Keeping On....

Did you hear that Lady Gaga has rheumatoid arthritis? Sure enough, she "came out" this week, giving an explanation for the "chronic hip pain" she's suffered from for many years. To most of you reading this blog, Lady Gaga's big reveal probably means nothing to you. But for me, as I continue to work on integrating my diagnosis into my self-image, this news was fairly empowering. Even though I'm not a Lady Gaga fan, I think it's always a good thing when a celebrity puts a face on an illness.

Actually, there was a lot of empowerment for me this week and it came from all over. Some from within, which is always nice, but once again, I realized how much support I have around me. So in spite of a gray, wet, cold return to Chicago after a week in sunny Florida, I had a good week. It really was the perfect kickoff to training for my upcoming Grandma's Marathon in June.

If there were any low points this week, it was my running. I know you're thinking, really? But I'm all about keeping it real and it didn't get any more real than my 6 mile run on Thursday. In a word, it sucked. But I finished, and that was a win.

I was pretty frustrated with this run. It was hard. My back hurt. I stopped at mile 4 to regroup and give myself a pep talk. I was in no mood for a silly jumping pose or an inspirational yoga pose. I wanted to finish my planned run. I'm not a quitter. Never give up and all those mantras. I dug deep and I finished that run, with my last mile on that frontage road with an 8:42 m/m pace. Boom.

After Thursday's craptastic run, I was a little nervous for Saturday's run with Steph. On the other hand, I was excited to run with her again since life got in the way of our Saturday morning runs for the month of March. I rubbed a little Voltaren gel on my SI joint, said a little prayer, and off I went. Did my back hurt? Not bad. It reminded me that it was unhappy, but that was about it. Steph pushed me to run 6.2 and even thought I was late for work that morning, I enjoyed the company of my compañera. I also was grateful for the gift of this friend with whom I have so much in common, including our pace.

Yes, that is the sun peeking out behind us!

Sunday morning, I got up to do my planned 9 and hoped for the best. My back felt pretty good as I started out and I kept steady with my pace right around 9 minutes per mile. I was really encouraged by this. Full disclosure: I made 3 potty stops. My tummy was not happy. I swear, it is always something, isn't it? Fortunately, the route I ran took me past a few parks with fieldhouse and real bathrooms.

My back started talking to me on the final 3 miles. When my Garmin hit 9, I was still a mile from home. What to do? The old, pre-RA me would have run the last mile home. But the new, cautious me stopped to walk the rest of the way home. No need to tempt injury, right? Next week I have 11 to run. It's fine. The walk felt good. But no matter how I justified stopping, my heart and brain battled that one out for the entire walk home. Tell me this doesn't happen to you!!!

Weekly mileage: 25.5!
Month of March mileage: 93.74

Becky is still working on my marathon plan, but in the meantime, she worked on me. I did lunges, carioca box climbs, and other assorted glute-firing exercises. Becky also gave me the mother-of-all pep talks and when she told me to reset my PRs, she reset my thinking. I left feeling empowered and strong.

Wednesday's yoga class had a sub, Catherine, whose class I always enjoy. We worked on shoulder and hip openers, with supported forearm stand as the apex pose. After class, I figured, what the heck, and planted my arms in the soggy grass at the park to see if I could kick up and hold the pose. I did it! I was thrilled!

Off the road, I had some fun and uplifting experiences as well. Doctors' Day took place this week, and even though I'm a nurse practitioner, my workplace lumps us in with the doctors. I don't know how some of the doctors feel about that but it seems like no one knows what to do with us! The office planned a nice breakfast and made these plaques for all of us with adjectives from staff and families. I thought this was really nice. I hung mine on my office wall to make me smile, especially on a tough day. Stylish? Who me?

The week ended with dinner and drinks with my sister and her man. He lives in Chicago, in Bucktown, which is a really fun, hip, vibrant neighborhood. Wearing one of my Stitch Fixes, I took my stylish self down there with my husband and we enjoyed the company and a lot of laughs. Our evening reminded me of how we need to do this more often!

My sister Lisa and me

Mike and Ron

Mike and me on Ron's rooftop deck. That's the beautiful Chicago skyline behind me! Oh, how I love this city.

Usually, when I return home from vacation, I have those "post-vacation blues". Not this time! It was a great week. How about you? Did you have a good week? How were your runs? Did you hit your mileage goals for March? Ever have that heart/brain battle?

Do you Stitch Fix? I am just in love with this monthly style fix service! I'll be posting more about it in the future, but if you want to try it, use my code:  https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/10340526?sod=w&som=c

Don't forget about my giveaways! I'm giving away a Momentum wrap as well as a free entry to the Utah Valley Marathon, Half, or 10k! You can't win it if you're not in it. The giveaways end on Tuesday, April 4. Here's the link to the blog post:

http://www.takinglongwayhome.com/2017/03/11-race-day-running-hacks-that-might-be.html

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