Sunday, May 28, 2017

Hitting the Reset Button

This was the week that I got my life back on track, or at least tried to! It was all about trying to reset my equilibrium. I'm ready to find my new normal. My assessment? I think it was a good start.



I'll save the details for the Ultimate Coffee Date later this week, but I'll share that I went back to work on Monday. I never realized it before I was diagnosed with RA, but my job is a workout in itself, both physical and mental. I am on my feet all day but before now, I've never really paid much attention to how much time I spend on my feet. My Apple Watch does, and for the first time ever, I looked at the data. I found that on the 4 days I worked this week, I had 8731 steps. This is my work data only--I subtracted out my running steps, which more than doubles this total. My daily average for all activities this week was 7434. You step people, tell me, is that a lot of steps? I was pretty tired by the end of the week so it feels like a lot!

My sister and I tentatively planned a bike ride for Saturday, watching the weather all week. Saturday morning the sun was shining and the ride was a go. I skipped my run and we biked to the Chicago Botanical Gardens at a leisurely pace from her house. It was a gorgeous day. What's nice about biking there is that there is no entry fee. We had lunch and strolled the gardens. It was really crowded, though. I'd love to go back during the week when there weren't so many people, just to soak in all the beauty.

Here we are in the Japanese Gardens.
My ride was not without a few mishaps, though. On the way there, my tire went into a deep rut, and in an attempt not to fall to the pavement, I drove into a chain link fence. On the way home, a truck came up behind me while we were pedaling up a hill and as I attempted to move to the right, I fell off the road--the shoulder was non-existent--and into a ditch! It was a slow motion fall and I was not hurt. Lisa and I giggled about this all the way home. This is so not like me! It looks like I have to be more mindful on the road. Or maybe the towns need to do a little road maintenance. Or maybe it's me. The roads were in terrible shape. Oh, and I forgot to start my Garmin. I do know that we rode about 16 miles.

I don't know if it was fatigue from RA or from returning to work, but running was a little bit more of a challenge this week. My knees ached, which is something I've never experienced before. I had to throw in a few run/walk intervals in all my runs. The theme of cloudy, windy, cool, rainy weather didn't help either.


It finally warmed up for Sunday's run and I headed out wearing my new InknBurn Sarasa singlet. Really, there is nothing better than having running clothes that make you feel good. When I saw this top, I immediately purchased it. I'm glad I did because it sold out in one day. Have your ever heard of such a thing with running gear? It's gorgeous, and it was pretty much the only good thing about my run. I headed to the bike path, using my 4:1 run/walk ratio. This week, the tunnel was covered in graffiti. Usually, the park district paints over it as fast as the taggers can cover it with messages, but today was an exception. I stopped to take a selfie in front of the "fix me" message--it seemed appropriate, right? After I took the picture, I looked at it and busted out laughing. I guess I didn't look closely enough at where I was standing. There is nothing better than a good laugh to make a crummy run more tolerable. Oh yes, there was a potty stop on this one too. I always say that there's something good about every run, and I have to say that this picture was it.

Do you follow me on instagram?
Yoga was just what I needed. I went to the studio twice. Except that when I got to class on Wednesday, almost every spot was taken. So guess who was in front, next to the instructor? It didn't help that said instructor had us doing lots of high lunges as part of the flows! No pressure. Just breathe. Damn you woman who took my spot in the back corner!


On Thursday, Steph and I literally got our booties kicked by Becky. We did squats using a 30# medicine ball, lifting them to the box and controlling them down. There were single arm KB swings, goblet squats, and lunges. Resistance band work too. My booty hurt so bad when I went to bed that night!


Overall, I'm happy that my week went as well as it did. We'll see if I can keep up with the pace at my job and continue to do my workouts. I'm grateful I had the time off work to hit the reset button. I'm figuring out how to make this disease fit into my life, not the other way around.

How was your week? How was your weather? Do you plan your workouts around the weather? Do you track your steps? Running makes the steps add up!

I'm linking up with Holly, Tricia, and their guest host for the Weekly Wrap! Be sure to support the guest host. It was a lot of fun reading some new blogs last week!


62 comments :

  1. 30 pounds is a lot for squats! That's scary about riding into a ditch on your bike. Some of the roads are in terrible condition around here. I almost had a few mishaps yesterday bc of dogs. I've just about had enough of the long leashes and owners who don't or can't control them. anyhow your bike ride with your sis looked great. Hope you are having a nice weekend

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just felt so unstable on the bike yesterday! It was weird--I think I need to get out and ride more. I haven't been riding as much as usual.

      Delete
  2. And this is why I am still terrified to ride on the roads! :) Looks like your reset is off to a great start!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do prefer the paths for that reason! My sister and I actually talked about that yesterday. People in cars are insane!

      Delete
  3. That is definitely a lot of steps at work! And I'm glad you weren't hurt in any of the falls. Love your fighting attitude.

    I try to plan my workouts around weather, somewhat, but it's not always possible, of course. You do what you gotta do (and our weather has sucked for a lot of May -- here's hoping June can be our turnaround!).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This weekend was supposed to be a bust and as it turns out, no rain and lots of sun! I'll take it!

      Delete
  4. Seriously??? You went off the road? That would freak me out (#EEK). That graffiti pic is the bomb! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have never counted my steps! I'm pretty sure I sit too much the rest of the day post run/ride.

    We did a 30 mile ride yesterday and were talking about how nice the drivers were to us. Most of the time we had a bike lane, but there was one section that had no shoulder and cars were really good to give us lots of space. Maybe it's a California thing since there are so many cyclists on the road year round? Not to say that they are all perfect (don't get me started on our freeway traffic) but most are pretty good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Where my sister lives, there are a ton of cyclists. The cars couldn't care less.

      Delete
  6. It's going to take some time for you to figure it all out, but if anyone can, it's you.
    Thinking of you...
    (Insert love emoticon here).

    ReplyDelete
  7. That's so exciting that you are back to work this week! You have been an absolute rockstar with handling your RA.
    I think that's a good amount of average steps for the week! I have an office job so I sit a lot and if I hit 2,000 steps while at work that's a good thing (I know, so bad).

    Great job on your workouts this week, but sorry about all of your biking misadventures!! Sound like they need to do some road work - stat!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I need to track my steps! I knew I was on my feet a lot but now I'm so much more conscious of it!

      Delete
  8. OMG laughing about your tunnel selfie! Why on earth do people still feel the need to graffiti on tunnels and train cars? Wasn't that an 80's thing? Or is it a gang thing?

    How nice you got to ride with your sister even though you had some mishaps (yes I'll lame the road).

    I don't plan my workouts around the weather, as you know, I'll run in a tornado warning..lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Initially, I thought the tunnel graffiti was a gang thing but judging by what I read in there, I think it's some misunderstood intellectual. It was a little overwhelming today, tho.

      Delete
  9. Our weather was terrible at the first of the week. It rained 4 days straight. We had a cool snap Thursday morning and I enjoyed running in 53 degree weather! I love that picture of you by the graffiti! Looks like more rain is coming for our holiday tomorrow. It has been super muggy. I wouldn't mind the humidity so much if I could see some sunshine! I wear my Garmin Fenix throughout the day to track steps. You did put in a lot of steps at work! Hope you have a great week Wendy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The forecast has been completely off this week, and today was no exception. We had some cloudy hours when it was supposed to rain (it didn't) but then the sun came out and it was amazing.

      Delete
  10. Definitely a lot of steps! This is why I am so careful (and exhausted) now that I am back to waitressing. You are covering a lot of ground in a body that has to do a lot more work for every step than it used to! I'm not surprised by your increased fatigue! But I am seriously glad that you are feeling better. Best news.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for validating this! I'm going to pay more attention to my steps. I hate that I'm so fatigued. Hate.

      Delete
  11. Glad your fall was in slo-mo, although I've skinned a knee that way too. Really glad you had a better week! LOL on the *graffiti*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm a little more tired than I like, but at least I know why! Aye, that job!

      Delete
  12. This is the exact reason I don't ride on the roads! Ack! I'm the worst rider in the history of riders.

    30 lbs is heavy!!! I need to try this... :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sounds like a great week! That seems like a fun ride with your sister in spite of the mishaps. And that is a lot of steps at work. I have a desk job and if I don't deliberately try to get more steps,I only get 3 to 4 thousand.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad I don't have a desk job, just because I have trouble sitting still. But I had no idea how much I move about during the day. I think ignorance was bliss!

      Delete
  14. Yikes those roads sound like they were in rough shape! Congrats on heading back to work - that's a lot of steps! Glad you had such a good week :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It felt great to be back at work! Even though it was crazy as usual...

      Delete
  15. Our weather has been pretty lousy but I managed to get in a few runs. None were good ones. They all seemed harder than my half marathon. Don't know why. Hopefully, I'll get my energy.

    That's exactly why I don't bike. I have a hard enough time staying upright when I run.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe you used up all your energy for that PR? You won't be down for long!

      Delete
  16. I did laugh at the "Fix Me" photo. Pretty funny!! Glad you had a great week. Sorry to hear that you fell in a ditch. That must have been somewhat frightening.

    ReplyDelete
  17. That tunnel picture is hilaroius! Looks like you got some good sister time... I used to always fall off my bike before the hubs got rid of it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was getting pretty skilled at the bike over the past couple of years--idk if I'm rusty or what?

      Delete
  18. Wow they tag that quickly?? Geez. I do love that pic. Sorry about the bike mishap and I'm glad it wasn't worse. I have no trust with drivers anymore whether I'm running or riding. They cross over that shoulder line way too often.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The fence incident was much scarier, because if it wasn't there--yikes!

      Delete
  19. I think it was you who introduced me to the Run rating on weather.com, so I have been trying to get my runs in during the 8-10 ratings. That's going to get harder as summer approaches. I was sure to get out there early this morning to try to beat some of the heat. Yes, we starting hitting triple digits this past week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am the weather app queen, so it was probably me! I'm obsessed with the weather. Glad that app has been helping. So many of my days have been in the red, I haven't been using it!

      Delete
  20. Sorry to hear about falling into the ditch. But sounds like a great week of workouts! Your workout with Becky sounds tough. The weather over here has been hot. No rain which is nice!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't complain. It was a good week and any time with my sister makes it better!

      Delete
  21. I love the graffiti photos, even the funny one! Riding bikes on the road scares me because of what happened to you!! I love riding on designated trails/lanes though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm with you--I'd much rather ride on trails. I've had way too many close calls with cars to enjoy the road.

      Delete
  22. Great job this week! I'm sure it was challenging going back to work and keeping up with your workouts. I don't know too much about steps but that sounds like a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I know that when we finally meet we will be instant friends. Not because we're runners or because we're close in age, but simply because we are both pretty klutzy. �� We can compare scars! I'm glad you didn't hurt yourself!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought of you when I wrote this post--I have had a week full of mishaps! I'm not sure if I need to be more mindful or if I'm slipping! Yikes!

      Delete
  24. I'm happy to hear your reset is going well so far. Bike mishaps are scary on the roads! I'm glad you are ok. I don't know where Illinois ranks but Florida is the deadliest state in the nation for bicyclists. Yikes! I love the graffiti pic. You manage to find the coolest photo ops. You might want to wear those shoes with the wheels built in to work. I bet your patients would think you are the coolest NP EVER!😎

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I almost got run over by a guy backing out of his driveway this morning! He wasn't even looking!

      Delete
  25. Like I said, somebody needs to figure out how to spell HO. That is such a cute top. It is crazy how fast their stuff sells out. The outing with your sister sounds fun. I've never ridden with anyone (does that sound sad?) and to have a beautiful destination to go to is just icing on the cake. Thanks again for being our first guest HOst. Many are now following your lead!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd ride with you! Looks like we might have to do that when I come to visit. #holottariding?

      Delete
  26. HA HA HA HA HA WENDY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am laughing SO HARD at the "Fix Me" photo!!!!!! CLASSIC! Frigging BEST EVER!!!!!!! HA HA HA HA!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right? There's nothing better than these unintentionally funny photos!

      Delete
  27. I've done a slow mo fall on my bike before whilst trying to wave thanks to a driver who stopped to let me cross in front of him. So embarrassing!

    I wanted to go out on my bike this weekend but it was a bit too windy for me. I really want to get riding again, I wish I had a botanical garden near me as I'd definitely ride to that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's been really windy this spring! I'm glad we had a calm day for our bike ride.

      Delete
  28. Your attitude is such a great example for anybody else who suddenly faces a life impacting challenge. Your refusal to let your RA take control of your life is quite inspiring. You have control over it, Wendy, and I know that no matter how exhausting life might be that you refuse to back down and settle for less.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a challenge--this certainly isn't the way I expected to go into my elder years!

      Delete
  29. Tbat graffiti pic cracks me up every time I see it!

    Going back to work will be an adjustment so be patient with your body and "go with the flow"! 😍

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, that job! I was really tired at the end of the week. At least this week is one day shorter!

      Delete
  30. I couldn't agree more with your about the running clothes. That's a really important aspect!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Haha between the bike tumble (thank goodness you're okay) and the graffiti pic, you have me cracking up. All of your new InknBurn items are so cute. I tend to wear the same few pieces on runs, even though I have drawers full of stuff. Looking forward to your Ultimate Coffee Date post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have so many running clothes, it's embarrassing! I need to purge.

      Delete