The Week that Came in Like a Wrecking Ball

Well, at least for me it was.

On Thursday, March came roaring in like a lion--although if you ask me, it was more like a wrecking ball, actually. While we in the Chicago area had our share of rain and wind, I know we dodged the worst of it. A lot of you out east are digging out from under a fresh blanket of snow and maybe waiting for your power to come back on, too. It was a rough week, weather-wise for many people.

For some us, ahem, bad weather or not, it was a rough week in general. There was a full moon too--don't tell me that didn't affect things. I finished the week completely wrecked (see what I did there?) both physically and emotionally, but with my sense of humor intact. Sometimes, a good sense of humor is the only thing that gets us through life. That, and a few carefully placed f-bombs.

Disclaimer: This post is profanity-free.

Running
I had an extra day of running this week. Not feeling well combined with some really windy conditions forced me to push last Sunday's run off to Monday. I was rewarded with perfect running conditions. In fact, it was so nice out that I didn't want to stop! I had to go to work, though, so I called it quits after 8 miles. The nice weather continued into Wednesday and on that day, I was able to run in shorts. In the "I should know better by now" category, I ignored my pacing and let my legs fly. I was rewarded with my first 2 miles at 8:32. The wheels came off the bus soon after that and I struggled to finish my 6 miler, even when I calmed down and put the run/walk intervals back in. Running that fast was fun while it lasted but I know that I'm sure not ready for prime time at that pace. In spite of me running out of gas, I completely enjoyed my morning playing in the warm sun.

Handstand's getting stronger! 

Thursday morning, I woke up to pouring rain and wind. I figured it was going to be a treadmill day, but when I finished CrossFit, the rain was done. After some mental gymnastics, I convinced myself to go outside, running an easy 4 miler (with intervals, natch) around my neighborhood. I'm so glad I pushed myself and was again reminded me that there is something good in every run.

On Saturday, I woke up to major mama drama at home. It took every ounce of self-control for me not to pummel my oldest son. Instead, I took my anger to the road. While I didn't get any answers, I felt much calmer when I finished. I reflected on how lucky I am that I am a runner and that I have running as an outlet for stress. How do non-runners deal with problem children? Did I mention he's an adult?

A few people have asked me about this photo. I didn't plan this shot. After doing some video running, I was actually walking back to my phone, which was propped on the lamppost. With the sun at my back, the camera captured me deep in thought. This shot completely captured how I was feeling. To enhance the effects of the sunlight, I did some filtering via Snapseed.

Still feeling anxious on Sunday, I took my run to the preserve trails. They were muddy and messy but the sun was shining and the birds were singing. I didn't find any answers but I did find some peace and calm. That's enough for now.

CrossFit
Sammy Jo led me through a strength and conditioning practice. Her goals for me were to PR my back squats and deadlifts. I PR'd the back squats at 155# but when she put 185# on the bar for deadlifts, I couldn't get the bar up off the ground. Boo! I was able to deadlift 170#, tho. I felt like I let her down. She was so excited about me hitting a PR. Next time. She also had me do a circuit of battle ropes and lifting a 50# ball onto the boxes.

Yoga
Since I did yoga last Sunday, there was no mat time this week. I did do some stretching and some poses on the run, though.

Olympic Inspired
King Dancer Pose

Randoms
I joined Rachel's Total Body Challenge which kicked off March 1. I thought it might be kind of fun and she's mixing it up a bit with the challenge this time around. Cocoa thinks I'm crazy doing those burpees, tho.

20 burpees in the wet grass on Sunday

I met Marcia for lunch on Thursday. Runner friends are truly the best, aren't they?

My youngest son started his final year of high school gymnastics. It's kind of bittersweet--he's really hit his stride and he's a senior. At his first meet on Thursday night, he took 3rd in the high bar. I love going to his events--it always amazes me how supportive the boys are of each other and how each kid really gives his best. Inspiration is everywhere, if you look for it, right?

A reminder that I haven't failed completely as a parent.

And that's a wrap! How was your week? Are you having lion-like weather? Wrecking ball? Or was it a lamb by you? How do you get yourself through times?

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