It’s the last Friday of the month and nearly All Hallows Eve–the perfect time to gather at Marcia’s runfessional and cleanse our souls soles before we head into November. It may come as no surprise to those who know me, but I’ve got some obstinate October runfessions this month.
Also join me in the Fit Five Friday Link-Up with Darlene, Michelle, Renée, Jenn, and Zenaida.
Deborah and I will be hosting the November Ultimate Coffee Date next weekend. We’ll open the (link-up) doors Friday November 4th, and keep the coffee brewing.
Obstinate October Runfessions
You’ve seen mention of it in my Weekly Wraps, but I still need to runfess that my left hip flexor is not a happy camper runner. I guess the real runfession is that I still haven’t done anything about it—except keep my runs to alternate days and buy a big bottle of extra-strength Tylenol. 🤦♀️ The problem is that it doesn’t hurt while I’m running—it’s one of those things that flares up later. It also doesn’t seem to be getting worse. It’s just not getting better.
I decided to dust off the PT exercises I was prescribed the last time I had an issue with my hip flexor (back in December of 2018). I runfess I don’t even remember doing some of these!
I runfess I still haven’t found my dark o’clock running mojo. I’ve been doing the Matt Wilpers training program, and it’s so much easier to do the prescribed workouts on my treadmill anyway. This week I was pressed for time and decided to run with Scooby, but even though the weather was pleasant, I didn’t really enjoy running in the dark.
With all Scooby’s stops, I couldn’t run hard enough to feel like it was a tough workout, but I couldn’t relax enough for it to feel like an easy run. I have a good headlamp, but it still takes more attention to avoid uneven sidewalks and slippery leaves in the dark.
That said, I runfess I bought four pairs of black leggings last weekend, so I better get myself out the door this winter! I was on a quest to replace my favorite pair, but when I couldn’t find quite the same thing I ended up buying four different styles. I runfess I think I can get away with wearing some of them to work—and they all have pockets.
Have you had a hard time replacing a favorite piece of running gear?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
I am not a fan of running the dark either, but a runner’s gotta do, right? One time, during marathon training, I was running the 2 mile path around the retention pond when I heard a ‘whoosh’ and realized it was a person on rollerblades! In the dark? How scary is that?
I love getting new gear, lol. No difficulties there.
Yikes on the rollerblader! My husb bike commutes in the dark but has a big headlight.
Sorry about your pain. I can see if you can run, you would. Hope it doesn’t get worse.
I agree. I have not run before work because it’s dark. Very sad. I just can’t get out the door.
Maybe I need new tights. Lol
I still think you should have my Doc look at your hip flexor…No, I never have a problem finding leggings. I runfess I have a ridiculous amount of leggings but rarely wear black ones. I like a printed legging and solid shirt. Happy to be your personal shopper anytime! In person shopping date?
I do not like running in the dark either. You gotta love leggings with pockets….yay!!
I have lots of colorful leggings, but they don’t do double duty for work — unless I’m working at home. 😉
Your hip flexor sounds like my hamstring- just bad enough to be a problem but not bad enough to actually stop running. Those PT exercises look really good- I hope you can resolve the issue.
I agree about the dark running- it’s hard to get comfortable. I definitely can’t imagine doing any speed work in the dark. But Scooby needs his exercise too!
I want to come along on your shopping date with Deborah. I definitely need a personal shopper!
We’d have fun for sure!
I don’t enjoy dark runs either. The only time I ever do them is if it’s hot and I have marathon-sized miles to knock out. Headlamp or not, I don’t feel safe. Wow 4 pairs! Which ones did you get?
Hope your hip flexor calms down. That is not fun.
I’m doing the same thing with my Achilles – do the PT exercises from last time and just simply go by feel. I hope your hip flexor will get better soon!
This weekend, Europe will be switching to daylight-saving time. It will be lighter in the mornings and darker in the evenings. South Africa doesn’t switch at all – which I’m pretty happy about!
We used to change ours before Halloween, until a few years ago. I know Arizona doesn’t change clocks. Such a weird thing.
I’m actually due for some quality black leggings for “fashion,” not running. I have a tough time finding any that fit…my waist is small (so they’re never “tight” enough and the crotch sags) and I’m tall (so the length is usually “cropped” by default). I hear ya on the potential dangers of doing speedwork in the dark…those leaves hide a lot of unknowns underneath!
Hah, I have the opposite issue with leggings. The crops reach my ankles.
LOL about the leggings! But sorry about the hip flexor. 🙁
I can’t imagine running outside in the dark in Fall! Too easy to turn an ankle.
You should never feel bad about running on the mill!
Sorry your hip flexor is still giving you trouble. Mine seems to have calmed a bit since I returned to the acupuncturist, but I wouldn’t say it’s fully healed.
I’m not a fan of running in the dark either but I still feel like my hip flexor does better with outdoor runs vs. on the mill.
There can never be too many leggings 😉
I can’t figure out what I need — massage, chiro, or PT. Maybe all three!
Interesting on the mill vs. outdoors. I don’t think I’ve noticed a difference.
Same on lacking o’dark thirty mojo. I’ll get there… eventually.
Yep been there, bought that on the leggings. All crazy colors thoguh so they won’t fly for work.
My IT Band says hello to your hip flexor. Can they both just beHAVE?
Hah! I enjoy wearing my bright patterns working from home. I even pair them with nice enough tops. 😉
My hip flexor and your IT band need to settle down so we can get on with our running!
Yes, yes they do.
And absolutely – WFH wardrobe is like a mullet. Business on top, party pants.
Usually, I just wear super basic things so replacing gear isn’t much of an issue.
I don’t mind dark runs. I’ve just been a little more tired and anxious than usual which makes it hard to get up and going.