Too Close for Comfort

This week was remarkable for how COVID began closing in on my world. My husband came home from work every day with an announcement that yet another person or 2 working on his job tested positive, finally shutting down the job for a day for cleaning. One of the doctors that I work with tested positive on Wednesday. Her medical assistant was already out, recovering from the illness. I sit next to them in our work area. It's been frightening and too close for comfort. 

It's like playing COVID roulette. 

My family has planned for a socially distant Christmas celebration. Shopping was done early so the gifts could be shipped to recipients in time for a Zoom gift exchange. It's not the holiday any of us want, but we've got family members who are at high risk for complications. 

I'd sure feel bad if I gave anyone COVID for Christmas; the guilt I'd feel from that far outweighs any guilt I might feel from skipping a holiday celebration this year. This isn't the Christmas that any of us want. It's been the year that none of us wanted. We're all tired of it. But as the cases continue to rise, don't let down your guard. Keep wearing your masks and keep your distance. 

There is good news, however. Today, after my run, I went to the hospital and received my first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. I feel like I won the lottery. When I found out on Friday that I was on the list to receive the vaccine, the sense of relief nearly brought me to tears. I feel very, very fortunate. Here's to hoping that this is the first step towards a return to normalcy.

Weekly Rundown

Monday: run 7.15 miles 

Tuesday: bootcamp with 1500m running

Wednesday: trail run 7.76 miles

Thursday: strength training

Friday: run 6.16 miles

Saturday: rest

Sunday: run 7.3 miles

Miles for 2020: 1175 

Running

'Tis the season to be freezin'.... this week overall was cold! Monday's run was in the sunshine, but a brisk wind put a dent in any warming the sun might have brought. I ran on a combination of pavement and trail. My SI joint back was happily back in place after a visit to my PT friend the day before, and I enjoyed some speedy miles!

For Wednesday's trail run, I took a detour from my usual route. It was gray and quiet on the trails, but at the very end, I came upon this large buck (my husband said he was a '6 pointer') who posed for me. So majestic and beautiful!

Friday morning was even colder yet, but that's because it was clear--I witnessed a beautiful sunrise. I love the changing colors of the sky before the sun peeks over the horizon. 

I settled on Busse Woods for Sunday's run. There's a 7 mile loop, which was appealing to me. Feeling a bit of anxiety about my vaccine appointment must have provided fuel for this very speedy run. Full disclosure--I stopped once to see the elk that live in the preserve and once to chat briefly with a friend. But my average pace of 8:42 m/m for my 7.3 mile run put a big smile on my face! Will I be able to run like this in 2021?

Mama and baby. Dad wasn't far behind.

CrossFit/Strength Training

Tuesday's bootcamp was a spicy one. We had to do 5 rounds of the following: 200m row (I subbed in running), 18 power cleans (45#), 15 v-ups, 12 bar hops, 9 S2OH (45#), 6 deadlifts (45#), and 3 burpees. On a humorous note, I thought S2OH translated to squat to overhead but SJ later told me it stands for shoulder to overhead, which means I did thrusters instead of the prescribed movement. No wonder I was so sore the next day! Doh!

On Thursday, SJ started off with 4 sets of 8 back squats (112#) alternating with 8 strict presses (45#). Both felt very heavy to me-she suspected it was my bootcamp from earlier in the week that may have fatigued me. Still, I got it done. But there was more... 3 sets each of banded pull-ups (I used the black band) alternating with 10 toes to rings. Toes to rings are my favorite and that feeling of flying is the best!

About that shot...

As I mentioned at the top of the post, I received my first dose of the COVID19 vaccine today. I was a mix of emotions--grateful, nervous, and relieved. I teared up when she gave me the shot and she asked if I was ok--which, of course, I was. I scheduled my appointment for the second and final dose in 3 weeks. Is this the beginning of the end of the pandemic? I sure hope so. Until 60-70% of the country is vaccinated, I'll still have to wear a mask to prevent transmission of the virus. But the end is in sight!

I was thrilled to be part of the first group to get the #COVID19Vaccine! I did it to keep my family, friends, and patients safe. #IGotMine #hope @oldrunningmom @AdvocateAurora #running #runchat 

How was your week? Did anyone else get the COVID vaccine? What are your plans for the holidays? Will you be keeping your distance? 

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