Aging isn’t for sissies: 9/12-18 Weekly Wrap

~ Chocolaterunsjudy

Another very, very hard weekend with my parents — although just the weekend this time, I actually did get to stay home last week and am back home right now. For those that don’t read the blog regularly, my parents are basically in their 90s, my mom is recovering from surgery and the recovery has been very difficult.

We finally convinced them to put a down payment on an apartment in a retirement community. It wasn’t easy; it was highly emotional for all involved. We’re a month away from actually moving them in, and we worry they will try to back out, although it’s a non refundable deposit.

So I will continue to be on and off the blog. I’ll do my best to keep up with comments and your blogs, but I hope you’ll understand if I don’t do more than like a comment. I truly love the interaction between bloggers, but my time online is often limited these days.

Having my longest long run in this week made it a bit easier to get my weekly mileage in!. I’m wrapping it up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Tricia @ Misssipppiddlin because you just never know who you might inspire.

WeeklyWrap

Workouts update

  • Monday: Dogwalk, 5 miles easy, Pahla B 15 Minute KB
  • Tuesday: Dogwalk, 3 miles: 1 mile WU, 800/3 min recovery x 3, .5 mile CD
  • Wednesday: Dogwalk, Pahla B 15 Minute KB
  • Thursday:  Dogwalk, no other organized exercise but 10k+ steps anyway
  • Friday: 11 miles LSD
  • Saturday: Looking at retirement communities
  • Sunday: Looking at retirement communities

Mileage: 19 (+2.9)

TIU = Tone it Up
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*

*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links

Running update

Just me & my duck friends

Monday

Some storms Sunday morning finally blew out our humidity, so my run today wasn’t a slogfest and didn’t suck. Almost negative splits, with one rogue mile. I probably really didn’t need 5 miles, but life is so crazy right now I figure get ’em when I can.

13.1. I’ve got this. I hope!

 Tueesday

I haven’t done speed work for most of my training, with the exception of last week’s 5k, which is really more a tempo run. I have a tendency to do my speedwork more as progressive runs (each speed interval faster than the last), so my aim for this run was to try to keep the intervals about the same pace. I mostly succeeded with it, and I am happy with this run.

Running without humidity? Priceless!

Post run selfie. Maybe I need to change my profile pic, hm?

Friday

I headed  out a bit later than I really wanted to, not hitting the path until almost 9:30. But it was a cool, low humid day, and most of the path was in shade, so it was fine.

I basically wanted to try to mimic my race, just at a slower pace. I mostly succeeded. It was mostly negative splits, although I let my last mile be my cooldown and I slowed way down then.

I got my brownie sundae afterwards; I only ate about half of it because it was humongous. A couple of hours later I was hit with severe cramps in my hamstrings. Both of them. I was going to get the mail, and I could barely walk. Out of the blue. No idea what that was about; they passed after several minutes and I was fine.

Dehydration? Or the fact that I didn’t take electrolytes after my run? I usually do, but it wasn’t super hot and I didn’t really think I needed it. Thankfully it didn’t happen on the run.

I shared some thoughts from/about the run on Friday’s post.

I took out about half of that bad boy

Favorites of the week
Brownie sundae, of course. I kind of wish I could have waited to later in the day to eat it, but I had to get ready to head down to my parents the next day.

A good double digit run in good weather.

While I wasn’t able to keep up with you, congrats to everyone racing this weekend! So many of you out there getting it done. Great job! You should be so proud of yourself!

Other than that, seriously, yesterday was just horrible. We all (my siblings and I) hate seeing my parents this way, hate having to force the issue, and hate the way we had to force the issue. We all know it had to be done, but that doesn’t always make it any easier. It ranks up there with putting my furkids to sleep, learning my FIL had dementia, and Chester and Simba’s diagnoses with their terminal illnesses.

And that’s a wrap 😔

Let’s get the conversation started:

Do you think that post run selfie is a good profile photo?

Ever get a “treat” and then realize it’s not really what you wanted?

Do you feel badly about only eating part of what you bought?

28 thoughts on “Aging isn’t for sissies: 9/12-18 Weekly Wrap”

  1. Awww Judy, I know that is tough with your parents! It weighs heavy on the heart. I have been through a lot with my Mom and it is really hard when you step into that roll where you feel like you are the parent. I hope you can find a nice place for them.
    Ha! I saw your treat picture which looked delightful but I was sick when I saw it. I couldn’t look at anything food related lol I usually want something treat like several hours after I run lol it takes me awhile to feel hungry usually.
    You are so right running w/o humidity is priceless! Some of my happiest run ever have been at my Mom’s it so much drier there- it is wonderful.
    I have felt the cramp in my hamstring and I get that in my feet too. Hard enough to make you suck wind. It is crazy how stuff pops up like that.
    Great job on the long run!

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    1. That is the first time I’ve ever had a cramp like that there. It was terrible! But thankfully short lived.

      Are you an only child, or do you have siblings? Thankfully I have one of each. We have all chipped in & done our part.

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  2. I hope your parents eventually realize that it’s going to be a great move for them! People to socialize with, someone to check in on them when they need it! I know it’s hard to give up the home, but surely they recognize it’s becoming difficult to keep living there. Best wishes and lots of hugs. In about a month, your stress level is going to go way down (and no, that’s not selfish, it’s realistic and practical). Hang in there!

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    1. You’re right, Paula, and WE know that, convincing them, that’s a different story.

      Unfortunately there are no good places close to them. There was one place very close, but the apartments only had 1 bathroom — never going to work for my parents.

      So this place is a half an hour away from where they presently live, and we are trying to brainstorm how we’ll be able to get them to their friends. I don’t actually think they see them a whole lot, actually, but I’m not sure how often and obviously this move makes it more difficult. 😦

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  3. Oh Judy that’s got to be so stressful for all of you. Your parents are so very fortunate they have all of you to tend to their needs. Transitioning and downsizing is a huge change. It’s natural they’re resisting but you’re right, it’ll be SO much better for them. My mom is in her mid-70’s and could do really well without the care and upkeep of her house. But yet she refuses to even entertain a townhome or condo. Sigh. Hang in there.

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    1. Marcia, that was totally my parents. They just put this off far too long.

      My best advice? Work on her NOW. It is SO much easier for them to make the change when they’re younger.

      I actually had been trying for years, but my brother & sister weren’t on board, something they totally regret now. 😢

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  5. It’s tough dealing with parent issues in addition to your own. The alternative is that they aren’t there which is much worse. Hope things get reserved. They will eventually. At least your parents have each other right now. And they will be better cared for. Where will you stay when you visit on the weekends/? In a hotel?

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  8. My father in law is finally looking at downsizing and assisted living places. I’m torn because he’s looking at some close to our house but we’d like to move once our youngest is in college. I’d say aging parents aren’t for sissies. Nor are teenagers. Life is hard. Sounds like you need to run more than anything. Don’t give it up, no matter how busy or overwhelmed you feel.

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  10. Aging is hard and seeing parents age is even harder. Mine are in their 70s and in excellent health but of course that won’t last forever.
    Yes, sometimes I buy things I don’t enjoy eating, and I end up not finishing them. I try to put only foods I really enjoy into my body.
    Have a good week !

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  11. I also have a parent in their 90’s and I totally understand what you are going through minus the surgery. Sorry the brownie sundae did not hit the spot. Food post race is always a challenge for me if it is a marathon. I know I need to eat, but sometimes struggle to do so.

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    1. I lose my appetite after a half — can’t imagine after a full!

      Both my parents are in their 90s, or near enough. Double trouble. If it were just one, while difficult, it would be easier.

      There’s a facility close to their home that’s perfect for one, but not for 2. They can’t afford to rent 2 apartments there.

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  12. Aging bites…and not just the ones who are suffering the effects. It was difficult seeing my in-laws in recent years, watching them lose weight and become weaker. We lost both of them within five months (December 2014 and May 2015). Now, my parents….they are 10 years younger and still in good health, but both of them are suffering hearing loss (and neither will admit it). I know…first world problems. Yes! That post-run selfie is beautiful!!!!

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    1. Don’t belittle hearing loss. It’s actually one of my dad’s major problems. He DOES wear hearing aids, but they don’t seem to do a whole lot for him. It’s so isolating.

      My mom has very suddenly seemed to have lost a lot of hearing in the last couple of months, too. I don’t know why.

      It’s really difficult to watch, Kim.

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  13. I’m sorry things have still been tough with your parents. I hope they go through with the apartment. My grandma wants to move into assisted living because it’s so hard for her to keep the apartment in order these days, but my grandpa is SO set against it. He doesn’t seem to understand how much it takes out of her; he’s used to her being the homemaker and she’s been it for 60+ years, so he doesn’t get why she can’t just keep on trucking. So I really hope your parents make the right decision here and move, even if it’s tough.

    You’re right, aging isn’t for sissies. And we don’t realize how good we felt when we were younger unit we start to feel the difference.

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    1. My parents will be married 69 years in December! Actually, I think my mom is more resistant but is resigned to it because maybe it will make my dad happier.

      I pray it makes them both happier.

      That is so tough about your grandparents. Most of these places aren’t really built for couples. 😔

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  14. You will be in my thoughts on your parents move. I can’t imagine what a difficult decision that has to be on all parties involved.
    Talking about treats much more fun, I really really hate it when I get a treat and it does not live up to being worth all the calories and I will put it down quick! I mean cheating should be good not just mediocre! right!

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    1. I think I would’ve enjoyed the sundae if I hadn’t gotten it right after my run. And it’s not that I didn’t enjoy it, mind you. But too much sweet too soon after. Sundaes are one of my favorite post race treats!

      It just worked out that I knew I wouldn’t be going back later in the day. Live & learn.

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  15. I’m so sorry to read about this stage in your parents’ and your lives. As difficult as it is, if they accept the change, once they are settled it will be a relief to you to know they are in a place where they can be overseen without your having to be at beck and call. Yet you can still be as involved as you want/need to be. I know. We’ve been there.
    Wishing every one of your the best on this very difficult journey.

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  16. Hooray for a nice double digit run! I didn’t have to face this decision with my parents. However, I have a brother with mental and physical issues (unmarried, disabled) that someone will always have to manage. It’s a difficult and expensive (assisted living) situation and causes riffs in our family. I’m thinking of you! That sundae looks delicious. After my last Tri, I ate a frosted pumpkin cookie from Starbucks and then wished I had ordered two. LOL. Thanks for linking, Judy!

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