Friday, October 22, 2021

I'm Going on an Adventure!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Greetings from Jackson Hole, Wyoming! My sister and I have dashed off on another sister adventure. As you may be aware, this is a tradition we started 9 years ago in lieu of a big celebration for a milestone birthday. We've been on all kinds of fun adventures since then. Last year, we were unable to travel due to the pandemic and even more so, my sister's diagnosis with breast cancer. She's doing great now. I'm so happy to resume our fun tradition. 

I prepared this post before I left and will link up as usual. It may take me a few days to get caught up with everyone's comments and posts. I know you understand!

At the crossing of 4 trails in Devil's Lake State Park
Which way to go?

Weekly Rundown
Sunday: trail hike/run 12 miles
Monday: pool running
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: trail hike/run 5.25 miles
Thursday: pool running, strength training
Friday: walk/run 5.25 miles
Saturday: travel to Jackson Hole!

Walking/Hiking/Running

The quest for hiking miles on the Ice Age Trail continues! On Sunday, I got up early and took the Merrimac ferry across the Wisconsin River and drove the short distance to the entrance to Parfrey's Glen. The trailhead to the Sauk Point segment is located there as well. It's an unassuming little segment with just a tiny trail marker, so I wasn't expecting much. I couldn't have been more wrong! Once I made the climb to the top, I was rewarded with beautiful views. I also encountered a through hiker, a young man who told me he quit his job as a FedEx driver and decided to hike the entire 1200 mile trail while he figured out his life. He was moving slowly, so I passed him, continuing on. The trail became very rocky. It's as if someone from above threw a bunch of boulders all over the place. This was a very technical section as I maneuvered between the large rocks. There was a large rocky berm as well. Once I completed this section, I crossed the road into Devil's Lake state park. It was tempting to continue my hike all the way to the lake, but I wasn't sure if I could handle all the miles, so at 6 miles, I turned around and retraced my steps back to my car, for a total of 12 miles for the day. I took the ferry back across. What a wonderful morning and if you want to see more of my photos, please check out my IG post!

So many rocks!

On Wednesday, I took my feet to the preserve by my house to do some leaf peeping. The colors have been underwhelming this fall. I'm not sure if it's because of the hot summer we had or the drought, but things are mostly brown. I stuck to the single track and didn't do a whole lot of running, which was a good thing, since I rolled my ankle multiple times. No harm done, but it was pretty sore by the time I finished. I did find some pretty colors, mostly along the creek. I was surprised at how many dead and fallen trees were strewn all over the path. 

That left leg has gotten so strong!

Friday morning was cool and crisp but I was treated to a gorgeous dawnbreak over the little lake that is adjacent to the bike path. I saw just about every runner I knew but I kept moving to get my miles in--it just takes so much longer when you're walking. I continued to do those 4:1 walk/run intervals and my foot and ankle felt good! I see the ortho next week, so I'm hoping for a good report!

Strength Training

Because I was so sore and tired from my hike the day before, I skipped Monday's strength workout. On Thursday, I got lucky because even without knowing about my mishaps on the trail the day before, Sammy Jo had programmed a bunch of ankle stability work for me. Between my RA flare and all that activity, my ankle has been pretty unhappy this week. She had me start out by doing some PT-type exercises to work the ankles. After that, I did 4 sets of 8 chest presses alternating with weighted box step-ups. Did you know I love chest presses? Of course, deadlifts are my favorite, but chest presses are a pretty close second. I finished with good mornings alternating with single arm dumbbell presses (20#). One of the coaches had a great playlist going and that just made this workout even better.

Chest presses make me feel so strong!

Pool Running

I got in 2 Fluid Running workouts this week! Earlier this week, I received an email from the owner of Fluid Running, who sent me 2 more classes as a thank you for sharing my love for the program! And yes, I do love it. On Monday, I did the 10 Year Running class, which was perfect after my 12 mile hike the day before. On Thursday, I did a new-to-me class, Trifecta. Jennifer, the owner of Fluid Running told me that's her favorite class, so of course, I had to try it. It's definitely the most challenging one I've done. I've been pretty achy in the morning all week, but my time in the water really helps sort it all out. 


Updates

Overall, this was a much better week than last week. Cocoa was feeling much better, although we had a little scare with her good ear. Thankfully, flushing it out with the enzyme treatment was all it needed. I swear this pup is the most high-maintenance dog I've ever had. It's a good thing she's so cute! 

Although I've been able to keep moving, RA is still being a jerk. I've contemplated starting a course of steroids. I don't want to do that, so I've been relying on Chil Wellness CBD salve to help calm the pain at night. Keeping moving during the day also helps. Fingers crossed that it calms down soon. 

I've got 8 more miles left to complete the Mammoth Hike Challenge! The plan is to head back up to the lake next weekend, where I will finish up my miles on the Lodi Marsh Segment. I'm excited to wrap it up on one of my favorite segments. This challenge has been a challenge for me since I don't live near any of the segments. I've really had to push my limits by chasing bigger miles. That is never a bad thing, right? I plan on recapping the whole experience in a blog post when I'm done. 




How was your week? Any travel coming up for you? Any adventures? What's your favorite lift?

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


37 comments :

  1. Good luck on the challenge. I know you will finish in spite of your injuries.

    You will love Jackson Hole. I was there years ago. I definitely want to go back!!

    Yo are so lucky to have a sister to travel with.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have so many “sisters “ that you travel with, lol!

      Delete
    2. you are right. They says: friends are the family you choose for yourself.

      Delete
  2. Our colors have been underwhelming until this week...all those cold overnight temps brought some much anticipated color to my world. Of course, we have the cold (pre-winter) temps as well....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well it is almost November! It’s cold out here in Wyoming, and we saw snow in Yellowstone.

      Delete
  3. What a great hike! I agree the colors are underwhelming, although this latest cold snap will help, alas the impending rain and wind advisory will probably bring them all down. Have so much fun on your sister trip! What a great spot!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It’s been amazing and this trip has only made me love the trails even more!

      Delete
  4. A great hike in wonderful places.
    The fall colors are priceless.
    Glad you have a sister to travel with. Before the pandemic I traveled twice a year: one with my wife (relaxing vacation) and one with my son ("adventure", running and rugby matches).

    ReplyDelete
  5. i hope you're having an amazing adventure in Jackson Hole! I've never been there, and can't wait to hear all about it.
    I like the story of the through hiker on the trail- he must have really hated being a FedEx driver! I hope your RA and your foot start treating you nicer- good luck at the ortho this week, I hope he has some good news for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomorrow’s the appointment… fingers crossed! It’s been ok this week.

      Delete
  6. Travel On My Friend !!! Yahooooo0000000

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lovely photos and hooray for your sister trip! We are just sorting out a weekend to the south coast to see my cousins (and the sea!) which is quite exciting. No other adventures (or running) though.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm sorry RA is still not cooperating -- hopefully it'll calm down soon. How nice of the Fluid Running guy to send you more classes! Could he send me a pool to go with that, LOL?

    It has to feel really satisfying to finish up this challenge.

    Enjoy your trip! Glad that you get to go on another sister's trip.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It’s actually a Fluid Running gal and yes, it was so great of her to gift me some classes!

      Delete
  9. I am really impressed with all your hiking endeavors and looks like you have really tapped into your adventurous side. So so happy to hear that your sister is doing so well, Have a fantastic trip

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I grew up in the country and this really feels like I’ve come back to my roots, lol

      Delete
  10. I've never been to Jackson Hole, but my husband has snowboarded there quite a bit and absolutely loves it. Can't wait to see pictures, and how special to go with your sister. Have a wonderful time!

    And absolutely stunning sunrise photo!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you’d love it here. Kudos to your hubs-that resort is definitely challenging!

      Delete
  11. I'm sorry RA is not playing nice again, but happy to see it's not slowing down your hiking efforts!

    Enjoy your trip with your sister! It's great to hear that she's doing well.

    ReplyDelete
  12. How great that you're able to resume this tradition with your sister, and yay on the Fluid Running classes. Glad you found such an outlet as you heal.
    I've loved all your outdoor pics, as always.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think both of us have really tapped into that love for nature!

      Delete
  13. Only 8 more miles for the Mammoth Hike Challenge! Wow, that went fast! I'm looking forward to your recap.
    I love your Ice Age Trail. It looks so pristine and untouched - simply perfect. I'm intrigued by the ex-Fedex guy... I hope he makes it.
    Enjoy Jackson Hole!

    ReplyDelete
  14. So happy to hear your sister is doing okay now and that you've resumed this lovely tradition! I should take that up with mine! :-) Those boulders did look like they had just been tossed there, LOL, glad you managed to navigate them safely. As for the hiker trying to figure out his life - just love that story! Did you find out how many days he had already been out there?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn’t ask him that! I did ask him where he started… he was traveling in he opposite direction from his starting point. Odd!

      Delete
  15. Ooh, Cocoa! Luna is being super weird this week with her food. I'm not quite ready to call the vet, but we are keeping an eye on it.

    I love your sister adventures! It looks like you are are truly enjoying it! I'm so glad you are able to do this.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Good luck on the challenge! You can totally get it done! That sunrise is GORGEOUS! I love looking at pictures of sunrises and sunsets.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Absolutely love that you were able to do another getaway with your sister, and that she doing well and feeling good!

    I have no doubt that you will finish up the challenge!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Jackson Hole? Yeehaw!! I hope you are having so much fun. I love that place!

    ReplyDelete