In which I let you in on some of my running secrets…
I’m linking up with Marcia over at Marcia’s Healthy Slice this week, to make a few runfessions. I love reading these kinds of posts, so I figured I’d join in the fun and let you in on some of my own strange running quirks.
My Runfessions:
I can’t spit. I’m really bad at it and it’s one of those things I wish I could do properly, because sometimes runners just need to spit. If I absolutely have to, I wait until there’s no-one around and have to stop and bend way forward, because my spit goes everywhere. I blame my lack of ability on the fact that my brother is seven years older than me, so I missed that window of immaturity where he might have schooled me in the proper technique.
I have to try really hard to rein in my competitiveness when I’m out running a training run that’s meant to be at a certain pace. When someone passes me, or if there’s someone a little way ahead who is obviously running the exact pace as me, I have to fight the urge to pick it up and overtake.
While I used to be an early morning runner, that totally changed after becoming a mama. The majority of my training is done late morning or early afternoon on my work days or weekends. Now, when I absolutely have to get my run in early, that alarm goes off and I lie there wondering if maybe I should just give up running completely so I don’t have to have this internal struggle before getting out of bed at a ridiculous hour for a weekend. As soon as I’m out the door, I remember why I LOVE running early, but it’s tough to get going.
Sometimes if I’m out in the early evening in the Summer and Autumn months, even if I’ve already run that day, I’m tempted to head out again, because it’s cool and clear and the people running in the park look like they’re enjoying it so much. It drives my husband insane when I wonder out loud if I should just sneak out for an extra couple of miles. He is of the firm belief that the words “fun” and “run” are mutually exclusive.
I feel like being a runner-mama is a constant tug-of-war between guilt and pride. Guilt when I say, “Bye, mama’s going for a run!” and Roman’s little face scrunches up, “No, mama, stay!!” Pride when he
says, “Look, I can run like you!! Run with me, mama!” then bolts off up the block, giggling and looking back to see if I’m coming.
I experience the runner version of road rage sometimes when there are people walking 3, 4 or even sometimes 5 abreast across the running path in the park. It’s the worst when you call out, “excuse me!” or “on your left!” and they either ignore you, or just kind of stop and look around, making the roadblock worse. I’ve muttered, “Come ON!” behind people, sometimes I run in a wide arc around them and cut right in front of their group in an over-the-top way – it’s all very passive aggressive and I’m not proud of it!!
Finally, I am SO excited to be trying a new product for runners which solves a problem I definitely struggle with – it’s called Runmino and it’s a sensor you place in your shoe, under the insole, which alerts you when you’ve run 400 miles. This is especially great for runners who rotate shoes (like me!) because rather than completely forgetting to note making a note of which shoes you wore for which run to calculate total mileage, you won’t have to even think about it anymore!
Runmino is sending me one of their sensors to try for a review (so I’m buying a new pair of shoes for the trial) and if I love it as much as the runners who’ve given them glowing testimonials already, then look out for a giveaway or two soon!
What’s one of your runfessions?
How do you work out when your running shoes are worn out?
Do you think the endorphins are not working for me? Or do you experience runner road rage, too? (Maybe I should call it runner road mild irritation, it’s not that extreme, I promise!)
Since I don’t run consistently I just wear my shoes until they fall apart. I’ve never tracked. Maybe I should.
I’m training for the RNR half in October and I know ya’ll thought I gave up on that.
I have no idea how people run at a consistent pace. That is the most foreign concept ever.
I also had no idea that runners needed to spit all the time. Perhaps I’m not running right.
Carla recently posted…Blogging With Intention & Purpose
You’re running just fine, Carla! 🙂 Except for wearing your shoes until they fall apart, maaaay-be not the best idea in the world!
Love this Carly, and NONE of these you should feel bad for as it shows you have a heart, a very good one at that….especially for the guilt of leaving your child for even an hour. The benefits will outweigh the costs on this one as he learns the importance of exercise, and wants to run when he grows up! I also get annoyed at the people walking 5 wide, and you have no idea how competitive I get….I am AWFUL…..especially when guys in somewhat decent shape sense me and try to speed up….my boyfriend yelled at me once telling me I need to rein in my ego…oops haha!
Thanks for being honest, and thanks for being real 🙂
Tina Muir recently posted…Meatless Monday: Spiralized Pizza on the Grill
Awww, thanks Tina! I know taking the time to run is so good for me and Roman, but man, it’s hard to hear him be sad that I’m heading out the door (even though I know he’s over it about 20 seconds after I’m gone!). I can totally see you speeding up to beat the boys – love it!
Yay! Thanks for joining in and sharing your runfessions. The craziest example of walkers blocking the path I’d ever seen was in a race. The race was on a trail and they were not in it but still wouldn’t alter their 3-across formation. It is maddening.
Marcia recently posted…June by Number
I think some people do it just to mess with runners – it’s so annoying!! Love your Runfessions idea, thanks for letting me tag along. 😉
I have a couple of runfessions…
My runner rage comes out when my headphones are all over the flipping place. It drives me nuts. It can ruin a run and I will stomp my feet..I mean walk back and not finish a run from time to time if this happens. Haha. I also have gas when I run and hey if you don’t let it out, you’re going to get a cramp 😉 good post!
And cramps are bad! 😉
Haha I struggled with the spit for a while, but I think I have the technique down now. Though personally, the snot rocket is more useful to learn.
Runfessions: I get really annoyed and vicious when I’m not in a comfortable temperature range during a run. Like if it’s hot out and I’m wearing a short-sleeved shirt instead of a tank top, being hot is all I can think about.
Karen recently posted…book dates (weekend recap)
I can’t do the snot rocket, either!! When it’s cold out, I sometimes get really annoyed with my zip tops – I can never find the perfect spot to zip/unzip it so I’m comfortable.
HaHa – I’m the opposite. In the evening I love to sit out on my deck with a cocktail and just wave to the walkers/runners – by the end of the day I’m totally happy doing nothing!!!
Oh – I can’t spit either. And, I’m not 100% sure that I could do a successful snot rocket.
Kim recently posted…3 Recent Scares
Okay, if you can’t spit either, I feel better about it. I am 100% positive I couldn’t do a snot rocket if I tried and honestly, I think that would be a potentially awful thing to try and find out you can’t.
OMG yep, runner’s road rage for sure! There is this group that walks around my neighborhood and they usually have a few dogs with them as well. They literally walk the width of the road! Whole road, caring not a thing about cars. And they won’t move over when they see me (either from behind or in front) and they don’t reel in their dogs either. It’s infuriating. And I can’t spit either. It ends up all over my face.
Walkers with dogs can be so oblivious sometimes! I was out running when I was pregnant once and this guy about 5 feet to one side of me let his dog way out on the leash & it ran directly in front of me. I had to stop on a dime not to be tripped. He didn’t even apologize, even when he saw my 8-month preggo baby bump!!
I love that you led off with the fact that you can’t spit. 🙂
I used to be an early morning runner too but not so much after the kids. But I’m trying to get back into early morning running, especially with how hot and muggy it’s been lately!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted…38 Lessons in 38 Years
Yup, this time of year, if it’s not early morning then I’m much more likely to go the treadmill route & you know how I feel about that. I wish there were more trails in the forest in Prospect Park, because it’s always so much cooler in there than on the loop.
You know what’s funny, when I was editing this, I thought, ‘maybe I should put the spitting somewhere in the middle…’ but since it was the first thing I thought of to runfess about, I figured I’d leave it. 😉
Well I grew up on a farm and let’s just say I can TOTALLY spit. We used to have spitting contests, in fact. With cherry pits and with water. I’m so proud. LOL
You are so right about the runner/momma guilt but I have to say it turns to all pride as they get older. Now that my 10-year-old can actually do training runs and races WITH me it’s super cool. I love that we are setting an example of an active lifestyle.
jan recently posted…Running Doubles
You should be proud! I want your skill!! 😉
That’s so wonderful that your 10 year old can run with you now! I love it, I definitely am looking forward to those experiences with Roman.
Oh man, you’re not the only one with runner’s rage. I ran behind a family that just moseyed down the path, obliviously taking up the entire walkway. One of them turned around and saw me coming and still didn’t move! I was so ticked, I intentionally pounded my feet harder and took little tiny steps right behind them until there was room to run by them. They never did move. Gah!
Loved your runfessions! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Whitney recently posted…Pacific Crest Half Marathon Recap 2014
Yes! I do that with my feet as well! And sigh really loudly! What is wrong with people??
LOL – you can’t spit? Does it just look like a gloppy mess? LMFAO! Ohhhh well, you got to do, what you got to do when you’re running!
GiGi Eats recently posted…Traversing Los Angeles with Stacy! #ChevyFitTrip
It kind of sprays out in every direction except where I’m aiming! ha ha. And it takes me about three attempts just to get any of the spit out of my mouth. I look like an old man spluttering. It’s awesome to behold.
I like this post so much I may have to tag along and post some Runfessions myself! Here’s a fun one of mine: I tinkle … Just a little … If I’m running super hard. Something about birthing a child and my bladder never recovered lol!! And I totally get the runners rage thing…oh yes. Glad I stumbled across your blog. A new reader and look forward to following! Oh yeah, and as far as shoes, I log mine at DailyMile 🙂
Jess@Flying Feet in Faith recently posted…Wisdom Wednesday: Are You An Overachiever?
Oh yay, I’m glad you found my blog! 🙂 You should look up this product called Just Go Girl – I interviewed the founder and she is super awesome and makes a product just for female athletes who tinkle a little! 😉