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.
Oh my goodness, how sad about that little boy. That poor family.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your week and hopefully the weather cooperates now that we are almost into Feb!
Yes, I'm hoping the sun makes an appearance this week!
DeleteOh, that’s so sad about your little patient.
ReplyDeleteThat photo of the barn at sunrise is gorgeous!
Good luck with your half!
Yes--one more long run today!
DeleteI am so sorry to hear about your patient. I cannot imagine what his family, especially his mom, are going through. I am pleased with the warmer weather-goodbye snow and ice! Good luck next weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad it's warmed back up and it looks good into next weekend!
DeleteI am so sorry about your little patient. Taking care of sick kids is doubly challenging emotionally. Xoxo You had some rough weather runs the past 2 weeks and you are more than ready for your half. Take it easy this week and have a great day out there
ReplyDeleteYeah, that was tough, but it helped that I had talked to the mom the day before and knew it was coming.
DeleteOh Wendy, what a heartbreaking story, but I'm so glad he had the best mother to give him the best chance...but still so young. Ugh. Does put things in perspective...though pre-Lasik I lost a contact on a marathon and it sort of ruined the race.
ReplyDeleteI also appreciate your honesty about the bathroom stops! Happens to most runners (somehow, NEVER my husband though- I swear he has a gut of steel ha!)
I've battled the GI issues over the years! I think I have tried every possible remedy but nothing seems to do the trick. Hope it behaves itself during my race next weekend.
DeleteGood luck on your half marathon! I am not sure I could make myself get out to run in the temps you did this week! But I bet the sun made it seem not quite so cold… Losing your contact lens seems like something that would happen to me! Stomach issues are no fun. I am sorry that was such a rough day. That little boy seems like he was such a fighter. Sounds like he had an amazing mom and family.
ReplyDeleteHoping this week is a bit better for you and that the stomach issues stay away!
I had a great incident free run this morning and the sun is peeking out as we speak. Better days are ahead!
DeleteSure Wish I Lived Next Door As I Have No Words , Just A Simple Hug
ReplyDeleteOh Wendy, I am so sorry about your little patient. My heart aches for his family.
ReplyDeleteOur weather has been all over the place - rain on Monday, dense fog on Tuesday, warm, windy and sunny this weekend (highs in the 70s!) with an atmospheric river coming in by Wednesday.
An atmospheric river sounds ominous! Off to Google that one. Stay safe!
DeleteThat is such a sad story with your little patient. I cannot imagine the grief or heartbreak, but it is comforting he had the best life possible, given his circumstances. Fingers crossed these "warm" temps continue and all goes well on race day for you!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like it's going to stay warm through next weekend! Fingers crossed!
DeleteOh dear! That mom and her family deserves a medal for making those four short years happy ones. It really puts everything into perspective.
ReplyDeleteWell done on your runs, Wendy! Looks like you are ready for your half! Will it be on Saturday or Sunday?
Did you ever find out what the matter was with your tummy? I hope it wasn't running-related!
I think maybe it was something I ate, but I'm going to be extra cautious this week! My race is on Saturday.
DeleteOh no, that's such a sad story! Whenever I think being a mom is "hard" I think about families like this. That mom has three other kids, and must have spent a tremendous amount of time and energy taking care of the sick boy. THAT is hard. My heart really goes out to the family.
ReplyDeleteSounds like things are going well except for the stomach issues. I know a thing or two about that! Have you tried psyllium husk? You can mix it in some water and just drink it down in the morning. It really slows things down, if you know what I mean. Good luck on the race!!! I'll be excited to hear all about it.
I do take psyllium once a day. I'm trying Glutamine right now-I've read some really good anecdotal reports about it. I figured I could try it for a month and see if it helps.
DeleteHow sad about that little boy but what a wonderful and thoughtful mother to let him pass in peace at home.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you get some good running done despite the cold weather! I hope the half marathon will be good, with clear roads, and definitely without GI issues.
We're back to 10C temperatures. There was a charity walk & run in town today but only my husband could go, while I'm home mending a cold. :( Can't wait to get back to walking!
i'm sure! Feel better soon!
DeleteVery sorry to hear about your patient, I'm glad to hear he had a good, albeit short life.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your workouts, I hope you have a great race and that the weather stays dry!
It is looking good for next week, but as you know, that can change!
DeleteSuch a sad story...
ReplyDeleteI just love that pic with the horses.
I hope we have some sun in February - this has been the cloudiest month..
Good luck with your race... you will do great and hope you enjoy it.
The sun peeked out a bit this afternoon and it was everything!
DeleteHow exciting to have a race coming up! I hope it goes well and you have tons of fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for the loss of your little patient. I attended the funeral on Tuesday of one of my clients (an 82 year old with Parkinson's) and was so sad. I can't begin to imagine how you must feel losing such a little guy.
Yeah, it was really tough. My medical assistants came with , to support me, but it was hard for them too. The mom was really glad we came, though.
DeleteOh how sad, so young. My best to his family and to you. Hope whatever your stomach trouble was in truly gone, they have a knack of coming back. Good luck with the race. Hope the weather gives you a break.
ReplyDeleteI don't think my stomach issue is every truly gone, lol, I just hope it stays quiet on Saturday!
DeleteOh, Wendy. I'm so sorry. I'm sure you are truly devastated by that loss. Sending love to you and the family.
ReplyDeleteI also hope your stomach feels better. GI issues are so rough, especially when you're trying to get in your run! But, on the bright side, those sweet horses!
Good luck this weekend!
The stomach issues are so unpredictable! Hoping they don't bother me during my race this weekend.
DeleteSo sorry for your little patient.
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better.
The photo with the sunrise over the horses is something of magic.
Good luck on your race!
Thank you!
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