Motion is Lotion

I don't know if I'd call it a full-on RA flare, but this week I was really achy. I blame the ridiculous humidity that plagued us at the start of the week. Even with the mid-week temperature and humidity drop, the pain lingered on, but I just kept moving. You know what we RA warriors say: Motion is Lotion. It really does feel better once I get moving and it sure beats sitting on the couch all day. It was a crazy week at work and that was another reason for me to keep moving!

Weekly Rundown

Sunday: trail run 8.5 miles

Monday: bike ride 25.5 miles

Tuesday; pool running

Wednesday: trail run 6.75

Thursday: strength training

Friday: run 6 miles

Saturday: hike 2 miles

The heat kept us in town last weekend--there's no AC at the lake house and with a predicted high of 100 in Madison on Sunday, we didn't think it would be a good idea to go. Instead, I met up early with the Trail Sisters at my preserve for a run on the 5.5 mile loop trail. Call it runner's logic, lol. I had planned to do a couple of miles on the single track after we finished. There was a nice breeze, but after a couple miles, the humidity started to take its toll and a couple of us needed to take some walk breaks. When we finished, we stopped to chat. After a few minutes, I headed back out on the trail again. 

I had hopes for 4 miles, but the route I chose on the single track was 3 miles. It was a good thing because it started to get very warm. Still, I enjoyed my solo trip around the preserve, soaking up the sun and all the gorgeous color changes in the foliage. I also ran into my friend Amy and her pup Greta, whom I hadn't seen for a very long time!

On Monday, I woke up in a world of hurt. With the heat, I didn't want to do CrossFit, so I had planned to ride my bike. What to do? Stay on the couch all day? While it was tempting, I took some ibuprofen and decided to saddle up. I could always come back if I was miserable, right? I headed out early to beat the heat, the kids on bikes, and the inattentive drivers. While this ride was a little slower than normal due to my achy body, I really enjoyed it. I rode past the demolition of Arlington Park where the Chicago Bears plan to make their new home. I had the roads to myself which made me feel more confident, something I had been lacking since my bike crash five years ago. I finished with 25.5 miles and didn't feel worse than when I had started. I am so glad I went!

After a month off due to pool maintenance, on Tuesday, it was back to my zero dark thirty Fluid Running workout. The water was cold, but it wasn't long before I worked up a sweat. Jennifer sent me a new workout, which was similar to the one I did in the live class a couple of weeks ago. It was a good overall return to the pool and a reminder that these workouts are really important to keep me moving!

On Wednesday, it was back to the trails. The humidity was off the charts, so I was moving pretty slowly. I hoped to see some deer since I hadn't seen any on my last couple of trail runs.  I ducked into a less traveled section of the preserve and was setting up my phone for a selfie when I spotted a mama doe and her growing fawn coming up behind me on the trail! They didn't run away and I was able to get quite close to snap a few photos. Day made! I also saw some interesting late summer foliage which I shared on my IG--moving slowly has its benefits!

SJ had a fun strength sesh for me on Thursday. While I warmed up, she rolled out the tire! But first...front rack lunges (65#)--1 lap/10-ish lunges, 4 sets. I alternated those with one lap of 6-ish tire flips, 3 burpees with a jump up to the tire, and 8 (each arm) sledgehammer hits. I found out today that the tire weighs 250#, but dare I say they felt easy-ish? SJ says she's going to pull out the heavier tire next time we do these. The front rack lunges revealed that my glutes need some waking up, which might also explain my struggles with running lately. I'm moving into a power lifting cycle for the fall, which will bring a lot of heavy lifting, so I should be able to get my glutes in gear again. After SJ and I finished, I worked on pull-up negatives on the bar using a band. I felt this one for several days!

It was another cool morning and the overcast skies made it a little gloomy. I laced up my new Brooks Hyperions and hoped for a good run. Three things made this a great run: cooler temperatures, those new shoes, and the glute awakening workout SJ had me do on Thursday. I did stop twice for photos but other than that, it was all running and I finished with nice even splits, average pace 9:36. Don't count me out yet!

I finished up the week with a trip to the lake and a hike to the top of Gibraltar Rock. It was a picture perfect September day, with temperatures in the 70s and blue skies. After that, we met up with my son and his girlfriend for lunch in Madison and then watched the Badger rugby team beat Notre Dame. It was fun sitting with my son and one of his friends on the bleachers while they kept a running commentary going during the game. Moms of sons, aren't your boys hilarious?

How was your week? Are you still experiencing the heat of summer or are temperatures moderating by you? What was your favorite workout of the week? I think mine was my strength session--it was so fun! 

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