Coasting Towards Year End

The nice thing about having no race plans is that I can just run. I used to love having a training plan with miles to accomplish, but I feel differently now. I'm enjoying my retirement from long-distance racing, and my knees are grateful for that, too. I saw my rheumatologist and my internist last week for checkups and both of them expressed amazement that I'm still running at my age and with RA; my annual mileage made my rheumatologist shake her head. I've been running so long that my body just dials in and lets me do my thing. I still lean on running to keep me sane, which has come in handy during this year's end craziness.

As long as I can run, everything else will fall into place. 

Weekly Rundown

Sunday: trail run 6 miles

Monday: CrossFit

Tuesday: Fluid Running

Wednesday: trail run 6.75 miles

Thursday: CrossFit

Friday: run 6.2 miles

Saturday: yoga

There were only 3 Trail Sisters for our weekly run on Sunday morning, but judging by the weather, I understand! It may have been warmer-40F- but it was really foggy and damp! Personally, I like the fog--it changes how everything looks and makes for some really interesting photos. We had a nice run around the preserve, stopping at one point to admire trinkets that were hanging on one of the dedication benches. While we were stopped, a man ran by and tapped the bench. He stopped to tell us that it was his son's bench. His son passed away at the age of 21 five years ago. He told us that he runs by there every day to say hello to his son. My friend and I reflected on the timing of the encounter and felt very moved by our experience.

Monday was max-out day for back squats. I knew I wouldn't be able to hit my 1 RM of 160# from 2020, but I am inching closer. My goal for this lift was 145#, which I lifted easily. My next lift was 147.5#. I loaded up the bar to 150# and asked for spotters. I don't know if it was the presence of the spotters or the nervousness of pushing to 150#, but I failed on the lift. Reviewing my video--my feet were too close together and I let my core go when I got to the bottom of the lift. I always seem to get in my own way. But I can't be disappointed--I pushed myself farther than I expected!

I headed to the trails Wednesday morning, dressed for a chilly (27F) run. The sun was out when I started, which helped make it seem warmer! There was a dusting of snow, just enough to make everything pretty! My goal was to do this run on the single tracks, hoping to hit 7 miles. There's a section along the lake that is impassible in the summer-it's clogged with buckthorn--but since everything has receded with the cold, I decided to give it a go. Lots of deer prints meant that the trail was wide enough for me! I did see a few deer in the woods as well as the old TV that someone dumped in the creek. It's been there for years and every time I see it, it makes me wonder who would go to the trouble to carry that heavy picture tube into the woods like that. 

More interesting spotting included some Eastern Bluebirds. I had no idea they were here in the winter! I also spotted this unusual appendage on a tree in the woods. Maybe you think I'm immature, but it made me laugh. Remember, I spend my days with children. Ahhh, nature!

Thursday was max-out day for bench presses. My 1 RM, which I hit two weeks ago was 90#. I'm not sure why, but when I calculated my lifts, I thought it was 95#. So my goal was to pass that. When I hit 95# this time, it felt hard but I thought I could go a little higher. I added 2.5#, but nope, my body wasn't having it. I rested for about 10 minutes and tried again, but couldn't get the bar back up to the rack. I was happy with my results. I'm inching closer to that goal of 100#!

On Friday, I woke up to about two inches of fresh snow! It was warm—32F—but there was a brisk wind. I was excited about a snow run! The bike path wasn't cleared, so my run took a little more effort than usual. No worries--I was wearing my Brooks Goretex Ghosts, which kept my feet nice and dry. I was just happy to have a run in the snow!

Off the Road

After three fun years, it's time to say goodbye to the Brooks Running Collective/Run Happy Team. It was an amazing experience and I still can't believe I got to be a part of it. I am sad that it's over, but I feel so fulfilled about all the fun and friendship I had. Brooks' mission is that running is all-inclusive and the team represented people from all walks of life, including us 'older' runners. The free gear was the icing on the cake, but it was the experiences and the camaraderie that will stay with me. I recapped my time with Brooks as best as I could with a reel on IG.

On Sunday afternoon, I went to the gym for the second Women's Health Series class. The topic was Pelvic Floor Health. Four years ago,  I went to a pelvic health specialist for SI joint dysfunction. Did I need to go to this class? Of course I did! The PT who presented was amazing. For 2 1/2 hours, she provided information, without filter or judgment, about everything pelvic health, including incontinence, pain, constipation, organ prolapse, and more. The information I learned will also be beneficial to my young patients who are struggling with urinary and GI issues. I am so grateful to be part of a fitness community that values women's health because modern medicine has a long way to go!

A couple weeks ago, I shared an AI-generated photo and asked about your feelings about AI. This week, I started using AI to generate my notes in my clinic. Eeek! I wasn't sure I wanted to try it but thought I'd give it a go. After all, I don't want to be that old person who is resistant to new technology! For now, I'm only using it to gather the patient's history while I get more comfortable with it. It's been interesting and a little frustrating. The technology has the ability to filter out small talk, but it's not always good at determining what is pertinent vs. conversational. Some of the language it uses is more formal than mine. I'm hoping over time, the technology will learn my 'style'. I like that this allows me to focus more on the patient and less on my screen. We'll see how it goes!

How was your week? How do you stay sane during the busyness of the holidays? Do you ever stop at dedication benches or think about the circumstances behind the dedication? Have you ever gone to a pelvic health specialist? Are you ready for the holidays?

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