Looking for a Silver Lining

I'm trying, guys. This week challenged me more than I've been challenged in some time. Problems at work, the ongoing saga with my parents, wedding planning,...you name it...I felt like I couldn't get my head above water. Sometimes life is like this, and we all need to have a way to deal with it. Mine is running. And right now, I can't run because I'm injured. 

There may have been some tears shed this week--not because I'm hurt, but because I can't run it out. I have a lot of backup tools that I can lean on for cross-training, but when I'm stressed, there's only one thing that works. Running is the one thing that lets me push myself as hard as I can, pound it out on the pavement, and just let it all go. It's been a long time since I've felt so stressed as in the recent weeks--even my Oura ring is concerned--and I haven't had to rely on running as much as in the past. 

So what's an injured runner to do when she can't run? I'm leaning into nature and my trails, which helps a lot. I'm going to do my best to try to maintain fitness, like I did when I broke my leg and my foot. The PT at the gym taped my knee for tendonitis, but she suggested that I might have a meniscus tear. I hope not. I see my rheumatologist for my semi-annual appointment on Monday, so I'll see what she says. I'm also going to schedule with a knee ortho, who I already know is going to recommend PT. I'm a good patient, and I'll do what I need to get back to running. 

In the meantime, I'm looking for that silver lining.

Product Review: SAM 2.0

 Disclaimer: I received the SAM 2.0 device in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.

It's been almost 7 years since I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I don't keep my diagnosis a secret, sharing my mostly ups and occasional downs with this chronic inflammatory disease. Thankfully, I haven't had too many problems with pain or mobility. 

Over the past year, despite taking Humira every other week, I've struggled more with knee pain. When I was contacted by the company to trial their sam 2.0 device, the timing couldn't have been more perfect. I try to avoid taking NSAIDS or steroids, and the sam 2.0 sounded like a great alternative. The device requires a prescription, and once that was completed, I received my unit! I started using it right away, and I could not be happier with the results!

All Mixed Up

I was all confused this week--my work schedule was altered to accommodate my 3 partners who were all out of the office this week. Plus, I had to drive my parents downtown on Monday for a doctor's appointment at Northwestern. More on that below. Besides my work schedule, the only other thing consistent in my life is my workout schedule, and I had to move things around to fit into my days. I got it all done, though! I think that is what kept me sane. I like to think that I'm pretty flexible, but this week I didn't know if I was coming or going!

Is anyone else hearing the Cars' song All Mixed Up running through their head right now? Or is it just me?