Saturday, February 8, 2025

Mind Over Matter

'Tis the season when the motivation is low. The air is cold, the landscape is ugly- at least in the Midwest- and it's hard to get excited about running outside. I've also been feeling super achy this week. It's been a few months since RA has messed with me, but here we are. I'm just trying to keep moving because movement keeps things loose and makes me feel good. I had to dig deep to push myself out the door and even to leave my toasty warm bed, but I didn't regret any of my workouts.

It was all mind over matter. I've been described as strong willed, stubborn, and driven and those traits served me well this week!

Weekly Rundown:
Sunday: Trail Sisters run 7 miles
Monday: CrossFit
Tuesday: Fluid running
Wednesday: trail run 8.25 miles
Thursday: CrossFit
Friday: run 6 miles
Saturday: rest/work/Yoga with Adriene

We got a dusting of snow overnight and on Sunday, I ran with my Trail Sisters on some snow dusted trails. It was just enough to make it look pretty! It wasn't too cold and after running 4 miles with the group, I had to take off my vest. I enjoyed the company as always and the scenery on this pretty trail was a treat. The trail borders the Fox River and we enjoyed views from up high as well as access to it along the trail. 



After 4 miles, the group split up to accommodate everyone's goals for the day. I did a solo 3 miles, which I also enjoyed. While the river was frozen, the little creek was not. There was a spot where it overflowed its banks and I misjudged the depth, getting a shoe full of very cold water! No other mishaps and I finished this run feeling very satisfied.


We started a new 4 week strength cycle and it looked a lot different from the one we just completed. This time, we had 4 different movements to do in 3 sets in 40 seconds or less:
Set 1: pick a weight in which we'd hit failure in 8-12 reps 
Set 2: drop the weight and complete 8-12 reps to failure 
Set 3: drop the weight and complete 8-12 reps to failure. 
 
Movement 1: Dumbbell deadlifts 40#, 35#, 30# 
Movement 2: Barbell lunges 60#, 55#, 55# (my left knee did NOT like the 60#) 
Movement 3: Dumbbell strict press: 25#, 20#, 15# (I failed the 25# on my left side after 4 reps)
Movement 4: Bent over barbell rows: 55#, 50#, 45#

After this, we did 5 sets of :20 sprints on the assault bike. The goal was to be consistent. I did well! After we finished I went to the grocery store and started to feel a little queasy, lol. I guess that means I pushed myself as hard as I could!

I did not feel well when I woke up on Wednesday. My knees were really achy and I just felt yucky. I almost called off work, but after having something to eat, I decided to go to the trails and see how I felt. It was cold and raw out, but I figured if I kept moving, I'd stay warm. And guess what? I started to feel better! My joints loosened up and I made my way around the preserve. I saw 2 coyotes, 1 deer, and a barred owl! No photos though. Like me, they were moving around to stay warm. The trails were a mess--they must have thawed and refrozen, leaving lots of footprints and making it hard to pick up the pace. So I took it slow and enjoyed the ride. So much so that I ran 8.25 miles, just proving the point that it never hurts to try! 


Doesn't it look like a face? What do think he might be saying?

Just like Wednesday morning, on Thursday I woke up feeling achy and yucky. There was no way I was going to miss CrossFit--I'm really enjoying this new strength cycle. So I ate breakfast and did a Yoga with Adriene class meant to calm the body. It helped a lot. By the time I left for CrossFit, I was feeling much better. 

The rep scheme for this class was the same as Monday, 3 sets, 8-12 reps to failure, dropping the weight each set, and no longer than :40 per set. In my case, the goal was finding the heavy weight that makes me 'fail'. 

Set 1: Bulgarian Split Squats: 25# each hand-I could and should have done 30#, which would have been my fail weight. I'll do this next week.
Set 2: dumbbell bench press: failed at 30#, did 25# x10, 20# x 10
Set 3: Hip thrusts: 125# , 115#, 95# will push higher next week
Set 4: Pull ups: 3 assisted, 3 red band assisted, 5 green band unassisted

We followed this with sprint work: a E2MOM x 12 minutes:
6 single arm dumbbell push press (20#)
6 goblet squats (20#)
6 burpees

Goal was to finish each set under :40. Mine were :36, :37, :36, :38, :32, :36. Can you tell which sets were right arm vs left?

Still feeling achy on Friday morning, I debated my run but ultimately decided to give it a try. I could always turn around and go home, right? Fortunately, that didn't happen. It was cold, but I wore the right gear and felt comfortable. I moved pretty well but had to stop a few times to catch my breath. I won't lie--this was a dig deep kinda run, slower than I am used to, but I had no regrets about going. The beautiful morning sky made it all worthwhile. 

Off the Road...

On Thursday, I drove back out to my parents' to accompany them to my mom's neurology appointment. The nurse practitioner reviewed the neuropsychological report which gave my mom an official diagnosis--actually two-of Alzheimer's and Vascular Dementia. I had already read the report prior to the visit, so this was no surprise to me, but my mom was startled when she heard that. She didn't ask any questions and was more concerned about the recommendation that she shouldn't be driving anymore. She didn't understand that passing her driving test at the DMV wasn't enough. The NP recommended a driving evaluation at a neurocognitive rehab center to evaluate her ability to observe and react while behind the wheel. She also needs speech therapy to help her with cognitive skills. She was also reminded to take all her meds and given an explanation of why. It's interesting what she remembers and what she doesn't--I will need to remind her to schedule these appointments. I appreciated the NP's finesse in tackling these tough topics with my mom. I was relieved to have it all on the table, but it is hard to see this happening.

How was your week? Are you battling low motivation? How do you push yourself to move when you aren't feeling it? I won't lie, my week was extra! Here's to a calmer, pain-free week ahead.

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


 




32 comments :

  1. First off, I’m sorry to hear about your mom‘s diagnosis. I’m sure that is really hard for her to accept. I’m glad you were able to attend the appointment with her!

    This is a weird week for me since I was at a conference. I had extremely long days, but I was able to fit a walk in during a break on Tuesday before dinner. it felt so good to get a nice long walk in! We got a bunch of snow yesterday, but I went for a walk while it was snowing pretty heavily. it was so pretty!

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    1. We still have not gotten much snow this winter--hoping to remedy that this week! I'm so glad you were able to get out and walk!

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  2. Wendy, so sorry about your mom’s diagnosis. Your medical knowledge is so important to your family.

    We flew home from Hawaii on Sunday and to Tennessee on Thursday. Here navigating life with my 92 year old father-in-law. Thankful we were here as his credit card was declined due to fraud. It would have been extremely difficult for him since he is almost completely deaf.

    I am in a major running slump, reading your blog reminds me of how much I need to move!

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    1. It's pretty tough having aging parents! We have my parents and my father-in-law, who is 93. This is my motivation to keep moving, lol

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  3. You had a tough week all around. Looks like your RA flare did not hold you back from doing what you love. Drop sets always sound easy but they are not at all. It is dreary out there this time of the year. I am also having some medical issues with my parents. It’s really hard to watch them aging and deteriorating. Hugs to you all xoxo They are lucky to have you on their care team to explain it all

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    1. Thank you so much Deborah-I'm trying hard to stay positive and upbeat. I'm feeling much better today and I'm really grateful I didn't have to take steroids. Sorry to hear about your parents--this is the hard part, isn't it? Stay strong, my friend.

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  4. I just love owls, they are fascinating and its so cool you see them on your runs!

    Well done getting out there, so glad it helped you feel better. Your strength training is intense!

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    1. You aren't kidding! I've been pretty sore this week! But I know it's going to make me stronger as a runner!

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  5. Wow- rough week. But it's a lesson we should all learn- it never hurts to try. So many times we don't "feel" like getting up and working out, but that doesn't mean we can't do it. In your case, getting yourself out there and giving it a try paid off every time.
    I hope you start to feel better. And, sorry about your mom's diagnosis, although it sounds like it wasn't a big surprise. Dealing with aging parents is really difficult.

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    1. I'm feeling better today and had minimal pain. So grateful for that. And about the parents, it's extra difficult when not all the siblings are on the same page~

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  6. Sorry for the tough week. My running mojo is not my forte right now, but I’m still doing it (albeit minimally). I’m glad I have a lot of other things to keep me active. I’m ready for the real spring to arrive, LOL, and summer soon after. Wishful thinking!

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    1. Selfishly, I'd love to get some decent snowfall! It's so pretty in the woods when it's snowy. Then spring can arrive, lol

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  7. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I hate seeing our parents grow old and all that comes with it. I'm sorry you had a rough week. With everything you have going on, and winter, it's no surprise.

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    1. It felt good to be at her appointment this week and to be able to explain things to her and help advocate for her. Day by day, right?

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  8. Oh Wendy, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's double diagnosis. Glad you were able to get out for some runs and felt better afterwards. Hope this week is better!

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    1. I'm so grateful for running and being able to push through the pain. I really think it makes me stronger mentally.

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  9. The news for your mum is hard. Here, once diagnosis is made, the GP has a duty to inform the driving licence authority and they remove the licence. Which makes it easier in some ways. We can access more things after the diagnosis, benefits and support, so of course they push it through as "Mild cognitive impairment" for ages. Wishing you strength for the journey ahead. I also admire your grit on your runs. I'd gone to bed early last night but still wanted a lie in but got out for a horrible pre-breakfast run through basically a cloud of wetness and was pleased I'd done it! No snow though!

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    1. I'm so glad you got out for your run but sorry it was horrible! Mine were just slow--my knees wouldn't let me push it as much as i like. It's been a while since I've felt this poorly!

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  10. I'm sorry you're having such a rough time, both with the pain, low motivation, and your mom's diagnoses. That's a difficult one. How lovely though that moving helps you feel better in your joints! That must be helpful.
    I also feel it's hard to make myself get outside at this time of the year. I managed to go for a walk today only because I really needed to move my legs. Otherwise I follow a routine very closely but never managed to get back on the bike after Christmas... so I need to make a new strict routine with cycling included. For me it helps to mix up some different types of workouts.
    You did some good work in the gym this week! Your session with lunges, deadlifts and the strict presses sounds so tough!

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    1. And Bulgarian deadlifts twice this week! I couldn't help but think of you both times...and will do so this week too!

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  11. I'm so sorry about what your Mom and your family is going through. My best friend has been going through a very similar situation with those diagnosis and I know it's a tough road. Her Mom ended up getting into a car accident, which for sure resulted in her revoking her driving privileges. That is so tough. Sending positive vibes to you!!
    Good job pushing through the workouts this week. You really crushed that Wednesday workout when you didn't think it was going to happen. You're right, you just gotta give it a try sometimes!

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  12. A tough week, Wendy, but you absolutely crushed it! I can't imagine doing 6 presses, 6 squats, and 6 burpees in under 40 seconds—amazing! And all that while feeling achy, too.

    I actually had to Google Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia to understand the differences and what happens when both conditions overlap. Oh dear, that sounds particularly challenging. You did an incredible job getting the message across to your mum, even though it must have been really tough.
    How is your dad coping with all this? It must be incredibly hard for him, too.

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    1. My dad vacillates between acceptance and denial. They don't want help in their home, yet he's not always willing to step up to do what my mom needs. He's content because she's still cooking and cleaning for him. Sigh. We're getting there. It's just going to take time.

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  13. Oh, Wendy, I am sorry to hear that about your mom. It is hard. I understand. I hope they will realize they need help in the house one day.

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    1. She mostly needs help with her meds. My dad isn't always so good with helping her.

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  14. So very hard with your mom. All the love as you navigate that.
    Glad you were able to find some relief in movement, know that's not always easy with RA

    ~ Cari

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    1. I'm feeling much better this week--grateful that the flare has subsided!

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  15. I'm so sorry to hear that about your mom. Those are hard conversations and they are never easy. Im also sorry you're having soreness. That absolutely does not help with the low motivation. I'm so proud of you for still getting out there, even on the days you would rather not.

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  16. Sorry about your mom. I have a friend (much younger than your mom) who also has alzheimer's but she is not accepting and won't take meds.

    You are so inspiring will your trail running and workout routine.

    I get out there but not motivated to do what I should be doing to train for a half. Hopefully I get my mojo back for the next two I signed up for.

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  17. That is such a shame about your friend. My mom is taking her meds, but probably because she forgets what they are for. Memory loss, a curse, but in this case a small blessing, i guess.

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