Sunday, May 6, 2018

Back to Work

You can't keep a good runner down for long! After last week's RA flare, I went into full-on defense mode and started steroids. As the week progressed, I really started to turn the corner. While I've still been feeling the effects of the flare, my running gradually improved over the week.

I'm back, baby! For the most part, anyway. Here's how the week went down:



Running
After the success I had last Sunday with the 9:1 intervals, I figured I would do the same on Wednesday's 6 miler. Unfortunately, I went out way too fast. Between my lack of self-restraint and the very warm conditions, I struggled and by mile 4, called it quits. When will I learn? On Thursday, I cautiously set out to do my speedwork. I made an ambitious goal to do 800s x 8 but didn't know how fast I'd be able to do them. I ran them faster than I expected but had to quit after 6. That's ok. I was really pleased with my consistent pacing on all 6 intervals. You know I'm all about quality over quantity.


Saturday morning was perfect for running with a friend! Steph, who has been sidelined for much of winter and spring so far, is finally feeling better and was up for a run with me. She wanted to go long but I didn't want to push it and so we compromised with 5 miles for Cinco de Mayo. We ran on the bike path at a nice 9-ish pace and caught up on life. It's great to have my friend back. While I still love my solo runs, it will be nice to have a partner in crime at least once or twice a week. 

Speaking of that, on Sunday I took my long run to one of the local forest preserves. I wanted to go it alone to work on pacing. As I headed down the path into the preserve, a group of runners merged onto the path with me. I soon learned that they were from a local running club that I recently joined! After we introduced ourselves, I told them that I have been meaning to run with them and the leader said to me, "now you are". I truly believe there are no coincidences. I mean, what are the chances of our paths crossing at that exact moment? I ran 2 miles with them, but between conversation and no walk breaks, I knew that I needed to break off on my own. After I left them, I struggled for about a mile or 2. Between starting the 4:1 run/walk intervals and sipping on Tailwind, I felt much better. I finished 10 miles in 1:36:22. Maybe a little faster than I should have done for a long run, however, I felt good when I was done. 

Steph and me, together again!!!
Cycling
I've been talking about riding my bike to work. My new office is much closer to my house, making a bike commute very realistic. With my car in the shop, I decided to try it out on Monday. Google Maps has a bicycle mode and gave me a "safe" route through the neighborhoods between my house and my office, keeping me off the busy streets. I only had a few "incidents" with impatient drivers and rode the 8 mile trip in 35 minutes. I really enjoyed this and will be doing more bike commuting this summer.


CrossFit
After missing last Thursday due to my flare, I was really looking forward to getting back to the box! Sammy Jo programmed a fun session for me which included deadlifts (progressive with max 105# x 8 reps), KB swings, tire flips, and wreck bag running. There was also work on the assault bike and some resistance band forward bending.


Yoga
On Monday, Cocoa and I took the yoga mat outside to the deck for some Five Parks Yoga Heart Opening Sunset Yoga class. No, it wasn't evening, but this is a really great class if you like backbends. It was quite windy and during savasana, I was lying on my mat when I felt a fine mist landing on me. It smelled odd and when I sat up I saw the Weed Man fertilizing the neighbor's yard behind me. Seriously? Lawn fertilizer during yoga? It just seemed wrong...

It was a dark and stormy night but I can't resist a call to stop, drop, and yoga!
Got this one in just before the skies opened up! Yep, I'm in my work clothes.
Simple Squares
About a month ago, I won a case of Simple Squares from an Instagram giveaway hosted by Jody @crossmyheartfitness. Made from just 5 ingredients, Simple Squares are organic, paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, corn-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free. They are made from nuts, honey, vanilla, sea salt, and herbs. The herbs selected all have anti-inflammatory properties, making the bars a great food for people looking for an anti-inflammatory snack food. The bars are "unfired", meaning they are raw. I'm not one to get enthused about snack bars but when I received them, my coworker and I tried them out right away. Can I just say we both fell in love with them? While each flavor is a little different, I couldn't say which one is my favorite because they are all good.



Right now, a case of the bars is 15% off and there is free shipping if you spend over $40, using the code FREE. There's a sampler pack, which has all the flavors in it. By the way, this is not an affiliate link, I just REALLY like these bars! Try them and let me know what you think!

How was your week? Did it heat up where you are? Have you acclimated already? Or do you need time? 

It's the Weekly Wrap! Holly and I host this weekly linkup for fitness bloggers to share their fitness and/or race recaps. Please don't linkup if you are not a fitness blogger. The other rules are listed above this post. Let Holly or me know if you have any questions. Thanks for supporting the Weekly Wrap!


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91 comments :

  1. That is so cool that you ran into that running group while you were out there! I met mine randomly in the parking lot of my local park after taking pictures of my granddaughter. And, considering they're a bunch of ultra runners, I'm with you on the whole "no coincidences" thing. Nice job finishing up with that 10 miles, too.

    We're starting to heat up and the humidity is going with it. I knew it was coming - I was just hoping for a few more weeks of 60s before we hit the 90s (that's what it got up to on Friday!!!). Ugh.

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    1. It seems like we always go right from winter to summer, doesn't it? Today is a perfect spring day and I'm savoring it!

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  2. I'm gonna check out those Simple Squares...I need a better alternative to my trusty granola bars. I agree, there are no coincidences, in life or in running ;-)

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    1. You can buy them at Fresh Thyme, if you have one by you. Otherwise on the SS website, there's an interactive map that will help you find them locally. Of course, you can always let your fingers do the walking and order from SS directly.

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  3. I am so glad to hear that your week turned around! It's fun to run with new people sometimes isn' t it? I love that you biked to work-how fun. Thanks for the link up

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    1. I'm planning on biking again tomorrow--this time round trip!

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  4. I'm glad you had a good week and are feeling better! Thats pretty funny that you literally "ran" into the running group. Im definitely not acclimated to the heat but Im fine with just slowing down and enjoying the warmer weather.

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    1. I'm greedy--after that 10 mile race a few weeks ago, I want to do that at a half. But if it's warm, it's not happening.

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  5. Our spring seems to be here, and we're expecting 80 degrees this week. It's been sudden, but it's so nice to feel the warmth of spring.

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    1. I'm loving sitting outside while I read blog posts this afternoon!!

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  6. Minneapolis hit 80 this weekend! It was awesome...except that I can't run and enjoy it :(

    I'm really glad to hear that your week turned around and great job on the bike commute!

    Thanks for hosting the link-up, I love it!

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    1. Warm weather running is overrated anyways... :p You know it's hard to hit those paces in the heat!

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  7. Sounds like you definitely got back in the groove this week! And I think you're really brave to bike to work. My nephew does it in NYC! Even if I biked that would definitely scare me.

    The weather was its usual wacko self this week & no, definitely not acclimated (although it cooled way down for the weekend, but I really hope I've seen the last of my beanie for many months!).

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    1. I will admit that it feels great to be free of all the layers and fleece!

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  8. So you invited everyone you ran into to our Global Running Day event, right? Haha! Glsf you've got Steph back and are back in the box!

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    1. You know I did! I also invited them to RnR Chicago, but a lot of them are running Ragnar. One of their teammates has an RV. Now THAT's how to do Ragnar right.

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  9. So glad you felt better this week! It is a fun change of pace to run with others. I wish my group was training right now. I love bars. I eat one every day as my second breakfast. Can’t wait to try these.

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  10. I'm glad you're feeling better after the flare up, your runs are going well, and you were able to do CrossFit too. Plus you got to run with a friend and those are always the best. I have never tried those bars but they do look good. I'm a big fan of bars in general because I drive around a lot (used to drive for running and workouts, now driving for PT) and they're so portable for on the go snacking.

    I hope you have a great week, and thanks for hosting the linkup!

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    1. I am hoping that things just keep going in this direction!

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  11. I also have the problem of heading out too fast. I just get so excited, haha! It's a work in progress as you know. :) Glad you are starting to normalize again after your flare. This week will be even better for you!

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    1. Yeah, you'd think I'd have that self control thing all set by now! LOL! I will say that doing the run/walk intervals definitely helps me in that department.

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  12. I love Simple Squares. My faves are Sage and Choco-Coco but they're all good. I became friends with the founder after working with her on my blog. :)

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    1. I've been emailing with her--I hope we can work something out to share the love here on the blog!

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  13. What a great coincidence that you ran into the group you joined! I love simple squares - I helped them for a bit at Expo West.

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    1. Glad to hear you like Simple Squares too. Gotta love that they are local!

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  14. Never heard of those bars but those flavors sound tasty. I try to stay away from stuff like that because they are usually full of sugar but with only a few ingredients you don't have to feel guilty eating those.

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    1. Oh these bars are amazing! I love that they only have 5 ingredients.

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  15. I'm happy that you're feeling better. How fun to meet up with your own running club like that!

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  16. Aww I miss being able to walk/ bike to work. We moved a few miles farther away and while I could bike, my bike is no longer with us. The tire came off the rim and the rim bent, so I can't ride it. Right now we can't afford to get me a new one.

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    1. I'm so sorry to hear that! I hope you'll be able to replace your bike soon.

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  17. Hooray for feeling better! I miss walking to work, I did it for 5 years and just stopped being able to this fall. It got warm here but it was manageable and I didn't get to run this weekend just walk. Stay cool!

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    1. I'm really enjoying this weather!! It feels so good after the never ending winter.

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  18. Gosh it sounds like you had a great week - plus running with your friend and a new group sounds like more fun on tap for the summer!

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  19. How cool that you "ran" into your running group and finally got in a group run with them! I'm with you on loving both my solo runs AND runs with friends!

    Thanks for the linkup!

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  20. Love that you had a taste of everything on your runs last week. I haven't been joining the night run group because of intervals too. Wish I could find an interval running group ;)

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  21. How awesome that you randomly ran into that running group. It was meant to me! Nice work last week, Wendy!

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  22. Great that you're back and your running has improved! Nice job biking to work! Those bars sound good.

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  23. I’m so impressed with how quickly you rebounded from your flare! Bike commuting seems so great; it’s something I’ve wanted to try for a while (but I’m scared of city rush-hour traffic!)

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    1. That's the best part about the Google maps feature--it kept me off the main roads.

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  24. Nothing holds you back lady! That's what I love about you. Well done on bouncing right back and on some great workouts this week. As always, I love the variety and if you can do a few cycle commutes this summer that will be just a great way of fitting in some cross-training while on the move! Shathiso at www.thegaboronerunner.com

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    1. Yep, as long as the weather cooperates, I can get some cycling in! I love it.

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  25. So glad that you are feeling better this week! I love that you are bike commuting to work - what a great way to get in exercise! My job isn't too far from my house so I may actually walk there a few times this summer since its only a few miles.

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  26. It’s heating up here which I’m super happy about but I need to remember to hydrate better now!

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  27. Glad you got some meds and are feeling a little better.
    Those bars look good! I like that they are a little smaller! Hope you have a great Monday.

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  28. I definitely think the universe provides when you don't know you need it - it was nice that you were able to meet up with the running group! Although I can't say the universe was working with you when the fertilizer man showed up during yoga! I'm so thankful that it warmed up last week (though upper 90s is pushing it for me) - thankful again that it's cooled down to a reasonable 70 this week!

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    1. I'm grateful it warmed up too! I'm enjoying it. Even if it means getting sprayed by the Weed Man....

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  29. I stepped away from the blog world for a week- sorry to hear about the flare up! Sounds like you are right back at it now. And I'm intrigued by those simple squares... I love real food bars like that!

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  30. I'm glad you're feeling better this week! It's summer where I live now, and I'm glad. I acclimated much faster this year than any other year. I also noticed I struggled much more in the cold this year than I have in years past. I think my body is officially a Southerner now. Ha! Give me heat!

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    1. Yeah, no! I'm a cold weather runner. But I do like being warm. I'm sure I could adjust!

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  31. How cool that you ran into that running group! Things like that are so funny when they happen and make me feel like it means something was meant to be :)

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  32. Glad you are feeling better. Also, way to go with your 8 mile commute! I'm looking forward to getting in some rides to work this summer. I walked home from dropping my car off last week and the three guys at the garage laughed that I would walk home! Not the most active fellas but I wasn't wasting an opportunity to walk home...it was only 20 minutes!

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  33. I am glad you are feeling better - and way to go on your 10 mile run! That's awesome that you can bike to work - definitely a benefit of summer weather. I hope your running continues to go well this week!

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  34. I'm glad you're feeling better and got back in a groove. And how great that you ran into your new run club - I agree there are no coincidences. Hope you have another good week!

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  35. Hooray for getting out with Steph again AND for literally running into your new running group! Total fate!

    So cool that you can cycle to work too!as you know I cycle everywhere - my bike is my mode of transport so I’m a huge advocate of bike commuting. We have bike oaths and even our own traffic lines but i also have troubles now and again on the paths.

    Glad you are feeling better and back in the box too. But yuck about fertilizer during yoga!


    Our week started chilly and rainy and ended up with spectacular weather. Puts me in a much better mood!

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    1. You're lucky that in Europe, it's so much more bike friendly. Even though I take the neighborhood streets, the drivers are really aggressive. Still, I"m going to keep at it.

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  36. It's so good to see that you are feeling better and able to keep moving! A fertilizer bath during yoga is a little gross but I'm sure a quick shower put you in a better mood :) We have has cool mornings and hot afternoons, so getting out early has been key!

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    1. Yep, I rinsed it all away... no need to fertilize our lawn.

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  37. Sounds like you had a diverse week! The fertilizer shower sounds awful! I always admire those who ride their bike to work! Hope you have a great week this week too!

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  38. Great job this week! I love that you are able to commute to work on your bike! That's something I always wanted to do but it was never feasible.

    Glad you're feeling better and had a great week of activity. I'm sure that's got to be good for your soul and your psyche.

    Yup, the temps have jumped up. It's going ok. I wish it was cooler longer, but it is what it is in the south.

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  39. I'm grossed out by the fertilizer in the face. Ewwww!!! Despite the fertilizer treatment, it sounds like you had a stellar week. Take that RA!

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    1. YEP! No complaints at all. I'm glad to have weathered this flare very quickly.

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  40. Sounds like a good week and good to hear you are feeling better! Yay for having your running friend back and how fun to run with the running group you have been meaning to run with! Things always seem to happen for a reason! :) Those bars sound interesting!

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    1. Yes, it is so great to be back with Steph. We sure seem to have our ups and downs!

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  41. Love that you got to run with your old friend, and your new friends as well!

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  42. Yay for good weeks and tire flips! So glad things turned around for you this week. Hope it continues!

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  43. Glad to hear that you had a good week! Yay for bike commuting! That sounds like a great way to sneak in a little extra every day.
    We went straight in to summer this week lol. I feel like I never acclimate....I hate hot weather running.

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  44. Those Simple Squares look tasty - especially coconut, I love coconut. I'm glad you're doing better after the RA flare up, Wendy! We have a super warm day, almost 90 degrees, and then fell back to the 50's again! My body goes into shock mode when it's 75+ degrees... just takes a while to reacclimate and I seem to overheat so easily. Uff. Just can't win!

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    1. We're back in the 40s here--I'm just going to take the day off. I'm tired of the roller coaster of this spring!

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  45. I'm glad you're back on it (I'm working my way through a whole load of missed blog posts backwards ...) and glad the RA has tamped down. Do you take meds the whole time then add steroids and did it take a while to adjust your medication at the start? Asking because my friend who has it is really suffering from nausea side effects from her RA drugs and it seems so unfair.

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    1. I take Humira weekly and steroids as needed. I used to take methotrexate weekly, but it gave me terrible nausea and liver toxicity, so my doctor stopped it. I'm so glad. I feel a ton better without it. I hope your friend starts to feel better!

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    2. That's interesting, thank you, I will check what she's on. We've been so worried about her.

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