a community yard sale this weekend so it kind of forced me to do a mini spring cleaning. I love getting rid of things. I was sorry to see the Limited close as well. Glad you were able to find some cute spring clothes. Thanks for linking up with us.
kookyrunner says
That’s awesome that your community is doing a yard sale. There aren’t too many yard sales near where I live unfortunately π
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
Iβm sorry to hear about the linkup. Thatβs frustrating to put in a ton of work and then not see the reward. I enjoyed linking up with you ladies the few times that I was able to.
kookyrunner says
Yes I’m sad to see it go but we gave it a good try!
Clarinda says
I’m sad Tunes Tuesday is coming to an end. It was such a fun link-up idea; I’m sad that it never really took off for you guys. I know I didn’t link up very often but I had some great ideas for upcoming posts. Maybe I’ll still write them anyway. LOL I’m kind of a hit-or-miss blogger and am not always as consistent as I’d like to me.
6 hours is kind of a long volunteer shift for race day. Hope you find another shift that weekend!
kookyrunner says
I also hope I can find a shorter volunteer shift for NYCM, maybe during the Expo!
Esther says
Great job on your training and strength training also!
I volunteer at the Houston marathon and itβs usually a little longer shift but not 6 hours!!!
kookyrunner says
Yes the 6 hour shift just really seemed super long. Glad I’m not the only one that thinks so!