Sunday, January 17, 2021

I'm All Right

 Disclaimer: I received a HALOLIFE sport mask in exchange for my honest review.

This week, I finally got on top of my anxiety and started to feel a lot more like myself. With the tumultuous events of the previous week behind us, that awesome virtual trail race I ran last weekend, and a few good nights' sleep, I have been much calmer. I'm feeling really good following the second dose of the COVID vaccine. Even though there is still so much unrest and uncertainty, I am hoping that remembering the word I chose for this year, STRONG, will help guide me through the upcoming bumpy days. 

As always, this week there was running and there was lifting. I can't be mentally strong if I'm not physically strong, right? 


Weekly Rundown

Monday: run 2 miles, strength work
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: trail run 4.1 miles
Thursday: strength work
Friday: run 6 miles
Saturday: rest
Sunday: trail run 8 miles

Running

I was really tired this week. I chalk that up to my trail race on Saturday, where I pushed myself harder than I have in a long time, the stress of the previous week, and to receiving dose #2 of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID19 vaccine. I felt fine after I got the vaccine, really. This week, I cut back on my miles, my pace, and took an extra rest day. A runner's gotta do...
 
On Wednesday, I strapped on my YakTrax and whomp whomp, the forest preserve workers were trashing the trail cutting down trees along the main trail and in the woods. I stuck to the single track trails in the woods. With the icy conditions, it was slow going. No complaints. This was an enjoyable but challenging trek. After navigating the icy trails, I was happy to call it quits after 4 miles. 


Friday morning, I woke up to a dusting of snow, 36 degrees, and very little wind. Perfect winter running conditions, right? Even though I planned on running the bike path, I laced up my trail shoes for traction. My trail shoes are stiffer than my road shoes and I adjusted my pace accordingly. Feeling the soreness from my heavy lifting session the day before also made me slow down. Overall, it was an enjoyable run, and the perfect start to a quiet day at work. 

Yes, it really was that dark at 7:30 am

I woke up Sunday morning in a funk again. It was snowing and I scrapped my planned road run for a trail run. I figured that a snowy run in the woods would help lift my mood. I was right. The new snow on the trail was soft under my feet. There was no wind and I was able to run a nicely paced 8. I had the trails mostly to myself, with the exception of a few of my deer friends. I never mind seeing them!



Strength Work

In lieu of the WOD on Monday, I decided to follow the gym's strength cycle. SJ writes the workouts for these cycles; this one is higher reps and lots of accessory work, what she calls a 'hypertrophy cycle'. Since I am nearing the end of my heavy strength cycle, I thought it was a good time to do this. I have to admit that doing the WODs at home is not nearly as fun as being in the class. To make it more like a WOD, I ran a mile before and after. 
Workout #1 consisted of:
-back squats 5x10 at 60% (65# because I don't have a rack and have to clean it up and over my head)
-RDLs 3 x10 (25# DB)
-front rack barbell lunges 3x10 (35# but definitely could have gone heavier)
-weighted box step-ups 3 x10 each leg (15# DB each hand)


On Thursday, SJ and I met for my strength session. I was still feeling a little uncomfortable after last week, but we talked and both of us chalked it all up to current events. I know it's affecting all of us. I'm glad we were able to work it out. She really is such a good coach. This week only 2 things were on the plan: deadlifts and front squats. And they were heavy. I built to 4 sets of 5 deadlifts at 160# and 4 sets of 3 front squats at 85# with what felt like the longest ever 2 second hold at the bottom of each rep. 



I Tried It!  HALOLIFE sport mask

Last week, I received a HALOLIFE sports mask to test. I know, we are all so over wearing masks, but it's going to be a while before we get to go out in public maskless. Since my CrossFit box is requiring all participants wear masks while in the gym, I thought it was worth my while to give the HALOmask a try. I've worn a few other masks--Inknburn and UnderArmor--while working out and have found it hard to breathe once my heart rate increases. I had no such issues with the HALOmask on Thursday while heavy lifting. The mask is lightweight and very comfortable to wear. The HALOmask comes in 4 sizes; after referring to the size chart, I ordered a medium. It stays up over my nose. There are adjustable ear loops, making it easy to fit the mask perfectly. My HALOmask came with a nanofilter, for additional protection. I didn't test the mask with the filter, and I have yet to wear the mask to a WOD. Compared to any other mask I've tried, I am very pleased with the HALOLIFE mask. 

HALOLIFE sport mask

How was your week? Have you been fighting the blues? What helps you? Any snowy runs? Have you been incorporating strength work into your crosstraining? Do you wear a mask when you workout? Have you tried the HALOLIFE sport mask? If you want to try it, there is a sale on all masks on the website. 

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





44 comments :

  1. Good to know that the mask worked out well for you! I haven't had to work out with a mask but if I start running in different places where there are more people around I may need to. All your snowy runs this week look so pretty!

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  2. Good to know about that mask. I don't go to the gym since it is closed. That's when I would have to wear one that would allow me to breathe.

    The trails help me as well, Even more than running. Nature is so soothing.

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  3. I also tried the Halo masks and found them very comfortable. I wore mine to the grocery w the filter which I liked. I am kind of jealous of all of your snow. It looks so pretty. I hope we get at least one snow storm this winter. Thanks for linking and have a great week!

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    1. We're having a great winter so far. Nice normal temperatures, not much wind, and just enough snow. We keep waiting for it to change because it's the Midwest nd this is so not what winter is like here. I'll take it tho!

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  4. Love Your Alright Top There - And Crossing Paths With Bambi Always Makes My Heart Happy - Thanx For The Extra Cute Mask Selfie - Stay Strong And Happy 20BLK Jack

    Cheers

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    1. I don't usually do those close up selfies--no one needs to see that, but I walked up to get my phone and it made me laugh.

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  5. That snowy deer photo is gorgeous! It would make a great greeting card. ;-) Glad you are in a better place with SJ this week. I haven’t had to workout in a mask, and I’m glad — I am pro-mask, but they are annoying if you’re breathing hard.

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    1. I just don't see how I could do the MetCon in a mask! It's hard enough without one, lol

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  6. Fortunately, because I workout in our home gym I don't have to wear a mask. Glad you found one that's comfortable while exercising.

    I love your snowy trail running photos - so peaceful!

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  7. I do love a mask with adjustable ear loops! Luckily I do my strength training at home so no need for a mask.

    Sounds like it was a good week for you, Wendy. Normally I do strength train, but not the last couple of weeks.

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  8. Good to know that mask is a winner. They've been contacting me for months to try it and I've blown them off thus far. My bad. Glad you and SJ worked it out. The two female strength coaches I know aren't coaching right now. Snowy runs have been my saving grace lately. I miss our lunches!

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  9. Good to know about that mask - I have yet to find one for running that works so I may need to check this one out.

    Your snowy photos are so pretty - we haven't seen snow here in weeks!

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  10. I'm curious about your trail shoes--are they the same brand as your road shoes? I have a Cinderella foot so I'm always asking everyone what they wear. I've got a low volume, narrow-ish foot so the big roomy toe boxes that are all the rage just tear up my feet :(

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    1. I run in Brooks Cascadias. I really like them! They're a little loose in the heel, but I remedy that with lacing.

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  11. Great info on the mask. Thankfully, my "gym" doesn't require them LOL Nice pics of the trail and deer, looks quite peaceful.

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    1. I keep thinking we are done with masks, but it seems like they are here to stay for a while.

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  12. Thanks for the information on the HaloLife mask. I'm also on the lookout for good masks since I wear them for all of my OTF classes. I've tried a few different ones but my favorites so far are from Under Armour and Athleta.

    Love the photos from your snowy runs this week. The trail always looks so peaceful.

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    1. I have trouble breathing when my HR goes up. I've tried so many masks. This was the first one that I could actually push myself while wearing.

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  13. I can tell that if I wasn't running so much (and lifting so much! yes I've got that figured out!) that I would be having a harder time right now. Current events + we haven't seen the sun in a good long while here. Sweat sure takes the edge off.

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    1. I can't imagine having a harder time than I already am! Thank goodness for running.

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  14. I have heard of that brand of masks. Glad to know you like them and they work for you. Running has been helping me get through these rough times. I ran in the snow yesterday and today and they both went pretty well. I don't like the snow but I did make the best of it.

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    1. Getting outside really helps me a lot. It feels like January is going on forever.

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  15. Good to know that mask works well. I tested running in a light mask the other week and it was horrible so I'm just popping a buff round my neck and bringing it up if I'm near several people at once. Seems to work and be appreciated (I obviously give them a wide berth, too!). Also glad to know you're OK, and have had your second vaccination, too, great news. Take care!

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    1. I don't see too many people when I run, fortunately, but I don't wear a mask. I have done the buff, tho.

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  16. I'm glad you and SJ could talk it out. From what you tell about her, I always thought that she was just the right coach for you. Tough, challenging and no-nonsense. But I guess the current events are affecting her, too.
    Lovely photos of your trail, Wendy!

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    1. I'm glad too! She really is a great strength coach. Maybe it's me? ;p

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  17. It's been a challenging few weeks with all the current events for sure! It does take a toll on us mentally and physically with so much unrest going on out there. Great job getting the workouts in despite the funk!

    Luckily down here we don't have to work out in masks. We wear them to and from all places and inside the gyms when not working out but we can take them off while actively working out. The only time I've had to run in one was when I was doing the PT for my leg and the ones I was using were very ineffective- they would always suck to my face with my breath making it difficult to breathe!

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    1. I guess I'm not surprised that you don't have to mask in Florida, but I would be nervous working out in a closed space right now. Even eating in restaurants makes me nervous. I will be so glad when this is behind us.

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  18. I am so glad you and SJ worked things out. I think everyone is just on edge.

    I haven't set foot in a gym or fitness center, and we don't need masks while exercising outdoors, so I really haven't tested out any "active" masks.

    My anxiety is over here having a party. I try to distract from it with reading, running, and hiking. It's mostly working.

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  19. I think we can all agree that there has been a lot of anxiety lately. And I can really imagine that after events and your epic race, you were a bit worn out. but seems like you had a pretty good week of workouts. I'm envious that you are already 2 shots out of 2; we can't even get one here until at the very earliest April. But I get it, health care folks and the vulnerable need to get theirs first.

    Our gyms are closed but when they were open we didn't have to wear masks. Which is why I haven't been back to the gym since March...

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    1. It's interesting how differently things are being managed, isn't it? Even state-to-state, it's so different! Illinois and New York are probably the strictest. Then there's Florida...

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  20. I'm so glad you felt great after the second dose! My sister, an ob-gyn, had a fever and body aches, but said totally worth it anyways :) Can't wait to get mine...

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    1. I’m just so grateful to be vaccinated. Now I’m restless to do stuff... but no one else is vaccinated, lol

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  21. I'm so happy to hear that you're feeling better. It's been a stressful couple of weeks, er, four years, and it's bound to affect our outlook on so many things. I'm hoping things will be brighter after Wednesday.

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    1. I really thought I was done with my anxiety! Hopefully after this week, it will settle down for good.

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  22. Hope this is turning into a much better week for you. I've been watching the inauguration all morning. Great speeches! I went to PT and ran on the treadmill for a little. My regular mask was a bit suffocating! I'm glad I don't need to wear one at my gym or at our track workouts.

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    1. It's really tough wearing a mask for anything other than strength training! I feel like I would really have to dial back my effort during the WOD. So not worth it.

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