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!
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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.
I do miss conferences. I've loved learning new things.
ReplyDeleteCalifornia? How exciting. Can't wait to hear about the fun you have.
No signs of spring here!!!
Signing ice??? I need to check that out.
Not signing ice. Singing. lol. Probably one of the coolest nature things I've experienced! We were talking about it on our run this morning.
DeleteLOL - typo but it does sound cool.
DeleteI am so sorry to hear your mom’s PCP is detached and unresponsive. That is so challenging. I’m glad the home health nurse has been advocating on her behalf and can help out with medication compliance and such.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad you had great weather this week for runs, though! We got so much snow and now there’s quite a bit of ice on the sidewalks so it’s a bit treacherous out there. I went for a nice long walk yesterday and had to be really careful about where I was stepping. I’ll wear my trail shoes today so I will have a bit more traction!
Enjoy your conference in the city this week! I love being In the Riverwalk area! I always stay at the Renaissance Hotel on State Lake. I love it when my schedule will allow for me to get a run in along the river and lake!! Chicago is such a great city for running! Unfortunately, I don’t get there as much as I used to since I’m traveling and other parts of the country but I’ll be back there in July so I’m looking forward to hopefully getting in a run or two while I’m there! I know you worked in healthcare, but I didn’t know you were a pediatric nurse practitioner. Have we seen a lot of pediatric nurse practitioners for my boys between their ear infections and strep throat and such!!! They seem to have my crappy immune system. My youngest tested + for strep this weekend. He’s had it several times since Thanksgiving so now I am feeling even more confident about our decision to remove his tonsils between the recurrent strep and other symptoms he has.
I've been seeing a lot of kids with recurrent strep this winter. There's no resistance to penicillin (amox), so we're all kind of baffled by it. Strep has not been behaving, that is for sure!
DeleteYou and I will be crossing the country going in opposite directions this week! I'm heading back to Tennessee on Thursday. Les was in Chicago last week for a conference and is already there. Enjoy California!
ReplyDeleteIt was really cold here this week - dipped under 40 a couple of times. That's January weather for us! But it was a sunny and in the 70s yesterday.
We put Life360 on my father-in-law's phone but it's useless when he won't take his phone with him. Still working on teaching that old dog a new trick.
We're going to get an AirTag for my mom's car keys, which will help as well. Have fun in Tennessee!!!
DeleteYour photos from trail running are so gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteToo bad your conference in the city didn’t align with my trip last week. A week with your sister sounds fantastic.
Ugh on your Mom and her meds. That is a tough situation.
You win for the most interesting blog post title this week! No singing ice around here. Sounds like you had a great week of runs and strength.
ReplyDeleteThat's a frustrating situation with your parents. Basically you have to monitor all these things with your mom, but it's hard to do that when you don't live there. Yes, it's too bad your dad can't help more. I know it puts extra stress on you.
I'm very excited for your upcoming vacation! I remember all the incredible photos of trail runs from last time. Enjoy your conference week.
I have to credit Stevie Ray Vaughn's song 'The Sky is Crying' for the title, lol. It was the craziest thing!
DeleteYay for two weeks off—enjoy every minute, Wendy! 🙌
ReplyDeleteI’ve never heard of singing ice before. The only sound I’ve ever heard from ice was the deep, echoing cracks near a glacier in the Swiss Alps during summer. That was eerie enough—singing must be something else entirely!
Your Farmer’s Carry is impressive! 53 pounds per side is awesome. How far was a lap? The last time I did one, I managed just 24 pounds per side for 100m, and that felt plenty challenging! 😅
Our laps are 100m too, so there you go! It was the heaviest I've ever done, no doubt!
DeleteOur ice makes loud cracks and pops--it's always unnerving being out on the lake when it does that. But this is the first time i've ever heard ice sing! It was very very cool.
I’ve never heard of singing ice, but it sounds like a neat thing to experience. Sorry for all the frustrations with your parents’ situation. Thankfully, I’m not there yet, but I can see it on the horizon…
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't wish this on anyone. But i'm here if you need guidance.
DeleteEnjoy your learning and your visit to your sister. I'm glad you've got someone going in to check on your mum, the medications thing is so hard, isn't it.
ReplyDeleteIt really has been difficult.
DeleteAll those medication issues must be so stressful. That's great that there will be a nurse to help!
ReplyDeleteYour strength training this week is impressive! I can't imagine doing 20 kg dumbbell presses even with assistance! Well done indeed. And I can't imagine how to do a dumbbell deadlift. Is it an RDL? Or regular from the floor? That must be so hard!
I've heard ice singing! That was a sign of spring when I was young. I grew up in Sweden in a region where the winter is real winter with snow and all, and I loved that sound of ice breaking.
Yay!!! I am glad I am not the only one who has heard singing ice, lol. It is very fun to listen to, isn't it?
DeleteI would say the the DB deadlifts are similar to RDLs. You pick them up and hold them at your side and and bend forward, tapping the heads of the DBs to the floor. They are way harder than barbell deadlifts. I was very proud of these!!
Sounds like you have a lot going on with your parents. Mine are also starting to decline physically but mentally we are good. It’s really hard. Hope you are able to distract yourself a bit this week at your conference and your trip to CAli
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt the change of scenery will be helpful! Taking the train will be nice too, I can read and just chill.
DeleteI've never heard of singing ice, wow. Enjoy your travels!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteIt sounds like your next two weeks are going to be quite fun. Enjoy the desert! I can't wait to return in June.
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait!
DeleteOh, Wendy. I'm so sorry for all you are dealing with. Your parents are so lucky that you have the knowledge and education to help them as well as you do, too. That doesn't make it any less of a stressor and I'm sending big hugs.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard or heard of singing ice. It sounds amazing.
It was really a cool phenomenon! I'm not sure if I will ever hear it again!
DeleteI hope your travels are going well. I'm envious of how active you are! I don't feel like I've recovered 100% from my Achilles tendon surgery almost a year ago. But I am happy with any run that I can do, no matter how slow or how often I take breaks and walk. I do love being out and moving.
ReplyDeleteThat's a tough one to come back from! Just keep doing what you can!
DeleteGlad you're seeing signs of spring. Sounds like getting away for both professional development and a visit with your sister will be very enjoyable. You got some good shots. Safe travels, you'll no doubt have some good pics for us on your return.
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying my time in California as we speak! I'll have a long recap coming up on Sunday!
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