Saturday, February 1, 2025

It's Me Time

Before you judge me based on the title of this post, hear me out.

My life has gotten very busy since the start of the year. On the work front, some of the projects I'm involved in have accelerated and are starting to encroach on my days off. One of the meetings was scheduled at the same time as CrossFit, and I excused myself, guilt-free from the meeting to go to my class. My husband's health issues continue. In addition, my parents need more of my time as I try to stay on top of my mom's health issues. I feel as if I'm juggling 3 balls in the air, trying to keep everything going. 

Or maybe a better metaphor would be treading water, trying to keep my head above the surface. I actually do that on Tuesdays, you know 😘.

To preserve my sanity, I've become very protective of my 'me' time. I know that I'm a much happier and more productive person if I get my workouts in. I'm willing to be flexible as much as possible, but conflicts pop up. It feels good to put my needs first and I'm surprised at myself--saying no has never been easy for me. It's a work in progress. 

Weekly Rundown
Sunday: Ice Age Trail Run 5.25m/750 ft
Monday; CrossFit
Tuesday: Fluid Running
Wednesday: trail run 6 miles
Thursday: CrossFit
Friday: run 6 miles
Saturday: Yoga with Adriene

January miles: 90


We were up at the lake last weekend and I was so excited to take my feet to the Gibraltar Segment of the IAT. That is until I woke up and saw the outside temperature was 7F. I didn't pack for 7F, I packed for 20F, which is what Accuweather told me it would be. Well, I decided to give it a try. The sun was shining brightly and there was almost no wind. So how bad could it be?


As soon as I stepped out of my car, I questioned my decision. It. Was. Cold. Ok, once I start moving, I'll feel better. Right? The sun is out, that should help. Right? Sort of. I ran the mile connecting road to Gibraltar Rock and saw a USPS van parked askew in the small lot. It just felt off, seeing a mail van there. So I called 911 to report it. Then I headed up the trail to the top of the rock, thoughts of Seinfeld and Newman floating through my head. 


It was beautiful. The sun was peeking around the bluff and it was everything, except it wasn't warm. It's always breezy on top of the rock and as I tried to take some photos, my fingers became very cold and painful. After a few photos, I picked up the pace and ran down around the back of the rock. When I returned to the parking lot, the postal van was gone. I had so many questions, which kept my mind occupied as I ran back on the connecting road. I did my best to not focus on how cold I was. When I got back to my car, I almost got in to go home. I made a promise to myself to at least get a few more miles. Which is what I did. I was so happy to be done, blasting the heat in my car on the way back to the cabin.


This was the final week of the first 4 week auxiliary strength cycle; Monday was a burner!

Set 1: 4 rounds: :40 landmine squats/:10 transition/:40 marching glute bridge/:30 rest
Set 2: 4 rounds: :40 landmine single leg deadlift/:10 transition/:40 plyo step ups/:30 rest
Set 3: 4 rounds: :40 depth jump (from a box) to high jump/:10 transition/:40 oblique crunch/:30 rest
Set 4: 4 rounds: :40 bulgarian split squat (15#)/:10 transition/:40 swiss ball leg curl/:30 rest

The landmine movements have become a favorite of mine! They target the smaller muscles but feel quite challenging. I'll be incorporating those into my strength work more often now that I feel comfortable doing them. 


Oooh, my legs felt heavy when I started Wednesday's trail run. Monday's workout really took a toll on me and Tuesday's Fluid Running workout didn't seem to help shake them out. I started out slowly, which was a good thing because it wasn't long before I came upon some deer! I'm pretty sure it was the group I saw last week--the doe and 3 young ones, just foraging for something to eat. I stopped to take a few photos and then meandered away, not wanting to startle them. 


The warmer temperatures felt so good and I made my way back to the piney woods, hoping to see more deer of course, but also to see if I could find my GoGuarded ring that I lost a few weeks ago. I had a pretty good idea where I dropped it and sure enough, there it was in the straw. I was so happy to find it! But later in the run, I realized I dropped it again. Doh! This time, I have no idea where I lost it. Sigh.


I finished my run on the main trail, stopping frequently to answer texts from my sister. Normally I ignore my phone, but we're having some issues with my parents and we needed to communicate. My run wasn't the stress reliever it usually is, but it still felt good to be in the woods and fresh air.


On Thursday, we wrapped up the first section of the auxiliary strength training with some spicy upper body work. SJ talked a little bit about the next 4 weeks, which will include heavier weights and sprints. Stay tuned for that!

Set 1: 4 rounds :40 palm facing in dumbbell bench press (15#)/:10 transition/40 single arm banded pulldown/:30 rest
Set 2: 4 rounds :40 tall kneeling dumbbell press (15#)/:10 transition/:40 chest supported row (facing down on an incline bench, using kettlebells (30#)/:30 rest
Set 3: 4 rounds :40 standing banded bicep curls/:10 transition/:40 GHD reverse hypers/:30 rest
Set 4: 4 rounds :40 rear delt raises (10#)/:10 transition/:40 half kneeling band chop/:30 rest

When I woke up on Friday, it was drizzling and there was a heavy blanket of fog. Grateful for the window of relative dryness before the rain was predicted to increase, I headed out into the dark wearing my Brooks High Point jacket, which is neon yellow and waterproof. Best.Purchase.Ever. Because of the fog and heavy overcast skies, I had trouble getting a signal on my Garmin which led to interesting splits--8:51 on my first mile? 10:37 on the second? Made me laugh. I was surprised to see a few other runners on the bike path but was happy for the company. The skies opened on my last mile, so I pulled up my hood and splashed my way home with a smile on my face. Still better than the treadmill and way better than my bitterly cold run last Sunday. The right gear really does make a difference!


Off the Road

My sister flew home from California this week for her annual mammogram and appointment with her oncologist. Everything looks good and this fall will be 5 years cancer free!!! We also met my parents at the lawyer to complete their estate planning. We were so happy to be done with that. On Saturday night, we took my parents out to dinner to celebrate their birthdays! 


How was your week? Are you enjoying warmer weather this week? Have you ever seen something suspicious on a run that made you call 911? Are you good at saying no? What made you smile this week? 

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


 








28 comments :

  1. So glad for the news about your sister. My dear cousin Martin is 10 years free of his non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I know only too well about the interruptions caused by aged parent stuff - we can hardly sit down to watch TV without some phone call or other. Oddly at the moment I've been doing more "we" time with my running; my usual running friend is away a lot more now so I've recruited some more so I don't get lonely!

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    1. "We" time is also very good! I'm glad you are able find someone to replace you BRF while she's away!

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  2. The weather has been a challenge... I'm not one to bail on a run but yesterday I just couldn't finish. Of course today's it is worse .-3.

    I had dinner with my tennis friends. The highlight since I don't play anymore and I only see them once a month now.

    Believe it or not, my gym time has become my "me" time.

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  3. The weather significantly warmed up here in Minnesota this week, so much so that we set our record on Thursday when the temps hit 52°! The warmer temps and sunshine felt so amazing so I took advantage of the mild weather and walked to school to get my son instead of driving. He loved walking home with me so I need to try to do that when the weather allows and when I’m working from home.

    I am terrible at saying no! It’s something I’m working on But it’s a really hard challenge for me. It’s wise of you to protect your me time. That’s how you fill your cup and that’s so important. I’m sorry you’re in a rough spot with your parents health and your husband‘s health challenges as well. That is so stressful - and all the more reason to make sure you’re taking care of yourself!

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    1. Exactly! My workouts are that one bright spot in my day that make everything else ok.

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  4. Yay for your sister marking 5 years cancer free! That is fantastic!!

    I wonder what was up with that USPS truck? Could the person have been out hiking?

    Last year on my run there was a person passed out (I hope) in the grass along my route. Another runner had already called 911 and the ambulance was on its way. I hoped it was a teenager from the adjacent boarding school who didn’t quite make it back by curfew..

    Another time there was a homeless person passed out/asleep in a median. I called the non-emergency number because I feared for their safety — if they rolled over it would be into traffic!.

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    1. I considered that the mailperson could have been hiking but how odd to go there in the postal van!

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  5. Yes, I've found if you don't say "no" then work will encroach more and more on your personal space. It's hard to do though, and VERY hard when you're taking care of aging parents (I mean- most of the time you can't just say "no" to a parent emergency.) So I'm glad you're at least trying to make yourself a priority.
    Your photos are beautiful as always, but brr- that Sunday run...
    I'm very glad your sister is doing well!

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    1. Luckily, my parents haven't had any emergencies where i've had to drop everything. I would do that of course. It's more about carving out time for myself once a day. I'm a much better person for it.

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  6. Great news about your sister!

    Did you hear anything back about the mail truck?

    Well done on those chilly runs Wendy!

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    1. No updates on the mail truck--looks like all I can do is speculate, lol

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  7. That is great news about your sister. I am dealing with some of those same issues with my parents and it is super stressful. There is no reason to feel guilty about taking time for yourself. Saying no is ok and necessary to preserve your own sanity. I’m all for it!

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  8. That is such wonderful news about your sister!! What a relief. Happy birthday to your parents! How fun to have a dinner to celebrate and your sister there.
    Good for you to say no-- we all need to do that more +!

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  9. Saying no is tough! I’m getting better at it, but still very much a work-in-progress.That’s great news for your sister!

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    1. I think we're programmed to be accepting--saying no doesn't come naturally to many of us.

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  10. Whoa… 7F is very cold for running. It’s good that you to prioritise your workouts. How would we manage life without them? Being able to say no is so important. I've become a bit better at it but I still suck at it.
    Fantastic news about your sister!

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    1. I've run in colder temps and it's tolerable in the right clothing!

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  11. I'm glad you finished up the estate planning with your parents. It's so important and will at least take that stress off. I'm sorry everything is happening to you right now. I've been there! Keep up the good work of making your health and workouts a priority. Sending positive vibes for your husband's health issues!

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  12. I’ve noticed that whenever we get together with friends, we end up spending a lot of time talking about our parents! No one warns you that this becomes a thing as you get older!
    Great job on the strength sessions! I’ve never heard of landmine squats before – they look really interesting! I can imagine they’re incredibly effective.
    Your parents look so happy in that photo! How old are they?

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    1. A lot of my friends don't have their parents anymore, so I am very grateful to still have mine! My mom is 83, my dad will be 85 next month.

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  13. I'm so glad your sister will be five years cancer free and that you had such a lovely dinner with your family.

    I've had to call 911 before - I was passing a bus stop, and a woman had dropped off her children by car, and then fell asleep/passed out. She wouldn't wake up by banging on the door and window, and the doors were locked, so I called 911. She was ok... but once the paramedics showed up, I had to go.

    You are right to protect your peace and your me time. It's so important.

    Keep up all the great gym work and running!

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  14. 5 years Cancer Free is indeed exciting. What a nice family photo, I sure see family resemblance. Sorry to hear you've been so busy and stressed, and me time is important when you're helping others. If you don't carve out some me time, you're not as able to direct care wherever it needs to go. Smart on your part. And don't let anyone tell you it's selfish, it's not. It's survival.

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