This post contains an affiliate link.
Here we are again, at the Runfessional. It's the last Friday of the month and I'm lining up with all the other runners to share my runfessions and clear my conscience. Come join us! You know you have things to share! Cleansing the sole never felt so good.
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Friday, June 29, 2018
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Running in a Bubble
I'm fortunate to be a part of a really supportive running community. It's really like a protective little bubble. We all really encourage each other. When one of us trips, someone is there to pick them up. Be it with words or a kind gesture, our running bubble feels just like one big happy family.
Until it doesn't.
Until it doesn't.
Sunday, June 24, 2018
I May Need to Take Up Swimming
This post contains affiliate links.
We've gotten so much rain that I may have to take up swimming. I'm not a fan of swimming. I don't mind the water--I'll jump off the boat to waterski or paddle around in a kayak or SUP. Just don't make me do laps. Running has certainly been a challenge, though.
I did get my workouts in this week. I just had to be a little creative on those rainy days.
Labels:
CrossFit
,
PT
,
running
,
Weekly Wrap
,
yoga
Sunday, June 17, 2018
I Sure Wish it Was Hotter and More Humid!
Could it be any more hot and humid? Wait, Mother Nature wants me to hold her beer...
The weather this year has been really wacky. We had that really prolonged cold winter into spring. Then suddenly, someone turned up the furnace. It was so hot in May that we broke records. While we've had some moderate days, the heat has mostly been turned up to 11. Accompanied by 1000% humidity. I know there are some of you who call this weather "heavenly", but most will agree with me that running in the heat and humidity is not fun. The air is so saturated that running feels like I've got waterlogged shoes on my feet. Maybe I do. While the heat slows me down, science tells us that it really is the humidity that affects our effort.
Since we can't control the weather, let's have a little fun with it. I say: "It's been so hot". And you say: "How hot is it?"
It's been so hot that the birds have been eating worm jerky.
It's been so hot that the trees are whistling for the dogs.
It's been so hot that after my runs this week, I sweated so much the mosquitoes couldn't find any blood.
In fact, it's been so hot, I sweated so much that I didn't even need to work out.
It's been so hot, that I wish for hot flashes so I can cool off.
It's been so hot that it's been hotter than Dean Karnazes' balls after running across the Sahara.
Kind of cringing after that last one. I guess I've made my point. At least I haven't lost my sense of humor.
The weather this year has been really wacky. We had that really prolonged cold winter into spring. Then suddenly, someone turned up the furnace. It was so hot in May that we broke records. While we've had some moderate days, the heat has mostly been turned up to 11. Accompanied by 1000% humidity. I know there are some of you who call this weather "heavenly", but most will agree with me that running in the heat and humidity is not fun. The air is so saturated that running feels like I've got waterlogged shoes on my feet. Maybe I do. While the heat slows me down, science tells us that it really is the humidity that affects our effort.
Since we can't control the weather, let's have a little fun with it. I say: "It's been so hot". And you say: "How hot is it?"
It's been so hot that the birds have been eating worm jerky.
It's been so hot that the trees are whistling for the dogs.
It's been so hot that after my runs this week, I sweated so much the mosquitoes couldn't find any blood.
In fact, it's been so hot, I sweated so much that I didn't even need to work out.
It's been so hot, that I wish for hot flashes so I can cool off.
It's been so hot that it's been hotter than Dean Karnazes' balls after running across the Sahara.
Kind of cringing after that last one. I guess I've made my point. At least I haven't lost my sense of humor.
Sunday, June 10, 2018
My Arches Have Fallen and They Can't Get Up
Welcome to the Weekly Wrap, where all the cool kids share their fitness and racing recaps. Just a quick reminder if you're linking up with us: please link back to us from your post. We've been having a few people drop links and not commenting on either of the hosts' blogs nor any of the other links. Please keep in mind this is a supportive community and the goal of the linkup is to share, empower, and help each other grow. Remember, this linkup is for fitness blogs only.
Ok, now that I've gotten that out of the way, on with the recap! I don't have anything exciting to share, which is probably a good thing. Uneventful is good in my world.
Ok, now that I've gotten that out of the way, on with the recap! I don't have anything exciting to share, which is probably a good thing. Uneventful is good in my world.
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Road Tripping
How was your week? Mine was spent recovering from a very busy weekend. But here we are again, recovering from yet another busy weekend! This is summer, after all. Where the seasons are short, the days are long, and we try to squeeze something in every single minute we can...
By the time you read this, my co-host Holly and blogger Teresa should be finishing up their marathon at Revel Rockies! It was all downhill. True story!! Be sure to congratulate them on their amazing finish!! I'm looking forward to hearing all about it. But first...let's wrap up the week.
By the time you read this, my co-host Holly and blogger Teresa should be finishing up their marathon at Revel Rockies! It was all downhill. True story!! Be sure to congratulate them on their amazing finish!! I'm looking forward to hearing all about it. But first...let's wrap up the week.
Labels:
Bucky Badger
,
CrossFit
,
cycling
,
Madison
,
road trip
,
running
,
Weekly Wrap
,
yoga
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Forward is a Pace
Thanks to everyone who let me have my pity party last Sunday. Your comments and support meant a lot to me and helped me work through my frustration. I'm still trying to figure out how to approach my training and maybe I never will, but for now, I'm working on recovery--both from my bike crash and also from what seems to be an increase in RA symptoms. I'm sure it's all related. Right now the only thing I can count on is the unpredictability of this disease!
Moving on...
Moving on...
Sunday, May 20, 2018
The Universe Speaks: What's This Runner to Do?
"The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you." ~ Neil deGrasse TysonIt's been a rough couple of weeks. Last month, I published a post called All Aboard the Hot Mess Express and I feel like I'm still riding the rails. Even running, which is my go-to when I'm feeling overwhelmed and stressed, isn't serving me well.
But what does a runner do when the going gets tough?
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Back to Work
You can't keep a good runner down for long! After last week's RA flare, I went into full-on defense mode and started steroids. As the week progressed, I really started to turn the corner. While I've still been feeling the effects of the flare, my running gradually improved over the week.
I'm back, baby! For the most part, anyway. Here's how the week went down:
I'm back, baby! For the most part, anyway. Here's how the week went down:
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
9 Ways To Show Your Hard-Working Runner's Feet Some Love
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I am an ambassador for Tabio socks and receive socks as part of that relationship. I received a pair of Athena sandals from OESH shoes in exchange for my honest review. As always, my opinion is my own.
Now that spring has finally arrived, it's time to bare those feet! Are your feet spring ready? I took my socks off to do yoga this week and was a little disgusted by the condition of my feet. Even with regular pedicures, I've got some pretty scaly heels. Calluses? I've got them. I also have that black toenail, which I'm literally trying to hang on to.
Running is notoriously hard on the feet--both inside and out. I've said it before and I'll say it again: when my feet are happy, I'm happy. For today's post, I'm happy to share some tips and products that make my feet very happy.
Now that spring has finally arrived, it's time to bare those feet! Are your feet spring ready? I took my socks off to do yoga this week and was a little disgusted by the condition of my feet. Even with regular pedicures, I've got some pretty scaly heels. Calluses? I've got them. I also have that black toenail, which I'm literally trying to hang on to.
Running is notoriously hard on the feet--both inside and out. I've said it before and I'll say it again: when my feet are happy, I'm happy. For today's post, I'm happy to share some tips and products that make my feet very happy.
Sunday, April 29, 2018
A Runner with RA Gets a Reality Check
After last week's race, I felt like I had conquered rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Finishing that race in a time I haven't seen since before my diagnosis was such a mental boost for me. I reflected on the possibilities. I have been running so well this spring and maybe, just maybe there is the possibility of remission. Maybe there is the possibility of a sub-2 half marathon for me this year. And maybe...well, I'm not even going to go there...
Ok, I'll go there. With Boston on my mind, would a BQ be in my wheelhouse? Of course, that would mean I'd have to run a qualifying marathon. And a marathon is a whole different animal from a 10 mile race or even a speedy half marathon. I know I said I was done with marathons and most likely, I am. But a runner can dream, right? After all, that's what keeps us running.
Silly old lady! The running gods laughed at all this. Inevitably, life and RA slapped me right back into reality.
Ok, I'll go there. With Boston on my mind, would a BQ be in my wheelhouse? Of course, that would mean I'd have to run a qualifying marathon. And a marathon is a whole different animal from a 10 mile race or even a speedy half marathon. I know I said I was done with marathons and most likely, I am. But a runner can dream, right? After all, that's what keeps us running.
Silly old lady! The running gods laughed at all this. Inevitably, life and RA slapped me right back into reality.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Ready for Anything
Well, wow. I feel like after last week I can handle just about anything that comes my way. Fortunately, life was uneventful this week. The weather, however, was not. Are you tired of talking about the weather? I am. I wish it would just settle the hell down but nope, we have been on a wild ride this week, going from snow on Monday to spring and 70 degrees on Thursday, and then back to cold, gloomy weather on the weekend. In all my years, I don't ever remember a spring quite like this one. I keep thinking that the climate has got to right itself, but nope, not yet. I looked ahead for the next month (I checked multiple weather sites) and it doesn't look like anything remotely warm is coming our way.
I hope that's wrong. In the meantime, I'll just resign myself to the fact that I'll be running in the cold. On a more superficial note, I won't be able to model my new InkNBurn tanks and shorts anytime soon. At least outside I won't.
Ok, enough whining about the weather. In spite of it all, I had an excellent week of training! And that's what this weekly wrap is all about. While Holly is away this weekend, I've got a guest host with me, the lovely Teresa from Finding Fabulous at Fifty! Be sure to show her all the love you normally bestow on Holly and me, including linking back to her blog.
Labels:
CrossFit
,
Cubs
,
Girls Fight Back
,
running
,
weather
,
Weekly Wrap
,
yoga
Sunday, April 8, 2018
All Aboard the Hot Mess Express
Hey there!
If you read my Coffee Talk post, you know that my week was pretty much a hot mess. When things first started to unravel, it was distressing, but after a while, it was almost comical! I kept thinking, what next? I was starting to wonder if there was something wrong with me, like early-onset dementia. What made me realize I was ok was my running. Life is all about balance, right? So even though everything was seemingly falling apart around me, I had my good runs and that made all the bad stuff a little less painful.
If you read my Coffee Talk post, you know that my week was pretty much a hot mess. When things first started to unravel, it was distressing, but after a while, it was almost comical! I kept thinking, what next? I was starting to wonder if there was something wrong with me, like early-onset dementia. What made me realize I was ok was my running. Life is all about balance, right? So even though everything was seemingly falling apart around me, I had my good runs and that made all the bad stuff a little less painful.
Labels:
CrossFit
,
hot mess
,
running
,
Weekly Wrap
,
yoga
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Running Out of March Like...
Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate! Anyone have any April Fools pranks played on them today? Isn't it weird having both of those days together? I'm not a big fan of practical jokes. When I was a kid, my sisters and I tried pulling an April Fools joke on my dad by mixing all his socks up. The joke was on us as we waited patiently for him to say something, but it was until about a week later that he asked my mom why his socks were all mixed up.
Anyhoo, in spite of the terrible weather we've had this month, I'm wrapping up what was a fabulous month of running for me. Feeling good never felt so good, and I guess it takes feeling bad to make you appreciate the good times. Running-wise, for March, I totalled 89.5 miles, ran a half marathon, and a speedy 8k! I'm hoping to ride this wave for a while and am looking forward to my favorite 10 mile race in a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, here's how my week went down.
Anyhoo, in spite of the terrible weather we've had this month, I'm wrapping up what was a fabulous month of running for me. Feeling good never felt so good, and I guess it takes feeling bad to make you appreciate the good times. Running-wise, for March, I totalled 89.5 miles, ran a half marathon, and a speedy 8k! I'm hoping to ride this wave for a while and am looking forward to my favorite 10 mile race in a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, here's how my week went down.
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Life's a Beach
This post contains affiliate links.
I started my week with winter giving what I hope was its last snowy gasp and I ended my week in sunny Florida! This was a short getaway, but very much appreciated. Sometimes you just need a break from the everyday routine, right?
I started my week with winter giving what I hope was its last snowy gasp and I ended my week in sunny Florida! This was a short getaway, but very much appreciated. Sometimes you just need a break from the everyday routine, right?
I also impulsively signed up at the last minute for the Sarasota Half Marathon, which took place earlier today. I had some unfinished business with this race and wanted to revisit it. I didn't tell very many people that I was running it, but the few that I did (except for Holly) told me that I was nuts for signing up the week of the race. It's not the first time I've jumped into a half marathon at the last minute, but those races were local and I didn't have a flight to catch home the same day as the race.
I prepared this post prior to the race, so if you want to see how it went, you can check my Instagram or my Facebook. I'll share a recap later in the week. Meanwhile, here's how my week went down:
Sunday, March 11, 2018
Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows
Sometimes I struggle to start these Weekly Wrap posts--when my week is mostly smooth sailing, I don't have a whole lot to say. When you live with 2 grown boys, uneventful is always a good thing in my book. I wouldn't go as far as to say the week was all Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows (Lesley Gore's classic tune is a peppy song and might actually work well on some folks' running playlists if you like happy music). Uneventful is about as Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows as it gets around here!
To tell the truth, I'm not really a Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows kind of gal. I'm more of a It's My Party and I'll Cry if I Want To...But I'll take an uneventful week and run with it.
Let's do this.
Friday, March 9, 2018
5 Positive Ways that Rheumatoid Arthritis Turned My Life Upside Down
This post contains an affiliate link.
I know you're looking at the title to this post and thinking what could be good about having rheumatoid arthritis? Or maybe you're thinking: "she's done so much whining about having RA and now she's saying it's good?"
Well, after a year of living with this diagnosis, I've learned a lot about the disease. I've also adapted to the disease and for the most part, am living the life I lived before the diagnosis. Maybe even a better life, if that is possible.
I'm not sugarcoating life with RA. Yes, the diagnosis turned my life upside down. I take toxic medications to keep the disease activity low. I have daily symptoms of achy and swollen joints. I've had a few health scares, most recently liver toxicity from methotrexate, one of the medications I was taking to control my disease. If I had to choose, I'd rather not have RA.
But in spite of having a life-changing medical condition, so much good has happened over the past year. Sometimes it takes a slap in the face in the form of a devastating health problem to make you see all the good things in life. While the bad days are few, I've learned to appreciate all the good in my life more than ever.
I know you're looking at the title to this post and thinking what could be good about having rheumatoid arthritis? Or maybe you're thinking: "she's done so much whining about having RA and now she's saying it's good?"
Well, after a year of living with this diagnosis, I've learned a lot about the disease. I've also adapted to the disease and for the most part, am living the life I lived before the diagnosis. Maybe even a better life, if that is possible.
I'm not sugarcoating life with RA. Yes, the diagnosis turned my life upside down. I take toxic medications to keep the disease activity low. I have daily symptoms of achy and swollen joints. I've had a few health scares, most recently liver toxicity from methotrexate, one of the medications I was taking to control my disease. If I had to choose, I'd rather not have RA.
But in spite of having a life-changing medical condition, so much good has happened over the past year. Sometimes it takes a slap in the face in the form of a devastating health problem to make you see all the good things in life. While the bad days are few, I've learned to appreciate all the good in my life more than ever.
Sunday, March 4, 2018
The Week that Came in Like a Wrecking Ball
Well, at least for me it was.
On Thursday, March came roaring in like a lion--although if you ask me, it was more like a wrecking ball, actually. While we in the Chicago area had our share of rain and wind, I know we dodged the worst of it. A lot of you out east are digging out from under a fresh blanket of snow and maybe waiting for your power to come back on, too. It was a rough week, weather-wise for many people.
For some us, ahem, bad weather or not, it was a rough week in general. There was a full moon too--don't tell me that didn't affect things. I finished the week completely wrecked (see what I did there?) both physically and emotionally, but with my sense of humor intact. Sometimes, a good sense of humor is the only thing that gets us through life. That, and a few carefully placed f-bombs.
Disclaimer: This post is profanity-free.
On Thursday, March came roaring in like a lion--although if you ask me, it was more like a wrecking ball, actually. While we in the Chicago area had our share of rain and wind, I know we dodged the worst of it. A lot of you out east are digging out from under a fresh blanket of snow and maybe waiting for your power to come back on, too. It was a rough week, weather-wise for many people.
For some us, ahem, bad weather or not, it was a rough week in general. There was a full moon too--don't tell me that didn't affect things. I finished the week completely wrecked (see what I did there?) both physically and emotionally, but with my sense of humor intact. Sometimes, a good sense of humor is the only thing that gets us through life. That, and a few carefully placed f-bombs.
Disclaimer: This post is profanity-free.
Labels:
CrossFit
,
mama drama
,
PR
,
running
,
total body challenge
,
weather
,
yoga
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Calming the Beast In Me
How was the week?
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Running Love
This post contains an affiliate link.
Sunday night I returned home from my weekend whirlwind to Birmingham and the Mercedes Half Marathon. It was back to the cold and back to reality.
Fortunately, it wasn't cold for long. The temperatures warmed up and melted quite a bit of our snow cover. The onslaught of sick children with the flu continued at my clinic. When will it end? Fortunately, I was still feeling the love from my weekend away.
Let's recap the week!
Sunday night I returned home from my weekend whirlwind to Birmingham and the Mercedes Half Marathon. It was back to the cold and back to reality.
Fortunately, it wasn't cold for long. The temperatures warmed up and melted quite a bit of our snow cover. The onslaught of sick children with the flu continued at my clinic. When will it end? Fortunately, I was still feeling the love from my weekend away.
Let's recap the week!
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)