Last week, when I was sick, I understood the need to take it easy. This week, I thought I'd be back to my old self. Instead, the week was filled with ups and downs, as it challenged and frustrated me, my body not allowing me to do the things I wanted to do. Guys, this virus kicked my a**! My self-image as an age-defying, strong woman took a hit as I struggled to return to my normal routine. My body sent strong messages that it needed time to recover; my Oura ring confirmed it with low readiness scores. I finally let my body lead the way, and as the week went on, I started to feel more like myself again. My voice is still hoarse, though!
I spent a lot of time on the couch with Cocoa to keep me company. I did most of my Christmas shopping online and read a lot of books. By the end of the week, I finished my Christmas decorating and started baking cookies.
Life lesson learned: recovery is not linear.
Weekly Rundown:
Sunday: snowshoeing with Trail Sisters 3 miles
Monday: sick/rest day
Tuesday: yoga with Adriene
Wednesday: treadmill run 5 miles
Thursday: yoga with Adriene
Friday: treadmill run 5 miles
Saturday: yoga with Adriene
We got another 6 inches of snow overnight, and on Sunday, I slid drove to the preserve to meet my Trail Sisters for a hike. A few years ago, I purchased snowshoes and have only used them once, so I brought them along for a trial run. When I arrived, the parking lot was still closed, but it was being plowed, so I pulled into the entrance to wait. About 10 minutes later, the lot was plowed, and I was able to pull in. My Trail Sisters followed behind me. There were 5 of us, and one of the women's husbands and dog were also there.
The snow was deep, it was slow going, but it was beautiful. The snowshoes worked great--I moved along much better than I did the week before. After a couple of miles, I begged off, feeling fatigued, but as it turned out, none of us wanted to do the 5.5-mile loop. It was a surprising amount of work, but it sure was enjoyable!
After a mini-relapse on Monday-enough already!-it was back to the couch for me. On Tuesday, I skipped my 430 am wakeup call for the pool and did a Yoga with Adriene workout before getting ready for work. I felt pretty good most of the day, but was happy to get home and put my feet up!
I woke up on Wednesday morning feeling pretty good! I decided to try running, but with cold, rainy weather, I decided to play it safe and run on my treadmill. No need to poke the bear and have a relapse. I set the pace for 12 m/m, nice and easy, and had a goal of 3 miles. When I got to 3 miles, I kept going until I hit 5 miles at the one hour mark. This run felt so good!
And on Thursday, I woke up feeling not so good. I swear, this illness will not let go. I was so fatigued, and once again skipped strength training, did some gentle yoga stretching, and then spent the rest of the day on the couch. But on Friday, I woke up ready to go. I didn't want to risk slipping on ice in the dark, so I ran on my treadmill again, 12 m/m, nice and easy, for 5 miles.
On Saturday, I did another yoga with Adriene session. We were hit with some bitterly cold temperatures and wind, so outside wasn't an option anyway. I'm looking forward to a predicted warm-up next week when I'll also feel recovered and ready to return to the outdoors. I'm sure the deer have been wondering where I am, lol.
Off the road...
On Saturday, I received my patch for completing the Mammoth Trail Challenge on the Ice Age Trail in October. This was number 5 and may have been my favorite challenge yet! Completed in 3 weekends, I pushed hard to get all 45 miles done. I also completed what may have been my toughest segment yet, the Northern Blue Hills Segment in the northwoods of Wisconsin. My youngest son was with me, which made it even more special. On this bitterly cold day, the memories of my miles on the trail warmed my heart!
How was your week? Did you get all your workouts in? Inside or outside? Are you getting all your holiday prep done?
I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown.
Oh wow, Wendy, that virus sounds awful! Glad you seem to finally be on the mend. Sounds like you were productive with online Christmas shopping, decorating, and baking despite your time on the sofa.
ReplyDeleteYour snowshoes intrigue me and I still want to get a pair someday.
Most of our snow is gone, but I'm hoping for more so i can use those snowshoes again!
DeleteWhat a nasty virus! There is a lot of that going around. About 1/3 of Paul’s class was out sick on Monday! So far our boys just have runny noses and nothing worse. I hope it stays that way. I am glad you are getting back to feeling like yourself again.
ReplyDeleteI had a good week of workouts. I went to OTF on Tuesday morning, did Caroline Girvan workouts Fri and yesterday and today I will be at OTF again at 7:30! I figured out that wearing my splint on my right pointer finger where I had surgery last Jan makes strength training more comfortable. I was hoping to never wear it again (I wore it for months leading up to the surgery) but my recovery isn’t as great as initially expected since I also had a ruptured tendon. It’s been so hard to grasp weights so I am glad the splint helps.
It’s terribly cold here this weekend, too. Highs are aprons 3-10 and it’s so windy. I hate this weather so much! But it will thaw out this week!
I'm seriously considering getting outside today. I'm sick of being inside--I guess that means I'm feeling better!
DeleteIt’s no fun being sick and it’s so annoying if you thought you were getting better and you backslide again. Hopefully you’ll be 100% soon.
ReplyDeleteI am behind on holiday prep but trying to get caught up!
That’s a nice certificate for the Ice Age Trail!
It was really frustrating--I just couldn't shake it!
DeleteUgh, I hate it when a sickness won't let go. Hopefully this will be a great week for you.
ReplyDeleteIt's snowing here in Tennessee this morning. I've been running in my trail shoes lately, concerned about slick roads. I was able to pull out my Brooks Glycerins on Friday and I felt like I was flying (for me!)
Yay for that flying feeling! I saw the bike path is cleared--hopefully when Friday rolls around, I'll get to experience that flying feeling too!
DeleteGetting knocked down when you are used to being very active and feeling strong is the hardest thing. We can’t help contracting a virus or what not but we can realize when we need more rest and take it. It’s nothing to be ashamed of but quite the opposite. Taking care of yourself and giving your body what it needs is the ultimate flex. Hope you are feeling much better this week!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Me too!
DeleteWe lost most of our snow with Tuesday’s temporary warm-up, but it came back with a vengeance Thursday evening and yesterday. I’ve been getting outside on the daily, but have been doing the majority of my workouts in the basement. UGH. This winter, thus far, kinda bites,LOL.
ReplyDelete100% agree with you! I did run outside this morning on the snow packed trails but it was so cold!
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