It was that sort of week: one filled with little frustrations. Nothing big, nothing terrible, but when you pile them all on — well, I made it out of 2020 and while I know it will be a long time before we see truly good news, I am always hopeful at the start of a new year. The weather outside might be frightful, but there’s just something about turning the page to a new year that is hopeful.
But first I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and running into 2021.
Workouts update
- Monday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk, Walk in the park
- Tuesday: Yoga (60 min), Dogwalk, 3ish TM miles (Peloton WU + 2010s run), Yoga (20 min)
- Wednesday: Yoga (60 min), Dogwalk+extra mile, PB ST (25 min), Moon Salutations (because, full moon)
- Thursday: Yoga (60 min), Dogwalk (rest day!)
- Friday: Yoga (30 min), 7 mile LSD, Yoga (30 min)
- Saturday: Yoga (20 min), Shoveling ice off the driveway, Peloton Beatles Vol. 1 (30 min)
- Sunday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, 3 TM miles, PB ST, Yoga (20 min)
Running 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
Tuesday intention: a little speed play
I had high hopes for the 2010s run; I really liked the playlist. I don’t know why, but it was good, not great. What was great was its mix of endurance with a little speed play. What wasn’t great was how tired I felt running.
Friday intention: add a mile (work on distance)
Paths were finally clearing out, but with more snow/ice predicted over the weekend, I knew if I wanted to add a mile today was the day. Despite the sun and almost no wind, I had great trouble getting out the door. I’d been feeling run down again this week (I think 2020 is just the year of feeling rundown for me — grateful to actually be healthy), but I felt really good on the run.
It was slow, though, because there were still patches of black ice. Teeny, tiny patches, but even walking very carefully over them I’d slide. I stayed upright. I ran some around the preserve that I parked at at the end (the rest was on a fitness path), and decided to stop and walk around and take some photos before my last mile. Which was a mistake, because the sun disappeared and it felt a lot colder.
I finished though. Unfortunately my Achilles was mildly irritated afterwards, and still tight the next morning, but with some myofascial release it felt fine. It was a little tight (not as much) again this morning, with an active rest day yeseterday, but again myofascial release had it feeling fine.
Sunday intention: recovery run
Can it really be a recovery run if it’s been a couple of days since you’re long run? Maybe better titled easy run. Actually Peloton has no recovery runs — or if they do, they’re hidden — so it was technically an endurance run (or steady state). I made it through 30 minutes and then I needed a short walk break. This run was also just ok. Well, the Peloton part, the run was fine — nothing great, nothing terrible.
Favorites of the week
Discovering the turkeys. They’re beauties, aren’t they?
The Peloton Beatles ride (vol. 1). So much fun to sing along as a pretty good recovery ride, if you modify a bit. Loved it!
That I finally (mostly) got the Echo Show at my mom’s to work, at least to the point that we can video chat. There were several more COVID cases right before New Years, so they are back on an almost complete lockdown (getting food delivered to their apartment instead of eating in the dining room, no in person activities, no visitation).
At least my brother & I can video chat with her and brighten her day. As much as it sucks for her, I could use a little break. Supposedly vaccines will be offered next week, but we haven’t heard anything further so not sure it will happen.
Embracing virtuals again or do you have real races on the brain?
Thought about goals or a word for 2021?
Feeling hopeful with a new year?
ICYMI: Today it’s a deep relaxation practice which is similar to, but not the same as, Savasana. You’ll find it here. The Better Sleep playlist has 9 videos all aimed at helping you get a better night’s sleep. Check it out here!
Coming up on Tuesday: Looking for a challenge or two for 2021? I’ve got way more than that for you. On Friday it’s the big reveal — my word for the year!
Chocolaterunsjudy 
I’m glad you could video chat with your mom! Yay for recovered achilles, turkeys and a Beatles ride!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, Achilles isn’t recovered as in fixed yet. But I was able to quickly relieve the stiffness. Which is good.
LikeLike
I’m glad that your achilles pain was short lived. I’ve noticed that Peloton doesn’t have recovery runs, which is odd because they have recovery rides for the bike. The closest thing I have found are the 10 minute cool down runs.
I’m still choosing my word for 2021 – I’ve narrowed it down to 3 options, now just time to pick one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree re: recovery biking vs recovery runs! I actually looked for long cooldown ps but they don’t have that either.
Your word will become clear soon, I’m sure!
LikeLike
Not so hopeful yet. The cases are on the rise, the vaccines are slow in coming so it seems that Pandemic will be impacting our lives til fall.
I have a few virtuals on the schedule but not long races. I plan to run a real half in April since I know it’s safe. Still not sure about one in Feb in Fla.yet.
Sorry about the achilles…it’s been bothering you a long time. I’m not a doctor or an expert. Who knows know if you should stop running entirely or just continue to endure???
I’ve had my word for a long time. You’ll see it on Tuesday.
I did the Beatles run today outside with the free trial. I’m pretty sure I’d enjoy it more if I just ran to Beatles music…too much chatter IMO. Glad it’s free.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some instructors are chattier than others. Sometimes it can be good, sometimes not.
A new year always feels hopeful to me, even when times are bad.
LikeLike
I’m sorry you can’t see your mom now, but at least you can chat with her. Hopefully they can start getting vaccines soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Actually they are supposed to be administering vaccines tomorrow. Which is goo; one of the drivers there was also tested positive recently.
LikeLike
I am trying to be hopeful as well. I also hope you can see your mom soon. I am waiting for my post vacation test to come back so I can visit my parents this week. Way to finish the year strong!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Deborah! Hope you can visit your parents. I know there are certainly still dark days ahead, but hope is important!
LikeLike
I’m jealous you can treat your Achilles yourself! That’s helpful. Glad its feeling better!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I could definitely use a physical therapist! If I saw one I’m sure it would’ve been completely better long ago. But most of the time it’s pretty good, pandemic, plus insurance doesn’t cover that — I have gone a few times when I really felt I needed it in the past.
LikeLike
Glad you found quick relief on the achilles.
I think you can call it a recovery run regardless of what Peloton does. Love that little hungry tongue
Be careful shovelling ice
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wore my screw shoes to shovel the ice. 🤣 Seriously! Even so it was pretty icy this morning.
Achilles isn’t healed yet, but the mfr relieves stiffness & pain quickly. I know at some point it’ll be back to normal.
LikeLike
After I got the first dose of the vaccine, I was definitely feeling more hopeful. I get dose #2 on Friday. But I am worried about the next couple of weeks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are supposed to be doing vaccinations where my mom lives tomorrow. That definitely makes me hopeful.
LikeLike
I agree, turning the page of a new year does give hope. At least it does for me. Sorry for the lockdown at your mother’s place…it’s all for the better good, but I’m sure quite depressing as well. I curse technology a lot, but it has been a great tool in keeping in contact with video chats, etc. I bet your video chats with your mother really brighten her days (and her spirits).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well imagine eating all your meals by yourself. Then you often can’t walk outside in winter — fear of falling. And you never go anywhere & can’t see other people, except to get your mail, basically. She’s a trooper though. We’re lucky.
Tech is a great help — but can be darn frustrating too!
LikeLike
Glad you were able to relieve that achilles pain. Sounds like you got that Echo going just in time for the lockdown. The positivity rate had started to go down but is rising once again. Can’t even imagine how hard it is for our seniors. I know how much my dad loathed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did get the damn echo working just in time!
It’s extremely isolating for seniors. 😔 But vaccinations are slated to start tomorrow so hopefully they’ll be able to open up sooner rather than later.
LikeLike
I really liked that Peloton Beatles ride – I might even do it again. I liked Emma’s Elvis ride too. My Achilles seems worst when I wake up, better during the day, and tight again at night. I’m debating seeing a PT for it …. I hope your Mom gets vaccinated soon – that will be a great relief.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Supposedly my mom will get the first vaccine today.
It makes total sense that our tendons are worse in the morning (same for planta fasciitis).
Obviously I am not a dr, but the fascia loves movement, and we’re usually not moving at night. Plus we get slightly dehydrated overnight, and fascia also loves hydration. So definitely look at how well you’re hydrating through the day!
So the simple exercise I’ve been doing in the morning that brings me immediate relief if it’s tight — you’ll need a ball. Tennis ball, small squishy ball, whatever I’m sure you have something like that. The one I use is hard; harder gets more deeply in, softer doesn’t go as deep but can definitely be good, especially if you haven’t been doing this in a while.
Step on it just in front of your heel, in the center of the arch. And just stay there for at least 30 seconds. No rolling. Then move it over to the outside of your foot, still right in front of your heel and in the arch. Same thing.
Final two spots: move it up just below the ball of your foot. Position so it’s essential between the bones of your big toe and second toe. Same thing.
Finally, move it over to be between the second and third toe (the bones below the ball of the foot, again). Same thing.
Doesn’t take long, but I’ve found it helps a lot. Then I usually go into some lower leg rolling, but that’s a longer story!
LikeLike
How fun that you can video chat with your mom! I am sure she enjoys it. My sisters and nephews/nieces usually FaceTime my mom and I know she likes it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am a huge Beatles fan. I would love the Beatles ride! I also love that you did Moon Salutations on the day of the full moon – so cool! I’m glad you can video chat with your mom. I’m sure she appreciates that you and your brother stay in touch.
Stay safe out there and watch that black ice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unfortunately I’m going to be on the treadmill again. It snowed overnight, and it’s cold, so the roads are still iffy. I should have run outside yesterday, which I’d originally planned to do, but there were still icy spots in the neighborhood & it just didn’t feel right. I know of regret it, but you gotta listen to your gut.
LikeLike
I am hopeful for this year. Last year was one of the worst years of my life. I’m trying to learn from everything that happened and am hopeful that this year will be better. Once more people get the vaccine, I think we’ll start to see things turn around quicker.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unfortunately, the last 2 years have been some of the worst of my life. The constant travel back & forth to my parents, seeing my Dad decline, starting 2020 with the loss of my Dad — I really thought my year could only go up from there & how wrong I was! And then losing Lola this year at Halloween.
There has been much good, too, though, and for the most part, that’s what I try to focus on. What we focus on expands!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Video chats have been the saving grace for so many people this past year. My mom is 91 and lives with us, but since she learned how to FaceTime, she no longer makes ‘regular’ calls. She FaceTimes my aunts, cousins, siblings, anyone in her contact list. She just loves it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s awesome that your mom can facetime at her age. Mine is 93, but she just can’t use a smartphone, for a variety of reasons (we tried!). But this is working for us — finally, after much work on my end!
LikeLike
So glad you were able to get the Echo working! My boys video chat with my parents quite a bit which seems to help keep everyone’s spirits up.
I agree that I think we still have a long road ahead, but there is always something about turning the page to a new year that gives me hope.
It’s funny my word took longer to come to me this time around than it usually does – I’ll be sharing on Kim and Zenaida’s link-up on Tuesday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I share my word tomorrow. It took longer than usual to come to me, too.
I’m still trying to be optimistic, despite the events of yesterday. I can only hope that it’s a real turning point for our country.
That’s great that your boys can video chat with your parents! It’s such a blessing.
LikeLike
I very much have real races on the brain. I don’t know if I will be able to get anything longer than a 5K or 10K right now, but I have my eye out.
Happy New Year, Judy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck finding your real races! I really don’t. I just have a feeling that it will be a long time til I’m comfortable with that again, despite several going off just fine last year here.
I can totally see how you want to cement your comeback with some real live races, though, Jen!
LikeLike
I’m going to check back later today to see what challenges you have up your sleeve. Can’t wait!
I’m very much looking forward to real races, but I’m willing to wait (and will) until I feel it’s safe. Here’s hoping our mom’s stay safe and can get their vaccinations soon!
Happy New Year, Judy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I got mixed up on my mom — they tested everyone there due to the most recent outbreak, but still no vaccines in sight. 😦
I don’t think I’ll be comfortable with real races for quite a while, but I do know plenty of runners who have run real races & been fine. Everyone has their own comfort level & circumstances.
LikeLiked by 1 person
i do have renewed hope for 2021 – although right now I’m super bummed to find out our local video stores are closing! (on a side note, this is not really too much of a surprise because I only spend $2 a month there maybe!). Glad you will be able to video chat with your mom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t even realize video stores were still a thing! I’m guessing due to gaming (you can tell I’m not a gamer).
It’s always hard to see things we like go belly up. 😦
Despite yesterday, I still remain hopeful. Hopefully that was our rock bottom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you were able to get the video chat sorted out. My in-laws are both having their vaccination on Saturday (not sure how as one is 80+ and the other 75+) so this is starting to feel reassuring.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I got mixed up. I thought my mom would be getting vaccinated earlier this week, but they were testing everyone again due to the recent outbreak there.
So happy that your inlaws will be getting vaccinated, Liz! They have already found the new strain not too far from here. 😦
Radio silence on the vaccines so far.
LikeLike