Running

Add another state?: 2/10-16 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 46 Comments

The date for my Dad’s burial has been set, and it was arranged so I could run the April half if I want to — or so I thought. I can still run the April half, but the new potential date means two trips at the end of April. So it’s gone from a nice long weekend away to add another state, to potentially all sorts of driving and my Dad’s burial — not so much relaxing. What to do?

We most likely won’t make our decision until the end of the month, since the price goes up in March (and it’s already not cheap) — in the meantime I’m still in limbo, trying to begin to up my training just in case.

If I do run the April half, most likely I will target it mostly for fun and training for my June half (although the April half is flat & fast, and the June half is downhill, and therefore has the potential to be fast). I’d probably continue to run just three times a week — unless that early spring arrives — maybe even if it does — and simply begin to increase those long runs.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and trying to motivate myself through the gray days of Winter.

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:  Yoga (60 min), Shoveling ice, Dogwalk
  • Tuesday: 3 miles with 5 hill repeats
  • Wednesday: Yoga (15 min), Dogwalk, Taught Yoga (60 min)
  • Thursday: Cardio (10 min), Yoga (30 min), Shoveling Ice, PB Walk with Weights (25 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (15 min), 3 TM Progressive Miles
  • Saturday: Yoga (40 min), Soul Stroll
  • Sunday: Yoga (30 min), 8 mile LSD, PB ST (10 min)

Mileage: 14 (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

Finally got the driveway clear of ice (before the next ice storm hit)

Tuesday
It was an ugly day: cold drizzle and gray, but the temps hovered just above freezing allowing me to get out there without having to worry about black ice. I took it nice & easy, even backing off on the number of hill repeats I did. Oddly enough, this turned out to be a strong run for me — the first that felt that way in quite some time. I guess my Garmin agreed, because I gained back the point on my VO2 Max that I’d lost.

Friday
Going to my mom’s for her first Valentine’s Day alone, so 3 progressive mill miles it was (due to the cold, the wind, and time crunch).

I was able to gingerly walk over this bridge

Sunday
I was hoping the bike path was clear; I made a quick trip there, and our overnight dusting of snow was still there. Who know what was underneath that snow? I didn’t want to find out.

I was tired of running in the same neighborhood, but there wasn’t much choice. The path to the bridge was clear, though, so I slowly and carefully walked over into the park. Most of today’s run was in the park, but there were still spots were the path was completely covered in ice. Wearing my trail shoes today helped a lot.

I also spent quite a bit of time running around parking lots — a runner’s gotta do what a runner’s gotta do — and discovered some new sidewalks to extend my run into 8 miles without looping.

A far warmer, and less windy, day than yesterday, but it still wasn’t an easy run. I couldn’t convince myself for much of the run that Winter running is, indeed, a good thing (like I wrote about this week here), but I rallied enough to realize that I am lucky I can run, and that I got to do it outside.

I think my Mom deserves the roses on Valentine’s — but I got flowers from Mr. Judy, too (not pictured — the flowers or Mr. Judy). My necklace? That was a gift from my parents on my Bat Mitzvah. It’s almost antique now, LOL!

Favorites of the week
I usually like to get a massage on my birthday, whether or not I’ve run. Since it’s almost a month since my Dad passed, and Valentine’s Day happens to be my birthday, and my brother was coming in for a visit (he had scheduled that a long time ago), I thought it would help my mom if I went down to her instead. No time for a massage.

Instead of pampering myself I spent my birthday running on the treadmill; picking up roses, chocolate covered strawberries, and new towels for my mom; and of course the 90+ minute commute down there. I attended Shabbat Services with her, but she did have a cake for me at dinner, which was just ok, but wait, there’s more . . .

Grandma soaking up the love

My brother came in the next day with his daughter. I’d overheard my mom talking to my sister, and knew she was bringing another cake that day. Along with pizza for lunch for everyone. Oy! The cake was supposed to be a surprise, but I can still hear fairly well.

It tasted as good as it looked! My poor sister brought sparkler candles for the cake. They don’t allow candles at all at my mom’s senior living facility.

As you can see, though, it was a beautiful cake (and much better tasting than the previous night’s cake.

So . . . not the best birthday, although I rarely spend it with family, and while we’ve been brought together a lot this year for sad things, it was nice to spend a happier occasion together. Not my worst birthday, either: that belongs to my fourteenth, when my Uncle died unexpectedly of a heart attack.

Do you have cake on your birthday?  Because it’s just me & Mr. Judy, I haven’t had a cake on my birthday since my nephew’s Bar Mitzvah, 5 years ago (it happened to fall on my birthday). I do always have dessert on my birthday, though. 🙂 Just no need for an entire cake!

If you travel to your halfs, are they just a quickie, or do you take the time to explore? Mine are called racecations for a reason — I like to take my time in the area that I’m visiting!

Do you pamper your mom on Valentine’s Day?  Yourself?

ICYMI: February is about love — self love, that is. Because you can’t love others if you don’t love yourself! Try my short (just 5 minutes!) guided Self Love meditation here. Be the first to know when I release new videos: sign up for my newsletter here to find out when I add new videos, and you’ll receive a free Self Love Affirmation PDF and a bonus audio-only version of this self love meditation.

My Good Samaritan Moment: 2/3-9 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 39 Comments

Mr. Judy was slated for a short business trip the latter end of the week. The snow/ice had different plans for him, though, and he ended up having to reschedule. I have to admit I was looking forward to just cooking for myself and getting at some projects I wanted to tackle.

On the other hand, it was nice not having to manage the snow and ice on my own. The snow wasn’t too bad at all, but the ice . . . that’s a different story.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and trying to motivate myself through the gray days of Winter.

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 9 hill repeats, Yoga (60 min)
  • Tuesday: All the Yoga: Taught Yoga (60 min), Filmed Yoga (20 min), Practiced Upcoming Cat Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk, PB Cardio + Light Weights (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Time Trial 3 Miles, Yoga Vin + Yin (60 min)
  • Thursday: Cardio (10 min), Yoga (60 min), Filmed 2 Yoga Videos (60 min), PB Walk with Weights (25 min)
  • Friday: Cardio (40 min), Yoga (30 min)
  • Saturday: Shoveling snow & ice, Yoga (60 min), Filmed Yoga Video (10 min), PB St + Cardio (15 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (30 min), 8 mile LSD

Mileage: 14 (+1)

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

Partly cloudy was the theme for this week

Monday
The sun eventually peeked out, but most of this day was gloomy. What else is new? The dusting of snow, the cold drizzle in the morning. My body seemed unhappy with back to back running days, my VO2 MAX moved down (just a point) for the first time in ages. 

Not sure why I wasn’t feeling this run. And why didn’t I think to make it my long run instead?

Wednesday
My first time trial was a long time ago — September, as it turns out. I raced enough that I didn’t really feel the need for another one. I decided to try one yesterday, before the snow/ice moved in. For some reason I was just really lacking in energy. I warmed up half a mile, tried to run hard for a mile and half, and then easy the last mile. 

Looking back on my one & only time trial, I’d stopped my watch & restarted it between the warmup and the actual time trial. I didn’t think to do that this time. I also had to stop because there’s a short tunnel I had to go through, and I know that it ices up — good thing, it was a sheet of ice on one end and I had to walk gingerly over that. Ice would be a theme for this week, too.

I really struggled, and was a bit disappointed, thinking I’d lost fitness. When I compared it, though, the times were actually somewhat close. The first part was slower than that first trial, but the second part was faster. I *think* my HR was a bit lower, but since I forgot about stopping it, it’s my average HR for the entire run.

Anyway, it was a good, hard effort and I remained uninjured. Winning!

The hardest part was walking over the ice in the parking lot, as usual

Sunday
I have been stuck in the 7 mile long run for months. Not training for anything. Today I decided to bust through and add 1 more mile. I had thought about a half the end of April, but it doesn’t look like that will happen. 

Funny thing was once I decided to do 8, it wasn’t that big a deal. It was really cold (teens) but not windy, and the sun continued to play peekaboo. And then I had my good Samaritan moment at the end of this run (more on that in this week’s Favorites.

Me in an older Skirt Sports top with Bandit

Favorites of the week
I totally forgot to mention this last week — I am so proud to be a Skirt Sports Legacy Ambassador! Which pretty much just means I’ve been wearing & repping Skirt Sports for a long time. I love sharing the Skirt Sports love, so you know you’ll keep seeing me in Skirt Sports! Take a browse through their Website here, use Code SS15Jud244 for a discount on many items, and feel free to contact me with any questions.

I thought this post would be pretty short, it was another uneventful week. Aside from the storm and drama of Mr. Judy not being able to get out. And then my week took a turn — in a great way!

I received a card from one of my running buddies, and thought, oh, how nice, another condolence card. Only it turned out to be from my little running group, and had a very generous donation to Hudson Valley Hospice, who had taken care of my Dad in his final weeks. Even better, my birthday is next week.

I was so touched, and completely surprised! I kind of felt badly that I chose to do my long run today, rather than joining the group yesterday. I worried about the still-icy roads, and frankly just wasn’t feeling it yesterday.

And then . . . I was about a quarter mile from being finished when I saw a credit card in the road. I almost ran on by . . .  what to do? It was right in front of one house’s driveway. There was no house across the street.

Yes, I stopped, walked up, and rang the doorbell. And waited, and waited some more, lots of dogs barking . . . footsteps . . . more waiting, rang the doorbell again. Finally a man opened the door. I asked him if he knew the person on the card. When he said it was him, I asked for ID (you never know).

He was so happy I’d found his card! Apparently he’d given it to his mom, and she’d lost it. They looked for it, but it was during the storm, and he figured they’d find it when the snow & ice melted. I’m sure he would have found it without my help, it truly was right at the end of his driveway (just on the other side of the ice), but still, you never know. He was very happy I’d found it. Considering I’ve had people find my wallet and return it — twice — I was more than happy to return the favor.

And I was glad that I’d listened to my intuition after all and run today.

Do you look forward to alone time?  

What body part tends to bother you the most? Lately I’ve been doing fairly well, knock on wood. Until I got this knot in my calf, like yesterday, I have no idea from what.

Have you ever tried to run in a skirt?  Just one skirt and I was hooked!

ICYMI: Runners who battle feet problems, you’re going to love my short Yoga video to help you strengthen those tootsies here. Well, you may not love me during, but your feet will thank you. Do this a few times a week and your feet should feel a whole lot better. In the future I’ll be sharing an even shorter Yoga video to help you side step all those foot problems runners suffer from. Be the first to know when I release new videos: sign up for my newsletter here to find out when I add new videos, and you’ll receive a free Self Love Affirmation PDF and a bonus Abundance meditation.

Searching for Vitamin D: 1/27-2/2 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 36 Comments

No big shock, I was very tired the beginning of the week. Last week was intense. Heck, the last half year (and more) was intense. I just wanted to come home & sleep for a million years.

Of course life goes on, and even though I have to admit I wasn’t super motivated this week, I got out there for a few runs. The weather wasn’t horrible, and I even got my runs done outside.

It was a mostly gloomy week though. This morning I woke up to sunshine and a dusting of snow, but by the time I got out midday, that was all gone. It’s why I struggle so much with running outside in Winter.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and sharing getting back to my new normal. It seems like there’s always a new, new normal — doesn’t it?

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:  PB ST (25 min), Dogwalk
  • Tuesday: Taught Yoga (60 min), 3 miles + 8 x 20ish sec hill repeats, Dogwalk
  • Wednesday: PB ST + Cardio (20 min), Dogwalk
  • Thursday: Bodyweight Abs + Arms (10 min), Dogwalk
  • Friday: 7 Mile LSD
  • Saturday: Cardio (10 min), Dogwalk
  • Sunday: Filmed short Yoga Video, 3 miles easy with 7 x 20 sec strides, Dogwalk

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

That pretty, fresh holiday snow? This is what it looks like after a few months.

Tuesday
Gloomy, raw day. Went out for an easy run and decided on hill repeats instead — gotta get them in when the roads are clear, although it looks like they’ll stay clear for a while (fingers crossed).

Still gloomy. Takes forever for me to get out there.

Friday
Cloudy, raw, totally uninviting. I took my sweet time getting ready in the morning, but I got out there — and the last 2 miles were the fastest. I think I was just ready to be done! Plus I try to start out “slow” and finish strong. Sometimes, anyway.

This is my landmark to end one repeat of strides

Sunday
With midweek weather looking frightful, I have a feeling I’ll be running tomorrow. Maybe a time trial (if I have time, LOL!). So I didn’t want to run hard today. Since I’m only running 3 x week, I wanted to put in strides. I run (downhill) from my mailbox to the fence above. Much rather do this than just 3 miles easy!

Where’s the filling?

Favorites of the week
Home again, that was the highlight of my week! Not having to drive my mom home in the dark on those curvy country roads was also very nice. Otherwise, it really was an an unremarkable week.

Both Mr. Judy and I tried the Bobo’s Toaster Pastry pictured above this week (I found it at Whole Foods). We both wondered where the Chocolate Peanut Butter filling was, but we both agreed we’d eat it again.

I used the toaster pastry as dessert with my lunch after my long run this week. It has a surprising 9 gm of protein in it (it partially uses chickpea flour, although you’d never notice that (Mr. Judy didn’t).

Do you have a full race schedule for 2020?  Mine has one race. Kinda like 2019.

Are you struggling getting out the door during Winter? Tuesday I’ll be talking about why you should keep running even when you don’t feel like it.

Any interesting finds at the grocery store recently?  

ICYMI: I uploaded a vlog about Yoga Props here. Next Saturday watch for a little love for your feet. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel to be notified when new videos are released! Sign up for my newsletter hereto find out when I add new videos, and you’ll receive a free companion PDF and a bonus Abundance meditation.

Nature finds a way: Runfessions January 2020

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 34 Comments

bnature

I’m runfessing and sipping tea all in one post. There wasn’t a whole lot of running in January, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have things to get off my chest. There always seems to be a steady stream of things to tell you and odd things going on in my life. I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours!

The Vitamix has been christened. It will be used a lot in the coming years!

I would tell you . . .
I’d been eyeing a new Vitamix for a few years. Mine is at least 12 years old, maybe older. It sees a lot of use. Mr. Judy found me a good deal, and it sat on the the counter. And it sat . . . and sat . . .

I had soups I wanted to make (I don’t use it as much for smoothies in Winter) but I just never could seem to find the time. I finally made a Potato Leek Soup and the new Vitamix is christened. Now to figure out what to do with the old one  . . . which still runs, by the way.

I runfess . . .
#thestruggleisreal when it comes to getting out the door in Winter. January was actually on the mild side, despite some snow, some freezing rain, and some bitter cold. But mostly it was unseasonably warm, including running in that skirt for one long run!

Finding the skirt? It was not something I expected to need in Winter, so it was packed away. But in which cube? Getting out the door is hard enough without having to go through the Summer running clothes!

I runfess . . .
Running on the treadmill usually means I do a more thorough warm up, because I’m not out there freezing my butt off waiting to get started. Things got intense mid-month, I was stressed, I was busy, I was tired. I realized as I was running on the mill one day that foam rolling never even entered my mind — I runfess that I didn’t do it afterwards, either (because it was already lunchtime and I was hungry!).

I runfess . . .
I did pretty good with food through most of the holidays. Until I spent much of the week between Christmas and New Years at my moms. Of course spending another week with her after my Dad passed was also a struggle, with more eating out and not many healthy choices available some days.

Who knew eating at a senior living community could be such a food struggle?

I shake my head every time I see this. It’s not the only one, either!

I would tell you . . .
We had a planter outside on the deck, and we brought it in knowing it would probably fall apart out there during Winter. It has pots with dead herb plants on it. In those pots, which have not seen a drop of water in months, these seedlings are growing — that’s what the subject of this post refers to. Seriously, how?

Have you ever seen plants growing without any water (other than cacti)? 

Have you had to haul out Summer running clothes this Winter?

Open stuff immediately, whether or not you’re ready to use it?

What do you have to runfess from January? Come join us

Runfessions

I am also linking up with:

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Coco and Deborah for the ultimate coffee tea date.

As well as Fairytales and Fitness

It’s a party this weekend!

Stronger Every Day: January 2020

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 20 Comments

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Looking through songs with Strong as a theme (or in the Title) was surprising. Many seem to be about breakups, including this month’s song, for which I’m going old school with Chicago’s “Stronger Every Day” — the refrain spoke to me. Of course I love the song, and maybe break up songs are kind of appropriate, as I’m learning to let my father go to a better place — I wrote that last before my Dad had even passed away. It’s a great anthem, anyway!

Feeling stronger every day
(You know I’m alright now)

Running where & when I could

Getting in scheduled runs
Last week was understandably low on mileage, but movement is ingrained with me. Although I only got in 2 runs, I continued my step goal streak. My Garmin has my daily step goal low, about 7500. I averaged about 9700 steps a day last week, and some of them included walks inside the senior living community because it was so cold (or raining) outside.

Grade Earned:  A

Recording my runs
My new planner (Clever Fox, Amazon Affiliate link here) has definitely kept me more organized and more focused. It can still be a struggle to take the time to record my runs when I’m busy, but I’ve started out the year right. Well, until last week, when I completed stopped using the planner. I’m giving myself a pass on that for obvious reasons.

Grade Earned: A

Dynamic Warmup
There’s always some dynamic warmup. The duration varies, but something is always better than nothing!

Grade Earned: A

Foam Rolling
I actually brought my foam roller to my mom’s — and used it! There’s not a lot of space there, but my body thanks me when I use it.

Grade Earned: A

Tried to make healthy choices most of the time

Nutrition
Nutrition got better, but last week was a bit of a struggle. There were quite a few days with few healthy choices. As I said to Mr. Judy, I’m okay with the occasional not so healthy meal, but I don’t like a steady diet of it. I did bring food with me, which was very helpful, but there were days we were at my sister’s house, and I had to make the best choices I could.

Grade Earned: A-

Support

  • Massage? No.
  • Chiropractor Appointment? Still no.
  • Do I need a hair appointment? No, but I do need to book the next one.

Grade Earned: B-

Cross Training
I was getting back to more strength training, until last week, when there was none. I could definitely have done bodyweight exercises, or used the gym at my mom’s, but I walked and I did yoga and I called it a day. Most days were just busy, or emotionally taxing.

Grade Earned: B

January 2020  gets  . . . 
. . . a B+. I’m definitely not beating myself up. I did what I could, I was there for my family, and I tried not to push myself too hard. I rested when I didn’t feel well, and so far, knock on wood, I’m still feeling okay. Apparently I haven’t made any monthly goals since November, so I’m overdue.

Which leads me to February Goals:

  • Strength train 2 – 3x week. Definitely time to get back into strength training! Hopefully it can become more of a habit now that life is *hopefully* settling down.
  • Continue running 3 x week and maintaining my base. If I’m motivated, maybe I’ll add in a fourth day. My guess is that won’t happen anytime soon. I need some recovery time!
  • Start practicing at the Yoga Studio that’s close to me. I am hoping that now that life is a bit more normal, maybe I’ll either finally do some subbing or get at least one class of my own.
  • 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! I was just getting back into it (back into a lot of things) when life took a turn again. Pretty sure I’ll get back at it with the help of my new planner and more time at home.

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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

coachescorner

RIP, Dad: 1/20-26 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 46 Comments
I shared a love of swimming & the water with my Dad

When last we talked, I had just come home from visiting my Dad. As it turned out he passed away just a few hours later, and regular readers of this blog know that it was indeed a blessing. I went back the next day and have stayed with my Mom until today, helping with all the many tasks that needed to be done — dying is not actually simple, it turns out.

I am comforted by the fact that the Hospice Nurse had been there before my Mother & I came, and my sister visited not long after we did. So he had been surrounded by people on his last day, although no one was with  him at the very end.

Although the last few years have not been good, and the last few months were frankly hellish, my Dad had an amazing life filled with family, friends, and many adventures.

Sadly my brother was not able to visit him while he was in the nursing home or this last week, but in some ways I think that was a good thing. My brother was the closest to my Dad, but the Dad we knew has been gone a long time.

My brother, like my Dad, is a good speaker, and he gave the eulogy at his funeral, which didn’t leave a dry eye in the room — but also delivered many laughs. Oddly enough, I felt called on to say a few words too.

I was not nearly as close to my Dad as my brother was; although my Dad was a charming man, he could also be a very difficult man. I did want to share with you just a little bit of the end:

I was not an athlete like the rest of my family. Late in my life I started to run, then to race. Dad taught us to not be afraid to try new things, and to work hard. I am working on trying to run a half marathon in every state. Dad loved following that journey and always asked where the next race would be.

I remember showing him one of my race photos. He turned to my Mom and said “Who would have thought she’d be the athlete?”. He was so proud of my accomplishments.

When I came to visit Mom & Dad, Dad often called me his angel. Now you’re my angel, Dad. I know you’re reunited with so many loved ones and I know you’ll always be there, helping me when the going gets tough.

Your race is done, Dad, and you ran it well.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and sharing moving through loss.

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

I couldn’t really quite tell you what I did when. There were 2 runs, a lot of walking, some yoga, and some Soul Strolls.

Mileage: 10 (-3)

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

Monday
The beginning of the week was brutally cold. Although I’d packed a bag when I went to visit the day before, just in case, I had to repack for a longer visit. I wasn’t sure when/if I’d run again, but I packed running clothes just in case. I also quickly pounded out 3 progressive miles on the mill.

I think these sculptures are meant to be flowers or leaves, but the one on the right reminded me of an angel

Thursday
By Thursday we had done as much as we could do without the death certificates, and I decided to run. Maybe I’d do a long run, maybe not. The hills are really killer there. But I did get in 7 slow, hilly miles. Almost got eaten by a pack of dogs trying the take the photo above, though!

Not letting me out of his sight — until it’s time to eat, LOL!

Favorites of the week
It was definitely a hard week. We got to spend a lot of time together as a family, of course, and while it’s not the circumstances we wanted, I’m glad almost the entire immediate family was together.

I came home this afternoon, and to say the dogs were overjoyed is an understatement. Bandit really never hangs out in the office with me, and Mr. Judy is about to call him upstairs for his dinner, but I think he wants to make sure I don’t disappear again anytime soon.

Life should settle down now, for a while, I hope. Of course my Mom is almost 92. I think she’ll live a few more years, both my parents were extremely strong people, but who knows? This was the love of her life and they were married for 72 years and knew each other for 77.

No questions this week. Just give your loved ones some hugs.

Treading water: 1/13-19 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 32 Comments

I felt back to normal this week (until today, poor sleep last night, ended up on the couch with Bandit due to Lola making noises), and good thing, too, as we got a call from Hospice that my Dad was worsening and they didn’t think he has a lot of time left. Which could mean any day — or maybe even still weeks. No one really knows.

As you read this I’m on my way down to my moms, most likely. Or coming back (I hope). It could be my final goodbye to my Dad, although I don’t think so — but it’s almost definitely coming soon.

Updated 1/19: RIP, Dad. I’m glad I got down there today for what did turn out to be our final goodbye.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and share how I try to keep my head above water by treading, doing what I can, when I can. As much as the weather and our news was gloomy, though, all was not doom and gloom.

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:  Dogwalk, Filmed Yoga Video (20 min)
  • Tuesday: Taught Yoga (60 min), 3 easy miles
  • Wednesday: 7 mile LSD, Dogwalk
  • Thursday: Yin Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, PB Cardio + ST (25 min)
  • Friday: 3 Progressive TM miles, Yoga (30 min)
  • Saturday: PB Cardio + Arms (20 min), Dogwalk
  • Sunday: Travel back & forth to parents

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

It was a gray week — until it got really cold

Tuesday
Finally feeling better so I tackled some Hill Repeats, while we still have snow-less hills.

I thought the pattern on the still mostly unfrozen water was cool

Wednesday
The weather going into the weekend looked ugly. Bitter cold, windy, possible snow and freezing rain — yuck! Luckily feeling back to normal, and normally I wouldn’t tackle a long run after a hill repeat day, but I really didn’t want to run Friday when it would be in the teens (if I was lucky) with 20 mph winds.

I got out on the bike path and I kept a close eye on my HR, trying to keep it mostly in the “easy” zone, starting out a bit easier than normal. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t doing too much, too soon. Mission accomplished (I think).

Friday
Bitterly cold day as predicted, although sunny. Didn’t seem as windy as predicted, but I had a lot to do and was happy I have that treadmill available to me in the comfort of my own home.

Almost doesn’t look like a live plant, right?

Favorites of the week
The grow light on the peace lilies looks so cool!

Smoothie bowls, Protein Peanut Butter, Protein Chips, Oh my!

I explored theNew York Fitness Expo. So much local, delicious healthy food. We may have eaten our way through there. I may have bought a few treats for myself. This is the first year this event has been held, and it was quite literally 5 minutes from my home. I will definitely be attending in 2021; there was so much to explore (and not just food!).

Not sure I’d want that blow torch near me . . .

I’ve actually had a short, free cupping done before, but it wasn’t quite this flashy. There were fitness demos, all the CBD products, clothing, and so much more. It was amazing how many local companies we had no idea was in our area!

Notice that indent in the middle? That’s so it doesn’t press directly on your spine, but rather to either side of your spine. 

You know how much I love my recovery and foam rolling (read more about why I think recovery is so important here). The T-PIN! Vector is not a foam roller, but it is a recovery tool. I spent quite some time talking with the owner, trying it out. Then I checked out the rest of the expo, while mulling it over, and yup, went back and bought it.

That same indent helps protect your delicate neck, while still allowing you to roll the kinks out

You can expect a more thorough review in the future, but for now, I will say I was quite impressed with it and the price point (normally retails for $60, but there was a good deal at the expo so mine was cheaper) — you can find out more info on the T-PIN! Vector here.

See anything this week that made you just think now that’s cool looking? 

CBD — yay or nay? I’m still on the fence. How do you know which companies are legit? Not that that stopped me from picking up a few samples.

What’s your favorite recovery tool?