My anxiety level was high this week and it wasn't just due to my impending half marathon.
There was last week's sad news that my young patient had passed. This week, my parents asked me to fix their computer again. Like many of us, they are struggling with many passwords, however, their solution is to keep creating new user names and passwords, which eventually gets them locked out of their accounts. I arrived with new solutions and was greeted by my mom, sporting a black eye. My sister had warned me that on the day before, my mom was on her treadmill when the phone rang. She forgot to stop the treadmill and fell on her face. It looked pretty bad, but she seemed ok when I got to their house.
It was also her birthday and when I set her up for a Zoom call with her high school friends, she asked me what happened to her face. I calmly told her, and my dad and I exchanged worried looks. The next day, I called him to check on her--he thought she was fine, but I urged him to take her to be checked out. I was worried about a brain bleed, and she had a head CT which was clear. Whew.
My sisters and I have been worried about my mom for a while now. She always took care of everyone, including my dad. Trying to get him to step up after all these years has been challenging. I'm the only one who is local, which is also another challenge. We'd like to see them downsize and move somewhere that would provide more support, but my dad isn't ready to give up his garage and his old cars. I get that.
Weekly Rundown
Sunday: run 11 miles
Monday: CrossFit
Tuesday: Fluid Running
Wednesday: trail run 6 miles
Thursday: tun 4 miles
Friday: Yoga with Adriene
Saturday: F3 Lakefront Half Marathon
January miles: 100!
For my Sunday long run, I originally had plans to run on the Chicago lakefront with my son and my friend Frank. But those plans changed because I wanted to attend the services for my patient later that day. I ran close to home, on the bike path. I figured most of the snow would be melted with the warmer weather and rain we've been having, and I was right. Some spots were ice and snow covered, but for the most part, I could navigate around that. Call it an exercise in agility. When I set out on this run, my goal was the same as I had set for all my long runs this year: consistent pacing, around 10 m/m. My first 2 miles were a little faster than that, and I did my best to dial it back a bit. The snow/ice on some sections of the trail forced me to slow down and it all evened out. I finished feeling that I could go a few more miles--something I hoped boded well for Saturday's half marathon!
I was feeling a little fatigued and very achy Monday morning, but I figured that the best way to shake off my funk was to sweat. The strength portion of the workout had us doing those power clean complexes that we did a few weeks ago, 4 sets, building each time: 3 power cleans into a front squat, 2 front squats, and one jerk. I started at 55#, building to 80#. Barbell cycling really makes your heart race! Whew! The MetCon had 4 rounds of 250m rows, 10 push presses (55#), and 10 v-ups. We had 3 minutes to work, but this was a sprint workout, with the goal of getting at least one minute of rest before the next round. It was hard!
After Sunday's long run, I didn't want to do any hard running this week. The plan was to keep my legs 'fresh' for Saturday's half marathon. On Wednesday, I returned to the forest preserve for a trail run. Most of the snow is gone and I figured that while the trails would be sloppy, they would be runable. For the most part, they were. Even though it was cloudy and cold, it felt really good to be back in the woods, and yes, I saw my deer friends!
When I woke up on Thursday, I checked the WOD and saw that it had thrusters. A lot of thrusters. 73 in total. With my half marathon in 2 days and fearing DOMS, I made the decision to skip the WOD and go for a short, easy-paced run in the beautiful sunshine. I drove to the retention pond. I made my 2 loops around the lake, trying to hold back my pace. I didn't run as slow as I had hoped, but it was a fun run and I am so glad I made the decision to do this. 55F in February? New shoes? Bright sunshine?
Saturday was race day! My son and I lined up to run the F3 Lakefront Half Marathon. I'll share a full recap on Tuesday, but I'll comment here that despite being well trained for the distance, was another tough one for me. I had some breathing issues in the back half of the race--I couldn't catch my breath and had to stop multiple times. Fortunately, I was able to finish and was greeted by both boys and their girlfriends! We went out to lunch at Cruz Blanca, a fun little spot in Fulton Market that features Mexican food and craft beers. You know I love a good beer after a hard run!
I got home, took a long hot shower, and then it was out with my hubs for dinner and a comedy show at Zanies. The comedian was Pete Lee and he was hilarious. I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard. I discovered him one day when I was watching Reels and one of his popped up. I thought he was so funny that I watched a few more. If you get a chance to see him, check it out!
How was your week? Did you race this week? Are you experiencing early spring? Did you do anything fun over the weekend?
I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown.
I am sorry about your mom. I know that is hard. I am glad she ended up being ok after that fall. I have some Yoga with Adriene workouts bookmarked on Youtube but have yet to try them out. I need to do more yoga for sure! I love running in the woods, I bet that was a nice run. I am sorry you had a tough race but hopefully you had a fun time.
ReplyDeleteLove the shoes!
The race was so much fun, but I was a little disappointed in the outcome. Oh well!
DeleteAh, coping with aging parents is so hard. My in-laws are in Florida and it’s so hard to know what’s really going on. They seem to finally really be getting ready (mentally) to move to an assisted living place, but sadly it doesn’t look like it’s going to be one up here.
ReplyDeleteI would be so thrilled to be running a race with my son! I’m sorry it was harder than you expected, though.
A date night at a comedy show sounds like just what you needed to end the week.
I suggested assisted living to my parents and it did not go over well.
DeleteCongratulations on the race- it's still an accomplishment even if it didn't go as planned. I'm looking forward to the recap!
ReplyDeleteThat's a really tough situation with your mom. I had a similar (but different) situation with my parents- my mom's physical health really deteriorated, and my dad was just... really bad at taking care of things. Like your mom, my mom did EVERYTHING. I know you're a health care professional so you know what to do, but could she get a neurological exam to see what's going on? Maybe there's a medication that could help? Anyway... I know it's worrisome for you. Good luck with it all- and i'm glad you got out for some fun things too this week. The comedy show sounds great- laughing is important!
She did the whole neurologist/neuropsychological eval thing last year. The only thing she shared with any of us was that it's 'normal aging'. Um, no. But that is my mom, living a life full of secrets. It's how I grew up. So we can only speculate as she declines. Yes, the comedy show was good medicine!
DeleteSorry about your mom. This chapter of taking care of aging parents is a challenging one. Greg was at his parent's house twice this week, helping with computer stuff and helping them purchase a new car. Sadly my FIL is still "confused" on how to navigate all the new bells and whistles. Congrats to you and M on the race! How nice to have fun out with all of your boys!
ReplyDeleteI am beyond grateful for the relationship I have with both my boys and their girlfriends. They include me in so much--and I love being a part of their lives!
DeleteCongrats on your race, Wendy!! So nice to have your son running it with you and then to have BOTH sons and girlfriends at the finish line. And then a fun evening with your husband. That sounds like the perfect Saturday to me.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your mum and dad. It seems like we all at a similar stage with our ageing parents. Last summer, I went to look at a few assisted living places with my parents but they're not mentally ready for it. Would that be something your parents are prepared to do?
Unfortunately no- I mentioned it last week when I was there and it wasn't well received.
DeleteThe aging parents situation is tough. My parents are still in their house, and in over all good health, but I know it's only a matter of time until we'll need to make some decisions on lower-maintenance living arrangements. Sorry your race didn't play out as hoped for, but it sounds like it still was a great day with your sons (and company).
ReplyDeleteIt was so much fun!
DeleteIt is so hard to watch your parents decline and it’s so hard to convince them to think about making changes, Ugh I guess we all have to deal with this. Wow you had a strong January! Congrats to you and your son on your half. It’s fun that you get to run together
ReplyDeleteYeah, that strong January had me thinking I'd crush this half. Sadly, it didn't happen, but I still did ok! Not my worst.
DeleteI seem to write that each race is so hard. Obviously I need to change my expectations. Just finish!! Many my age can't even run.
ReplyDeleteSo congrats on another finish. 13.1 miles!!!!
That's so nice that your sons were there. Yes a beer after is perfect!!
Thank you!
DeleteCongrats on the race!! Yay for a half marathon - that's a great accomplishment! Ugh to our parents getting older - it's so hard to see them get older (that treadmill story! oivey)- and to take care of them, plus your family.
ReplyDeleteI just got off the phone with them again--this computer thing is going to drive me nuts!
DeleteHow fun that both sons and their girlfriends were there to cheer you in at your race. I'm sorry it didn't go as planned, but it sounds like you still had fun!
ReplyDeleteAlways!
DeleteHow wonderful to have such a great cheering squad! That definitely helps. Sorry about the breathing issues, it does seem like you were well trained for the distance, so its frustrating when things like that pop up, but you finished and seems like it was still an overall positive experience!
ReplyDeleteMy ultimate goal is always to cross the finish line, so mission accomplished!
DeleteOh, Wendy. I am so sorry to hear all this. It's so hard to see our parents getting older. We are starting to have some conversations about my own parents, and it's rough. I'm sure the additional strain of the week was not great for your breathing, but that can be so frustrating. I hope you can get some downtime to take some time for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI've got a trip to see my sister in California coming up and I am looking forward to that.
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