Happy Friday! We are back for the very first runfessions of 2024! It’s a brand new year, so lots to get out in the open!
For this month’s trip to the runfessional, let’s join up with Marcia’s Healthy Slice…
First, I Would Runfess…
That I’m on a new running schedule and it’s a little more challenging because I don’t have a buddy. Boo. I don’t mind running by myself, but sometimes, it helps to have someone there to make the miles go a little faster. It will sort out after the end of the school year, but for now, I’ve got to just suck it up.
In True January Fashion, I Runfess…
That I LOVE the colder weather. Yes, I know that it’s not as cold as everywhere else, but it’s still cold for here. And as far as running goes, it makes everything so much better. I can breathe more easily and I don’t sweat nearly as much. I will do everything in my power to wear shorts instead of leggings, but other than that, this weather can stay right here.
Now For A More Vulnerable Runfession…
I’ve shared that I have been running without intervals, up to five miles (achieved this past Monday). And it’s time to test them out in an actual race setting. So next Saturday, I’m going to attempt to run my 5K straight through and see what happens! I’m trying not to let things get in my head, but it’s kind of scary to think about changing up everything I’m used to doing. Then again, it’s also super exciting, and I can’t wait to report back, hopefully with a great new jump photo!
This Runfession Is An Ask For Advice!
So we have a 5K in New Orleans, and we will not have a car. We plan to Uber to the race venue, and I’m mildly freaking out about logistics. As far as we know, the weather will be chilly like it is now (for me, that means shorts, and a tank top with MAYBE a long sleeve over it to run). However, we will have to collect our t-shirts on race morning (no advance pickup), and there is a huge afterparty, so what if we need warmer clothes to put on afterwards to not freeze? How much gear can I collectively bring and still carry and run? Should I just walk so I can have a small backpack with our stuff? Do I ask the race staff if they will help me out and let me leave a small bag at one of their tables or tents? Does anyone else worry about this kind of thing? As it stands, I think I will just loop the race shirt in the back of my bra, tie my long sleeve around my wait, keep my ID and a bank card in my pocket, and suck it up for the rest. But it sounds clunky and annoying.
My Last Runfession Is Also An Ask
I’m on the hunt for a half marathon to do later this year. I’m not sure if it has to be in Florida, but that’s an option. I’ve already run in FL, GA, SC, NC, AL, PA, VA, CA, and MA (in no particular order), so if it’s not Florida, any thoughts on where I should run? October is out completely. It doesn’t have to be a huge or popular race, but it does have to be fun with a great vibe, cool medal, and neat city.
What are you runfessing this month?
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Good luck with your race. I have changed in the opposite direction and went from running straight to intervals. I enjoy it more and I think I am faster that way. But we’re all different.
I carry a smart wallet with my credit card medical card and it’s in one pocket. My car key in another. If it’s cold I wear a shirt and tie it around my waist. But I do hate that. Yes I’ve brought a bag and stored somewhere near the finish but no valuables.
NYS is not there. What month are you interested in?
I too need a buddy. She won’t be back until June. I do have company on the weekends.
I can usually go with minimal stuff. We won’t have car keys, so I’ll just put my ID, credit card, and hotel key in may pocket, carry my phone in my hand, and will have a shirt around my waist for sure. It’s going to be colder, but I’ll probably be in shorts. It will be fine. We don’t have to stay long.
NYS is not on the list. I really want to do Wineglass, as others have said, but it’s during Bandtober, and so I might not be able to make it happen for two years.
SO no gear check at the race? Sounds like you could carry what you need. Maybe a little clunky but doable if you’re not really “racing”. In Ireland we got lost and made it to the 5k after it had already gone off so I ran with a whole backpack of my stuff. It was not optimal but it was fine.
I would not love to have to run with a backpack! There was a young woman running with one of those belt bags, and it kept bouncing… it would have driven me nuts!
Maybe DIY arm warmers (cut-off knee socks)? Those you can roll down if you get too warm & then still have them for afterwards.
Great idea!
Good luck with your straight-through 5k, Jenn!
When you’re at the starting line, try to see the route as 5 kilometres, not 3 miles. Just take one kilometre after the next without pressuring yourself.
You can do it!!
But 5 is more than 3! LOL! I was absolutely chopping it all up into blocks in my mind. It worked.
Most races have a bag check where you can leave your warm ups and clothes for afterwards. I guess that’s not a thing in Florida?? But it is here for sure! If not, you can always stow a string bag at a tent or table.
You can definitely do the 5K w/o walks. Just start a bit slower than you may usually and build pace as you go. You got this!
We have gear check for longer races, but not for 5Ks. This will be Louisiana so I don’t know what they do.
I did walk a few times during today’s race. It was 9AM, hot as heck, full sun, and on a big bridge (which I wasn’t expecting). But I also got negative splits and it was a great time compared to how I’ve been running the last few years. It’s all moving in the right directions.
Luckily most of the races I go to are local races and are put on by Run Toledo, of which I am a part of. So leaving a bag under the packet pickup table is not a big deal! But that’s definitely something to think about. I think most races would be cool about allowing you to leave a bag under a table.
Good luck on your race! You got this 🙂
I can make my husband ask lol! I guess it can’t hurt!
There are a ton of great fall half races. I loved Maine and the Wine Glass Half in Corning, NY. For your race, is there no gear check? I have left a bag by a tree or fence with my race shirt and a throw away layer before. I think you will be surprised at your race next week how great you do! Have fun
It was a good race this morning. I was so happy!
I don’t think there is gear check! I haven’t reached out, but it’s just a local 5K, and so many of those don’t. that being said, they have announced an early packet pickup, so that takes care of half the problem.
I wish I had raced in Maine while we were there. Oh well. I’ll just have to go back. It’s so pretty there.
Good luck with your race – can’t wait to hear how running without intervals goes!
Like Deborah, I was going to suggest Wine Glass – it’s been on my “must run” list for a while, I’ve just never been able to make the date work. I’ve heard nothing but good things.
So… honestly… I didn’t set my intervals, BUT the course involved a bridge, so I just walked and ran between the light posts. That being said, I ran negative splits with a time much closer to my pre-broken-ankle time and that felt so good.
I would love to do Wineglass, but it’s during Bandtober… So that might have to wait.
Yes, I’m going to agree with a couple commenters that you could probably leave a bag (with no valuables, of course) under a table or something. No one is going to take it. It’s probably better than trying to run with all your stuff. Good luck! I agree the cooler weather makes running SO much easier. I bet you’ll do great.
I never would have thought to do that. I’ll have to see if there’s anything I wouldn’t mind stashing.
It sounds like you’ve got a good plan for carrying your items during the race so I’d say stick with that. I wouldn’t have thought of tucking the race shirt through the back of my bra – that’s a great idea.
Wishing your a fun time at your 5K. You’ve got this!
They just sent an email saying that they have early packet pickup now, so we will do that! I’m glad, because I HATE carrying things!
I’m so excited for you for your 5k race! Can’t wait to hear about it. I used to run with two of my friends but since I’ve moved I’ve been running by myself. I would definitely love to meet one or two people around my pace to run with!
And leave a bag! It will be fine! That’s going to be a fun trip!
It’s really nice to have someone to run with. I always liked running alone because I’m slow and hate to hold people back, but then I got used to having people around. I hope you can find someone!
I echo everyone else, wondering if they will have a gear check, but also being willing to stash a bag somewhere with clothes I wouldn’t mind losing. Regardless, I hope you have a great race!
I have gotten so used to run/walk intervals with my rehab, I wonder if I’ll ever be able to run a mile straight again.
I think if you want to, you will. I have done intervals for more than 10 years!
So they did just inform that they will have pickup the day before, so that’s a plus. Now, it’s just a matter of having something warm to wear afterwards, but I’m in a better position than I was when I wrote this post.