Sunday, August 14, 2016

Can't Stop, Won't Stop!

Hot enough for you? This week, Mother Nature unleashed a fury of scorching, steamy weather on top of what has been an already hot summer for us Midwesterners. While a few weeks back I wrote a post about embracing the summer heat, loving these conditions is a challenge for even the most summer loving of us!

But you know the mantra: the weather might be hot but the workouts don't stop!

Ok, I just made that up.

But truly, the workouts haven't stopped. I just can't, you know....




The Workouts
Interestingly, after I wrote that very well received post about considering not running, I got in 3 runs this week. Make that 3 pain-free runs. Yes, my PF seems to be, once again, calming down. The weather conditions have forced me to slow down my pace and that leads to less strain on the foot. I was able to complete 5 miles with each run, and I'm hoping that this upcoming week will have a few more miles. I want to thank everyone who read and commented on that post--who knew that so many of us were feeling the same way? I always say that the support of this community is amazing.

But you knew I could never give up running, right?


On two of those runs, I stopped at the playground to do my upper body workouts--again, those hollow hangs, scapular pull ups, body rows, and this week I added some body swings from the parallel bars. Dare I say things are getting a little easier? Although you wouldn't know that from the look on my face:

Deceptively tough!
I only got to the yoga studio once this week, but I did do that SeaWheeze 2014 video at home. I've been feeling really stiff this week--Mother Nature, I'm looking at you--it's almost as if I need my joints oiled! WD40, anyone? My studio class on Friday was again taught by a sub. While the class was good, the instructor was a little bit....how do I say this...let's just say, she made comments such as: "oh you guys aren't afraid to use props, that's great" and "I was going to do a different arm balance, but I don't think you guys are ready for it". Afterward, she came up to me to tell me she normally teaches a more "athletic class". Isn't yoga about the light in me honoring the light in you?


Saturday, I took the bike out for a solo 30 mile ride on my favorite route. Although it was humid, it was cloudy, which kept the temperatures down to a tolerable level. It was breezy and I headed out into a pretty strong headwind. On the way home, I had the wind at my back and had a 3/minute mile! Yes, I was flying!


Does dog walking count as working out? Cocoa and I get out for a 2-ish mile walk almost every night after dinner. I've never walked any of my cockers, but out of all the pups I've had, she's my most energetic. She's also a little shy, almost skittish, and I'm working on socializing her. She's doing great! I bring along treats for people to feed her and that seems to be helping. A few weeks ago, her tail was down and she wouldn't even approach people. There was a little growling too. Now she will sniff their hand and the tail is wagging. She's also approaching other dogs, cautiously. I'm really pleased. She also had her first grooming, which was a challenge. But when I picked her up, she was preening. She's cute and she knows it...

Exhausted after our 2 miler. It's a ruff life.

Life
Matthew had his surgery on Thursday and he's doing great! I expected him to be in a lot of pain, but the pain has been minimal. He's on crutches until we see his surgeon in a week, and then hopefully he can start walking again. I'm relieved. He's talking rugby. We'll see...

I've been watching the Olympics. This morning I watched the women's marathon. I was happy to see Shalane and Desi take 6th and 7th, but wouldn't it have been nice to see them 1st and 2d? Still, I loved Desi's smile when she spotted Shalane waiting at the finish for her. That's running at it's best. My absolute favorite event is the women's gymnastics. Overall, the athleticism is incredible. Simone Biles is amazing. But I have to admit that I had tears when Aly Raisman finished her floor routine! I can't believe I cried--but something in her performance touched me. How about Michael Phelps? My favorite moment was when he beat his rival in the 200m butterfly. And showed that jerk in lane 1 what winning is all about. I loved all the memes that came out of that encounter, but my favorite is this emoji:

If you don't know what this is all about, you can chase this link to find out.
I hosted my first ever Instagram giveaway--I'm giving away Tailwind stick packs. Tomorrow is the last day, so head over to my IG page to enter. It's easy! 


And finally, I'm on a podcast! Denny Krahe, who writes the blog at Diz Runs, interviewed me a few weeks ago. I was a little reluctant to participate--I don't think I'm the same league as some of the other folks he's interviewed, but I listened to my interview and I think I held my own. It was pretty fun, too! He's super easy to talk to. If you get a chance to listen, let me know what you think! By the way, Denny also interviewed Elizabeth Clor, who is the author of this month's book club selection. If you want to learn more, you can check out her interview as well!


So what's new in your world? Getting your workouts in? How are you managing in the heat? What's your favorite Olympic event?

I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap as well as Angela and Ilka on their Sunday Fitness and Food Link Up!





84 comments :

  1. Wendy - I never leave your blog without being inspired by your discipline and training. #cantstopwontstop is definitely your motto! Way to Go!

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  2. Glad your PF is calming down! This weather is crazy. I am happy to run in any conditions at this point, but even stepping outside I start sweating. Glad to hear the surgery went well! And congrats on being interviewed on the podcast- I listen to DizRuns but have fell behind since I haven't been running much.

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    1. I hear you on the weather--I really wanted to quit on my run this morning but instead I just slowed way down and plowed through. I think I got this...

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  3. I don't think I have a favorite event, I love a lot of things (I can live vicariously through them) and unfortunately I've had plenty of time to watch everything too. I guess if you're going to be sick, a hot, humid, rainy week isn't a bad week to pick -- other than the fact that I have to keep going out with the dogs and most of the time I REALLY didn't want to.

    I've always walked my dogs. I think it's so important for them. And they have all loved their walks too! Of course, I think the stress of getting it all done, so many nights of interrupted sleep, are all part of what left me so worn out and vulnerable to this darn virus.

    So good job with Cocoa!

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    1. You know those lazy cockers! That's what makes them the perfect dog for me. Cocoa is really spirited tho--she's hilarious--but needs a lot of firm handling. She's doing pretty well. Fingers crossed.

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  4. That's so cool you got to be on a podcast! I love listening to podcasts so the thought of actually BEING on one sounds like fun! I haven't watched a single second of the Olympics. I hate sports. How unAmerican of me, right?? The heat... oh man. It is slowing me down but it's not stopping me!

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    1. What? You, a runner, hate sports? That's so surprising! Guess it's not for everyone.

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    2. I'm always looking for people to chat with on the show Megan. If you're interested, drop me a line and I'll give you the scoop!

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  5. Walking the dog totally counts! I walk one of mine nearly every day if they haven't been out for an adventure during the day. It's a slower pace, however it is time on your feet plus the dog loves it and what a better way for socializing a skittish pup! The yoga instructor, wow, I've run across more than a few like that lately, makes me really not want to try and find another class that fits with my schedule. I like the swimming and diving the best, I'm not at all adept in the water, I watch in awe. Glad your PF is settling down and yeah pace makes a difference, I figured this out recently with my own issues.

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    1. I always do yoga with the thought of "check your ego at the door". That instructor clearly thought she was above teaching our class. It was strange.

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  6. Super congrats on the podcast - I cannot wait to listen to it!

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  7. Yay for pain-free runs! Glad you're getting back out there. I've been loving the Olympics, though it did cause me a few hours of lost sleep! I fell asleep during the marathon, I really thought Desi was going to take it!

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    1. I hoped she or Shalane would put the pedal to the metal, but those ladies in front were just too fast!

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  8. Go Wendy!!! Way to rock out the workouts, change a dog's life for the better, star in a podcast... WOW! I totally know what you mean about my joints needing to get oiled. Weird that the sub yoga instructor was making those little comments but clearly you all showed her you know what the deal is! Walking Cocoa TOTALLY counts as a workout.

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    1. Haha, you make it sound like I did something big...lol! I'm just happy the pup is behaving herself and that Matthew is feeling better. Those workouts are the icing on the cake.

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  9. I always described my knee pain as All I need is a little WD40 squirted in there and I'd be good to go!
    I'm so glad to read you foot is calming down and the news on Matthew is great! I'll be doing a lot more walking with my dogs starting this Stepbet challenge! OMG what have I gotten into! Fitbit set me at over 17000 steps 4x and over 21,000 2x a week.... Holy Cow!

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    1. Yikes--I'm glad I don't have a FitBit. It's bad enough with my Apple Watch nagging me to stand up every hour!

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  10. I hope you pumped Diz so we can fire up our podcast! ;) Yikes I had a catty spin instructor once but I never heard of a yoga instructor like that. Geez. Glad to hear Matthew is doing well. More gymnastics tonight!

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    1. I totes thought of you...this was a pretty good prep for what it's like. We need to talk....

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  11. Yay for some pain-free runs! I have been loving the Olympics too - watch is starting to wreak havoc with my sleep! Hope you get another week with PF staying quiet.

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  12. I haven't been as interested in the Olympics as I have in the past. I'm not sure why that is.... You've been busy!

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    1. I'm not sure why you've been less interested either! It's been fun to watch!

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  13. Glad the PF is on the DL for now ;-) Oh the Olympics! Simone....I just cannot believe her talent. Obviously, the gymnastics has my attention, specifically the balance beam. Total (graceful) beasts those balance beam gals are. I have an appreciation for swimming, too, given all the meets we've been to for our son. And Mo....OMG...that tumble and still a 10K gold!

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    1. Yep, Matthew and I have been watching gymnastics male and female. And rugby too. It's like a torture treatment for him..

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  14. Wow, you have a lot going on this week for sure! Congrats on the podcast! As a parent of teens who've gone through some tough times, I really am happy for Phelps comeback this year.

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    1. I was happy to see him do so well. Seems like he's really grown up. It gives me hope, especially for my oldest...

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  15. Nice to hear a positive from someone on this tropical heat wave--pain free running! We take our dog for a walk every time he has to do his business, and when we first adopted him he was terrified. Taking him on all these walks and in all social situations has been great for him. He's so confident & friendly now!

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    1. I didn't go tonight--we're all so tired, but we do try to get out as much as we can! It really seems to be the best thing for her!

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  16. So happy to read you had several pain-free runs!!!! Fantastic! That yoga teacher??? WTH? I think she needs to go back to yoga school and remember what she is teaching! I also love that you are on Denny's podcast. I cannot wait to listen. He is such a great host and guy and I'm sure you held more than your own :-) Hope your son continues to improve and recover too. Have a great week!

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    1. If it weren't for you and Susie, I wouldn't have been on the podcast! What are friends for?

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  17. I'm so happy that Denny finally wrangled your for his podcast. I told him to do so long ago, and I was like... maybe she didn't want to? Glad that you are having some improvement, as is your son. These stupid fickle bodies. It is probably just as well that the yoga teacher pulled back... you might have injured your inner light... (lol)

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  18. I should probably be embarrassed how proud proud proud I am for a discomfort in my yoga practice this month. it has been years.
    Did I mention I'm proud?

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  19. How fun to get to be on a podcast, you are practically famous now! I will have to check it out! I dont think I could ever quit running either. I just love it all so much. Hopefully all my body parts go along agreeably!

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  20. WOOOPPPP for pain free runs! So happy for you!!!! I've been loving the Olympics too.

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  21. I'm impressed with your parallel bars! Just like Simone Biles...if she were in the men's competition and got to compete on parallel bars!

    And I've been watching tons of Olympics too! My favorite is the swimming (I was a swimmer growing up) and, instead of my Monday reading update, I did a "best of" 2016 Olympic swimming post. Back to reading next week!

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    1. I can't even imagine doing what those gymnasts do! I get nervous just swinging my legs.

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  22. The weather here in DC has been unbearable. Yesterday we had a real feel of 110 degrees. We stayed indoors all day. It sucked, lol. Glad to hear your PF is calming down and that you got some runs in, definitely good for the running soul. I haven't run outside in forever. The hubby is gone A LOT so I'm stuck on the mill unfortunately (as usual). I'm going to be in for a rough surprise when I have to run a hilly Ragnar next month after being stuck on it for so long!! Very cool about the podcast! I'll give it a listen!!

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    1. I really miss reading your blog--I have no clue what you're up to these days! Good luck on Ragnar!

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  23. I was casually watching the Olympics until Friday. When track and field starts, my attention is on that. I ended up watching the women's marathon on the live stream because they didn't go to commercials at all. It's such a tactical race and I want to see it all.

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    1. I saw the marathon on network TV and they cut to commercials pretty frequently. So annoying!

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  24. I was in awe of Phelps when he SMOKED everyone else in the 200 meter medley. SMOKED. I'm glad to her Matthew is doing well. I know he is tired of dealing with his leg all summer. A 3 minute mile is fantastic on the bike. I have to have a long downhiller to hit that. YAY for pain free runs. My fingers are crossed that they continue. Thanks for linking, Wendy!

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    1. Oh that fast mile on the bike was just perfect--with that strong Tailwind on a straightaway? It was fun!

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  25. I'm glad the surgery went well for your son! I wish him a speedy recovery... especially since he is thinking Rugby!

    That is one bitchy instructor! that is not the thing to say to a yoga class! so rude!

    Listening to the Podcast, loving it so far!

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  26. I'll have to check out the podcast. I like Denny. Haven't listened to podcast but follow him on twitter. Was also in a training facebook group with him. That's exciting that he interviewed you! I did a 28 mile bike ride this weekend. It was a great ride. Still nursing a bum knee. :-(

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    1. Denny was super nice and easy to talk to. I hope I didn't ramble too much!

      Great job on your bike ride!

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  27. Ha! And I thought I was busy! I've been loving the Olympics too, especially now that Track and Field has started (though I love Gymnastics. And Swimming. And Diving. Well, you get the idea.

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    1. I'll be sad when the Olympics were over but then football starts! Yay!

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  28. So glad to hear Matthew is doing well after his surgery. Here's to having a fully-healed kid soon!

    I've really enjoyed the Olympics, Phelps and the swimmers (SIMONE! KATIE!!) are just amazing to watch. And last night, seeing Usain Bolt win his race was awesome...speaking of memes, have you seen the one of him turning and smiling at the camera as he blows past his competitors during the semifinal? Sooooo funny.

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  29. I am really happy to hear your son is doing well. Kids are pretty darn resilient! Yay for pain free runs! That is fabulous news. I am just new to your blog but wondering how long you have battled the PF? I think I might have the early stages (?) -- kind of hard to tell, though. Did you take complete rest or just deload on the running? Ugh, athletic yoga. When I was doing yoga regularly it got to where I only went to one instructor. Everyone else sort of missed the point which I found sad. I love the Olympics. They are all so inspiring and I personally love when they do the in depth back stories on them. Almost as much as the actual competitions!

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    1. This bout with PF has lasted 9 months. The last bout, about 3 years ago, lasted a year. It really sucks. But I know that I need to work on that left kinetic chain. I don't take much time off running because it's not the issue...clearly time off helps, but the PF comes back once I resume my activity...which means I've got some work to tod!

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    2. It is hard for me to run through any pain or discomfort. I am glad this bout is settling down for you, Wendy! Ah, running...why must you make it so difficult sometimes, right?!?

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  30. I'm so ready for winter. Over this weather.

    I'm so glad the surgery was a success and that you have been able to get in some good running. I'm sure that makes everything better.

    That sub yoga instructor sounds pretty darn full of herself. There's no judgment in yoga, and she shouldn't have been projecting that negativity on her class. No way.

    Again, Cocoa is such a doll. I love her little spotted feet!

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  31. yay so glad that you got 3 runs in this week! I was definitely liking the bike better last week hoping for a better week this week.

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  32. I also cried like a baby when Aly won...congrats on the podcast!

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  33. Great to hear you are having some pain free runs! I hope it stays that way! So cool about the podcast! I will have to listen. I've been enjoying watching the Olympics too!

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    1. I'm really holding my breath here..waiting to see how much longer I can run without a flare...

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  34. So glad to hear of your pain free running! And I've been loving the Olympics as well. I was really upset over all the negative things people were saying about Gabby Douglas - how awful. But I've been so inspired by all of our athletes, particularly our women! The pup is SO precious - glad she's warming up to people!

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    1. Gabby definitely didn't seem on her game this year--she looked so unhappy! Do you think the negativity was getting to her?

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  35. I also cried after Aly Raisman's floor routine! My daughter was wondering why I was crying and told her I could feel her emotions after she finished. It was really touching.
    I like listening to podcasts so I will check out your interview - how exciting! By the way, I love the new photo banner on the blog.

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    1. Thank you! It was time for a change...I had fun working on the new blog banner!

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  36. So cool you did a podcast with Diz Runs! Great to hear your son is doing great! Hope the pain free running continues!

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  37. So glad all your workouts are going well, and I think the night walks with the pup count as both work and socializing.
    And I was a rugby player in a former life (retired at 30) we are a stubborn breed.

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  38. I am so glad you got some solid runs in this week! Maybe slowing down is the key? I have really enjoyed catching some of the olympics. Gymnastics is always my favorites but the US swimmers have been fun to watch! I need to check out your podcast, I was interviewed by ZOOMA for one of theirs and it is funny to hear myself. Hope you are having a great week!

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    1. I'm sure slowing down helps...doesn't mean I have to like it!

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  39. You are such an inspiration! I love the title of the post :-) Also, the Michael Phelps picture cracks me up. Thanks so much for joining the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-Up. Hope you had a Great Week!!! Pinned this post :-)

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  40. I love the emoji. I've never seen it. I would have loved to see Amy, Desi, or Shalane win a medal but they still did GREAT! And Michael Phelps, simply wow. I too cried after Aly did her floor routine.

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    1. It was a very enjoyable Olympics--with the exception of one swimmer...

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