Still We Run: 12/16-22 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy

Running went quite well this week. Paces are dropping a tad while HR is steady, all while pretty much running by feel. I got in a little more strength training, too. Snow flew, frigidly cold air moved in.

Life, however, well, not so great. We have been pushing through getting my Dad into a nursing home (which is surprisingly difficult), because even with a live in aide, my 91 year old Mom, just can’t handle him. We’ll make the transition next week.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and yup, still maintaining my base — in what feels like the frozen tundra.

briots

And linking up with Jenn @ Runswithpugs, Brandi @ Funnerrunner, Anna Louise @ Graciouswarriorprincess, Briana @ Matsmilesmedals, Meghan @ Meghanonthemove, and Elizabeth @ Trainwithbainfor RIOTS(running is our therapy)

Workouts update

  • Monday:  3 miles with Hill Repeats, Dogwalk, Yoga AM/PM (60 min), PB Abs (10 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (40 min),  PB Cardio + Weights (40 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga AM/PM (60 min), 3 miles TM Progressive, Dogwalk
  • Thursday: Yoga (40 min), TM Soul Stroll (33 min)
  • Friday: 7 mile LSD, Yoga (30 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (45 min), Filmed Yoga Video (50 min), Very short Dogwalk (Brrrr!)
  • Sunday: Yoga (30 min), Studio Yoga (60 min), Dogwalk, PB Weights

Mileage: 13 (NC)

JY = Jasyoga
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
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

A little holiday cheer on the road before the snow

Monday
Snow in the forecast for the next day, so I got out for more hill repeats while the hill was still runnable.

Wednesday
Snow was restocked, so to the mill it was. We didn’t get much this time, but it takes a while for the roads to really be runnable.

More snow, but clear parking lot

Friday
Our temps plummeted this week, and it was a very, very cold day. Sunny, at least. Some wind, but not too bad. I went out later in the day, when it was at least in the teens (although still felt like single digits). The run was strong, but it was also a tough one.

Always love seeing my spirit animal

Favorites of the week
This week I tried Oat Milk. I haven’t drunk cow’s milk in forever (although I still occasionally eat cheese and more often yogurt); I use nut milks mostly. I tried the Oat Milk first in a Matcha Latte and I was underwhelmed. Much prefer my Almond Milk.

The next day I tried the Oat Milk in oatmeal I cooked in my mini crockpot overnight. Some synchronicity there, right?  I really liked it that way; the oatmeal came out really creamy!

A very Happy Holidays to all who celebrate next week. To those that struggle this time of year, I’m sending you a virtual hug. Hang in there. It will get better.

Do you drink Cow’s Milk or alternative milks? 

Do you really feel that tough runs make you a stronger runner? 

Are you hoping for anything special this holiday season?  

39 thoughts on “Still We Run: 12/16-22 WRD”

  1. While tough runs feel really tough (mentally and physically), I really think we do benefit from them…especially on the mental aspect. They enable us to experience that feeling of gritting-it-out. It’s empowering (at least to me) to know I do have what it takes to finish what I start. Thinking of you, Judy. I know it’s been a rough year. Happy Hanukkah!

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  2. I am sorry to hear about your dad. All I can do is send you virtual hugs. I know this year hasn’t been easy for us but I hope next year is better. I think my word for next year will be “Joy”. I use mostly almond milk in my oatmeal. I started using oakmilk creamer in my coffee and I love it. Now I prefer it to the other creamers.

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    1. It’s definitely been tough for us both, but I don’t think next year will be better for me. There’s only one way to get through this stage — just go through it. Feel it. Someday, this, too shall pass & all that will be left is memories.

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  3. Oh, Judy, sorry it’s being so tough with your dad. I hope it will go smoothly with the transition next week.
    Looks like you had a great fitness week, once again! Good for you for going out despite the snow and the cold.
    I used to drink soy milk and avoid dairy completely, but last month I returned to cow’s milk. I started tracking my nutrition with an app and I noticed that I wasn’t getting all my proteins in.

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    1. I was never that fond of cow’s milk anyway, so that was an easy thing to give up. I used to drink Soy milk, too, as there was little alternative to cow’s milk. Now there are so many alternatives!

      Thanks for your good thoughts; they’re appreciated.

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  4. Sorry to hear how tough it’s been with your dad and hope that is resolving peacefully. So hard a decision and time.

    And I drink half cow, half oatmilk on my cereal, which is a mix of Shreddies and oats, but have cows’ milk the rest of the time.

    Those temperatures – eeeeeeeeps!

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    1. Well, we are used to cold here, but it’s definitely early. It is what it is, can’t change the weather.

      Unfortunately I don’t think this transition will be super peaceful, but it is what it is too, and it needs to happen, unfortunately.

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  5. I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. It’s sure been a tough year for you! Hoping the new year brings some peace.

    I drink Ripple milk, which is pea protein. I shouldn’t say I actually drink it–I put it in my smoothies. I don’t drink cow’s milk anymore, but I do still occasionally have cheese.

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    1. Thanks, Wendy. Definitely a tough year, and next week is going to be very tough for sure.

      I’ve seen Ripple, but never actually tried it. Pea protein tends to be kind of chalky to me, so I’ve been hesitant about spending the $$ on it.

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  6. I’m really sorry to hear about the trouble that you’ve had with finding a nursing home for your dad. I know this has been a very hard year for you and your family.

    Thanks for the tip about using Oat milk in oatmeal. I tried it before and didn’t really like it, but good to know it works well in oatmeal!

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    1. Thanks, Kim. It’s definitely been a tough year. It’s just unfortunate that I live far enough away that I can’t help out on a daily basis — although lucky, I suppose, that I don’t work a regular job & can afford to stay down there sometimes.

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  7. I know it’s been really tough with your parents this year. Hope your dad gets settled in this week. I have tried oat milk with mixed results as well. I can drink reg milk so I figure, why not? Have a great week ahead!

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    1. I actually can drink regular milk, but I like to limit my dairy in general. Was never much into cow’s milk anyway, unless in the form of ice cream. And even then, there are plenty of good alternative ice creams, LOL!

      Thanks for the good thoughts, Deborah. Enjoy Aruba! Send some sunshine our way. 🙂

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  8. I generally drink soy, cashew, or coconut milk. I was recently introduced to coconut butter as a cooking replacement for regular butter, and I have had really good luck with it.
    I want to send a big thanks to you for introducing me to Pahla B Fitness. I am coming back from a stress fracture (and generally just want to be stronger), and have really enjoyed her workouts. I am a bit younger than her targeted market, but don’t care. I love it! Thank you!

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    1. So glad you like the Killer B Queen! I think she’s awesome. I aspire to be as real as Pahlavi is on video.

      I’ve turned to Ghee mostly now. Well, I actually use a variety of healthy fats but ghee to replace butter. Even though I’m not lactose intolerant (I get it at Trader Joe’s).

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  9. I grew up on a dairy farm and I don’t like drinking cow’s milk – I just don’t like the taste of it. I do enjoy cheese, yoga, and ice cream, and if I eat cereal, I put cow’s milk on it because the cereal helps camouflage the flavor.

    Sending virtual hugs your way as you maneuver through this next stage with your parents. It’s hard watching them change from the strong people they once were to becoming more dependent on us.

    Happy Hanukkah!

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    1. Thanks so much Deb, it’s very difficult & yes, my parents were super strong people. Dementia is just SUCH a horrible disease, I’ve watched it rob us of my FIL & my father.

      Cereal doesn’t fill me up, and therefore I tend to overeat it — so I just don’t!

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  10. Never been a milk drinker and put half n half in my coffee. I do sometimes buy almond milk to put in my oatmeal.

    Happy Hanukkah.

    Good luck this week with your dad.

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      1. I’m sure you will. So many things are out of our control and work out for the best.

        My MIL is 95 and will never leave her home so we’ll see. My BIL and stepson live right there so they help out.

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  11. I’m a dairy girl and always will be. I can’t do nut milks; they just don’t have the same thickness and consistency as real milk. But I understand why some people like them. It’s just not for me.

    I’m sorry about your dad. Decisions like that can always be tough. ❤

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  12. I’m so sorry to hear about your father. We have definitely had some experience with this with some older members of our families, and it’s never easy. You are in my thoughts.

    That snow is crazy there! I’m glad you’re still able to get out for some miles, but it’s good you had some other options to fall back on.

    I love dairy (cheese and ice cream), but I don’t use milk often. Cream in my coffee, but that’s about it.

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  14. I’ve never tried Oat Milk – I’m pretty much an almond milk or nothing kind of gal. Can’t remember the last time I had cow’s milk.

    I am so sorry for all you’re going through with your father. I hope you’re able to get him settled soon – the transition is never easy. I continue to hold good thoughts for you and your family.

    Happy Hanukkah!

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  15. So that’s where all the snow is! I’m sure we’ll pay for our mysteriously mild weather but for now I’m enjoying it.
    Sorry things are tough with your dad and I hope the transition goes as well as it can for all involved.
    I’ve been leaning heavily toward coconut milk lately, since it’s the only milk allowed on my AIP protocol. I’ll miss cheese the most.

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    1. We’re a little mild right now, but nowhere near as mild as you guys have been. Definitely no 60s here. 40 feels pretty warm though.

      I love cheese, but I don’t eat it a lot. I could definitely give it up for a while.

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  16. I usually buy alternative milks just because they stay good longer – I still get the “real” stuff occasionally.

    I only selectively believe that tough runs make me a stronger runner. It depends on why the run is tough…and in general I just don’t believe that every hard thing makes you stronger. Some things are sucky with no redeeming qualities.

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