I considered not posting this week, as this is a fitness recap and I don't have a lot of fitness to share. But old habits die hard, and I wanted to start the new year off right. Plus, I had deer photos to share!
I continue to recover from illness #2, aka Covid, and the fatigue is real. After being off work last week for the Christmas holidays, I returned to work on Tuesday, masking while I see my patients. Still not feeling even close to 100%, I limited my fitness activities to mostly easy movement.
Overall, December was pretty much a bust for me, fitness-wise. Because I was sick most of the month, I only had 53 running miles for the month. Total miles for 2025 were 880.
Weekly Rundown:
Sunday: rest
Monday: rest
Tuesday: yoga with Adriene
Wednesday: yoga with Adriene
Thursday: trail run/walk 4.5 miles
Friday: treadmill walk 3 miles
Saturday: rest
Thursday was New Year's Day, and I was feeling well enough to attempt a run to start the year off right. I decided to head out to the trails. The air temperature was 11F, but there was no wind, so it didn't feel too cold. The woods were quiet when I got there. The deer are usually out this time of year, and I saw many of them as I made my way around the preserve. I also saw a coyote, but he slipped into the woods as soon as he spotted me. It was slow going, but I was pleased with how good I felt, and even did a little running!
Off the road...
On New Year's Day, the hubs and I drove to the Morton Arboretum to meet up with my sister and brother-in-law for Illumination, a holiday light display. In years past, we've gone to the Chicago Botanic Gardens for their holiday show, but we wanted to experience something different. It was beautiful! It's always nice to do something special like this for the holidays.
This wasn't one of my more exciting recaps! Here's to hoping for a return to running happy!
How was your week? Did you do anything special for the holidays? How did you ring in the New Year? Do you have any big plans for 2026?
Happy new year! December was so rough with you with 2 awful viruses. I hope you have a very long stretch of good health ahead and get back to running. It’s going to warm up here this week so that must be heading your way, too! I had a decent week with 2 OTF classes and a Caroline Girvan strength workout. I will go to OTF this am, too. I drove to my parents to get my youngest and got a little extra time with them. I had just seen them at Christmas but it was so hectic with so many people around. So it was nice to see them in a calmer environment!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a nice week for you! Here's to a healthy, happy new year for both of us!
DeleteI am glad that you posted because these blogs are about the heights and the lows. We all get knocked down sometimes and it’s how we honor our bodies and recover that keep us strong in the “long run”. When I got the flu last year (for the first time ever I think) it took me 2 weeks to feel fully recovered. Sounds like you are on the mend and will soon be back to your full self. I’ve heard about the holiday lights there and they always look so pretty. happy new year Wendy!
ReplyDeleteThank you Deborah! These weekly recaps are always good reflections on the previous week, and while I didn't do a whole lot, fitness-wise, I worked 4 days last week and that was enough. Fingers crossed for better weeks ahead.
DeleteLike Deborah said, it's important to see this stuff. (You won't, I'm sure, but) I spent 7 weeks recovering from the Covid I had in November, I was so very fatigued and going back to sleep once I'd woken up in the morning, which never happens. I am back to running and gym now but it's been forever and so frustrating. Lots of love and recovery to you x
ReplyDeleteThat fatigue is no joke! You described exactly how i felt--literally wanting to crawl back into bed after waking up. I can't remember that last time I felt so fatigued! Today was the first day that was even close to my normal self.
DeleteWe finished off the year with a house full of company, so I took several days off on purpose. I'm currently on a four day streak, we'll see how long it lasts! We are celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary in May and still haven't locked in on an adventure. Top of the list is a European river cruise but on a slight smaller boat that specializes in cyclists. We would ride about 25 miles each day, exploring from port to port.
ReplyDeleteHope you get back to 100% soon!
That sounds like an amazing trip! We've celebrated 37 years married but have yet to do any kind of special celebration. My hubs does not like to travel...he used to, but Idk what has happened to him!
DeleteGosh, I hope you are back to 100% soon. It is a bummer to be knocked low any time of year, but especially around the holidays. Glad you were able to get out for a bit — holiday light displays can really cheer you up!
ReplyDeleteI was so tired that it felt like a lot! But my brother-in-law kept it lively and that helped.
DeleteUGH. What a way to end the year. When I had Covid over the summer, I missed about week of work, then felt well enough (i.e. not contagious anymore) to go back, but i still felt tired and achy for another week. I remember running was hard. You will get there! I'm glad you were able to get out for a run/walk on New Year's Day.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you posted! We still want to know what's going on with you, even if there's not a lot of workouts to report.
awww thanks Jenny- I mostly wanted inspiration from all of you! I did get out for a run today and also took all the Christmas decor down. This is the best I've felt in weeks, lol
DeleteHappy New Year, Wendy! So sorry to hear that Covid took so much out of you, but happy to hear you're getting back out there. Here's to a much better start to your 2026 than 2025 ended - you had a rough few weeks!
ReplyDeleteIt's been years since I've been that sick--I was surprised at how much it took out of me!
DeleteI'm glad you decided to post! We're interested in how you are doing! I'm sorry you've been hit so hard lately and Covid is exhausting. Take it easy and I hope you will feel back to normal soon. Glad you were able to do some running!
ReplyDeleteMe too! Honestly, I didn't miss running as much as I thought, but i did miss getting outside in the woods. I'm sure that will change as I continue to recover.
DeleteTo echo everyone else, we all appreciate your checking-in and posting, regardless of how active you may have been (or not been). We’re human, and tough times hit us all at various times and in various ways. Here’s to happy healing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kim! I'm going back to the gym tomorrow, so that's a good feeling too!
DeleteHey Wendy, I'm just re-joining the WRD and trust me I don't have a lot to share either. I'm so sorry that December was such a bust. I get it. My whole year feels like a bust. I love that you are still here though and I love that I can come back and the best and most supportive fitness friends are still here. x
ReplyDeleteWe're always here, you know! I hope 2026 is better for you.
Delete53 miles is very decent for a month full of sickness, Wendy! You did well in keeping up your fitness with yoga and walks. That Morton Arboretum looks amazing! Wishing you a stronger week ahead!
ReplyDelete