tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208526922024-03-23T10:52:34.561-07:00Adventures in RunningMachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501112346373290154noreply@blogger.comBlogger281125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-81958514987545362972023-11-26T19:02:00.038-07:002023-11-28T19:17:57.145-07:00Hieroglyphic Trail HikeThis morning was a bit of cross training by way of a 3 mile hike with some friends. We hiked the Hieroglyphic Trail, which is one I've hiked quite a few times over the past several years. I enjoy it a lot and it's just the right amount of challenge for me. It felt really good to be out getting some exercise. <b>Finally!!</b> I'm so glad our temps have finally cooled off.
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Here are some photos along the way:
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And my Apple Watch info for the hike:
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<i>Until this year's!</i>
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Man oh man! I got my shot a week ago Friday. I felt like crap all day Saturday and most of Sunday. Even after I felt mostly back to normal, I have had a weird lingering pain in my ankles while walking. I didn't think it was smart to push my limits and try to run while I was feeling like that, so I've had an unintentionally long break from the comeback. I <b>REALLY</b> want to be able to continue running indefinitely so I'm being overly cautious and taking it slow.
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<b><i>The catch is not too take it so slow that I stall out and unintentionally quit again!</i></b>
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Because I've been known to do that. A valid reason for a break goes on too long and turns into an excuse to be lazy, and before I know it a week or two off turns into a month or two and then I just never come back to it.
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My ankles are starting to feel better, though. I did a lot of walking yesterday and they were only bothering me a little compared to what they were before. It's odd because it only hurts while I am walking, not as soon as I stop, even if I am standing.
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This year I got the Moderna vaccine, while all the rest were Pfizer. I'm wondering if that's what caused the stronger reaction this time. Regardless, I'm mostly just popping on to say I'm still here and haven't quit yet! And to keep myself in the habit of blogging since I'm trying to get myself back into the swing of it again.
Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501112346373290154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-17269624173767418162023-11-08T11:06:00.000-07:002023-11-08T11:06:25.198-07:00Taking it OutsideI did my first outdoor run this morning for this comback attempt! I'm fortunate to live close to both a small park and the canal system. The park isn't large but it does have a dirt path through it that I think would work for a short run. The canal system has a very nice paved recreational track along it that people use for running, walking, and biking. They system is quite extensive and goes for miles and miles. I am within easy walking distance of two branches of it, with one being just a bit closer than the other.
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Today I didn't plan on running too far, just a mile-ish, so I opted for the closest branch of the canal. It's a route I'm familiar with as I've walked it often with one of my little goobers. I know the route door to door is a little under 2 miles, so I knew I'd get my mile in along the canal path if I walked to the start of it and then began running. I ended up running 1.29 miles wth the rest as a walking warm up/cool down.
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When I started out I felt like I was barely moving, so I picked up my pace. However, I could quickly tell by my breathing that I was running faster than I thought I was. I looked down at my watch and I was running a 10:21 min/mile pace, which I know is waaaay too fast for me! I slowed down a bit and felt much more comfortable. Of course, I forgot to put on my knee braces, but luckily my knees felt fine once I got going.
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There were a few other runners out, along with a few walkers and bikers. I really enjoy seeing the other runners, though. I guess it just gives me a sense of comradery and community seeing them. Us runners are a breed all to our own!
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I did quickly realize that I need to purchase something new for water and my phone. Years and years ago, I bought a fuel belt since it was the thing back in the day. It served it's purpose but I never really liked it. When I started running again in 2013, I ended up buying a hand held <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-hair-is-always-first-to-go.html" target="_blank">bottle/phone holder</a> that I really liked but phones have gotten larger over the past 10 years and my phone doesn't fit in the pocket. I ended up just tucking it in the waistband of my pants but it wasn't exactly comfortable. I do own a camelbak and I will probably end up trying that if I end up actually getting up into higher miles, but for short runs I need something else. I guess I'm off to see how much running stuff has changed in the last 10 years!
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Here is the data from my watch:
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(I've started only recordng my actual running time on my watch so my splits are more accurate.)
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Temp: 65° F
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And a photo along the canal...
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And of me near the end of my run...
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I can't actually remember the last time I went hiking, but it definitely was sometime during the pandemic. I've pretty much been in survival mode the past couple of years and I'm finally coming out of it. It feels really good for things to be returning to a new normal and to be resuming some of the activities I enjoy! It made me happy to be out in nature getting some exericise!
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Here are a few photos from the hike:
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And my Apple Watch workout info for the hike:
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As I said, it was a leisurely hike so I didn't exactly work too hard. My dogs do pretty well with hiking but they definitely aren't speedy about it, so anytime they're along it's slow going.Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501112346373290154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-22630203263352198992023-11-03T20:16:00.001-07:002023-11-03T20:17:39.226-07:00Scooby Dooby Doo, Where Are You?So, I did sign up for the <a href="https://www.theconqueror.events/scoobydoo/" target="_blank">Scooby Doo Challenge</a>. I have always loved Scooby Doo and I think the challenge is just enough motivation to keep me running so I can find out what is next along the course. It lets you set your own finish time frame so I picked 13 weeks as my goal (February 1, 2024). That works out to an average of 3.85 miles/week, which seems very doable. Even if my knees don't let me increase my distances very much, I think I should be able to do a mile or two a few times a week. I'm only counting running miles toward the challenge to keep me true to my actual goal of trying to get back into running.
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Today was the first day I've been back on the treadmill since <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2023/10/halfway-through-my-work-day-yesterday-i.html" target="_blank">Tuesday</a>. It was a crazy work day so I came home and took a short nap. I didn't have much ambition when I woke up. However, I'm really trying to make some positive changes in my life and I knew I'd feel better mentally if I got on the treadmill than if was lazy all evening. So, I told myself I only had to run 1 mile. Giving myself permission to stop after making a small effort is often the push I need to get myself to do something I'm not in the mood to do, and most of the time I end up doing more. Today I ran 1.77 miles. There was nothing eventful about the run, except knocking out one of my airpods and sending it flying when it landed on the treadmill. It took me a little bit to get going since I wasn't necessarily feeling it, but once I got going all was well.
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Here are the splits, etc from my watch (Again, I doubt the accurracy. How about if we just let that be a forgone conclusion about every indoor run going forward, shall we?):
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmILqZSXyA9vIQE_WJMfMP61FqbHJArK4PMNROoZc6ZXAqPiw8rmx-RMKVrM-GdeRAjdmX3s9RRQOTReFCX31YUQM9sKjm-ArGzOJbQz_c3pXPwluW0yjLFhF3IIrrKtg2EobMKFGmSgXxtF_UrWKrlwZrwly2t0mzMpqjwfld8dkI_ZaM_ox/s1875/IMG_7562.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmILqZSXyA9vIQE_WJMfMP61FqbHJArK4PMNROoZc6ZXAqPiw8rmx-RMKVrM-GdeRAjdmX3s9RRQOTReFCX31YUQM9sKjm-ArGzOJbQz_c3pXPwluW0yjLFhF3IIrrKtg2EobMKFGmSgXxtF_UrWKrlwZrwly2t0mzMpqjwfld8dkI_ZaM_ox/s600/IMG_7562.jpeg"/></a></div>Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501112346373290154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-72200616344190404832023-10-31T20:12:00.002-07:002023-11-03T20:19:09.582-07:00Another Run DoneHalfway through my work day yesterday I was full of energy and was planning on coming home to hop on the treadmill, but by the time the day actually ended I was completely exhausted. Instead, I ended up coming home and sitting in my recliner, staring at my phone until it was late enough to go bed and stay asleep until morning. Luckily I had a bit more energy this evening and it didn't take too much effort to get on the treadmill for a short 2 mile run.
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I have to say the run wasn't the greatest. At the beginning I was struggling to get into a rhythm that felt good and I was teetering on the edge of a mild panic attack. My breathing felt a bit labored right off the bat and I had on my over the ear Bose headphones, which I normally prefer to wear during exercise, but every once in a while they contribute to the feelings that set off the panic attacks. However, I didn't give into those feelings. I've learned over time that the more I give into the early hints of a panic attack, the more I actually have. I'm better off riding it out and trying to talk myself down before it actually happens, which I can do about 90-95%% of the time now.
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So, I opted to take a quick little break to switch out my headphones for my airpods and to get myself a piece of <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2006/03/anybody-have-stick-of-gum.html" target="_blank">gum</a>, both of which instantly helped and I was fine the rest of the run. I settled in and was able to finish the rest of the 2 miles.
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I've also still been thinking about what I want to do to try to get into some sort of a running routine and I came across <a href="https://www.theconqueror.events/scoobydoo/" target="_blank">this</a>. I'm thinking about maybe singing up to do it and only counting my running miles toward the 50 mile goal. I'm just trying to get a week or two of running under my belt to see what kind of a time frame might be reasonable and how my knee(s) are going to hold up. (I did wear my knee brace on my left knee today and it felt fine when I was done. My right knee seemed slighly cranky about the whole thing but now it seems fine, too.) It does let you pick your start date, so I could pick the date of my <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2023/10/first-official-run.html" target="_blank">first official run</a> and go from there.
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I'm also trying to decide if I am going to be disciplined enought to get the miles in if I just randomly run whenever I feel like it or if I need to come up with a 'training' schedule even if I'm not training for anything. I'm afraid that if I don't have a schedule to follow I'm not going to stick with running as consistantly as I would like.
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Again, I think the splits are probably a bit off but it's what I have to go by so it is what it is:
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After my <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2023/10/first-official-run.html" target="_blank">first offical run</a> a few days ago, I decided that I don't want to do a couch to 5K program. I realized that I'm further ahead than I thought I would be and I think I will find the program a bit too easy. I'm not a big fan of walk/run intervals and that's what I remember the program being like. I find it hard to pick back up to running after I slow to a walk. I tend to prefer running as slow as I have to to keep going as long as I can, or maybe go really slow to give myself a break and then speed back up, but if I slow to a walk I'm usually done.
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I've been eyeing some virtual races with fun metals, but that kinda feels like I'm just buying a metal. Of course, I'd run the miles but I struggle with what makes it a 'race' versus any other random run. I did two virtual races back in 2020 but didn't quite get the appeal. At least one of them was supposed to be ran on a specific day but the other was just a run it whenever race. It just doesn't feel the same as an actual in person race and without the specific race date as a deadline it's not the same motivation to stay on track with training.
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So, I guess that leaves signing up for an actual in person race. I haven't done any research to see what upcoming races are in my area, but I imagine I could find one what would be doable. Our temperatures are cooling off and I'm seeing mention of a lot of races in the local running groups I've joined on Facebook. The issue with an in person race isn't the availability of options or time to train for a race, it's my headspace and where I am in my life right now. The post-divorce haze has had me in hibernation mode for the better part of the last year. I almost never leave my house except to go to work or to the rare appointment. Most of the time tackling the grocery store sounds like more than I'm up for dealing with and I schedule curbside pick up. And I honestly don't know if I have the motivation to get myself to actually show up to a race right now. I can 100% see myself signing up for a race, training for it, and then talking myself out of actually going to run it the morning of the race.
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As I said, I've signed up for two local running groups on Facebook. I'm not sure one of them is going to be a fit. It seems like a close knit group of people who have been running together for a long time and their distances are drastically longer than what I could do now. Even back in the day, I think I'd struggle to hang with them. The other group seems more my speed, no pun intended, but so far every run they have scheduled is insanely early. Most of them have a 5:00 AM start time even on the weekends, and that feels like the middle of the night to me! It doesn't even get light here this time of the year until about 6:30, so the run is over before it's even light out! They did just post an easy 2 mile run followed by coffee with a start time of 7:00 AM this weekend. Ironically, the location is the same place where the <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2023/10/making-strides-against-breast-cancer.html" target="_blank">Breast Cancer Walk</a> was held yesterday and while I was there I was thinking to myself it was such a great location and I really needed to get back there for a walk or run. Maybe I can convince myself to make it to that one, but 7:00 AM still sounds insanely early to me on the one day a week I can actually sleep in.
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The final thing I've been trying to decide about is if I want to keep posting here. Obviously, blogging is mostly dead. It seems people don't have the attention span to write or read much of anything these days, prefering quick videos. However, I just can't seem to bring myself to go that route. I really don't like being on video and I like to have the time to think about what I want to say before saying it. I much prefer writing and I honestly really enjoy blogging. I was hooked almost instantly when I started this blog back in 2006! But part of that love of blogging was interacting with other bloggers. The online running community I had back when I was actively training was a large part of what kept me going. Sometimes knowing people were expecting a run report was the main thing that got me out the door. If I continue blogging going forward, it has to be 100% for me and me alone because the likelihood of anyone else reading this is next to nil. I'm probably ok with that, as I have thoroughly enjoyed going back and rereading my posts here the few times I've done it and I like the idea of being able to do that in the future. At the same time, blogging can be time consuming and is it really worth it if I'm not interacting with anyone here but myself? I guess only time will tell.Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501112346373290154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-46910752132607945952023-10-28T21:19:00.000-07:002023-10-28T21:19:08.919-07:00Making Strides Against Breast Cancer WalkThis morning I walked in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in memory of one of my closest friends who passed away from breast cancer last summer. Today would have been her 49th birthday and walking today felt like a great way to honor and remember her.
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Our birthdays were about a month apart and we always used to go out to dinner in between the two dates to celebrate every year. It's been really hard not being able to do that the past 2 years. It's also been difficult with each year older I get knowing that I'm living into a future that she never got to have.
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She left behind a young daughter, parents, siblings, and so many friends. She had a charismatic personality that just drew everyone into her sphere, and she had the most infectious laugh. I think that's what I miss the most. Hearing her laugh.
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Her mom put together a team of Kim's family and friends and together we raised $3760.00. Not too shabby!
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The walk was a good experience but at the same time it was heartbreaking. The number of people whose lives have been touched by breast cancer is astounding.
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I took a lot of photos at the walk, but our whole group was never together at the same time, so unfortunately we never got a complete team photo. Here are some of my favorites from the day:
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There was talk about making this an annual event, which would be a great way to continue honoring Kim!
Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501112346373290154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-86467926653313408702023-10-27T22:10:00.000-07:002023-10-27T22:10:04.732-07:00Catching the Running BugI can feel myself starting to catch the running bug!
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I felt so amazing last night and today after <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2023/10/first-official-run.html" target="_blank">my run</a> yesterday. It's a hard feeling to describe if you've never experienced it but the best way I can put it into words it that it feels like my body is wide awake but completely comfortable at the same time. It's a glorious feeling and I had completely forgotten it existed.
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I came home from work today and was itching to run, but I knew it wasn't a good idea. I am slightly sore from my run last night and my left knee is very unhappy with me (more on that in a minute), and I knew another run would be too much the night before the 3 miles Breast Cancer walk. So, sadly I refrained from hopping on the treadmill no matter how much I may have wanted to do so.
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<b>Ok, the knee.</b> I had surgery for a torn meniscus in November of 2021. It healed really well and I went through a lot of intense PT afterward to regain as much funciton as I could. Post surgery, I discussed a return to running multiple times with the therapist and he was confident I would be able to run again as long as I maintained the strength in my leg muscles to support my knee. However, it took more than a year to regain full range of motion and to be able to resume all normal activity. During that same year my life completely imploded and maintaining my PT exercises was the furthest from my mind. I still have a full range of motion but I no longer have the strength I had built up.
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<i><b>And yesterday's run proved that just might be an issue.</b></i>
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I hadn't given my knee much thought because I didn't have any issues with it acting up the few times I ran in the middle of getting my <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2023/10/dipping-my-toes-in.html" target="_blank">StepBet steps</a> in. However yesterday was a different story. I could feel my knee a little bit as soon as I started running but it seemed to settle in once I got going. Unfortuantely, as soon as I stopped running it started to really hurt. I immediately iced it for a while and the pain subsided but it hasn't felt great today and I've been taking some ibuprofen and wearing a brace this evening.
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I'm definietly going to have to dig out my PT exercises and get going on them again if I have any hope of giving this running thing a real go! I also need to run with a brace on, at least for the forseeable future. But in some really good news neither my right knee nor left ankle are bothering me at all. Since those are the injuries that sidelined me in the past, I'm very happy that neither has reared its ugly head today. And I have hope regarding the left knee. When the physical therapist explained what it was going to take to be able to run on it, it made perfect sense and I know I don't currently have the strength I need. But if I got there once before, I can get there again with some effort!
Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501112346373290154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-42699226917192450742023-10-26T23:07:00.000-07:002023-10-26T23:07:12.184-07:00First Official RunSo remember how I <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2023/10/final-preparations.html" target="_blank">posted</a> that I was going to go lace up my shoes for my first official run yesterday? Well, the second I closed my laptop my phone rang. The caller was the auto body repair shop telling me that my car was ready to be picked up, so I ended up having to deal with that instead of getting my run in before heading over to visit my parents.
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So I decided to get the run into today. Unfortunately, it's dark by the time I get home this time of year and I just don't feel safe enough to run alone at night where I live. So, I hopped on my treadmill instead. If I would have done the run yesterday it probably would have been a 'leave it all out on the road' type of run. My intent at least, was to go all in and see just what I was capable of as a gauge for where I'm starting from. However, doing a run at the end of a very long work day is quite different than doing a run in the middle of the afternoon on a lazy day off. And I just didn't have it in me tonight. Also, going all in to test my current limit is going to hurt. <i>Probably a lot.</i> And I don't want to be miserable for the Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday. Tonight feels a little too close to Saturday morning and I know I'd still be sore. So instead, I made it my goal to see if I could run for 30 straight minutes at whatever pace felt doable.
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I really didn't push myself too much on the pace, and I'm sure I could probably have gone faster, but an oh so fun new addition to my life the past 5ish years is that I've started having panic attacks. Luckily they are very rare and fairly controllable because the thing that triggers them is when I feel like I can't breathe or when something doesn't feel right with my body. And most of the time I can control or change those triggers.
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<i>Not so awesome when it comes to trying to improve my running speed, though.</i>
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The last time I tried to test how fast I could run, it ended up triggering a full blown panic attack on a treadmill in the middle of a crowded gym. That was one of the top 3 worst ones I've had. The other two that top the list were in a Bikram Yoga Class and while doing a workout video on You Tube.
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<i>Are you sensing a theme here?</i>
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It takes me a very long time to mentally recover from a really bad one. (In the case of the Bikram Yoga, I have never been back to another class). So, I REALLY don't want to trigger another bad one while running ever again. If that means I need to run slow as molasses, then so be it.
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<b>Anyway, back to the point.</b>
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I made it the whole 30 minutes with only a few breaks for water. I've still never mastered the whole running and drinking thing. I choke every single time. I also stupidly was drinking out of a tumbler with a straw in it which felt a bit dangerous to try to drink out of while moving.
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I'm not exactly sure how far I ran. My apple watch and my treadmill were about 1/4 mile different. It seems like the treadmill should be more accurate and that was the lesser of the distances. However, the treadmill has also been moved and it has a few weird glitches now so who knows. My apple watch gives splits and data that the teadmill doesn't give, so I guess I'm just going to go with the data from that so I have comparisons going forward.
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So here are screen shots from my apple watch for today's run:
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I ran for 30 minutes and then walked for 5 minutes to cool down. That mile 2 split is nowhere near accurate unless my treadmill is way off! I know I never bumped the speed up higher than 4.3 mph, which is just under 14 min/mile, so no freaking clue where that came from! But some data is better than no data, I suppose.
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Overall, not too shabby considering the last time I ran was in 2020!Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501112346373290154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-54986700009444790032023-10-25T14:48:00.001-07:002023-10-26T22:03:17.225-07:00Final PreparationsI've been thinking a lot about what I want to get from running if I decided to jump back in. I suppose you could say I've been searching for my 'why' for a comeback.
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After a lot of soul searching, I realized that a(nother) return to running is an attempt to return to myself. An attempt to remind myself of the person I used to be before life took a big ole shit in my cheerios. I feel pretty lost these days. I'm not really sure who I am any more, or who I want to be, but I'm positive that it's not the person life has turned me into over the past decade. I guess running feels like the best way to claw my way up out of the bottom of the pit I am currently sitting in.
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I moved to Arizona more than 12 years ago, and in all that time I've never felt 100% settled in here. A large part of me still resides back in Indiana with my friends that are still there. I have never found a place where I truly fit in or feel at home here. If I could take the warm weather with me, I would have moved back to Indiana long ago. Unfortuately, I know all too well just how miserable I was living in the cold Midwest winters and never want to go back to them! I can't imagine any place else I'd want to move to right now, and I'd never leave the place where my parents spend half their time, so Arizona is home for the forseeable future. I need to find my way back to a version of myself that I am happy being here. I need to cultivate a life that I am happy living here. <i>And as of right now, I'm barely going through the motions.</i>
</br>
</br>
Running is a whole entire vibe. <b><i>And it's a lot of work.</i></b> If I'm making a comeback it needs to be for real this time. It needs to be thoroughly thought out and I need to be clear on my reasons. Because if I'm doing it. <i>Really doing it.</i> Then I've gotta be all in, with both feet, because another half assed attempt that I end up giving up on just might do me in.
</br>
</br>
I've spent two entire therapy sessions talking about a return to running, which quite frankly seems a bit silly given all I've been through in the past 2 years, but this is really a big effing deal to me. During one of the sessions my therapist said something to me that I really think is at the crux of the entire thing. She said, "I think you need to do it. You need to prove to yourself that [your ex] didn't take anything away from you that you can't get back." I don't want to get into the divorce drama, but I think she's right. The not so awesome marriage and even worse divorce are at the heart of why I now feel like a lost shell of my former self, and I really do think a return to running is the only way I'm going to find what I lost.
</br>
</br>
So, come hell or high water. <b>I'm back.</b>
</br>
</br>
I don't know what that looks like, yet, though. It might mean running 2 miles twice a week at a 16 minute/mile pace. It might mean training for a marathon. It's going to be dictated by whatever my body will allow me to do. But I do know that as long as it feels like a challenge to me, it will serve the purpose of bringing me back to myself.
</br>
</br>
So, in that regard. I've done some final preparations:
</br>
</br>
First and foremost, I feel better from the horrific cold I was fighting. I still have a very minor cough but I think I finally feel well enought to actully start running. So, I'm starting to think about how I want to frame my comeback. I'm trying to decide if I should commit to doing a couch to 5K program, if I should sign up for a local 5K, or maybe sign up for a virtual run. I haven't decided but I'm considering the options. In the mean time, I commited to walking the <a href="https://secure.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCCY23SOR?pg=entry&fr_id=105655" target="_blank">Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk</a> on Sunday in honor of my friend, Kim, who passed away last summer, to at least get me out moving and remind me what it's like to be out among a race-like crowd.
</br>
</br>
I ordered myself a new <a href="https://www.roadid.com" target="_blank">Road ID</a> for my shoes (actually, I ordered 2 so I could keep one on my hiking boots, too). Because my ex was the main contact on my old one, and let's get real - there's no way he'd help me in an emergency!
</br>
</br>
I joined my local chapter of <a href="https://www.sherunsthistown.com" target="_blank">She Runs This Town</a> and found the facebook group, as well. It looks like they are fairly active, so I am going to challenge myself to join in on some activities in the coming months.
</br>
</br>
And, our temps have finally broken!! Sunday was the last day in the 100s, and Monday was the last day in the 90s for the forseeable future. WooHoo!
</br>
</br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccKaFR9JBrzM2QHAmBvu4kFWNM8anVEqqV7cTvIOQT5zej4iJRFi-s-IpzLQeuiDvlwgkLom0auxN-2uGjyps_siDZp9hvTma6w8B-EVBFRF7nnW5xuHZSRXmAbz9FD2BBfG0oTVUfO_77WXcrxqaL3Av-C7k_go5Y0hSNMHLAGLiafwqhStd/s1558/Screenshot%202023-10-25%20at%201.31.28%E2%80%AFPM.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="1558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccKaFR9JBrzM2QHAmBvu4kFWNM8anVEqqV7cTvIOQT5zej4iJRFi-s-IpzLQeuiDvlwgkLom0auxN-2uGjyps_siDZp9hvTma6w8B-EVBFRF7nnW5xuHZSRXmAbz9FD2BBfG0oTVUfO_77WXcrxqaL3Av-C7k_go5Y0hSNMHLAGLiafwqhStd/s600/Screenshot%202023-10-25%20at%201.31.28%E2%80%AFPM.png"/></a></div>
</br>
</br>
And on that note, I think I'm going to go lace up my running shoes and hop on the treadmill for my first official run!
Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501112346373290154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-92216350865696173922023-10-09T00:00:00.006-07:002023-10-09T00:00:00.141-07:00Dipping My Toes InAs I've been clawing my way out of the post-divorce haze, one of the things I have done is participate in some StepBet games. If you aren't familiar, it's an app where you meet daily step goals. The app calculates your goals based on your history and you meet them every week for six weeks. You pay to join and if you make it to the end having met all your goals, you get your money back plus a little extra. No one's going to get rich doing it by any means, but for me, not losing my money is the motivation I need to keep moving.
</br>
</br>
I've been using the games as a starting point to drag my butt off the couch and back into the world of moving, functioning individuals. I've been doing nothing but the bare minimum to meet my daily goals but that is a major improvement from where I have been the past several months. I don't have a super active job so I don't get a ton of steps organically throughout the day. Sometimes I get to the end of the day and still have a lot of steps left to get.
</br>
</br>
Fortunately, I have a treadmill and it's been easy to hop on there and get my steps in. But lately I have just wanted to get my steps in as quickly as possible and get on to other things. So, in order to speed up the process, I have started running (and I use that term very loosely) in the middle of my walks so I can got done faster.
</br>
</br>
I'm not sure I should really be calling what I am doing running. I'm averaging a 16-17 minute/mile pace, but whatever. The good news is I can easily maintain that pace for 10-15 minutes. I end up slowing down because I've met my step goal and I'm ready to finish up, not because I can't keep going. So, I'm feeling pretty good about that. Especially because I've been fighting a cold for the past 3 weeks and I still don't feel 100%.
</br>
</br>
I have to say that it feels A-MA-ZING to be dipping my toes back into running. I honestly feel better than I have in years. I can acually feel little bits of my soul waking up and coming back to life.
</br>
</br>
<i>There just may be something to this comeback after all.</i>Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501112346373290154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-22940111236819442442023-10-08T00:00:00.023-07:002023-10-08T00:00:00.127-07:00Get to the Point Already!So, the burning question is WTF am I really doing here? Right?
</br>
</br>
It's been 16 years.
</br>
</br>
16. Freaking. YEARS.
</br>
</br>
Sixteen years since I said Goodbye. Goodbye to training. Goodbye to running. Goodbye to this blog. Goodbye to all my online running friends.
</br>
</br>
<b>And Goodbye to my dream of one day running a marathon.</b>
</br>
</br>
Only, I never said Goodbye to the dream. Not really. I thought I did. I pretended I did. But I didn't.
</br>
</br>
It's been hanging out in the back of my brain, just under the surface, waiting for just the right time to poke it's head out and look around.
</br>
</br>
Apparently it decided that right time was a week ago.
</br>
</br>
Last weekend, I was watching the Amazon Prime Movie, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7671064/" target="_blank">Brittany Runs a Marathon</a> for something like the 20th time. <i>Only this time was different.</i> This time the movie hit me in a way that it never had before.
</br>
</br>
***** SPOILER ALERT *****
</br>
</br>
</br>
It gets to the part where Brittany finds out she has a stress fracture and won't be able to run the New York City Marathon. And I start crying. It reminded me so much of finding out I had an <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2006/08/this-just-plain-sucks.html" target="_blank">ankle injury</a> and <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2006/08/trial-run-results.html">wouldn't be able to run the Chicago Marathon</a>. Then it gets to the part a year later where she is gearing up to run the marathon, and I start absolutely bawling. Bawling because I know that deep down, I still want to run my own marathon.
</br>
</br>
<b>No. I NEED to run my own marathon.</b>
</br>
</br>
For the rest of the week, I could not get it out of mind. It was all I was thinking about every time my mind wasn't occupied.
</br>
</br>
So, I went to my therapy appointment at the end of the week, and sat in my therapist office once again bawling about it. Bawling because I wasn't able to run the marathon back in 2006. Bawling because I gave up in 2013. Bawling because I'm now 16 years older and I really don't think my body would be able to handle training. Bawling because I'm going to always regret it if I never try. Bawling because I don't know if I can handle going through the grief if I try and can't do it again. Bawling because if I do try and don't succeed, I know it will be the absolute end of the dream. Bawling because I'll have to give up on it once and for all. Bawling because I don't know if I can handle losing that hope of 'one day' being able to achieve my dream.
</br>
</br>
It was probalby the most emotionally draining therapy appoinment I've ever been through. <i>And I've been through some pretty tough stuff the past few years!</i> But, realizing that I wasn't going to be able to run the Chicago Marathon absolutely gutted me. And the grief I went through when I gave up training all together was tremendous. I had tied so much of who I was to running and I felt completely lost without it. Quite frankly, I still do, which is why I keep coming back here every handful of years. I'm still looking for that <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-return-of-runnergirl.html" target="_blank">corner card</a> that holds up the rest.
</br>
</br>
So, I guess all of this begs the questions: Why now? What's different this time?
</br>
</br>
I think the answer is twofold:
</br>
</br>
First, while I still feel a bit lost, I'm not profoundly unhappy like I was during the previous comeback attempts. This time I'm not looking for running to fix problems it was never going to fix. <i>Namely a failing marriage and a very stressful, unbalanced, unfulfilling life</i>. If, and that is a very big if, I comeback again it really is about the running. At least about what running gave me. About who I was when I was running. About who I want to be again. If I comeback again, it's about finding myself. It's about melding the good parts of who I used to be, but lost sight of, into the good parts of the person I am now, while trying to let go of the parts of myself that I desprately needed to get through the past 10+ years, but are no longer serving me. It's about finding the grit, drive, and determination that I used to have and reclaiming the confidence that those qualities gave me.
</br>
</br>
Second, I have spent the last year working very hard to cultivate a calm, quiet life for myself. My life is simple and peaceful. My stresses are few and far between. Unlike with the previous comeback attempts, I now have the time to put toward training and there aren't any external factors to derail me. I could fully focus on training if I choose to do so.
</br>
</br>
<i>I just haven't decided if I want to make that choice yet. Or just what that may look like if I do.</i>
</br>
</br>
(Also - As a side note, but a very important side note none the less, I purchased a treadmill during COVID, which would make a HUGE impact on my ability to train. It's almost impossible to train year round here without access to one since the temps top 100 degrees 5 months of the year.)Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501112346373290154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-49453433604791637852023-10-07T00:00:00.005-07:002023-10-07T00:00:00.134-07:00Let's Talk ComebacksWhen I decided to revisit my running blog a few days ago, I went back and read all of the posts I had written since my <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2007/09/end-of-era.html" target="_blank">goodbye post in 2007</a> and I realized a few things:
</br>
</br>
1. The comeback in 2013 was never going to happen no matter what I did. Pretty much every aspect of my life was coming apart at the seams and I was powerless to do much about it. So, what did I decide to do? Start training for a marathon. After I hadn't run more than a handful of times in YEARS.
</br>
</br>
<i>face palm</i>
</br>
</br>
I think the idea to comeback was two fold - First, I didn't want to examine what was happening in my life so I was looking for a distraction. Second, I was completely miserable and trying to return to something that brought me a lot of joy in the past.
</br>
</br>
I can't say it any better than <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2015/07/considering-another-go.html" target="_blank">I already did</a> when I reexamined things back in 2015:
</br>
</br>
<blockquote>Looking back, I've realized that I set myself up for failure when I tried to resume running in 2013. I was so desperate to regain the happiness I have lost that I went running back (pun intended) to the one thing that I thought could bring back that happiness. Not so coincidentally, it just so happened to be the one thing that I had control over during a time when I was feeling very powerless to change the things in my life that needed to change. Ultimately, my life was so full of stress and disappointment that I was unable to get past it to commit to giving running a real go again, and I quit before I even got started. I never even decided to quit, it just happened - which speaks volumes about my lack of commitment at the time.</blockquote>
</br>
</br>
2. The comeback in 2015 was never about running. At the time, I was lost and searching for something. <i>Anything.</i> to make me feel something other than the unhappiness I was drowning in.
</br>
</br>
I think I was really missing my old life. I was missing my real life friends back in Indiana. I was missing the connection I had with so many online runners back in the glory days. I was missing keeping a blog, which is something that I really enjoy doing. But most of all I missed feeling like a happy whole person, instead of the miserable empty shell of one that I had become.
</br>
</br>
But at the time, I really wasn't at a place mentally or physically to come back to running. And I knew it. In the few months that I dipped my toe back in, I never really even started running.
</br>
</br>
3. The comeback in 2020 was for real. I actually was running at the time. I'd started running before I even thought about resurrecting my running blog. The return was about the <b>actual</b> running for the first time.
</br>
</br>
<b>And I was loving it!</b>
</br>
</br>
The <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2020/03/i-run-for-rescues-virtual-5k-race-report.html" target="_blank">calf injury</a> had me sidelined for a while, but I would have come back from it. <b>I know I would have.</b>
</br>
</br>
But then COVID happened.
</br>
</br>
And then <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2023/10/lets-recap.html" target="_blank">my life imploded</a>.
</br>
</br>
4. Which brings us to 2023. And the burning question, <b>am I coming back?</b> The answer being I don't know. But I'm thinking about it.
</br>
</br>
(Stay tuned!)
Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501112346373290154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-78740541654405249642023-10-06T00:24:00.002-07:002023-10-06T09:17:09.988-07:00Picking Up the PiecesWhen I lifted my head up out of the post-divorce fog earlier this year, I realized that my life was in shambles and I didn't recognize myself any more. I had no idea where to start to try to find myself or to begin to put my life back together.
</br>
</br>
Ultimately, I ended up starting the only place I could... Rest. And lots of it.
</br>
</br>
I went to work because, of course, I had no choice. Someone had to keep the lights on and food on the table, and that someone had to be me. Other than that I didn't do a single thing I didn't have to do. I rarely left the house. I watched a lot of movies and old TV shows. I did a ton of puzzles. I slept as much as I could. I cuddled with my dogs.
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</br>
Eventually, I realized that the first step I needed to take in order to feel ok again was to get my finance in order.
</br>
</br>
<i>Let's just say the divorce took a toll.</i>
</br>
</br>
I knew it was going to be a constant source of worry until I was on track again, so I went to work putting everything in place to begin securing my safety net.
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</br>
Next, I decided that I was tired of how awful I was feeling and I had to start making some major changes to my diet. I was eating like complete crap because I hadn't had the capactiy to do anything other than open a bag, box, or can for months. So, I slowly started cooking again. At first, just a favorite meal here and there, but eventually I got back to cooking almost all of my meals. While that was a step in the right direction, I was still guzzling Pepsi and sugar on the daily. I knew I had to cut it out and slowly began working on it, one little step at a time. I'm still not quite where I want to be yet, but I'm close.
</br>
</br>
Finally, I decided that the only way I was going to really start feeling better was to start moving my body again. I needed to start getting some exercie. So, I signed up for some games through the StepBet App and started making an effort to reach my daily step goals. I also started doing a little yoga and stretching here and there.
</br>
</br>
As I slowly began taking care of myself again, I could feel the fog start to lift. Little glimpses of myself began to resurface. I started thinking about who I want to be and what I want my life to look like. I'm still trying to figure that out. But what I do know is that in a lot of ways, who I want to be looks an awful lot like who I used to be back when I was actively training.
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</br>
I really have no idea what things look like going forward. I still have a long way to go to pick up the pieces and put my life back together. But I think if I am ever going to find happiness again, my life has to look something like it used to when I first started this blog.
</br>
</br>
So here I am.
Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501112346373290154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-65599497663947130022023-10-05T19:14:00.003-07:002023-10-06T23:20:12.894-07:00Let's RecapLike most of my other departures from this blog, I never really meant to stop
blogging (or stop running). It just happened. And now here it is 3 ½
years later and I am once again stunned that it has been that long and wondering
what the hell happened.
<br />
<i><br /></i><i>Only this time, I do know what happened.</i>
<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Freaking COVID! </b><i>Am I Right?!</i>
<br />
<br />
Let's recap, shall we:
<br />
<br />
When I
<a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2020/04/weekly-workout-recap-04132020-04192020.html" target="_blank">last posted</a>, we were smack dab in the middle of quarantine. At the time, my office
was open for emergencies only. The owner and I alternated weeks on call,
so I was only working every other week and only a few hours at that. I
had all the time in the world to concentrate on my health and to exercise
daily. <br /><br />
And to be perfectly honest, I was flourishing.
<br />
<br />
The reprieve from the daily stress of my job had me feeling great. For
the first time in years, I had the energy to do things outside of work and I
was taking full advantage. Unfortunately, that was short lived because
once we returned to the office full time my stress level sky rocketed.
Between constant worry about contracting the virus myself and absorbing
all of the trauma the virus was causing to others, I was barely hanging
on.
<br />
<br />It was all too much. Way too much. And I ended up
drinking. And eating. <b>A lot.</b><br />
<br />
Numbing out was the only way I could survive. Needless to say, my health
took a complete nose dive and I ended up back at the bottom of that pit that I
swore I wasn't going to ever end up in again.
<br />
<br />Fast forward, the world returned to normal, and I began to slowly
dig my way out a little bit. I was feeling better, things were
improving, I was starting to concentrate on my health again.
<br />
<br />
<b>AND WHAM!!</b>
<br />
<br />
Life completely and thoroughly punched me in the face and knocked me on my
ass.
<br />
<br />In the span of a year I went through a horrible (but much needed)
divorce, lost the joint friend group to my ex, lost a close friend to breast
cancer, lost another close friend to a move out of the country, sold my house
and most of my belongings, scrambled to find a new (much smaller) place to live, rushed to
fix up my new home, took on a second job to pay for it all, and
dealt with an anxiety ridden dog who was struggling to adapt to all of the
changes and completely freaking out (not that I could blame her).
<br />
<br />Again. It was all way too much.
<br />
<br />
At first I wasn't eating due to the extreme stress of it all.
<br />
<br />
Once the majority of the actual work was behind me and the reality of it all
set it, I started eating to numb it all out.
<br />
<br />I eventually started to process all of it and am slowly finding
myself in a better place. I finally feel ready to start the long trek
back out of the pit. So, here I am. Back. Again.
Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11501112346373290154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-47545123192833402782020-04-19T20:51:00.001-07:002023-10-05T14:53:13.448-07:00Weekly Workout Recap: 04/13/2020 - 04/19/2020I'm still going strong with my workouts, but I do feel like I need to start mixing it up a bit. I've been doing the same arm and leg weight workouts recently, and need to take the time to find something different soon. But in the mean time here is this week's Recap...<br />
<br />
Workouts:<br />
<br />
<b><u>Monday</u></b><br />
Arm Workout<br />
<br />
<b><u>Tuesday</u></b><br />
3ish mile walk<br /><br />
<b><u>Wednesday</u></b><br />
Arm Workout<br />
<br />
<b><u>Thursday</u></b><br />
10.72 bike ride<br />
<br />
This was my longest bike ride yet, and it felt great! I'm surprised by just how much I have been enjoying riding my bike.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Friday</u></b><br />
Core/Back Workout<br />
<br />
<b><u>Saturday</u></b><br />
Leg Workout<br />
<br />
<b><u>Sunday</u></b><br />
4.25 mile walk<br />
<br />
Just when I had finally decided that <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2020/03/i-run-for-rescues-virtual-5k-race-report.html" target="_blank">my calf</a> was almost back to normal, it started flaring up halfway through this walk. Grrrr!<br />
<br />
A few photos from the walk...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw5oZJ2Zx9b5_ruSLQ7Q5XMOVZgPiX82-23kEZLjgthC_HCKTpb64IKRNnsLmOmUxQxUsyG1DQYy0R3cUije45TKEwxDKHDyxh2NKJ33nFTXPyiVTrQAspQycjUaXkDt48qym/s1600/IMG_9936.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw5oZJ2Zx9b5_ruSLQ7Q5XMOVZgPiX82-23kEZLjgthC_HCKTpb64IKRNnsLmOmUxQxUsyG1DQYy0R3cUije45TKEwxDKHDyxh2NKJ33nFTXPyiVTrQAspQycjUaXkDt48qym/s400/IMG_9936.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
Really pretty sunset!...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHXTIdNG8LdLiWMrwECr579M4Tbkq-dNMZ9irLQBOvWrrTm5d6-nQ1qPj56CHwCoAHC6k7tmN3VsY-wYp3pVJ2Iy0KXX7w2YLVI6zCOhrrFkZ_SXK8WQyARBsExgigVta_eUb/s1600/IMG_9941.JPG"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHXTIdNG8LdLiWMrwECr579M4Tbkq-dNMZ9irLQBOvWrrTm5d6-nQ1qPj56CHwCoAHC6k7tmN3VsY-wYp3pVJ2Iy0KXX7w2YLVI6zCOhrrFkZ_SXK8WQyARBsExgigVta_eUb/s400/IMG_9941.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4kd20SNRNYKj8rKdSJ8qBdX4XJPARvu14g7WJrCWkIKurKuDWyO-W8TaMHK9jtQpNq2ukG5tvBHYTmmFIoKjz-KN4gd54k2C-9AH-W2YARzPS_THVM_giHFfqCgqUiia_grx/s1600/IMG_9946.JPG"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4kd20SNRNYKj8rKdSJ8qBdX4XJPARvu14g7WJrCWkIKurKuDWyO-W8TaMHK9jtQpNq2ukG5tvBHYTmmFIoKjz-KN4gd54k2C-9AH-W2YARzPS_THVM_giHFfqCgqUiia_grx/s400/IMG_9946.JPG" width="400" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-67840756051044570992020-04-12T19:11:00.002-07:002023-10-05T17:55:37.246-07:00Weekly Workout Recap: 04/06/2020 - 04/12/2020I'm still going strong with my workouts, but still no running was done. As soon as all of my spring races were switched to virtual races, I seem to have lost my running mojo. That combined with the fact that <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2020/03/i-run-for-rescues-virtual-5k-race-report.html" target="_blank">my calf</a> still isn't feeling 100% yet has me turning my attention elsewhere for some exercise recently. But I will be back to running eventually - I do still have two virtual 5K's to run after all!<br />
<br />
Here is this week's Recap...<br />
<br />
Workouts:<br />
<br />
<b><u>Monday</u></b><br />
Aaptive "Upper Body Flex" Arm Workout<br />
1.5 miles walk with two of my dogs...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9DQHG6i-u_rGQclE4VLcmLf59VKeCnoRpzvIzhFYAO9Gpzr-5r1nfhjXFkjdLPfUIyG3i2AZ0uqHLhyOkeVFyGsBxgv0XsjA6vESnfkU-BN6xl24UbP_3C9JHKmGE4yjchFb/s1600/IMG_9580.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9DQHG6i-u_rGQclE4VLcmLf59VKeCnoRpzvIzhFYAO9Gpzr-5r1nfhjXFkjdLPfUIyG3i2AZ0uqHLhyOkeVFyGsBxgv0XsjA6vESnfkU-BN6xl24UbP_3C9JHKmGE4yjchFb/s400/IMG_9580.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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<b><u>Tuesday</u></b><br />
10 minute aerobic dance workout<br />
10 mile bike ride (my farthest ride to date!)<br />
75 Tricep Push-Ups<br />
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Here are some photos from the bike ride...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGcCd2WUb_2EwSIpMSYZ0ZTfHr7v9qg9NpIA5l4e6pEcSh01MnjUV1wppERu-_ldB7_GHxywEqXAcTDT3B4w90WpdYuHmhEhpRr9zG7sNG_mzvKpxBzz6jsYalmG7FMD0sG8x/s1600/IMG_9614.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGcCd2WUb_2EwSIpMSYZ0ZTfHr7v9qg9NpIA5l4e6pEcSh01MnjUV1wppERu-_ldB7_GHxywEqXAcTDT3B4w90WpdYuHmhEhpRr9zG7sNG_mzvKpxBzz6jsYalmG7FMD0sG8x/s400/IMG_9614.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRE2hhRRbBl2tTpVe66qrG6oxAbL7viomGVjeXKJv6wYpR6zZqhGBszWQzCFGydEro2n_s3BRkpqccVwE0phZOTJ1uTHIbRPefiOIXB8DzJImvDitIBuYlJJ0AkDgPPeb2p4L/s1600/IMG_9628.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRE2hhRRbBl2tTpVe66qrG6oxAbL7viomGVjeXKJv6wYpR6zZqhGBszWQzCFGydEro2n_s3BRkpqccVwE0phZOTJ1uTHIbRPefiOIXB8DzJImvDitIBuYlJJ0AkDgPPeb2p4L/s400/IMG_9628.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6azKRFEo8rJVOpXAbRSuB9z5hbASK7dQBB4xn5v8iPA-6i7X2tRNMF-7BOMQVfAjp6jFdQjAjrl1CfRNxAzsAjBLONzt_lCNyxLnjCnbvRaUawkvWmTPU_V1HDOxc_VK0Vpc/s1600/IMG_9629.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6azKRFEo8rJVOpXAbRSuB9z5hbASK7dQBB4xn5v8iPA-6i7X2tRNMF-7BOMQVfAjp6jFdQjAjrl1CfRNxAzsAjBLONzt_lCNyxLnjCnbvRaUawkvWmTPU_V1HDOxc_VK0Vpc/s400/IMG_9629.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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<b><u>Wednesday</u></b><br />
Jillian Michaels "Killer Arms & Back" Level 1 30 Minute Workout<br />
25 Tricep Push-Ups<br />
<br />
<b><u>Thursday</u></b><br />
1.5ish mile walk<br />
<br />
<b><u>Friday</u></b><br />
3ish mile walk with one of my pups<br />
<br />
<b><u>Saturday</u></b><br />
Yin Yoga<br />
<br />
<b><u>Sunday</u></b><br />
3.5 mile hike<br />
<br />
I met my parents for an Easter hike today. Here are a handful of random photos from our adventure...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHD4dCWGkL6AM2JuiY3HPpS7ajY8iriWl7_GW3dDvjKJs5RmpxbWOvxm9vAinaFlhVfbEjcqxTcZY7zYPKr1p9px0A_dZn3oFkpbpCBbo4gikRzuraDH2thrtBCuvIS63B4e4/s1600/IMG_9745.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHD4dCWGkL6AM2JuiY3HPpS7ajY8iriWl7_GW3dDvjKJs5RmpxbWOvxm9vAinaFlhVfbEjcqxTcZY7zYPKr1p9px0A_dZn3oFkpbpCBbo4gikRzuraDH2thrtBCuvIS63B4e4/s400/IMG_9745.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBAxoxeI0XvVp_0QNNKMiYiltlppY437Ppm9AB577s1q1zsxYaxR_R5nKIOYty7K_E_fltIkdk_inxZiUgL75UZtMQKTP59z4MwMDezhCBMwaihMXMr3yc4Av9yUCtivYI9i0/s1600/IMG_9746.JPG"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBAxoxeI0XvVp_0QNNKMiYiltlppY437Ppm9AB577s1q1zsxYaxR_R5nKIOYty7K_E_fltIkdk_inxZiUgL75UZtMQKTP59z4MwMDezhCBMwaihMXMr3yc4Av9yUCtivYI9i0/s400/IMG_9746.JPG" width="400" /></a><div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2wZjZnZXJcTMXgakdm4HMN67jFLHSMaBVarOEP_NnhQA-rSfS4-CJVTznQmR2m-RpSz5I8Zv8sh1GUyNyw-5TbPderuq0JP2zUVDFQDpxspH-NcK_2ejyYvDAV8ZLlUxPGID/s1600/IMG_9768.JPG"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2wZjZnZXJcTMXgakdm4HMN67jFLHSMaBVarOEP_NnhQA-rSfS4-CJVTznQmR2m-RpSz5I8Zv8sh1GUyNyw-5TbPderuq0JP2zUVDFQDpxspH-NcK_2ejyYvDAV8ZLlUxPGID/s400/IMG_9768.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2Th49iWUyl3nzZezpqC1GaIMLIfztfvDmFfVtB-gGOpQj9x87vzaQga8L3WeCbXaxBBPh7QTJV1YWGvb6SrpquMMgPUc-a5AYtJKB_TZMQQkMLCLCsuEjQHZTsTCci1JCXUu/s1600/IMG_9771.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2Th49iWUyl3nzZezpqC1GaIMLIfztfvDmFfVtB-gGOpQj9x87vzaQga8L3WeCbXaxBBPh7QTJV1YWGvb6SrpquMMgPUc-a5AYtJKB_TZMQQkMLCLCsuEjQHZTsTCci1JCXUu/s400/IMG_9771.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-44174045727280763012020-04-05T21:41:00.002-07:002023-10-05T17:53:51.129-07:00Weekly Workout Recap: 03/30/2020 - 04/05/2020I'm still feeling like I have had pretty good momentum with my workouts. It's not exactly hard to fit them in while in quarantine. I was on call Monday through Friday this week; however, I ended up only have to go in three of the five days and only for a few hours each day. So, I still had more than enough time to exercise to my heart's content.<br />
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I'm SO FREAKING HAPPY that I decided to splurge and <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2020/03/weekly-workout-recap-3232020-3292020.html" target="_blank">buy a bike last week</a>. There really aren't words for how much I am enjoying getting out and riding in the evenings. Unfortunately, riding does make my <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2006/06/music-to-my-ears.html" target="_blank">neck and shoulder issues flare up</a> a bit so I can't ride every day but I'm thrilled to be riding as much as I can.<br />
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I'm glad that I decided to purchase the ankle weights while I was out, too. It's been nice to have the option of using those for some leg exercise here and there. It's just taking a little bit to think outside of the box for things to do now that I can't go to the gym after work every day. Although, in all honesty I am working out a lot harder now than I was when I was going to the gym. I'm not working out after a long exhausting day at work, so I have a lot more energy to give to the workouts. I'm also just feeling more motivation for working out overall. I guess my thinking is that if I'm in quarantine all this time, I'm going to do everything I can to use the time to my advantage.<br />
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Thus far the only thing lacking in my recent exercise routine is doing any actual running, but more on that later. For now here is this week's Recap...<br />
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Workouts:<br />
<br />
<b><u>Monday</u></b><br />
Leg workout with my ankle weights<br />
<br />
<b><u>Tuesday</u></b><br />
1.5ish mile walk<br />
<br />
Since today was the last day of the month, it wrapped up month three in a row of closing all of my Apple Watch rings, and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise every day since January 1st. This is a huge deal to me and I'm pretty proud of myself for sticking to it, so here's a photo from the app of my March accomplishment...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAc3t5G4sH0lARsCdVpn1ijG5K9siZAWIOMRpAT6sGsgJGN5bdnJKnbp_K5GbqchZG77qciSBxtQ76-fdLSfbSZAgVs3P9dQwlUTC1DSnCH2gWilt9-TBtcX-RRyeT5vUkRQa/s1600/IMG_9347.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAc3t5G4sH0lARsCdVpn1ijG5K9siZAWIOMRpAT6sGsgJGN5bdnJKnbp_K5GbqchZG77qciSBxtQ76-fdLSfbSZAgVs3P9dQwlUTC1DSnCH2gWilt9-TBtcX-RRyeT5vUkRQa/s400/IMG_9347.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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<b><u>Wednesday</u></b><br />
5.6 mile bike ride<br />
<br />
<b><u>Thursday</u></b><br />
Yin Yoga<br />
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<b><u>Friday</u></b><br />
Arm workout with my dumbbells<br />
5.9 mile bike ride<div><br />I made the decision to start wearing masks as much as possible when I go out. I was unable to find any actual masks, of course. However, I was able to find some cloth ones online that I have on order. But lucky for me, I have TONS of scarves at home because I've acquired a collection over the years for dog photos.<br />
<br />
Here I am wearing one of my homemade masks using one of the scarves I had around home... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbC1MuvVI-mMYsfgc1M1WQZOj5Q5XlUv2OmTtTjp8hFvbdYokGPaRiUxB4ERepd9Po_QmM7sQ8NGJh-ENWoBR13YnnUT-bHgdTPAi-RlQ4j3awz7A2ukd2UUVQHhymLdnsho_h/s1600/IMG_9423.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbC1MuvVI-mMYsfgc1M1WQZOj5Q5XlUv2OmTtTjp8hFvbdYokGPaRiUxB4ERepd9Po_QmM7sQ8NGJh-ENWoBR13YnnUT-bHgdTPAi-RlQ4j3awz7A2ukd2UUVQHhymLdnsho_h/s400/IMG_9423.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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I saw a little 'wildlife' on my ride and I had to stop and take photos...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbSluhljha3l3isdUwTcG_KfIxbkJ7oE5Mims3OGfVUOFVmiu1Sokmr7UIkqZfzKpDePIdgFco_Nyvnr1l-C7J3uZ-0UJ5QlNfbdXTMmBSWatJZCG7ezRPZUEerlFrwkuBkji/s1600/IMG_9407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbSluhljha3l3isdUwTcG_KfIxbkJ7oE5Mims3OGfVUOFVmiu1Sokmr7UIkqZfzKpDePIdgFco_Nyvnr1l-C7J3uZ-0UJ5QlNfbdXTMmBSWatJZCG7ezRPZUEerlFrwkuBkji/s400/IMG_9407.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ-3Y4kq2wchzkuVQY5GDPrPuoIMHRSS_tZXfQ_HCAE3DWz45BNgQsG4dwtnOMEXe7TsxrjfTBYyAAgVgtU9DvlUiigjD6qcnZdznG_wfhmY4ye3WGVlXRgkgKwZcZ9iiHRDR/s1600/IMG_9422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ-3Y4kq2wchzkuVQY5GDPrPuoIMHRSS_tZXfQ_HCAE3DWz45BNgQsG4dwtnOMEXe7TsxrjfTBYyAAgVgtU9DvlUiigjD6qcnZdznG_wfhmY4ye3WGVlXRgkgKwZcZ9iiHRDR/s400/IMG_9422.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
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<b><u>Saturday</u></b><br />
6.7 mile bike ride<br />
<br />
No photos from my ride today, but when I got home I decided to take my dogs to Dairy Queen for pup cups in celebration of one of my dog's birthday.</div><div><br />Here I am with 3 of the 4. The other goober is camera shy and hard to get in photos!...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nyD_bWG5LB5dbLPl8EIbbaoQXetl1UaRef2XqUiwVOANL90DujlWA-qWs-x2a-lKaT5aLV1uoH0ZDDx2lZDRdz8Z5fPj35ytyKx2pg3WBmtXmS800kAwZ-dvMPdWkJqTd8ka/s1600/IMG_9488.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nyD_bWG5LB5dbLPl8EIbbaoQXetl1UaRef2XqUiwVOANL90DujlWA-qWs-x2a-lKaT5aLV1uoH0ZDDx2lZDRdz8Z5fPj35ytyKx2pg3WBmtXmS800kAwZ-dvMPdWkJqTd8ka/s400/IMG_9488.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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It's not very often that I take all 4 of them out together, but made an exception for this quick trip. The darker brown one is my oldest dog at 12 ½. She's actually a really smart, super good dog who does well in public from a behavior stand point. However, she suffers from a lot of anxiety and usually doesn't enjoy outings - unless food is involved and then she's all about it! She also has a lot of health issues, so she's unable to do much in the way of exercise. So, she usually gets to live it up at home most of the time.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Sunday</u></b><br />
Aaptive "Smoking Guns" Arm Workout<br />
<br />
I had done this workout once before and wasn't sure how I felt about it. After a second go round, I'm still not sure I love it and much prefer the one I did last week. However, I guess it's good to mix things up from time to time.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-24913302229323810762020-03-29T21:41:00.003-07:002023-10-05T17:44:57.785-07:00Weekly Workout Recap: 3/23/2020 - 3/29/2020I finally feel like I found my workout mojo again after being off kilter ever since the gym closed. While the only running I did this week was when I ran my virtual race (mostly because of concern over my calf, which is still sore and bothering me quite a bit when I try to do certain things), I feel like I got decent exercise all week.<br />
<br />
Overall, I just felt good about where I was this week, which was a welcome change from the previous two.<br />
<br />
Here is this week's Recap...<br />
<br />
Workouts:<br />
<br />
<b><u>Monday</u></b><br />
3.3 mile walk, along the same route I did for the <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2020/03/zooma-international-womens-day-virtual.html" target="_blank">Women's Day Virtual 5K</a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Tuesday</u></b><br />
<a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2020/03/i-run-for-rescues-virtual-5k-race-report.html" target="_blank">I Run 4 Rescues Virtual 5K Race</a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Wednesday</u></b><br />
1.5 mile easy walk<br />
<br />
My calf was still bother me quite a bit post race and I wanted to take it easy, while still getting a little movement in and testing things out to see if walking would help stretch the calf out any.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Thursday</u></b><br />
3.3 mile walk, along the same route I did for the <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2020/03/zooma-international-womens-day-virtual.html" target="_blank">Women's Day Virtual 5K</a><br />
<br />
Again the calf was bothering me some, but definitely better.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Friday</u></b><br />
Half an hour of the Just Dance 2020 Game for the Nintendo Switch<br />
<br />
<b><u>Saturday</u></b><br />
Leg Workout<br />
<br />
I braved Walmart for some supplies, and while I was there I bought myself some light ankle weights. I came home and did a half an hour of leg exercises using the weights.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Sunday</u></b><br />
9.25 mile bike ride, along the canal where I ran my race on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAVP8EO2TVEhApxlzsAjREcdsBNHo4uV4aMxrhyphenhyphenuNj8qM_TRrOs5UG0xnWo_XB6sxf6TdKx8DvIv2vBtghpzsIn3hz91iu3HtUuMuswkOF9YXdQJdblHl8WszwOl8WAA7DlZQ/s1600/IMG_9327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAVP8EO2TVEhApxlzsAjREcdsBNHo4uV4aMxrhyphenhyphenuNj8qM_TRrOs5UG0xnWo_XB6sxf6TdKx8DvIv2vBtghpzsIn3hz91iu3HtUuMuswkOF9YXdQJdblHl8WszwOl8WAA7DlZQ/s400/IMG_9327.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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I stopped along the way to take a photo of one of the ducks that calls the canal it's home...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uCVxHUQDRQx9ksiddE4oudKeqkqiQcVYmO-sie7xoAGVeuqR1reEoUEMbMi_gUSwhRGuNqjRzfVl7gfj6DYyY5QrPJF2HGFfuPaD-Q9_hUJGrkXuAU9H8ZiNZdYZNtmh45xz/s1600/IMG_9330.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uCVxHUQDRQx9ksiddE4oudKeqkqiQcVYmO-sie7xoAGVeuqR1reEoUEMbMi_gUSwhRGuNqjRzfVl7gfj6DYyY5QrPJF2HGFfuPaD-Q9_hUJGrkXuAU9H8ZiNZdYZNtmh45xz/s400/IMG_9330.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
I had been considering buying myself an inexpensive bike but just hadn't done it yet. With everything that is going on, I thought maybe it was time to do so. I have to say I really enjoyed the ride a lot and am looking forward to the next one. It did feel like a HUGE splurge spending the money when finances are so uncertain, but I guess if I'm going to be off work I'd rather be spending the time doing things that are healthy for me instead of sitting in front of the TV or the computer.<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-42017957289747999312020-03-26T22:12:00.003-07:002023-10-05T17:37:06.651-07:00I Run 4 Rescues Virtual 5K Race ReportI signed up to run the <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Anywhere/IRun4Rescues" target="_blank">I Run 4 Rescues Virtual 5K</a> quite a while ago, maybe before I'd really even gotten too far back into running. I can't remember exactly.<br />
<br />
<i>I totally admit it. I got sucked in by the adorable dogs and the fact that the shirt and metal would contain my favorite color combo...</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95Y2qcH-PGRG4wrmk7stz_bZ_b7H7sOAI5QSAAgYd11TxrSkrg4svFkjbhEdIbg-aQgZsR9SCpI6kwh8b8wiSm37IvTYevy01lJ48Jz4HmOQc9LJzZ0PO1w6EXZPl85bpG0-_/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-03-07+at+3.55.16+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="1372" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95Y2qcH-PGRG4wrmk7stz_bZ_b7H7sOAI5QSAAgYd11TxrSkrg4svFkjbhEdIbg-aQgZsR9SCpI6kwh8b8wiSm37IvTYevy01lJ48Jz4HmOQc9LJzZ0PO1w6EXZPl85bpG0-_/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-03-07+at+3.55.16+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I've actually had my race packet for quite a while, but I wanted to be at a point where I could actually <b>RUN</b> the race before I did it so I had been holding off.<br />
<br />
I decided to do the run on Tuesday evening. It was my first official day in quarantine so I was off work and it seemed as good a time as any. I wanted a change of scenery from the route I ran for my <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2020/03/zooma-international-womens-day-virtual.html" target="_blank">last virtual 5K</a>, so I opted for an out and back course on the trails along side the water collection canals that run throughout the area.<br />
<br />
On to the Race Report...<br />
<br />I drive to the point where my neighborhood connects to the canal trails and park the car. I get myself prepared and take a pre-race photo...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKaoBPNoAHHo6BXKVwd3DeYI9TuUvjFyycwRdnHzHK698UrAAJUO7DSZES3aW9-zcE-UFhG0-2AsV7Q2GWIeNwYOfrR6nvS8o3Agroklw1SZLoLghbCY8ttWshQdbFjlph2pC/s1600/IMG_9252.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKaoBPNoAHHo6BXKVwd3DeYI9TuUvjFyycwRdnHzHK698UrAAJUO7DSZES3aW9-zcE-UFhG0-2AsV7Q2GWIeNwYOfrR6nvS8o3Agroklw1SZLoLghbCY8ttWshQdbFjlph2pC/s400/IMG_9252.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
I set my running app on my phone and my Apple Watch, and then I take off. <br />
<br />
And instantly realize that I forgot to delay my passcode requirement on my phone. (It drives me insane having to type it every time I want to check my distance, so I always change it during runs.) So, I spend the first several minutes of my run fiddling with that to get it turned off.<br />
<br />
The trail runs East-West, so I either have to run into the sun on the way out or the way back. I decided to get it over with, thinking maybe it'll be a little higher in the sky at the start and not quite so blinding.<br />
<br />
Almost instantly I fall into a nice easy rhythm and the run feels great. Not too far into the course, I pass by the small rec center near my neighborhood and the area is busier than I'd prefer for a run during quarantine. So, I spend a significant amount of time running off the trail and then back on to avoid people coming toward me.<br />
<br />
Maybe .75 miles in, I reach a main road that I need to cross and have to wait for the light to change. I use the time for a water break and actually remember to pause the timer on my app. The light finally changes and I restart my app and take off running again.<br />
<br />
I'm still in a nice steady grove, having zero issues. I'm in that perfect place where everything is in sync and I'm not struggling in the slightest. I'm enjoying my music but it's not having to pull me through. My mind is aimlessly wandering about, taking in my surroundings, thinking about how good the run feels, pondering what I am going to do with my upcoming days while in quarantine.<br />
<br />
I check my app to see my distance (which is one of the worst things about a virtual race in my opinion!) and see that I'm about 1.4 miles in - almost at the halfway point. I can see that I am approaching another main road not too far up ahead, and decide to make that my turn around point. I know that it's going to be a little farther out than necessary, but I figure it will allow me a nice little cool down walk from the end of the 5K back to my car.<br />
<br />
I get to the road and use the turn around for another water break, and then take off running again. I'm still going strong and having no issues. I'm thinking how pleasant the run is and how surprising it is after not having run for more than two week. I'm thinking it's nice to have the sun at my back instead of running into it, and I decided to snap a selfie...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIas2UDxIPtTe-qocYoGLNvFUGOUh2WAR7uk5f9QS96MTEDa39ipfX_wR58yYb9tDiWPghKyiFt6ZoK26E6_W6p1K1ZZL9YWtJODpOix1SHPK7JTI4sOYmBGLNWY08UQgNCyo8/s1600/IMG_9255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIas2UDxIPtTe-qocYoGLNvFUGOUh2WAR7uk5f9QS96MTEDa39ipfX_wR58yYb9tDiWPghKyiFt6ZoK26E6_W6p1K1ZZL9YWtJODpOix1SHPK7JTI4sOYmBGLNWY08UQgNCyo8/s400/IMG_9255.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
I hit somewhere around 2.6 miles and I could feel myself starting to get tired. I was reaching the point where I needed a song to really pump me up and keep me moving. I started skipping through songs searching for the right one, when "Let's Go" by Trick Daddy popped up.<br />
<br />
<i>YES! Perfect!</i><br />
<br />
I'm wondering if the song is long enough to take me the rest of the way through the race. When all of a sudden...<br />
<br />
<b>POP!</b><br />
<br />
And <b>OUCH!!!</b><br />
<br />
<b>WTF??!!</b><br />
<br />
The middle of my right calf has this insane twitching popping sensation go through it and it INSTANTLY seizes up. I can't figure out if I tore something or pulled something or if it is just an insane cramp.<br />
<br />
All I know is it freaking HURTS!<br />
<br />
I instantly stop and try to stretch it out. I try massaging it. But nothing is really helping.<br />
<br />
I try walking but I can't without a major limp.<br />
<br />
I decide that I really think what I felt was an insane spasm and then the muscle seized. I really think it is just a horrible cramp, and I decide to just ride it out. I have to get back to the car regardless, and walking was so miserable I decide to try running. Oddly enough it is infinitely better. The running is stretching the calf muscle more than walking and it helps. So, I take off running again, albeit a lot slower.<br />
<br />
Pretty quickly, I reach the main road that I need to cross, only this time I do forget to pause the app. While I'm standing waiting for the light to change, I can feel the calf tightening again but once I start running again it feels a little better.<br />
<br />
I make it the rest of the way and call it a done deal as soon as I hit 3.1 miles. I stop my app and Apple Watch, and don my metal.<div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>I did it!</b><br />
<br />
I take a few post run photos with my metal...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzsxTWYCR9S3DySKWE7vK7Gkj47zlB_qC9Tncb2r_lPSM8AvFwIQAgTdl7uykR0pi0gSlzK-QsZyZXSnWoU45pHPhcjSo9Q48lLmo7qMAp5-y4Z1mNPcjLzju8AhFjgEPqMLE/s1600/IMG_9267.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzsxTWYCR9S3DySKWE7vK7Gkj47zlB_qC9Tncb2r_lPSM8AvFwIQAgTdl7uykR0pi0gSlzK-QsZyZXSnWoU45pHPhcjSo9Q48lLmo7qMAp5-y4Z1mNPcjLzju8AhFjgEPqMLE/s400/IMG_9267.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXw8T85DLnnC5CDS6TLg2pzP6oaxUq_QjhH7ZulLykpTdIMMMaACSBvLLwSNIA9O0aO-W2AmAqpRM4VL7eDabAlqrsi3-xlg2BdDf8UJPG_WUF0MVXhOnWyf-RwIXT0UNHlCV9/s1600/IMG_9272.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXw8T85DLnnC5CDS6TLg2pzP6oaxUq_QjhH7ZulLykpTdIMMMaACSBvLLwSNIA9O0aO-W2AmAqpRM4VL7eDabAlqrsi3-xlg2BdDf8UJPG_WUF0MVXhOnWyf-RwIXT0UNHlCV9/s400/IMG_9272.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
Then hobble my way back to the car.<br />
<br />
Here are the results from my app...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78sDisvXI4VbhdesWSr1TxD4yNbYxrqgnAJYEDu7FMNUTNXk6gAjZDKZlPPnk8gmQGDV_A4PIU0wApJizAeYttfUctKozLJSIwFCEOAEfBMjpzrT6ok4O6yTh0JnSLQHooOFA/s1600/IMG_9257.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78sDisvXI4VbhdesWSr1TxD4yNbYxrqgnAJYEDu7FMNUTNXk6gAjZDKZlPPnk8gmQGDV_A4PIU0wApJizAeYttfUctKozLJSIwFCEOAEfBMjpzrT6ok4O6yTh0JnSLQHooOFA/s400/IMG_9257.jpg" width="317" /></a><br />
<br />
I am thrilled that the first two miles were faster than the last race. Even the third mile wasn't too awful considering part of it was when I forgot to pause the app while waiting for the light, and of course I was walking/hobbling along for a bit of that, too.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-17149121543357496512020-03-22T21:08:00.001-07:002023-10-05T14:58:02.882-07:00Weekly Workout Recap: 3/16/2020 - 3/22/2020Here is this week's Recap...<br />
<br />
Workouts:<br />
<br />
<b><u>Monday</u></b><br />
Today was supposed to be my appointment with my Personal Trainer, but given the current state of things I opted to cancel and did some Yin Yoga at home instead.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Tuesday</u></b><br />
Aaptiv "Bedtime Bliss" Stretching Workout and "Tranquil Rest" Medication<br />
<br />
<b><u>Wednesday</u></b><br />
Yin Yoga<br />
<br />
<b><u>Thursday</u></b><br />
3 - 3 ½ mile walk<br />
<br />
<b><u>Friday</u></b><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcN37TxBE_s" target="_blank">Online Cardio Workout Video</a> - which pretty much kicked my butt.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Saturday</u></b><br />
2ish mile hike with two of the babies - <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2020/03/life-in-apocalypse.html" target="_blank">click here</a> to read more about it and see some photos.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Sunday</u></b><br />
2ish mile walk with one of the fur babies and some friends, keeping proper social distance, of course.<br />
<br />
I have to say that I really struggled with my workouts this week. It took me until Thursday to get it together enough to get any real exercise, and no running was done. I usually do most of my workouts at the gym immediately after work and most of my runs are on the treadmill.<br />
<br />
With thy gym closed, I am having a hard time. I really need the routine of going straight from work because once I walk in the door at home, either the to do list starts nagging or the couch starts calling and all good intentions go out the window. I have to work tomorrow, but then I am off work for the foreseeable future. So I figure I only need to ride it out one more day and then I'll have more than enough time to figure out a new workout routine and plan some outdoor runs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-66558636705027045872020-03-21T21:57:00.006-07:002023-10-05T17:26:58.902-07:00Life in the Apocalypse It's been a rough week.<br />
<br />
<i>Now there's an understatement if there ever was one.</i><br />
<br />
On Monday my boss returned from vacation and instantly put new cleaning protocols in place to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. <b>It was stressful to say the least!</b> We had a full schedule of patients, and it is hard to stay caught up on the best of days.<br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>Nevermind with all the extra cleaning.</i><br />
<br />
The standard schedule certainly doesn't allow time to sanitize every inch of the rooms between each person, and as crazy as it is we weren't having any cancellations, so of course we were behind schedule the entire time. People weren't upset; they were happy we were taking the precautions, but it's still stressful to be behind all day.<br />
<br />
By the time I got home at the end of the day on Wednesday, I was on complete and total overload.<br />
<br />
<b><i>To be honest, I felt like I had completely lost my grip on my my sanity. </i></b><br />
<br />
I felt like my entire body and brain were vibrating from having to be so zeroed in to my every action for three straight days. The second I walked in the door, I poured myself a kahlua and cream, and didn't stop refilling my glass until I had stopped vibrating.<br />
<br />
To add to the fun, my boss spent the entire week insisting that we were NOT closing. (She finally changed her mind this morning!) So, I spent the week oscillating between fear for my health and concern over the irresponsibility of not social distancing as recommended. <br />
<br />
By the time Friday rolled around reality had fully settled in, as many of my commune friends started sharing the news that they were suffering from pay cuts, schedule cuts, lay offs, and straight up job loss.<br />
<br />
By mid-week, I could feel myself spiraling out of control and I could tell some of the old mental and emotional health demons I thought I'd laid to rest were rearing their ugly heads. I fought a long hard battle out of the abyss and <b>I AM NOT GOING BACK THERE!</b><br />
<br />
So, I decided that I am going to concentrate on trying to do things to decompress and escape the craziness. <br />
<br />
So, here is my Week in Review thus far...<br />
<br />
Thursday: I went for a 3 - 3 ½ mile walk near my house. I was going to take a few photos but I completely forgot.<br />
<br />
Saturday: I took two of my dogs on a nice easy 2ish mile hike at a nearby park, where I did remember to take some photos!<br />
<br />
Photo of the rock formations at the park...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE80N03fKegMH6n3udDkQ1fVXzoFr1bw9ed3-_HY6EzAOBOr1PIIte6-DmY7ZCJT7ujgmZ6VDgSFzS8lznnzXIURslFCPDiH763QDLBtBthV2KtRHyl748JgygEKGFsH7Ddk1/s1600/IMG_9132.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE80N03fKegMH6n3udDkQ1fVXzoFr1bw9ed3-_HY6EzAOBOr1PIIte6-DmY7ZCJT7ujgmZ6VDgSFzS8lznnzXIURslFCPDiH763QDLBtBthV2KtRHyl748JgygEKGFsH7Ddk1/s640/IMG_9132.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I walked around the formations, not up them. I opted to take one of my 12 year old dogs and I knew that would be too much for her.<br />
<br />
Me with two of my goobers. The larger dog is the older one, and the smaller dog is much younger. She is a rescue, so I'm not sure of her exact age but I think she's around two...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ve01q35GxldQ420TTW2rhmVf2Ke8_krAN9eqlbho27WC0J72QzOs1CqM4w2WwaBXgP1imNs1Wg1UuK4UjdKUV0oTbm_coUtFuycgYYxOX3zlX6Eb6FhWTA7QpCBDzLcnPAGZ/s1600/IMG_9146.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ve01q35GxldQ420TTW2rhmVf2Ke8_krAN9eqlbho27WC0J72QzOs1CqM4w2WwaBXgP1imNs1Wg1UuK4UjdKUV0oTbm_coUtFuycgYYxOX3zlX6Eb6FhWTA7QpCBDzLcnPAGZ/s640/IMG_9146.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Always up for a fun adventure...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFt4CGS7h7rk-ZccT84Mjy2Gadqyhv-GlxuYKxi8OrfCOAGQd-bN3VLC8yTH6D0BpBfrhPK9WPLXM1ITpJ36N-44BhDxzqCn3Oxs4LQF9vvRr-nGdpLlBe2xUAyMxZgGMSNOF4/s1600/IMG_9153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFt4CGS7h7rk-ZccT84Mjy2Gadqyhv-GlxuYKxi8OrfCOAGQd-bN3VLC8yTH6D0BpBfrhPK9WPLXM1ITpJ36N-44BhDxzqCn3Oxs4LQF9vvRr-nGdpLlBe2xUAyMxZgGMSNOF4/s640/IMG_9153.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Here was where the largest number of people I saw were located, except for in the parking lot. Normally, I would have taken at least one trek up and down the stairs, but I was taking the social distancing thing very seriously and didn't want to have to pass too closely to anyone. So, I opted to take a photo from afar today...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3x6SeNixWD63veciBQ1KkwaDfgHui7drrSoJTgAGLwULYQ_TFLzPEfKReL0DW0b23G-uNbzwsSKfyRMd5zrz-iSDOt8OmBX9XJtDR_juVySbPdLV9aXtQgmPfe4hMR97Dqb0M/s1600/IMG_9158.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3x6SeNixWD63veciBQ1KkwaDfgHui7drrSoJTgAGLwULYQ_TFLzPEfKReL0DW0b23G-uNbzwsSKfyRMd5zrz-iSDOt8OmBX9XJtDR_juVySbPdLV9aXtQgmPfe4hMR97Dqb0M/s640/IMG_9158.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Another photo of me with one of the dogs...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlv78wSeL6J813pGvqOzplTzhXr6FciFDkmMKvNF-jiAd7yksXgj0P2eb01upOPwHBljygiNt10PhQvqMnj5caFnD4lBAcmes9IPlw3l9T1I7hjGTi1YFFr5OnEGran8pSU4qb/s1600/IMG_9175.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlv78wSeL6J813pGvqOzplTzhXr6FciFDkmMKvNF-jiAd7yksXgj0P2eb01upOPwHBljygiNt10PhQvqMnj5caFnD4lBAcmes9IPlw3l9T1I7hjGTi1YFFr5OnEGran8pSU4qb/s640/IMG_9175.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><div>
And one of a little friend I met along the way...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoilJ27lo_EbihWXi47EHUa1_NNnYESlMyPs_bRCXfLbOhtVadNicGm6vl5dV_cVzY3abPI-B8U9CBdEM0S8YpEnZKo2_UExJWmrhnKJcXel7r1OyeUEYhama4lOFnqv_BOYv/s1600/IMG_9185.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoilJ27lo_EbihWXi47EHUa1_NNnYESlMyPs_bRCXfLbOhtVadNicGm6vl5dV_cVzY3abPI-B8U9CBdEM0S8YpEnZKo2_UExJWmrhnKJcXel7r1OyeUEYhama4lOFnqv_BOYv/s640/IMG_9185.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Also, I have to say that if ever <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2020/03/a-bit-about-other-tattoo.html" target="_blank">my tattoo</a> was a perfect fit, this is it. I really am so thrilled that I was able to get it before all of this insanity settled in. It's been serving as the best reminder to maintain control of what I have control over and to just surrender to the rest. Worrying will do no good, so take it one day at a time and just deal with whatever presents itself that day...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2l_qBKbqw6kwFwrMMpIDJA3WnqXjezQc9YNaLazgg_YOh_86Vl8TZUeeydoZjNu_D6JMXrppBPcjRrr6UjwXZpmfirgg3RM-jcWob9pyoyrhc5QOGLFfFjhSJb8TFho7-bjPC/s1600/IMG_9044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2l_qBKbqw6kwFwrMMpIDJA3WnqXjezQc9YNaLazgg_YOh_86Vl8TZUeeydoZjNu_D6JMXrppBPcjRrr6UjwXZpmfirgg3RM-jcWob9pyoyrhc5QOGLFfFjhSJb8TFho7-bjPC/s640/IMG_9044.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-87861441064740314412020-03-15T21:54:00.001-07:002023-10-05T17:17:33.205-07:00Weekly Workout Recap: 3/9/2020 - 3/15/2020I made it one of my 2020 New Year's Goals to close all of my Apple Watch Rings every day in January. I was successful and decided to continue the goal into February. I managed to make it though the second month without missing a day, and I'm still going strong.<br />
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<i>(For anyone not familiar with the Apple Watch Rings, they are Move, Exercise, and Stand. For the Move ring, you have to burn a certain number of calories a day. For the Exercise ring, you have to do 30 minutes of movement a day. For the Stand ring, you have to move for 1 minute out of every hour for 12 hours a day.)</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> I manage to close my Move and Stand rings without too much major effort. However, I do have to work to ensure that I get my 30 minutes of movement in every day for the Exercise ring. It may not always be the most strenuous or ambitious of workouts, but something is better than nothing and the goal keeps me focused on my health and exercise daily.<br />
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Here is a rundown of this week's Workouts:<br />
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<b><u>Monday</u></b><br />
Leg Day with my Personal Trainer<br />
<br />
One of the things that I have really struggled with in terms of the personal training at my gym is the way the workouts are handled. Basically, each body part is worked out in a rotating cycle at each weekly appointment. So, approximately every 5-6 weeks a body part is repeated but the workout is never the same. It is impossible for me to actually gauge my improvement because I'm never doing the same exercises. I don't think the trainer really has a good gauge on my improvement, or lack there of, either because it constantly feels like the workouts are either way too hard or too easy.<br />
<br />
This one was way too hard and it took until Friday before I could even walk normally again. I was so sore that it hurt to try to move to get comfortable to sleep and I had to use my hands to get up from a seated position. So, even though it was not my plan nor my intent for the week, I ended up not running at all because I was so sore.<br />
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<b><u>Tuesday</u></b><br />
Stretching<br />
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Since I could barely move from Monday's Leg Day, I wasn't up for much in the way of a strenuous workout. I was relying on the rest of my body to help me function and I wasn't about to make moving any harder than it already was so I opted for 30 minutes of nice easy stretching.<br />
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<b><u>Wednesday</u></b><br />
Aaptiv "The Gun Show" Arm Workout<br />
<br />
I was feeling a bit lazy after Tuesday's stretching so I decided I needed to put forth a little more effort today. I have a membership to the Aaptiv App, and I've found a few workouts on there that I really like. This is one of them, and I opted to do it today. I just went a little easier on the weights so I wasn't overly sore since my legs were still pretty miserable.<br />
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<b><u>Thursday</u></b><br />
Yin Yoga<br />
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I also have a really awesome Yin Yoga App that I use pretty often, and opted for some leg poses, hoping they'd help the soreness.<br />
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<b><u>Friday</u></b><br />
Total Body with my Personal Trainer<br />
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I had two training session this week since I missed one a few weeks ago. I have to admit that this workout was pretty miserable. It was a sequence of 7 exercise that work your entire body - only several of them were way above my current ability. So, I could feel myself straining and using the wrong muscles to compensate since the muscles I was supposed to be using were too weak to handle the workout. But at least I didn't end up overly sore, so that's something!<br />
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<b><u>Saturday</u></b><br />
Hiking<br />
<br />
On Saturday afternoon, I took two of my dogs for a hike with some friends. The hike was pretty flat and easy, so not much in the way of a strenuous workout but it was really nice to get outside and absorb some nature.<br />
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Here's a photo of my two hooligans enjoying the walk. One of them so much so that she wouldn't look at the camera...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ASZbmXPN7KY5GQOYJFmNPtrrgJXusO_uFnB3TITqAitjj4EJt1BKkAi1W0pEFPlCdt7v7nyAvHG2GAjDtQB4klrocym2BrCTaqnhUH4oihKKWok7aXMBoZOYB9bjTahrQPam/s1600/IMG_9051.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ASZbmXPN7KY5GQOYJFmNPtrrgJXusO_uFnB3TITqAitjj4EJt1BKkAi1W0pEFPlCdt7v7nyAvHG2GAjDtQB4klrocym2BrCTaqnhUH4oihKKWok7aXMBoZOYB9bjTahrQPam/s640/IMG_9051.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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And one of the gorgeous view on the hike...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1eYfwIcD937fu837MqksWqwshiCsW2KHqsPiItr25ciIF3pjz27WIQwpo_sxREfhMye6CwPgS3G4OxVYrlNzTbxvpNhjrmNHOwPuqNLl6jo7GQFp0nI6VK_0amcL2IOaD1OZ/s1600/7B6A12B6-5040-4F1D-8C75-53BBA122A236.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1eYfwIcD937fu837MqksWqwshiCsW2KHqsPiItr25ciIF3pjz27WIQwpo_sxREfhMye6CwPgS3G4OxVYrlNzTbxvpNhjrmNHOwPuqNLl6jo7GQFp0nI6VK_0amcL2IOaD1OZ/s640/7B6A12B6-5040-4F1D-8C75-53BBA122A236.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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I've lived in Arizona long enough that I forget that most of the country is still in the middle of winter this time of the year. Our temperatures have been in the 70's for quite a while now and we've even had a handful of days in the 80's. This is definitely the time of year to live here, and I've been trying to enjoy it while I can!<br />
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<b><u>Sunday</u></b><br />
Aaptiv "The Gun Show" Arm Workout<br />
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I opted to repeat the same workout as Wednesday since I really do like this one.<br />
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Overall not a bad week, but I was bummed that I was too sore to get any runs in this week. Granted, I could have gone for a run today but I think I had a case of the lazy Sundays. I was trying to get caught up on random life stuff and just never found the motivation to leave the house.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20852692.post-40937800526507016992020-03-13T14:00:00.000-07:002020-03-16T22:28:40.615-07:00Total BummerThe 5K that I was <a href="https://dcwonderwomanrun.com/tempe/" target="_blank">signed up to run</a> on March 22nd was canceled due to COVID-19 and switched to a virtual race.<br />
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<i>Boo. Hiss.</i><br />
<br />
I'm super bummed! I completely understand, and I agree with the decision. I was just really looking forward to running my first actual race in 13 years! Also, I really have no interest in running a third virtual race this spring, as I've <a href="https://adventures-in-running.blogspot.com/2020/03/zooma-international-womens-day-virtual.html" target="_blank">already ran one</a> and have <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Anywhere/IRun4Rescues" target="_blank">signed up for another</a>. I would have much preferred a refund but from what I can tell that isn't an option.<br />
<br />
<i>Oh well, what can you do?!</i><br />
<br />
I guess I'll lace up my shoes and hit the roads again for another virtual race next Sunday. This one will be different in that it is the only one where I will be running at the same time as other runners. The other two virtual races are ones that you run whenever you want to run it within a time frame, so I guess that's something.<br />
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In Other News:<br />
<br />
I decided to discontinue my personal training. I originally signed up simply for the accountability to get my butt in the door. I wasn't loving how the training is approached at this gym, but since it had been serving it's purpose I have continued with it. However, my current trainer altered his schedule and I was looking at either going at a time that isn't a good long-term fit with my schedule or else starting over with another new trainer, the third since I started. I wasn't really up for either option so I decided to cancel.<br />
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Of course, you pay way in advance and have to give 30 days notice to cancel so I still have another 5-6 weeks of training sessions left. So, now I'm left with the dilemma of deciding if I continue with the sessions until they are used up or do I bail on the gym as recommended because of this darn coronavirus? The sessions don't expire, so the smart thing to do is to put the session on hold for a while but my personality says to use them all up and get my money's worth now because you just never know.<br />
<br />
To be honest, I'm not as concerned about getting the coronavirus from the gym as I am about passing it on. Because of my occupation, I am pretty much guaranteed to get it. I literally have people breathing on my hands for 8 hours a day, not to mention how close my face is to theirs. No matter how careful I am about using hand sanitizer and washing my hands, it is inevitable that I am going to unconsciously touch my face and contaminate myself or simply get it from breathing in the same air space as someone who has it. Since it takes up to 14 days to show symptoms, I'm concerned about not knowing I am infected and perpetuating the spread of it.<br />
<br />
I've really been giving a lot of thought to more or less imposing a self-quarantine, and only going to work and for food and other necessities. I can't stand the thought that I could unknowingly cause the death of someone by passing on COVID-19 before I was aware that I had it. These are some really strange times with some very tough decisions we all have to make, and the view points range from one extreme to the other. Thus far my take has been: I'm going to stock up like crazy and hoard all the things so I can try not to leave my house in the thick of it and cause any unnecessary deaths.<br />
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It's going to be an experience watching this entire thing unfold in the coming months, that's for sure!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0