Sunday, August 15, 2021

Just Keep Swimming

As I continue to heal and feel better, this week I upped my cross-training, adding rowing to my injury recovery regimen. I tried walking again this week, but this time, out of the boot. I couldn't move too fast, though. And I got out on the lake on my SUP, on a perfect summer day. It sure would have been nice for some waterskiing...sniff sniff. While I am so happy that are so many activities I can do, I had the realization that it really is going to be a while before I get back to running. That is a bitter pill to swallow. 

I see the orthopedic surgeon next week and I'll have more of a plan after that. For now, I'm taking Dory's advice from Finding Nemo--Just Keep Swimming.

Monday's Fluid Running session

 Weekly Rundown

Monday: pool running (Fluid Running)
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: rowing 10000m
Thursday: pool running (AHPD class)
Friday: walking 3.2 miles
Saturday: SUP
Sunday: hike to Gibraltar rock 2 miles

Pool Running

I received my Fluid Running H2Go kit and downloaded the app to my phone. Right off the bat, I had 4 workouts to pick from! On Monday, I went to open swim at the park district pool, which I had to myself. I chose the Good Times Roll workout, which was a 56 minute level 2 class. I was so impressed with this workout! The instructor's cueing was spot on--she gave plenty of notice before a change in the workout. She provided a lot of encouragement and there were periodic pulse checks too. I'm looking forward to trying another class! I'll have a full review of the program coming up in a couple of weeks.

On Thursday, I returned to the park district pool running class. After doing the Fluid Running class, I felt much more comfortable with my technique. In this class, we did a lot of long intervals. I was able to really put forth the effort the instructor asked for. I was actually sweating! After the class, the instructor was asking me about my plans for returning to running. She has used pool running for rehab as well, which was really nice to hear. 

Rowing

On Wednesday, I made up my mind to attempt a 10k on the rower. Wednesdays are my 6-8 mile run days, so it made sense, at least to me. I had a goal to finish under an hour but hoped for closer to 50 minutes. During my ride, Sammy Jo had me work on technique, increasing my efficiency. All that rowing gave me plenty of time to find my groove. Listening to my running playlist, I finished in 52 minutes! Using the rower works your legs and your upper body, all of which I felt for a couple of days.

SUP

On Saturday, the hubs and I drove up to Lake Wisconsin. It was a beautiful bluebird day with a gentle breeze and temperatures in the upper 70s. I inflated my SUP and paddled out to the lake--standing up on both feet. I was a little nervous, y'all! Once I got my sea legs under me, I enjoyed a peaceful paddle around the bay. It was early and there wasn't much boat traffic yet, so I returned across the lake. I've never done that before. 

Walking

Friday was cool and pleasant, so I made the decision to put on my running shoes and go for a walk. I discovered a few things on my walk. While I didn't have much pain in my ankle or my foot, I could not walk completely normally. I had to walk slower than I normally would to avoid putting too much impact on my injured foot. By the end of my walk, my foot started to bother me at the fracture site. But once I got home and put the boot on for work, my foot felt fine.

On Sunday, I laced up my trail shoes and hiked up to Gibraltar Rock. This beautiful little segment of the Ice Age Trail is the first segment I ever hiked. I've been hooked ever since. It's a mile hike to the top and I thought it would be perfect as I ease back into walking without the boot. I went early to avoid the crowds and it was just wonderful. My foot started talking to me as I returned to my car, but I was grateful I was able to revisit my favorite spot!

It's a looooong way down

Life stuff...

Keeping the swimming theme going, can I just comment that we've been drowning at work? Between back-to-school physicals, sports injuries, and rule out COVID sick visits, our schedules have been packed to the gills. Putting on and taking off PPE is time consuming. We're all feeling a little burned out. The nurse I work with planned a much needed spur-of-the-moment outing for our team and on Friday, we all met up at a local bar for dinner and drinks. Believe it or not, everyone came, save for 2 medical assistants. What does that say about my coworkers? We're going to get through this, together. Good news: my rheumatologist let me know that I qualify for the 3rd dose of the vaccine. I have the week after this off work and I'll plan on getting it then, in the event I have any side effects.


How was your week? What are you training for? What's your favorite way to cross-train? Do you go out with your coworkers?

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



 

36 comments :

  1. I’m glad you’ve found some other activities you can do and enjoy. I think I’m going to burn out on my bike pretty quickly. Are all the staff at your office vaccinated? I’m horrified at all the medical professionals refusing to get vaccinated ….

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a requirement to be vaccinated at my workplace. There are a few outliers--one who works in my pod. She is getting over COVID and we get to listen to her cough all day. (insert eye roll emoji)

      Delete
  2. I am so happy to see you staying so active and finding things that you can do. I had no doubt that you would! So glad you love fluid running. I think she is a fantastic coach and it's a great workout.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm always happy in or on the water, so that has been a big win for me.

      Delete
  3. It's great that you have access to a pool. I'm not much of a water gal (though I'm a Pisces LOL), but I didn't have any pool access during my recovery period. The city pool had closed for the season, and the college pool was (and still is) off-limits to any non-college personnel. I'm glad I had my dear old bike, as well as an arsenal of other non-impact fitness options.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can only ride the stationary bike and I think that would get really old, really fast! Grateful for the water workouts. I love it.

      Delete
  4. That's great that you can do a lot of activity -- and some of it without the boot! Rowing is definitely a full body activity. My favorite way to cross train is to swim, but of course I don't get to do it much anymore. :(

    A little envious of your nice weekend weather! Our cold front didn't come through until late yesterday afternoon. Just ask Darlene about that race on Saturday. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure she'll write all about it, lol! We're going to warm back up again, so I'm enjoying it while it's here.

      Delete
  5. Well done on managing to find ways to keep so active! I'm training for an October half-marathon, but don't think I'm going to get the PB I wanted, my fault as I haven't cross-trained basically!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One of my trail friends commented on my FB that he never cross trains. He runs at least 70 miles per week. I wonder how long he can sustain that?

      Delete
  6. Okay, I'm eagerly awaiting your full review of Fluid Running! Very cool that you actually have a pool running class to go to- using the pool in my backyard is convenient, but gets boring.
    Yes, your work sounds crazy stressful. At least the patients are all masked, right? The other day we had a client come in without a mask, and when we asked her to put one on she said "I don't have to wear a mask- I'm a republican!" Ah... okay then.
    Glad you're able to do some boot-less walking! Sounds like you foot is doing well. Good luck with the surgeon this week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did not know there were exemptions for political affiliations, lol. No mask, no entrance. But once they're in the exam room, a lot of them take it off. Or they can't keep it up over their nose. Hence the 3rd dose for me.

      Delete
  7. It's great that you have alternatives for working out during your recovery. I know it's not the same as running, but it's got to feel good to have so many options!

    ReplyDelete
  8. It looks like you've been able to stay so active! And its nice that you have a mix of activities to choose from. Im sorry work has been so crazy. I'm really worried about what's going to happen after school starts in a few weeks.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love seeing you stay so active! I can only imagine how stressful work is for you and your team right now. It's great that you all got together to blow off some steam. And, yay for approval for a 3rd dose! Good luck with your appointment with the surgeon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I'm looking forward to that 3rd dose and a little more peace of mind!

      Delete
  10. I'm amazed how active you've been without aggravating your foot. Where there's a will there's a way! Glad you're enjoying Fluid Running. Hope you get a good report from the Ortho.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well...it gets a little aggravated, so I pull back. But mostly, it's been ok.

      Delete
  11. yay for the 3rd dose, but so sad that this is where we are...And unfortunately I just had two fully vaccinated healthy 20-ish team members test positive and they are quite sick (two weeks of barely able to work, even from home.) I know the purpose of the vax is to avoid hospitalization, but I'm bummed that we aren't a bit more protected from getting it at all :(

    On a brighter note, you are so determined to stay active! I love it. Wishing you all the best on the rest of your recovery!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm getting thick around my middle so that's just added incentive to keep moving!

      Delete
  12. You look so strong on that rower, Wendy! I'm not worried at all that you will lose fitness - in fact, looks like you're getting even stronger!
    Did your husband come with you on your Sunday hike? This would be a good chance for him to join you as your hikes are probably a bit slower than usual. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! I wish he'd join me. He went a few times with me last year and he told me I was trying to kill him :p. It's ok, I actually like to be alone in nature.

      Delete
  13. You are an inspiration, you keep on training in every way to stay fit and ready for new running adventures!
    The pool is a very good solution for a fast recovery: I did it and it worked for me.
    In Italy they are talking about the 3rd dose too.
    I am retired but I am always in touch with the former colleagues of the Navy and often we meet. Before the Covid we used to have a monthly lunch all together. I can say that we are not only friends but also "brothers".

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you--I always feel so much better after a session in the pool. Water exercise is amazing!

      Delete
  14. That's a lot of time on the rower. Good for you!! I used to go out with my coworkers before we all had kids, but haven't done that in a long time. Glad you are finding so many ways to stay busy and fit!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, this week, I'll do intervals on the assault bike. I need to mix it up!

      Delete
  15. Swim Running, Outstanding - So Pleased About You And The Hubby Got Out Of Dodge - Nothing Like Water And Sunshine To Change The Attitude - Difficult For Me To Wrap My Mind Around An Hour On A Rowing Machine - Good On You - Sending Positive Vibes

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  16. you've been doing such a great job at staying active while your injury heals - it's inspiring! I am so glad that you and your co-workers enjoyed a much needed night out. I'm so concerned about anyone that works in the medical/healthcare field and making sure that they are taking care of themselves - I can't imagine how crazy work has been for all of you over the past year and a half!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's been going on so long that it's wearing on us. People are just special--it's amazing that after all this time, we still have to remind parents how to wear their masks. ABOVE THE NOSE.

      Delete
  17. Between the hiking, pool running, SUP it sounds like you're keeping busy! So glad you can still do so much fun stuff!

    You and your colleagues are awesome, thank you for all you do. Some fun together outside of work was definitely welcomed, I'm sure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's something to be said for going through tough times together! Glad I have such a great team to go through it with.

      Delete
  18. I love how you're staying active! But I know you are not one to just sit and do nothing. That looks like a fun outing. I know my coworkers will need something like that too once we start school.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We really needed it! It's been insane the past couple of weeks.

      Delete