Sunday, September 6, 2020

I Got Lost

My anxiety was off the charts this week! Was it the full moon? The change of the seasons? The continued unrest all around us? It's probably a combination of all things. I'm seeing more and more anxiety in my little patients and their parents too. Online learning has really been stressful so far. It's just one more thing to add to all the goodness that 2020 has brought.

We all need a break. 

I continue to be grateful for running. I mentioned it in my coffee talk post, but hey, it's worth mentioning again that I ran 105 miles in August. Didn't see that coming. Between the heat and humidity and the return of some RA symptoms, running lately has not felt easy for me. The trails have helped me slow down--which in hindsight is actually a good thing right now. But there was a surprisingly speedy run this week too! 

And yes, I really did get 'lost' this week--keep reading for the details.

We're ending the week and summer up in Wisconsin. Bittersweet, isn't it? All of it.


Weekly Rundown

Monday: CrossFit
Tuesday: Run 5.25 miles
Wednesday: Trail run 8 miles
Thursday: Strength, warm up 800m
Friday: Run 5.5 miles
Saturday: waterskiing!
Sunday: rest

Running

It was really dark at 5:30 on Tuesday when I would normally go out to run. So instead, I waited, getting everything done that I normally do when I come back from the run. It worked out just fine and I was out the door a little after 6. The sky was just starting to change colors. I was tired and needed to use walk breaks for this run. I'm not sure why. As it turned out, the whole day was off--we were joking at work that it had to be a full moon and guess what? It was.


I still felt blah on Wednesday when I drove over to the trails for my morning nature run. I planned to just do the 5.5 mile loop on the main trail. But as usual, the woods beckoned and I ducked in on the single track that runs along the creek. It was a gorgeous morning with bright sunshine and a mist over the marshy area. I spotted a herd of about 6 deer, but they saw me too and most of them took off. The buck turned towards me, as if to challenge me, although my husband later reassured me that they don't charge at people. Somehow, I got turned around and instead of exiting out onto the main trail, I ended up back where I started. Crap! My 5 miler turned into an 8 miler. I didn't mind except for the fact that I didn't eat before I went out and yeah, I was fading towards the end.

"none shall pass...."

Friday's run was a complete surprise and a gift. I woke up to a cool, clear morning and as I started my run, my legs felt surprisingly light. The lingering pain I've felt in my right knee due to RA disappeared after my first couple of steps. That easy feeling stayed with me for the entire run and I only stopped once to take my run selfie. My only disappointment was that I had to turn around to return home to get ready for work. This run left me wanting more. Runs like this are a rarity for me these days, but when they happen, it reminds me of what I'm capable of. 

I don't often share my times but indulge me: average pace 8:52 m/m

I woke up to thunder and rain on Sunday. My planned run was postponed to Monday and I got an unscheduled rest day.

Crossfit/Strength

Monday's WOD started with 5 rounds of handstand holds or handstand pushups alternating with a 100m KB suitcase carry. I'm working on HSPUs so I did negatives, lowering myself down to the pad. For the MetCon, we did a 21-15-9 push presses, increasing the weight as the reps decreased, atomic situps, and KB swings. After a 2 minute rest, we did a 9-15-21 push jerks (decreasing the weight as the reps increased), situps, and pullups (I used a band). It was hard and I felt this one on Tuesday.


For strength on Thursday, SJ started me off with snatches. I love how she breaks these difficult moves down and has me work on each part, putting it all together. Snatches are really technical and they are challenging. After spending time on that, she had rope climbs for me! alternating with HSPU from a box. Even though I feel like I'm never going to get a pull-up, I definitely noticed how strong I felt today, especially with the rope climbs! I haven't done them since February and I had no problem pulling myself up the rope!


Waterskiing!

On Saturday, we drove up to Lake Wisconsin and enjoyed a gorgeous sunny day on the water. This included some waterskiing--I was able to go twice, once after lunch and once at sunset. The water was COLD and unless I pull out the wetsuit, this will most likely be my last ski of the season. It was also my best. Isn't that always the way?


But wait! There's more!

I got fun mail this week! Chil Wellness was created by a father in search of an alternative medicine for his daughter's arthritis. September is Arthritis Awareness Month and Chil Wellness has joined forces with the Arthritis Foundation to help improve the lives of people living with RA. A portion of every purchase of a Chil Wellness product is donated towards fighting RA. I was contacted by Chil Wellness to try their products. I received some Mellow Mint Tincture and De-Stress Essential Roller to try out. Since I just received it this week, I'll be using both products and sharing my experience in a future post. I'm looking forward to receiving the Relief products, especially since I'm experiencing an uptick in symptoms. 😔 Stay tuned!



I'm hosting another RA Healthline chat on Monday evening at 7:30 pm CST. The topic for this chat is Flu and Cold Season is Coming: How to Maintain a Healthy Immune System. Should be a good and timely topic. If you are interested in any specific questions regarding this or any other topic, please feel free to comment below or pm me at wendy(at)takinglongwayhome.com




Cold and flu season is just around the corner! Find out how to boost your immune system so you can stay healthy! Join me on Monday at 7:30 CST for a live chat on RA healthline https://go.onelink.me/RczE/a1f6bed6 via @oldrunningmom @healthline #curearthritis

How was your week? Have you ever had a run that surprised you? Are you doing anything special to wrap up summer? Have you tried CBD products before? Anything you want to know about boosting your immune system to get ready for winter?

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


42 comments :

  1. I'm really excited to tell you that my Tuesday run sucked as well. It was the worst run I've had in a long time and for no reason. Guess there's something to that full moon thing.

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  2. After taking 6 days off from running, I was SO ready to get out there this morning. I hadn't even checked the weather or looked outside, but went straight to the basement and put on my running gear. What a downer when I heard the thunder and finally noticed the weather. But, if it lets up at all, I'm ready to go!

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    1. We are finally home from the lake--we took the scenic route, having to make some stops along the way in Madison and Woodstock. Anyhoo, it was lightning and thunder the whole time! I hope you got your run in.

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  3. This was a strange week for me. Our trip to Hawaii was tough - the long flight with masks on, the empty, quiet streets of Waikiki, packing up stuff for what was suppose to be an extended stay. Les had to clean out his office because they're reconfiguring everything - he went in Sunday evening while no one was there and he said he felt like he'd been fired. It's a load off my shoulders to have it done, but it really was emotionally and physically draining. We've been home for 5 days now and both feel fine, so hopefully we escaped the virus.

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  4. I'd say your month seemed to end on a high now workout wise. Despite your RA flares you seem to be crushing those workouts and maintaining a high running mileage. Whatever you are doing seems to be working. good luck w your on line chat! Thanks for linking

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    1. I really think the trail runs help a lot, since I have to run so much slower. Who knew?

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  5. My goodness that first exercise in your pictures, lowering yourself down? You are mighty! I tend to keep my immune system boosted by running my 20+ miles a week - I noticed a few years ago that 20-30 is the sweet spot for me. I have eaten more fruit and veg during lockdown, too.

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    1. I agree with you that 20-30 is definitely my sweet spot! Eating healthy is good too. Stress? Not so much...

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  6. I think the trails are making you stronger too. You don't notice the terrain anymore because you're used to it, but when you run on the road you notice the difference.

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    1. That makes sense! The road feels almost easy compared to the trails. We'll see how it plays out with my upcoming half marathons.

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  7. We are low key this weekend -- especially with the especially beautiful weather. it's why we went out Friday, to beat the crowds.

    I know it's bittersweet about the waterskiing, but hey, going out on a high note is good!

    I went to a friend's house this weekend, first time I've ever been to her home, and had the darndest time finding her home. But we had a nice walk. :)

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    1. We're home now--the weather took a bad turn today! Glad to hear you're enjoying your weekend.

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  8. Anxiety is a common theme these days...but you seem to be doing all the right things to combat it- nature, exercise, fresh air. Always impressed by your strength training. You are ripped!

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    1. You are too kind! But I sure am enjoying the gains I make in my strength training!

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  9. This week was better for me than last week but that's not saying much. I can't imagine the level of anxiety that teachers, parents and students feel dealing with remote learning. I just prayer that everyone gets into a groove at some point this month and that things go smoother.

    You really crushed your workouts this week - great job!

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    1. When I see my patients, all we talk about is remote learning. I am glad I have grown children. It would be really tough to work and have to worry about that too!

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  10. I had a rough week with anxiety also. I'm grateful that my daughter is too young for remote learning and that daycare was never in our plans. Hopefully by the time she's old enough for Montessori, this whole pandemic is over. I hope you have a better week this week!

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  11. I love when I’m surprised by a good run! Hopefully with cooler weather that will happen more frequently. Interested to hear about those products.

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    1. It's the best to have a run like that! It keeps me coming back for more.

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  12. The drop in temps and humidity has been wonderful! I too am seeing some paces in sub 9:00 and couldn't be happier. Love, love, love those fall temps! I was wondering if the water was cold for skiing. Good for you for getting out there! Good luck on those products too. I hope they help.

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    1. I keep thinking those paces are behind me, but every once in a while, I get a surprise!

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  13. My runs have been all over the place lately. I definitely feel better when its not as hot, so I'm hoping they will continue to improve as it cools off. It's so dark in the mornings these days!

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    1. Yeah, that morning darkness is having me a little conflicted about my Tuesday run. I don't like running in the dark!

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  14. Oh what a week for me too! It was stressful too and yes we all need a break.

    I hope I remember you join you tomorrow on the live chat. Sounds like a great topic!

    I've never tried CBD products but am curious about them.

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  15. Yay for one last lake hurrah! We totally lucked out on weather...I think there was a major storm while we were away (this morning, I believe) because more dead branches found their way to our yard. Our ride, Friday morning, was a wake-up call as top how late the sun is now rising...sigh.

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    1. Saturday was perfect, but the rest of the weekend gets a thumbs down. It's amazing how the weather has turned.

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  16. Boo on the uptick in symptoms, but yay for runs that leave you wanting more. The break in the weather is just lovely. The idea of a wet suit when I'n a week removed from peeling myself out of a skirt is so humorous, but I have no doubt the rivers here are frigid too. Way to go on on the ropes

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    1. I rarely pull out the wetsuit--I think last spring was the first time I've used it in 20 years! But I am glad to have it. There was a woman skiing on Saturday night wearing a wetsuit, so i know i wasn't being dramatic about how cold the water was.

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  17. Sorry to read you've had an uptick in symptoms recently. :-( So glad you had that awesome run - those are the kind of runs to be cherished! I've also been a bit anxious the last few months - on and off - I just think it's the uncertainty of everything around us. Sure, we've gotten into a routine but it sometimes all feels a bit heavy.

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    1. I'm just grateful I've been able to keep up with everything in spite of the symptoms! Nothing too bad, just a really good reminder that it's there.

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  18. You had a great week of workouts!! I'm really sorry to hear that you've been dealing with an uptick in RA symptoms - you always amaze me with your ability to do all you do in spite of the symptoms. I hope the new products provide some relief - I've been using CBD for my hip/TFL issue and it's made a difference!

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    1. I've used CBD cream on my joints with great success. I'm anxious to try the new products to compare.

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  19. So The 8 Miles Was Exactly What Your Body Wanted - The Mind Wanted 5 But The Body Said," Easy Girlfriend."

    Big Hugs

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  20. You are just so strong. In every way. You inspire me, every day.

    Anxiety is tough. It's in us. It's in our kids. A came to us yesterday, just so sad about everything. In some cases, it's character building, but in others, it's just consuming and suffocating.I am also starting to hear more cases of self-harm and suicide among children in A's age range, and it's killing me.

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    1. It's interesting to see how the pandemic is affecting different people, including kids. A lot of it has to do with how the parents are handling the situation too. I see a lot of complaining about remote learning, in front of the kids, which I don't believe is helpful at all. I know it's hard. But it is what it is...

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  21. Sorry to hear that your RA symptoms have been on the rise, but so glad you had a good run in the nature preserve. Our summer's grand finale is a trip to the beach house for a week since our trip last month got canceled due to my husband's work.

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  22. Im going to miss your waterskiing pictures.

    I am sad that summer is ending. I hate the loss of daylight.

    I think I need to make myself a morning runner.

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