Friday, August 27, 2021

Recoveryfessions

Disclosure: While I am well aware that Alabama is a high-risk area for travel, let me assure you that I, along with Holly and Teresa, am fully vaccinated. I wore an N95 medical-grade mask on the plane and in the airport, the same masks I wear at work. We did not attend any large group activities. If you'd like to see some of my vacation photos, check out my Instagram!

It might be the last Friday of the month and the Runfessional might be open...but when you're not running, are your 'fessions even runfessions? You know I always have stuff to runfess. This month and last month...not so much. I am on the road to recovery (pun intended) and so instead of runfessions, I have a few recoveryfessions...

Because I've never been very good at sitting still...

I recoveryfess...that I'm not missing running nearly as much as I thought I would. Maybe it's because it's so hot and humid this summer. Who wants to run in that? Or maybe it's because I've found all kinds of fun recovery activities to take the place of running. Stationary cycling, pool running, SUP, walking...I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to squeeze everything in when I do resume running again. 

I recoveryfess... that wearing my CAM boot on my recent flight to Alabama got me preboarding and a 1st-row window seat both ways! I was giddy, like a little kid on their first airplane ride! But on the way home, a very large man sat in the middle seat. He was so big he had to lift the armrest next to the guy in the aisle seat. He was so big that he kept jabbing me with his elbow, even though I was pressed up against the window. I could feel his arm hairs touching my arm. I finally had to ask him to keep his elbow to himself and he got mad at me. Glad it was a short flight. This is so not fair. The airlines have to address the needs of obese passengers. Maybe they could make the seats bigger. Seems like a win for everyone.

I did get this beautiful shot of Chicago as we approached.
This is the first time I haven't had to sit on the wing!

I recoveryfess... that when I went to visit Holly last week, I truly had no intention of waterskiing. I saw my ortho the morning before I left, and I did talk to him about it. He said I could try, but I was really really nervous. Holly and I discussed it at length. The front ski boot is high on the ankle, which we thought would hold my right leg securely. The front leg doesn't do much (the back leg guides the ski), so it seemed like it would be ok. It was...and the first time I went, I was so happy that I cried! I got to go 3 times!! I did fall on my last run, though, catching my ski on the wake. It didn't hurt though, so I call that a win!

Wipeout!

I recoveryfess... that it was so hot in Alabama, we spent almost all our time in or on the water. On one of the days, I was floating on a noodle in the slough and Holly challenged me to aqua jog to the buoy, which is probably a good 1/4 mile away. Of course, I took that challenge, straddling the noodle and paddling my way towards the buoy. On my way back though, I started to chafe between my thighs, and as you might imagine, it wasn't pretty when I was done. 

On my way back. And yes, I'm chafing...

I recoveryfess... that 2 days before my trip, I received my 3rd dose of the vaccine. I didn't have side effects after my first 2 doses last winter, but this time those body aches and fever hit me like a Mack truck. I didn't want to call off work because I was leaving for vacation. So I sucked it up and pushed through my day. Fortunately, the side effects only lasted about 36 hours and I was feeling fine by the time I got to Alabama. I suppose I could have gotten the vaccine on the day before my time off, but I didn't want to risk side effects on vacation.  

What do you have to 'fess? If this seems like a weekly rundown, it kind of is! Did anyone else get the 3rd dose of the vaccine? Have you ever been stuck on a plane next to a very large person? What's your favorite way to work out besides running?

I'm linking up with Marcia for Runfessions and with the ladies of Fit Five Friday:  DarleneMichelleReneeJenn, and Zenaida !





39 comments :

  1. How fun to have been able to spend time with Holly and Teresa :) And, it's great that you were able to get on the ski!

    The whole middle seat scenario is one of the things I used to dread most about flying before the pandemic, now I think it would really add to my anxiety. Good thing it was a short flight!

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    1. When I saw him coming down the jetway in his wheelchair, I kept thinking: please don't put him in the middle seat. UGH

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  2. Sorry for the bad adventure during your flight. I never had a similar adventure but I had problems with people who ate in a very rude way near me.
    Very soon also in Italy we will get the 3rd dose. The first one gave me problems (fever and insomnia) for 36 hours the second nothing.
    Glad you had fun in Alabama and you could do waterskiing.
    Great shot of Chicago.

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    1. I've been on a flight where people were fighting. That was a little frightening!

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  3. That is a great view of Chicago! I’m so glad I’ve got a business trip there in October. I’m glad you’re enjoying all those other activities. Hurray that you were able to waterski — with Holly!!!!

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  4. Ugh, yes I've had the experience of not being able to get away from my seatmate's armhair. Shudder....

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  5. I hear ya...last year I had a few posts of "StressFractureFessions." It happens LOL I was surprised how much I didn't miss running, either, since I was on the bike everyday. We do what we can with what we have, right? I'm already dreading Dose #3...if it comes to that. The first two doses did not play very nice with me.

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    1. I'm sure that if it was winter, I'd be feeling a lot differently! There are so many activities to do in the summer.

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  6. I was so happy to see you skiing and doing lots of activities you love these past few weeks. Looks like you had a great vacay! I always take the aisle seat so I can lean out if I have a larger person next to me taking up my space.

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    1. I like the window seat--it's been a long time since I had one!

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  7. Interesting that you had a reaction to the third shot, but not the first two! I hope you had some tylenol to help your through the day- I felt so awful after my second shot, I couldn't imagine going to work.
    Glad you were able to waterski!!! Sounds like you had a great time. Oh, and we were definitely apprehensive traveling through the south on our way to Texas... it was pretty interesting. A lot of places would have a sign up saying "masks required" but then no one would be wearing them including the people who work there. Of course we were coming from Florida which is doing horribly, Covid-wise... but at least we all wear masks here (in our area, that is.) Traveling is a whole new experience nowadays, right?

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    1. Traveling is definitely NOT fun right now. It was fine once I got to Birmingham--everyone was masked in the airport. But I am grateful that I got to go! What a fun weekend.

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  8. So Thankful That You Have Options Or Other Hobbies To Distract You From Your Running Desires - The Travels Sounded Like A Roller Coaster And What A Missed Opportunity For The Middle Seat Guy - Would Give Anything To Be Seated Next To Someone Like You On A Flight - You & I Would Have Solved All Those Worldly Issues During That Flight - Kind Of A Bummer On The 3rd Jab - Enjoy Your Weekend And Go Crazy This Labor Day Weekend - Big Hugs

    Cheers

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    1. Yeah, on the way down, I sat next to a retired CPD detective. She had some good stories to share! My people...

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  9. I try to get an aisle seat if possible, at least then I have space on one side. Glad you got to travel and water ski. My running has been so good lately, finally got rid of my meno-pounds and I've been hitting paces I hadn't seen in years. I'm all about cross training, usually only run 3 days a week and that keeps my body happy. We didn't get our second dose until May so we can't get our third yet.

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    1. I qualified for the 3rd dose because I'm immunosuppressed. Clearly, my immune system rose to the task after #3!

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  10. So cool that the waterskiing worked out! I think I would have cried too!
    You are officially the first person I know who has received a booster shot. Congratulations, Wendy!

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    1. I'm pretty happy about all of it! It's been a good week for me!

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  11. I'm glad you had a wonderful time on your trip! I haven't flown in so long, I think I'll be so scared on that first flight since COVID hit. It had to feel amazing to be able to ride on your skis! And I'm glad you're feeling good after receiving your booster shot.

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    1. Yeah, only 36 hours of yuck and I was back to my old self. Very grateful for this!

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  12. This extremely hot & humid weather has slowed me down so much...yuck. Can't wait for cooler days ahead.

    What an awesome photo of the Chi-skyline! I always try to take photos of it as well, from the plane. It's one of the most beautiful cities to land in, imo.

    Your vacation sound like fun!

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    1. I was pretty excited to have a window seat and no wing--I've never been able to get a good photo of my hometown!

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  13. That’s great that you’ve found new things to enjoy. But sorry about the chafing; that’s never fun.

    I am not happy to hear the news about the booster shot, since my I had reactions to my first two, but at least it’s not something I need to worry about now.

    Airlines aren’t going to widen seats. Then they can’t get as many people in.

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  14. Yay booster! I was trapped between my husband and a really large woman who also had a disability ... and had an infection in her leg argh argh. She was SO nice and told us all about what it's like living part of the year in Spain but argghhhh. Poor woman. But argh.

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  15. Bring on the booster, I'll take them all. Haha. My county is the worst. Less than 40% vaccinated.

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    1. I just don't understand people who won't get the vaccine. Misinformation is so powerful, apparently.

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  16. I agree about the weather. I kept my runs short due to it, except for yesterday, but took it nice and easy. That is interesting about the 3rd vaccine. I had a reaction to the 2nd one and not the first.

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    1. My reaction made perfect sense to me--it was a good sign that I was building immunity. Maybe I reacted that strongly because I already had some immunity? Anyway, I feel very protected now!

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  17. We aren't getting the 3rd booster yet. I didn't have any reaction to my doses, and neither did A. Mr PugRunner was sore and tired both times.

    I am so glad you had a good time in Alabama, and that water skiing went so well! That must have felt amazing. I'm so glad your recovery has been so awesome.

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    1. I qualified for the 3rd dose because I'm immunosuppressed. I also received my first dose in December, so it was about time anyway. Grateful for the opportunity since I am exposed to COVID in my job.

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  18. There was a very obese man across the isle and one row ahead of me. His tray table sat on his belly like a slide. The guy that sat next to him got up and moved, not sure where as the flight was full, but I'm glad he didn't have to endure that for over 4 hours. Glad you had fun with the Southern girls!

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    1. I'm glad we didn't have a row of seats in front of us! Yes, it was a blast down South!

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  19. You made me chuckle.

    I would have done the same. I went to Fla last Feb!

    I definitely want to get the booster if I am eligible. Thanks for the warning.

    I got the 2nd shot before that Feb trip. Good thing I didn't have a reaction.

    I have not waterskiied since I broke my ankle. It still makes me nervous and it's been many years. We now have a boat that it too big to ski behind anyway.


    Glad you were able to do it. I know it makes you happy.

    Yup on those narrow seats - once squeezed between TWO large persons.

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  20. I didn't realize your boat was so big! I've skied behind many boats, including my dad's old 28ft Sea Ray. On Green Bay!

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    1. We could but it has a big wake and the lake is crowded.

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