Sunday, November 15, 2020

Here We Go Again

Yes, this is a running blog, but I need to comment on what's happening with COVID. Because not only has it affected our sport, cancelling most races this year, but the rising numbers threaten to put many of us back on lockdown.

After keeping the spread of COVID under control all summer long, our numbers here in Illinois along with much of the country, are skyrocketing out of control. While we are at about a 14% positivity rate, Wisconsin is beyond ridiculous, with a positivity rate around 37%. I'm not sure if its complacency or the cold weather or what, but as the case count continues to climb, we're starting to shut down again. It's getting scary and it's getting old. 

Last week, I had a mom bring her child in for COVID antibody testing. The parents had had the illness previously and mom wanted to know if the child had it too. When I called mom with the positive results, she told me that she had taken a COVID test prior to seeing me and was still testing positive. What the what? We are a non-COVID clinic. How did she get past the screeners at the front door? We were masked but still! We don't really know about people who stay positive long after their symptoms have resolved. Are they asymptomatic spreaders?

This is the reality of what's happening on the front lines. One of my partners had a patient come in this week with full blown COVID symptoms, but lied about the reason for the visit so he could be seen. Come on! Don't be selfish. Wear the damn mask and wear it correctly, over your nose. If you have symptoms, stay home. If you think it's no big deal, well, I don't know what to say to you. 

Saturday's trail run
Weekly Rundown
Monday: CrossFit
Tuesday: Run 5 miles
Wednesday: Trail run 6 miles
Thursday: CrossFit at home
Friday: run 6 miless
Saturday: trail run 10 miles
Sunday: rest

Running:

We continued our warm weather into Tuesday, so I had no problem waking up at 4:30 to get a run in before work. The humidity was higher than it had been, making it feel downright tropical! The air even had that 'smell' to it, that tropical Florida smell! It all felt so nice and I got to run in a tank and shorts--who else can say that in mid-November?


Our warm stretch came to an abrupt end Tuesday night when were blasted with storms and wind. When I got to the trails on Wednesday, the trees were bare! It's as if Mother Nature flipped the switch and put us into proper fall. It was 35 degrees on this run, but I wasn't bothered at all by the cooler temps. After all, these are normal November conditions here! I split my time between the main trail and the single track through the woods. There were a lot of downed trees and I worked on agility while I moved along, hopping over roots and fallen trees. There's a woman I often see there with her vizla and we finally introduced ourselves. Its nice to know I'm not the only one who loves being out in the woods!


I headed out early Friday morning, completely underdressed for the 35 degree temperatures. I guess better underdressed than overdressed, right? At the turnaround, I stopped to take a selfie and was busted by some running friends who posed with me and ran me part of the way home. This solo runner enjoyed the company; it was really a testament to how strong I've been running that I was able to keep up with them!! Having the wind at our back was also helpful.

Busted in the best way!

I've got one more half (virtual) coming up in a couple of weeks, so a long run was on tap for Saturday. Where to run? After considering all my options, I drove to the branch of the DesPlaines River Trail that I ran a few weeks ago; it's limestone and flat which meant I could wear my road shoes. I didn't sleep well the night before but that didn't affect this run. My legs felt light and I thoroughly enjoyed this run. I inserted a few walk intervals but still finished with 9:40m/m. That's faster than I wanted for this run but I felt so good! And honestly, does any of that matter right now?

CrossFit/Strength

I was surprised to see Coach Jeff at class on Monday. He told us that Sammy Jo had been exposed to COVID by another coach in the gym and was quarantining while waiting for a test. And here we go again...anyways, the WOD was a good one. The strength portion consisted of 5x4 strict presses (55#), 5x100m suitcase carry (25#), and 5x15# dumbbell weighted situps. The MetCon was a 10 min AMRAP of a 100m run, 10 single arm dumbbell overhead squats (12#), and 10 renegade rows (25#). I did 6 full rounds of this workout. Running in the WOD keeps me competitive with the others but I felt this one all week long!

You have to read the small print on my shirt!

Sammy Jo contacted me on Wednesday to tell me she was still waiting for results and wouldn't be able to train me on Thursday, so I signed up for the WOD. Thursday morning, I woke up to an email that someone in the previous day's afternoon class had COVID and the gym would be closed for a couple of days for cleaning. Here we go again. I looked up the WOD from Wednesday and and fired up my home equipment. The strength portion was 6x6 deadlifts at 60%-I only can go up to 95# with my equipment so that is what I did. This alternated with a 40 second plank hold. The MetCon was 4 rounds for time of 12 front rack lunges (55#), 12 barhop burpees, and a 250 row, for which I subbed 250m on the TM. Those front rack lunges set my posterior chain on fire but I finished the WOD in 15:28. Yes I can!

Getting a little encouragement for the deadlifts

I have a big decision to make about going to the gym in light of our rising numbers. Most likely, I'll continue my weekly strength sessions with Sammy Jo, because no one else is in the gym with us when we meet. But I will probably skip the classes and do my Monday WOD at home for now. 

Tell me something good!

This week was Nurse Practitioner Week. I don't normally make a big deal about it because as a nurse, I like to piggyback on nurses' week instead. But much to my surprise, every morning this week when I arrived at work, I had gifts on my desk! I do work with the best team and I am grateful for it every day. This just made my heart happy.

Yes, they gave me beer. They know me well!

I got fun mail! Cindy from Smitty Lettering sent me some items from her Etsy shop to share with you all. I'm working on a holiday gift post, so you'll see these again, but I couldn't wait to share them! I plan on framing the print and hanging it up by my medal rack. Cindy also does custom items, so if you want something special to commemorate a race for you or a friend, reach out to her. She made the Chicago mug for me and I just love it! 

How was your week? Is COVID on the rise by you? Are you seeing things shutting down? Will you resume your home workouts or keep going to live classes? Tell me something good from your week!

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







 

45 comments :

  1. Our numbers are on the rise here as well but not as high as some of the midwest areas. My kids are both looking forward to coming home this week and I miss them terribly. Tough decisions about the gym and all the stuff we do and wish we could do again. Ugh it is so scary and very frustrating at this point. It is nice to have the at home workout options and of course thank goodness for running. Happy nurse practitioner day and thanks for what you do!

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    1. Thank you! Yep, it's really disheartening to be back to home workouts again. All of this. It's going to be a strange holiday season.

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  2. I have been restricting myself to home workouts since March. And, although most of my runs have been solo, I did sometimes run with AMP'D or BWRC, but will probably eliminate those meet ups for awhile.
    The general thoughtlessness of so many people is quite discouraging. The best we can do is continue to mindfully look after ourselves and make sure we follow suggested protocols. Take care and be safe.

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    1. I haven't noticed that BWRC is having the large groups they used to! Hoping that once the COVID is under control, we can all run together again. Stay safe!

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  3. I swear why are people being so moronic about Covid?? A friend told me her son "got one helluva cold". I asked her if they were sure it was a cold. And of course he was still going to work, Ugh. I don't think gyms are a good place to be right now. Sigh.

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    1. I just feel so badly for the owners of my CrossFit box. They have done everything right, yet COVID doesn't play nice.

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  4. The mug and the map are awesome! If COVID was a marathon I think it's fair to say we're at mile 20 and there's a whole world of hurt between now and the finish line. At least with the press release on the vaccine it seems like there is a finish line. I feel like the longer it's gone on the more I'm seeing "noses at the grocery store" (a.k.a. sloppy mask wearing). I can't even begin to comprehend.

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  5. It was 37 here Monday morning and I loved it! We don't usually get that cold until December. It's fun to see how much or how little people bundle up.

    LA County has been stuck in the highest lockdown since July, we are in the next county (Ventura) and are closely monitoring our numbers and at risk to being moved to the strictest tier also.

    Les belonged to 24 Hour Fitness which was shut down for months. They permanently closed the gym closest to us so he canceled his membership. He joined a local gym that has a huge outdoor area. They moved equipment out there and he loves it! He's never gone to any classes, just does weights on his own. Since he works from home, syncing up with Hawaii time, he can go when fewer people are there.

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    1. I do think the reason our numbers are rising is because we are going back inside. Sigh.

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  6. Happy Nurse Practitioner Week! Thank you for all you do!

    We are seeing a rise in cases but our governor has decided we should go for "herd immunity" so we aren't shutting things down again. Sigh. In fact, he's opening the entire state up even more. *face palms*

    I think the only way this will stop and we will get control of it is if A) the new government next year steps in and goes on a US lockdown entirely. Which I think is more an more likely given the current conditions of things. And honestly, I'm ok with 4-6 weeks locked down if it means we get over this dumb virus and can go back to doing fun things. I was ready to do that in the beginning but I don't think there has been effective leadership thus far regarding this virus. Just my two cents. or B) we get a vaccine. Which I hope happens soon. I'm beyond tired of all this back and forth and things getting canceled left and right.

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    1. My head just exploded when I read what is happening in Florida! With all those elderly folks down there, that seems more like a 'thin the herd' mentality! Yikes! Yes, I'm so ready for the vaccine.

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  7. Our numbers are increasing alot here too. Our positivity rate is "only" 6.5% but we have had our highest number of cases ever this week. My husband manages an urgent care and outpatient facility and has similar stories to yours. Like, if you don't ask the exact right question people may leave out important information. It seems like people have been lazy and the cold weather isn't helping.
    Sorry that things at your gym as so crazy! That makes sense to skip the group classes for now.

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    1. I just hate to see things like this! Hopefully it will slow back down again.

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  8. Our numbers are climbing here too and we're now under a state-wide curfew to try to keep people indoors. I'm afraid were going to end up in a shutdown again...sigh.

    How nice of your co-workers :)

    And I love that Chicago Marathon print and mug! I'm going to check out that Etsy shop!

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    1. I really like the items! She's been great to work with too. Sent everything right away.

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  9. Oh wow, Wendy...what is wrong with people?? So selfish. And now does that mean you have confirmed exposure? 37% positivity rate? Gees...not that Minnesota is in much better shape. I feel like its everywhere and hitting much closer to home. I know it's easy for me to say this as I can continue to WFH, but I'm fine with more regulations. There are no hospital beds, no staff for those the beds they do have. It's horrible.

    Ugh.

    Anyways. Brighter note, you had some strong runs this week. Crazy how quickly the weather changed right? I am struggling to remember how to layer. Today was 30 degrees but crazy winds and that really makes a difference. I was COLD.

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    1. Today was a rest day and I chose wisely! I didn't want to battle those strong winds. It's the perfect day to isolate on the couch.

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  10. Yes our cases are on the rise. College and High school are having parties...lying about it and then spreading it. It makes me so mad.

    Be outside, stay 6 ft apart. Wear a damn mask when you are inside. Not too difficult. End of rant.

    The weather in one week went from summer to winter here. 20s and sleeting at the start of the race...and the wind. UGH!

    Still I did it and it felt great....the not the race itself but being a little more normal. And everyone followed the rules!!

    Love that mug!! I want one for nYC!

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    1. She has NYC mugs and they are fun! Congrats on today's half. Yep, our weather is nasty too! 'Tis the season.

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  11. Feel so bad for all of you in healthcare given exposure to all the things, in addition to being essential. Stay safe my friend.
    How awesome that your team recognizes you. My team and I laughed -- we don't do the hallmark holidays but weird to be ouf of the office for both secretary's day and boss's day.
    I haven't gone back to the gym at all and curious if they shut down again before the freeze on my membership ends. We're 2.5% hear in the city which is worse, but not as bad as places where mask is about "freedom"

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    1. I don't expect anything for those random holidays, so this was a nice surprise!

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  12. I love that Chicago mug and map, but as you know, I love all things Chicago :) Awesome job with your workouts this week. I was wondering why you did the WOD from home but then I saw Sammy Jo's Instagram stories and understood what was going on. It's just such a sucky situation :(

    The increase in Covid numbers is worrying me. Right now we're at 6.5% positivity rate but I think once we hit 10% things will start shutting down, again. I'm thinking about OTF and what I want to do with that. I may end up freezing my account if the gym doesn't get shutdown first. I'm just so annoyed at people that are constantly going out and acting like it's no big deal. We were doing so good this summer that I thought we could ride that wave this Fall but I guess not.

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    1. This second wave is worse than the original one but people are definitely acting like no big deal. I'm tired of people putting others at risk. So selfish!

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  13. How Cool Is That, So Dig The Beer And Flowers - Pretty Nice To Feel Appreciated - Stay Strong And Do Your Own Thing

    Cheers
    P.S. Yes, C19 Is Out Of Control Here, Lost Another Job, And Our Little Gym Closed Their Doors Due To Low Customer Counts - Gr8

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    1. Oh, I am so sorry about the job. One of our favorite brewpubs in Madison closed this week due to the pandemic. They just couldn't make it. Really good beer, too. Sigh.

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  14. Ugh, I don't know, I'd be a little creeped out going to a gym these days. I cringe just going to the grocery store. We all have our different comfort levels, though. I'm thankful I can do most of my workouts at home. That is a unique map of the Chicago marathon...I need to check out that site. I've been contemplating doing some kind of an artsy display for my marathons.

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    1. I thought of you with her shop--I bet she could do some maps of the ones you've run!

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  15. Yes, numbers in Kansas are also rising. We do have a mask mandate but quite a few counties have declined to participate (mostly the conservative counties, not even joking--really sad when politics interfere in something that could be curbed with some easy precautions). No running for me, I officially have a non union fracture--I'll see my orthopedist this week and I've been referred to a specialist although that appointment isn't scheduled yet.

    2020 can quite frankly bite me.

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  16. Our numbers are rising, but they say our positivity rate is still in the 5-6% range. We can’t gloat though. Vermont had almost no case for SO long and now is facing a higher case load.

    LOL at getting busted by your running friends.

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  17. I'm so sorry these selfish people have been putting you and your colleagues in danger, that's just horrible. We have started to creep down again numbers wise, but we've obviously been in a new lockdown for a couple of weeks now. People are being rubbish here on occasions though including 250 gathering in the city for an anti-lockdown demonstration. Love how your colleagues celebrated your week, that's super and cheering.

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    1. I don't understand people willing to risk the health of their loved ones and others. I just don't.

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  18. Well, my thoughts and feelings are the same as yours. That is a scary situation you and your coworkers are put in when patients lie. Stay safe.

    That is cute mug!

    So awesome about the gifts from the team. Yay to the beer!




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  19. The good news this week was the news about Bandit. The bad news is that there have been some cases in my mom's independent living, which is causing them to shut down again, and it's scary. Plus I don't know when I'll be able to see her again. Unless we have an unseasonably warm day, it will probably be months. :(

    NPs are the best. I'm so sorry that your patients' parents haven't been treating you with the respect you absolutely deserve. I can't even imagine being a healthcare worker right now.

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    1. My father-in-law continues to isolate at home by himself. These are the people I feel really badly for, like your mom, not being able to get out and see loved ones!

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  20. I think some people might be getting complacent about covid because they think it's not really that bad anymore- but I just had a client who said he had it and was sick in bed FOR AN ENTIRE MONTH. Even if you're not going to die from it, does anyone really want to be in bed for a month??? It was a reminder to take this very seriously.

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    1. The thing people don't get about this virus is that while yeah, most people have mild illness, many people are dying and/or suffering severe complications from it. Not everyone is in the 'high risk' category and that's what makes it scary to me.

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  21. Ugh! So frustrating! Our numbers are going up but it's not awful? Yet? I'm kind of wondering if it's because we still have nice enough weather that we can do most things outside still. I imagine that will help a little, but who knows.

    Great runs and workouts for you!

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    1. I think that you hit the nail on the head--it's colder here and we are spending a lot more time inside.

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  22. Oh yes, COVID on the rise here. Shutdowns are being threatened and schools are going virtual. I really hope our schools don't got completely virtual, but I wouldn't be surprised. We get emails every day about a student being tested positive or quarantining. Ugh. Very frustrating indeed.

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  23. The numbers are ticking up again in Virginia, especially on my mom's side of the commonwealth. Our governor has tightened things down again, but that's to be expected under the current conditions. I have three clients who have come back to my home gym so I'm keeping a close eye on the situation. Stay safe, Wendy!

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