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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / january runfessions: staying in focus

january runfessions: staying in focus

January 27, 2023      13 Comments

I’m not going to lie. January has been hell. Absolute hell. I am a positive person, but not even my positivity can turn this month around.

For this month’s trip to the runfessional, let’s join up with Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

runfessions

I runfess…

That running has taken a huge back seat the last few weeks. Is it ok? Yes. But when my miles drop and I’m already overwhelmed, I spiral into a bit of discouragement. I rely so heavily on my runs to stay grounded and calm, so when they get bumped, I struggle.

I runfess…

That I had every intention to do an entire month of strength training, thanks to the 30 day plan I won, but with everything going on, I was only able to get in a few days. Again, this feels like failure, even though I know it’s not. I have all the workouts, so I can just pick up when I am ready but I hate the interruption of momentum.

I runfess…

That we are going to be making an adjustment in our diet and eating, due to events from this last month. It’s not a radical change (I know I post a lot of tacos and doughnuts, but we do eat at home a lot, and I cook a lot of fairly healthy things), but it’s a lot of attention to portions and nutrients, which is hard for me. The numerical value of food is very triggering to me, so there are a lot of deep breaths and remembering all my reasons why. I am stronger than this, no matter how daunting it seems in the moment.

I runfess…

That I’ve missed posting but I needed the break. Between the huge scare this month, new carpet, deadliness and all the other responsibilities something had to give. But I think I’m back, and I’m happy to be a part of the action again.

I runfess…

That the pugs have been so funny. They have brought so much joy to me when times have been hard. This was taken as I was trying to tie my shoes to go for a run, and Leonidas wasn’t having it. Look at his eyes.

What are you runfessing today?

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Comments

  1. Wendy says

    January 27, 2023 at 11:49 am

    I’m glad you see you coming out of this month on the positive side. So happy that things are getting better. Now you can get back to a routine and that always feels good. Our pups sure are a comfort, aren’t they? Hang in there.

    Reply
  2. Darlene S. Cardillo says

    January 27, 2023 at 12:28 pm

    Looks like things are in the upswing.

    Hope things continue as such and you can return to running and blogging. I know you love both.

    Reply
  3. Deborah Brooks says

    January 27, 2023 at 12:32 pm

    You have had a challenging month for sure. One thing at a time. Small changes everyday and every week. You got this.

    Reply
  4. Coco says

    January 27, 2023 at 12:44 pm

    I’m so sorry for all you are dealing with, but know you have the strength and support to cope, even if it’s hard — and it will be. Glad the pugs are bringing you joy – that’s essential!

    I get your comment about food numbers being triggering. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do, but maybe once you figure out a general meal plan you won’t need to do math in the kitchen.

    (((Hugs)))

    Reply
  5. Michelle says

    January 27, 2023 at 1:47 pm

    You really have had a hell of a challenging month! I love that last photo with Leonidas – pets always have a way of knowing when we need comfort. I’m glad things are ending better and I continue to send you hugs.

    Reply
  6. Jenny says

    January 27, 2023 at 2:12 pm

    Jenn, I know exactly what you mean about food. I can’t get too strict about tracking it because it leads me to a very bad place. But “intuitive eating” doesn’t work for me either because then I find myself eating lots of pretzels and bagels. I’ve been counting grams of protein this month and it’s going well, but eventually I want to stop counting and have it be more automatic. Anyway, good luck with your food goals- and if something isn’t working for you, stop and try it a different way. And, I hope you’re able to focus more on running now- I also get really down if I can’t run.

    Reply
  7. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    January 27, 2023 at 3:28 pm

    Poor Leo! And poor you! You know I totally get it. Luckily I rely much more on meditation & Yoga for stress relief, but I need to move too. Still it’s a time to give yourself grace and congratulate yourself for all that you do DO, & that’s a lot.

    Just ease back into running as you’re able. Fresh air always helps, too!
    Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Welcome 2023! Runfessions January 2023My Profile

    Reply
  8. Erica @ Erica Finds says

    January 27, 2023 at 4:31 pm

    Sending good vibes for a better February and beyond. And be proud of all of the things you have done well this month in spite of the challenges.

    Reply
  9. Marcia says

    January 27, 2023 at 11:04 pm

    I’m so glad to see you back in the blog world! I hope it gives you a needed break from the stressors of life right now. Glad you’re leaning into running for stress relief as well. Sending all the positive vibes your way.

    Reply
  10. Kimberly Hatting says

    January 27, 2023 at 11:58 pm

    Sorry for all the stress this month (my January was kind of a bust as well), but the best we can do is just breathe and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Thinking of you and the family and sending hugs your way.

    Reply
  11. Jessie says

    January 28, 2023 at 5:47 pm

    oh those pugs 🙂 Such sweeties. Dogs really do help during the tough times. I have vivid memories of the time of my mom’s passing of me lying in bed snuggling both pups.

    I am sorry to hear about the scare and sending you strength to stick with the new plan.

    Thinking of you.

    Reply
  12. Teresa says

    January 29, 2023 at 12:44 am

    New to your blog and just making my return to blogging. Running also keeps me grounded. I am currently recovering from ankle surgery and been unable to run. I’ve been working really hard this year on being kinder to myself and allowing myself to rest and heal.

    I hope to join in on next week’s FFF. I’m trying to figure this thing out. I’ve blogged in the past, but it’s been a really, really long time.

    Reply
  13. Shathiso says

    January 31, 2023 at 9:02 am

    I know how tough this month has been for you and so happy to see you sounding positive even if it’s hard. Running is always the thing that takes a backseat when things get rough on my end – but exactly like you have said here, I need it to stay grounded and focused. Good luck with the adjustments to diet/nutrition. You’ve got this.

    Reply

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Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have a grumble of pugs, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!

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