Disclaimer: As a Brooks Run Happy Team member, I receive complimentary gear.
But...the RA flare that I mentioned in last week's rundown continued into this week. While I didn't let it stop me from doing anything, I was in a fair amount of pain at rest. You know...motion is lotion... and all that. While ibuprofen has been taking the edge off, I finally broke down and called my rheumatologist on Friday for a prescription for steroids.
It's been a long time since I've had to take steroids and as of today, I haven't started them yet. As you read this, I'm on a 'field trip' with my Trail Sisters in Whitewater, Wisconsin on the IAT. Canceled due to rain. I'll see how I feel and if I'm still hurting, I'll start taking them.
Stubborn? Yes. But I haven't had to curb my activities yet, so fingers crossed (and yes I can do that too) that this thing just burns itself out.
In spite of the flare, I had a great week on my feet! Read on...
Weekly Rundown
Sunday: Trail run 9.75 miles, 1300 feet ascent
Monday: CrossFit
Tuesday: Fluid Running
Wednesday: Trail run 6.25 miles
Thursday: Chicago fun run 4 miles
Friday: rest/yoga
Saturday: Iron Strength with Caroline Girvan
On Sunday morning, still up at the lake, I woke up early and drove to the Robertson Trailhead which is between the 2 Lodi marsh segments of the IAT. I forgot to pack my handheld, so I needed to stop at my car to rehydrate between segments. I was surprised to see 5 other cars there when I arrived! Usually, when I get there, I'm the only one there. It was a beautiful morning and I started off hiking uphill and was passed by a woman running. I was impressed! Only when I reached the top of the hill, was I able to start running. As I always do on this trail, I ran the downhills and walked the uphills. I was thrilled to be chased by Monarch butterflies and then to see them in the meadows, feeding eagerly on the wildflowers. This was a nice run and as always, I was so grateful to have access to this beautiful trail! You can click
HERE to see more photos on IG.
Sporting some new gear from Brooks' recent gear drop, on Monday, I was as ready as I could be for the WOD. It was 'Cindy' bookending heavy deadlifts. Cindy is 5 rounds of: 5 pull ups (I did banded), 10 push-ups, and 15 air squats. After completing this, we had 5 minutes to build to a heavy deadlift. I stopped at 185#. Then it was 5 more rounds of Cindy. Time was called at 20 minutes but I had just finished my 4th round of pull-ups. I was already feeling it that afternoon! But I was really happy with that deadlift. We haven't done much heavy lifting this summer and my 1 RM is 205, so I think there is the possibility of another PR once I start my powerlifting cycle. Stay tuned!
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I love the color of these Brooks Chaser shorts, which are my favorite style that Brooks offers. These have a comfy waistband and a hidden pocket big enough to hold my iPhone 14. You can't see the Dare Racerback bra under my top, but it is the same color as the shorts. This is my favorite Brooks bra. The Sprint Free tank is light and comfy. |
I was excited to try out more of my
new Brooks Gear on Wednesday's trail run, especially since the gear was specifically designed for the trails. I also pulled out my new pair of trail shoes because they matched the outfit. I'm sure all the deer I saw that morning were super impressed! It was a pleasantly cool 57F when I started out and my legs felt light--something I haven't felt in a long time! I enjoyed seeing the deer, of course, but also the changes in the foliage. Fall is in the air!
On Thursday, my friend and RHT teammate met me at my house to drive to Chicago. We had plans to meet our other teammate Frank for a Hawaiian-themed run in the city. While she hasn't announced it formally, Kristin is moving back to Hawaii and we wanted to give her a mini-going away party. Our first stop was in Millenium Park for photos. The iconic 'Bean' is undergoing repairs, but we were still able to see it. We took a ton of photos and you can see more on my IG
HERE.
Then it was off to the Lakefront Path for a couple of miles to our next destination. Frank had spotted a Kona brewing sign between Oak Street and North Avenue beaches, which he thought would be a perfect spot for photos.
From there we made our way to the Riverwalk for lunch and beers at the Island Party Hut, a tiki-themed spot. We snagged a table along the river and watched all the tour boats go by. The weather could not have been better, the Chicago lakefront never disappoints, and the company was perfect. What a fun day!!!
Since I missed Thursday's strength session, I had planned to do the WOD on Saturday at CrossFit. That is until I saw what it was. Lots and lots of pull-ups and work on the bar. I didn't think that would serve my achy body well, so I decided to check out Caroline Girvan's Iron Strength workouts--both
Jenny and
Jessie like them. I started with I
RON series 30 minute Glute Workout, which was spicy! I made some modifications because of equipment issues, but I felt this one! I also did
IRON series 30 min Upper Body Workout, which focused on shoulders, upper back, and chest. I liked both of these workouts and was impressed with the challenges. I am going to try to do an upper and lower body circuit of her classes once/weekly to supplement what I am doing in the gym.
How was your week? Are you racing this weekend? What was your favorite workout of your week? I think you know what mine was...that day in Chicago with my RHT teammates was really special and so much fun!
I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown.
sorry to read you are having a little flare up-looks like it is not holding you back too much. fun to run w the other RHT members in the city. Loving the new gear too! Have a great week and hope you feel better :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm hoping this flare goes away without steroids.
DeleteWell, reading about your workouts, you would never know you're having an RA flare! I'm sorry you have to deal with that, but it looks like you had a great week. Let's see, your deadlift is "only" 90# more than mine... ha ha (arg.) One thing that limits me is my grip strength- do you have any issues with that?
ReplyDeleteAll your runs sound really fun! And, glad you like the Iron Strength. I hope you feel better soon!
Farmers carries can help with grip strength as well as hanging from the bar. I do chalk my hands for those really heavy lifts. Some people grip the bar with one overhand and one underhand--that doesn't work for me, but it can help for heavier lifting.
DeleteOkay, thanks. I tried the overhand/underhand but it didn't work for me either. I'll do more hanging from the bar though- that sounds like a great idea.
DeleteOh, how happy I am to have inspired you to try a different strength workout! :) It's always you inspiring me with your strength training! But I am still a fan of Caroline Girvan. Can't beat the price, ha! And I have learned I like doing a workout when the trainer is doing it too, rather than being given a program (sort of like going to a class at the gym). I have found that works best for me. I have pretty minimal equipment here in London, but I make due to make her classes work for me!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun day you had in Chicago, sounds like such a nice sendoff for your friend. It sounds like she will be missed. Maybe time to plan a vacation in Hawaii!
Spoiler alert: we are talking about the Hapalua half marathon in April! I hope we can make it happen!
DeleteHope that flare clears up soon.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great Hawaiian send off! I just read your comment above - you should really try to make it to Hawaii. And if you're looking for trails, there's a great network on Tantalus - about 10 minutes from Honolulu.
Best run this week was 9 miles on the trail. Les killed me on the climbs and I crushed him on the downhills. We're having a lot of fun together!
i'm so glad to hear it! And thank you for the advice! Hopefully I'll get there in April!
Deletesorry about the flare but love all your different activities. You know how to have fun!!
ReplyDeleteI have a race-cation coming up but it's a training run... but there will be wine and laughter... all good.
Best workout was my 16 miler yesterday because I had company for 13.5 miles of it and the weather was great!!
It was such a great week and you know i'll push through the pain, lol
DeleteSo sorry to hear you've been dealing with a flare. I hope the steriods help.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you, Kristen, and Frankie had a great time - what a nice send off!
She'll be back for the marathon and we have plans to run the 5k together and then spectate on Sunday!
DeleteThat looks like a lovely trail! I'm sorry you're still achy, hope it'll get better soon. How long do they usually last?
ReplyDeleteI love the colours in High Point collection! I'm a big fan of blue and purple in all variations. Sounds like a nice active week for you despite the RA flare. 9.75 miles sounds like a good long run to me!
I've been pretty lucky because the flares usually last a day or two. This one has been going on for over a week!
DeleteYour Chicago day trip looks so fun! Love all the color coordination ;-) Bummer on the recent RA flare...
ReplyDeleteIt was a lot of fun!
DeleteYou always impress with your grit, Wendy. I'm sure it isn't easy! I hope you feel better soon & don't have to take the steroids.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice way to send off your friend!
I finally broke down today and started them. This thing is not going away!
DeleteWhat a great run tour. Glad you were up for it. I love your deerleaders.
ReplyDeleteAre the new Brooks shorts two in one or you had other shorts under them? I love the two in ones.
They are two-in-one shorts. I like these a lot!! And deerleaders, lol!
DeleteI just saw that you had to take the steroids after all. So sorry, Wendy! But you're an RA warrior and keeping active is the best way to go.
ReplyDeleteWell done on your runs! I love that Hawaiian photo of you in front of the "Bean".
I really need to try CG's workouts one day. So many bloggers can't be wrong!
That run downtown was just so much fun!
DeleteA great week despite the problems. The trail run on Sunday is impressive!
ReplyDeleteWhen I do the trails I walk the downhills and I run the uphills: the contrary of you! But now, for me, the trail is a rare event also as a workout.
The shorts with many pockets are the best!
I'll be doing a lot of trail miles in October because I am participating in the Mammoth Challenge on the Ice Age Trail again! I am looking forward to it.
DeleteI'm so sorry that flare up is making things challenging. Why can't our bodies just do what we want them to do? You look great in all the new gear! And look at those beautiful deer on the trail! So sweet.
ReplyDeleteI've been doing so well for so long that I can't be too upset about this, right? Just waiting for the flare to pass. I push through no matter what!
DeleteSorry to hear about the flare. I visited my friend over here who lives with RA Friday for a good long visit, did some bits for her, sat and chatted and laughed. Felt fine, obvs. Tested positive for Covid Saturday morning! THANKFULLY she is still well and somehow I managed not to give it to her. Ugh. Love the Brooks kit, those shorts are super. I bought some shorts with galaxy patterns and leggings with flowers the other day, oddly for me, now of course I can't even leave the house. Anyway hope you're feeling better by now.
ReplyDeleteToday I woke up without pain, so fingers crossed this thing on on the way out! I am so sorry to hear that you got Covid and I hope you are feeling ok soon too.
DeleteLOVE the pics of the deer and the butterfly! Sorry about your pain, hope things calm down soon for you. My elbow is still not 100% and it's been about 2 months. It's frustrating not to be 100%. Best of luck to you, but don't over due.
ReplyDelete