Sunday, January 8, 2017

Frost on My Running Shoes

 It's been a cold one here at the old TTLWH headquarters. Every morning, I vowed to run on my old ancient treadmill, but once I saw the sun starting to rise, I bundled up and headed outside into the polar vortex for my runs. 

Every damn time this week. Because the sun makes me feel warm, even on the coldest mornings.

It's been a good week of running!


I felt pretty good this week. After last week's chest pain scare, thankfully, I didn't have anything nearly as dramatic happen to me. Yes, there were some aches and pains. But overall, I was starting to feel encouraged. So much so, that I am tentatively adding another race to my spring race schedule. I do love me a 10 mile race, and the one sponsored by the Chicago Area Runners Association is a favorite of mine. It's on March 18 and it's probably going to be cold, but there's beer at the finish! I'm hoping some of my local running friends will be there too. And maybe a fellow running blogger? Stay tuned.

Becky told me about a 2 week running challenge sponsored by Strava and lululemon. The lululemon 40/80 challenge starts Monday, January 9. Run 25 miles (40km) and receive a badge and a treat. Run 50 miles (80km) and receive another badge and a bigger treat. I know I can do the 25 mile challenge. But can I do the 50? I'm going to try. I normally run about 20-22 miles/week, so I'll need to push the distance a little bit. This will be a good test of pacing for me, especially since I've been struggling with my endurance. Do you want to join me? Check it out, and while you're at it, follow me on Strava!

Speaking of Becky, we started my strength cycle this week! I did squat cleans, power cleans, and deadlifts. If I do the math right, those deadlifts were 105#, 10 reps x 5 sets. It felt great to be lifting again. As hard as this is, mentally I need this. Does that make sense? The cleans to squats are hard but I'm getting the hang of it. There was a bit of comic relief while in the middle of the cleans I asked Becky when we were starting the strength cycle. She looked at me really funny--I blame my brain dysfunction on the steroids I'm taking. Anyhow, at the end of our session, she told me that I was already at where I should be, which was affirming to both of us. Take that, RA!

I look like I've had enough! And this is just the beginning...
I asked Becky how the corticosteroids that I am taking for my RA affect my training. She said it wouldn't affect my strength but the steroids increase laxity in my joints. I have noticed that I've been much more flexible lately, particularly at yoga, and now I know why. For the first time ever, I was able to sit in Broken Toe pose, which is usually quite painful for me. This pose is so good for the feet, so I'll take this side effect as a positive! The insomnia? Not so much.

I went to 2 yoga classes in the studio this week. Carol taught both classes, and they were the same. I didn't mind, though, because when I went on Monday, we worked on Warrior 3, and that is a pose I need to work on. The style of both classes was flowing between poses, with vinyasas in between. It was challenging and I really enjoyed it. One of the flows was moving between Warrior 3 and Crane pose without touching your toe to the ground. This takes a lot of core and hip strength and by the end of class on the second day, I got it. This was a good series for me, and I'll practice it at home as well.

Warrior 3 and a giant red ball.
Yes, there was running. I got in 4 runs this week, all outdoors. It was warmer earlier in the week, but the bottom fell out on Wednesday. All but one of my runs were in sub-zero wind chills. These runs were all about the gear. I was sweating when I got home. I'm getting used to running slower than I have in the past. My legs still want to go when I first head out but my body stops that nonsense fairly quickly. I struggled on Saturday's run. It was upsetting to feel so much effort with a 4 mile run. I was determined to finish it, though, and I did. Sunday's run was completely different. Sure, it was still slower than I'm used to but it felt so much easier. Same conditions. I guess this is how it is going to be for me. I'm grateful for the ability to keep running and I need to remind myself of that with every step I take. Feel free to slap me upside the head when I start feeling sorry for myself!

Thursday's run was strong!
How was your week? Were your runs affected by the weather? Anyone affected by the cancellation of the WDW Half Marathon or the Mississippi Blues Half Marathon? Broken toe pose anyone? Who's joining me for that Strava/lululemon challenge?

I'm linking this post with Tricia and Holly for the Weekly Wrap, as well as Angela and Ilka for their Sunday Food and Fitness Linkup! Be sure to congratulate Holly on her massive PR at the WDW marathon today!



93 comments :

  1. Great week for you! I started doing a daily workout at home last week that I made up just to get myself back in action. Finally got new shoes so plan on giving them a spin tomorrow hopefully!!

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  2. You're stronger with every step forward, friend! Great week!

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    1. I'm still struggling with having to slow down. But I'm really happy with today's run. We'll see how things go next week when I try to hit 25 miles for the week.

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  3. What a week. I am amazed by all you did. I am looking forward to a warm up this week, aren't you?

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    1. It's more important than ever for me to maintain my level of fitness. I hope that going forward, I'll be able to! The warmer weather will certainly make it more pleasant!

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  4. Yay for a great week of positivity and good running. Staying healthy (mentally and physically) is going to help your body so much. I'm a big time believer in that. I've been walking home from the hospital in the cold, but it is a little different taking Ridley out--that feels way colder, lol

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    1. Just wait until the hormones kick in. You'll be your own furnace.

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  5. I love that you are back to lifting with Becky - you two make a great team. :)

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    1. The timing for this strength cycle could not have been better!

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  6. You are killing it with your workouts this week! Way to go, Wendy. You got this. The snow came came in on Tuesday morning so I was able to get my 4th day in a row of running. We got quite a bit so Wednesday I did some snow trekking and Friday I was at the pool. Finished out the week yesterday with my first indoor run of the season (#notafan). Normally it's not the cold that gets me. I can run even when it's bitter cold, but the snow/ice just are a pain -- even with my yak trax I fear falling. I did sign up for 31 days of yoga online this month so pretty much every day I have been finding time to hit the mat. It has felt good to get back into it! Keep up the great work, girl. You continue to inspire.

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    1. Ice is always a deal breaker for me. You're right, even with YakTrax, there are no guarantees with ice. The cold, I can deal with.

      I'm excited for your yoga journey! I do love it.

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  7. I will never slap you for feeling sorry for yourself. I'll drink wine with you though. The meds give you insomnia? That sucks. That photo of you doing the weights thing (I am so dumb when it comes to strength training) is so badass. I wish I could do stuff like that. I can see how strong your core is just standing there. You're amazing.

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    1. You are too kind. If only I could put up your paces or distance--I'd be so happy. But I'd be content to have wine with you.

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  8. Is that 25 miles in 2 weeks, or 25 miles per week? I could do 25 miles in 2 weeks & who doesn't want a treat?

    The polar vortex is presently visiting but will thankfully not overstay its welcome.

    I think a little feeling sorry for yourself is ok, and I hope that when you're feeling better your speed will come back too. You're certainly doing everything you can to make it happen!

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    1. You can do 25 miles in 2 weeks or 50 miles in 2 weeks. I'm down for 50--if I don't do it, I'll have 25 for sure.

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  9. Yay for being in a place where you are ready to sign up for the 10 miler! I have a race in march as well and am NOT looking forward to the weather.

    I"m gonna check out that challenge!

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  10. Glad you were able to run outside even though its been cold! Im also happy to hear your body has been cooperating pretty well. I dont mind the cold as much when I can run a little later on the weekends. During the week is a different story. I think there is going to be ice for the next couple of days thanks to some snow we got yesterday and freezing cold temps today.

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    1. The silver lining in this cold weather is that the roads and sidewalks are clear. We're supposed to warm up so that may change.

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  11. I am going to try that challenge as well. But I am little confused. I downloaded the strava app so I run with my phone in order for it to track my runs? Because I noticed it says manual entries and treadmill runs do not count?

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    1. Right. If you have a Garmin, use Garmin connect, and you can connect to Strava that way, if you don't want to run with your phone.

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  12. I am not sure what the broken toe pose is I need to go google it! So glad that you were feeling better on your runs this week. We got hit with the crazy cold temps too brrr. Thankfully I had an indoor event today!

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  13. I applaud you for running outside. Me, nope. Did my runs on the treadmill. I signed up for the challenge too. Let's see how I do.

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  14. That was a solid week! I'm desperate 5p get back to yoga at the studio I attend but it's going to be another week due to schedule conflicts. I missed my run yesterday do due life with kids and my husband working....wasn't too happy but every so often I just have to miss a run.

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  15. I finally made it outside this afternoon. Normally, Id be a cranky _itch with that much time on the 'mill...but it's my off-season ;-) I'm gonna look into that 2-week challenge...and March 18 is (probably) ON ;-)

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  16. Welcome to Strava! I've been a user for about 5 years and love it when I PR a segment that I've run dozens of times. Something tells me you'll be collecting lots of virtual trophies.

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    1. It's the first time I've used it. So many apps, so little time.

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  17. Sounds like you had a great week! I ran outside last week, too. It was fairly brutal... lol!!

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  18. After reading your post from last week it's so good to read that you were doing much better this week. Look at that jump in the picture! You're almost tickling the sky:)

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  19. My title would be "dust on my running shoes" :-) I had to run Saturday, and didn't run at all this weekend. I know what you mean about running in the cold - once you get yourself out there, it feels great - as long as it's not too windy. Glad you've got a plan to keep you motivated!

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    1. That's what I figure--once you're out there, you may as well go. Plus it takes me so long to get ready, with all the layers and what not!

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  20. oops - I meant I had to run Friday!

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  21. I'm currently sidelined with a stress fx, so I'm missing out on our best running weather of the year,(Florida) which is so depressing. I'm getting much needed encouragement from your blog and running and lifting along with you vicariously. Thank you for being such a strong role model. This stress fx can't hold me down forever! Keep up the great work, I'm following along in spirit.

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    1. Oh, you just made my day! I'm bound and determined not to let this new diagnosis of RA stop me. Altho I won't lie, I'm struggling with the slower pace. But hey, I still get to run, right?

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  22. I don't normally use Strava but I did sign up.

    It's cold but I got in all my runs outside - hate the treadmill.

    You'll be back to your speedy self in no time. And if not, just have fun. 10 miles is my favorite distance but there aren't many races of that distance. We just have one in June.

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    1. I think this Strava/lulu challenge is just what I need to put that tiger back in my tank. Let's see if I can eake out 50 miles...

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  23. Oh so that's why you followed me on Strava. Now I need to remember my password because I never use it. Did someone say treat? Lululemon treat?? I'd be all over that.

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    1. I hope there's a Lululemon treat! That's what the card says. It's probably a placebo, but it was enough for me to bite...I'm down for 50...can I do it?

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  24. Great job on your runs! I would rather run outside in the snow and cold over the treadmill any day!

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  25. It's great that you're back in a strength training cycle with Becky. That's got to feel great!

    Just curious... I'll be in town the weekend of June 10th for my son's graduation from Chicago Booth. Do you know of any fun races I might consider on the 11th?

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    1. I checked--I don't see anything! But maybe something will pop up.

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  26. Sounds like a great week! Good job on those deadlifts! That looks tough! It's nice to see you on Strava!

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  27. I'm so so so glad to read that nothing like the chest pain scare happened this week. I'm officially or wimpy friend because it was cold here in Texas – – 20° – – so I skipped a long walk. I hit the treadmill but not the outside

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    1. I may end up on the treadmill tomorrow--it's looking icy--dammit!

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  28. cold here too. continuing my running streak from december. broken toe pose? nope but I feel like my toes are broken sometimes, does that count? hahaha! you did a lot this first week!! I'll have to check out the strava challenge!

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    1. Join me! It was just what I needed to see what I've got in me!

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  29. Strong week! It's been super cold here in Virginia but luckily no snow/ice so I could still get outside to run. My week was good-included running, lots of swimming and yoga.

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    1. Nice! I'm hoping to keep it outside this week. Treadmill runs don't count for my Strava challenge!

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  30. So glad you had a good week of running! I'm sure you totally needed that mentally!

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  31. So glad to hear you had a great week of running! It is SO hard when you want to run faster and your body won't let you. But you are still so strong and capable! Nice that you've got some new flexibility as a side effect to your meds :)

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  32. Well I guess the increased flexibility from your RA meds is a positive way to look at your recent diagnosis. :)

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  33. Kudos to you for getting outside. I ran inside yesterday, even though the weather was nice. All the snow was melting and there was slush EVERYWHERE. I slip on slush, and when I was doing errands, my everyday sneakers got soaked.

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    1. I'm going to be tested tomorrow--it's supposed to rain and be cold...

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  34. Wow just watching the video on broken toe pose makes my feet hurt. Mine tend to cramp up. Umm yea, you know I'm raising my hand on being effected by a canceled race but after seeing all those effected by a Disney run, I was really ok with mine. I didn't have near the money nor time involved in this race.

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    1. I hear ya. I waited too long to book a room for Grandma's and now I'm stuck paying $$$ for the one I found. Crap.

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  35. Your post title has the song "might get a little dirt on my boots" stuck in my head now. Sounds like you are doing great and showing RA who is the boss. I could use a little more flexibility. I can really tell when I slack off on the yoga.

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    1. That was exactly the song I heard when I wrote this post! I wonder if anyone else figured it out!

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  36. Broken toe pose is a killer so yes, definitely take the laxity in your joints on that one!! I too have opted outside for my runs and we even took the boys snowboarding on Sunday which was about 17 degrees. It's funny because I kept saying to my husband "but the SUN is out!" It truly makes me feel warmer too :-)

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    1. Tomorrow is supposed to be 40 but rainy and I guarantee you it will feel worse than anything I felt this week.

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  37. Glad to hear the chest pains were not anything serious! My runs were mostly not effected minus Sunday when it was -16C/3F and I opted to stay indoors!

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    1. I should have run inside but the sun! And no regrets. It wasn't horrible.

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  38. Since I wasn't able to to to WDW Half I may get a partial refund! Great job on your runs and workouts. I am about to head back to work at the gym to teach my classes! I'm ready to get back to strength training. We had all different types of weather down here last week. I run so much better in the cold! Have a great week!

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    1. Well, since the WDW half was cancelled, you didn't miss out at all!

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  39. Yes, the sun makes a huge difference!! I can't deal with running in the dark, that's why the Fleet Feet group helps me stay motivated in the winter. But I've been visiting the treadmill too often lately.

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  40. Wow! I am so impressed you were able to get all your runs in outside. I've been a bit of a wimp this winter :-) The challenge sounds great!! It will be fun to follow you. Have a great week and thanks so much for linking up with Sunday Fitness & Food! ps-I LOVE your Instagram feed, always inspiring!!

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    1. I think I'm pushing myself--I don't want to succumb to that "I'm sick" mentality. I can see how it could happen, tho!

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  41. Oh, what a great week for you! I'm so happy to read that you are in a much more positive mood, and feeling good about signing up for that 10 miler!

    We've been cold here, for us, and it has been making it harder to get out of bed and into the dark morning. Especially when the pugs are cuddling up and making it extra toasty. I'm hoping the warmth returns soon (minus any humidity), because my Raynaud's has had quite enough.

    Keep it up, lady!

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    1. The warm weather is coming back here, along with rain! Waaaaaah!

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  42. Challenge indeed! It's supposed to be raining and cold in the morning. Crud!

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  43. I signed up for the Strava/Lululemon challenge. I'll have to push myself for the 40k. :) I requested to follow you.

    You had a great week!

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    1. I'm going to try for the 80k, but this morning it is raining and windy. Treadmill miles don't count, so I have to suck it up...

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  44. I just joined the challenge. I love all your yoga pics, you look awesome!

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  45. Nice week Wendy! Thanks for adding me on Strava! I am in for the Strava/Lululemon challenge and I found out about it only because I saw that you had joined the challenge! :)

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  46. I love how you told the cold air where it could go this week. I'm with you -- I need that sunshine. It sounds like a strong week with added flexibility--another bright spot! You will continue to do amazing things with your strong will and positive outlook, my friend. Thanks for linking Wendy!

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  47. Good for you for running despite the cold weather! Here in NC we had a snowstorm, and it's been so icy the last few days that even walking on it is hazardous. So I've been going a little stir crazy cooped up inside!

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  48. Holy cow, lady! those deadlifts!! Impressive... and psssh you can DEF do 50 miles if you have the energy for 25 - i believe in you!

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  49. I am so sorry to hear about your chest pain scare. I am so glad you are ok. We are in the deep freeze too! Layers layers layers! Stay warm!

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