Sunday, February 28, 2016

This week's theme-Run Happy!



Here we go again! Wrapping up the past week and looking forward to the next one....

This past week started with a bang, then promptly face-planted.

As promised in my previous Weekly Wrap (the link is HERE ), I wanted to do a brick workout involving running/stair-climbing/running....and I finally got it done on Monday.  The temps were mild, so I suited up in shorts, tank, and jacket and hit the streets. The commute to my downtown building is eight city blocks (a little less than a mile). It was just enough to get the heart pumping and my legs warmed up.

Ready to go....
I wasn't sure how many sets of stairs I wanted to climb. I had done 16 sets (80 total flights) two weeks prior and that felt like too much (but it was my first official major training session). I also had done 12 sets (60 flights) the previous and that had gone better. I really wanted to do 20 sets (which would be 100 flights), but I didn't think it would be smart to have that dramatic of a jump in flights (and I still had to run back home when finished).  The first five sets went well, and seemed pretty easy, which is a sign that my body is already acclimating to the intensity of climbing five flights at a time (and also walking back down those five flights then doing them all over again).

I wound up doing a total of 14 sets, which gave me 70 total flights. I climbed all of them "by two's" and ran the first five sets pretty fast. My event (Fight for Air Climb) isn't until April 10th, so I have plenty of time. There's no need to conquer 100 flights yet, besides the actual event has us "only" climbing 86 flights (divided among four different buildings). If there's one thing I detest, it's over-training, no matter what sport. Over-training is an invitation to injury, and I avoid it like the plague.

70 flights of climbing and returning back home. Brick complete!

Anyways, I went to bed feeling great but woke up Tuesday morning feeling like I got hit by a bus. Achy body, runny nose, and my first-ever sinus headache. Ugh. I did some arm/shoulder work (free weights) in the evening, and called it good. Wednesday was not any better. I was due for a short run, but elected to stay inside, hoping the last of the ickiness would be gone by morning.

No such luck. Although Thursday was better, the achiness still lingered. I've talked before about my "never miss a Monday" habit. I successfully ran at least one mile every Monday in 2015, except for two Mondays when I was (1)in severe pain from falling and bruising several ribs and (2)when the Plantar Fasciitis paid me a visit and I could barely stand. Another habit I have successfully maintained is to never go more than two days without running. I had already missed Tuesday and Wednesday, so Thursday was on deck for some action in my Brooks Adrenalines. Except I had to work all day, and we had plans to go the high school basketball game (sub-state playoffs), and the weather was cold and windy (again). We got home around 10:00 from  the game, and I decided to attempt a quick mile on the treadmill. Much to my surprise, the mile actually felt good (though a bit slow and sluggish). I set the speed on 6.2 (usually an easy pace), and although I could keep up with it, it certainly challenged my achy body.

A quick mile on the 'mill....nothing great, but it was done
Friday was a similar day - not much for physical activity or energy, and another long day "at the office." Ugh.

Saturday, as forecasted, arrived with pleasant temps (in the low 50's) and lots of bright sunshine. I was feeling better, but still more "under" the weather than over it.

I set out to conquer seven miles. I had a 2-mile route to the lake, a lap around the lake (one mile), and back would give me five miles, and I planned to do a 2-mile loop around the college campus and nearby neighborhood. Already within the first mile, I knew my 7-mile plan might need tweaking. My entire body still felt achy and stiff, and with all the lingering sinus gunk (lodged in the back of my throat), every breath of air was a struggle.

My pace felt alright, but it certainly took more effort than usual. I made it to the lake, ran the loop, and had to shed my top layer for the trek back home. I had not brought any tissues, and am not a snot-rocket-blower, so my head felt like it was about to explode.

I had to pause for a quick pic on the trail at the lake
I elected to take a pass on the extra two miles, and called it good at five. I didn't have any injury-related discomfort, but my body was not at 100%. It was exhausting trying to make it do what it just was not up to doing. I could hear every clod-hopping thud of my feet over my music (AC/DC, none-the-less), and I knew my form was compromised from my state of fatigue. There is nothing to gain from over-doing it. My ego did not need stroking, and my body was (still) craving rest.

Every run should be appreciated, no matter how difficult

Sunday morning had similar temps, so I decided to head out and try to do a couple quick miles in the sunshine before church. Again, my head was still a gunked-up mess and my body was not as willing to move as fast as my mind was hoping it would. Humbled again. But alas, I know this is a temporary condition, and I know it will pass. Fortunately, my current state of less-than-desired-optimal health didn't stop me from enjoying the fresh air and beautiful sun!

Being out in the sun ALWAYS makes me smile
On a much brighter note, I discovered a pleasant surprise in our sun room. A pointsettia (from Christmas 2014) is showing signs of coming back to life! The vibrant red leaves certainly made me smile after the downer of a week I'd just endured.

Christmas color in February!
So, what did this week teach me? To persevere, but to also ease up when my body is not at 100% optimal health. I can't help but wonder if the extended number of days spent inside played a part in this stubborn cold lasting so long....I'm usually outside a lot more and typically don't have colds of this magnitude take over my life. Things could be so much worse, though, so my pity party was nothing to celebrate. And, again, I was reminded to be thankful for the simple ability to run, even if my body has to take it slow. I choose to run happy!

What do you do when your health is compromised...grit it out (and risk injury) or ease up (and feel guilty)?

I'm linking up with the lovely Holly (from HoHo Runs ) and Tricia (from MissSippiPiddlin ) for the Weekly Wrap. Do head over to the link-up and check out what everyone's been up to!!




43 comments:

  1. I always try to push through a workout--I know I'm sick for real when I can't finish a run. Those are the days I surrender to the couch. Fortunately, they are pretty rare!

    I sure hope you are feeling better. Now go to Florida and bake that cold out!

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    1. I seldom get sick, so I always feel blindsided when it happens ... #onward

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  2. Your stair climbing is on point!! I'm so impressed. And yes, motivation monday is one thing but listening to our bodies when we're already pretty motivated people is another. I have to talk to my coach about my schedule this week. I have strength on the schedule today but my back is still really sore and not really mobile after my bike crash. May be best just to go for a walk outside or on the treadmill. Hope you're back to 100% soon!!

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    1. Getting sick is a drag, but it happens. I'm lucky it doesn't happen often :-)

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  3. Wow, your stair climbing is awesome! I really need to do more of that. I take the stairs at work but haven't tried it as a workout yet. Great idea and way to go!

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    1. It's a great challenge !! It doesn't long feel your progress ;-)

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  4. Ugh the bugs are rampant right now. I typically try my workout but I'll ease off the intensity or if I have to I'll cut it short. A friend of mine is pushing hard for me to try one of those climbs. The jury is out.

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    1. Do the climb! I did the four Presidential Towers in 2014...it was great!

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  5. Running happy is the most import thing. I had a cold a few weeks ago and I pushed myself through some short runs. I'm glad it was gone by the weekend. Long runs are thoughenough when you are healthy.

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    1. The runs are are a challenge when your breathing is compromised.... Glad it doesn't happen often ;-)

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  6. Like you, I try to get my workouts done despite illness or minor injury. Your stair climbing workout sounds so tough. That certainly will have you in great shape for upcoming races.

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    1. Stair racing is great overall cross-training, I try it regularly but am "upping" the stair work for my upcoming Climb

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  7. I love your thick headband! Who makes it? Also those pink and green pants are the bomb.com!

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    1. Thanks! I live my bright colors! The headband is from Urban Halo

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  8. Usually colds totally wipe me out and I have zero energy. And I know that what I really need is rest. And muscle aches? Seriously, they're the worst.

    Here's hoping you feel a lot better this week!

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  9. Great job with all of that stair climbing. Stair climbing is no joke!

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    1. It's tough, but I enjoy the challenge! Fast results ;-)

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  10. Stairs are so tough...great job! Way to push through the week strong. Very cute outfits in this post.

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    1. Thanks!!! I'm a huge advocate for all things cross-training, and stair racing is at the top of my list (pun intended LOL)

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  11. What a week! You are one stair climbing machine! I do try to push my way thru a workout or run but I also no that sometimes a skip day is the best medicine! :) Have a great week!

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    1. I took it easy but I think being cooped up inside made it worse....I need my fresh air

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  12. Have you ever heard of the Empire State Building Run Up? It's a race to the top of the Empire State Building. I feel like you could do it!

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    1. I would be there in a heartbeat if I lived closer!! Bucket list!!!!!

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  13. Boo. Sometimes you just have to call it. Sorry you weren't feeling well.

    Love the idea of racing up flights of stairs. We have one of those races here, but I'm too intimidated to register!

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    1. Oh....give it a go & go for it! The Climbs are a great challenge ;-)

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  14. You've totally inspired me to do stair workouts. There's a huge building near where I work where a lot of runners run the stairs when the weather's too bad to run outside. I think it would be a huge challenge and want to try it sometime. And I love the run happy theme! The sun and warm temps made me happy to run on Sunday too!

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    1. I actually posted a video last year on my Facebook page with a stair workout on it ... Stairs are fun!

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  15. When I am sick, I let my body rest. I don't feel guilt as I know that it doesn't help me feel better. Illness is usually my body's way of telling me to slow down!! Man, you are killing those stairs! I hate climbing stairs, more power to you ;)

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    1. I'm finally feeling almost "normal" again.... Seven days of that crap was dragging me down

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  16. I don't get sick often, so when I do, I tend to take it way easy. Sometimes I probably take it too easy, but the occasional down week is not going to kill me. Hope you are feeling all better soon!

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    1. I agree.... I tend to take it way easy, too. It's not worth injury by forcing myself to what it can't do LOL

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  17. Sorry to hear you were sick, not fun. I am rarely sick but when I am I try to get some physical activity but definitely scale it back. Hoping you have a better week so you can take advantage of the sunshine !

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    1. Thanks, Karen! I'm finally feeling better....and am working the "solar therapy" to the max in Florida

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  18. Stair racing is actually is fun challenge.... I posted a video last year on my page (Facebook) showing different ways to do the stairs

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  19. Thanks!! I'm finally feeling better....and am eager for some Florida (vacay) sunshine ;-)

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  20. Isn't it a fine line between risking injury and feeling guilty! Why can't it be more clear! I'm so glad to see the chalk artwork is back in this post! I love that! Wow until your post I had never heard of an event with stairs as a race. It is still timed right? I think your going to do fine and I'm like you I sure don't want to do more than I have too! Thanks Kim for linking up with us!

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    1. Yes, the Fight for Air Climb is timed event, and it is s national event with lots of local venues. I have a post in the works about my training (and there are posts in my archives from my previous Climbs). It's a fun challenge!

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  21. Your stair workouts are very impressive. We had a local stair climb for a few years, but I never participated. I was too worried about my knees! I usually don't get congested but will have sore throats occasionally. I usually push through (easy effort) unless I feel feverish. I hope you are already feeling much better. Thanks for linking with us Kim!

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    1. I am finally feeling better....currently on vacay in the sun & running the stairs in my hotel LOL

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  22. I have learned to ease up when showing signs of injury. In the past I have pushed through and have ended up regretting it!

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