Sunday, February 19, 2023

Real Talk

Fitness and running continue to be a bright spot in what feels like every day taking me on a wild ride. I truly do not know what I would do without my sweat therapy right now.

Work has completely gotten out of control. Just when we got a chance to catch our breath after the onslaught of illnesses last fall, we started seeing a lot of non-English-speaking asylum seekers from war-torn areas across the globe. These patients present all kinds of challenges. The language barrier is just one struggle. The mental health crisis continues and resources are scarce. I've also recently had a couple of my young patients experience horrific abuse and that has really taken a toll on me.

On the home front, both my parents are starting to have major health issues that require me to accompany them to appointments and help them with medical decision-making. My sisters are supportive, but as they are all out of town, the burden falls on me.

I am doing my best to stay positive and focused on the good things in my life. Don't get me wrong, I have had my share of meltdowns, usually over the littlest things. But no matter how overwhelmed I feel or how busy I get, I vow to always make time to get all my workouts in. It is my therapy that gives me the strength to push through my day.


Weekly Rundown
Sunday: run 10 miles
Monday: CrossFit
Tuesday: Pool Running
Wednesday: trail run 6 miles
Thursday: Strength training
Friday: treadmill run 6 miles
Saturday: rest/work

Running

We were up at the lake house last weekend. Tired of dealing with ice on the trails, even up in Wisconsin, I took my run to the roads. I have to admit that I have been feeling a little worried about my training for the Earth Day 15 mile trail run in April. I hadn't had a quality run for several weeks. The morning was cold (23F) but the sun was shining brightly and there was no wind! I set out along the lake, a route that I used to run for race training in the past. My plan was to run 8 miles, but I felt so good that I ran 10. This run was a great test of my fitness and I could not have been happier when I finished this run!

I am standing on the frozen lake! I can't wait to waterski here in a few months.

I woke up to WIND on Wednesday and oh, the mental gymnastics I went through to decide on where to run. I finally decided to wait until 9 to go to the trails, with the hopes that the wind would die down. The trees do a pretty good job of sheltering from the wind, but there were a few tense moments when I could hear the trees creaking as the wind gusted. At one point, I also heard a loud crashing sound behind me, which I at first thought was gunfire--I think you understand why-- but realized it was a tree falling. The trails were muddy, no surprise there, but it was amusing to find myself sliding down the hills. Thank goodness I didn't fall! I got just what I needed from this run and I'm so glad I went to the trails.


We had a snowstorm on Thursday night, which left us with very icy conditions. So yes, it was back to the TM for another run. On Thursday, I received a big box of Brooks gear, including a pair of Adrenalines, so I had plenty of incentive to log some miles. The TM is never easy but I pushed myself to do an hour, telling myself that would be the hardest thing I do all day. 

CrossFit/Strength

Reflecting back on this class, I think I would have been better off staying home. But who can predict how well a class is going to go? The strength portion of the WOD was 20 minutes to complete 3 sets of 5 back squats at 65% (I did 85#),  3 sets of 2 laps of a heavy bag carry (I did 75#), and 3 sets of 8-10 hip thrusts (I did 65#). The MetCon was a spicy one: 5 rounds of 400m rows, 10 pull ups (I did banded), and 12 box jumps (I did 20"). It took me 20:28 to finish the MetCon. I should have been faster. I also ended up hitting my shin on one of my box jumps. I'm glad I had long pants on, but I still scraped my shin. I finished all of them, though!

True to her word, SJ had me work on stability and agility for my Thursday strength sesh. We started out with front rack lunges, 4 sets at 55# x 12 alternating with those overhead press/KB carries 20# 1 lap. After that, she had me do 3 sets of holding the heavy bag (75#) for 1 minute alternating with the agility ladder, 2 laps. I was sweating!!! I finished up with 4 sets of shoulder hangs/scap pulls alternating with 10 v-ups. Dare I say that all of this is feeling much stronger?


"If you aren't making ugly faces when you lift, you need to get heavier weights" ~ unknown

Sadly, after our sesh, SJ told me she was going to take a one month break from personal training. I have been waiting for this for some time. She too is feeling overwhelmed. She has a very full plate, coaching CF classes and swimming for a local club. She also has had some health issues. While I'm sad to take a break from my training, I am glad to see her focusing on her health. I'll be fine, going to CF classes in the meantime. She's also given me the framework to continue to work on my training. We'll pick up where we left off when she's ready.

I've Got Safety on My Mind and My Mind on Safety

It feels as if we have to talk about running safety all the time, doesn't it? This past week, a story popped up in Runners World about a woman being grabbed while running with a group on a very popular local trail. I've run there myself and am pretty surprised about this incident. It serves as a good reminder that we can never feel completely safe when running, even in a group. I run alone most of the time and I am well aware of the risks of that. I never wear headphones when running on the trails and do my best to keep myself aware of my surroundings. I also wear my Go Guarded ring for protection. Interestingly, my most popular blog post ever is the one I wrote on self-defense weapons for runners. I update it regularly. The most important thing about carrying protection is that you need to choose a tool that you are prepared to use if attacked. You also don't want to carry a weapon that can be used on you. Food for thought in this very challenging time!

How was your week? Are you having wild weather swings? Does fitness help you manage your stress? Do you make ugly faces when you lift weights? What are you using/doing to keep yourself safe when you run?

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




42 comments :

  1. I hate hate hate that we have to think about safety when we run. Did you see the story of the woman who was attacked when working out in her apartment gym recently too? Thank you for sharing all the safety tips - and keeping it updated!

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    1. I didn't see that story! It sure feels like we are living in a very violent world right now. Stay safe!

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  2. First of all, I'm sorry about your personal challenges right now. Dealing with aging parents is VERY hard. And your work... kind of sounds like a nightmare. I feel bad if someone comes to me with an aching back and I can't help them- I can't imagine what it would be like to deal with issues your patients are facing.
    But! I like your variety of runs this week- road, trail and treadmill. And I'm glad you got in that great 10 miler. That is a bummer about SJ! I guess she deserves some time off too, although it's probably hard for her to leave her clients. i hope you can continue to train the way you want while she's gone.

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  3. I had not heard about that group attack. I always feel so safe on our group runs. It is a lot with the parents aging and needing more help. Its also hard to imagine myself being like that. Ugh such is life. We have lots to talk about next weekend when I see you!

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    1. I'm so excited to see you! It's these kinds of things that keep me going!

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  4. Oh yes, the sweat therapy is going strong in my household, LOL. Even a strong power walk works magic on my lighter days (or as a "bonus" session as needed). Most of our snow from Thursday (we'd gotten maybe 5-6 inches) was gone by yesterday afternoon, and will probably be history after today. Crazy weather!

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    1. I thought about you when I wrote this post. It's amazing to have sweat therapy to lean into, isn't it?

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  5. I do try not to run in the dark or alone. Sweat is definitely necessary when you are stressed. Esp work stress.

    My week SUCKED.

    Too depressed to share... yet.

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  6. Love That Log Photo Of Ya - Language , Like Wow - Adding Another Layer Of Stress When The Goal Is Compassion - Very Challenging But You Continue To Prevail - Well Done My Friend - You Truly Inspire Others, Even No You Don't Realize It - Big Hugs

    Cheers

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    1. Awww, thank you friend. I'm just really grateful for all the good things in my life.

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  7. As a European, I'm absolutely horrified thinking you have to worry about safety when running, and even the thought of carrying a gun! This world is CRAZY. Of course there are safety issues everywhere... but here on our small rural roads I believe it's safe.. although of course you never know. For now however, I worry more about farming traffic in May (HUGE vehicles on tiny roads) than anything else.
    I'm sorry to hear about your trainer but of course she needs to look after herself too. Perhaps she's given you some kind of program to follow?
    I'm sorry too about your work situation... as you know, I know how hard it can be in your field of work. Training definitely helps. I've felt stressed out lately for other more subtle reasons and it would be a lot worse if I didn't run or lift weights. The reason I tried running to begin with was actually for stress relief! It was when I was deep down in work with my graphic design class. Running saved my sanity until I got the knee injury.

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    1. I've been working with SJ for so long that I have enough to fall back on until she's ready to pick me up again.

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  8. That assault was where my sister runs/lives. Very sad/scary.

    Sorry about your trainer, but it sounds like the right choice for her right now. Is there anyone else you would/could work with?

    I can imagine dealing with those issues at work....though I am familiar with the parental health issues for sure. Thinking of you.

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    1. We are living in some really challenging times. I never imagined things would continue to get worse after the pandemic.

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  9. I hope SJ is ok and a break is exactly what she needs. I feel you on the aging parents. My mom hasn't been doing well and between the dr visits, scheduling surgery, managing insurance issues, it's a lot. I can't even imagine how stressful your work life is. This is why we lean into running, right?

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    1. You know how grateful I am that this body lets me move the way I do. There is no substitute for it.

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  10. I'm sorry you have so much on your plate. Your work stress, sounds just that stress. I am POA for my dad. He lived with me for 4 years up until recently. He has dementia. I have to actually take him to a doctor's appointment tomorrow. That always stresses me out. Caring for parents is hard. Hooray for your 10 mile run! Glad you managed a good week in spite of all your stress.

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    1. It's a lot but I am fortunate to have my fitness to keep me balanced. And some really good friends to keep me grounded.

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  11. I love reading your blog. I wish I had the motivation you do Wendy. I have had major struggles at work over the past year and have really had a hard time running--used to love it but now it's so hard, can't run more than a quarter mile without stopping to catch my breath. I feel your parent issues--I became caregivers for mine and it's a challenge to balance it all.

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    1. Thank you so much Carol! I have struggled with depression on and off, especially over the past year and motivation has also been low at times. I really had to push myself to get moving and reminding myself how good it feels helped me get off the couch. I was also feeling really overwhelmed about my parents--it was kind of the last straw. But things are falling into place and that helps a lot.

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  12. You definitely have a lot on your plate! I'm right there with you on aging parents - it can definitely feel overwhelming. I can only imagine how stressful your work situation is right now.

    I hope the break for SJ does her some good. I feel like so many people are running on fumes right now. So thankful for running/working out.

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    1. SJ hasn't been able to workout as much as she'd like and I think that has really impacted her. I hope she will be able to get back to it!

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  13. It feels like we are just never going to get a break, doesn't it? I am not great about carrying a weapon when I run - my last self defense instructor told me that whatever you have, be prepared to use it to end someone - if you only hurt them, they can come back at you and sue YOU. Ugh. We can't even keep ourselves safe without consequences. Enough is enough.

    Please reach out if you need support. You know you have so many people who are happy to lift you up as best they can.

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    1. You are too kind! I'm actually doing ok--I have great coworkers and we really all are in this together. My dad is stepping up to help with my mom and you have no idea how happy that makes me. It's all a delicate balance.

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  14. The work issues on top of your parent issues (and of course the implant!) is a lot, Wendy. I'm glad that running & your other workouts are working. Despite having done caretaking for literally decades, it's not something that comes naturally to me and it can be completely exhausting at times. I'd like to say that better days are ahead, and I know they are, but it could be a long slog still.

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    1. I know I'm headed for that long slog too. I am so grateful that I have an outlet.

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  15. So sorry to hear you're got some rough stuff going on right now. And yes, exercise is what gets us through our challenging times. Thank goodness we have it to lean on, right?

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  16. When it rains, it pours. So sorry you are dealing with all of the "stuff". My brother wasn't able to help out much with my dad when he was in the hospital recently. It's a lot to deal with. So important to be there at the Dr appointments too! My mom didn't hear everything the Dr would say so I'm glad I could be there for them.
    Do people ice fish on that lake? Have you ever been ice fishing? We don't see that in our town but we saw some people ice fishing in our ski town.

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    1. Oh yes, a lot of people ice fish on the lake and in fact, when I was running that day, there were a few fishermen out there!

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  17. Oh my, I'm so sorry, Wendy. I can relate with the ageing parents... my parents are visiting right now and we have to be very careful to pace everything nice and slowly. It's heartbreaking to watch the decline.
    I'm always worried that I will hurt my shins on the box jumps! You will be fine during SJ's absence. How full are your CF classes? Mine are 10-15. I prefer it when there are less people and the coach has more time for each individual.

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    1. Normally, the classes have about 10-15 participants too. Today will be full (20) because it's a national holiday and lot of people are off work. Like you, I prefer the smaller classes. It gets kind of chaotic when there are more participants!

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  18. That's a really tough time you're having there, I'm so sorry. The parents thing is so difficult - Matthew is about to have to invoke POA for his dad and it's breaking his heart, but it will help him to be able to support them better. His brother does nearby stuff (shopping) and he goes over every other weekend for a day and does twice-weekly zoom calls and other support stuff, so I think they feel it balances. I'm so glad you've got your running and fitness to keep you going. I've had a horrible virus, probably because i stopped running to get my hamstring sorted, and running keeps my immunity boosted. I'm now facing the prospect of ramping up again just when I'd got back to some sort of strong and continuous running I could do with friends so I'm a bit downcast about it all. Love and strength to you, though x

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    1. You too! It feels as if everyone is struggling right now and every day brings another bunch of bad news. Running and fitness is a bright spot for me and I'm happy to have it in my life.

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  19. Yes. If i ran for physical health it would be much less than for my mental health.
    Hugs on all the things. The world seems to be going through a lot right now. We need to show ourselves some grace. Glad SJ taking the time for self care.
    Hugs my friend

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    1. I just said the same thing in my response to Liz above. It is a really really hard time right now. Thankful for your hugs and your friendship!

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  20. Oh Wendy :( That's so much to deal with. There's just so much going on in the world (and so much of it bad). I am glad that you can use fitness as an outlet to deal with it all. Your parents are so lucky to have you nearby to go with them to appointments. Sending hugs and lots of love.

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    1. I know you have had your share of parental health issues. It's really tough to see them age, isn' it?

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  21. I get the stress of taking care of parents. I am an only and my dad died a few years ago. Mom is young (75) but has lost a lot of weight and has a-fib. Anyway, on Sunday, she got lightheaded and face-planted on the sidewalk. Broke her nose and looks like she did 10 rounds in the ring with a heavyweight boxer. She was admitted because of the blood thinners she is on, but no clue to why she fell. Now she is just cranky. And I am too! And I have a nasty head cold and can't even get a good sweat on because I can't breath! Ugh. So I hear you. Take time for you and take care of you!

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    1. Oh wow, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. It's hard to be the caretaker for your parents. I have sisters but because they are all out of town, it is me who has had to step up (altho one of my sisters feels the need to tell me what I should be doing). You take care of yourself too! <3

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