Sunday, October 17, 2021

RA Checks In

Throughout my recovery from my ankle and foot fractures, I secretly marveled and was grateful that RA remained quiet. My recovery has been steady and I've been able to increase my activities accordingly. However, this week, RA reminded me that it's always around. I've been having a flare and while it hasn't sidelined me, I have felt pretty achy and my joints are swollen. I'm not sure what triggered the symptoms--the change in the weather? Or maybe my 3 1/2 hour hike on Sunday had something to do with it. As always, I am grateful for what I CAN do, even when I don't feel like it. 

As we RA warriors like to say, motion is lotion. I do actually feel better once I get moving. Let's hope this flare just fades away. 

Friday's walk/run

Weekly Rundown:
Sunday: trail hike/run 12 miles
Monday: pool running
Tuesday: strength training
Wednesday: trail walk/run 6 miles
Thursday: strength training
Friday: walk/run 5.25 miles
Saturday: 'rest'/tailgate

Walking/Hiking/Running

Ooooh, baby, I made some big progress on the Mammoth Hike Challenge this week!! On Sunday, I got up early and drove 90 minutes to Whitewater, Wisconsin for my hike. I had no trouble finding the trailhead as the trail crosses US 12 just south of Whitewater. The Whitewater Lake Segment is a 4.5 mile out and back with lots of very hilly, rocky climbs. There were also piney sections which I loved. On the map, it looked like the trail would intersect with Whitewater Lake, but I was disappointed when I found it did not. I decided to venture onto the Blackhawk segment for a total of 12 miles for the day. Once I walked through a section of dead trees and vegetation-I wondered what happened there--I meandered along the shore of Lake Lagrange, which is just beautiful. My feet were tired and I drove into the very cute town of Whitewater for a much deserved beer at Second Salem Brewing Company. The beer was good, the food not so much. This hike got me to 21 miles for the challenge, halfway there! It's also my longest walk/run since I broke my leg. I shared a lot of photos on my IG if you want to see more.


I didn't want to overdo it on Wednesday's trail walk/run, but I did test those walk/run intervals on the main trail. It was a gorgeous morning to be in the woods! Just like last Friday on the bike path, I did 4 minute walk/1 minute run intervals. I had no pain while doing this. Unfortunately, I woke up on Thursday with some swelling in my foot. 


On Friday, I headed out before the sun for my walk/run on the bike path. I did not feel well at all, as RA went full-on flare. Several times I considered turning around and heading back to the couch. I was determined not to let RA win, and it didn't, but this was a rough outing. I didn't want to call off work either, so I persevered. I was treated to a beautiful sunrise and yeah, I made it to work. The busy day helped take my mind off the pain. Seeing a few cute babies always makes things better!

Strength Training

On Tuesday, I started the strength cycle at home. There were front squats, deadlifts, and chest presses. The weights weren't super heavy and I didn't feel like it challenged me much. When I talked to SJ about it, she said this workout was meant to be done 3x/week, which I can't accommodate. She's going to help me make it more challenging. As the weights get heavier, I'll do my workouts at the gym. 

On Thursday, I woke up in a world of RA hurt. I almost canceled my strength sesh with SJ, but I felt better after a cup of coffee and some movement. She had me start with front rack lunges. My ankle wasn't cooperating, so she didn't put any weight on the bar. I alternated those with barbell rows. After that, I worked on pulling myself up the rope from seated. Don't worry, my feet never left the ground! I also did heavy strict presses which gave my arms and shoulders a tough time!

I'll be back...

Pool running

I was disappointed to only be able to get in one Fluid Running class this week. I had a Zoom call for work in the middle of Thursday, my house needed some TLC, and Cocoa was sick, which meant I had to take her to the vet. Something had to give, right? Anyways, I did the Riptide class on Monday, which felt fabulous after that long hike the day before. I love these workouts and will continue them throughout the winter.

Off the road...

Yes, as I mentioned, Cocoa was sick this week. We aren't sure what she got into, but we are pretty sure she drank the standing water in the backyard after it rained this week. I won't go into details, but it wasn't pleasant. Fortunately, our new carpeting was spared. She followed me all over the house on Thursday, which is unusual for her. She wouldn't eat or drink and just couldn't get comfortable. The vet gave her IV fluids, antibiotics, and medication for giardia. She was already feeling better a few hours later, chasing her ball again. I'm so glad she's ok!

You're going to do what?!

On Saturday, the hubs and I drove up to the lake so I could do some more hiking on the IAT for the Mammoth Challenge. But first...tailgating. My youngest lives adjacent to Camp Randall, where the Wisconsin Badgers play football and every time there is a home game, they host a tailgate. He's been asking us to come to one and this weekend, we obliged. Since it was a night game, we took a pass on attending the main event. No matter--we had a lot of fun at the tailgate in his cul-de-sac. The University of Wisconsin band even marched through! There were a few other parents, so we weren't the only old folks there. But oh to be young again...

That's Malort, for you Chicago natives...

How was your week? How do you manage to get your workouts in when life interferes? Have you ever had Malort?

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


37 comments :

  1. What a busy week you've had! So sorry about the flare. That just sucks. We used to have so much fun at IU with the boys. They've all been here for the past week, so we've been having loads of fun. My daughter in law just loves Malort. Me? Not so much.

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    1. Today, I felt so much better than I have all week. Maybe the Malort has anti-inflammatory properties?

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  2. We went to a tailgate at IU once lots of fun! I wish I had gone to a big school like that and not a city school. Sorry to read about the RA flare. But, I love how you always make the most of focusing on what you can do and not what you cannot. Hope you are feeling better today!

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    1. I have been having the same thoughts about wishing I went to a big school as well! And yes, I am feeling so much better today.

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  3. Sorry about the RA flare, but glad you have been able to manage it. All that hiking looks beautiful. I hope to see some fall foliage next weekend, but our weather has been so warm, it may be too soon.

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    1. I thought I'd see some foliage up in Wisco this weekend, but nada. So odd!

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  4. Looks like a fun and busy week despite the flare and I'm glad poor Cocoa is feeling better too! You are well on your way to spanking that hiking challenge!

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    1. I was really worried about getting all my miles in! I have 8 miles left and that should not be a big deal. Whew!

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  5. MOTION IS LOTION!!! Sounds like you had an incredible week in spite of everything. Although I hit my limit (for now) of pool running, I'll agree that it feels really good the day after a long run or hard workout- the water almost feels like a massage on your legs.
    So fun that your son is inviting you to his tailgate parties! I've never had Malort- had to look it up (it sounds terrible!!!)
    I hope you're out right now on a beautiful hike. And I hope you feel better this week!

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    1. I was laughing about your comment about the Malort because my boys and I don't think it tastes bad at all. Maybe it's genetic? LOL

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  6. So glad that Cocoa is doing better. That is never fun for pet or humans. Sounds like a great/not so great week, Wendy, and you definitely made the best of it. I hope the flare dies down soon!

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    1. It's not easy to push myself when I'm hurting and I sure understand people who just give in to discomfort. But I know myself and I wouldn't be happy if I did that.

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  7. I'm sorry about the flare - it looks like you stayed really active. Loved seeing your trail shots - you're doing great with your Challenge! I hope poor Cocoa is feeling better.

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    1. Cocoa seems to be back to her normal self, thankfully! That was awful!

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  8. That's such a bummer about the RA flare - I hope that it's short lived. I know the weather has been kind of all over the place so I'm sure that didn't help either :(

    Awwe poor Cocoa :( Glad she is feeling better now and almost back to her old self!

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    1. I felt so much better today! I'm not sure if it is the improved weather--it was really damp this week--or something else.

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  9. Sorry about your RA flare! You still did a great job staying active and getting in your workouts. Hopefully it subsides and you can continue your return to running. I hope Cocoa is feeling better!

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    1. I do feel better when I move. I'm looking forward to hitting the pool tomorrow!

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  10. Living so close to the stadium must be entertaining. That hike looked gorgeous. Glad Cocoa is OK
    Boo on the RA flare, and totally agree with appreciating what we can do even when we don't feel like it. While I'm lucky not to be physically injured this year, depression has been kicking my ass, so I keep trying to kick it back.

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    1. I've been struggling with depression too--it's just been a sucky year, hasn't it?

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  11. Awww, poor Cocoa. I'm glad she's feeling better! Here's hoping you can rebound from your RA flare as quickly as Cocoa did from her illness. Looks like you had some beautiful hikes. And nope, I'd not heard of Malort so I just looked it up.

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    1. I'm feeling much better, thankfully. It's the most mysterious malady. Comes and goes with no explanation.

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  12. I"m sorry about the flare Wendy. I hope it's short lived.

    I tried Malort once at my sister's, the one in Illinois. So gross! The aftertaste wouldn't go away either.

    Oh poor Cocoa. It is so hard when our pets are sick. I'm so glad she's on the mend.

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    1. Cocoa is back to her old, crazy self. It's amazing how quickly she bounced back!

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  13. I have never heard of Malort either, and the info I read said it tasted like licorice...and that's all I needed to know LOL I agree Motion IS Lotion, which is why my recovery days aren't spent lounging (though I did enjoy a nice nap after my 13.1 today). Glad Cocoa is feeling better!

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    1. I don't like licorice either, and since everyone told me how bad it was, I expected the worse. It wasn't that bad, lol

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  14. I'm glad Cocoa is OK. From being cat giardia survivors, I would recommend steam cleaning / sanitising everything she might have sat down on to avoid re-infection if that's a risk. And very sorry about the flare, that is rough.

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    1. That's great advice! She had giardia in the past--we weren't told to do that!

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    2. We had it repeatedly with the two cats, not too bad thank goodness but got rid of it after the third go by being absolutely rigorous. Obviously easier to reinfect with two animals but still worth doing.

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  15. Sorry to hear about the flare ups, here's hoping that motion is keeping symptoms at bay. Yes, I've had Malört, once at my running club. Hadn't heard of Malört until about 5 years ago, despite living here all of my life!

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    1. Malort is having a moment, it seems. Revolution did a collab with Jeppson's Mallort!

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  16. I totally agree about Motion. My rest day usually include a hike or walk. Just can't sit around.

    I admire you. You get knocked down and always get right up.

    Glad to hear Cocoa is ok.

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  17. I was more distracted by the sign behind you guys than the Malort... lol!! But no I had never heard of it, but I'd try it!

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    1. Haha! The girls' house next door had equal billing for men...lol

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  18. Enjoy Your Weekend My Friend - Sending Love And Light

    Cheers

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