Another Busy Week

Life has been very busy for me this fall, and it doesn't look to slow down anytime soon. I struggled to get my workouts in this week, but I did get a lot of movement in every day. And no, I have not gotten any miles on the Ice Age Trail yet for the Mammoth Challenge. I'm about to remedy that today--if you are reading this on Sunday, I'm in Whitewater earning some miles! I need 45 miles to earn my patch this year, and I have a plan to get it done, even with the limited time I have left in the month. 

It's all good busy, and I'm enjoying it. I just read a quote that resonated with me: "It's better to be busy than to be busy worrying". Being productive, achieving goals, and spending time with family and friends--that's the best way to be busy.

Is This the Real Fall?

What I want to know is: where is fall? 

When I step onto the trails, it looks like fall, but it still feels like summer. Usually, this time of year brings crisp temperatures to go along with the crispy foliage (see what I did there?). Not so much this year. I'm all for a warm fall, but it has been downright HOT. Like middle of July HOT. On Friday and Saturday, we hit 90°F/32C. I was planning on kicking off the Mammoth Challenge with a long run/hike today, but I'm postponing it for a few days.

Next weekend is the Chicago Marathon, and it looks to be a warm one. Hopefully, everyone who has been training in this warm weather will be prepared for it.

Another Year Around the Sun

As I posted on my IG last Sunday, I woke up and I was older. Those birthdays just keep coming. There's not much I can do about that, but I'm always grateful for what this body lets me do! Here's to another strong, healthy year!

Recovery

Much like the week after a marathon, I needed some time to recover from my son's big wedding. It really was like a marathon. I was exhausted both physically and emotionally. 

Friday was the rehearsal dinner, and then Saturday, the big day, which started at 8 for hair and makeup, followed by bringing lunch to the hotel to feed the groomsmen, and then helping my son get ready and take pictures. I went to the venue after that, but they didn't need me for about an hour, so I found a place to sit and read. When the bridal party went outside to the golf course for photos, I followed, taking many of the photos I shared in last week's post. The hubs arrived for photos, and once those were done, we walked to the clubhouse to grab something cold to drink. It wasn't long after that that the guests started arriving for the ceremony. 

I only cried once during the ceremony--when I hugged my son after we walked him down the aisle. He let me hug him so tight--something out of the norm for him--and when I sat down, the tears just flowed.

Time really flew after the ceremony! We were busy greeting the guests; then we made our big entrance! We sat down for dinner, but I was called to the floor to give my speech. I thought I'd be nervous, but I had practiced what I wanted to say, and it went well. My speech was followed by the father of the bride, the best man (my youngest son), and then the maid of honor (the bride's sister). The cake was cut and the party started! 

I danced with my son to Landslide and the bride danced with her father to My Girl. The bride and groom surprised me by dancing to one of my favorite songs, Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton. My son and I had gone to see him about 5 years ago!

The night flew by. By 10 o'clock, I told my hubs I was ready to go home. The party was going strong, but almost all our family and friends were gone by then. The next morning, I saw a lot of photos of what we missed, and it looked like things got wild! My youngest son did a back flip on the dance floor; the groomsmen carried my oldest son around overhead, and another video showed my youngest doing the worm through Tom's legs! I think I can say that a good time was had by all.

I've spent a lot of time this week going through photos and videos. What a wonderful wedding! And for all the boy moms out there, this was such an emotional experience for me, seeing my son so in love with his bride. He looked so happy!

BIG WEEKEND!

It was hard to believe that the time had gone so fast since my son and his girlfriend had announced their engagement 15 months ago. But here we are--wedding weekend! This week was all about last minute preparations and wrapping up all the details we've been planning for the past year! The runs and the workouts continued uninterrupted, though. I would never have gotten through this weekend without them!

The Calm Before...

...THE WEDDING.

EEEK! It's here!

Next week is my oldest son's wedding. All the planning is done and the big--very big--event takes place next weekend. This week will be all about preparing for the big day. I am excited and also anxious! I've been asked to give a speech at the wedding, and I have it written. I'm only working one day this week. My future DIL and I have plans on Wednesday for a mani-pedi, which will be relaxing and a chance for us to decompress. And yes, the workouts and runs will continue, right up to the big day. 

It feels like a marathon, with all the pre-race jitters! 

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer, but there's still plenty of summer-like weather left! We had some amazing weather this week--finally! I enjoyed some really nice runs that made me feel like a runner again. While I worked up a sweat, it was nice not to be drenched when I finished. 

It's my favorite time of year, and I plan to make the most of it!

Staycation

I've been off work all week! I always take a week off in July and one in August because summer is just too short. Sometimes I have travel plans, like I did in July, and sometimes I stay home, like I did this week. I didn't get as much downtime as I hoped, between my parents and my appointments, and wedding planning duties, but there was time for fun! The hubs and I went to a Cubs game (more on that below) and at the end of the week, went up to the lake!

Sometimes it's fun just to wake up with no plans! Wouldn't you agree?

Smoke and Heat

Our summer's theme of heat, humidity, and smoke continued this week. Last week's cooler temperatures felt so good, but they were just a minor reprieve. Wednesday's run felt fine despite the smoky skies, but I paid for it later! I've never smoked, but I had chest tightness and a cough after that run. It felt as if I'd smoked a pack of cigarettes. I do love summer, but this year summer has been on fire!

A Break From the Heat

I returned home on Sunday from Alabama and back to the steamy conditions we've been experiencing for most of summer. But by mid-week, cooler, more temperate weather blew in, and it looks like it is here to stay for the foreseeable future. It feels good and dare I say-almost cold compared to what we've been experiencing. But you'll get no complaints from me.

It was also back to work for me and a return to the chaos of 'school physical season' in my office. Every year, we get phone calls from panicked parents who waited until the last minute to schedule their kids' annual physicals. Believe it or not, we are already scheduled through September. That, plus the continued influx of newborns, had me hopping! It's a good problem to have, but I will be glad when the rush is over!

Fun with Friends

It was another hot, steamy week, but for me, a good one, both on and off the road.  My knee, while not completely silent, has been at least cooperative with all my activities. I enjoyed some friend time, running with my Trail Sisters, and spending an extended weekend in Alabama with Holly and Teresa! It's been so much fun, and I'm sharing a brief recap of it all.

Attack of the Deer Flies

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Oh, summer, how I await your arrival! After enduring months of cold weather, with the arrival of warmer temperatures, we Midwesterners are able to strip off all our layers and bask in the sunshine. It's like being at a party you wish would never end.

But every party has a pooper, and summer in the woods comes with a few uninvited guests: stinging insects. The worst offenders? Deer flies. You'd think after dealing with them every year, I'd be prepared for their arrival. But no, the nice weather of spring and early summer gives me amnesia about my past encounters with them. As a child growing up in a rural area of Illinois, my sisters and I would spend our days swimming in the family pool, only to be stung in the head by one or more eagerly awaiting deer flies when we came up for air. I could just imagine them hovering above the water, rubbing their little arms together in anticipation of a tasty meal. I looked back on old blog posts and found that every year at this time, I write about these awful little pests.  

I 'did my own research', aka a Google search on deer flies. Know your enemy and all that. Apparently, there's nothing to deter them, but besides the super spray I use, there are some things I can try. Wearing light colored clothing can help, according to some sources. Multiple trail runners and hikers suggested applying sticky tape to a hat so when they land on your head, they stick to it. Another suggestion is to wear 2 hats--one forward and one backwards, so the brim covers your neck. I have a head net that I bought a few years ago, but I haven't used it. Don't ask me why. The last suggestion was attaching a fake dragonfly to your hat. Apparently, deer flies are afraid of dragonflies. Remember, this was all on Google, so I know it's true. 

I ordered the items from Amazon, so stay tuned for the results! I also learned that they are mostly evil for about 5-6 weeks in late June/July, when they are biting to find blood to feed their eggs. Ewww. I also found a hilarious essay about deer flies HERE. 

Soon they'll be gone and I'll be able to run in the woods without fear of being bitten. Next up...yellow jacket season...

Deer flies enlarged for dramatic effect

So Much Water!

Not only did we have a lot of rain this week, but I also spent a lot of time on the water. I love being on the water, whether I'm in the boat, on a ski, or in my kayak. I was able to do all those things this week!

I also worked on easing my knee back into running--as you might expect, it didn't go as smoothly as I'd hoped. But I got some good mileage in. The rain didn't keep me inside, although the humidity was off the charts. There was no escaping the water this week!

Back At It!

'One day I won't be able to do this, but today is not that day. Today I fight! ~ origin unclear, but perhaps paraphrased from J.R.R. Tolkien, in The Lord of the Rings. 

I do love a good quote.

Yep, I'm back to running again--slowly and using walk intervals. But it's worth celebrating, am I right? I'm grateful that my injury wasn't worse and that I can get back to doing my favorite thing while I continue to rehab my knee. 

Answers? I Got Answers!

Yes, I got my answers this week to what was going on with my knee, as well as my treatment plan. Meanwhile, with my activity modifications, the pain calmed down to almost no pain--except when I did too much. I mean, 'too much' according to my knee. When my knee starts to bother me, I pull on my compression sleeve, which helps quite a bit. Hopefully, I'll be back to running soon. 

I runfess: It's too hot to run anyway. 

For the past couple of weeks, the temperatures have been in the 90F/30Cs with high humidity. The real feel has been over 100F/40C. It's just gross. It feels as if we are living in the tropics instead of the Midwest. We're not used to this! 

Down but Not Out

This week was all about moving my body in a way that didn't aggravate my knee injury. It helped that as the week went on, the pain lessened. I'm so glad that I'm able to walk. When I first started walking on my trails, I felt like it was taking forever! But as the week went on, I started to enjoy the slower pace. I'm spotting a lot more things that I might not have seen had I been running. And I have to admit that I'm glad to be walking when we are experiencing some of the highest temperatures we've had in years! 

I'm working hard to keep my miles up so that when I'm ready to return to running, it won't be like starting over again! Fingers crossed that it will happen soon.

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?

Playing Outside

This really is the best time of year to be a runner! Or is it fall? I love them both so much. As for all my complaining about the slow arrival of spring, I will grudgingly admit that these cooler temperatures have made for some great runs. It has also allowed me to really appreciate the arrival of all the blooms. I've made sure to get out early to soak up all the beauty and solitude that comes with being alone on the trails.

Can't Stop, Won't Stop

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Yep, the weather has been kind of sucky, but that hasn't stopped me from getting outside and getting it done. I have to admit that even though the temperature has been more like April than late May, it's given me some really decent runs. What would be ideal? Cool mornings and warm afternoons. Wouldn't you agree? 

We're up at the lake for this Memorial Day weekend. Sadly, it's going to be too cool for any waterskiing, even in a wetsuit. I can only hope that it starts to warm up! At least the rain is gone. I'm looking forward to hitting the trails on Sunday and Monday. Check out my IG for the details!

What Next?

Living in the Midwest, we're used to wild weather swings. This past week was off-the-charts bonkers. Considering what we've experienced this year so far, that's saying a lot. It was record-breaking warm, so wild weather was to be expected, but a DUST STORM? That was a first for me. I'm glad I wasn't outside when it blew in. I wear hard contacts, and when dust gets in my eyes, it's a very painful experience. Back in the day when my boys played baseball and the bored players kicked up the dust on the diamond, I'd have to run to the car with my eyes closed to avoid the dreaded contact attack. IYKYK

Anyhoo, the dust storm was weird. I wondered if the locusts were next. Is it the end of times? Not to get all deep and philosophical, but fellow Midwesterners have to agree, we've been subjected to some really extreme conditions these past couple of years. Mother Nature's got some splaining to do.

Meanwhile, today we're in the 50s, after breaking records for highs in the 90s just 2 days ago. The wind continues to blow. Dare I ask: what next?