Things I'm Wondering Lately

How does prednisone affect my runs? My allergies have been really awful, so I'm back on a course of prednisone along with my usual nasal sprays and various allergy medications. Technically prednisone is a steroid (it's a corticosteroid, to be exact), so I sometimes wonder if it has any effect on my running at all. Not in the way anabolic steroids would...it certainly doesn't build muscle. But maybe it helps me feel fresher and recover faster because of the anti-inflammatory effects?

It's definitely making it hard to sleep, which made me put off my long run last Sunday morning. Blah.

When we're talking about effort during a run, do we mean the effort of our legs or our lungs? During Friday's run, I felt I was pushing myself but the pace was comfortably doable. I was breathing fine, but holding a conversation might have been a little difficult. My legs felt great except for some aches from squats Thursday. In total, the run felt moderately tough over-all, but what am I really supposed to judge it by?

Running in and out of sprinklers meant my pace was all over the place, but generally this run felt effortless and challenging!

Is it better to be a person who walks away from conflict, or someone who consistently speaks up? I've fallen into the latter category for ages now, and sometimes I think it's best to be the bigger person and let things go. But I also think that people (especially women) who choose that route end up looking weak, even if their intention was to be strong. In today's political climate, I can't help but be vocal because I feel like sitting quietly won't exact change. Maybe speaking up won't exact change either, but at least I can say I'm trying.

This guy called me a chump and followed up with worse in the next tweet. I chose not to respond; I'm worried he thinks he "won", but what's the point of engaging with someone like this?

When will I start to feel like an adult? Then again, does anyone ever really feel like an adult? Like they have it all together? On the same topic, is it bad that I feel the most adult when I'm spending money on furniture and home appliances? That's totally society, socialization, and conspicuous consumption/marketing getting into my head, isn't it?

Do I take too many selfies? I like recording my runs and workouts on Instagram for myself and for the support I get, but I don't want to come across as self-involved! I mean, really, though...what is a post-workout selfie if not self-promotion and involvement at its finest?

Followup: Is it a selfie if other people are in it? Is Elizabeth equally "selfied" if she doesn't technically take any of these shots?

ETA: Interesting timing for me to have posted about this, as the selfie debate continues. I think selfies have helped me feel more comfortable in my skin and more confident. Thoughts on that?

Are my consistent workouts actually paying off? I feel really good - I'm seeing a change in my pace, stamina, and strength - but I'm not seeing much change in my body. Clothes fit pretty much the same, and I'm not noticing any more muscle definition. When will I get to look in the mirror and be like, "Oh yeah, it's paying off!"?

Do you have answers to any of these questions?
What are you wondering lately?

ABK