It may sound like I'm complaining, but I'm not. I'm just astonished--and it isn't just our weather that gives me pause. Terrible hurricanes, earthquakes...it's like the world is coming to an end or something! Wasn't that supposed to happen on Saturday? If you're reading this, we are all still here and still roasting and running. Runners don't stop just because Mother Nature has lost her mind.
Monday and Tuesday, I was downtown in Chicago, attending the American Academy of Pediatrics conference. I left the house at 5:15 and returned home by 6:30. No, there wasn't any running those days. I took the train and did a lot of walking. I was really pleased to see that I walked 5 miles each day, even though I spent a lot of my time sitting in lectures. Commuting is a workout.
Wednesday, I went to the yoga studio for a much needed class, with an emphasis on twisting. Overall, I felt really good when I left, but there was one activity she had us do which sent red flags up for me. We were in a lunge position, with the back foot on a blanket and she had the class sliding that back leg back and forth. No, no, no, screamed my brain. Danger, danger! I didn't do that particular activity, deciding that a twisted knee would not be a good thing. I substituted back lunges instead.
Thursday was my birthday--yes, I'm in a new age group this year--and I first went to CrossFit to work out with Steph. Sammy Jo had us do front squats this time, along with other assorted fun! After our session, I headed to the pond for 5.5 easy miles in the heat. By 3 miles, I was ready to call it quits. It was miserable out there. I couldn't quit though. I had to do my birthday run. I mean, what would I post on social media otherwise? Ha!
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Clearly, we weren't working hard enough! |
Sunday was just as tough. I did a shakeout run, 4 miles, and gratefully utilized my run/walk intervals. About a month ago, Steph and I had discussed running the Chicago Half Marathon which was held this morning--I am so glad we never committed to it. It had to be tough out there, running on Lake Shore Drive in the bright sunshine and heat. Instead, I thought about my friends Marcia, who today ran the Berlin Marathon after almost not getting there, and Holly and Teresa, who yesterday rode a "century"--100 miles, actually they rode 103 miles--in the heat and humidity of Alabama. I am so proud to be a part of this group of badass old ladies!
Speaking of inspirational, have you seen the National Geographic documentary Breaking 2? Saturday afternoon was just too hot to do anything outdoors, so in between getting caught up on blogging stuff, I watched the video. It's well done and worth the watch. If you don't remember the story, last year Nike trained 3 elite marathoners to attempt to break the 2 hour barrier for the marathon distance. Lots of science went into this attempt and I found it fascinating. I knew the outcome but I was rooting for Eliud Kipchoge to win because he comes across as such a nice, down-to-earth guy. He talks about running with a group and how important teamwork is to his success: "100% of me is nothing compared to 1% of the whole team." Of special interest to me was the involvement of Phillip Skiba, a sports medicine physician from where I work. Another really nice guy, I wish he had an interest in studying 55 year old post-menopausal runners with RA instead of world-class marathoners...
How was your week? Hot by you as well? Ever been to a class where you weren't comfortable with what was being taught? Have you seen the documentary Breaking 2? Who inspires you?
I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap!
This heat is seriously oppressive. I'm thinking about rearranging my schedule this week just so I don't have to run in the middle of the morning when it's scorching.
ReplyDeleteI went at 8 this morning and it was already too hot. Run/walk intervals for the win!
DeleteThis heat is really confusing me! Especially because when I started running again at the end of August it had been getting cooler. I can't believe this is the last week in September and its still been so warm.
ReplyDeleteI keep saying the same thing! I don't ever remember it being this hot in September.
DeleteI feel your pain about the weather. And yes I am complaining. This weather needs to go. I ran the 5k this morning instead of the half marathon and am glad I did. One of my coworkers told me about the Breaking 2 documentary and I plan to watch it one of these days.
ReplyDeleteIt's really worth the watch--it's about an hour.
DeleteYup, this week was definitely "running hot". I'm hoping that Mother N shows us some love and brings Fall weather to us very soon!
ReplyDeleteMe and you both!
DeleteHappy birthday to you!! We had the same heat wave. I can't deal with this weather any more. I hope that after this cold front moves in we will land back in the start of fall and stay there! Great week of workouts!!
ReplyDeleteWe're hoping for the same thing!
DeleteGood call on avoiding that yoga move! Sometimes I modify the OTF workouts, but they encourage that anyway. I sure hope fall arrives before the Chicago Marathon -- and before ^^my^^century ride next weekend. Happy birthday and anniversary - what a great week for you!
ReplyDeleteIt has been a great week! Good luck on that century ride!
DeleteHope you had a great birthday! Those ladies in your new AG better look out!!! :) I would think that move you described is not meant for everyone and yes you could easily hurt your knee or groin area.
ReplyDeleteI was glad I knew to avoid it (and it wasn't a yoga move anyways) but I worried that someone would hurt themselves.
DeleteI forgot about the Breaking 2...I need to find that. Is it on Netflix, by chance? Yes, we have the same July-like weather in Iowa. I actually am enjoying it, but I didn't get to experience it the first go-round LOL ;-)
ReplyDeleteI have the link above--just hover over the Breaking 2 title.
DeleteHappy Belated Birthday! It was hot and humid here as well this weekend. Definitely does not feel like fall weather.
ReplyDeleteWe should get relief by Wednesday. Next weekend looks like fall.
DeleteI didn't know that about Saturday. I just went out there and did my run, to get back on schedule. My recovery week is done.
ReplyDeleteWould you have changed things if you had known?
DeleteI have been stalking Chicago weather since the marathon is only 2 weeks away and I am freaking out!! Please tell Chicago to cool down!!
ReplyDeleteI hope it is cool for you too!
DeleteGreat job in that heat! Hope you had a great birthday! Always nice to get in a new age group. The Breaking 2 documentary sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteThese older age groups are kind of a double edged sword! Because it means: older!
DeleteI remember watching Breaking 2 when it was on tv. They are crazy fast. It'd be interesting to see the documentary! Great job in the heat! We had cooler weather last week but it's going to get hot again for us this week (back in the 90's).
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the documentary. I can't believe how fast those guys are. And they make it look effortless!
DeleteI'll be an old timer and say the same thing with you - I don't ever remember it being this hot so late in the season. It's crazy! I watched the Nat Geo documentary too. C-R-A-Z-Y awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteWe are supposed to get a break in the heat in a couple of days. I won't lie--I'm looking forward to it!
DeleteSO SO SO HOT UP IN HERRE IN AUSTIN TOO.
ReplyDeleteAnd me? Im all about the substituting those kinds of stuffs in yoga too.
Ill leave em for the young whippersnappers :-)
Yoga isn't supposed to hurt you--I don't understand that move she wanted us to do at all.
DeleteI'm with you on the hot weather! I want my cool fall temps back :-((((
ReplyDeleteAnd HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you and congrats on a new age group - how fun!!
I'm not sure if the 55-59 age group classifies as "fun"....but thank you! :p
DeleteThe heat is insane, and I've been trying to be super careful because of it. Aka lots of inside time, lol. I love twists in yoga--probablly my favorite!
ReplyDeleteI love how I feel after twisting!
DeleteMother Nature has lost her mind! You had a great week despite her madness. I've got to check out that documentary.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty happy with how my runs went in spite of the heat. What's a runner to do?
DeleteI've def been there with a class before. Best to listen to your own body!
ReplyDeleteIt's been really hot here too, but I'm just trying to soak it up. I'm sure plenty of cold weather is coming!
I agree! Soon enough, we'll be complaining about the cold!
DeleteI actually love this summer weather, and don't even mind it when it comes to the running. However, if it could cool off just for the marathon, I'd appreciate that, and then it can return to the summer like weather.
ReplyDeleteIt just feels wrong to be this hot so late into the fall! I know I'll regret saying this, but I'm ready for it to cool off.
DeleteThose birthday runs get harder and harder, and the heat sure doesn't help - but woohoo for hitting 5.5 on your special day! Happy Happy Birthday. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm so over this heat. We are still having 90+ degree days. Boooooooo.
I love how you get me..on all these things!
DeleteI guess I had been under a rock I did not know anything about the world coming to an end...I think maybe I would have skipped out on the long run since I wouldn't need it ha! This weather is quite astonishing to say the least! I'm not going to laugh at yall with this unseasonably warm weather cause it will come back to bite me in the butt when i gets cold. I can not deal with freezing temps for very long!
ReplyDeleteI don't love the freezing temps either, but a little moderation would be nice!
DeleteI will take all the heat we can get! It will be cool and dreary for a long time.
ReplyDeleteMy running friends inspire me. Right now I have a few friends training for ultras and running all the miles, they are amazing!!
I agree! We need all our inspiration wherever we can get it!
DeleteWow what a good week, especially with the hot weather! And happy birthday for Thursday, congratulations :)
ReplyDeleteIt was 48 here on Saturday morning and I was in shock. It didn't last, we are back to typical So Cal "Fall" = Santa Ana winds with high temps/low humidity and high fire danger.
ReplyDeleteIt was breezy and warmer yesterday morning but I finally ran 4 miles without IT band pain. #winning
Yay to no ITB pain! That is the worst, most stubborn injury ever!
DeleteHappy Birthday... I hope the celebrations are continuing!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Things have kind of wound down for now, but we've got some more celebrating coming up.
DeleteYOU inspire me, Sista! Badass old ladies unite!! We baked for so long in Saturday's heat that I turned down water skiing. Turned.it.down. Who am I? Congrats on the new age group! Thanks for linking.
ReplyDeleteYou are a centurian. I think skipping water skiing was probably, and I mean probably, ok for that day. The way things are going, weather-wise, you'll probably get a few more chances this season!
DeleteDefinitely hot. That's too bad that he doesn't study menopausal 50 something runners. :)
ReplyDeleteThe weather has definitely been extreme & I believe in global warming for sure, but still ... not my area of expertise. Sometimes you do just get extreme weather.
I'd be happy for mild winters & summers, I won't lie!
I'm pretty sure this is beyond extreme weather. Moderation would be a-ok with me.
DeleteThe heat and humidity have been beyond oppressive. Thankfully it looks like ti will start to cool off starting next weekend. I'm not sure I'd make a marathon in this weather.
ReplyDeleteI know I'd struggle. There'd be a lot of walking.
DeleteYup, it's hot here. And we had that fun hurricane, too. I'm ready for winter.
ReplyDeleteI've been to a few classes where I wasn't up to the activity. I just mention my concerns to the coach or modify quietly to something where I'm more comfortable. I know my body enough to know when something will end in disaster, and i'm not willing to risk it.
It looked like you had an awesome birthday!
It was a great birthday! Who knew turning 55 could be...ok?
DeleteHard to believe it was so hot in Chicago! Over the weekend in Denver it didn't get out of the 50s with rain. Hoping the cooler weather finds you soon!
ReplyDeleteIt was another record hot day today, but I think this is it for a while. I'm not sure if I should be happy or sad!
DeleteIt's crazy hot even in Minneapolis! Fall has GOT to arrive soon...
ReplyDeleteStrong week still getting things done!
I'm thinking tomorrow?
DeleteIt's hot even for Virginia right now. I'm so tired of temps in the 90s with crazy humidity. Bring on fall, please.
ReplyDeleteI think it's coming!
DeleteAwww, thanks for the shoutout Wendy and all the support for our little 103 mile trek ..we certainly needed it and felt it!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, it's hot. It's just hot every-damn-where!
I, often times, adjust and/or modify certain moves in a group class if I think it could cause injury. I'm too old to take those chances anymore! :)
You guys just amazed me! We are a bunch of crazy old ladies and I love it!
DeleteI'd be happy to run a marathon in 4 hours! 2 hours? Mind blowing.
ReplyDelete