Saturday, August 13, 2022

Just What I Needed

Sometimes you get just what you need and that is what happened this week. A change of weather, a great bootcamp, waterskiing, a beautiful trail run...and a decision made. 



Weekly Rundown
Sunday: Crossfit
Monday: treadmill run 3.5 miles
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: trail run 8 miles
Thursday: strength training
Friday: run 6 miles
Saturday: waterskiing!!

Running

Sunday was ridiculously rainy, so I pushed the run to Monday. I hoped that the monsoon would be done, but I woke up Monday morning to MORE rain and storms. Did that mean --gasp-- I would have to run on the treadmill? I started off with the best of intentions and a goal of at least an hour and even better, an hour and twenty minutes (aka 8 miles). I tried my best, I really did. But once I hit 30 minutes, I started bargaining with myself. At 35 minutes, I hit the stop button. Truly, it is mind over matter and my mind just hates running on the treadmill. I'll spare you the photo, too.

Finally, the weather turned itself around and on Wednesday, I woke up to a perfect late summer day! I couldn't wait to head to the preserve for my run. With all the rain we've had lately, the trails were enclosed with high grasses and weeds. I was rewarded with some amazing sights--butterflies, bumblebees, and beautiful flowers and mushrooms. Aside from an incident with yet another tree root--this time I rolled my ankle--I really enjoyed this run!


For the first time in a long time, on Friday, I headed out into sunshine and 60! degrees. I can't remember a run that felt so good --it's been a few months-- and I didn't want to stop. I did stop for a photo but other than that, this run was uninterrupted. This run reminded me that pushing through the humbling summer heat brings rewards in the fall. 

CrossFit/Strength

It rained on Sunday, so instead of running, I went to the gym for a boot camp class. I loved this one--it was an all-around good workout. There were 3 sets of activities, 5 rounds of each. The first set was a KB (30#) workout: 20 KB tap planks, 15 KB goblet squats, 10 KB swings, and 5 box overs. Set #2 had 100m runs, 15 sit-ups, and 10 push-ups. The final set had 150m rows and 5 burpees. I finished very sweaty in 26:28. 

On Thursday, SJ started me off with some PT exercises to strengthen the muscles around my kneecap. I've been doing the banded VMO exercises as well and have been running without the strapping tape for over a week now. After I finished a few rounds of those, as well as some banded chest pulls, she had me do deadlifts. Did you know I love deadlifts? :p I built to 135# and did 3 rounds of 8 at that weight. SJ thought I could do more, but I was content and challenged at that weight. I alternated those with assisted strict pull-ups, sets of 5. It's been a long time since we did any pull-up work and I felt it! I finished with a few more sets of my banded VMO work.


Probably very few of you will get this unless you grew up in the 70s, but one of the movements SJ had me do for knee stability had me leaning back and balancing on that left leg while raising and lowering my right foot, tapping it on the ground. It reminded me of that 'Keep on Truckin' logo from the 1970s and SJ, bless her heart, got it and took a picture, lol. I think I need to lean back farther, tho! 

Off the Road

Last week, I shared that I had a job interview on Monday. The interview was for a school nurse position in the school district where my sons attended elementary school. This would be a step down from my job as a nurse practitioner. Preparing for the interview and then meeting with the administrators also made me realize how hard it would be for me to go from being a medical provider to a nurse again. Instead of making decisions about how to treat a child, I would have to carry out orders made by another provider. If you don't work in medicine, you might not understand the difference. Besides that, I would have to take a huge cut in pay. The other consideration is that the job is full-time and I currently work part-time. Yes, I would have summers and weekends off. All things considered, and a big consideration was that it would have been a wonderful place to work, I am going to stay put for now. 

I am so glad I went through the process, as it gave me a different perspective on what I'm doing. When I'm feeling burned out or overwhelmed I have to remind myself of what my husband said--that I'm nearing the finish line. I swear, sometimes it feels like I'm running the most painful marathon! But in spite of the grind and the mental strain, the rewards are still great--like when I walk into a room and families that I've been seeing for years greet me like I'm an old friend. 

Of course, I say all this on the heels of Covid, Monkeypox, and a mental health crisis...I must be a glutton for punishment...


We're up at the lake this weekend. I'm going to leave you with this rainbow that I spied at the end of the channel. I did go for a ski. No photos of that but it was a nice ride, in spite of the cool and cloudy conditions.


How was your week? Did the weather affect your workouts? As you read this, I'm meeting up with my trail running group at a new to me segment of the Ice Age Trail! It's the one year anniversary of the group. I'll share photos on my IG today. 

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



33 comments :

  1. After an awful 2 weeks weather wise, things are finally improving this weekend. I am hoping to have one of those amazing runs today. Fingers crossed! I think its great that you are exploring different types of positions before committing. Can't wait to see you this week!

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    1. I won't lie, I do like it a little bit warmer, especially when I'm on the water! But it does feel good for running.

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  2. I took full advantage of the cooler mornings this week. So nice! Glad the job interview gave you some perspective!

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  3. I'm so glad you've been able to get that different perspective and make a decision. Doesn't mean you can't change your mind, of course, but it's good to have that for now.

    The weather has really affected me this week - we've had another heatwave, this time all week and only slightly less high temps (it's 87 as I type this at 3.30pm). Tomorrow it should break, but only in the evening. I managed two four-mile runs on Wed and Thu but it was too hot to run to parkrun yesterday or early today and won't be nice tomorrow. So I'm feeling antsy and upset. We've also got a family health crisis with mother-in-law, a type 1 diabetic, hospitalised with dehydration - husband has gone over to visit his dad and then get her when she's discharged which she thinks is today but no news yet. All a bit stressful and not enough sleep. Anyway, sorry, lovely strong photos and glad you had some good times on your trail!

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    1. Our weather has been out of whack all week. The weekend has been chilly and gloomy. It's a very strange summer.

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  4. While we still had the hot (and humid) afternoons/evenings, the morning temps were really cold in comparison. Not a bad thing, but it's weird to do my morning stuff in the cooler temps, only to have it almost 30F warmer by mid-morning. No snow, though, so it's all good ;-)

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  5. I have rain envy. We need it SO much here. I'd run on a treadmill for a month in exchange for a wet fall. Great perspective on the job front. I'm sure it will help as you move forward and look at other possibilities. Keep on trucking!

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  6. Even not working in medicine, I definitely get that you have more autonomy as a nurse practitioner. No harm interviewing though!

    Lovely rainbow. Yes, the cooler temps felt really fantastic this week for running!

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    1. I can't complain except it's a little cool for waterskiing! Didn't stop me tho, lol

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  7. I do remember that cartoon! ;) Sounds like it was a good process to go through with the job interview. Our pediatric doctor retired a few years ago and I was all choked up when we said our last goodbyes. We all gave her a hug. She raised my babies, she was special.

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    1. So many local pediatricians have retired and many of those patients have funneled into our practice. Hence the extreme busyness!

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  8. I hate to counter what the Brits are saying, but my morning runs haven't been bad at all! Its been getting hot in London (in the 90s), but the mornings are not humid and are about 60. Pretty nice (though I should probably start quoting Celsius!)

    I'm glad you're happy with your job choice; it's good to see what's out there, and yes, you are nearing the finish line. Stick with it :)

    Strong week as always Wendy!

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  9. It sounds like we both made peace with our work situations -- for now. ;-)

    I'm sure the great weather and great runs help.

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  10. For many years, we planned to change our lives at 50. We wanted to quit our corporate jobs and become self-employed. Our plan worked out well, but I remember those years in my 40's were we counted the days until we would reach our "finish line" at 50. It felt like an ultra!
    You will enjoy it when you pass your finish line. You're fit and healthy and have a lot of things to do. And a cabin in a wonderful location. Such a cool combination!

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  11. Great workouts, Wendy and what a beautiful rainbow! It sounds like you had a lovely week both personally and professionally and that the interview process was a good thing and helped you put your current job situation in perspective.

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    1. I'm so glad I did it. It definitely helped me shift my attitude. Good thing--it was another really tough week!

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  12. I'm glad the interview process provided you with some perspective. Sounds like you've made peace with where you are.

    Isn't it amazing how great a change in the weather can feel?!

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    1. Even yesterday's trail run, in the cool, damp conditions, felt great! I definitely do better in the cooler weather.

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  13. Having that interview probably helped in that, now you don't have to feel "stuck" in your current position. You're choosing it because of the positive aspects (although there are obviously a lot of negatives as well.) It helps to look at it that way.
    Yes, it's rare that you're forced to the treadmill! I'm glad you had two great runs this week to make up for that dreadful experience : )
    Ha ha... yes, I remember "Keep on Truckin." The 70s were so funny.

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    1. I'm so spoiled--I rarely have to run on the TM--but yeah, I'm going to whine and complain the whole time when I do! How sad that I couldn't finish the run, lol

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  14. I love that photo from your Crossfit workout, lol. I always say it's nice when you can implement some fun into a workout!

    I was so happy for the break in heat and humidity this week - it was perfect outdoor running weather!

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  15. Just love our photos.

    Hope you had fun with your running group. It's fun to connect with people who get it.

    Cooler weather is great for running but not boating... so I'll be sad when the summer ends for that reason.

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    1. It's definitely a dilemma, isn't it? If only it could be cool in the morning for runs and then heat up for time on the lake...

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  16. Sorry to hear you rolled your ankle. Hope you're not too injured. Glad the weather finally gave you a break. Have you tried listening to a book when you have to use the treadmill? If it's a good book, I think that might help pass the time for you. Nice photo's, especially because you got a butterfly. They're so hard to photograph with how quickly they move.
    Sandy's Space

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    1. I've had a love hate relationship with the TM for years and i've tried everything to help me pass the time. Lol

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