Happy Friday, well actually, Happy Good Friday! I was actually born on Good Friday so I have always had a special link to this day 🙂
How was March for you? I had a pretty busy month so I’m happy that April is looking less exciting. I’m looking forward to using April to recharge, that’s for sure! Since it’s the end of the month, I’ve got a few things to get off my chest. Let’s discuss!
I runfess that I’m done with marathons…for now
I’m definitely done with marathons this year and I’m looking forward to focusing on the half marathon distance. Although I had a blast at the Shamrock Marathon, I just feel like my body doesn’t appreciate training for 26.2 miles, lol. If I do decide to run another marathon, it will most likely be a Spring race. While training in the cold can get a little annoying at times, I’d much rather train in 30 degree weather vs. 85 degree weather (with humidity). I might also look into a different type of training plan (not sure what that looks like yet).
I runfess that I’m excited to get back to more strength training
As with any marathon training cycle, it’s easy for strength training to take a back seat to running a lot of miles. While I kept up with my weekly boot camp and spinning classes, I’m looking forward to adding more strength training while training for the Cleveland Half Marathon. I’m one of those runners that actually enjoying lifting weights more than running (I know, shocker!). I’ll probably try to incorporate it 3x a week moving forward.
I runfess that I’m going back to eating meat
For the past 3 months I have been eating a pescatarian diet (no meat, but you can eat seafood). This new lifestyle wasn’t necessarily good or bad for me, but I will ending it as of tomorrow. Basically I haven’t seen a change in my weight or energy levels. The one positive I have noticed is that I’ve been way more regular ..like every day regular, lol. I actually think that I went about this change all wrong. I basically did it cold turkey and didn’t educate myself about how to do it the right way.
This doesn’t mean that I’m going to go back to eating meat all day every day – no way! I’ll still be focusing on plant based/meatless meals for a majority of the week, but I’m not going to beat myself up if I want to throw a grilled chicken breast on top of a salad, or eat a slice of bacon with brunch. I think that eventually I will be completely meat free, but this just wasn’t the right time. I have no problem trying something new, but also need to know when to admit that it’s not the right decision for me, and I’m all about being transparent on my blog!
I runfess that I’m happy to be staying with my job!
In my February Runfessions post I mentioned that my job was going through a bit of a transition. Well last week I found out that my position is staying with my current employer and I couldn’t be happier about that. While I am sad that half of my current team will be moving to the new entity in a few months, I know that I’ll still have chances to interact with them so that’s nice. The next few months will be very busy but we’re prepared and up to the challenge.
I runfess that I’m not looking forward to shopping for new sneakers
I’m going to be retiring more sneakers this year so I really do have to find some new running sneakers. The Mizuno Wave Inspire 14s are available so I might try those and hope that they feel closer to the 10s and 11s and not the 12s or 13s (I couldn’t run in those). If those don’t work, I might try the Mizuno Wave Riders. I know those are more of a neutral sneaker so it might be good for shorter distances but not longer distances since I’m so used to a support sneaker. When I tried new sneakers earlier this year, they were great at first and then I developed some pretty bad foot pain. It’s just frustrating because you really never know what is going to work for you until you try it for a good amount of miles!
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 March?
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
I had a similar runfession about running shoes! Its so frustrating to try to find new ones. Glad that your job is staying the same! And I think that makes sense to do some more strength training now that the marathon is over. Hopefully that will help with some of the aches and pains you have had!
kookyrunner says
Shopping for new running sneakers gives me anxiety, lol. It’s so frustrating because it’s definitely a lot of trail and error!
Coco says
Great news on the job! I gave up meat (but not fish) for Lent. I know my husband is over it but I’m not ready to go back. I seem to do better in the Wave Riders than Inspires even though I need a bit of support. I do wear Superfeet in them.
kookyrunner says
I gave up meat for Lent a few years ago and I felt like you. I didn’t jump right back into eating it after Lent was over. It also helped me to not eat it as much because I was probably having some meat with every meal at that point in my life.
Stacey says
I totally get the sneaker thing. I really want to get away from the really cushion-y soles of my Hokas but nothing feels as good when I start running longer distances.
kookyrunner says
It’s so hard to shop for new sneakers! I wish I could take a mold of my foot and send it in somewhere and get a report on what sneakers are right for me, lol
Wendy says
So I just bought the Wave Inspire 14s because I’ve got the ankle rolling in thing going on. I decided to use my Wave Riders for shorter runs and the Inspires for longer runs. I’ve only run in the Inspires once. Not entirely sold on them.
I don’t always eat meat but I know I need it! I just avoid beef because it causes inflammation in my body. I’ve also noticed that the old I get, the more I need protein in my diet and that carbs aren’t necessarily my friend!
kookyrunner says
Thanks for the feedback on the Wave Inspires 14. I have not been impressed with the last two versions of the wave inspires at all, which is so frustrating.
Same thing for me with beef. I rarely ate red meat anyway so when I go back to eating meet, it will mainly be chicken and the occasional piece of bacon on the weekends for breakfast/brunch.
Kimberly Hatting says
Have you ever considered the Brooks Adrenalines? I think the 18 is the newest model. Aside from the WI 8’s, they are the only other running shoe that has worked for me (other then the Nikey Structure from years ago…not sure if that even exists anymore). I’ve been running in the Adrenaline 17’s since before Christmas, and they have been great! It’s about time for me to add another shoe to my rotation…the 17’s are still working great, but I know I’m gonna need another shoe this summer when I get back into more distance running for my October marathon…I’m considering the WI 14’s also. I wish they’d bring the WI 8’s back, those were perfection for me 😉
kookyrunner says
I tried the Adrenalines a few years ago but they felt a little heavy to me so I didn’t like them. I printed out all the stats for the wave inspire 10s and found that the Brooks Launch sneakers are very similar (weight and drop), even though they are a neutral shoe. I just ordered a pair and will use them for shorter runs.
Everyday I wish they would bring back the WI 10’s, so I feel your pain lol.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
I like your ecard! And that is so true. It always makes me happy buying an new pair of running shoes.
kookyrunner says
There’s nothing like the first run in a new pair of sneakers!
Rachel says
I love that race pic of you. It’s perfect!
I was vegetarian for a long time, but as my kids got older it just wasn’t conducive to our lifestyle anymore. We don’t eat meat every day but like you said, we don’t have any shame adding it in every now and again. Plus when we have a meat-based protein I don’t have to listen to my kids complain as much at meal times!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Rachel! I usually get like one good race pic a year, so this is it, LOL
Yup – I really don’t want to feel guilty for having meat a few times a week. I think it’s okay in moderation, as long as a bulk of the meals are plant-based.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
Congrats on your job staying! That’s too bad about your team, though.
I eat everything, but I lean very heavily vegetarian. I probably wouldn’t eat red meat at all if it weren’t for my husband.
It always totally shocks me when people aren’t regular, although I know many aren’t. I am extremely regular. It comes in really useful on race morning. 🙂
kookyrunner says
Thanks Judy! I was a little stressed about the job stuff so I’m happy to be staying. I really like what I do!
I feel the same way about red meat – I’m not really a fan of it except for the occasional burger. I don’t really eat pork either (except for bacon) so I’ll most likely just stick to chicken.
Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner says
Hi great news for your job! I do love my strength training and it makes a huge difference in my body. It’s hard to do it all all the time. Half marathons are so much more doable. Sorry the veggie thing did not work out for you. Doing it a few days a week is still beneficial. Perhaps it helped you pay more attention to what you were eating and maybe widen your menu of foods?
kookyrunner says
Thanks Deborah! Right now I’m really enjoying doing body weight exercises and weights so I’m just going to roll with it!
The past 3 months really helped me to see that my meals are way to carb based so that’s something I will definitely be working on as well.
Karen says
I’m with you on the fulls. They are fun but training is so hard on the body! Yes, I need to cross train more. Can’t wait for Orange Theory to open! Have a great weekend! 🙂
kookyrunner says
Yup! I find that the training is way more difficult than the actual race.
That’s so cool that OTF is opening up near you – I’ve heard great things about them!
Rach @ Girl On The Run says
Marathon training is rough, yo. I don’t know how people run multiple marathon months apart. I am dead tired from my half-ass marathon training and so ready to be done with these super long runs!
kookyrunner says
Ygh it’s so rough! I’m really happy to be leaving the incredibly long training runs behind for the rest of the year. My body is craving a break!
Patrick@looneforfood.com says
Great news on the job, and the meat (HAHA) I have focused on more strength over the past year and am really happy with my results! Have a great weekend and lets hope April is a better month.
kookyrunner says
Yes! Here’s hoping that April will be a great month 🙂
Megan @ Meg Go Run says
It sounds like you have had a busy winter! I do enjoy strength training a lot. I think I like running more but I do really enjoy lifting and the strength I have gained. However, I have been babying my shoulder because I slept on it wrong! I never imagined I’d hurt myself sleeping. 🙂
kookyrunner says
Yes, definitely a very busy winter thus far! It’s been nice to have more free time in my schedule the past 2 weeks.
Anna @ Pipers Run says
I’ve yet to sign up for a full marathon mainly because of the time comittment. I just don’t think I can spend 2-4 hours for a long run each weekend…on my treadmill when my husband works weekends.
I runfess that I’m not feeling guilty about not running very much the past few months!
kookyrunner says
It’s such a huge time commitment, especially for me because I’m not what you would call a “fast” runner, lol.
never feel guilty about not running! Sometimes the body just needs a break and you do a great job of staying active doing lots of other activities!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
I’ve got one more month and I’ll know how you feel about being done with the marathon and looking forward to getting back to other types of workouts! This month has been so crazy busy I completely forgot about runfessions!
I’m glad to hear your job is staying!
kookyrunner says
Wow, I can’t believe just one more month until your marathon. I’m so excited for you! I know that you will appreciate having more down time after it’s over.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
While I don’t eat a lot of meat, I think it would be tough to go cold-turkey. I think it’s great you gave it a try for a while. And, you know I’m with you on the whole shopping for new running shoes thing – gives me agita! LOL!
Great news about your job! I’m sure it’s a relief to have that all settled.
kookyrunner says
It was definitely tough to go cold turkey and that was my first mistake for sure.
Yes – definitely feeling less stressed about my job now which is a blessing!
Andrea says
You are speaking two of my love languages! Weights and protein. Lol. Love that you love lifting weights. It’s so beneficial for all athletes!
kookyrunner says
Thanks! Some days I would rather lift than run and that’s fine by me!
Chrissy says
Glad to hear everything worked itself out with the job! As for the meat thing – I’m personally a meat eater and I like the concept of a ‘plant forward’ diet – aka mostly plant-based items as the ‘star’ with meat playing a ‘supportive role’.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Chrissy! I like what you said about a plant forward diet. That’s definitely something that I try to do with each meal.
The Accidental Marathoner says
I will say, the more marathons I do, the more I think the half is my distance of choice. I actually like running in warmer weather, so summer training and fall races work much better for me.
kookyrunner says
Amen to that! All of the training miles for a marathon are just so intense and I don’t have the desire to do that at this time.
Jenn says
I am so glad your job is secure – that’s a huge weight off you, I’m sure.
You ran a lot of marathons this year! I totally get why you need a break from the distance.
The Wave Inspire is a shoe I keep going back to, but I am also absolutely loving the new Brooks Adrenaline and the Saucony Guide. Maybe those would be worth trying out before going to the more neutral Rider? Good luck. Finding the right shoes can be so hard.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Jennifer! It’s a huge load off my back for sure.
I tried the Saucony Guide but it gave me some foot pain after I logged about 50 miles on them. IT’s a shame because I loved the look and feel of the sneakers.
Nicole @ fitnessfatale says
Glad you get to keep your current role!
I have such a hard time finding new running shoes myselF!
kookyrunner says
Ugh – trying to find new running sneakers is so hard!
Chelsea says
I’m so excited for you about your job!!! What a relief!!!
I’m also such a huge fan of the half marathon distance. Marathons are just tough and such a huge commitment, so lowering your mileage is always nice to do for a break in training! 🙂
Have a great weekend!!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Chelsea!
I’m also a fan of the half marathon because I feel like although it does require training, it doesn’t take hours and hours of your time, especially on the weekends!
Renée says
The marathon thing – I totally get it. Training for 26.2 is hard, takes loads of time and energy. Also, did I mention it’s hard? Haha! Maybe a different sort of training program would be better for you. So take the time off that you need to work that out and uh, never say never!
Strength training is SO good for runners yet when we are training we tend to let it fall by the wayside. Because my training went out the window several weeks ago I’m really just trying to keep a balance and get my runs in but also cross-train and do strength. I really enjoy a good strength work out too!!
And hey I also went back to eating meat too! But being a bit picky and also trying to still have meatless days in the week. At least you tried!
We had a real similar situation at my work too! Glad you are staying. I’m staying too but my company is now split and I am not working with all the same team anymore. So that feels odd, but at least we are secure for a good few years!
Sneaker shopping is tough. I totally get where you are coming from. Even my Altras are now not as “perfect” as I thought they were, but, maybe it’s just my foot. Hopefully you won’t have too much hassle with the next pair!
kookyrunner says
Congrats on your good job news too! I agree that it feels weird to be split from the team, but it’s nice to have job security too!
Shopping for running sneakers gives me so much anxiety because I never really know if I’m making the right decision lol.
Marcia says
As I age I find myself wanting less and less red meat. I still eat plenty of chicken and fish but I don’t know what it is about red meat. I totally get you on the marathon thing. I did 2 marathons/year for 2 years in a row and that was clearly too much for me. Heck one a year may be a stretch for me these days. Thanks for linking!
kookyrunner says
Same here! In my 20s I ate everything and then in my 30s my taste preferences changed for sure.
If I do another marathon, I will definitely only do one a year, and like you said, that would even be a stretch!
Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com says
Oh I have totally been there with marathon training and taking time off is good! I do love the picture you shared! Also, more strength training sounds like a great idea to me!!
kookyrunner says
I’m all about strength training lately and loving it!
Esther says
Yay for your job staying the same! I know that was a concern for you.
I LOVE to strength train! So much I became a Body Pump instructor! Haha
I am the opposite when it comes to training, I would much rather run in the warmth than the cold.
Hope you have a wonderful rest of the weekend!
kookyrunner says
That’s awesome that you teach Body Pump! That’s one class that I really want to try because I’ve heard great things about it!
Denise says
I wear Saucony for years and I love them. I bought a pair of Asics at my last race because people say they love them. We’ll see. 🙂 Have you ever gone to a running store to be fitted for shoes?
I eat mostly chicken and fish but love a good burger or rib eye once in a while! I feel like I need that iron and protein.
I stopped running marathons a long time ago, and every time I run a half I say it’s my last…until I see another great place to run…
kookyrunner says
I’ve gone to running store sin the past to get fitted, but it’s been about 2 years so I should probably go back again.
I agree with you on the iron and protein – I think that was lacking when I wasn’t eating meat (I just didn’t educated myself on alternative forms of protein).