Happy Friday! Another month has come to a close. I can’t believe that I haven’t done a Runfessions post since May! I literally had a brain fart at the end of June and July and totally forgot to write a post! Oh well, time for me to get back on track 🙂
As usual, 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 this party started!
I runfess that I’m officially over summer weather/summer running
Look, it’s no secret that I am not a fan of the summer, especially summer running. Although it hasn’t been super hot this summer (100+ temps), the high humidity and dew points have made this summer feel like a hot, soupy mess. Also it seemed like it rained for more than half the summer. It’s just been a very icky season and I’m ready to embrace Fall with open arms!
I runfess that I’m loving Nuun Rest
As a BibRave Pro, I get the opportunity to test different products. While I don’t use Nuun Sport, I was really intrigued by Nuun Rest since it’s supposed to help with exercise induced inflammation and help you sleep better at night. A product that can help me sleep better AND aid in muscle recovery? Sign me up! So far I’ve tried the Blackberry Vanilla flavor and I really like it. Up next is the Lemon Chamomile!
I runfess that airlines really get on my nerves
A few weeks ago I found a decent deal on airfare for the Chicago Marathon so I booked it. I like flying JetBlue so I was excited to see that they had the cheapest fares direct from NYC to Chicago. I purchased basic seats, which was fine, but then I started reading about their boarding process. Basically there’s no way for me to know which boarding group I will be on until we print out the boarding passes. I don’t like this for a few reasons, primarily because if you’re in one of the last boarding groups, there is a 90% chance there will be no over head bin space available, which means having to check your suitcase. This is absolutely the LAST thing I want to do when flying for a marathon. I’m just convinced that they will lose my luggage. So to avoid this, I paid to upgrade the seat to their “even more space seats” just to guarantee that I’ll board first and have an overhead bin for my carry on suitcase. It’s so obnoxious because I have no need for an extra space seat (I’m 5’2″) but I have to do it for peace of mind. Ugh!!
I runfess that I’m looking forward to the Surftown Half Marathon next weekend
I haven’t run a race since June so I’m excited to run the Surftown Half Marathon. I also love using races as long runs while training – who doesn’t want a medal and post-run food after a long run? Also, I’ll get to see Michelle again and hopefully meet Darlene in person as well! Bonus – I’ll get to tick another state off my 25 State Challenge.
I runfess that my Instagram engagement is…weird?
Okay, so my Instagram has been weird. While I’m not really getting any new followers (actually losing more than gaining), I wouldn’t say my engagement has completely tanked. I’ve connected with a few new runners through different hashtags (especially for the marathon and OrangeTheory Fitness) and that has been fun! I’ve stopped trying to figure out the Instagram algorithm a while ago since it really doesn’t make any sense so there’s no need to beat my head up against the wall. As of now, I really just post to chronicle my running journey, and I’m okay with that. Besides, I’ve met some amazing people on Instagram so I can never fully bash it.
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 Fridays with Fairytales and Fitness from Fairytales and Fitness.
Do you have anything you want to runfess for August?
Marcia says
It feels to me like this was the toughest summer ever to train through and I didn’t even train! The humidity was killer! I’d be the same way about checking a bag. Geez. Marathoners NEED their stuff! Haha! Thanks for linking!
kookyrunner says
I think the humidity and rain just put a damper on all summer running – it was definitely difficult!
Wendy says
I completely get your frustration with the airlines. I like to travel–a lot–and when I’m going somewhere for a weekend, I don’t want to pay $$$ just to be able to choose my own seat. United, I’m looking at you! The way they nickel and dime you to death…
I’m so confused by IG–like you, I’ve given up trying to figure it out. I’m just there for the connections!
kookyrunner says
Yes! The way they nickel and dime you for everything. Before long they are going to start charging for breathing in the air on the plane, lol.
Laurie says
I share your frustrations with airlines. We usually use Southwest if we can, but trying to check-in at the first split second is crazy and annoying. It’s worth it to pay the extra $15 to get a better place in line.
Good luck on your half. I love the logo. I bet the shirts are cool!
kookyrunner says
I’ve never flown with Southwest but a lot of my friends do and they have the same complaint as you. I just wish they would make things easier – flying is already stressful enough!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
Airlines kind of suck in general. It’s too bad that we really need them!
I am sad to see Summer go, although I enjoy the cooler temps in the fall mornings & not having to rush out so early. Which is funny, because I’m always up early — but I hate being rushed!
kookyrunner says
I just wish I could travel first class everywhere so that flying would be such a crappy experience!
Kimberly Hatting says
Yes, what is up with Insta? My likes/followers are still increasing (slowly), but my stories are off the charts (??). I”m always surprised at the pics that get the most interaction…and the ones that tank LOL Like you, for me it’s all about the interaction and documenting my journey. If I can inspire a few peeps along the way, all the better. But, I’m not in it to score a big endorsement or campaign.
kookyrunner says
I don’t even think that Instagram understand what it’s doing anymore! They have made everything so confusing – I still just want my chronological order back, lol.
Rachel says
I’m in the same boat with Instagram. My post likes have tanked but my followers have stayed the same. I’m now using it for the same reason you are — to chronicle running and adventures!
That’s super annoying about your flight to Chicago. I would have done the same thing. Or maybe done a different airline. But I’m weird like that. Haha.
kookyrunner says
It just sucks because Instagram used to be such an amazing social media tool but it’s lost a lot of its luster recently.
I like Jet Blue – I think they are the lesser of the evils when it comes to airlines – but I just can’t risk them checking my bag.
Virjinia @ With Purpose and Kindness says
Our summer hasn’t been rainy but yeah I’m over it earlier than normal this year. Unfortunately, there’s no end in sight for us soon. Also, I’m so sorry about JetBlue! I flew Southwest to Chicago last year and my sister got the early bird option so I made sure she hooked me up with overhead space lol. Hopefully the cost difference wasn’t too bad. Anything for peace of mind though, right?!
kookyrunner says
Thankfully the cost wasn’t too high – I think it was an extra $40, but I’m just mad at the fact that I had to do that in order to “secure” overhead space.
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
You’ve been working so hard training over the summer – you deserve this fall-like weather!!
I hope you have a great time at the Surftown Half and getting to meet up with Michelle and Darlene, I am jealous!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Janelle! The break in the humidity really felt great!
Coco says
That extra leg room will be good for you — you can stretch your legs and do those exercises you’re supposed to do in-flight. 😉 WE fly Frontier to visit my daughter, and it ends up costing almost as much as United by the time I add seat-selection and carry-on bags.
I literally have not been on IG in months. Maybe I’ll try again starting Sep 1? As a user it was so frustrating b/c I never saw what I wanted.
kookyrunner says
I agree – it’s so frustrating as a user of Instagram when you never see your friends post. I have to actively search for them but unfortunately I can’t do that every day.
Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner says
My husband, who travels all the time for work, does not let us check bags unless we are going for more than a week. I literally had to sit on my carry on bag to close it and I looked a lot like Larry David in that Meme trying to fit it into the over head. LOL. I still like IG more than any other social media but it does get frustrating. I am try to find new people to interact with as well it’s not easy!
kookyrunner says
LOL I don’t blame your husband though – I just never trust checking my luggage!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
I’m right there with you on all things fall! And, don’t even get me started on the airline pricing – the thought of having to check my bag for Chicago has me freaked out. Maybe I should fly in my race gear, LOL!
Can’t wait to see you next weekend!
kookyrunner says
Looking forward to seeing you a week from today!
Kaila says
I wish I could be excited for Fall like you…but I am just a summer lover forever!! SOOOO not ready for lower temps and leaves turning brown. 🙁
kookyrunner says
Awwe I’m sorry 🙁 Hopefully Fall won’t be too cold for you!
Black Knight says
I cannot wait for fall weather, this was the hottest summer that I remember.
I understand your frustration about the airlines. I remember a trip to Edinburgh (my son and I went there to watch the rugby match Scotland – Italy and to run a 10 miles): 1. the baggage was lost. 2. Before the start of the race my son went to take some pics of the landscape and brought my running dresses with him: he was late and I had to run in the cold Scottish January without the winter outfit.
kookyrunner says
his summer was very hot and humid in the states as well.
Ugh, so sorry to hear about your bad flight experience. I feel like everyone has an airline horror story, the airlines really need to do better.
Andrea says
I am so ready for fall!! I can’t wait for hikes to see the leaves change and the cooler temps. We fly in a few weeks to Orlando and that is the only part of the trip that makes me nervous. I’ve heard of more flights getting randomly canceled and delayed because of staff shortages. Really hoping that doesn’t happen to us…
kookyrunner says
I love the change in colors too, and everything pumpkin, lol.
I hope that your upcoming flight to Orlando will be okay!
Cari says
LOL yes, my post (FB, I think) of my coffee portrait got a ridiculous number of likes. I’m jealous of myself. My Instagame has never been good.
Thanks for the heads up on Nuun Rest. Will stalk JackRabbit for it. I’m trying to be better about hydration on the weekend – work is easier as we have a Pur – and this could be the trick.
jetBlue if you sit toward the back you can be pretty guaranteed of early boarding. I like that trick unless I have a connection.
kookyrunner says
Yup, there’s no rhyme or reason to which of my posts get the most likes or engagement on IG so I just continue to post what I like, lol
Esther says
I love summer, but I AM ready for fall!
Instagram is so annoying! I don’t know why they want to control everything we post! So frustrating!
Airlines are taking all the fun out of travel! It makes me so irritated that we have to pay for every single thing now, on top of the ticket!
Hope your upcoming race goes well!
kookyrunner says
I think that’s my issue with Instagram. If they actually listened to what their users wanted, it would look totally different.
Darlene says
I will actually miss summer.
Very excited to meet you and
Michelle. My race will be a training run too Ss I am training for NYCM.
See you soon.
kookyrunner says
See you next week! 🙂
Jenn says
IG has been weird, but it’s still my favorite platform. I’m a sucker for pictures. Pug and hedgehog pics typically do really well for me LOL.
August was a tough month. I didn’t get remotely close to my miles and I’m bummed about it. I don’t know if this summer was hotter or what the deal was. Oh, well. On to September.
Weekend has been a bit of a mess. We are prepping for this monster hurricane and we still have no idea where it’s going to hit when it gets done with the Bahamas. It’s so awful 🙁
kookyrunner says
I agree – I hate on IG but it still is my favorite platform for interacting with people.
I think this summer was way more humid and rainy than previous summers. So hard to get up the energy to run when it feels like soup outside.
Hope that you and your family stay safe with this impending hurricane – so scary!
Sandra D Laflamme says
I haven’t seen the NUUN Rest before but the flavors sound intriguing. Instagram has been so strange lately. It’s hard to not get frustrated with engagement.
kookyrunner says
I like both flavors of the Nuun Rest – it really does help me sleep better (I think it relaxes me more).