Sunday, September 11, 2016

Running Back to Center

In spite of writing some rather humorous blog posts, I've been kind of a grump all week. As much as I try to stay positive, run, and pick up pennies, I just couldn't shake off my funk. As I sit here, summarizing my week of workouts, I keep thinking to myself: what the hell was wrong with me?

Nothing really bad happened this week. Actually, nothing bad at all. When I think about it, it was a good week.

I got in some really good runs. The foot is calm. There have been some twinges, just to remind me to not push myself too hard. Yoga was blissful. All's quiet on the home front--at least for now. And a cold front came through yesterday, blowing that humidity and heat out east. It feels a little like fall.

Running Back to Center


Running: There was lots of running this week. In fact, I squeezed in an extra run on Monday before I went to yoga. I know I shouldn't push it, but after my weekend adventure with my oldest son, I needed to pound the pavement. You know how it is. Pushing through the heat and humidity was tough, but my pacing was good-- sub-9 for all. My reward came today--an 8 miler with temperatures in the 50s and beautiful blue skies.

Running Back to Center

Yoga: I also made it to the yoga studio twice last week and both my instructors were back. At Megan's class on Monday, we learned a new mudra, Ganesha mudra, which is supposed to help remove obstacles. I found myself holding this mudra at random times throughout the week. Kathy's class on Wednesday was all about hip openers. It was just what I needed.

Running Back to Center
Hand to Big Toe Side Plank
Cross Training: Becky was out of town this week, but I did some upper body homework twice at the playground. My right elbow, or more specifically: my medial epicondyle tendon is angry, so I modified my workout a bit. I swung on the monkey bars at the playground--yay me!--for the first time since I was a kid! I tried to do this with the boys when they were little and failed miserably. Trust the process, indeed! That put a big smile on my crabby old face.

Running Back to Center

I also landed a forearm stand after 3 attempts and held it for a few short seconds, which made me happy. My Big Sur Marathon partner Kristina asked me to post a video, and you can see how very short my forearm stand actually was.


Life: Saturday night, my husband and I went out for dinner to one of my favorite local Italian restaurants. I love their creativity. I had a magical pasta dish made with Maine lobster and it was that good. I also enjoyed having some quality time with my spouse, who has worked 49 days straight, save for Labor Day. He is a construction superintendent and has been working all at Northwestern University, getting the dorms ready for fall. I haven't seen much of him this summer. It was nice to do what we love together--catch up on life while we enjoy some wine and a good meal. I love how that always brings us back to center.

After dinner, he passed out on the couch and I took Cocoa for a walk. I felt a little too full and wanted to move a little bit. Cocoa and I were rewarded with a beautiful sunset. The sky was stunning. The humidity was gone and the breeze was cool. With that, my funk was washed away.

Running Back to Center

Now that I'm running pretty well again, I need to decide--do I start half marathon training and pick a race for late October? I work almost every Saturday in October, which rules out 3 halfs that I'd like to do. There are two local Sunday halfs on October 23. One is big--last year's half had almost 2800 runners. The other is very small--I'm not even sure how many runners participate. There is also the Milwaukee Running Festival on November 6. I've got some good options. I'm not going to commit yet--and I'll decide which race to pick, if I race, based on my training and my foot.

And if not that, there's the Panama City Beach Half Marathon in December. There's nothing like a little beach therapy to help a gal stay centered. Plus time with running girlfriends?

How was your week? Any beautiful sunsets? Is the weather moderating by you?

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







96 comments :

  1. Funks happen sometime for no reason what so ever. Sounds like you had a great week and you are focusing on the positive.
    We are having spectacular late summer / early fall weather.

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    1. The spectacular weather has arrived here too. This morning was amazing.

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  2. Funks are no fun but I think they are a secret coping mechanism. Also, the euphoria you feel when you're through a funk is almost worth it.

    Your forearm stand may have been brief, but it was beautiful and it was impressive.

    After a brief but intense shower at midday today, the heat and humidity that your Midwesterners blew east has gone. For the season, I hope. I am about to got out for my last 2.5 miler on my way finally to completing [again] 5K. I pray that the cooler weather will moderate all our moods, and our runs.

    That October 23rd half? The day before our 40th wedding anniversary. :)

    Best of all is reading of your lovely evening with your other half. That is what it's all about. Insert "Love" emoticon here.

    Big news: After an endless time of searching and waiting, I found a yoga class (Vinyasa) that fit all my non-negotiable paramaters: fits into my schedule, affordable, the right type, and most importantly, close-by. So starting tomorrow at 6:00 p.m, I will FINALLY be taking yoga classes. In a wonderful series of coincidences, it is at the fitness center where my former trainer now works, and the yoga instruction not only is the daughter of a teacher where I work, but she graduated from the academy in the year between my two sons and they all know each other! Kismet, indeed.



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    1. Oh, Connie! I'm so excited for you. I love Vinyasa yoga. The thing to remember: if you get tired, skip the vinyasa and hang out in downward dog until the next pose. I can't wait to hear all about it!

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    2. Will do. Thank you.
      And I can't wait to tell you. <3

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  3. This happens to me too and is usually an indication that I need to change up my intention for running. I ran around Northwestern the last month the same weekend as the Big 10k and couldn't believe all the construction! I totally could see how your husband would be crazy busy, but glad you're still finding a little quality time here and there. Hang in there! Your pictures are beautiful and how great to still be having great runs despite the funk! And can you please send some of that cooler weather down to Nashville? :)

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    1. A month from now, we'll be wishing for warm weather again! This time of year is great but it's short.

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  4. You could do the Madison half in November?? It's on a Sunday? ;) glad you've been able to get out an run!

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    1. I looked at that one but it's too close to Panama City Beach's half. The Milwaukee one is a month before and that would give me time to recover. Remember, I'm old....

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  5. I am hoping you will do a tutorial so I can learn how to do all of these amazing handstand poses you are doing everywhere.

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    1. My goal is to hold those handstands! Lots of practice--that's all I can say!

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  6. I have not been on the monkey bars in years! So impressed by your strength.

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  7. One word can sum up my week: Busy. 2 runs and 1 bike ride were all I could squeeze in. Music workshop Th-Sat worked my lungs, so I guess that counts for something? Concert tonight. Hopefully back to normal this week.

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  8. I have had days or weeks like that where I am just not happy but for no real reason! Very strange. Isn't it funny how monkey bars were so easy when we were kids??? Planet Fitness got monkey bars several years ago and of course I had to try them! I mean, when your gym gets monkey bars, you go across the freaking monkey bars! I hope next week has you in better spirits, Wendy!

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    1. I've never been in a gym that had monkey bars! Seriously...who does that? So fun.

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  9. Seriously, a lot of this week was beyond awful. But I did manage to make my escape Thursday . . . it was a close thing as I couldn't find my car keys towards the end and thought I'd locked them in the car (luckily I hadn't).

    Some weeks we're just crabby. It happens. And yes, a storm blew out our humidity yesterday, so hopefully my 11 miler this week won't be insufferable.

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    1. I feel you. I've got a lot going on and it's not been fun. But it's amazing how a good run can make it feel better.

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  10. Yes, our weather is moderate...at the moment. It changes every 11 hours (it seems) in Iowa. There is the IMT Des Moines Marathon on October 16...which is a Sunday (ahem). After my (almost) train wreck at yesterday's half, not sure how much I'll be "racing" that one....but I'd love to have another companion alongside me ;-)

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    1. I hadn't even thought about that race! Hmmm...but I'd need a place to stay...

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  11. Such a great post. I'm so glad I found you! I think we have a lot in common, except the fact that I spell "centre" with an "re" instead of "er."

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    1. I'm glad you found me too! I just love our blogging community!

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  12. Oh no no, my friend. We are still talking triple digit heat indexes. The feels like was 88 at 9 am this morning. I need to email you this week. I ran into a lady who is friends with the people who run that ski school I told you about! I've been having more funks that I care to admit and I can't put a finger on it either. Doing something active sure blows it off though, at least for a while. I'm pretty sure I can't hang from the monkey bars. Just sayin'. You rock. Thanks for linking, Wendy.

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    1. Please let me know what she says. I'm serious and I'm in for waterski school!

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  13. Oh gosh how I wish that cool front would have blown in before my race instead of a few hours later. Glad to hear all's quiet. Quiet is good! Good luck picking your fall half.

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  14. Sounds like a great week and the weather is getting better! Nice to hear running is going well too! It's always fun to play on the playground.

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  15. Thanks for blowing all your humidity out here for the later part of last week :-) Luckily, it has blow away from us here too and this week should be nice and cool!!
    So glad you are running so much and are picking out races - that is a great place to be. If I were you? Florida for sure!! That is probably a sure thing to cure the grumpiness...at least for a little bit!!

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  16. I was in a little bit of a funk in between finding out that the puppy we wanted had been taken and the half, and then in between the half and going to the shelter, but now I'm happy :D I'm hoping that the same rings true for you as well.

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    1. There's just this anxiety lying beneath the surface and it pops up at random times. Lots going on IRL and I just want calm!

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  17. (((Heads off to google that Mudra)))
    I'm funk city here :-)

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    1. I like the mudra--you can do it at random times and NO ONE KNOWS. Obstacles, be gone...

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  18. Our weather broke yesterday - ahhhh! Glad things are going well all the way around. I was in a funk for no reason last week too. Maybe that will blow over too!

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    1. So maybe along with the weather, we were all in a funk? Hoping it's gone for everyone.

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  19. Wow, what a beautiful sunset that you and Cocoa got to enjoy. I've been enjoying some beautiful sunrises lately during my drive to work. That just means I have to leave for work way too early, right? ;)

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    1. I know, right? It's dark when I get up now. How did that happen?

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  20. I'm so happy that your foot hasn't been giving you any majot issues during your runs. I can only imagine what a big relief that is! I'm sure whatever half marathon you pick will be an awesome race for you!

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    1. The foot is still twinging, so I know that the PF hasn't left for good. I'm trying to behave myself to keep it calm.

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  21. What is it with getting in a funk? I think it just happens. I sometimes get that way with no real reason. Part of life and learning. The weather is coming around here. The humidity is breaking, and I'm loving it. We had a beautiful Sunday and going to be a good start to our week. Still struggling with this knee, so I'm sticking with the bike. Crossing my fingers that I can do at least one of my 2 half marathons I'm signed up for this fall.

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    1. I hope your knee calms down ! What halfs are you signed up for?

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  22. Woohoo! Glad your instructors are back!

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  23. That sunset is breathtaking! Glad to hear things are going well overall. I am sad to say that I can NOT play on the monkey bars anymore...upper body strength is still a big weakness for me! But it's exciting that you'll be getting back to training soon. Just a reminder the Perfect 10 Miler is 10/23 in Jersey...*wink*

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    1. This was such a revelation! That upper body work is important too.

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  24. See, the bright side of a funk is that when it lifts everything feels beautiful and golden, like that sunset. Glad you're feeling better about it all.

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  25. You may have been in a funk this past week, but I'm pretty sure that you have brightened all of our mornings with your beautiful background photos! Those are some amazing skies! You've now got me curious if I can swing across the monkey bars. Hmmm, I'll have to give that a try this week!!

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    1. The pictures have been a great incentive for me to stay positive!

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  26. Sounds like you had a great week. And that pasta dish on Saturday e lobster in it sounds delicious! Sometimes I get in those moods too and just gotta switch things up a bit. I down loaded a new podcast last week and was able to run 11 miles while listening to it. Score!

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  27. I sure haven't seen sunsets like that. I've been in a funk for 2-3 weeks but I'm recently injured and not allowed to run until I see my PT next Wednesday....ugh. I did managed to get out for a few bike rides which I loved and yes, I snuck in a run this past weekend and LOVED it! Rut is on the way out, hope yours is too.

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  28. Sounds like a good week and so great that your foot seems to be better and you are having great runs! Way to go on the playground! The bars are so fun but my kids put me to shame! They do it so effortless while I've got to give it all I can. :)

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  29. Hang in there...sometimes funks just come about. But really sweet that your foot is doing so great! What a huge relief I am sure. Our weather is cooling too quickly for me. I did a bike ride on Saturday morning and it was 30 degrees. Just not ready for this!

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    1. I'm so not ready for those temps! I like a gradual moderation. And it could stop at 50, really!

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  30. Glad your funk left... it is amazing how they can just come for no reason at all sometimes. Sounds like you had a great week regardless. We are anxiously awaiting our first cool front here... no signs of it yet.

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    1. We're going to get another cool front later this week that really brings things down...supposedly...

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  31. Oooh!! how fun! Dinner with the hubby! I think the fall brings mood changes all over. A few weeks ago I couldn't shake off a bad mood.

    That is one beautiful sunset. I got to witness a beautiful sunset on Saturday, and I wanted to pull over to take a picture, but kept driving.

    Good luck picking a Half marathon! are you doing a local one? going to another state? Can't wait to see what you pick!

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    1. I"m not sure yet...but sticking with my theme of destination races would be the goal!

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  32. OH my the weather has been a little all over the place this past week. Saturday was so hot and humid and then the next day was perfect. Labor Day weekend was delightful. You look great by the way!

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  33. glad you got some time with hubby <3

    beautiful sunsets - yes! but the weather is still whack!!

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    1. It's funny how when we go out, he's all relaxed, but at home it's a different story! Clearly we need to go out more.

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  34. I'm doing the Fox Valley Half this Sunday, then back-to-back Halfs in October--Country Sole in the city on 10/22, and then the Naperville Half on 10/23 (there's a method to this madness). Plenty out there for sure. The Country Sole Half just sounds too fun...and such great bling! My BFF from college is just getting into the scene...having completed her first 10K in May where my son and I did the Half. She's not yet ready for a Half, and Country Sole offers a 10K as well, so she will do the 10K and I will do the half. We loved country back in college (Urban Cowboy era), so we are very much looking forward to a fun time.

    Glad to hear you're out of your funk...running is definite therapy!

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    1. I didn't even know about that Country Sole Half! I could do that one...I'm not working that day. I will let you know if I decide to do it. But a 2 lap race? Mentally tough...

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    2. OK my naivete is here to shine...I guess I've never done a 2 lap race. Is it really that different/difficult?

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    3. You let me know what you think! For me, mentally, it would be tough to have to go around again...

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  35. The funk happens to the best of us! Glad your running is feeling better! I need to find a turkey trot in Wisconsin for Thanksgiving! I am pretty excited about it too! Run something local and easy so you are ready for December my friend! Hope you are having a great week!

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    1. Are you going to be in Green Bay? I found a turkey trot for you...

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  36. Glad to hear your running is better. I couldn't do sub 9 min miles when we have high humidity.

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  37. Cocoa is getting so big!

    I'm sorry you've been grumpy, but it sounds like you've been rocking it in the fitness arena.

    We did have some cooler weather last week, but the temps soared again today. Yay for more summer. I am heading up to Philly on Friday, so fingers crossed that I get some relief. Please, please, please.

    I am more of a sunrise gal, but I'll keep an eye out for those sunsets.

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    1. I am a sunrise gal too, but walking Cocoa in the evening gives me a whole new opportunity!

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  38. Funks suck. I was in one all summer about getting laid off from my job.

    The weather cools off and I think the heat and humidity are over and then it keeps coming back.

    I do love summer. I wish I appreciated it more because now that I have a job, I won't have the summer off again.

    Can't wait for December!!

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    1. You would never have known that you were in a funk. You just kept on running..

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  39. It's funny how sometimes we feel out of it even though nothing happened. Sometimes it's just a mood we fall in and out of. Change of season sometimes does that, too I think. I'm sure this happens to all of us.
    So good to hear your foot is healing!
    You are so toned Wendy - the definition in your legs is crazy! Have a great week! Can't wait to hear which Half you are going to sign up for.

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    1. I've been falling in and out of a funk all summer! I'm not sure why. Hoping that now I'm back to running, I'll be feeling more positive.

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  40. Glad you ran well this week!
    When it's a question... pick the beach. Always pick the beach.

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  41. Looking strong on the monkey bars! I have yet to complete the entire stretch of it. Yes trust the process right?! One of these days I will.
    Panama City sounds like a fun half��

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  42. Sorry to hear about your elbow but yay for swinging on the monkey bars! I am glad your husband finally got take a break after working 49 days straight. Yay for the lovely Italian dinner and getting to catch up and re-center. YES on going to Florida for a race with girlfriends!!!!!!!!

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  43. I would not be surprised if you don't sneak in a half before the PCB half. At least you do have great options around you. I so agree nothing like beach therapy. I got a taste this weekend and it only makes me want more!

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  44. always love your photos! Glad you had such a great week full of accomplishment.

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  45. Glad your funk has passed. You look so strong on the monkey bars :)

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    1. There's no better way to make yourself smile than by acting like a kid!

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  46. So glad to hear you are getting back in the groove running!! I vote for the Panama City Half...sounds like a fun getaway :-) I love all your pictures, especially the one of you & your sweet pup. Thanks so much for sharing t Sunday Fitness & Food. Have a Great Week!!

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    1. Haha, I had originally named today's post Getting My Groove Back. It's like you know me! :D

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