Finally Coming Clean: Runfessions July 2019

~ Chocolaterunsjudy

brunfess719

I’m joining Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and at the end of this post I have what might be a surprising runfession to a lot of my readers.

I runfess . . .
I actually brought an insulated backpack to Firecracker 4 (which I left in the car, as they don’t allow that sort of thing into the building where you do packet pick up).

In that backpack was my PackIt bag (has built in gel packs — it’s genius for keeping things cold — you can buy one at my Amazon Affiliate link here). In my PackIt was:

  • My small water bottle (didn’t have to drink warm water on the run)
  • My cooling towel (they dry out wicked fast when it’s hot out!)
  • My Sqoosh (terrycloth wristlet to wipe off sweat)
  • A ziploc of ice, so I could keep everything cold while waiting for the race to start

People may have made fun of me, but they also enjoyed helping themselves to some of that ice to cool down before the race.

I runfess . . .
One of my favorite tricks to keep water cold on hot runs is to put my half filled water bottle in the freezer the night before. Then you just fill up with water the morning of, and voila! Cold water.

Except I kept forgetting to do that. So now as soon as I use one, I half fill another bottle and stick it in the freezer so at least I have one bottle of cold water waiting for me.

I do give the swimsuit two thumbs up (even while wishing the back came up a bit higher on the bottom)

I swimfess . . .
I bought one of Skirt Sports new swimsuits months ago when they were running a sale on swimwear. Little did I know the pool I swum at regularly had already closed. So there it sat, dry, mocking me.

I finally got the chance to wear it at our party/bookclub meeting last weekend. I do wish the back was not quite so low cut and the leg openings were higher up, but other than that, it was really comfortable and I would definitely recommend it — you can buy it here. You can use code SSA490Jud for 15% off most non sale items.

I runfess . . .
You’ve heard me say it a million times recently: I’m not training for any big goal race. There are several reasons for that, most of which I can’t go into on the blog presently. However, that leads me to my last and final runfession — I decided to tackle a big, hairy goal I’ve had for a long time. Something that scares me and motivates me. I signed up for it over this summer because I knew I had the time, and even though I knew it would be time consuming, it’s consumed far more of my time than I expected. It’s my last runfession for July below.

When you’re motivated and excited about something, it’s not hard to get up early and stay up late to pursue your dreams.

Didn’t want to share this photo until I shared what I’m up to

I runfess . . .
I’ve been keeping a big secret from y’all. Some readers have noted an increase in my yoga practice on this blog. In February I signed up to do my 200hr Yoga Teaching Training (or YTT as it’s known). It’s something I’ve thought about for literally years, but there was something that nudged me to finally pull the trigger.

I am roughly 2/3 through the program (which is online), and sometimes I feel as though my head will explode with all the new information I’m learning. Am I the best yogi? No, not really. There are poses I can’t do. There are poses I can. There are poses I do really well, and others I don’t do so well. Let me share a little secret with you: yoga isn’t about being the best; it is about being your best you. And not just in your yoga asana practice.

Aspiring to teach yoga does not at all mean I do it perfectly; and that isn’t the true aim of yoga anyway

I hope that I pass and can find a teaching job — it’s both nerve wracking and exciting at the same time. Much like this blog and my running, I want to show people that you don’t have to be the best at something to reap its benefits. That you don’t have to have the body of a goddess to do yoga.

I haven’t completely decided if I will fold yoga into this current blog (probably) or start a new blog. Don’t be surprised if you see more yoga cropping up into my IG (follow me here) or here on the blog.

Any big secrets you need to spill? 

What would you do if you no longer needed to work?

Ever bring some ice to a hot race?

What do you have to runfess from July? Come join us

Runfessions

I am also linking up with:

51 thoughts on “Finally Coming Clean: Runfessions July 2019”

  1. Low maintenance runner I even forgot my extra shoes after our very very muddy run last night.

    No secrets here.

    Good luck on your new endeavor.

    I want to get back to weekly yoga classes. But time $$. Ugh.

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      1. exactly..there are free classes in the summer every night but I seem to choose running instead or my friends. In fact there’s one tonight at JAI.

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      3. I knew about it. A co-worker is going and asked me to go with her. I thought of squeezing it in on the way to mah jongg but I doubt it.

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      4. Well, I will be there. One of the teachers I’ve been taking classes with trained there, so I stumbled across it as I was looking at their schedule (I don’t think she’ll be there, just trying out different places).

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  2. No big secrets here, but wow on the yoga. My fav instructor really can do the poses, but she’s not as flexible as some, and tells us when she’s including poses that aren’t her best to encourage us to just try and see what happens. All that to say I agree with you and think having a less-than perfect instructor can actually be encouraging.

    Love the suit! Wish I had a reason to buy one.

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      2. Some day I actually do hope to have some kind of online offerings, but first plan to be teaching in a regular studio/fitness center/gym. There are lots of online resources (and wish I’d actually done this earlier, before there were so many).

        My friends were all enthusiastic until I actually tried to pin them down. At least I have a friend who will be helping me with my final video!

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  5. Wow! You are rocking that bathing suit, Judy! So pretty!!! That is so cool that you are doing the yoga teacher training. I am sure you will be an excellent yoga instructor. I would come and take a class from you if I lived closer! 🙂

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  6. That is fabulous on the yoga training! You are going to be an excellent teacher. Although we have not met in real life (yet), I can see having a great yoga vibe. Congrats and look forward to hearing more about it

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    1. Aww, thanks, Deborah. As I said to someone else, I know I won’t be excellent from the get-go. It takes experience. But I do hope to become a good one eventually!

      You guys will definitely hear more about it. 🙂

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  7. Good for you! I considered yoga teacher training a few years ago. But I didn’t think my hubs would approve of the cost. I love yoga and I’m glad to see someone I know pursuing the teaching training!

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    1. It is a big investment, and that was probably the only thing that really held me back. Both in $$ and time.

      We each have money that is just for us, to spend how we like no questions asked. I’ve definitely never spent it like that before, but I really felt like the time was right. I hope I’m right!

      And I bet you’d make a great yoga teacher, too, Wendy.

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  9. When I had to do hot training runs I’d freeze full water bottles. They’d be thawed plenty by the time I needed a sip. I also load my hydration pack bladder with ice. Feels so good on my back! All the best with your yoga endeavor! That’s so exciting!

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    1. I like to drink a little every mile, so that’s why I do it half full, although I suppose I could do one full (but then I’d never remember which was which). I never thought to put ice in my hydration pack bladder, although it did keep water really cool for a really long time — good tip; I’ll remember that (I hope).

      The yoga is terrifying & exciting. 🙂 Thanks, Marcia!

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  10. Very cool that you’re doing yoga teacher training! I look forward to hearing more about it 🙂 I know I always feel better when I keep yoga as part of my routine but sadly it tends to be the first thing that gets dropped off the schedule.

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  12. Being your best you is such good advice.
    What’s the pattern in that arching pose with the blocks? I own it and have been trying to figure out what it is. It was perfect for non matching
    Congrats on pursuing the yoga instruction

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    1. I’m not sure what the name of that pattern is. Maybe ignite? I love it, but sadly I don’t love those older grippers. Plus I’m between sizes in lioness so size up — but didn’t back then. But I love the pattern.

      Boy, you’ve really gone down the rabbit hole with Skirt Sports! So easy to do. 😊

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      1. I acquired a bunch of hand me downs – some have further passed on (like a medium that wasn’t a medium that went to Darlene) but some work out. It makes shopping hard though because I don’t know what to look for. In mine It hought it was Lotta Breeze but woman on the run called out “hi gym girl!” so what do I know.

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      2. Even when you know what to look for, fit can change from year to year, even pattern to pattern. I will ask a lot on the FB groups & then still don’t always get it right.

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  13. Woot Woot! I have been practicing yoga for a year now and love it! It has helped with arthritis in my knees. Hiking, yoga, and running are my go tos. I know I should do more strength training but have a hard time fitting it in. I really hope you add yoga to your blog. I love reading your posts!

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  14. Best wishes on teaching yoga.
    I received some proposals after my retirement to work in law firms but I prefer to enjoy my time and my grandsons.
    Never brought with me water or ice during the races.

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    1. I haven’t worked for quite a few years. I won’t know until I actually teach, but I do think it’s something I’m really going to enjoy (but will actually have to find a job!).

      I just can’t run without having some water — no matter what the temperature.

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  15. Oh exciting! I love it when my yoga teacher says she has trouble with something or can’t do something; it makes me feel that’s OK for me. Best of luck with that. And I do the iced water thing, too. Bliss!

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    1. Thank you! I almost forgot to put a bottle in for tomorrow’s run, but I was doing a lot in the kitchen this afternoon so I realized I needed to do that (because we’re into another heat wave — I know you guys have been very hot, too).

      I found on yesterday’s run it stayed cold for about an hour.

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  18. That is such exciting news!! I have dabbled with the thought of pursuing some type of fitness training/coaching but it’s probably not something I’d seriously consider until hitting retirement. I would love to take one of your classes one day!

    Love the swimsuit! I haven’t donned one all summer – and now that I’m expecting, I need to purchase a one-piece, which I haven’t owned in years, lol!

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  20. I love it Judy! I think it’s great to do something you have a passion for – I wanted to do sports massage for about 15 years when I finally decided to take the plunge and do the course needed to become certified and licensed. It was scary but at the same time it gave me so much moer than just certification. It helped me truly believe that I could do anything I set my heart to. I am sure you will be a fabulous teacher!

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    1. There are still other things I want to do, too — but there’s always those $$!

      Massage school is physically so hard! I have great respect for masseuses. I hope that someday I will be a good teacher, I think it takes a fair amount of experience before you really do, but you gotta start somewhere. Thank you!

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