Sunday, December 20, 2020

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. 






44 comments :

  1. Yay yay yay! I'm so happy that you're on your way out of the danger zone with the first shot. I know it's going to take a hot minute to get the vaccine out to everyone, but we are well and truly on the way.

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    1. I cannot wait for life to return to some semblance of normal! I want to run races again. I want to go out to eat. And I want to stop worrying about COVID.

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  2. I only know of one other friend at home ( a DR who got his today as well). A great step in the right direction for all of us. Love all your trail running photos this week. Hope you and your family are able to enjoy your holiday even from afar. Merry Christmas to all of you!

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  3. You were the first person I know to get the vaccine (and my friend who is a health worker over here the second). We're now being told the Tier 4 levels in parts of the UK will hold until the vaccine has been rolled out a lot more. Scary times. But also: ELK!

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    1. I read about that new strain you guys are experiencing and seriously, let's get vaccinating!

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  4. I am absolutely thrilled that you were able to get the first part of the vaccine! I know we're still a long way from getting back to "normal" but it give me hope that 2021 will be better than 2020. I know of a few other people that have received the vaccine here in CT as well.

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    1. So many emotions but all good ones- gratitude, relief, and hope!

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  5. Last Sunday morning, as I was on the bike, they were talking about the first shipment of the vaccine having just shipped. It's nice that we're finally at this phase of "moving on." Still a very long journey ahead of us, but things are in progress ;-)

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    1. I cannot explain the sense of relief I felt when I got that invite. It was like getting Willie Wonka's golden ticket, lol!

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  6. I will definitely get the vaccine when it's my turn. Based on what I'm reading, that won't be until this summer though :( My sister is an ICU nurse at the VA hospital in Denver and I cannot wait for her to get the vaccine.

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    1. I am boosted by all the support I've gotten about receiving the vaccine! Let's do this!

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  7. It's so exciting that we are finally taking a big step in the right direction! I just hope that people don't start letting their guards down too soon. I'm so glad you were able to get it so soon!

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    1. Yes! I still will have to wear a mask. Even though I will develop immunity, there is the possibility that I can transmit the disease.

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  8. Yay for getting the vaccine! I hope my turn comes by spring. You get spectacular photos with wildlife. I’d never get that close with Scooby, although he tried to chase a fox yesterday ...

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    1. My husband marvels at my wildlife photos. Never would this happen in a hunting environment!

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  9. Hooray for the vaccine! I can just imagine how elated and relieved you must be. We are all beyond OVER this whole year. It's SO good to know there's a light at the end of this nightmarish tunnel.

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    1. I am thrilled to have received my first dose and am scheduled for #2 in 3 weeks. Squeeeee!

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  10. COVID roulette is such a perfect way to put it. Hope you and your/husband's colleagues all stay safe.
    Not traveling, it's just not safe/worth the risk. I might rent a car and do a porch wave, but we'll see weather wise as I don't drive in snow.

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  11. Fantastic running photos, Wendy!
    Well done with getting the vaccine, I hope that's the beginning of the end.

    Things in Europe are in a turmoil since yesterday afternoon because of a new CoVid variant... but there's no evidence that the vaccine shouldn't be effective for that one, too, so there's still hope!

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    1. If nothing else, the vaccine should lessen the impact of the variant strain, if I do contract it.

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  12. I keep thinking the same thing too - it's not the year any of us wanted or the Christmas Season but we just have to stick it out a bit more so we all come through okay. So glad you were on the vaccine list! I have no idea how it's going to work here but our President is due to give a nation's address today so maybe he will talk about that. I too feel it's the only way we will get out of this.

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  13. Glad to hear that you got your first shot.

    I can't wait!! First step in heading in the right direction. First time that I am happy to say that I am over 65.

    Not sure about the holidays yet. Family is local (and had the virus). Still may just keep our distance.

    Glad that I got most of my runs done before snomaggedon. Now just have to find places to run.


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    1. I'm very grateful to have gotten the vaccine and today I only have a mild headache. The sense of relief was almost overwhelming. Can we be nearing the end of this thing?

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  14. Glad you got the vaccine so soon. I *think* my mom might get it soon, maybe even this week, but haven't heard anything further in recent days on that. I don't anticipate getting it for months, not being in a higher risk category. Mr. Judy does have some health issues that put him at higher risk, but still don't know about him either.

    Glad you had a good week of running and got to see #alltheanimals. For now it's just finding somewhere to run. It's a good think I'm ok with the treadmill (at least some)!

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    1. They do a good job of clearing the roads here, even after a big snowstorm, so I've always been able to run in the neighborhood, at least! It is pretty limited, tho.

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  15. Wow, that's some impressive mileage for both last week and the year. I'm so happy running is going so well for you right now.

    I always get my flu shot and will get my Covid vaccine when I'm eligible.

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    1. Thank you Debbie! Last year was a bad year for me, so it's really rewarding to hit the miles!

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  16. I am so happy that you received the vaccine! I have an elderly aunt who's a Biden/Harris suppoter but refuses to get the Covid, shingles, flu, or pnemonia vaccines. Any ideas on convincing skeptics?

    Congratulations again on the vaccine, and have a safe and happy holiday!

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    1. I see a lot of anti-vaxxers come through my clinic and I don't often get to change their minds, even when we tell them they have to find a new place to have their kids seen. I have gotten ALL THOSE vaccines. We have to trust in science.

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  17. So excited and happy for you to have the vaccine!

    And kudos on that speedy 7 miler. You're a few years my senior and faster than me :)

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    1. Haha, I'm really not faster than you! I am happy to have my speed return, tho. Will it last? That remains to be seen. I really think running on the trails has made me a stronger road runner. That and the heavy weight lifting.

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  18. I'm so glad you got the vaccine! I know you'll give us an honest report.

    We'll continue to stay home. Missing our families short term is a small sacrifice for keeping them long term.

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    1. You know I will share my experience! Today I feel fine, just a mild headache. I can't wait for the second dose, which will boost my immunity into the 90%-ile!

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  19. So many hugs to you. I am so happy for you that you got the vaccine. I took the NYT quiz to see my place in the virtual queue and I am right at the end. Hopefully everything continues to go smoothly and we can stop this transmission.

    You had another great week. I love seeing all the strength training you do, and I especially love all the wild animals on your route.

    Christmas will be small and quiet here. What else can we do?

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    1. I'm actually ok with the smaller celebration this year. It has been a year, hasn't it?

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  20. So very happy that you got the vaccine! I can only imagine the sense of relief. Still a long way to go but it finally feels like there is light at the end of the tunnel.

    Love your trail photos - that buck is amazing!

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  21. I saw your post on Facebook about the vaccine. I am happy about it and can imagine how you must feel about it. I don't know of anyone else that got the vaccine but one of my cousins works at a hospital and she couldn't get it because she had Covid about 2-3 weeks ago. She has to wait? I think educators are in the next stage to get the vaccine? We were told that unless there is a medical condition, we will be required to get the vaccine.

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    1. My employer isn't requiring the vaccine right now. I'm sure that eventually things will change.

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  22. Happy for you to get the vaccine. I can imagine the happiness you feel. I can’t wait to get back to some normalcy, too. Recovering from knee surgery this holiday season plus not seeing family at the holidays makes me wish for things to hurry back to normal. Hope you have a great holiday!

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    1. It's going to be different this year! We're going to make the best of it.

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