Sunday, April 19, 2020

I've Got the Quarantine Blues

Cue the riff...

When I sat down on Friday to flesh out this post, I started writing lyrics to a blues song. "I woke up this morning feeling really down". That would have been my first line. I'm sorry, but after 4 weeks of quarantine, the uncertainty of where this is all going, and yet another dumping of snow, damn right I've got the blues--apologies to hometown boy Buddy Guy. He's alive and well, by the way. After listening to some of his songs, I felt a whole lot better. In spite of being called 'the blues', his songs aren't sad at all. I do love me some good tunes.

It's been another week of working from home, working out at home, and sheltering at home. Except going outside to run. I've enjoyed another week of good running. Looking at other people's social media accounts and reading blogs, it seems that a lot of us are enjoying our runs more than usual. I wonder if it's the lack of pressure, not training for anything, or just the relief of being able to be free and outside. I don't think I've ever been so grateful for running as I am right now. Nothing else is helping me shake off the blues as much as running. Running has gotten me through a lot in my life. What a great tool to help manage stress, sadness, and anxiety!

I have to balance my need to run with my need to avoid injury. Then I'd really be singing the blues!



Weekly Rundown:
Monday: trail run 5.6 miles
Tuesday: Strength and CrossFit
Wednesday: trail run 6.5 miles
Thursday: Strength and CrossFit
Friday: Yoga with Adriene
Saturday: run 11 miles
Sunday: Yoga with Adriene

Running
The wind was ridiculous on Monday but I didn't want to run inside. I laced up my trail shoes and drove to the limestone trail, heading out into the wind. The trail is pretty exposed but it winds around and for the most part, the wind wasn't a factor. The conditions kept people away and I pretty much had the preserve to myself. I felt so good on this run, and I needed that after last Saturday's lead legs extravaganza. The tailwind was amazing--I felt like I was flying!

That's one giant leap for a good run!


Wednesday's run was a 10k for the Uncanceled Project. This week's theme was humor and boy, do we need humor right now. We received a couple inches of SNOW overnight but thankfully, it wasn't all that cold out. While I ran the trails, I had to keep my eyes to the ground, looking for things that could trip me up. I did catch my toe on a tree root and I landed in the mud, but somehow I fell just right and didn't muddy up my InknBurn shirt. I mean really, what is important here? No injuries but the slushy wet snow soaked into my pants, and brrr. There were no other incidents and it was another nice morning on the trails.

All clean, even after my fall in the mud!

My demeanor definitely got a lift on Saturday! I woke up to sunshine and no snow. The forecast called for wind later in the morning, and hoping to avoid that, I was out the door by 8. About 2 miles into my run on the bike path, I ran into a running friend and we stopped to talk. Several minutes later, four local runners, who were social distancing as a group, caught up to us from another direction. They stopped to talk with Tricia and me. IT FELT SO GOOD TO SEE THEM!!! I have missed real life interactions with people and this was just great. That good feeling carried me through the rest of my run; heck, I was feeling good the rest of the day!



CrossFit
I needed to do the Support Your Local Box WOD, so after Tuesday's strength session, I dialed it up. I don't have double unders, so I did the scaled version of jumping jacks and burpees which I completed easily. Sammy Jo told me that I should be wrecked after I do a WOD, so I didn't work hard enough! But what if I don't want to get wrecked? Then what?

Thursday's WOD was a fun one and I mean that in all sincerity, but that's because there was running. The MetCon was 5 rounds of 400m runs alternating with 15 overhead squats. After that was a Tabata of supermans and hollow holds. I should have added more weight for the OHS. I also did 3 more 400m runs (these were on the TM) to make it an even 8. It's my home workout and I'll change it if I want to.

Strength
I loved Tuesday's strength session! I started with good mornings, 35#, followed by DEADLIFTS! You know I love deadlifts--she had me put every plate I own on the bar (95#) and lower the bar with a 3 second descend. That was spicy. Then some targeted work with dumbbells: lateral shoulder raises and triceps extensions. After that, I did body rows using my TRX.

Old home weights for the win
I did not love Thursday's strength session. I started with banded side steps, followed by turkish get ups. Then I worked on barbell snatches followed by cleans. If you've read my strength recaps before, you know I struggle with my technique on both snatches and cleans. Both are like dance moves and I'm not a dancer. I screwed them both up and that made me sad. I moved onto floor presses and pistol work. I guess every workout can't be good. Looking forward to seeing what she gives me to do next week!

When Sammy Jo prescribed cleans, I don't think this is what she meant...
Off the road...
We had another Zoom chat with the runblog ladies. These connections are just so important right now. I'm enjoying catching up with old friends. When I get to talk with my patients, it's a treat. I did my first video visit this week with one of my favorite teens and I almost cried! I miss my patients. Especially my babies!

TOP L-->R Kim Running on the Fly, Deborah Confessions of a Mother Runner, Darlene My First 5k, me, Liz Adventures in Reading, Running, and Working from Home
ROW 2 L-->R Chocolate Runs Judy, Rachel Running on Happy, Marcia's Healthy Slice, Deb Runs, Kim Kooky Runner
ROW 3 L-->R Jenn Runs with Pugs, Erica Finds, Michelle Running with Attitude, Coach Debbie Runs, Lisa Mile By Mile
ROW 4 L-->R Janelle Run with No Regrets, Zenaida Arroyo, Travelling Cari, Linda The Accidental Marathoner, Coco Running with Perseverence
ROW 5 L-->R Renee Run Laugh Eat Pie
Thank goodness all the snow melted quickly both times this week. I'm pretty sure I'd feel a lot better with the windows open and the sun streaming in. Oh, and the wind can just blow on out, please. I hope I'm not asking for too much. Being stuck inside makes me greedy.

I saw this pathetic looking snowman as I wrapped up Saturday's run.
See ya, Frosty!
And last but not least...I've got some BIG NEWS!
You all know that I've been loving trail running. Earlier this year, I considered signing up for the Ice Age Trail race--the half marathon distance. Unfortunately, it sold out in minutes. This race is so popular and there are a limited number of entries. The race was to be held in May, but due to COVID-19, it has been deferred to September 26. A few weeks ago, I saw that because people had to drop out due to the new date, a few spots were available. I added my name to the waitlist--for the 50k distance. I've been feeling good and well, go big or go home, right?

On Saturday, I received notification that I had been granted a spot.

OMG. OMG. OMG. Am I really going to do this? I feel like I'll never have this opportunity again and so yes, I'm going to go for it. I'm really excited and nervous all at once. I feel like this is the perfect kind of race for me at this point in my life. Walking is acceptable in a trail ultra and that gives me wings. The late September weather should be perfect and the leaves will be changing.

I'll need a lot of advice from you trail runners out there. I'll have a lot of questions. And hey, if training gets too difficult, I can always drop to the half distance. Let's not go there right now, though. 

Here's to hoping that this week was rock bottom for me and that with the onset of some warmer weather, things will feel better. How was your week? Did you get snow? Are you feeling blue? Tell me something funny! Am I nuts for jumping into an ultra trail race?

I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown.

















72 comments :

  1. That 50K sounds amazing, and certainly gives you something to train for — cautiously! LOL on Cocoa cleaning your weights. I have to keep Scooby out of my basement “gym” room, otherwise he thinks I’m there to rough house with him, which I never do. It was so fantastic chatting yesterday!

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  2. Wow...from the girl who said she doesn't think she has another marathon in her??? That is awesome! I haven't been running much at all, but I have been working out at home, then just doing 2-3 mile walks with my son. You have so many great workout activities to keep it interesting!

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    1. Thank goodness for Sammy Jo and her strength plans! I need to see what she's got in store for me this week!

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  3. You've done a whole lotta running this week.

    50k is a great challenge and I personally think you can do it!! It will be exciting following your journey.

    This social distancing thing has got me on the trails...like everyday. Maybe I will actually try running on one.

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    1. I think I can do it too. I wouldn't have even considered it but I did that 19 miler a few weeks ago and I could have gone further. Who knew?

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  4. I think the trail race is a great idea. I'm tempted to join you in a socially distant way ;) My run yesterday was great. Some days it's like playing Frogger in my 'hood. This is the first time in my adult life that I've been tempted to move to the country! High rise life in a pandemic is not great... plus all of the city life stuff that makes it amazing is closed!

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    1. I was wondering how you manage the elevators? I wish you could run the trail race with me!

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  5. Hey Wendy! We did not get snow, but we don't usually get snow in April here in GA (our "weird winter weather" is usually snow in March). We have had a fair bit of rain (two days of beautiful, warm weather and then thunderstorms or a dip in temps--pretty typical for April). I do not have the blues. I'm a homebody, so staying home (with 3/week outdoor, neighborhood runs) works for me. I haven't gone to our local park/trail in a month b/c people were NOT social distancing the last time I went, and I couldn't enjoy the time. Why bother when I can get up and do it early in my neighborhood instead? I love getting to see my students, so I completely understand what you mean! Here's hoping next week is better for you!

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    1. I thought I was a homebody...until I was forced to stay at home! I miss seeing people!

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  6. I'm turning 56 next week and told Les I want to ride my age... in kilometers! I can't imagine running 50k, but I'm excited for you!

    This week left me a little frustrated with fellow runners. So many of them are running with their backs to traffic, running in the bike lane when there's a sidewalk, stepping into the street without even looking. I was on my bike on Thursday and saw a guy running on the shoulder. No biggie, the road was clear so I rode far enough out that we could keep our distance. Just as I was about a bike length from him, he decided to run in the road, never even looking over his shoulder. Too late to react, I rode quickly past him. When I did, he yelled, "Six feet!!!" That would not have been a problem if he would have held his line. Grrr.... The good folks still out number the bad, most made eye contact and we do our part to keep our distance. Thankfully we've had abundant sunshine!

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    1. Yesterday I was frustrated with the walkers and of course, the cyclists. There was one lady on a cruiser who had NO CLUE. I also yelled at her "6 feet" and she just smiled. The walkers were side by side and wouldn't move over either.

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  7. 50 km will be an amazing adventure! Glad you can run outdoor, in italy it is not allowed now and we must stay home.
    Snow.... what is that? Here it's sunny.

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    1. I'm just glad you're ok!!! I'm glad we can run outdoors as well. We have a lot of green space and I try to go when it's likely to be less crowded. BTW, it's sunny today.

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  8. Congrats on getting in to the 50k! I don't want to rush things, but September will be here before we know it. I don't know what a post-shelter in place world looks like and I know that races won't open up again right away, but it kind of feels like things are getting close.

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    1. I'm hoping that if the 50k gets canceled, we'll be able to defer. That's my hope...

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  9. So happy for you with the 50K. That was a great Ice Breaker - no pun intended - for yesterday's zoom.That snow man - and the puppy cleans - are too cute

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    1. I was hesitant to sign up--it's such an auspicious goal--but I'm excited to do it!

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  10. I always say things have a way of working out and maybe this 50k is one of those "things" that are meant to be. I'm excited for you! This week I think I turned the corner on the stress and am coping better. Plus I had ONE great night of sleep. Haha!

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    1. Last night I fell asleep at 8:30 and slept until 6:30. I'm definitely doing better in that department!

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  11. The 50K will be so fun! That is exciting. I feel like it's a sign that spaces opened up for you! I'd like to try a 50 miler sometime, but nothing longer than that because I don't want to run at night! So exciting to see runner friends again. It's been a long time for sure.

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    1. I don't think I would want to do anything further than a 50k! But I'm excited to see how it goes. I do feel like it's an opportunity I can't pass up!

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  12. My first trail race was a half. I hadn't done much trail running -- and I only spent about a month really training for it (because I ran 4 halfs that year). There was a time limit, so I was really worried.

    Just get out there & enjoy, Wendy! That's the most important part.

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  13. I am very excited to watch you train for your 50K! It is really great to have something to look forward to right now. Working out and running is my stress reducer right now for sure. So fun that you got to see your running friends in person. I miss mine dearly! Thanks for linking an have a great week ahead

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    1. You too! I swear, I don't know what I would do without my workouts!

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  14. How exciting about the 50k! My older sister LOVEs the Ice Age trail. Good luck!

    I love your thoughts on why running is so great right now. Totally agree!

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  15. More Music And Less Blues - Quite The Number There Wendy - Keep On Keeping On & Looking Forward To Watching Your Progress

    Cheers

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    1. Thank you! It's a little intimidating, but it's exactly what I need this year.

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  16. Congrats on getting that spot, it sounds like so much fun! I really hope the weather changes soon, I'm looking forward to sunny days.

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    1. We had a sunny day today, it was gorgeous and then the wind switched off Lake Michigan. Brrrr!

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  17. Totally funny that we both donned the blue tanks and did outside pics amidst all that "white stuff." Thankfully, I haven't really felt blue (in an emotional sense), since my routine has not been altered much. But, I almost...ALMOST...re-posted an old blog post, from a few years ago, where I shared all the blue race shirts/jackets/swag I'd received from numerous (then recent) races. Anyways, I'm really excited for your journey to the 50K! That will be a great accomplishment, especially on a trail!

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    1. Funny how that happened! I'm hoping that the blues will lift permanently, although the uncertainty of what's to come is hanging heavy over me. I wonder what they are going to do with me at work?

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  18. Awesome job with your workouts this week! I agree with you that I'm enjoying my runs more than normal. I think it's a combination of many things but I'm just happy that I'm enjoying it again because I was struggling with it earlier this year.

    That photo of the "snowman" made me laugh for way longer than it should have. That probably shows the type of week I had, lol

    I think it's so awesome that you are doing that 50K. As you mentioned on yesterday's Zoom call, it's such a great time of year to do a trail race with it being the beginning of Fall and hopefully you'll have some cooler weather too. You know we will all be cheering you on virtually!

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    1. I love that you laughed at the snowman--I think you and I have a similar sense of humor, lol! It just struck me and I had to stop to take a picture of it.

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  19. I feel you, Wendy! I have been struggling with the blues lately too. And my hubby and I went to see Buddy Guy the last time we were in Chicago. That guy can play!

    So cool that you are doing a 50k! I think you are gonna love it. Trail races are so much fun - so laid back compared to a road race.

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    1. I know I'm going to love it--now to figure out how to train for it! Any advice?

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  20. I have no doubt that you will have no trouble doing the 50k. If you need advice, talk to Becky or Dave Patch. They are both huge trail runners, and I believe have both run the Ice Age Trail before. This snow!! WTF.

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    1. Good to know! Thank you! And let's hope we've seen the last of the snow.

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  21. Hooray for the 50K!!! I've coached a few runners into their first 50Ks (road and trail) and everyone has really enjoyed the distance. I bet you will too! I'm excited to follow your journey.
    I hope this week is better for you. The uncertainty is really tough with all this, especially as pessimism spreading more as the pandemic progresses.

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    1. The president inciting protests has certainly not helped my anxiety! I'm just going to focus on staying safe and planning for my trail race!

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  22. WOOOHOOOOO!!!! I'm so excited for you and the Ice Age 50k!!!! A friend of mine did his first 100 miler there...actually it was his first EVER trail race too. You will do amazing. Run/walk is the name of the game - you've got this!!!

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    1. I'm really really excited to do this. It feels like the right thing for me right now!

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  23. Congrats on getting into that 50K! What a fun and not at all scary thing to look forward to!

    P.S. I keep thinking that you're balancing on Cocoa in that yoga picture, LOL.

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  24. How nice you could chat with other runners on Saturday! It makes such a difference.
    I don't mind running alone, but I now I'm really looking forward to running with other people.
    Looking forward to following your training to the 50k - you can do this!

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    1. I don't mind running alone either but I sure miss talking to other people!

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  25. Totally agree about running being so important right now! I am also reminding myself to be careful about getting injured. I was thinking about how I cant even go to the chiropractor if something starts to bother me! I can't believe how many places got snow this week. After a few weeks of decent weather last week it was really windy, cooler and we had alot of rain. Its so much better when we can get outside during the day. I'm so excited for your 50k! And it was great seeing all of you on Saturday!

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    1. I'm so glad we got to catch up on Saturday and I loved seeing Grayson running all over the place. I know it's hard for you but he's such a great distraction, isn't he? Maybe a little too much, lol!

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  26. I am so excited for you and the 50K! Running seems to be going great for you right now and I hope that translates into a great training cycle. It's nice to have something to look forward to!

    It was great seeing everyone again on Saturday - hope we do it again soon!

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    1. You are right, it's great to have something on the calendar and this is something new for me! Which makes it really exciting!

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  27. I'm glad you have a way to find some joy in the midst of all of this madness! It snowed over the weekend by me, too, and I am OVER it. I feel like everything would be more palatable if we could just enjoy some time outside...

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    1. We've had sunshine the last couple of days--still a little chilly but definitely an improvement!

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  28. CONGRATS!!! You're going to do amazing on your trail race!

    I completely agree with you that us runners seem to really be enjoying running even more so than ever right now. I think it's such a great outlet to flesh out the stress of everything right now. Plus, it seems like we're all really leaning on our run community and it really makes all the difference when it comes to feeling connected. :)

    Great week of workouts!! Another job well done! I love doing Yoga with Adriene too! I got in 2 yoga sessions with her this week and it was much needed!

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    1. I'm so grateful for our run community more than ever! We are so lucky!

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  29. We also got some snow last week and then more snow! It luckily melted this past weekend and I see some more in the forecast for later in the week.

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  30. I'm so excited for you doing that 50k! I've never done one (and I don't think I want to) but I'll be cheering you on every step of the way!

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    1. I didn't think I wanted to run a 50k but then I fell in love with trails. I actually think this will be better for me than a marathon--the laid back atmosphere and lack of pressure to run fast is really appealing right now!

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  31. I hope better weather will help with the blues this week :). And congrats on getting that spot in the 50k, that definitely exciting news!

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    1. Feeling much better this week. I'm also tackling some household projects.

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  32. I'm so excited for you for your trail race. I think you're going to love it!
    How fun that you were able to Zoom with all the run blog friends. I feel like I need more social interaction in my life,...lol -M

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    1. I need more social interaction too! I never realized what a social person I am!

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  33. I definitely had some moments last week that made me blue, but I'm looking forward and doing my best to hang in there! The 50K sounds amazing - an ultra is on my bucket list so I will definitely be following along as you train!

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    1. I have no idea what I'm doing so it should be interesting, lol!

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  34. That is great news about the 50K!!! I am excited for you!!! Last week was blah for me. I was down almost every single day. So far today is better. Maybe cause it is nice and sunny and I ran this morning? I think it is all of the reasons you mentioned that makes runners enjoy running now more than ever.

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    1. I know running will make me feel better, so it really helps me to get out the door. Having my coach give me strength workouts has helped too!

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  35. I am over the moon excited for you about the 50K! I wish I was brave enough to go for something like that. You are going to absolutely have the best time, and I love that you are loving trails so much more now - this opportunity couldn't have come at a better time.

    Things are up and down. Today is neutral. Who even knows from one minute to the next? I reserve the right to my mood swings LOL.

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    1. Today was good! I much prefer my moods to swing up than down, lol!

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  36. I'm so excited for you and your trail ultra! Trail running is so much easier on our bodies and so much more fun than running on pavement. Runners are great, but trail runners are even more chill!

    It was great to see you on Saturday on Zoom - so fun!

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  37. I hate to say it, but I don't think fall races will happen. I really hope you get to do the 50K, though! That's awesome!

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