I initially thought I had nothing to runfess for such a short month, but then the February runfessions started pouring in.  So buckle up for a sole-bearing read.  (I runfess I love run puns).  Linking up with Marcia for February runfessions and Fairy Tales and Fitness for the Friday five.

I runfess that I have been hitting the snooze button more than ever this month.  Man, I can’t seem to get enough sleep lately.  In fact, I’ve taken at least one nap every week for the month.  The last time I napped that much was college! I suspect the culprit is running.  I’m in the middle of the biggest training cycle build that I’ve had since last July before my injury.  50 mile plus weeks for the last three weeks… but you’d think that after one 50 mile and three 50k training cycles that I would be used to this mileage.

I runfess that I’ve been mentally struggling on runs.  As most of you readers know, I am on Nike’s Windrunners team here in Chicago. I’ve been trying to race 5ks in order to meet the new team time standard.  So far, I am zero for three.  In my workouts, I’ve been struggling to hit the paces. Physically, I know that I can, but mentally, oooooh man that’s a different story.  I psych myself out in the middle of a workout and end up completing them only about 80%.  Once in February, I got so upset I cried a bit.  I think I’ve found a solution – written out affirmations – but my mental game is something I need to practice more this coming month.

I runfess that gratitude really is the best attitude.  Inspired by my friend Melissa, I have been logging daily gratitude memories for the entire month of February.  Over the course of the month, my perspective has shifted.  I don’t know exactly what it shifted FROM, but I can say that I find myself seeing the good everywhere now.  It’s made me happier, smile more and appreciate people more.

I runfess I am dancing with excitement about my upcoming trip.  In March I am heading out to Expo West again with Erica.  I can’t wait to see some familiar brands, meet new ones, and sample a bunch of yummy vegan food.  Not to mention the warm California weather!  There will be some interesting trends this year – CBD oils, mushroom infused products, and sustainable products to name a few.  But, honestly, what I am looking forward to most, is also spending time with my dad.  He planned a business trip to coincide with my trip.  We’ll get to spend at least a day together in LA and he’s already asking me what vegan restaurants we should try.

I runfess that I might be too busy.  Earlier this month, I had a conversation with an athlete I coach.  We had a target goal race for the spring, but he kept signing up for race after race that made it way too difficult (and too dangerous) to effectively do it all.  I told him he needed to edit down what he wanted to do.  Fast forward a few days when I was talking with a friend about everything that I do.  Coaching, blogging, Becca Bites and other food orders, my own training, studying for a personal training certification, dreams of writing a recipe book… all on top of a full time job!  My friend said that I need to edit myself, and I heard my own advice echoing.  So, I haven’t thought of a solution yet, but it might be editing time.

Your turn!  What are your February runfessions?  Have you ever kept a gratitude journal?  Do you have any upcoming trips?  How do you balance all you want to do with all that you have to do? 

Happy running,

Becca