Sunday, February 24, 2019

RA Flare Don't Care

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Mizuno Wave Horizon 3s in exchange for my honest review.

As you might have guessed from the title of my post, I spent most of the week dealing with an uptick in RA symptoms. As much as I wanted to curl up under a blanket and stay on the couch, I tried to keep it positive and stuck to my usual routine. I was both grateful for being able to move and frustrated for not being able to move the way I like. It was a tough week for me. I can't help but believe that some of my symptoms are due to this pervasive dampness we're having.



Running
On Monday, I woke up to snow and ice...again! I thought the groundhog didn't see it's shadow? I'm pretty sure the groundhog was drunk. I also woke up that morning to pain and achiness in every major joint in my body. I popped a few ibuprofens and I took my run to my new treadmill. I just ran out of gas by about 4 1/2 miles. After that run fail, I called my doctor to start a course of steroids. Time to shut RA down again.


By Wednesday, I was feeling better and I decided to try my luck outside. I needed fresh air, even if it was the wet and windy type of air. I was pelted with freezing rain, the wind tried to push me back inside, and I struggled to stay upright at times. But I felt really good and I ran 6.2 miles, only stopping a few times to walk. I needed this run and my runner's heart was full.

The crappy weather continued and on Saturday I was stuck inside again. I'm using these TM runs to work on pacing, running slow and steady so that I can give up some of the run/walk intervals I've been doing. Still having fatigue and knee pain from this RA flare, I called it quits at 6 miles. It looks like that half I had hoped to do in Florida in a couple of weeks will be a no-go.


CrossFit
To start off my strength training this week, Sammy Jo set me up to do box back squats. I did a warm-up set with an empty barbell and felt some pain in both shoulders. She had me stretch before doing the weighted sets. After the second set, I set the barbell back in the rack and put my head down on the bar. There were tears, not of pain, but of frustration of not being able to complete the set due to the pain in my shoulder joints. We switched to a set of front squats, which didn't bother my shoulders at all and then went to work on some other activities, including pull-up prep.

Box back squats. My shoulders did not like these today.
Bootcamp was 2 seven minute AMRAPs that we repeated. The first AMRAP was a 12 calorie row, a lap of overhead dumbbell lunges, 12 dumbbell snatches, a lap of overhead dumbbell lunges, and 12 v-ups. I was able to complete 2 full sets of the activity before the 7 minutes were up. The second AMRAP was 12 wallballs, a lap of farmer carries, 12 dumbbell cleans, a lap of farmer carries, and 24 flutter kicks. I completed 2 full rounds of this activity plus another set of wallballs before the time was up.

On Friday, I went to afternoon bootcamp. We did a ladder workout starting with 50 double unders (I did 150 singles), 40 calorie row, 30 ab mat situps, 20 wall balls, and 100m of bear crawls pushing a slam ball; the sequence then went back up the ladder, ending with the double unders. I wasn't the last one to finish but it was close. I need to fuel differently for this class!

Rollin', rollin', rollin'...


I Tried It! Mizuno Wave Horizon 3! Check out my review @MizunoRunningNA

When Mizuno contacted me to see if I wanted to try the new Wave Horizon 3 prior to its March release, of course, I said yes! I have been running in the Wave Inspires for a couple of years now and have been really happy with them. The Horizon, a stability shoe, is billed as a "high mileage shoe". I received the shoe in my favorite color, black, with purple highlights. It was love at first sight. Truth be told, the initial appearance of the shoe reminded me of my old beloved Asics Gel Nimbus, and after running in the Horizons, I think that this would be the perfect replacement for Nimbus lovers who have been disappointed with the changes in those shoes. The Horizon is much heavier than the Wave Inspires (9.8 ounces vs 8.3) but not so much that I noticed it on the run.

In fact, I had my best run of the week in the Wave Horizons. The shoes are very cushiony and the soles are stiff like the ones on my Inspires. Do you Mizuno runners notice that your shoes make more of a snap when you hit the pavement than with other brands? I did also try my Wave Horizons on the treadmill, but because they are heavier, I think these shoes will be better outside. I'm really excited to continue running in the Wave Horizons. The Mizuno Wave Horizon 3 will be available in March.




How was your week? Are you still dealing with crazy weather? Have you been inside or out? Anyone have increase in pain and achiness when the weather is damp?


~~~~~~~~Farewell to the Weekly Wrap~~~~~~~~
All good things must come to an end, and after much discussion and many regrets, Holly and I have decided to end the Weekly Wrap. Both of us have a lot going on in our lives off the road and that has made keeping up with the linkup very challenging. It has been a fun ride and I have enjoyed getting to know each linker through your blog posts. I still plan on blogging and hope that we can all still continue to follow each other's training!

As far as linkups go, there is a new linkup hosted by Run with Pugs, Mat.Miles.Medals, Funner Runner, Gracious Warrior Princess, Meghan on the Move, and Train with Bain. The linkup is called Running is our Therapy (#RIOTS) and it's billed as an accountability linkup. Sounds to me like it will fit nicely with what we've been doing over here. I plan on checking it out next week and I hope to see many of you over there! In addition, Kooky Runner and Zenaida host Tuesday Topics every week, where they post a prompt for everyone to write about. 

Thank you again for supporting the Weekly Wrap. I hope I see you on the road sometime! Stay in touch. 

XOXO ❤️


63 comments :

  1. Well dang, I'm sorry about the RA flare...sounds like you got on top of it quickly with the steroids, but what a bummer to get it in the first place.

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    1. Me too! I can't help but think the weather isn't helping much. Hoping for a more energetic week!

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  2. Bummer about the WW winding down, but I can totally understand the time commitment. Also, a huge bummer on the RA flare....UGH. I have not heard of the Horizons...I've been such a Brooks junkie in recent years, I have not really had a reason to look elsewhere. The Wave Inspires were my favorite shoe until they got tweaked a bit too much and my high-maintenance feet rebelled.

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    1. I have been running in the new version of the Inspires which I've gotten used to. I agree, the tweaking was a little bit of a shock.

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  3. Sorry to hear about the RA flare :( Even though your body wasn't feeling the best, you still got in a great amount of quality workouts. You should be so proud of that achievement! I am glad that you are loving those new Mizuno sneakers!

    I'm so sorry that the Weekly Wrap is ending, but totally understand why as both of you are super busy. I just want to say THANK YOU for co-hosting this link up. I have loved interacting with so many bloggers here.

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    1. I've enjoyed hosting but it has been quite a lot of work. I'm looking forward to focusing more on writing more posts!

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  4. Sorry to see the WW go! Definitely keeps me accountable. Bummer on the RA flare and having to drop out of the half next month. This winter has sure been a tough one! Looking super strong in your strength training workouts

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    1. I'm hoping that once the weather turns my training will improve. This time of year is always hard to find motivation!

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  5. Thank you for helping Holly to keep WW going as long as you guys did. It will be sorely missed.

    I have no problems with the dampness, really, but the never ending gray is a different story (even Savannah was mostly gray -- but hey, I got to run in skirts!).

    Here's hoping that the weather is better this week. Although we're still looking at some darn cold days/mornings. I get so, so tired of being cold -- and the dogs are not a fan, either!

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    1. It doesn't look like we're going to get a break in the cold for at least the next 2 weeks. Grrrrr

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  6. Sorry about the tough week. Glad the steroids are doing their thing to help you feel better. I'm grateful to be getting out of town for a bit away from our shitty (tech term) weather. Interesting that you switch between stability and neutral shoes. I can't wear stability shoes at all. Glad you like the Horizon though!

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    1. I don't wear neutral shoes--I've been running in the Inspires and the Brooks Adrenaline, both of which are for pronation. The Horizons don't feel any different than anything else I've run in. Maybe my fallen arches have fallen for the Horizons?

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  7. I 'm so sorry to hear about the flare. That sucks! I do have more soreness in my knees and ankles when it's super damp but likely not like how you feel with a flare. And I'm sorry you've decided to drop out of the half. I know how it feels to have to miss races because of stupid body issues!

    We have cold spring like weather! I'm almost afraid to say that to many of you still suffering with the cold and snow!!

    I am bummed about the wrap but I want to thank you both for having it available. I'm going to have to save blogs again in my favorites and just try to get them regularly as if there is still a weekly wrap. I can imagine it's just a lot of time an energy when you already have tons of other stuff going on in your life!

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    1. I didn't officially sign up for the half, which makes it easier to say no. BUT if a miracle were to occur, say my flare vaporizes or I have some good runs, I could sign up at the last minute. I've been known to do that..

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  8. Sorry about the flare up. I hope it is short lived! That is interesting that you think the shoes are like the Nimbus. I used to wear Nimbus about 5 years ago. I have never run in Mizunos though. I'll have to check them out! Bummer that you'll be ending the Wrap Up, but like everyone else, I completely understand! Blogging in general takes a bit of time. In my short time of being involved I've really expanded my blog reading, so thanks so much!! I love to meet new friends, and will keep you on my read list! :)

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    1. I will keep you on my read list too! I'm so glad to have found you through the linkup!

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  9. Ugh on the RA flare! You are great at pushing through, but I love the "nah" meme. Sometimes you just can't. And more often you probably shouldn't. ;-)
    I'm selfishly sad about the end of WW, but I get it.

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    1. It was a really tough decision for both of us--I've loved the connections I've made here. I hope to keep them going. But it's nice to let go of the commitment to post.

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  10. Man, I'm sorry you had to deal with an RA flare on top of crappy weather. That's gotta take the wind out of your sails a little. But, you really pushed through and totally crushed those boot camp workouts! Holy smoke, Coach Sammy Jo is no joke!!

    Sad to see the linkup go away but I completely understand. I used to do a Tasty Tuesday link-up with a friend back when I blogged as "A Hungry Runner" but we both got overwhelmed after a while. Still gotta keep track of you, though. :) And, everyone else, of course!

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    1. I'll be keeping track of you, my fellow CrossFitter! I need all the inspiration I can get!

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  11. 100 m of Bear Crawls?!? Dead. I'm sorry to see the WW go, I've really enjoyed the community and feeling connected even though we're all in different places. THANK YOU for all the work that you both did for this community, it'll be missed.

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    1. I'm still going to be following you--I find your journey so inspiring!

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  12. Sorry about the flare-up and hope you manage to tamp it down very soon. I was a Mizuno Wave Inspire girl for a few years and then they went awful on one shoe so I went Saucony. I might well look at these as I'm not convinced on my Sauoncy Hurricanes.
    And farewell to the wrap - thank you for your enthusiasm and encouragement and I'm glad I made myself blog about my scary trail run today so I could take part in the final one. I'm following you anyway so I'll see you around!

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    1. Every since Asics let me down and changed my Nimbuses (Nimbi?), I've been on the hunt for my forever shoe. I've liked the Mizunos a lot. They haven't let me down yet!

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  13. I enjoy your weekly wraps. They really inspire me, but life comes first, so I totally get it!

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    1. I'll still be wrapping my week up, just not hosting the linkup! Thanks for reading and supporting me!

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  14. Even with a RA flare, you are amazingly active.

    With my injury, Ii am trying to channel your positive vibes and energy.

    Thanks for co-hosting this link-up. I will miss it.

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    1. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, but I know if I don't move, I'll regret it!

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  15. I love your four-legged coach in the first treadmill shot. What words of advice did s/he share? Thank you for bringing me out of my blogging shell, I love the Wrap. WIsh we could have gotten one with the Wrap dogs "writing" a bit. So many fun ones in posts.

    Hope you're able to ease out of the flare.

    Yay forever shoes. You & Marcia hit the jackpot recently and I think/hope I might be there too with the 860s.

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    1. The funny thing is, we find our forever shoes and then they change them! LOL

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    2. Yep. Asics, and then my beloved Vongo2s
      :(

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  16. We may live in different areas of the country but we both started our posts with the same rant about ice and snow. Enough with the ice! I'm sorry to see the Weekly Wrap go but I know that it's A LOT of work. I'll still be following along with your running escapades and seeing you kick RA's ass.

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    1. You know I've been following you for a long time and that won't stop!

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  17. I'm very sad that the link-up is ending, but I'm sure it's been a lot of work! I have always been so impressed that you seem to actually read each post and comment with such kind, inspiring words.

    Good luck in the next chapter!

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    1. I have really enjoyed getting to know your virtually and have loved following your inspirational journey. I'll still be following...

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  18. I'm so sad that the wrap is ending- I've loved following along iwth you and everyone else's journeys - it's been such an easy way to catch up on everyone with one click. But I understand - life comes first! Hoping I find a way to "stay in touch" with everyone still!

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    1. I'm hoping everyone moves to Jen's linkup so we can all still follow each other!

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  19. I am so sorry about your flare! I'm always amazed at how much you accomplish in spite of the flare - you are a warrior!

    I'm bummed to see WW come to an end, but I understand it's a lot to keep up with. Huge thank you for providing this space to connect with so many other bloggers!

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    1. I'm looking forward to staying in touch and meeting up this fall when you come back to Chicago!

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  20. I am suspicious of damp weather too - I think it triggers my hand pain, at least sometimes. Glad you were able to get on top of the flare quickly at least.

    Thank you for fitting the weekly wrap into schedule - I'm sure it's been no small time commitment!

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    1. I'm still fighting the flare but it has subsided to a dull roar.

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  21. I am very very sad to see the wrap go but I totally understand. I also hate that the RA keeps flaring for you. Thanks for being my inspiration to step way out of my comfort zone to try cross fit! I was in your city this weekend briefly and I thought of you!

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    1. Oh that's where you were with the 50 mph winds! LOL!

      It's been great getting to know you and I'm glad you're loving CrossFit. I'm still going to follow your journey..

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  22. I'm sorry to hear about your flare! I feel like we're in some sort of Groundhog day with the weather swings - a couple nice days, followed by ice and cold (and this week, wind!). I hope you have a better week this week and great job staying active during it!
    I'm sad to see the Weekly Wrap go - thank you for all of your hard work on it! I'll still be following your running and how you keep kicking RA's a$$! And hopefully sometime we can meet at a Chicago race!

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    1. Let's do that! I've got a few races on my mind--hopefully, one of them will be on yours too!

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  23. I’m sorry you had to deal with an RA flare, but it sounds like you met it head on and kicked its butt. For the record, running 4.5 miles on a treadmill with achy joints from RA should never be called a “run fail.”

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    1. I just keep running out of gas. It's really distressing to me, but I do believe that once I get on top of this flare, running will get better.

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  24. Damp weather is definitely a challenge for me, any large swings in pressure can cause me to swell and ache, it seems kind of crazy how there is little control over it. I am sorry you deal with that! I know many have enjoyed the WW wrap and you give a lot of time to it. Everything has a season, I'll be excited to see what you do next :) You and Holly will be always be a source of inspiration to me.

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    1. Back at you, my friend! We've got a lot of fun times ahead of us!

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  25. Bummer about the flare. Hopefully the steroid boost already has you back on track. Again with this freaking cold weather. Remind me why we live here.

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    1. Yep, feeling so much better! I even ran outside today. And asked myself why we live here...

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  26. So frustrating about the RA flare. You did a great job coming through it, and I hope you will be on an upswing soon.

    Our temperatures were record highs this weekend, and then I went out this morning into low 50s with little to no humidity. Again, nothing like what you have, but I was incredibly underdressed for the run and my Raynaud's kicked in pretty viciously. Ugh.

    Thanks so much for joining up with us! We will miss the Weekly Wrap!

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    1. I get Raynauds symptoms in the summer too. Once I cool down, my hands do their thing. So I feel you!

      Thank you so much for all your support. I'll be following you via your new linkup.

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  27. Bummer about the RA flareups!! But you kept doing what you needed to do!!! That's awesome! It's got to be pretty tough to do what you want when your body does not want to co-operate. I can't imagine the struggle you must go through during these fare-ups.
    Too bad about the Weekly Wrap, I like reading the different posts. I kept thinking that one of these days I may join in but just never had the courage...Hope you are feeling better and have a better week.

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    1. Wait--what? You never had the courage? Why? This group was just so supportive. I'll still be posting and if you want to share your stuff with me privately, I'll be there!!!

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  28. I'm so sad to read about the end of the Weekly Wrap! :-( You and Holly have helped so many of us stay accountable every week - I remember some days thinking, "Gosh, I better get up and run otherwise I won't have anything to report on the Weekly Wrap". You've encouraged and supported me in so many ways - through your motivational comments on my blog and your honest and inspirational blog posts. You brought so many women together in such a supportive environment. I will miss this link-up so much. But I also understand that it is a lot of work and your decision wasn't taken lightly. I'm comforted to know though that you will still be blogging so we will still be in touch. (PS: hope the RA flare up subsides this week)

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    1. Even tho the WW is going away, I'll still be around! I'm so glad you found us! It's been fun monitoring your progress and you are doing great. Looking forward to seeing how you do at the Gabs Half!

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  29. You, sister are a warrior still showing up and keeping your head up while dealing with RA. I hope it clears up soon and you are back to feeling like yourself again.

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    1. This was a stubborn flare but it is subsiding slowly. I had a great run yesterday!

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  30. I am so sad to see the Weekly Wrap end, but totally understand. Even though Wednesday Word didn't have the following that this linkup had, it often kept me from writing because I was reading. I've loved getting to know so many other like-minded bloggers through Weekly Wrap, and thank you so much for introducing them to me! I'll check out the RIOT linkup - thanks for the suggestion. Thanks again for all your efforts in what was a great linkup!

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    1. I'll still comment on everyone's blogs if they're leaving a comment on mine. But the WW, while a labor of love, was very time consuming plus we had to get that linkup open on Sundays. That often conflicted with family time and also Sunday activities. I'm so glad that we had such a loyal group of bloggers, including you!

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  31. I'm so sad to see this link-up end but I totally understand your and Holly's decision. You two have been so busy! I do hope we can keep in touch in the blogosphere! Love your review of the Mizuno's. I have never tried them before but always love a good shoe review. Possibly because I just love shoes in general :) Thank you and Holly and Tricia for so many awesome years of Weekly Wrappin'!

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    1. Thanks for all your support and for guest hosting multiple times!!

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