The Ice Was Singing

Last Sunday, the ice was singing, and once again, trail running proves to be the most interesting way to spend time on your feet! The weather was all over the place this week, but luckily for me, all my runs were done under dry conditions. I was glad to get to do all of them outside this week. By the end of the week, the ice was just about melted on all but the biggest lakes around here.

As I wrap up this week's post, I am sitting on the sofa with my feet up, feeling completely exhausted and looking forward to being out of the office for the next 2 weeks. I'm heading into the city Monday through Thursday to attend my annual pediatric nurse practitioner conference. I'm looking forward to just sitting and learning. I'll be taking the train every day instead of fighting traffic and walking from the train station to the conference hotel on the Riverwalk. The weather looks great for the upcoming week.

Next Friday, I'll be traveling to California to spend a week with my sister and her husband. I can't wait to get my feet back on those desert trails! A change of scenery is just what this girl needs. 

Weekly Rundown:

Sunday: trail sisters run 5 miles

Monday: CrossFit/Strength Training

Tuesday: Fluid Running

Wednesday: Trail run 8 miles

Thursday: CrossFit/Strength Training

Friday: run 6.3 miles

Saturday: rest/work

I met my Trail Sisters early Sunday morning at a local preserve near my parents' house. It was cold (27F) but sunny, and we ran on the loop trail that winds around Lake Defiance in the middle of the preserve. It was quiet--we had the trail to ourselves, and our conversation made the miles pass quickly! We saw--or heard some sings of spring. The sandhill cranes were somewhere nearby--it's early for them to be here, but if that means spring is coming, I'm all for it. The red winged blackbirds were also singing but were not yet in attack mode. But the coolest thing we heard was some 'singing ice'. I stopped to check out the lake and heard some very mysterious sounds, like someone was playing Space Invaders or aliens were attacking. I recorded it but can't post it here, so if you want to hear it, check out my IG post. Nature is truly the gift that keeps on giving!

On Monday, we started the final 4 week cycle of our auxiliary strength training. We had 3 sets of movements and 15 minutes to complete each one. My group started out with the Explosive Power movement, which was 6 laps of broad jumps. I took 90 seconds of rest between each set. The next movement was a Pyramid set of dumbbell bench presses, 8-6-4-2. As the number of reps decreased, the weight increased. I did 25#-30#-35#-40#. Even though I only had to do 2 reps of 40#, I needed our coach to provide me with a little assist. Those were heavy! We finished with an Accessory Set of 20 Goblet Lunges (25#) x 4 sets. 

The weather forecast for Wednesday sounded terrible, and I planned on a treadmill run. When I looked at the radar, I saw a break in the rain! Hooray! I laced up my trail shoes, and off I went, happily splashing through the mud soaked trails for 8 miles. The sun even peeked out briefly before the clouds rolled back in. The deer were everywhere again! And did I mention the mud? I also enjoyed the mild temperatures--it was about 50F. I was so grateful to get all that time in the woods. It was just what I needed.

Thursday's auxiliary strength session followed the same format as Monday's. My group started with Farmers Carries, 2 laps x 6 sets. We had to go HEAVY, and I used 53# kettlebells. SJ told me she thought I could have gone heavier, but I was plenty challenged carrying these. The Pyramid sets were dumbbell deadlifts, 8-6-4-2 reps, with increasing weights. I did 55#, 60#, 65#, 70#. I was thrilled with these, and guys, they were HEAVY! The Accessory set was 4 sets of barbell strict presses x 1 minute. I used the empty 35# barbell and it was HARD. I had to switch to push presses about halfway through due to the fatigue in my shoulders. Good stuff!

When I woke up on Friday, the forecast called for rain/snow, but all I saw was beautiful sunrise brewing! I did my usual out and back on the bike path, and when I turned around at 3 miles, the clouds had taken over the sky. My legs felt heavy from the strength work, I assume, but they loosened up as I went. My last mile was my fastest! There's nothing better than that feeling of flying!

That circle on the left side of this photo is not the moon. It's some weird reflection. 

Off the road...

After Sunday's run, I went to visit my parents. They only live 10 minutes away from the preserve we were at, and I really wanted to go through my mom's medications. I'm glad I did--she had a lot of duplicates, which I combined into one bottle. She had her pills sorted all wrong and was taking them all wrong.  I made a list to help her sort them appropriately. I updated the pill app with the correct pills and encouraged her to look at it when it alarms. Sadly, she won't remember what I told her. I wish my dad was more helpful. He says he is, but clearly, he is not. A home health nurse has been obtained, and she will be visiting my mom 2-3 times per week. When I went out there on Thursday to meet with her, I discovered my mom hadn't taken any of her pills since Monday. I don't know what else to do. 

I also installed the Life 360 app to track my mom in case she gets lost when she's driving. She had her driving evaluation with the OT this week. She passed but with the recommendation that she can only drive familiar routes. We're going to have to monitor this. 

Interestingly, my mom is fine, conversationally. I am so grateful for that. I am also grateful for the wonderful team of healthcare providers who we've met on this journey. They have been very kind and helpful. Unfortunately, I am struggling with her PCP, who doesn't answer my portal messages and seems to be very detached. The home health nurse has been helpful with advocating for what we need. 

How was your week? Any signs of spring? Have you ever heard singing ice?

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