Sunday, May 20, 2018

The Universe Speaks: What's This Runner to Do?

"The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you." ~ Neil deGrasse Tyson
It's been a rough couple of weeks. Last month, I published a post called All Aboard the Hot Mess Express and I feel like I'm still riding the rails. Even running, which is my go-to when I'm feeling overwhelmed and stressed, isn't serving me well.

But what does a runner do when the going gets tough?



I don't have a lot of activity to report for this week. My wounds are slowly healing, but I've been fairly uncomfortable and that has limited me. I did yoga once this week, a "Flow in the Forest" class with Five Parks Yoga. Fortunately, there wasn't much kneeling and I was able to do most of the class without modifying. I skipped Crossfit again. With my knee and shoulder wounds, strength training was out and I didn't know how much we could modify. I'm hoping to get back at it next week.

Cocoa and me, warriors.
I was able to run, but not as much as I wanted. While my knee feels a little "off" at first, once I start moving, it is fine. I don't think anything serious is wrong with it. On the other hand, my endurance has once again disappeared. I had a really disappointing run on Wednesday. I started out to do 6, even incorporating run/walk intervals into the run, but at 4.5 miles I had to call it quits. I could blame the weather--it was warm and humid--but I could also blame my health. Was it the antibiotics I was taking? Was it my body using all its energy to heal and fight infection? Or was it RA responding to my injury?

Beautiful day, not so beautiful run.
Who knows. What was concerning me was that I had a half marathon planned for today. This week, I wasn't worried about mileage--I'm done training--but I wanted some confidence-building runs that would give me an idea how to plan for race day. I made a quiet goal for myself this year to run a sub-2 half. I didn't share my goal with many people, because I didn't want to put it out there and then fail. After the CARA 10 miler last month, I thought that today's race was going to be THE ONE. Too bad I didn't run a half that day, right?

No matter. I pushed hard enough that day to induce an RA flare. After I recovered from the flare, I crashed my bike. There was more mama drama.

Is the universe trying to tell me something? Should I be giving up my need for speed? Is it time to become a slower, gentler runner?

I'll tell you one thing: I'm feeling pretty fragile right now. It's a new feeling and it's not one that I like.

Maybe I need to stop fighting with myself. Maybe I need to let go and just enjoy running for what it is. I need running in my life. Running is my therapy. Running fast and hard gives me a feeling of strength, of confidence, and yes, invincibility.


I'm not feeling any of that right now.

I had lunch with Marcia on Thursday and we talked about this a little bit. I want some of her calm acceptance of where her running journey is taking her. I didn't get any answers, but I did feel validated. I guess that's a start.

In spite of how I was feeling and running, I reluctantly made preparations for today's half marathon. Steph, who was having a tough week of her own, came to my house at 6 am. The weather was cold, 45F, and it was windy. While we waited in a very long line for the portapotties, there was a rumble of thunder and the skies opened up. We were soaked. We made our way to the covered parking garage to wait with the other runners and a pacer told us the race start was delayed 30 minutes. Steph and I debated whether or not we wanted to run. The decision was a struggle for both of us. For me, knowing that I wasn't even close to 100% with still healing wounds from my bike crash made the decision a smidge easier.

After much discussion and consultation of multiple weather sites, we DNS'd the race.

The rain was coming down. I'm wearing my throwaway sweatshirt.
We returned to my house, warmed up over a cup of coffee, and continued to justify our reasons for not running. The course would have been muddy. Steph didn't sleep last night. I didn't want another flare. It was cold. It was windy. It was rainy. Bottom line, it's never easy to DNS. If you believe in listening to your gut or to the universe or whatever, I was made what was the best decision for me.

The new me, apparently, who wimps out in crummy weather.
KNIXWEAR
I received products from Knixwear as part of my ambassadorship with Zooma. All opinions are my own. 

Founded in 2013, Knixwear was developed in an effort to revolutionize women's undergarments. The products are moisture-wicking, anti-odor, quick-dry, anti-leak, and seamless. The women modeling the products are real women. The photos are not retouched.

I was really excited to try my Knixwear Longevity Bra and Athletic Leakproof Bikini. When I received the bra, which claims to be "medium support", I was a little skeptical. I like a supportive sports bra when I run. This thinly knit bra was supposed to support the girls while I ran? Well, guess what? There was no bounce, no chafing. Not only that, but the bra was amazingly comfortable. I've only worn it once and it was a 4 mile run, but it was hot and I sweated a lot. I'm excited to try it again for a longer distance. The panties were super comfy. The fabric is silky and light. No seams for the win. I also wore them for my run and they didn't ride up at all.

Right now on the company website is a "spin the wheel" discount code generator. I got 15% off. I'm going to be shopping for more!


Have you ever reached a turning point where you needed to make a decision about something really important to you? Would you have DNS'd the race? Have your tried Knixwear? How was your week?

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap! This linkup, hosted by Holly and me, is THE PLACE for fitness bloggers to share their week of training and/or race recaps. If you're not a fitness blogger, please don't drop a link. If you do link with us, please link back to the hosts. It's also polite to comment on each of the hosts' posts as well as other linkers. Sharing is caring! Thanks for participating in the Weekly Wrap! Have a wonderful week.



99 comments :

  1. First off, you did NOT wimp out. No you did not. You made a decision based on the parameters and data available. For what it's worth, I'd have DNS'd, too.

    If it helps, I had a decision to make this week, too. Rewinding, I was supposed to run Manchester marathon on 09 April but had had a cold for just over 2 weeks that meant I was not well enough (this was a good call: I had a nosebleed at the exact time I was due to start). I then ran a DIY marathon just to use the training a week later. Good but a push as I hadn't run more than twice in the preceding three weeks. I wanted to do a proper race with a medal so signed up for a canal marathon on Aug 11. The next three weeks I was so tired, felt awful, did 8, 9 and 5 miles in those weeks and no yoga. No running mojo, felt like I'd never run before. Tried to get more sleep etc. Last 2 weeks have been better, got my love of running back, two 20 mile weeks, which are my sweet spot for keeping mentally and physically well. But this marathon in August looming, hm. I hadn't run long really.

    Yesterday, I told myself if I could do 10 miles and find it reasonably OK/easy I was OK to train up for the August mara. No, it was not easy. I struggled, I tripped and almost fell, I incorporated parkrun and got a personal worst, I had to walk / run home not as a good choice but as a I am too knackered to run up this hill. So I have decided to pull out of the Aug mara and instead of pushing through the miles, run for enjoyment and get in some more classes at the gym to get stronger in general. I will also admit I'm scared of the canals - scared of cyclists and muggers. So there.

    Does that story help? I hope so. Running is for us, we're not for running. Whatever you feel happy and safe and OK doing is right for you. Take care of yourself, and remember you had a bike crash, it's going to be crappy for a bit until you're properly better. I think you'd tell anyone else that?

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    1. Yes! Misery does love company. I'm so glad you shared your story with me. I need to step back from running for a bit and let myself heal, like I should have after the bike crash. But I had this race looming...

      Thanks for the real talk. I needed it. And I hope you're at peace with your decision too!

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    2. I'm so glad I could help, and yes, I'm OK with it, thank you. The finish is a short walk away so I will go and cheer people through the end or offer my services as a volunteer. And I have loads of interest in my new plan to run round our no 11 bus route in October - handily around 26 miles ...

      Take care of yourself and I'm glad you've talked about it in here and got so much support.

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  2. Oh man, that really stinks but you most definitely did NOT wimp out. At least, I don't call that wimping out. I call that listening to your body and your heart and doing the right thing for you under those circumstances. There will always be other races. There will always be other days. But, you won't get to them by forcing your body to do things it doesn't need to do right now. I would have bailed, too. Probably even if the weather was decent. Just given all of the things.

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    1. When I wrote it all down, it didn't seem quite so wimpy. But I sure am disappointed. Time for a little downtime. Thanks, Jennifer.

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  3. Sorry to hear you're still struggling through recovering from that horrible crash. As you know, the knee is a vulnerable place....even though my 6-inch suture seam is well healed by now, I still cannot put any weight on it because the surrounding flesh is super sensitive and "tingly." It's right over the knee cap, so there is nothing to absorb any impact. That said, I went through a major cathartic metamorphosis, if you will, last summer.....I am just so grateful to have healed, any run I now do is a gift to me. I guess those three months of being side-lined gave me an enlightening perspective ;-) I hope your healing continues, and you're able to make peace with what all happened. ((hugs))

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    1. That's nice that you were able to be so positively impacted by your experience.

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  4. I DNS'd a race today as well. My ankle has me doing 60:30s right now and I just didn't feel up for being out on a course for as long as that pace takes me (and to be honest, I was still feeling twinges.) So, two miles for me today. Take care of yourself. As I told my chiro when I saw him on Friday and decided not to run, I want to still be running in my 70s. If that means I run less, and run slower in my (late) 40s, then so be it.

    I love the Knixwear bra! I'm pretty sure it wouldn't work for those who are well endowed, but it does fine for my barely a C cup self. Glad to hear it worked for you.

    -MCM Mama

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    1. I'm right there with you Erika. I think I need to stop pushing so hard because "the universe" is pushing back!

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  5. I've DNS'd a race, but that was because I had a GI bug the 48 hours leading up to it. I've given up most of my fast and or super long running dreams, but that is because I want to be running (period) and for a long time to come. That means that right now I'm running 2x a week and basically as a supplement just for little strength bursts.
    I'm ok with that. I would still love to do Boston and NYC, but if those don't happen, I'll live. I just don't want to be on crutches with an infant and my insane dog.

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    1. It's hard to let go of what you once were, tho, right? This was a bad month for me and I'm hoping that by stepping back a bit, everything will fall back into place.

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  6. I do think DNSing the race was a wise decision -- THAT, at least, I think the universe was telling you with the awful weather.

    My first 5k this year I really pushed it, hankering after a PR, even though I knew I wasn't trained for it and the weather wasn't optimal. It wasn't a bad race, but I pushed too hard and definitely fell far short of my goal.

    So my race yesterday I let go of that goal. I know I do better when I don't put pressure on myself to PR. I'll train toward it and work toward it, but when I race, I don't even shoe elapsed time on my watch. I have my plan from Rachel (for longer races, not the shorter ones, although if I asked she'd give me one), and of course I'm trying my best.

    Which is all my long winded way of saying sometimes when we let go of things they come to us.

    There will be other races and I've no doubt there will be better times for you, too.

    And BTW, antibiotics always really knock me out.

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    1. Thanks so much, Judy. This was a really humbling experience but I have no doubt I did the right thing. Even though it hurts my ego a bit! All week I was on the fence about lining up.

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    2. Well of course it hurts. It's never easy. But sometimes it's better to live to run another day!

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  7. I know exactly what weather conditions you were facing. It was the same in NYC yesterday. But I wasn't injured or sick, spent money to travel to NYC...so I chose to run the race. My roommate quit after 5 miles and returned home on the train.

    I do not have time goals. I never train with a watch. I am happy that my pace for short races has been good but I haven't been running as long as you and I know that I will slow down...but not how soon.

    It's more important for me to enjoy my races and runs. That means I have to accept the good one and the slow ones.

    I am competitive like you are so I know it will difficult to accept slower times. Even yesterday a little voice in my head berated me for not training hard, skipping long runs and not pushing myself to a PR.

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    1. I just know I would have been miserable out there today and since I'm still recovering from my injuries, it was the right call. But why does it feel so bad?

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  8. There are very good reasons to DNS (I say, from where I'm lying in bed instead of running Bay to Breakers this morning!) and it sounds like you made the smart choice. There will always be other races! Much better to give your body a little extra time to heal. Think of it as investing wisely in your next awesome race. :)

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    1. Did you DNS B2B? I know you get it, after reading your posts about Boston and Big Sur. It's hard to say no, tho, isn't it?

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  9. I did not realize that your bike injuries were still bothering you so much. It kind of sounded minor when you first described them. I don't think you wimped out. You did the smart thing to take care of your body. Hope this week gives you renewed energy and healing.

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    1. I think I was downplaying my injuries because I wanted to keep on training for today's race. But between that and the stuff going on with my oldest son, I realized this week that I was struggling. It wasn't even my idea to DNS--that was all Steph, but I felt like she gave me an out and I took it.

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  10. It sounds like you made the right call to DNS the race. It's never an easy decision to make, but other things are more important. I'm sorry your bike injuries are still bothering you! I hope you can still work towards your goals without aggravation your RA.

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    1. I think I just need a little break from running. I'll get back out there later this week, just to keep the legs fresh, but nothing hard.

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  11. I don't at all think you wimped out - it sounds like you made a smart call. DNSing a race is never easy - I'm facing my 2nd one this year thanks to a injury that won't quit. I'm so sorry that you're struggling. Hopefully taking a step back now will help in the long term.

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    1. I'm hoping that I'll feel better about DNSing this race. Right now, it kind of stings...

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  12. I’m sorry you’re struggling Wendy, but hey, I DNS races... all... the ... time. Sometimes I get so excited and sign up for things and by the time the race rolls around, there is severe weather (missed the inaugural Birmingham half) and then my heart started giving me fits and I missed my first trail race. Boo. I set out to run 5 Saturday and made it 4.5 and had to walk the rest. I can’t seem to get acclimated to the hot and humid weather that is here to stay. I know we don’t go through the same things but I can relate! Running is hard right now. Hope your week is better!

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    1. Running is hard right now!! I'm not one to DNS a race, but maybe I bit off more than I can chew. Fingers crossed for both us to be back out there soon!

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  13. Wendy, you've got to take care of yourself. You did not "wimp out"! You have RA, and you listened to your body and made the right decision. No matter if you race or not, the people who really matter will love you and care for you and admire you just for the running and exercise that you can't do, not what you can't do or choose not to do. Despite all of this, even if you couldn't really run much or do CrossFit, you did yoga, you did what you could do. So many people would not have done that.

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    1. Awww, thank you Amy! I know you get it--you've certainly had a rough year yourself. Here's hoping we all get back to doing the thing we love the most!

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  14. You are not a wimp It sounds like a DNS was the best decision. Listening to your body and what is best can be hard, but it's always good to feel better and race another day. Taking care of yourself is most important.

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    1. You are right and I know this, but I'm still pretty sad about it. I look forward to getting my head in the right place again.

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  15. I'm sorry you are in a rough patch. But you did NOT wimp out. DNSing a race is not easy, but DNFing in my opinion feels worse. Plus, your health - both mental and physical - is more important than a race. I hope this week is better for you. I'm glad you could use Marcia as a sounding board.

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    1. One of the reasons I DNS'd is because at this race, DNF would not be an option. It's an out and back and once you're in there, there's no turning back. It was the right decision. It wasn't the easy decision.

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  16. I have never had a DNS, but if it got to the point when I wasn't feeling it or injured I would consider it. Especially if weather conditions were not great! I bet your enjoyed that hot coffee much more than you would have running in that mess!

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    1. We did! But there's that whole satisfaction in finishing a tough race thing...I know I did the right thing, but it doesn't feel so great!

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  17. I suppose I DNS'd Antarctica...it happens to everyone and there will be plenty of races to come. Smart to let your body recover from all the recent trauma.

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  18. Okay I'm going to go all Yoda on you. Just like life, running is about ebb and flow. You really can't force it. All you can do is your best with what you have on any given day. Sometimes you've got strength and speed and sometimes you don't. Going all monkey brain about it won't do you a bit of good. Despite all the crud that seems to be going on now, believe that goodness is ahead of you and it will be. You just have to see it. Monkey brain doesn't see goodness.
    I wouldn't give the DNS another thought. Wimpy, not wimpy, who cares? The weather sounded brutal.

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  19. I've had a few DNS the past couple of years. It's never an easy decision but in your case it seemed like the universe was definitely telling you something. It's funny but I heard a quote from Oprah a few years ago - "Doubt means don't". I always think about that when I'm questioning things. Take some time and you'll be back to you soon enough.

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    1. That's a good quote and I'm going to remember it! Thank you.

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  20. I did DNS once - I got multiple stress fractures (tibia, metatarsals) the week of a marathon i was training for ... race day ended up being in the 80s and sunny, which is not my ideal marathon weather, so it probably was okay ... but I was bummed about doing all that training (even 20+ miles!) and not getting in the run. I get it - you feel bad about it but it's all mental! you gotta do you.

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    1. I never used to DNS until I was diagnosed with RA. I guess I felt like I was stronger than this thing but maybe not! Learning to live with it.

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  21. Everything in life is a cost/benefit analysis. In this case, the cost outweighed the benefits and THAT'S OK! Hope you have a great week and things begin to look up for you, Wendy.

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  22. Nothing wrong with DNS'ing with the bad weather conditions and you weren't 100% after your crash. Getting delayed 30 min didn't help either. Hope you're feeling better!

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  23. I love Marcia's comment! The fact of the matter is ...we ARE NOT invincible. We get hurt, we have bad days, weeks and sometimes months. We do have to be thankful for what we have when we have it. I know, it's not easy to accept slower paces, illnesses, injuries and diseases.... but to quote the 'Steel Magnolia' Claree ...that which doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. You did the right thing by not running the race. It takes STRENGTH to make that kind of decision ..the kind that is best for you and your body regardless of what your spirit wants to do. It's wasn't a wimpy decision ..it was a STRONG decision! Love and hugs!! xoxo

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    1. I like what you said about the body needing rest even tho the spirit wants to do...that pretty much sums up how I felt yesterday and am still beating myself up about it.

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  24. Sometimes a DNS start is what we really need but so hard to wrap your head around. I've had two DNS's last year and one of them was a half marathon that I was on track for a good time. So hard! Hope you feel better soon.

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  25. Sometimes you have to listen to your gut. A DNS is better than being out for months. Take a break, and focus on the next one!

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    1. I don't know that I would have been out for months, but another round of steroids is definitely something I want to avoid.

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  26. I'm with Teresa. It's tougher to make the decision to NOT run. You are definitely a Steel Magnolia (not to go all southern on you or anything...wink). My worst half this year was while on antibiotics. I think they have you feeling zapped. One thing is certain -- your feeling of fragility will pass, an RA flare will pass, your body will heal. No matter what the circumstances or how long it takes to feel back in your groove, you got friends who love and support you.

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    1. Hey, if I'm called a Steel Magnolia by one of my southern soul sisters--I'll take that! :)

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  27. OK- I actually think you made a good call. Your body is clearly trying to tell you something this week and this smart thing was to listen. Maybe the rain was even more of a sign that it just wasn't your day. It's not like you wimped out on a huge race you'd been preparing for for months-- this is different.
    Give yourself time to heal. xoxo

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    1. True story! This was a last minute decision. There were a lot of signs that it wasn't my day. But man...

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  28. I think we all go through phases like that. Usually it’s when I either let myself have a bunch or easy runs to see if it will pass or I take some rest days until I know I’ll be ready again.

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  29. Choosing not to race when you’re dealing with the aftermath of a bike crash and an RA flare is not wimping out. I think it’s being pretty smart. While I don’t think you need to give up your need for speed yet, you do need to come to terms that you are going to have good days and bad days (or even weeks). It plays with your mind but you just get out there and do the best you can. It’s all you can do (and something you’re already doing).

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    1. I think the roller coaster of feeling great and then feeling bad is what's killing me. I can't predict what kind of run I'm going to have and yep, it messes with my head.

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  30. Listening to your body is the best thing to do. I don't think you wimped out, it sounds like it was a hard decision. Take some time heal then get back out there.

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  31. Piling on with the no you did not wimp out posts. You made a rational decision, and it's the emotions saying anything otherwise.

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  32. I join the parade of friends and supporters who shout out, "You did not wimp out!"
    It's awful and hard and sad when our health, circumstances, or simply the march of time forces changes we do not want to make. You know that I know.

    I have no doubt that once you sort it all out in your head and your heart that you will be at Peace with the changes. Adjustments and different options may be on horizon, but you will deal with you new normal and handle it with your usual clear-headedness. And I daresay that once you've made that Peace you will be happy. Just keep on moving, my friend.
    Sending love and hugs from the East Coast. As always.

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    1. You are so right--it's hard to accept change that isn't our choice. I'll move forward and continue on, but I definitely need to take better care of myself.

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  33. Oh, Wendy, I sure hope you get your mojo back soon. You don't need a break from running. You need a break from life! You've had a lot going on in the past year between the job, family life, and RA, and how it is all affecting your running game.

    Last year, I had a program planned in Las Vegas that didn't come through because of logistical reasons. They actually rescheduled and I am going back next week to do the program. And by back, I mean BACK. Despite the fact that the earlier program was rescheduled, I went to Vegas anyway. By myself. And I didn't tell anyone (anyone!) that the program had been canceled. I spent 5 glorious days and 4 glorious nights ALL BY MYSELF. I slept 'til I woke. I enjoyed leisurely breakfasts. I hung out at the pool. I went for a few early morning runs on the Strip. I got a massage, went out for beautiful dinners, gambled, and saw a few shows. I didn't have all that much going on personally, but it was still exactly what the doctor ordered.

    Maybe a quick weekend getaway by yourself somewhere would do you a lot of good. Book a B&B somewhere in Door County and try to forget everything else going on in your life. It will do you wonders.

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    1. Seriously! I do need to get away. I love that you took advantage of an opportunity to get away by yourself!

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  34. Sorry about the DNS, but it sounds like the right decision and not wimping out! Listening to our bodies can be hard but it's the smart thing to do and it sounds like this is what you needed this week :)

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  35. Hang in there, sounds like a really tough situation! Hope you heal and come back better than ever.

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  36. Sorry to hear about the DNS but I really think that you made the best decision. It probably would have been a hard race physically because you are still healing and mentally because your head really wasn't in it. Better to DNS and do another race at a later date!

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  37. Love how it looks like Cocoa is your assistant in that photo, and I love the running shot from behind with you & your shadow. Great framing. Sorry to hear you're struggling so much

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    1. Yeah, it's been hard for me too. I'm in a weird spot. I'm starting to realize that i probably can't push myself as hard as I used to. I don't have another race until July, so this will give me time to regroup and recover from what was a really great winter/spring running season.

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  38. I don’t think you should feel bad at all! You did what you thought was best for you and that is all we can do. I don’t know what it’s like to have RA but I do know what it’s like to have limitations which can be frustrating and deflating but I say if you love running - don’t give up - you’re already doing more than some healthy individuals!

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    1. I won't give up--I'm too thickheaded to do that--but I think I do need to dial the intensity back a bit. That's a tough place for me!

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  39. I think you made a wise decision. I know how hard it was to come to that conclusion, but in the end, it was smart and there will be other races.

    I did have to bail on a race I cared about a lot, and it really got to me, mentally. It was the right thing to do, as I was injured and the miles would have been a huge mistake. I hated having to do it, but I wanted to heal and needed to give myself permission and time to do so.

    One day at a time.

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    1. I keep telling myself that--one day at a time--but the roller coaster has really taken a toll on me. I'm hoping after a couple days off, I'll regroup and get back on track.

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  40. Oh, Wendy, it's so hard when the brain and the heart want to run, but the body no longer wants to cooperate. DNS'ing was probably a really good idea, and you should shouldn't second guess yourself at all. Sending virtual hugs your way!

    Thank you for the linkup!

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    1. You are so right. It's also hard when you have days that you feel like you could just fly! I think this is what happens when you get older? I'm going to dial things back for the summer and see what happens.

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  41. I think we're all guilty of pushing ourselves too hard sometimes, because I've definitely been in a place where I'm in denial with injuries myself. Though I'm not much a of a runner, fitness is my therapy too so it's always the hardest thing to give up. Go with your gut and give yourself the time you need to recover, you'll be back at it in no time :)

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    1. This happened to me last year too. I pushed too hard and crashed and burned. I think it's time for me to slow down. Waaaaa!

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  42. You sure have had your share - really, more than your share - of ups and downs with running lately. It's hard to know what to do in the moment, isn't it? There was one race that I should have DNS'd...but I didn't listen to myself and it was miserable. Never again.

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    1. Running and in life, my friend. Hoping for smooth sailing for a while.

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  43. I DNSed multiple races last year...but to be honest, they were relatively easy decisions as my body didn't give me much say in the matter. I am always surprised how TIRED I am when injured...healing requires a noticeable amount of energy. And running in cold, wet, windy conditions takes more energy than good running conditions, too. I think it was smart to save your energy to keep healing up, and hopefully it means you will bounce back that much quicker.

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    1. I think you're right about saving my energy. I'm hoping to get back at it later this week when the sun is shining. I'll take it easy, tho.

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  44. I don't do well in cold rainy weather so I probably would have DNS'd as well, but it's never easy. I justify to myself all the time when I miss a race...I've only done it twice in the last 4 years and once was truly due to not being able to travel to where the race was but it still kills me.

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    1. I know it was the right thing to do but I'm not saying I'm happy about my decision! LOL

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  45. Gosh, there are absolutely times I go through a running funk. I think that's totally normal. I did a half marathon in feb. but right now I don't have the desire or drive to run more than 4 miles. But I know I'll be able to ramp up again when my body and mind is ready!

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    1. I'll take it easy for a couple of weeks, but I have a half in July that I'll need to put in some miles for.

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  46. Hey there is no shame in a DNS! Your friend does sound like a great encouragement. You have had a rough go lately, but hang in there Wendy. There are brighter days ahead! And P.S. those running undies sound awesome! No lines for the win!

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    1. Thank you! I think the universe is definitely trying to tell me something!

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  47. Listening to your body is definitely the right call! There's nothing wrong with a DNS. Hope you are feeling better and have a good week!

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  48. I am so sorry you're struggling. Setbacks are hard. Do not starts happen. I have a long, long list of do not starts from my years of ongoing illnesses. I hope things start to get better for you soon and you can get back to the things you enjoy.

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    1. I'm not used to the DNS. Only in the last year have I had them.

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