Sunday, May 8, 2016

Recovering From the Distance

"My world is empty without you, babe..." the Supremes

Have you ever felt that way after a big event? A big race? Fortunately, I had a lot of things on the back burner that needed to be attended to after my marathon. Plus I'm still feeling that post-marathon high. Can you believe it? I do believe this is the first time I haven't had the post marathon blues. Yet another thing to be grateful for. All I can say is planks a lot...

Here's how my week went....

Recovering from the Distance

Yes, there was running. My foot continues to be quiet--although from time to time it reminds me that it's not always happy--and I got some runs in. I only ran 4-5 miles each time, but there was some speed involved. There may even have been a sub 8 minute mile in there. You all know I love me some fast running, and it sure felt good to know that my fast legs were still there!

Recovering from the Distance
I felt the need for speed and my legs responded!
Isn't it great when that happens?
And there was lots of yoga. I went to the studio twice this week. Megan did a "detox" class with lots of twisting and pranayama and Kathy's class had us holding the poses for extended periods of time. It's like they knew what I needed!

Recovering from the Distance
Plank pose. Which we held for a REALLY long time in class.
I'm participating in Marcia's plank challenge. While everyone else is holding those planks and going for time, I've been having fun mixing it up with a variety of planks. I do so many planks in yoga, what with sun salutations and all.

Recovering from the Distance
Dolphin plank after work.
Because "someone" put the pressure on to get my plank done for the day...
I finally started working on my post-marathon fitness goals. Becky keeps asking. I'll be posting more on that later this week. It's been kind of tough pinpointing goals after Big Sur. After all, that was my dream race. What do you do after that?

Stay tuned. I'm working on that post for Wednesday Word. The word of the week is dilemma, if that give you any clue...

I got my head back in the work game. Not to worry, even before the marathon I never neglected my patient care duties! But I have some projects I was assigned to work on and I dug in deep to get them completed. Almost.

Recovering from the Distance
Look who came to see me at work this week?
And her hair is growing back! 
For Mother's Day, we got our new puppy! It has been 5 months since we lost our beloved Cleo, and even though I still miss her, I finally felt ready to get another dog. I'm not so sure about a puppy, but my husband wanted one, and I'm game. She's as cute as can be and just a little sweetie. Plus as the mom of teenagers, it's kind of nice to have someone in the house who gives unconditional love...

Speaking of that, I spent some very quality time with my youngest. Yesterday at his rugby game he was tackled and fractured his tibia. I got to ride in the front seat of the ambulance that transported him to the hospital. I spent the night with him while we waited to get his pain under control. Talk about feeling helpless! I'm happy to report that he's much more comfortable. I'll be home most of the week helping him recover.

And housebreaking that cute new pup, Cocoa!

Recovering from the Distance
Matthew and Cocoa
Love at first sight!
What's new in your world? Do you feel empty after finishing a goal race? Do you have trouble making goals after accomplishing yours? Are you planking? Did you celebrate Mothers Day? Did you enter my giveaway? And don't forget about the bookclub on Friday! 

I'm linking up with Tricia and Holly for their Weekly Wrap!



94 comments :

  1. Your recovery seems spot-on! I was just thinking about you (and family) the other day...wondering if a new little pooch would be joining the family. #greatminds

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    1. Yep...I didn't spill the beans about the pup because i didn't want to jinx it. But this has been in the works for about 6 weeks...

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  2. So sorry about your son's leg. Not fun ! The puppy picture is adorable, it will be great for them to bond this week.
    I am feeling quite lost after my marathon. I have been doing speed work and I like spicing things up but I am just not feeling things. I don't think I have given my body time to rest and recover like I should have. I am just so worried about losing my fitness level....

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    1. You shouldn't lose your fitness...just keep moving forward. I'm always surprised how much fitness I retain after a marathon!

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  3. I was actually glad to be done with the marathon and didn't have the blues at all. I did have more time on my hands though!

    So sorry to hear about your son. That sounds painful. But now he has a new puppy to cuddle with. Please post more puppy pics soon!!!!

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    1. He's back on the pain train tonight. Ugh....

      Ok, more puppy Pix coming!

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    2. oh NO!! sending you both love <3 <3

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  4. I hope your son's recovery goes well. That little puppy face, though! Cocoa looks like such a little dream. I hope you'll post more pictures soon. :)

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    1. She's just the sweetest thing and good medicine for all of us. Funny how things work out!

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  5. I wish your son a speedy recovery! Congratulations on the new puppy, too - talk about the most adorable thing I've ever seen! Doesn't it feel great to run shorter, faster distances? That is very cool that you are participating in Marcia's plank challenge. Your plank form is perfecto!!!

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    1. I do a lot of planks, challenge or no challenge! It's fun to do the different variations.

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  6. Ooh, your poor boy! I can't even imagine how that must have hurt. And that puppy! I'm not a dog person, but she is adorable. Looks perfect for cuddling.

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    1. Oh it was painful for me to watch! I feel so badly for him. I'm hoping the pain continues to lessen...

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  7. Oh man, I hope Matthew's recovery goes well! Geez. At least he's got some adorable company!!! :) You seem to be recovering fairly well after Big Sur! That's great! I need to get planks back in my life. I'm pretty sure that would help with my back issues!

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  8. Your son's injury reminded me of middle school soccer. First period PE class and a boy in the next field broke his leg (can't remember which bone.) I can still remember the sound. Speedy healing!

    I got second in my age group at my 10k this morning. I told my husband I might actually train for one to see what I could really do!

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    1. Great job on the 10k! I've got one this summer and I hope to bring my speed to the start line!

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  9. Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear about your son's leg!
    It sounds like you are recovering well, but its always tough to figure out what's next after a big race. Looking forward to hearing about your plans!

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    1. This is the first time I've been somewhat at a loss! Big Sur was such a big race for me--it's going to be hard to top that!

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  10. Cocoa is soooooo cute!! I love puppies! I will be interested to hear about the dilemma you are facing :) I've been reading quite a bit lately...need to catch up on the books you are reading.

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  11. Happy Mother's Day, Wendy! Your poor baby. I see your new little baby is comforting him. What a lucky pup to get to be part of your family! :) Dang you held up nice after Big Sur. Keep it up! Can't wait to hear your new goals.

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    1. I'm pretty surprised about my post Big Sur fitness as well! I think it was because my training was so conservative. There's something to be said for that!

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  12. Wow a broken bone and a puppy for Mother's Day - what a combination! Glad your son is feeling better and now you have an excuse to be home with that puppy! I need to get back to yoga - I think it will be next week though.

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    1. Pretty sure the universe tries to balance everything out, right? The puppy is really a blessing. We are all in love.

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  13. I broke my tibia & fibia and had 8 screws and a plate so I know pain. Hope you son heals quickly.

    I do feel let down and I only train for 13.1 so that's why I think I sign up for another.

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    1. I get the let down thing but I'm not going to sign up for another full! LOL! but there will be a few halfs...

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  14. Yikes! Sorry about your son's broken tibia! I felt the same way you do after my big races last year. Can't wait to hear what's in store.

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    1. It's tough coming up with goals after realizing a life dream!

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  15. I always feel like that after a big race it's so odd. I felt like I don't know what to do with the extra time. Hope your son is ok-he has a great nurse! Hope you had a nice mother's day

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    1. I haven't felt like a great nurse trying to get his pain under control. Talk about feeling helpless!

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  16. Puppies are the perfect thing for pain. Aaaiiighhhh the pup!!!....keep posting pix of the little stinker. Soooooo cute. dang. Now i want a puppy!!!

    And kudos on the planking. I love planks!.....not as much as pups tho. Plank with the pup on your back!!!

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  17. Glad you have been feeling so good after the BIG marathon! Looking forward to seeing what your next goal is and hope your son is recovering nicely...I'm sure the puppy is helping tremendously!

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  18. Puppies are perfect recovery instruments and I think should be as ubiquitous as foam rollers in race recovery :D

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  19. Gah! And I just wrote about my fear of gymnastics for my daughter. Looks like Cocoa's arrival synchronized perfectly as I'm sure she is such a bright spot for all of you. Just breathe into this space the marathon has left you. The "next big thing" will become apparent to you soon, I'm sure! Yay for planks! :D

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  20. I totally know how you feel about that post-race emptiness...after Cherry Blossom, I really felt like "mission accomplished", but it was great to have some strong races this past month and even a couple of PR's. My first marathon is coming up, but I still don't know if I have a specific goal. I love your yoga photos...I wish I could look that good when I plank! And what a cute pup!

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    1. I am so excited for you to run that marathon! That finish line feeling...there is nothing like it after running 26.2!

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  21. She's so cute but this morning you can tell she's getting comfortable with us...chewing on my pajama pants as we speak..

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  22. Did I see "only" 4-5 miles. Shame on you! Don't you know that "only" and "just" are verboten? All kidding aside, I'm happy to read that your foot pain is minimal.

    Speaking of pain, I join all the others in wishing your son a rapid and complete recovery. Such a lousy time of year to be down, with the nice weather finally arriving. Your new puppy---gosh, she's tiny!---should help ease the way.

    I can't wait to see what you choose for your new goal. It won't be Big Sur, but I'm sure it will be fantastic.

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    1. I just love your support! Truthfully, it feels so good to "just" run 4-5 miles!

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  23. I always experience a lull after finishing a big race and don't have a new goal. Glad to hear you are already thinking about your next step.

    Big bummer for your son! That is rough! I hope your cute new pup brings him a little bit of distraction from the pain!

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    1. If it weren't for my coach I don't know that I would be thinking about any goals! She wants to plan our sessions. I know there will be some halfs this year, but beyond that, I don't know!

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  24. Sorry to hear about your son's broken tibia, man of man is that a cute picture of him and the puppy. Sounds like you'll get to enjoy lots of extra puppy cuddles this week while you're home taking care of your son. Hope he feels better soon!

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    1. She's pretty sweet! All of us are loving her. Since he's on the couch, they're getting a lot of bonding time.

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  25. Sounds like you're recovering well! And your new puppy!!!! SO CUTE!

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    1. So far recovery has been pretty good--but today my foot is hurting. Noooooo!

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  26. So happy for your new puppy, Cocoa. Nothing brings smiles and happiness to a home like a new puppy!

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  27. Your puppy is adorable. And I totally get that unconditional love thing (after all I have 8!). Nice job on your recovery. I'm also curious to hear what's next :-).

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    1. Wow, 8! I can't imagine! The poop alone would overwhelm me... :p

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  28. What great timing for Cocoa to come into the family. I was glad to read your son is more comfortable. It looks like he's liking the company too. I hope your first night was a good one.
    I can't wait to hear what's next for you. Maybe I'll take it a week at a time. This week for me: a 2 minute plank M-f; Water and 5000 steps before breakfast. Also maybe try and post more thatn once this week....There so now I have to be accountable. :)

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    1. Sometimes it's hard to get motivated to post! Altho I missed blogging when I was on vacation.

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  29. Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear about your youngest! Hopefully some puppy snuggles will help take his mind off the pain.

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  30. I'm absolutely in love with your new puppy.

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    1. Funny how that happens, isn't it? She's wiggled her way into all of our hearts...all in one short day!

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  31. This hits the nail on the head. My race this past weekend went well, with very few hiccups, but I'm not feeling happy about it. I have no clue why, so I'm chalking it up to post-race blues. Everything went as well as they could, so why am I feeling frustrated?

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    1. I've had that happen before--all the build up for the race and boom! it's over. I don't feel sad at all--I'm still riding the wave of my race. But I'd say I do feel a little lost right now. No goals? It's weird.

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  32. it takes me soo long to get back to running after completing the race...but absolutely love the high during and post race :)

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    1. Me too!! I guess that's what keeps us coming back for more.

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  33. Cocoa is adorable! I'm sorry to hear about Matthew's fracture! I am feeling a little lost and aimless right now after finishing my HMs for the season. I have nothing on my immediate horizon and it's hard to focus on something 5 or 7 months away, at least for me. When are you coming to Dixie to water ski with me? Huh? (Flights are direct from Chicago to BHM - just sayin'!) Now that would give me something to look forward to! I've been planking for a while, but not every day. Thanks for linking with us Wendy!

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    1. Oh, now wouldn't that be fun? I'd love that! Hmmmm....I do have those flight vouchers....

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  34. Sorry to hear about your son! hope he is feeling better. Puppies help though with recovery (for both!) I think :)
    Please be sure to include LOTS of puppy pictures moving forward!

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  35. More puppy pictures! She looks like good company has your son starts to heal- I hope it is a speedy recovery! I'll wait to see what you are up to next- I am glad the high has continued, that is super cool :)

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    1. We've become quite close the last couple of days. Just finished getting him all washed up...

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  36. Oh Wendy! How exciting about Cocoa! :) She's a cutie. Hearing about how your boys don't love on you anymore makes me sad. Mine are still so into their mommy... I get snuggles and kisses galore. Teenagers. :) They need to stop growing.

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    1. They love me but not "on me"...lol! Matthew and I have certainly bonded since he broke his leg. And it's nice to see Tom stepping up and helping with Cocoa!

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  37. I'm sorry about your son's leg! but that puppy seems to be helping with the healing. Awesome yoga posses! I really need to make it back to yoga soon.

    I am missing races so terribly bad, but my schedule has simply not allowed for anything.

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    1. I sure hope you find time to put all that running to the test!

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  38. what a cute puppy! hope your son heals quickly! can't wait to see what your next goals are!

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    1. I'm still thinking about what I want to accomplish at this point in time!

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  39. Sounds like you are doing awesome recovering from Big Sur! Congrats on the new puppy but sorry to hear about your son fracturing his tibia. Glad to hear he is more comfortable. Hoping for a speedy recovery for him!

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  40. Oh man sorry about your son's leg - that sounds painful! I played rugby in college and I've always said it's a miracle I didn't break anything!

    And yay for the new puppy! So cute :)

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    1. He really likes the game so I don't think this will stop him from going back once he's healed.

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  41. hope your sons recovery goes well! and congrats on the new puppy!

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  42. I'm so sorry about Matthew's leg! However, I'm sure that precious new puppy made it somewhat better! Puppies fix everything!

    Mother's Day was nice and low-key, so that was good. No races yet. I have my comeback race on Memorial Day. I don't know if I'm really ready but it's going to happen regardless.

    Usually after a goal race, I'm on a high to get to the next one. My body doesn't always agree with me, though.

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    1. This is the first time I haven't wanted to get back out there and race. Altho the fast runs have made me think maybe I should do some shorter distances..

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  43. Sounds like a great recovery week minus your son breaking his leg. Hope the recovery is not too long! Thankfully you all have the puppy to make you smile!

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  44. Yay for yoga as recovery! And there's no better time to tend to your other commitments than after a race.

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  45. Sorry to hear about your son's fractured tibia! Congrats on the new puppy! I've been planking a little bit every day. I have a streak going on twitter.

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  46. A puppy?! So adorable!! I feel ya on the fast legs...after coming back from an injury, I often wonder if I have any speed left. Glad to hear you are feeling better out on your runs. -C

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    1. My foot is starting to act up again, so looks like I need to back off. But it sure felt good to run fast!

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  47. SQUEEEEEEEEE a puppy!!!!! What a cutie pie!!! How fun! But your poor son, so sorry for his injury. Rugby is a rough sport, ouch.

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    1. He loves it though and will be back on the field for sevens this summer!

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    2. As long as he loves it. I had a chance to watch a rugby tournament at our local university a couple of years ago - such an intense, totally different sport!

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