Sunday, November 22, 2020

A Grateful Runner

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With Thanksgiving coming up this week, it's the perfect time to reflect on all there is to be grateful for. It's easy to get caught up in all the negativity that has surrounded us for much of 2020. I'm not going to focus on that today. Instead, I want to focus on my year of fitness, which has been a bright spot for me. 

After 4 years of struggling with rheumatoid arthritis, my disease is currently under control and I'm feeling really good. I always want to pinch myself when I say that because when you live with a chronic illness, you know that the rug can be pulled out from under you at any time. I've been pushing my body pretty hard this year, which has always been something I do when I'm feeling anxious or stressed. Fortunately, my body hasn't pushed back, instead responding to the challenge and giving me some fast runs and heavy lifts. For that, I am grateful. 

I am grateful that I discovered trail running this year. Not only did I make some new furry friends out in the woods, the trails force me to slow down and enjoy the ride. The trails aren't smooth and there are plenty of obstacles--think tree roots, stumps, and holes--which have improved my agility. Trail running is humbling because for me, it's more difficult than road running. I can't just dial up my music and zone out like I can on the roads. Trail running been a great way to mix up my runs and as I age, I see myself spending more time on the trails.

I am grateful for the opportunites this year to test out my legs at some live races. While the races I ran this year were nothing like what I am used to, it was still a good to put all that training to the test. Running those races also made me realize how much I miss live races, nerves and all. 

Finally, I am grateful to my strength coach for continuing to push me and helping me build muscles. Strength training is truly the fountain of youth. It might not erase my wrinkles, but being strong keeps my joints happy and allows me to do the thing I love most, running. I also can keep up with my grown sons, which has always been a goal of mine. They inspired the tag line on my blog, "sitting on the sidelines is no fun!"

Weekly Rundown

Monday: CrossFit home WOD
Tuesday: run 5.25 miles
Wednesday: trail run 6 miles
Thursday: strength train
Friday: run 6.2 miles
Saturday: rest
Sunday: run 11.25 miles

Running

I woke up early on Tuesday to get my pre-work run in. It was cold and windy and even though I was dressed properly, I was having serious regrets about this run. Work was slow and I spent most of the day at my desk with my illegal spacer heater blowing on me. I didn't warm up for the rest of the day! Will I do this pre-dawn run next week? Ugh.

Blurry zero dark thirty

Wednesday morning was also cool, but I didn't have to go running so early, which made a huge difference. Gusty winds were predicted, so I got myself to the trails by 8-ish. This run was an absolute delight. The sun was shining and my deer friends were waiting for me at the trailhead. They weren't in any hurry to scurry away, so I snapped a few photos and took my time walking past them. I ran on a different single track in the woods and enjoyed exploring. Saw a few odd things too. It's amazing how the trails change from week to week!


I was excited to run on Friday! With another warm, sunny morning in the forecast, I pulled on a pair of shorts and headed out to the bike path. As with so many of my Friday runs this fall, my legs just wanted to go and I let them. A speedy 6.2 miles (55:53/8:56m/m) helped me run off some anxiety and head into work with a smile on my face.


The forecast called for rain on Sunday but I had to work on Saturday and couldn't run-- I had no choice but to hope and pray that the forecast would change. Well, guess what? The rain went south and I had perfect conditions for my long run. The temperature was in the 40s, there was no wind, and the sun even peeked out a few times! I had no goals for this run but to finish 10+ miles, so I brought back the 4:1 intervals.  I've got a virtual half next weekend and I plan to do the same thing--enjoy the ride. 


CrossFit/Strength

On Monday, I was still feeling a little hesitant to return to the gym after last week's shut down, so I did the WOD at home. My home equipment was completely adaptable. The strength portion was 5 sets of cleans x2 + 1 jerk, building strength each time. I ended up with 55# but probably could have pushed to a little heavier. Shhh. The MetCon was a 14 minute AMRAP, counting up 2-4-6-8, etc. of single arm devil's presses (25#) and dumbbell box overs. At 7 minutes, there were 50 sit ups. I got to 12+9 total reps when the timer went off. 


For Thursday's strength sesh Sammy Jo had a heavy deadlift AMRAP plannned. To start though, I did some resistance band work, upside down kettlebell shoulder presses, and empty barbell good mornings. Then she loaded up the bar for my deadlifts. All told, I did 10 deadlifts at 155#. Could I have done more? Maybe. But it was heavy! She was pleased. 

Heavy AF

To mask or not to mask...

Starting on Friday, Illinois returned to more restrictions due to the out of control spread of COVID. No indoor dining, no group workouts...yeah, it's just great. What CrossFit is doing is offering open gym workouts. Members have to sign up for times, there is a max capacity of 11 people, and everyone has to wear a mask the entire time. Coaches will be available for assistance. I've been reassured that besides all the cleaning they do there, the UV lights they've installed are really effective, there's constant air filtering, and the fans are always going.

I'm still not sure how comfortable I feel about going back to the gym when there are other people working out. I do usually go to the least attended class time, so there's that. As you know, I wear a mask all day at work, so masking not normally an issue for me, but working out in my InknBurn masks is a challenge. I don't know if it is the masks or if it's me, but it is really hard to breathe in them once I get going. I just ordered an UnderArmour mask, which is supposed to be 'great' for workouts, so when I receive it, I'll try it out and let you know what I think. 

These are such tough times and exercise has really helped to give me a sense of normalcy. Yes, I can continue to workout at home if I need to. But there's just something different about doing a workout at the gym. It would be great to continue to work out at the gym if it can be done safely. 



What are you grateful for this year? Are you getting your workouts in? Do you workout in a mask? Group classes, yay or nay? Pre-dawn runs in the cold weather?

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



41 comments :

  1. I haven't worn a mask to work out since I use my home gym and run outside in my quiet neighborhood. I've heard good things about the Under Armour mask though. I've been so grateful for running this year. I think it would have been a much harder year to deal with if I didn't have running as an outlet.

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    1. This morning was really interesting on the bike path. I don't wear a mask to run--I'm outside and there's plenty of space on the path, but I got a few dirty looks from walkers-masked or not.

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  2. I have been a stickler for masks. But, no one at my gym (including me) wears them. I'm so glad I have two sets of hand weights so I can keep up my workouts with my son at home. I'm glad you have enjoyed the trails so much. Getting out in nature is wonderful!

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    1. With the new tier 3 restrictions, we are required to wear masks at the gym. I don't know how I'll do with the MetCon portion of the WOD!

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  3. Love your post and the photos - esp the deer!

    I have given up on my gym because it is not safe at all. I'm really sad about my yoga classes there which I loved and went to for years. Trying to get sorted with a home gym but it's not the same at all.

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    1. I don't love my home equipment, especially my barbell set but it's better than nothing. I'm hoping to keep up the strength sessions with my coach. The classes make me a little nervous!

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  4. I am glad to read that your runs are going so well. Enjoy the ride indeed. The 4:1 intervals have been a life saver for me lately. Not sure I will ever give them up. I really like the UA mask and find it really comfortable. I did a review of it a few months back. It's probably the best one I have for exercising. Good luck with the virtual half this week. I have a 10K :)

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    1. I remembered that product review, which really helped me make my decision on the UA mask. I'll let you know how I like it!

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  5. So important to sit back and reflect on what we're thankful for this year, thanks for the reminder!
    Good luck on your virtual half this week - you got this!

    Our state is moving to the same thing for gyms - masks at all times. I only workout with a mask so this doesn't effect me, but it's all about finding the right mask. My two favorites are Adidas and Under Armour. It's no picnic working out in a mask, but these two offer more breathability. Let me know how you like the UA mask!

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    1. I'm glad to hear you liked the UA mask! We are certainly in unprecedented times!

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  6. My gym recently started requiring masks at all times. It's been an adjustment for sure but mostly I just had to adjust my expectations along with it - my coach said to think of it as similar to adding extra weight for a workout, you're just upping the difficulty factor (and need to accept maybe being a bit slower with that).

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    1. Your coach's advice is sound! It's better than not working out at all, that's for sure.

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  7. 2020 has sure been a great year...for running and nothing else. I've never worn a mask for exercising, simply because I don't have to since I'm either at home or outside. But if gym workouts were important to me, I'd figure out a way to make the mask work. I'll be interested to hear how the UA mask works for you.

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    1. You know I'll be sharing my opinion, lol! I know I'll be frustrated tho.

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  8. Great photos, great reminder of all the things to be grateful for during this wild year...

    I have the Under Armour mask(s) (bought a few). They're okay- I've only worn them briefly though, not for a whole run. Most of the time I am able to distance myself plenty, even on the busy Minneapolis Chain of Lakes trails, particularly because I run in the morning. I'll be curious what you think of the mask!

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    1. I did get a few dirty looks on my run this morning. Outdoors, unmasked. Come on people!

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  9. Thankfully I don't have to get out predawn for my runs. But some days I step out there just to watch the sunrise. Which is always soothing -- even when it's 20 out!

    It's such an individual decision on what you are comfortable with. Only you can know. It's pretty obviously what I'm comfortable with, but then again, it's been about 10 years since I belonged to a gym. I do miss going to Yoga classes -- I could, but I personally am just not comfortable with that.

    Have a great Thanksgiving, Wendy!

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    1. I was thinking that wearing a mask while working out will probably feel similar to that nasal breathing you were working on last summer. I am a heavy breather so I'm not so sure I'm going to like wearing a mask at the gym at all!

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  10. With the two setbacks I've endured, I've learned there's always something to be grateful for (usually several), and focusing on the good is so much more rewarding than the other. I love my pre-dawn runs, but they have always been a necessary part of my routine (due to my work schedule). Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Seriously Kim, if you've only had 2 setbacks, then I'd say you have plenty to be grateful for. There are plenty of people who have dealt with a great deal more than a few months off of running.

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  11. I’m so glad your RA is under control! That’s a big thing to be thankful for. I wouldn’t want to workout in a mask. That’s why I’ve been working out at home.

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    1. I'm willing to try the UA mask. But that would only be for the one on ones. I don't see how I can do anything aerobic in it.

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  12. We let our gym membership go last June and never looked back. I wouldn't be comfortable there. Especially going through the locker room. I am grateful for a fantastic home gym!

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  13. Well, my gym is closed and I don't have any equipment at home. No problem there. I cannot wear a mask while running. I am a mouth breather. I feel like choking with a buff on in the winter.

    I know you'll make the right decision ...the right one for you which may be different than the one someone else makes.

    You and I both ran an in-person race. Many runners I know would never do it.

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  14. Fantastic Post - Very Grateful You Being You

    Cheers

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  15. I run outside in my neighborhood and wear a buff. I don't see many people anyway but when I do I make sure to move. I cannot imagine working out in one.

    I have not been out running in the dark anymore. Now that I am home I don't have to be at work so early. There are times when I am walking in at 8am and I just have enough time to shower, get ready, and get breakfast.

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  16. Restrictions on gyms and restaurants is increasing here. I canceled my gym and OTF membership - I knew there was just no way I could workout in either situation with a mask. Most of my runs are early enough to avoid seeing others.

    I'm grateful to have the indoor options for working out/running that I have!

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    1. It will be interesting to see what happens to gyms and group classes after this is all over!

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  17. I continue to run with a neck gaiter I can pop up when there are people around. Almost time here in WI to take out the baclava too!
    I'm thankful for your upbeat, informative, inspiring, honest and clever posts, Wendy. Thank you!!

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    1. I'm going to have to pull out the neck gaiter or the baclava too. Trying to be courteous! Thank you for reading!

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  18. I do pre-dawn runs in the cold weather, but this is Maryland and not Chicago. :) It's not quite as cold (understatement!).

    I never wear a mask running outdoors, have expected/feared dirty looks, but thankfully haven't noticed anything obvious. Being naturally unobservant can sort of be a silver lining... :)

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  19. We do have a lot to be grateful for despite everything 2020 is throwing at us. Fortunately, I workout at home so there's no need for a mask since I'm alone. When I see the few clients I'm allowing to come to my gym, we both mask up during the session.

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    1. I'll wear the mask when I go to work with my coach. Otherwise I'll be working out at home or running outside.

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  20. Oh gosh. There is stlll so much to be grateful for. It's sometimes hard to keep those things in mind, but they are there.

    I don't think I would be comfortable with the gym situation. I don't like being inside with anyone right now.

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