Better Days Ahead

It's the end of January, it's gray, and I'm glad to see this month come to an end. The days are getting longer and my early morning runs aren't as dark as they have been. The bitter cold we were experiencing has gone away and we're back into the 30s and 40s. The snowpack is dwindling quickly.

It's also race week! Earlier this month, I optimistically signed up for a half marathon--one that I've avoided in the past because who wants to run 13.1 miles in the dark of winter? Thankfully, we've had mostly mild temperatures, and looking ahead to next weekend, the forecast calls for more of the same. So fingers crossed it doesn't rain. 

I'm as ready as I can be for this race--I'm not going to race it, but plan to attempt to maintain a steady 10m/m pace. Let's just hope my tummy behaves and then everything else should fall into place. Sometimes that's enough.

Weekly Rundown

Sunday: run 10 miles

Monday: rest

Tuesday: Fluid Running

Wednesday: run 7.25 miles

Thursday: CrossFit

Friday: run 5-ish miles

Saturday: rest

We were up at the lake last weekend, but the trails were snow-packed with 24 inches of snow. I brought all my cold weather running gear and headed out along the lake for my planned 10 mile run. It was 2F/real feel -7F when I headed out. There wasn't much of a wind and the sun was shining--not too bad! Before I even made it to the end of the street, I spied a pretty sunrise behind the horse barn. The horses were out and they looked so cold! I stopped to say hi to them and one of them walked over to me. The owner told me that they were 'fine' and were waiting for their straw. I said goodbye and was on my way. I spied some snowmobiles heading out onto the lake and not far from that, a woman was out walking with her lab. He ran over to greet me and we chatted for a few minutes. She's a few years older than me and is an avid waterskiier too! I hope I run into her again--it would be nice to have a friend up there. 

I made my way down a steep hill to the grade--a road that crosses the lake. The wind was blowing across the lake and it was cold! But the sun was brilliant, so I stopped for some photos. At 5 miles, I turned around and headed back home. On the way back, my stomach started started to bother me.  I made it back to the cabin, still running consistent paces, and I finished with an average 10:30m/m. Considering the cold and the stomach issues, I was very pleased with this run!

My tummy was still really unhappy on Monday--if I had been scheduled to work, I would have called off. Instead of going to CrossFit, I hung out on the couch with Cocoa and did some continuing education. On Tuesday, I braved the ice storm and slid, I mean drove to the pool for a Fluid Running sesh. I took it easy and didn't dial it up to 11, and this felt really good. 

Then ugh. Wednesday may have brought warmer temperatures, but it was also rainy and foggy. Still a better option than the treadmill, I decided to lace up my Brooks Ghost GTX and head outside. The rain was light and I hoped I could get my planned 6 miles running around my neighborhood. With the bike path and the sidewalks all still covered with ice and slush, I was pretty limited. Somehow, I managed to get over 7 miles before I arrived home. I felt really good on this run and it was just the confidence booster I needed!

For the strength portion of CrossFit on Thursday, we alternated 4 sets of 8 GHD back extensions and 4 sets of 8 floor presses, which are like bench presses only done on the floor. Your range of motion is limited to when your triceps touch the floor. I did 55#. The MetCon was a 12 minute E2MOM of 6 lengths of shuttle runs, 12 DB snatches (alternating arms-15#), and 12 waiter's lunges (15#). The power went out at the start of the workout, so we did it in the dark--there are windows--with the coach keeping time on her phone. The owners set up a Bluetooth speaker so we had music too. Way to improvise!

Friday was the day I should have stayed in bed. But of course, I didn't and I drove myself to the retention pond with the plan to run 3+ loops to get 6 miles. That was the plan. The universe had other ideas. On my second loop, I had issues with my contact lens and lost it somewhere on the path. I forgot to restart my Garmin after realizing that my contact wasn't in my eye--or my hand. Then there was a pit stop that happened even though the bathroom was locked. TMI. 

After my 3rd loop, I got in the car, with no idea of how far I ran, blind in one eye, and mortified at my impromptu visit to a bush. In retrospect, I should have gone back to bed. I had no idea what the rest of the day would be like.

The rest of the day...

My first 3 patients did not show up. I was more upset that I could have actually spent time searching for my contact lens and finishing my run than I was about the lack of consideration of people blowing off their appointments. But a little before noon, I learned that one of my patients had passed away over the night. 

While this wasn't unexpected, it was still very sad. The little boy, a 4 year old, had been my patient since birth. Around 4 months of age, I realized something was very wrong with him. Over time, we learned that he had a very rare condition, one that had a life expectancy of 18 months. Over the years, he would get critically ill but would rally back. I credit his mother for this--even with 3 other children, she made sure that he got everything he needed. She gave him a great life. This week, he became very ill and unresponsive. She wanted to know what made him so ill so she took him to the hospital, and once she got her answer, she took him home to die, his siblings at his side.

I feel so lucky and blessed to have been a part of this family and to have been his primary care provider. The last time I saw him was in November for his annual check-up. He was happy. That warms my heart--that despite his devastating condition, he had a good life. The best, thanks to his mom. I'll see him one last time today, and get to say goodbye.

But yes, better days are ahead. How was your week? Are you warming up as well? Any races coming up? 

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