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!