Busy busy!

It was a busy week for me! Between my new grandson, work, and fitness, my days were full!

Weekly Rundown:

Sunday: trail run 4 miles

Monday: Yoga with Adriene Yoga for Sensitive Knees

Tuesday: Fluid running

Wednesday: Trail run 5.5 miles

Thursday: Yoga with Adriene Hips and Low Back

Friday: 12-3-30 (10-3.5-30) on treadmill (1100 ft, 2 miles)

Saturday: Ice Age Trail Dane County Chapter Hike-a-Thon 14.5 miles/1450 ft

I had plans on Sunday morning to go to the hospital with my hubs to see our grandbaby. I also wanted to run at the preserve. I was out the door before sunrise and went to the smaller part of the preserve, where I hoped to see some deer. Spoiler alert: I did! But not before I found a deer skeleton in the woods. Oh my heart. Seeing the live deer made me happy. I hope they survive the outbreak.

The conditions were picture perfect and my knee didn't bother me at all. I did smell something rotten in a few spots around the woods, so I know that EHD is still out there. My run ended on a positive note. I caught up to another runner, and we ran together for our last mile. She's injured too; she's having knee surgery after the marathon. Hopefully, I'll see her again in the future!

Because I had a PT appointment at 9:30, I hit the trail with the sunrise again on Wednesday morning. And wow, what a gorgeous morning for a run! Besides all the fall foliage starting to pop, I saw quite a few deer frolicking in the woods, which made my heart happy. There were signs that a few more had succumbed to EHD. I didn't go too far--I wanted to save my legs for my big hike on Saturday!

On Saturday, I participated in the IAT Dane County Chapter's annual Hike-a-Thon. They offer 3 distances, and with my eye on miles for the Mammoth Challenge, I chose the longest distance. We took shuttle buses to the Cross Plains Glacial Passage trailhead and started our journey, continuing onto 3 more segments: Valley View, Madison, and Verona. The first segment was hands down my favorite--the trail took us up, down, and around a beautiful valley with amazing foliage. It felt magical! My photos can't do it justice.

The rest of the hike took us on trails and connecting roads, which I mostly ran because hiking on the road is boring. The weather was spectacular, with bluebird skies, bright sunshine, and warm temperatures. My goal was to finish all 14.5 miles in under 4 hours--mission accomplished! What a fun experience and a great start to this year's Mammoth Challenge!

Off the road...

You probably figured there would be baby photos! After my run on Sunday, the hubs and I brought breakfast to the new parents, who were still hospitalized with the baby while we waited to see if his bilirubin came down. He was discharged later that day and has been doing well at home! On Monday, I went with her and my son to his first appointment--he saw the pediatric nurse practitioner--and received the RSV shot. He was so sad, but my DIL calmed him down quickly. I just adore him!

I had my first PT appointment on Wednesday, and the good news is: I can still run as long as I'm not having pain! I can also do most of the workouts at the gym, with modifications. The knee strap keeps everything in place, and she told me to listen to my body. Interestingly, my right leg/hip is much weaker than my left. I was sent home with exercises to do to strengthen my glute and stretch my hip flexor. I go back next week. 

I also saw the orthopedic surgeon/sports medicine specialist on Thursday, which was a completely different experience. He basically told me that the reason I have tendinitis in my right knee is that I have no cartilage behind the kneecap, and that I need to stop running. He also told me I need a knee replacement. While I have no doubt that's down the road, I don't think it's imminent. I'll be getting a second opinion.

How was your week? Are you finding yourself busy this time of year? Did you race this weekend? It's a big one!

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