Sunday, January 15, 2017

Be Careful What You Wish For...

This week was full of ups and downs for me, emotionally. The newness of being diagnosed with RA has worn off, and frustration with still having symptoms is settling in. I was really optimistic when I started on my medications--hoping that I'd be symptom-free by now. I had no idea what an RA flare was all about. I also didn't realize how tired I'd be. A few weeks ago, I asked for a small reduction in my hours at work. This week, I was granted that schedule change but it didn't come without a struggle. That too wore me down.

Running was the one positive spot this week. My runs went well. My legs felt fresh and light, and the miles passed without a problem. Maybe slowing down isn't going to be such a bad thing after all?




"Treadmill miles don't count." I didn't say that. You know I don't believe that. I'm participating in a lululemon/strava run challenge, and I needed to get in 25 miles this week. According to the rules of the challenge, the runs have to be outside. On both Tuesday and Thursday mornings, my run days, there was freezing rain falling from the sky and a thin coating of ice on the sidewalks and roads. Fool Determined runner that I am, I sucked it up and headed outside for my runs. I kept my eyes to the ground and managed to stay upright for both runs. There were a few patches of black ice and some tense moments where I wasn't sure how I was going to keep myself from falling. I can only thank Becky's awesome core work for allowing me to stay vertical and avoid contact with the pavement.


After Tuesday's run, I posted this jumping picture. Yep, I put it out there in the universe and the universe brought it all right, in the worst way possible. I spent the night with my head in the toilet. It was probably the sickest I've been in about 10 years. I don't think I'd wish that on anyone but Donald Trump. The next morning, I had to skip yoga and Cocoa and I spent most of the day napping on the couch.


It's not nice to challenge the universe. I bow down humbly from here on out.

Thursday morning, I still felt a little off, and if it weren't for the run challenge, I probably would have spent another day on the couch. Instead, I decided to attempt a run. No goals, no expectations. I just wanted to try. I'm so glad I did because as it turned out, I was able to complete another 10k. Surprised and grateful, I went to see Becky. She had me do back squats and power cleans. I left feeling strong again and empowered. I met Marcia for lunch. That was medicine of the best kind.


I finished the week with 2 more runs for the challenge and a weekly total of 26 miles. On Sunday's run, I ran to the retention pond and stopped by the shore to take my yoga picture. You might think I've been doing a lot of warrior poses lately, and you would be right. The warrior poses can help the yogi feel grounded and centered, embrace their inner warrior, and build confidence. Warrior 2 is my favorite pose of all the warrior poses. When holding this pose, you have to engage your core to stay upright and strong. In yogi speak, engaging your core in this pose helps you to ignite your navel chakra, which is the center of your self-esteem. Looking over the middle finger of your outstretched hand forces you to remain focused and mindful.


It was really peaceful at the pond this morning. It was cool and crisp, but the wind was light. After I finished up my pose and my run, I headed back home. I prepared for the week ahead.

Lesson learned this week: don't challenge the universe. Ever. I'm going to nicely request a calm, peaceful week. Please?

How was your week? Are you participating in the challenge? One week to go! What lessons did you learn this week?

I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap, as well as Angela and Ilka from the Sunday Food and Fitness linkup!







89 comments :

  1. Here's to a deservedly peaceful week.

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  2. 26 miles is a great week! Way to go! Continue the listen to your body and you will kick that RA in the ass!

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    1. Right? In spite of everything life threw at me this week, and it was epic, there was running.

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  3. It was icy here on Wednesday and I really wasn't expecting it! Glad you were able to run outside! You had a great week, especially considering how sick you were one of the days!

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    1. I was pretty surprised how quickly I bounced back. We always say you never know what a run will bring until you go, right? I am so glad I went. It was like hitting the reset button.

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  4. I had another solid week but more cycling miles than running. I'm not doing that particular challenge - my running miles are still pretty low.

    Hope this week is more peaceful for you!

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  5. I ran 18 miles this week. I also ran a 10k race today. No ice or snow - a good running week.

    Glad you are feeling better.

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  6. I think my sister is participating in this challenge. Are there prizes involved?

    So was it the jumping that made you sick? Stay safe out there if you are continuing to run while it's icy!

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    1. Haha, no, it wasn't the jumping. Probably one of my patients. It was just a bad coincidence that I did that "bring it" post and then got violently ill that day...

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  7. Sounds like a great week of running for you--amazed at how you ran on the ice! I can relate to the universe trying to knock you down. At the end of 2016/beginning of 2017 I got shingles, a sinus and ear infection and just found out I have a cyst in my ankle (well, I knew it was there since 2009 but didn't think too much about it; however we are coming to realize that it's being a jerk and causing my symptoms). I am just trying my best to continue to course correct as I navigate what life is throwing at me. I always have these ideas of starting out a new year on a really positive and healthy note. Well, healthwise, I have been better but I guess that means it's time to start making my "comeback" right?!? P.S. sooo sorry you got a stomach bug--those really are the worst so I am glad it was relatively short lived. Hang in there!

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    1. When I got sick on Tuesday night, I was like "REALLY?" I mean, geez.

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  8. Oh my word, booooooo, girl! BUT I'm uber proud of you for getting out there in the yucky mess to take it on.

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    1. I'm so pleasantly surprised by my runs that I'm good with everything else.

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  9. Well done on getting outside and running. I thought about taking part in that challenge but I have a couple of easy weeks starting my training plan so knew I wouldn't get the miles in.

    Great photo by the lake. It looks so peaceful.

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    1. This challenge came at a good time for me, but I was worried about upping my mileage while still fighting RA. I'm very very happy about this week's runs.

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  10. I am not currently doing any challenges right now just trying to stay on my normal schedule and get everything in that I plan. Stomach bugs are the worst so glad you are feeling better and yes looking like a warrior to me

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    1. Oh, that was the worst. So I need to feel like a warrior to put it behind me.

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  11. We've got to discuss this universe smacking you down concept over coffee. I've been there too many times to count. It's the bouncing back that matters, right? Great job on the skating, I mean RUNNING this week. Ice? Yikes. Look at getting sick this way...it will be 10 years before you are that sick again. The bright side, as you say. I wish for you a very pleasant week. Thanks for linking, Wendy!

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  12. I am so excited for the mild warm-up we're supposed to get (after the ice storm, which is still MIA...stay tuned). My week is gonna turn festive come Thursday ;-)

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    1. Looks like we will be running in 55 degree weather along the lakefront!

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  13. I am so sorry you were sick, Wendy. It got me this weekend, but not in the throw uppy kind of way. I agree, Trump deserves all the horrible feelings. He's a piece of shit. Okay, drinking wine, a little sassy right now. You can delete this if need be.

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  14. I hope you have a good week, Wendy! You deserve it! As for the Lululemon Challenge, I am not participating, and I would not participate in any challenge that dictated runs outside. I run at 4:30 in the morning. I am not going to do that because it's not safe, no matter how many people claim otherwise. I'm not a Lululemon fan, though, so I wouldn't do it even if treadmill miles "counted".

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    1. I wouldn't have done my icy runs in the dark either! Kind of weird that they don't allow treadmill runs, but you know how so many people are cheating these days...

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  15. I'm doing the Lululemon challenge as well, but only shooting for the 40k option. I did two short runs and then a 10 miler to get me halfway through the challenge. Well, actually, I just checked the challenge, and it looks like, while all my runs were outside, my apps didn't work properly, so I had to manually enter them and it doesn't look like they'll count. Booooo. Guess I'll just do the challenge for me, instead of for a badge. I'll try to be OK with that. LOL.

    Tell me your secret for taking yoga photos! :)

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    1. A few months back, I wrote a post on taking photos: http://www.takinglongwayhome.com/2016/08/capturing-radiance-of-sun-taking-photos.html

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  16. Glad you got that tough week behind you. Kudos to you for getting 26 miles in despite all the challenges. I need to find this navel chakra you speak of. Maybe that'll help me suck in my gut.

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  17. Oh no, not the stomach bug! It's been rolling through my MRTT group. Luckily I don't have any little kids to pass it around. I'm washing my hands a lot just in case! Here's to a better week - and something fun to take our minds off of Friday ....

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  18. Ohhhhhh the stomach flu is the WORST EVER. I AM SO SORRY. At least it's over with kinda fast, I guess. I'll heed your advice and not challenge the Universe. Not this week, anyway. I hope your upcoming week is a lot better!

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  19. May you get the peace you request!

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  20. I am glad you are feeling better! Even with that you still got in all your miles- fantastic! 20 miles in for me and that is a lot! Peace be with you! and I will take a peaceful week too! Our company left early this morning- finally the house to ourselves! XXOO

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  21. As always you are such an example for me with regards to resilience and tenacity. And the importance of the mental game.
    Sending you love and energy. xo

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    1. After this week, my mental game needs a little work. But the running was a surprise and a big help.

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  22. I'm impressed you rain in freezing rain - UGH! And the stomach bug has been going around our town and it's brutal! So hard to recover from. Hope you're feeling better :)

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    1. I am much better--it was just the last thing I needed while fighting RA!

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  23. Glad you are feeling better. I did sign up for Lululemon, I ended the week short a mile. Whooops. I guess I'll make up for it this week. Great job getting out there despite it all ice, flu, and RA.

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  24. I'm sorry you had a lousy week. Here's to a better, stronger week this time around. And I'm with you on warrior. It's one of my fave poses, too.

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  25. Nice week with a great perspective, as always. I think the reason Strava would want you to run outside for the mileage to count is because Strava can't be sure you actually ran the miles without the GPS data. But treadmill miles totally count and don't risk slipping on ice for an online challenge! Glad you got it done though.

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    1. I know, I know. I thought about dropping out. But since I've committed, I want to keep going!

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  26. Stomach flu is the worst! Glad it didn't keep you down for long! You are so strong! Hope you have a great week!

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  27. That bug got my daughter, twice...she's missed 4 days of school now because of it. Gross. I hope you are feeling all better now! I never agreed with people who say those that run indoors during inclement (or any other time) weather aren't real runners (not that you said that!!!)...all miles count in my book! GREAT job on meeting your goals this week lady!!

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  28. The Universe always sees it as a challenge. I've learned that too. Never ever ask what could go wrong. The Universe will win. And treadmill miles absolutely count.

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  29. I'm not sure I'd want to do a challenge that said treadmill miles don't count. Sometimes that's the only safe option. It's seldom my first choice, but I don't think there's anything wrong with using a treadmill.

    Glad you survived the tummy bug - there's a nasty one going around here that I'm hoping we can avoid.

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    1. I hope you avoid that bug like the plague. The only good thing I can say about it is that it was short lived.

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  30. I'm glad your feeling better now! Who has time to be sick??? What I learned from this past week, #1 I can so tell it's been a month since I ran a half and #2 Baton Rouge has the tallest capital! It was so foggy Saturday morning, I could not even see the darn thing and we were right in front of it before the race. Afterwards, I looked up and thought whoa, where'd that come from???

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    1. I want to run some of those Louisiana/Mississippi halfs with you!

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  31. Ugh I'm sorry it was such a tough week! I think having the stomach bug is the worst! Glad you're feeling better. Wishing you a peaceful week :)

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  32. Hope you get your calm, peaceful week.

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  33. I totally forgot about the challenge, of course. Oh well.

    I got seasick for the first time on our last Hawaiian vacation (quite a few years ago). My stomach hurt for days afterwards, no joke. Stomach bugs are the worst. But things just happen. So here's to good things happening!

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    1. I'm not one to get seasick. So when I do get sick, it's pretty traumatic to me!

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  34. Any miles are good miles is my motto. I run on the treadmill a lot.
    Hope this week goes better.

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  35. "I don't think I'd wish that on anyone but Donald Trump." -- lol!!! That's going to be my new saying for anything and everything bad now. :D

    Hope you're feeling better this week! Hugs from N.C.

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  36. Ugh. There is a stomach bug taking this whole country by storm. I'm so sorry you got sick, but Cocoa did make quite the nursemaid. <3

    Warrior 2 is a great pose. It's one of my favorites, too.

    This week, i learned that it's ok to be a little lazy. The cold can really be a drain on the motivation, and I think I may be at peace with that. Of course, I'm glad the warmth is back. :)

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    1. Glad to know I was in the cool crowd... not! Yes, Cocoa was the best. She knew what I needed.

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  37. Sorry to hear you got sick! Great to hear running is still going well!

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  38. That seems like a bit of a silly rule no? Treadmill miles are just as good as outdoors. They can always use a footpod to track if needed! What is there was a blizzard?!

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  39. Running on ice, back squats and power cleans, oh my! Impressive for anyone and especially one who's been dealing with all you've had going on! You ARE strong!

    Have a wonderfully peaceful week :)

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  40. Great job this week! Sorry to hear you got so sick...ugh! I'm a little nervous about running in my hood because of potential icy spots, but thankfully there have been more mild weather days here lately. Warrior 2 is one of my favorite poses too!

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    1. Oh ho ho...I hit one of those icy spots this morning. It was scary!

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  41. Sorry to hear about the rough start to your week, but it seems like you more than made up for it by the end of the week. I'm lucky to hit 20 miles on a good week, and that's without getting sick!

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    1. I'm kind of surprised about my miles, actually. I didn't expect this challenge to go well at all...

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  42. You're still running in the cold damp weather with RA - that's pretty good considering that most people with RA flare more in a cold/damp climate. You really are such a trooper!
    So sorry about the stomach bug - isn't it just the worst?? I caught it 2 weeks ago - it was just awful. January and February are the worst months for these stomach viruses.
    I'm sure meeting up with Marcia was fun! Cute pic!!
    Stay warm on your runs!!

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    1. The running is the one thing that makes me feel normal!!! It's been really nice.

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  43. Hope this week is better for you, dear! Running always seems to be a highlight in my week too. Always a good bright spot to look forward to.

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  44. OH NOOOOO!! That sounds awful! I'm so sorry you had to go though it but, I think your theme for 2017 is turning into "what doesn't kill you..." Let's hope this week has been kinder to you!!

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    1. I had a meltdown Friday night...on the phone with my sister. Let's hope this is it!

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  45. Way to go on the challenge! Had no idea they had a rule that it had to be outside. Sorry to hear about getting sick but yay for lunch with Marcia! Hope next week's weather is better!

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