Sunday, September 12, 2021

It's Still Summer, Sort of

This is my favorite time of year and so far I am not disappointed with the weather we are having. Cool mornings and warm afternoons make for perfect running conditions. Oh, right. I'm still not running. But I have been walking and this weekend, I was able to get out for one last ski around the lake. 

My foot and ankle still aren't completely healed. When I push myself a little too much, they let me know about it. This week, I have a follow-up appointment with the ortho. I'm looking forward to getting another x-ray and evaluating just how much healing is happening. I know I'm not ready to start running again--although I may have tried a little bit. Getting closer!

Thankfully, I have a lot of alternative activities to keep me fit!

Ice Age Trail hike

Weekly Rundown
Monday: stationary cycling
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: trail walking 7.25 miles
Thursday: pool running
Friday: walk 5 miles
Saturday: SUP, waterskiing
Sunday: Ice Age Trail hike 4 miles

Stationary Cycling

I took my bike back outside on Monday for a tough 45 minute ride of 'unpaced efforts', whatever that means. It was brutal. It was hard. And I really loved this ride. Except for that one guy in the class, Hank. When Manon, the instructor, asked him about something, he kept blathering on and on. He's got to be the guy who talks constantly during sex. Yes, my mind went there. Manon finally had to cut him off when he started talking into the next interval. She was nice about it, though. Gotta love people who are so tolerant. 

Walking

I was so excited to take my feet to the trails on Wednesday. I planned to do another loop on the yellow trail, but the siren song of the single tracks lured me in. This is where my heart feels so happy. The single track follows the creek down into the ravine and the vibe changes. It's very peaceful. As I walked along, I had to focus on the trail to avoid tripping on tree roots and stumps that are scattered all along the path. It was a different feeling than when I've run there--I'm not usually as cautious. I looped around and back out to the main trail, finishing up with 7+miles. Grateful for this lovely preserve. 


I woke up early Friday morning so I could get in a 5 mile walk before work. I don't mind walking but it takes so much longer to cover the distance that I normally cover running. I caught a gorgeous sunrise. I also got a chance to test out my ability to run when I had a near miss with a car. I picked up the pace as I crossed the street and since it felt so good, I continued to run for a little bit more! Not wanting to overdo it, I started walking again but attempted a short run a few more times. It's amazing how the body knows what to do. 


Sunday morning was cool and cloudy. Perfect for a hike! I took my feet to a segment of the Ice Age Trail that I haven't been on since last spring--the Gibraltar/Slack Road segment. I had forgotten how rooty, rocky, and hilly it was! The signs of fall were everywhere!

Water Workouts

Hooray for the pool opening back up again! I really wanted to do another Fluid Running class and when I got to the pool, there will quite a few people swimming in the dive well. The pool running instructor was tethered to the ladder, doing her own pool running workout. I started along the wall and tried to stay in one spot to avoid the lap swimmers. Eventually, they all left and I had most of the pool to myself. I did the Good Times Roll workout and it did not disappoint! My foot felt really good after this class. What a great workout!


We took a ride up to the lake on Saturday. The forecast was for warm temperatures and even though I knew the water would not be warm, I wanted a rare late season ride around the lake on my pretty pink ski! I took my SUP out in the morning and paddled around the bay. The air temperature was pleasantly warm and the water didn't feel as cold as I expected. After lunch, the hubs took me skiing, first in the bay. The water was cool but not unbearable. After a ginormous boat went by and almost swamped me, we motored over to a little protected bay where I enjoyed perfect conditions. Skiing this late in the year is always a gift and I'm grateful for that one last ride!

No waterskiing photos this time--I forgot the GoPro at home!

We also took a ride to a new-to-us craft brewery next to Devil's State Park. Tumbled Rock Brewery is a beautiful space in Baraboo Wisconsin. We had some delicious brews and the food was really good as well. Since it was warm, we sat outside on the patio, but I hope to revisit in the winter so I can enjoy the cozy taproom. We returned back to the cabin to watch the Badgers beat Eastern Michigan.

Coming Up...

I'm hoping to jump into that strength cycle I talked about last week. If the weather forecast holds, we'll go back up to the lake for an early birthday/anniversary dinner at Ishnala Supper Club. Old Fashioneds anyone? And dare I hope for another ski ride? Another IAT hike? I'll also see the ortho and I'm pretty sure he'll clear me to return to running. I'm feeling good!

How was your week? Are you enjoying an extended summer? Have you tried any new restaurants lately?

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


28 comments :

  1. Yes the temps have cooled here but still sunny enough to feel warm... not complaining.

    Love to read hw active you are...more active than many who do not have any broken bones.

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  2. Oooh! How exciting! I hope your ortho clears you to run. Although it sounds like you've been keeping yourself plenty busy. I'm impressed with that 7.25 mile trail walk- that must have taken forever.
    Enjoy your amazing weather! Good luck at the ortho.

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  3. I've always enjoyed walking (long before I started to run). While I love to explore new places on the run (not that I've been many places lately obviously), in some ways you actually get to see more when you walk. So I enjoy both!

    I have a feeling September is going to be just as stress as the last few months. Maybe October will be better. Ever the optimist. :) Well, I'm trying anyway!

    Good luck -- I hope you get cleared for running. I know how much you've missed it!

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    1. Life sure has been challenging the last couple of years, hasn't it?

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  4. It's so exciting that you're getting close to being able to run again! I hope you get good news from the ortho. I am loving the weather lately too. Can we keep these temps for a few more months?

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    1. I could have this weather all year long! Guess we need to move to San Diego, lol

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  5. A good week! I remember when I had had my abdominal operation and told myself to leave running for a month, I automatically ran for a bus right at the end of that month and thought, "Oh, OK then!" (I did make my friend who's a nurse run with my my first proper fun in case my innards fell out). I love your nature pics, too.

    I've had to make some decisions about my running - turns out I'm not invincible and have run myself into the ground doing 100+ miles a month and increasing it the last few months. Club run in the evening has to go as it was stressing me out for a variety of reasons. Hope you can get running again soon.

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    1. I think I'll be able to start easing back into it. Good timing too, with the cooler fall weather on tap.

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  6. You've done such a great job with your recovery! I'm excited for you to start running again - I hope the ortho gives you the green light.

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  7. so glad to see you doing so many of things you love. Good luck with your visit to your ortho fingers crossed for you

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    1. If he says I can start, it will be sooner than the 3-6 months he predicted!

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  8. Our mornings have been perfect for running, but still warm during the rest of the day (I love it!)

    That brewery sounds incredible!

    Walking is great, but TOTALLY takes way more time! Good for you for squeezing in FIVE miles before work!

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    1. It took some convincing to get the hubs to go but when we got there, he was so glad we went. He wanted to try ALL the beers and did a pretty good job making his way through the menu, lol. The food was great. We will definitely go back.

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  9. I'm loving the variety of all your workouts this week!

    Like you, I love the cooler weather because it means that my favorite season is right around the corner :)

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    1. It's hard to say goodbye to all the water activities, but like you, I am fan of fall!

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  10. Haha, I always admired the tolerant instructors as well. How do they stay so calm and relaxed with insufferable people?
    You look so happy on the last photo. Looks like you have wonderful anniversary plans next week!

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  11. We definitely had a return-to-summer weather experience this weekend...not complaining, but it was a shock to the system after the recent fall-like frigid temps. It's nice you were able to get one last spin on the ski. I hope you get a good report from the ortho this week!

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  12. The cooler nights and mornings have been SO nice! I hope you get a good report from the Ortho and are cleared to run just in time for the best running weather of all!

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  13. I agree, cool mornings and warm afternoons are the best conditions for running. In fact I am improving pace and distance and I'm thinking to come back to race.
    I hope you receive good news from the Ortho and you will be able to run very soon. You are doing a very good job to recover!

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    1. Fall always makes us runners feel good about our running again!

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  14. Here's hoping your ortho releases you and you can start running again! It's amazing how active you've been able to be since your injury.

    Your visits to the lake sound so relaxing and peaceful. Hope you can get one more ride on your pink ski before winterizing.

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    1. Looks like that might happen this weekend! I can hardly believe it--so late in the season!

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