I actually wanted to do my long run on Wednesday, which would have been a pretty good day for it — except for the morning thunderstorms. I just keep telling myself I’m not training for anything . . . Then I wanted to do a recovery run after my long run. Sure, I could’ve done it, but it was clear I wasn’t recovered. I could run today, but then that blows my chances of getting in three runs next week out of the water.
I am not going to my mom tomorrow — first time in I don’t know how many years I’ve been home on Labor Day — because my brother is coming in next weekend so it’ll be a family gathering. I’d already told my mom this, and she understands, but she asked again yesterday (she’s become extremely forgetful). Cue the guilt. I can’t do it all, but I know she’s all alone and it just sucks.
Lest you think it’s all doom and gloom, after those thunderstorms on Wednesday it eventually cooled down and we have enjoyed some lovely Fall weather (although the mosquitoes are still enjoying me). Don’t be too envious, we’re set to have a heat wave the next few days.
I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and another easy week because I don’t want to push too hard and get sick.
Workouts update
- Monday: Yoga (30 min), 3 miles with 5 x 200m strides, Dogwalk, Pilates PM (15 min)
- Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Oppenheimer <== rest day
- Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk+, Kettlebells (15 min)
- Thursday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Filmed Yoga Videos <== unplanned rest-ish day
- Friday: Yoga (30 min), 6 miles easy, Pilates PM (15 min)
- Saturday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Filmed Yoga Video <== unplanned rest-ish day
- Sunday: Truly not sure. Pilates? Kettlbebells? Maybe an indoor cycle? Whatever it is will be light.
Running Mileage: 9 (NC)
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
Running Update
Monday intention: remind the feet to go faster
This was the first run in a long, long, long time that felt really good. The cooler temps didn’t hurt, but I’ve run in cooler temps a few times and still had to slog. I think last week’s cutback week (and the cooler weather) did its magic.
Friday intention: run long-er
I had scheduled my long run this week for Thursday, to coincide with the cooler weather. Let’s just say I have great trouble sleeping during the Full Moon (always), and I knew it was better to reschedule to Friday — even though it sort of messed things up. Still I was blessed with a morning temperature of 50 when I got up at a bit after 5 am (but no, I didn’t start running then).
I took advantage of the weather to go to 6 miles. It’s my longest run this year. I most likely won’t go longer than that this year, either. Oh well. Despite the lovely weather, I sort of dragged myself through this run but I got it done. Met a running friend towards the end & we chatted & caught up a bit before I finished up my last 1.5 miles, and then misjudged my cool down walk and walked almost the same distance back.
Usually I take whatever water I need with me, but this time I decided I’d just stop at the car and switch bottles, which is what I was doing when I ran into my friend (for the second time). It also gave me the opportunity to chew a couple of Saltstick chews.
Favorites of the week
Older iphones aren’t really great for moon shots, but I did my best and managed to get a couple of decent shots, over a couple of days and at different times in the morning.
We went to see Oppenheimer this week. I wasn’t as wowed by it as most people are. It was just so long. Much like Interstellar (same director) — it had the makings of a great movie but just sooooo long. A bit difficult to follow too. Bandit was a bit stressed when we got home (just the movie itself is 3 hours!).
Later today we’re taking Bandit to the vet for a recheck — I was quite shocked to get an appointment so quickly, and happy, because it’s clear that he’s struggling a bit again.
I caught him picking up something white in the backyard this week, and shouted at him to leave it, which he did (that training’s paying off). I thought it was a mushroom stem. It was a small bone! Yikes. Seriously, that could have killed him.
ICYMI: Not my most flattering photo, but if you’re gonna teach online, sometimes you have to set the ego aside (or in person, too). The TCM season of late summer is the time to ground; and this practice will also help your back & hips — click here for the video (live at 8 am).
Coming up next Week: Just WRD. Although I’m not going to my mom tomorrow, I’ll be there next Saturday and there’s a lot to potentially squeeze into this week.
Chocolaterunsjudy 
I’m not sure I would get those runs in if I didn’t race. I can’t look at the weather and I have to run 3 times during the week and long on the weekend.
We certainly have had challenging weather this summer. And a heat wave on the way. Ugh.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy the family reunion next weekend.
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Well at least the heat wave isn’t starting til after your race!
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Sounds like you need to give yourself some grace, Judy. You’re doing great. You can’t do it all!
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Thanks, but it really is hard. My mom is lonely, her health is so-so, & I wish it was easier for me to go more often.
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I agree with what Wendy said! I am trying to do the same for myself and it’s not so easy sometimes. I wonder if the moon effects me at all? I don’t notice it.
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Wow, really? I always have trouble sleeping during a full moon. It was pretty though!
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I hear you on the “daughter” guilt. My mom’s mind is slowly going, and it’s frustrating. I’m glad my dad is still around (and he’s in decent health, mind and body), and my sis is here as well. But still, I have guilt when the frustrations build with her words and behavior. We’ve never had a close mother/daughter bond, so it’s a battle pushing that aside. Anyways, keep your chin up! You’re doing what you can, and that’s far more than some are able (or willing) to do.
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My sister has the same sort of relationship with my mom & unfortunately she’s closer so even more falls to her.
You have to keep reminding yourself it’s not their fault when the keep repeating things. Trust me, I k LE how frustrating that feels! My mom often says the same thing a few times in our now very short phone conversations. Hugs on dealing with all that, Kim, when you aren’t very close. Just think about how that shows your kids how to act as you get older.
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It seems like you do see your mom a lot. You have to keep reminding yourself that you have to have your own life, too. I know- it’s hard though.
Nice job on the long run! Sounds like you’ve been having some beautiful weather I love the photo from Monday.
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We did have some great Fall weather. But expected be near or in the 90s the next few days. Yes, we only have to deal with it a few days, but we deal with extreme cold & snow for way more days!
Well, think about it. My mom mostly sits in her apartment, with an aide she doesn’t like, for much of her day. She does play bridge Mondays & Wednesdays, and there’s a Sabbath service on Friday. She misses my father and all her old friends. The only time she goes anywhere is when my brother, who is willing to take her places, comes. But even then it exhausts her. I could go on, but you get the picture. It’s hard.
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Judy, you’re doing great with your mom and she’s lucky to have you visit as often as you do. Please don’t be so hard on yourself.
So glad you saw and stopped Bandit from eating the bone!
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Thank you. She told me no one asked her to eat with them tomorrow so she won’t go (they do a BBQ for holidays). She knows plenty of people there so she could ask to join someone. Too proud. Doesn’t change my decision unfortunately I just can’t go tomorrow. Sucks all around.
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Happy to hear the temps were a little cooler this week… for us too and it was nice! You got some solid runs in, even if you shifted things around.
The blue super moon was so pretty, but I didn’t even attempt to take a picture of it. Your photo turned out nicely!
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The moon was definitely pretty. It took quite a few tries to capture its essence.
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That was a foggy morning! I think you got a pretty good photo of the super/blue moon. We had a lot of clouds from Idalia.
Yay for the great run. Too bad they can’t all feel that way. 😉
I get the Mom guilt, but you seem to visit her pretty often, so objectively, you know you shouldn’t feel bad staying home.
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I’ve actually had a bit of a break this summer. My sister happened to have to be there more. But I already know there’ll probably be a few overnights November/December when it’s my sister’s busy time at work. So I tried to take advantage of the break!
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I haven’t seen Oppenheimer yet, but we will. We watched “Angry Neighbors”. I thought it was going to be more of a comedy, and then we did not care for the ending at all!! There’s 2 hours of my life I’m not getting back 😂
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I’m so sorry you didn’t like the movie (I’ve never even heard of it). I would’ve thought it was a comedy too.
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I’m sorry to hear Bandit is struggling again. 😦 But it’s wonderful to have a good vet that can offer quick appointments.
Well done with the 6 mile run! We had that super moon here too. I’m still trying to figure out how to photograph it. It’s hard enough even with a camera!
I think you’re doing a great job with your mom and she’s fortunate to have you. Enjoy that family gathering next week.
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I took a few more shots this morning, although obviously the moon is no longer full, but it’s still pretty. 🙂
The vet visit was a bit of a bust. She’s really pushing us to see the cardiologist, which I’d actually like to do at this point, but I can’t even try to make an appointment til tomorrow since it’s a holiday here today.
We have an appointment to come back to the vet for blookwork/xray potentially Wednesday, but that’ll cost as much as going to the cardiologist! Sigh. Tough decisions. One day at a time.
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It isn’t easy to know what is the right decision about a pet. 🙁 Perhaps the cardiologist would recommend those tests anyway? Hard to know.
With Ester I always thought about whether procedures or similar would help maintain or give her a better quality of life to decide if it was worth it.
But you’re right, one day at a time.
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I appreciate you taking the time to give me your advice, Susanne. I know it’s probably still painful. We need those tests to see if we can increase his medication. At the moment his quality of life is decent. Unfortunately I’ve been through this, in one way or another, with the 6 previous furkids we had. The biggest question is spend the $$ at the regular vet or try to hold out for the cardiologist. I had a great experience with the cardiologist with my previous dog who was in heart failure, but times have changed. I’ll call tomorrow & we’ll go from there.
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We were supposed to see Oppenheimer but the weather was gorgeous so I begged for mini golf instead. i don’t know if I can do it.
I am hopeful for the cardiologist appointment for you and Bandit. I often think of you and that sweet baby.
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Thank you! It may have been expensive but the results were pretty good so it’s a relief. Most of the days we’ve gone to see movies have not been beautiful! They have been few & far between this summer.
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Ooh that stretch at the end looks like BLISS! And I love your foggy pic, too, we had a wonderful mist in the park on Sunday. Good news on a good run – I had one, too, this morning, even though it was hot and 93% humidity and we were both tired. Phew!
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That stretch actually can be a bit intense, so I offer it as an option. Running has gone well this week. Tomboy . . . dunno. I want to squeeze o e in but I’m tired & the weather may not cooperate. We’ll see! Very glad to hear you had a good run, too.
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