Sunday, September 6, 2020

Sidelined? So What!


 

Sidelined doesn't have to mean sedentary.

Thank goodness for small miracles, because sitting still is not my gig.

As this goes to press, I'm entering Week 3 of Stress Fracture Recovery. Woot! Yay for me, this is my first-ever fracture of any kind...and it hasn't been too painful or frustrating. Yet.

Before I give you the lowdown, welcome to the Weekly Run Down!

I love hosting this link-up with Deborah (from Confessions of a Mother Runner)! If you write a fitness-based blog, you're invited to join the party. The link-up opens at 1:00 (EST) on Sundays and remains open through noon on Monday. We love reading about everyone's weekly fitness endeavors, training highlights (or low lights) and race recaps. We ask that you link back to both hosts, and we encourage you to read/comment on the other linked blogs as well...please don't link-drop & dash ;-)


So, here's what went down in my "new normal" (gosh, I hate that phrase) world of fitness:

 Never miss a Monday!

As most know by now, my #nevermissaMonday routine is courtesy of biking for the time-being. Funny story...I went for an early ride the day prior, and the hubs asked why I hadn't invited  him to go along (I kid you not). Come Monday morning, he was out of bed and brushing his teeth as soon as I was. The hubs and I finished at 7.43 miles. Usually, I'll ride an extra lap around the block, to get closer to 8 miles (or whatever the next mile marker would be), but I didn't feel the need to do so this time. Any idea how liberating it felt to just let it go? 


My new Typical Tuesday

I've said it many times, but my runner friends are the absolute best. They give me nonstop support and encouragement, and keep me laughing and smiling along the way. Some of them not only run (virtually) with me, but also ride (virtually) with me as well. A special thanks to Kim (Kookyrunner) for the virtual high-5 after my chilly 5.3 miles. 


...and would you check out that sunrise! That's without a filter, BTW. The sky was on fire!


Upper-body Workout Wednesday

Stop! Hammer Time! MC Hammer's song got stuck in my head while doing (numerous) hammer curls Wednesday morning, and it stayed with me all.day.long. There also were biceps curls, tri extensions, Arnold presses (ouch!), shoulder presses, upward rows...just to name a few favorites. After dinner, the hubs and I did a quick 8.25-mile ride, in celebration of the awesome news from my appointment with the podiatrist (see below).


Easy-like-Thursday-morning

I'm not one to sleep-in. Like, almost never. My body (and my brain) wake up most mornings before my alarm (anywhere between 5-5:30). Such was the case Thursday...only it was more like 4:45. I'd planned to do a leg workout...but the bed just felt ultra comfy. I never fell completely back to sleep, but I opted to just lie there and do nothing for a good hour. Instead of the leg workout, I did some stretching...and nothing else (except for a post-workday ride with Barb, 12 hours later). 


DAM to DSM virtual "ride" on Friday

Well, this weekend was to be the rescheduled DAM to DSM 20K,  but like (virtually) everything else, it had to assume virtual status. I know, shocker. Since my running days are on hold, I got the ingenious idea (in my opinion) to bike the virtual "race" instead. Heck, I received the swag. As much as I love this race, it just wouldn't feel right hanging the medal or wearing the shirt without at least participating in some capacity. So, we biked it, at 5:45 on Friday morning. The 51F temps were cool, crisp and calm, and we had the light of the waning full moon to light our way for the first several miles. No, it wasn't the same as running the actual race course...but this was a great alternative. No regrets.


Semi-Long Ride Saturday

Don't ya love exploring a new place? A friend took the hubby and I on a scenic bike tour around Lake Okoboji (NW Iowa). We saw some countryside, lots of boats, and numerous impressive lake homes. And, we conquered several rolling hills (#OhMyQuads). What a fun adventure!



Another Sunday on Wheels

Nothing ground-breaking, but with a beautiful sunrise and pleasant temps, a few easy miles were in order. The hubby and I knocked out six miles to greet the morning.


So, a decent week despite my limited mobility circumstances. No walking, no running, no stair-climbing...but daily biking, to the tune of 76ish miles for the week. Don't worry, the routes are staying fairly flat, I'm keeping the gears low, and the rides are not strenuous. Wednesday's upper-body workout felt incredible (I love my upper-body strength work!). The daily planking/push-ups/leg lifts are still happening, so those have remained constant in my weekly routine.  

In case you missed out, here's what else went down on the blog this week:

Reroute #downloading

Best Running Advice: Be Grateful

My Current Coffee "Situation"

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair!   How do you feel about black and brown paired together? I'm all for it. It's an unexpected color combo, which is why I love it. Look closely, I'm wearing the lovely black ortho boot on one foot and a funky brown sandal on the other. Who says your shoes have to match each other anyways? As always, you're welcome to join me on Fridays...post a pic on Instagram, grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and be sure to tag me (@runningonthefly).


As mentioned, at long last, I was able to meet with a podiatrist this week. He was impressed that there wasn't any swelling, but he did confirm that it was a stress fracture (the ortho specialist had thought the same; the radiologist thought it looked suspicious, but didn't think it was an actual fracture). He didn't order any new X-rays (he just read the one from two weeks ago), but wants a follow-up in three weeks, with an X-ray at that time. And...the good news? When I asked about biking, he told me that would be a perfect activity! I almost hugged him. I know I had the biggest smile on my face, as I walked out of the clinic...too bad it was hidden under my mask.

The hubby and I took a short get-away, to Lake Okoboji, with another couple, for part of the weekend. With all things COVID, this was the first trip we'd taken since the Leprechaun Chase 10K (Omaha, NE) back in early March. We all know what happened shortly there after, right? Anyways, there was biking, boating, and lots of great conversation.



 And, that's a wrap!

How are things in your world? Vacation plans for the weekend? Summer temps still rocking your world? 


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37 comments:

  1. Sounds like a nice getaway to the lake. I'm glad you got the official a-ok on cycling, but I'm guessing you already knew it was a good thing to do. It will be a good workout, and distraction for you! I just bought a cycling jacket. Even though I don't want it to be colder, I am looking forward to trying it out! My cycling wardrobe has expanded this season :)

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    1. I am SOOO grateful for the a-ok on cycling. Yes, I had a hunch it would be fine (since I was feeling ZERO "anything" on my foot while doing it, or afterwards), but still. Having the doc's endorsement means everything ;-) Ahem...I think you know about my cycling wardrobe expansions LOL ;-)

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  2. It sounds like your hubby has gotten the early morning endorphin bug! From the lemonade-from-lemons viewpoint, it's going to be really neat to see the fall colors progress over the next 3 weeks from the bike seat. Happy biking and happy healing!

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    1. Yes, I think all of my biking (as of late) has reignited his enthusiasm for moving and grooving early in the morning. I don't mind doing these rides solo, but it is nice to have someone else along "for the ride."

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  3. I think it's fantastic the way you have embraced cycling. It's a great way to stay active when you cannot run. I love the way your hubs has jumped right in with you

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    1. I'm really loving the cycling right now, as you know. The podiatrist told me I could try the elliptical, with the utmost caution, but I'm not going there...I'd rather be outside!

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  4. We're definitely in autumn here now, which is fine, although what with running more frequently, I had to buy some new running kit!! Lovely pics and bike rides, love that sunrise, of course.

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    1. New clothing is always fun! I keep getting all kinds of cycling gear ads popping up now, so the temptation is overwhelming....

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  5. How fun to get away for the weekend! Looks like you've got nice weather too. Our only trip since the onset of the pandemic was for college drop-off in Atlanta. Today we're getting all the rain and fall-like temps with a vengeance. Great bike miles this week!

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    1. I think there was rain in our hometown today (or this morning?), but just some brief overnight stuff where we were. Not complaining! The biking is all I got right now (for cardio), and I really want/need to to that outdoors.

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  6. It really is great that you can ride your bike -- and that you are able to do those early morning rides. You are catching some amazing sunrises!

    Did you wear a jumpsuit to do your Hammer Time hammer curls? ;-)

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    1. Well, I'm a glutton for sunrises...though I'm not too happy that they are coming later and later. At least with biking, the rides don't take as long as the runs would, so a later start does not eat into my pre-work morning. Ha ha...no Hammer balloon pants LOL

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  7. sounds like a lovely getaway! I'm very happy for you that bike-riding is feeling okay and you have your husband for company.

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    1. The hubby was a cyclist long before I was, so I think he's ecstatic that I'm finally showing some interest in the sport ;-)

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  8. Very happy you got the go ahead from the dr! I haven't had a getaway since 2/19 (not a typo). But I'm enjoying my day trips because yes, exploring new places is always fun. I truly don't anticipate any getaways til at least 2021.

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    1. You have had some nice day trips! I don't anticipate any more getaways, either, for us for this year. At least now with biking (and ZERO football games on Saturdays), we have the option of driving to various trails and riding.

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  9. You've done a really great job at staying active despite your stress fracture. I'm glad that you were able to enjoy a quick getaway this weekend - sometimes a change of scenery can be so beneficial!

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    1. Oh, we SO needed a change of scenery! We can take day trips, but it's nice to just have a fun over-nighter (or two) to break up the monotony.

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  10. Great job making do while you're not allowed to run or walk. How wonderful that you and Pat were able to get away for a few days! Bill and I are going to the beach on Wednesday for the week and I can't wait!

    Thanks for the linkup and have a great week!

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    1. Oh, the beach? I'm jealous...I can't remember what sand between my toes feels like. Enjoy!!!!!

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  11. Lucky you, your hubs wants to ride with you. I would fall over dead if mine did! But he's happy to pick me up when I get a flat... :p Glad your enjoying your rides.

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    1. Actually, I think the hubs is glad that I'm riding with him LOL He's been cycling for many years, and now I'm finally enjoying the sport myself. I'm grateful I have cycling right now since I'm limited with all things on foot for awhile.

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  12. That's great that you can keep riding your bike! The weather is great this time for it. You'll maintain your running fitness no problem with the bike!

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    1. I'm really hoping the biking helps to maintain my fitness. I know I'll have to ease back to running when I eventually get the green light.

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  13. Glad to hear yuh have a diagnosis.

    The only time I ever biked was when I was ignored. It was a Godsend.

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    1. The diagnosis is nice...not the greatest news, but at least something definite. I'm thankful I can bike or I'd be going nutzo LOL

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  14. I'm so glad you can still bike! I know you would really be going crazy if you couldn't do any physical activity. Your bike sure if getting some good use these days!

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    1. Oh gosh, no doubt I'd be going crazy! I'm quite grateful for the bike right now ;-)

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  15. Glad you got away this weekend! Great job staying active but I do know that you won't sit still. :-)

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    1. The getaway was nice! I like my town, but UGH...not 24/7 for six consecutive months LOL

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  16. So glad you got good news from the podiatrist, and yay on a getaway. I got off the island of Manhattan which made me insanely happy. I don't own a car and am not ready for the subway so it had been a while. Yay twinnign with Kim and the sunrise.

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  17. So glad you can continue to bike!! What a relief! Hopefully you'll be out running soon but so glad you've found a great alternative in the meantime. By the way that blue top on Sunday is POPPING! Love it!

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    1. NO kidding, a huge relief that biking got the thumbs-up! I know I'd be able to find "something" to do if need be, but I gotta be outside. Winter is so unforgiving here, I try to get outside as much as possible NOW before the temps turn evil LOL

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  18. How nice to get away for the weekend! And I love how your hubby has been joining you for all the cycling miles :)

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  19. Hardly sidelined! I imagine it's hard not running -- but you're doing such a great job of getting in so many biking miles. Way to go!

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  20. I'm so glad you were able to get away for a little while. And I love that your husband is joining you in your endeavors. That has to make things so much more fun!

    We are hoping to take a few days away in a couple of weeks, and then a big mountain trip in October. We need it.

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