january runfessions

It’s the last Friday of the month, which means it’s time for Runfessions with Marcia’s Healthy Slice!

Let’s get started:

I runfess: This training cycle has got me exhausted.

Don’t get me wrong: it’s the good kind of exhaustion. However, waking up at 4:30 AM five days a week isn’t easy, and I am definitely dragging by 8:30 at night. That being said, I know that my running will improve with cross training, and I will be stronger, more efficient and hopefully less prone to injury if I continue doing what I’m doing.

I am just going to appreciate my rest days a lot more than I used to.

I runfess: That massage really did me a world of good.

Back in October, I had my first massage in more than a decade. I just don’t enjoy them and they make me very uncomfortable. However, with my hip chattering loudly at me every time I ran, it seemed a prudent measure to take, and when the opportunity for a sports massage came up at a Girls’ Spa Weekend, I took it.

The experience was not wholly negative (it was all very professional and serene and all that), but my takeaway was an end to that chatter. Since that day, I haven’t had a single twinge or hitch in my right hip, which means I’m going to have to be more regular about my massage sessions.

I runfess: I don’t love running alone as much as I used to.

I used to very much a lone wolf. I could handle running in a group, but I was much more comfortable on my own. In the last few months, that has changed, and now the idea of going out alone is much more of an unappealing burden. I do it sometimes because it has to be done, but I would much rather be in good company.

I runfess: My eating has been much healthier.

I don’t really follow a strict nutrition plan, nor do I pay much attention to ingredients or calories or anything like that. I cook a lot of pretty balanced meals at home, we all pack lunch and we don’t purchase a ton of processed stuff. Lately, my body has been craving more protein and fruits and veggies. I’m going with it. I’ve been more hungry, but I’m managing it with smaller, nutrient-dense meals and snacks, and the overall results have been great. I’m hoping that the healthier habits stick around.

It’s been a pretty fabulous January and 2018 is off to a great start, fitness-wise. I’m hopeful to continue with this momentum and make the next 11 months something really amazing.

What do you have to runfess this month?