Sunday, March 4, 2018

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?

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap! Holly and I host this weekly link up for fitness bloggers to share and connect. Please don't link and leave! It's courtesy to comment on the hosts' blogs as well as at least some of the linkers. If you have more questions, click on the tab above. Thanks for supporting the Weekly Wrap and have a fantastic week!


100 comments :

  1. Congrats to your son! I wish our school had a gymnastics team!

    We really dodged That storm here! Verizon Towers were down on Friday night but at least we didn't get any snow!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He never did gymnastics as a kid so it's pretty amazing to see how well he's doing on the team!

      Delete
  2. What a week you've had. Hope things are looking up at home. We've been fortunate not to have that kind of drama. I was dead asleep last night when my middle son texted me shortly before midnight with a simple "dating again". I texted "sweet" and rolled back over and went to sleep. He's been 'hanging around' with a girl for about 6 months now, so I guessed they finally committed. But of course I woke up this morning and thought, "oh, maybe that means they've separated and he's on the market again". Who the heck knows! His Snapchat story from last night tells me it's probably the former.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's funny that he texted you that! My youngest son tells me that kind of thing but my oldest is very closed up and guarded. His teen years were a challenge and it looks like his 20s are going to be challenging too. I had hoped we were past all this but apparently his frontal lobe is not completely filled in yet.

      Delete
    2. He'll get there--even if it kills you.

      Delete
  3. Sorry to hear about your bad day on Saturday :( I hope that whatever is happening with your oldest son gets better soon!
    Congrats to your youngest son on an awesome high bar routine! I did gymnastics when I was in elementary and middle school and I loved it so much. Definitely a very fun sport!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh, Wendy, I'm so sorry to hear about the mama drama. When my sons turned 25 I wished them both a happy frontal lobe maturation day. LOL

    Thanks for the linkup!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Does that mean I have to wait 4 1/2 more years? I don't think I can take much more...

      Delete
    2. As you well know, every child is different! Good luck, mama!

      Delete
  5. The photo of your younger son is so inspiring! What beautiful form.
    Yes, some of our children ride us way up and way down the emotional roller coaster. Wishing you better days ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Motherhood is not an easy journey, and it doesn't end when graduate, or leave the house. I sometimes think I worry now more than I did when they were young and (supposedly) more vulnerable. AS you know, our youngest is also a senior, and all of these final high school memories are tough. Her final tennis season is starting and she's working on her solo for her final dance recital...I'm not ready for all of this to end (but I suspect she is LOL). I'm thinking of you, and hoping all will work itself out ((hugs)).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think he's got a lot of growing up to do. This latest experience may just do that.

      Delete
  7. My stepsons are like night and day. And it’s the youngest one who has given us gray hair.

    And running is cheaper than therapy right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've tried therapy and it didn't do much for me. Sometimes it isn't helpful to ruminate on the past. This morning's run was just what I needed. Mud, sweat, and tears. I'm so much better because of it.

      Delete
  8. A wrecking ball week seems to be the theme. I had a rough week at work as well....and I totally forgot by this time that it was a full moon. Isn't it weird how much that actually does affect people? Congrats to your son! I can't imagine the strength it must take to do the high bar.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a rough week for a lot of people. Here's to hoping that things get better all around.

      Delete
  9. Sorry you had a rough parenting week. Running really is the best way to deal with most problems, right?! We lost power for almost 2 days but luckily its back on now. There are still thousands here in Maryland without power and I'm sure in other states as well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That storm was ridiculous! I hope everyone gets back to normal soon.

      Delete
  10. I had some drama this week too. Phone calls at 3am are never good. And my drama is coming from my 25 year old daughter. Kids - do they ever grow up?

    And congrats to your youngest son!! I love watching gymnastics and I love how the teams are so supportive of each other. That environment is frequently like another family!

    And more power to you for running after CrossFit! I thought about doing that on Wednesday but I can't run where the box is (sketchy unfamiliar neighborhood) and by the time I got home (20-25 minute drive), I just wasn't in the mood. If I had a buddy that wanted to run afterwards, that would be so much better.

    ReplyDelete
  11. WOW! Congrats to your son, I can't imagine how much upper body strength he must have! The full moon meant insanity in one of the schools where I coach - I had to break up THREE fights... in a KINDERGARTEN room!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Running has definitely helped me through a lot of stress throughout the years, and yes, ahem! some anger too. It can really turn a day around!

    I was sad I missed most of the beautiful, warm weather before the storm hit, but I'm thankful that there are still some places to run, that we never lost power, and that it didn't take days & days for the streets to dry out.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm sorry you're dealing with some family drama - parenting can be so challenging sometimes. Congrats to your youngest on his high bar routine!

    And you were rocking some great PRs this week! I admire your dedication to your strength workouts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had a great week, workout-wise. Everything does balance out.

      Delete
  14. I'd say February left like a wrecking ball, and the full moon did not help. I was so frustrated Tuesday and Wednesday with stuff going on at work. I don't know how people deal with stress at work if they don't run. It's the only way I can survive days like that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I"ll tell ya, running sure kept me sane this weekend. I am so grateful I have it.

      Delete
  15. March came in like a hungry lion--that windstorm was like nothing I had ever experienced! Luckily we only lost electricity for a little over 24 hours and had minimal tree damage.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Congrats to Youngest! Wrecking ball week here. And, I should have realized it was a full moon. It fits perfectly now. I'm not sure what we'd do without our "physical" therapy. You are strong, Mama. You'll find clarity and perspective and eventually so will Oldest. Hang in there. HUGS.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for being there for me. Running friends are the best. <3

      Delete
  17. The last year has been by most challenging parenting year for one child and then filled with f&ckups by another... surprisingly my oldest has caused zero problems and is the most stable.... so grateful for running which every time anchors me and has me come back home feeling better... it doesn’t matter if he’s an adult, he’ll always be your baby... and all any of us can do is be the best moms we can and leave the rest up to them to figure out... and we all need to let go of Mom guilt... and we all need to not judge other moms...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This morning I left the house, a bundle of nerves and came home calm. Running is my therapy. And my friends, who get how hard it is to raise kids and hold me up instead of tearing me down. We've got a rough road ahead of us at my house. Not sure how he's going to recover from the mess he's created.

      Delete
  18. Sorry to hear that you had such a rough start to your month. Running and really all exercise has been really therapeutic for me the past 2 months. I guess people who don't run eat or drink for stress? Very cool that your younger son is doing so well in gymnastics.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sorry to hear that about your oldest. I have a nearly two-year-old boy, and it sounds like I have many long years ahead of me! It'll make me think twice about the terrible twos that's for sure. And congrats on the gymnastics for your son. How cool. Hope this week is better!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ironically, my oldest was a wonderful child--there were no terrible twos. But man, once he hit puberty, he made up for it.

      Delete
  20. If it makes you feel any better, I had husband drama Saturday morning and used the road as stress relief too! Hope next week goes better for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Husband drama is real and yep, sometimes you have to run that off too!

      Delete
  21. It's an up and down El Nina year and you certainly had an El Nina week. Boy it's hard to watch kids eff up. Congrats to Matt though! Great pic of him.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You got it. He effed up big time this time. Mama can't help him. Fingers crossed things work in his favor. How low do you have to go?

      Thanks for all your support. <3

      Delete
  22. My car sure looks like it got hit by a wrecking ball .... Congrats to your son - that is so cool. Glad you are able to keep your sense of humor.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have to laugh. Or I'd be crying all the time and that is not helpful.

      Delete
  23. I start so many runs too fast and fizzle before the end. Always because I’m so excited to run! The wheels fell off my week would be a great theme for me, haha.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Seriously! That is another great metaphor. A lot of people had a tough one last week!

      Delete
  24. I always have a harder time sleeping during the full moon. I swear it has no effect on the amount of light in the bedroom, and yet! Maybe the things we attribute to full moons could be caused by sleep deprived humans....?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As a nurse who used to work in the ER, I can tell you that the full moon sure affects people! So I'm not surprised you have trouble sleeping.

      Delete
  25. Running is a brilliant outlet. My week was good but we did get some bad family news on Friday and I almost skipped out on the run I had to do. At the last minute I decided to just do it - and what a great stress-reliever it was. Made me feel ready to deal with the challenge. Hope your mama-drama is sorted out soon. And congratulations to your gymnast son! You are right, so inspiring. Shathiso @www.thegaboronerunner.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wish I could run every day! My body won't let me tho, so I'm going to the mat to do yoga and just breathe!

      Delete
  26. That storm was definitely worse than we expected here! I'm glad you could pound out the parenting stress with running. I often wonder that- how do other people cope without this outlet?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think about that all the time! I am so grateful I have running.

      Delete
  27. Your comment asking what non-runners do to relieve stress really hit home; as you know I'm injured now and I feel like I just can't cope with stress without running :( It's tough. Happy to hear that the runs help you work through things.

    Congrats to your son on the gymnastics! My nieces are huge into gymnastics so I've been learning quite a bit about the different events between men and women. It's an interesting sport!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My CrossFit coach used to tell me that gymnastics is the single best sport for kids. It is such a great strengthener.

      Delete
  28. Congrats to your son on the high bar and you on the squat PR! I'm sorry to hear about your other son. Running is an amazing outlet. I hope this week is better for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we are in for a long road with oldest son. I thought we were done with all the nonsense, but apparently not.

      Delete
  29. I honestly don't know how non-runners handle stress! Running always comes in handy and helps us not strangle our loved ones lol. Your son looks so awesome! It's great that he's got a wonderful support group too. I know what it's like to get to the bar and not be able to get that PR. Here's hoping you can attempt again and be able to conquer it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was pretty surprised that I couldn't lift it! I don't know if was because I did back squats first? But you know I'm determined to get that PR!

      Delete
  30. March def came in like a lion here! Hopefully it will go out like a lamb now.
    I totally agree on the running and stress thing. I say I need to run out my crazy- lol!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm sorry to hear it was a rough week :( That's so true that running can provide a much needed outlet during weeks like that. Before I had running, I think I turned to food but it didn't really work and definitely wasn't good for me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've never been a stress eater but I used to have some bad outlets before I started running. Glad I found it!

      Delete
  32. I’m sorry to hear that you had a rough week. When I’m dealing with stress, I too try to work through everything by working out. It’s amazing how much better things can be after a good old sweat session.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No kidding! There's really no better way to burn off the stress.

      Delete
  33. Our weather is night and day different day to day...20/30s one day 50/60s the next. I can't wait for spring to stick around!

    ReplyDelete
  34. we had beautiful weather last week. Perfect for finding inner peace on the trails! It's hard not to smile with the sun shining and the birds singing.

    ReplyDelete
  35. That is such a cool shot of your gymnast son!

    Sorry about the drama, ugh. I swear, sometimes you just have to wonder...when are they going to grow up and out of this?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wonder that more often that I ever thought I would. I'm waiting for that frontal lobe to develop.

      Delete
  36. Your handstand looks really good! Great job on your running and that Back Squat PR. Hope the drama with your oldest calms down and that you have a great week!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. We had a stampede of lions in my neighborhood with the crazy Nor'easter on Friday! So many downed trees made for an interesting run. It was definitely scary driving home that night...I just hope no one was hurt!

    I hope you're feeling better and that things with your son resolve soon. And you and Marcia on a lunch date? How fun - I'm jealous! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you survived that terrible weather! I've heard so many stories--it sounds just awful.

      Delete
  38. Totally with you on the weather part. We just had a huge rain/wind storm last week that left a lot of the state without power - and now it's looking like a big snowstorm on Weds. I'm ready for spring, lol!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Sorry to hear about the drama with your eldest son... I hope everything works out. You had quite an awesome week of workouts!

    ReplyDelete
  40. This week is a LION! That's for sure. And the kiddo drama... I'm totally not in that season yet (well, we have drama, but think toy-fight-potty-training-etc drama) but I have no idea how non-runners deal with stress! When other stress comes my way, a run helps to clear my mind and give me a new perspective on frustrating situations. It's seriously such a blessing.

    I hope things calm down in your household soon... keep rocking, Wendy. BTW you always have the coolest pictures! I don't know how you do it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, thank you! I enjoy taking the pictures and having fun with the filters.

      Delete
  41. Parenting can be the hardest, most infuriating, most thankless thing, And at the same time, it's so wonderful and amazing and indescribable. We are going through the tween years right now and some days, I feel like all I'm doing is taking deep breaths and counting to ten. I think that's just how it goes. :hug:

    Thank goodness for running, right? I don't know that my weeks would go quite as smoothly without that outlet.

    Hang in there and keep it up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You totally hit the nail on the head. I just thought that by now, we'd be done with the drama. Someone has a some maturing to do. Late bloomer, I guess.

      Delete
  42. At least you survived! I always thought that raising kids would get easier as they grow - and for the most part they do, but sometimes, they can drive you crazy. I had an awful week myself. going to the gym has been saving grace. It doesn't make it go away, but for an hour or so, I forget about my problems and then can return with a clearer head and more focus.

    I hope this week is better for you! And, I love your photos - especially, the feature one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! And it seems as tho a lot of us had a tough week. I'm blaming the full moon!

      Here's to a better week for both of us.

      Delete
  43. I love that photo of your son on the bar!! I have a friend who's daughter's strongest event is the bar and I love watching her!

    And I hear you on mama drama. Oh boy, we have a LOT of those in our tween household. This too will pass. <3

    ReplyDelete
  44. I don't know if I'll find answers but peace and calm would be just fine, too!

    ReplyDelete
  45. That's a crazy big deadlift and squat. I've never lifted weights like that. I always did machines or either classes like BodyPump, or very light weights like EZ Bars. I did CrossFit for a few weeks when my job paid for it but never went long enough to really increase weights. Plus the pics are so badass...

    Boo for Mama Drama. I don't know how parents these days do it. I think it is so much harder than when we were kids (I'm 32).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you--I think raising kids is harder now and getting harder. Social media is a minefield...

      Delete
  46. I love that wrecking ball image!!! Parenting is so tough, I struggle with a 2 year old, can't imagine as she gets older!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My other son has been a breeze compared to my oldest, so you just never know what you're going to get.

      Delete
  47. Love all the pics! That one with the sun behind you really expresses a lot of emotion.
    Bummer for some challenges as March began, but yay for having running as an outlet!
    That is an impressive dead-lift to me! And yay for a squat PR!
    Hope your week is better!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We're kind of in a holding pattern with my son for now, so as long as he stays out of trouble, March should be good...

      Delete
  48. Every week lately seems like a wrecking ball for me with so much busy-ness! I am always so impressed by how much you accomplish, very inspiring!!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  49. Congrats to your son! Awesome job on your back squats PR! You'll get the other one next time. So strong!

    ReplyDelete
  50. I'll just keep working on that deadlift! I've done it before!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Sorry you had a rough week! Running definitely helps me stay sane when my son is trying my patience (every second of the day). He's a tough one. I'll be glad for his stubborn streak when he's a little older, but he's only 3 and right now it makes me crazy! Nothing is ever easy. Thank goodness for running (and yoga).

    ReplyDelete