Sunday, November 6, 2016

Running On the Sunny Side of the Street

The amazing fall that we have been having continues into November. With the exception of one rainy day, this week was sunny and warm. Perfect running conditions...perfect conditions for trick or treating...perfect conditions to celebrate a Cubs World Series win...perfect conditions for just about anything. Doesn't everything feel good when the sun is shining?



It's been a good week both on and off the road!

I haven't shared much about it here on the blog, but for the past couple of weeks, I've been struggling with a flare of my IBS. I'm pretty sure that it's all due to stress. Coach Becky tells me I need to do a better job of letting things roll off my back. How many times have I heard that? I wish I could, but that's just not how I'm wired. Timing is everything and just this week, Deepak and Oprah started another 21 Day Meditation! I will admit that I didn't do a great job sticking with the last one but I'm sure going to try to complete this round. I like to do it at bedtime, but the mediation usually just puts me to sleep. With regards to my IBS, it seems to be calming down. Fingers crossed. Because along with the leaves on the trees, the portapotties are disappearing.

This one will be here all winter long! 
Besides the news that my son is cleared to return to all activities, there was other good news at the Long Way Home headquarters. I learned this week that I've been selected to be a Moxie Cycling Ambassador for 2017! As a Venus de Miles Ambassador, I received a sweet Moxie Cycling jersey. I fell in love and on a whim, applied to be an ambassador. I didn't think I'd get selected, but I was!! I also received some cold weather gear from Mizuno that I'm testing--stay tuned for a review-- and a Moji foot pro from Natalie at NatRunsFar as a giveaway win. You know my foot is loving it! There are a few more potential good things coming down the pike, so stay tuned.

Oh, and there were workouts too...

I made it to 2 yoga classes at the studio. Monday's class opened me up so much that I was all in for Halloween at work--I dressed as Wonder Woman. I stopped at the Forest Preserve on my way into the clinic to do my daily pose.


In case you haven't been following me on IG, I'm participating in a yoga challenge! I don't often participate in these challenges because it's a challenge (see what I did there) for me to post every day. But I'm excited about this one--it's a yoga challenge custom made for runners! The posts are all within reach for all of us. Cocoa has been excited to participate as well. If you are interested, check out #FourSeeYogisRun on Instagram.


Since last Sunday's sluggish run, I've picked up the pace and have been feeling good. I think a lot of that has to do with getting my tummy issues under control. It's amazing how much that affects me, overall. Saturday's 4 mile was speedwork in disguise. I stopped a few times--to do my yoga pose and work on upper body strength at the playground-- but my average pace was 8:19. I'm happy to know that I've still got the music in me. At least, some of the time. On Sunday, I planned to do 12. I was doing fine, running at a 9 m/m pace and enjoying the beautiful weather. I did have to make one pit stop but it didn't throw me off. At mile 7, though, I started to feel weird, sweating profusely. I tried to run it off but I felt worse, so I used my phone a friend (I called my hubs) to come and get me. I'm trying to sort that out--could it be hormones? Or the extra glass of wine I drank last night? What has happened to my endurance?

I'm going to attempt 12 next Sunday and see how it goes.

My favorite place to run...
At my request, Becky has thrown some lower body work back into our sessions. While she reminded me that by doing that it's going to take me much longer to reach my goals of handstand, rope climb, and pull ups, I realized that I still need to put running first. It's amazing how much those lunges and squats help power me on my runs. Just to keep my arms working, I also did 2 playground sessions. Kim at Running on the Fly is hosting a plank challenge, and while I'm not posting those right now, there have been some planks and pushups. There are so many opportunities to stay strong--no excuses!


How was your week? Is it still fall where you are or has winter arrived? Any wins for you? Anyone struggling with their endurance? 

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



74 comments :

  1. I was also Wonder Woman for Halloween! Summer has held on here in GA, so it was too hot for my standard costume: pajamas. I work in a school, so we have to dress as a book character. My go-to is a child on the Polar Express. PJs, robe, blanket, slippers, and a stuffed animal: super easy, and comfortable! Fall has FINALLY stuck in a toe: our run yesterday morning was in the high 40s. Here's hoping for a few more weeks of that before it's full on winter!

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    1. I have no complaints about our weather. None. It's been amazing.

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  2. The weather really has been amazing lately! Im glad your stomach issues have settled down, but that's strange that you felt so off midway through your run! Probably smart not to push through that though. I hope the 12 next week goes well!

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    1. It is very strange. It wasn't a fueling issue because I was taking my Tailwind. I'm still feeling off--I wonder if I have a little bug or something? I hope next week goes well too. I need it.

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  3. Congrats on being selected for the Moxie cycling team!! I've heard good things about their apparel from Esprit de She participants!

    And I'm loving our great Chicago weather too!

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  4. So speaking of stomach issues... per the request of runners, they are keeping the bathrooms open on the lakefront path through the course of the winter... BUT ONLY ON THE WEEKENDS.
    Yyyeaaaaahhhh not okay.
    Hope you feel better, lady. Stress is the numero uno IBS trigger, so while I won't tell you to "let things roll off your back," I will suggest that maybe you talk to someone on the psych side of things, even if for a month, and see if that helps.

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    1. I'm seriously hoping that once this election is over, people will be nicer and things will be calmer. Including my intestines. I knew you'd get it...

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  5. Congratulations on being chosen as a Moxie Ambassador!! I did not realize, until now, that you had IBS... I have some GI issues too that plague me at times with running. In fact, I did my running on the treadmill all week, despite beautiful weather so I was close to a bathroom...ugh, so frustrating! On to a more pleasant subject...I need to check out the meditation challenge, that sounds great and something that would be helpful for me! Have a great week ahead & thanks for linking up with us :-)

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    1. I try not to overshare on the blog. However, when my running is affected, then I have to share. Every time I do, I hear from a few people who are suffering as well. I always appreciate that--misery does love company.

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  6. This morning, we stopped after 4 miles to use one the bathroom in a park...and the doors were boarded up....totally weird! So, since it was still dark (and doubtful anyone else was anywhere in our vicinity, it was around 6:00AM) we found some trees to hide behind. Desperate times...desperate measures LOL

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  7. Wonderful post, Wendy. It's good to see you so upbeat, despite your intestinal issues. Here's hoping that it was a bug that will soon finds its way, far away, from you.

    Autumn is beautiful here in Rhode Island as well. Still lots of leaves and color as the first week in November wends it way to an end. Not peak, of course, but still beautiful. I'm crossing my fingers that we don't have heavy winds soon so that we can enjoy just a little bit more.

    I'm not big on challenges but am trying to keep up with you on this yoga pose series. You always inspire me to do a little better. That said, I think I profoundly needed that long, nearly four-month break from running. I've finished two weeks of starting Cto5K from scratch and feel strong and sure. It could have been physical, it could have been depression, it could have been a huge let down from completing my one-and-done half, but whatever the source, I pray that the strength and vitality I'm feeling continue as I add longer runs. I've also re-introduced all my strength exercises into my morning stretch routine. They no longer drain me. All good.
    Thanks for your help, your inspiration, and your always kind words. They mean more than you know.
    Have a great week.

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    1. As do yours. <3

      I'm hoping that all my physical issues are due to stress, which means they will eventually resolve.

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  8. I love how you worded it like, "extra glass of wine last night." Ha ha ha. Twinners! Twinners with the IBS too. I've never nearly shit my pants this much in my life!

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    1. Twinners! I like that you get me without me spelling it all out.

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  9. I've never had stomach issues from running but I know lots of friends that do. Hope you figure out what's causing your flare up. Gotta love this weather for sure!

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  10. Endurance is always an issue for me! Not that I can't "go the distance", but that I slow down so much. My shorter races are much, much faster (when I'm not dodging a gazillion people stopping & taking photos).

    Halloween was cold; then it warmed up more than expected . . . I really do love fall running! It was a good week, but very tiring.

    Hope the stomach issues calm down; not fun!

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  11. We had good weather this week but I didn't get to enjoy it much between work and then getting sick. Cocoa is getting so big already!

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  12. I too like my lower body work! I just feel like I need it! It's challenging but I've seen more progress in that department than upper body. Humm maybe I should focus on what I don't like, IDK maybe not! I messed up and told my trainer I needed to work chest and oh my 4 days later I am still filling the DOMS! Wondering why I do that!
    It is feeling like fall at night but this week is the first week it's going to feel like fall during the day. 70's I can not wait to see you for a high!
    Time to break out the boots! Have a great week Wendy!

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    1. We're heading to the 50s by week's end. I knew it was coming but still...

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  13. Sorry to hear about you IBS. Great to hear that your son has recovered! Congrats on you ambassadorship! Nice speedy Saturday run! Hope next Sunday's run goes better!

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  14. The weather (and a good stomach) can make such a huge difference in a week!! Congrats on becoming a Moxie Cycling ambassador!!! I love their clothes so I hope you'll be sharing some discounts with us :-)

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  15. Girl, seeing all of these many wins in your world makes me smile. I'm off to get me some in my world this week as well

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    1. It was time for the black cloud to move on! Waiting for the brown cloud to move away as well... :p

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  16. So sorry to hear about your IBS flare up :( I have two friends that struggle with IBS and I know that it can be very frustrating. I hope that the meditation challenge goes well for you!

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  17. Ohhhh IBS is the worst. Hope it clears quickly. I have been working on letting stuff roll off too... easier to say than do! Congrats on getting picked as an ambassador!

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  18. This whole post, I thought you were talking about ITB, not IBS. I was wondering why you thought stress was affecting your ITB. So then when I went back to scroll through your post again so I could collect my thoughts to comment, I was like omg I am glad I reread this! For awhile now, I thought I had IBS. Whenever I am nervous I have to go to the bathroom. And whenever I am worried there will not be a bathroom somewhere, it MAKES me have to go to the bathroom. Yesterday, I went to see Joe Biden speak and I didn't eat ALL DAY to ensure I wouldn't have to go to the bathroom at the rally because I knew there would be a lot of waiting in line and once we got our spots we'd lose them if we left...

    I'm glad things are sunny for you both weather wise and also "lifey" wise.

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    1. It's sunny with a chance of rain...and I got a little of that today. Ah....life....

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  19. I got back up to 3 miles after getting 4 done two weeks ago. I need a recover week, but now I'm back to wanting to be consistent between the 3 and 4 mile range. I love that Coco helps you with yoga. Allie helps me foam roll.

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  20. No fun dealing w/ IBS--I do and it really makes running (and life in general) a challenge when it flares up! Part of me wants to work on endurance but I so many other sports that normally I get to 3-4 miles and am like "I'm good". LOL.

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    1. I'm good with 4-6 miles. But I want my endurance back! Waaaaa!

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  21. It's turned colder here in NC in the mornings, and I will miss my early morning outdoor workouts! I just don't do well when it's very cold. Love your pics!

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    1. I guess I don't mind running in the cold...it's just the rest of the time that I don't like it! Is that weird?

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  22. Boo to IBS! I think it would cause a weak ("depleted") feeling and more than likely the issue with your long run. But, on the flip side -- 8:19 for 4 miles is SUPER STRONG. You've still got it! No, it is not Fall and don't get me started. Thanks for linking, Wendy! See you in a few weeks.

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    1. For shorter distances, yes! But where is IT for the long run?

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  23. Glad to hear things are going well! Congrats on your ambassadorship! And love the Wonder Woman costume. Yoga challenges look cool but I can never commit to do them. I'm also behind on my planks!

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    1. I like this yoga challenge because the poses are all within reach for everyone!

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  24. Hope it was just a stomach bug.

    I spent the weekend rooming with a girl from Chicago. She kept talking about how great the races are in Chicago and how fun it is to run there. I was thinking of you and Marcia the whole time!!!

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    1. I would agree--it's fun to run in Chicago! It's just getting there that isn't as much fun...

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  25. Congrats on getting to be a Moxie ambassador they have some really cute things! Always fun to get to try out new things as well. I am loving all the warm weather we have been having, so perfect for running. I have a hard time with meditating as well, I tend to fall asleep or get distracted easily.

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    1. I really think I have ADHD. Deepak is telling me to release the mantra and I'm like what mantra?

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  26. Sounds like a pretty awesome week... and I love the way that pups get so excited when we get down on the ground or floor with them! Such a sweetie she is!

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    1. She's pretty cute--waiting for some of the "puppyness" to go away, tho!

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  27. I'm sorry to hear about the IBS! It sounds awful!

    I hate that in the winter, all the bathrooms/ portapotties in our running routes close.

    I loved your Wonder Woman shirt! and that pose was so perfect!

    Fall is here, but we have been blessed with warm temps! I am loving it!

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  28. I wish your IBS a speedy recovery. You are the perfect Wonder Woman! Congratulations on your Moxie cycling ambassadorship and I can't wait to hear your reviews of the Mizuno gear! The weather has been scarily nice to the point that I just keep waiting for the tables to turn overnight and us to get 12 inches of snow before we know it, LOL.

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    1. Bite your tongue! Altho secretly, I get what you are saying. Savor the beautiful weather while it lasts!

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  29. I agree!!! The sun makes everything better.

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  30. Glad you're tummy issues are getting worked out! Whenever "Aunt Minnie" decides to throw a little Hot Flash my way while running, it causes a great deal of sweating and sometimes I even feel queasy. Dang hormones...sucks getting old!

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    1. And you just summed it up! I'm a little shell shocked from my sweatfest yesterday.

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  31. I'm sorry about the IBS flare up. That's really hard to work around. :( You are doing great, though.

    The weather has been cooler. Not quite fall, but it's coming. Maybe in time for winter.

    Congratulations on the ambassadorship! It's so great to get to represent something you love and in which you believe.

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  32. I've go IBS as well so can empathize. It's definitely been flaring up for me this past year. I hope you get relief soon. Congrats on the ambassadorships! That is so exciting!

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    1. I'm so ready for relief. And I don't want to go to the doc...you know what they'll want to do...

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  33. You had some great wins this week! The sun is shining! and as your official Florida weather girl :) I am forecasting sun in December too! Hope that tummy settles down! There is fun to be had!!!

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  34. Congrats on the new ambassador program!!! I hope your IBS continues to get better. My big win for the week was running the NYC Marathon! YEY!

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  35. Great to hear that you are having good weather! Hubby was so happy that the Cubs won too! Sorry to hear about your IBS issues. Hope it stays calm. Congrats on the Moxie cycling ambassadorship! I hope your 12 miles next week goes well!

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  36. I can totally feel the positive vibes of this fall training log. I have to admit I wish I was running through some of those beautiful running temps. Sorry about the IBS issues. I had some food at Halloween and Birthday parties last week that didn't agree with me. Digestive issues really make running hard. I just can't digest too much processed and refined foods anymore as I'm getting older, even gels on my run make me nauseous here and there.
    You picked yourself the right outfit for Halloween Wendy - You really are Wonder Woman!

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  37. I hope stress and IBS calm down for you. I almost wonder if you had a touch of a bug that put a kink in your long run. Fall has been wonderful this year. I can't believe we're into NOVEMBER!! The weather, Cubs and post-marathon endorphins have me on a total high.

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  38. I need to check out that 21-day meditation. I've tried the calm app for 2min after a workout and I loved how I feel afterwards but I'm not consistent with it. Hope you feel better this week.
    It's not fall or winter in SoCal - more like summer! 90s for a few days. Ugh!

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  39. Ooh that meditation challenge sounds fun! Girl, I have IBS too so I know the struggle-stress definitely causes mine to flare up unfortunately.

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  40. The weather has indeed been amazing. I spent 6 days in NYC and it was almost too hot a couple of the days. But no complaints for me, the race weather was 100% perfect.
    I haven't been doing any fall challenges. In addition to running, I am working with Amanda Tress, fat burning. As much as I love seeing all the posts on IG, sometimes the challenges become overwhelming for me.
    Hope you are feeling better, and so happy to read so many positive things are making the sunshine over you at the moment !

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