I was not familiar with Stevie Nicks’ song, That Made Me Stronger. It’s true, though, that the tough times we go through make us stronger. You have to go through it; no one else can do it for you — they can only support you.
The last 6 months? Hard. So hard. Did they make me stronger? Did they change me? Time will tell.
Can you write this for me
He says no, you write your songs yourself
That made me stronger
It made me hold on to me
Getting in scheduled runs
I kept with my 3 x week runs. Which is not to say February didn’t make it challenging. Much less travel — but still one trip to my mom’s. Not much snow — but plenty of ice. I’m pretty proud that most of those runs occurred outside. I began to lengthen the long runs.
Grade Earned: A+
Recording my runs
After the intensity of January, I fell almost completely off journaling the first couple of weeks of February. I did run, obviously. I have the blog to go back and fill in the blanks. Which is part of why I write a detailed recap of my runs on the blog. It’s my backup.
Grade Earned: B-
Dynamic Warmup
It gets done. The length varies, but I do move my body before running. Cold rubber bands break when they’re stretched. You don’t want to break your legs, right?
Grade Earned: A
Foam Rolling
I haven’t moved back to more frequent foam rolling, but I really am committed to foam rolling before I get out there and run. If I wait til afterward — well, the stretching doesn’t even always happen afterward.
Grade Earned: A
Nutrition
There was more eating out than normal in February, especially my birthday weekend. Not only did I have 2 cakes, chocolate covered strawberries, and pizza, but there was sushi, too! Plus some of my husband’s tempura veggies. The secret to indulging? Don’t wait til the proverbial Monday to get back to healthy eating.
Grade Earned: A-
Support
- Massage? No. No birthday massage for me. 😦
- Chiropractor Appointment? Still no.
- Do I need a hair appointment? No — I actually had 2 in 2 months! My hairdresser seriously thought that second appointment was a mistake. And that is the last time that will happen!
Grade Earned: B-
Cross Training
My recent bone scan (my first) came back with mildly low bone density. I’m sure that my very low Vitamin D levels are to blame. I am really making an effort to get in that strength training 3 x week! I was successful this month.
In addition, I have also begun to ride my stationary bike before breakfast several times a week. When I run on the treadmill, I also use it as a warm up. Obviously there is lots of Yoga.
Grade Earned: A
January 2020 gets . . .
. . . an A-. There’s always room for improvement, but February went pretty well.
February Goals:
- Strength train 2 – 3x week. Y. February was a busy month. But I really committed to trying to get in more strength training and was successful.
- Continue running 3 x week and maintaining my base. Y. No, I didn’t add in a fourth day, and probably won’t for a while, but I did begin lengthening my long run.
- Start practicing at the Yoga Studio that’s close to me. N. Let’s just say life has thrown a few more curve balls my way so it didn’t happen.
- Foam roll when I’m able. Y. Still just pre-run, but that’s the most important to me.
- Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. Y.There was more eating out than planned in February, not to mention those dreary end of Winter days are testing my resolve, but I am proud of continuing to maintain my weight intuitively. People who’ve never struggled with their weight will never understand why it’s even an issue for anyone, but others will get it.
- Meal plan on the weekends! Y. Are you shocked? Yes, I started to meal plan on the weekends again! If you fail to plan, you plain to fail, never forget that!
Which leads me to March Goals:
- Strength train 2 – 3x week. I’m really shooting for those 3 x week, even if one session is just 10 minutes.
- Continue running 3 x week, adding in more mileage. If I’m motivated, maybe I’ll add in a fourth day. My guess is that won’t happen anytime soon. Still. Other fish to fry.
- Begin to write half marathon plans. I like to look at the race date, and work backwards from there. Even for the June half, it’s time — starting early gives me that wiggle room.
- Start practicing at the Yoga Studio that’s close to me. Um, maybe. Depends on what happens in life.
- Foam roll when I’m able. Would love to foam roll at least occasionally on days that I don’t run.
- Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. Although I’d love to drop just a little weight, I’m still maintaining fairly well.
- Meal plan on the weekends! Planning makes almost everything better. Just sayin’.
- Maybe a shorter race? It’s been months since I’ve raced. Time to remind these legs that they can turn over faster.
Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner
This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup
This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.
Chocolaterunsjudy 
Considering all that has been going on in your life lately you did extremely well with your February goals.
I can’t believe you still didn’t get your birthday massage! Get it – you deserve a bit of pampering.
On the yoga photo I see that everyone has their phone with them (and a person seems to be checking it, too). In the studio I went to that was forbidden – and I quite liked the phone-free environment for yoga.
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Feb actually was a lot calmer for me. My average resting HR started to lower, and even Lola’s vet mentioned I looked a lot more rested.
The yoga photo is from cat yoga — it’s at the humane society, not a regular studio. Actually I have my phone with me (on do not disturb) just to keep track of time.
But the main attraction of it is the cats. 🙂 Even if only one cat has really wanted to play the last couple of times . . .
Although I must say that in most of the yoga studios around here, most people do have their phones with them.
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Ah, cat yoga! Get it, that’s probably a more relaxed environment.
Nice comment from Lola’s vet! 😊
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I know I’ve said it before but I’m so impressed with how you have handled everything during the past few months. It was such a sad and stressful time for you but you still stayed very consistent with everything. That being said, make sure you book your birthday massage – you deserve!
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I got together with a friend this week, but no massage yet. I *might* have some news today that will lower the limbo, but maybe not. It’s a waiting game.
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Glad most of the family drama is over.
I’m hoping I’ve turned a corner on foot pain. This weekend will be a test.
I need to do a short race to see if I can run fast. It’s been since summer.
Glad to report that I have no bone density issues even with stress fracture and several broken bones.
I get as much sun as I can. Which is good because I do not like to take any supplements or medication.
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That’s really impressive that you were able to keep up with most of this given how difficult things have been. Great job! Hopefully you find some time to treat yourself with a massage this month 🙂
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Hopefully I can make the massage happen in the near future. Or maybe a movie. 🙂
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I strongly believe the tough times make us tougher, even though it can be painful at the time. It’s empowering to look back and say,”I survived that!” Gosh…that birthday cake! You had to show it to us just one more time 😉
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Well, I have to work with the photos I’ve taken — and just don’t take enough photos usually. Sorry! I only had the one piece. 🙂
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You’re stronger than you think! Great month for you in spite of all the diffiicult things you’ve had to deal with. And yes, of course your family is trying to fatten you up! I feel like my family is always trying to sabotage my healthy eating. They’re really good at the guilt…
Thanks for the reminder about the massage! I just texted my MT to see if she’s got any openings.
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Hopefully in a couple of weeks I’ll know a bit more about what’s going on behind the scenes & can decide about the half (and the massage).
If it’s not sugary & fattening, my family isn’t interested. Even though my mother has gotten extremely picky & will claim things taste too sweet — then she’ll eat 60% dark chocolate & think it’s too bitter (I usually eat around 85%, sometimes a bit more — but it took me a while to get there).
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You have had a lot on your plate the last few months. Staying on your schedule is a great way to reduce stress. Love that birthday cake and hope you get that birthday massage this month you deserve it. Thanks for linking up w the Runners Roundup
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Routines are good! Thanks, Deborah.
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This has me thinking – I should get a massage too! I can’t even remember the last time I had one. I’m sure it would do me good. I hope you get yours too! I see a lot of good grades on your list. Good job! That cake picture took a minute to load on the page, and then it popped up. I’m happy to see it again 🙂 YUM!
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I’m actually thinking I really need to make that chiro appt. It’s been a long time. I’m beginning to increase me running, so I’m gonna put it on the planner for tomorrow!
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Really good work there. Yoga and hair is a minefield, isn’t it? I’ve had a short bob for a while which I have to trap in a buff in snood form so it doesn’t flop over my eyes. I’m growing it a bit but probably not long enough for plaits, so goodness knows what I’m going to do with it when it’s longer!
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I really like a ponytail or a braid when it’s warm. So my hair is pretty much always the same, it’s just the length that changes.
Not a whole lot you can do with curly hair other than the length.
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You’ve had a heck of a few months, to say the least. I hope there are quieter times ahead. That being said I think you did a great job with your goals.
Now be sure to schedule that massage!
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Great job getting so much in despite everything you’ve had going on. I hope things are starting to settle down for you. That is a gorgeous cake!
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Yes, a lot of thing have settled down. Just not everything. Things out of my control. How are things going with your Dad, Marcia? I don’t remember if you have siblings?
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On my FB and Insta pages today, I wrote that “Sometimes strength is just putting one foot in front of the other.” That birthday cake is EPIC!!!! Wow, so glad you were spoiled! I keep saying this and NOT doing it, but I’m going to join you on that strength training goal in March – let me declare here and now, 2x strength sessions a week!
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You have worked so hard, and it has really showed up in your results. Trust me, that ST will take it to the next level. But I get it — you’ve also got a lot on your plate!
I think the trick is to not think you have to do 45 min longer or more to be effective. You don’t! You can get a pretty good workout in even just 10 minutes.
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I know these past few months haven’t been easy for you but overall you still did great. Whether or not experiences makes us stronger, I do believe that they’re a learning experience. We all go through them to move on in life. Hugs to you!!!
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It’s very true, you have to go through the tough times to grow. But as the old saying goes, I wish God didn’t think I was so strong!
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🙂
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