We’ve now been together, sheltering in place as a family, for 3 weeks. All things considered, so far so good, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t stressed. Workouts continue to be a bright spot. I’ve never leaned into running as hard as I am right now. I’m not sure what I’d do without the endorphins. Here’s how this week’s workouts went. Notice not one but TWO yoga classes are staying in the mix. Just like old times….if only.
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Run 5 miles + Yoga class via Zoom
Wednesday: Strength, Balance, Mobility + Zoom Passover
Thursday: Run 5 miles
Friday: Trail Run 3 miles + Trauma Yoga class via Zoom
Saturday: Run 6 miles
Sunday: Heavy Strength + Egg Hunt + Zoom Easter
Social distancing at its finest
Running is my “strong” right now. I feel invincible when my feet hit the trail. I’m running longer and faster with less effort. Even my very judgmental Garmin continues to approve of my miles and the quality of my workouts. My VO2Max is still climbing. Too bad there are no marathons in my future because I feel like I could totally spank one right now. Haha.
Loving
First tank and shorts run of the year (not counting Bermuda) for the win!
While our weather has been all over the place this week, from freezing and snow to 80 degrees, things ARE greening up. It is practically mid-April after all. Besides the beauty of spring’s first blush, I’ve noticed the SILENCE due to the absence of traffic in our area, since the shelter-in-place order. It’s so peaceful to hear wildlife and nothing else.
My kids are working out in our home gym and getting out for runs on their own. I know as a mom, this is not something I can nag them about so I am THRILLED they’ve taken it upon themselves to get moving.
I’m grateful for technology. Who’d have thunk I’d ever say that? No seriously though. This Zoom thing has been awesome.
Not Loving
My dad was supposed to be released from the hospital on Saturday, however they decided to keep him for another week. This does not surprise me. Through the lens of the Coronavirus, I’d prefer having him home, however I doubt he’s strong enough to be home, even with nursing care. He was SO looking forward to being released and is understandably devastated. That part is difficult.
Our friends, husband and wife both with Covid-19, remain in the ICU. He seemed to be recovering but then had a stroke. She remains critical. Our community has rallied and we’re doing all we can to help their two daughters. It’s hard for me to fathom that less than a year ago they were all here in our yard celebrating high school graduation.
Sleep has been a real challenge. Lately I wake around 1:30am with my mind racing. I’ve been using breathing techniques from my Trauma Yoga Therapist, and they help, but still, ugh.
I’ll leave you with a couple of pics.
I’ve noticed these sweet blue flowers growing wild in our lawn. May we all bloom and flourish like they do, even when we’re blown far off track…
…and this shot of a peaceful April evening. Nature goes on despite the madness.
May we all find our strong.
How was your week? How are you finding peace and calm? Are you loving Zoom as much as I am?
I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down. Join us!
Darlene S. Cardillo says
Yes. Love Zoom. Had 3 last week. Maybe 4 this week.
Our weather has been crazy. 20s when I woke up. Waiting until it warms up to get out. Glad I didn’t plant anything.
Nature walks in new places have kept me calm. I can forget about everything for at least a few hours.
Stay safe and healthy my friend
Wendy says
Reading this is comforting because I am feeling the exact same way as you. Waking up at night with my mind racing. Running becoming my therapy and its going so well that I am considering something of great distance (which I will share with you if it comes to fruition). Who knew that digging deep would be so fruitful? At our age?
Hang in there, friend. You’ve been a lifeline for me and we are in this together. I can’t wait until we can see each other IRL. <3
Beckett @ Birchwood Pie says
There has never been a more awesome time to be a runner. Happy Easter Marcia!
Catrina says
Great that your kids are following your example!
Love your last photo. It’s somehow comforting to see that nature carries on, regardless of all the chaos. Have a good week!
Vanessa Junkin says
Zoom has been so helpful! I also did a Zoom Passover on Wednesday and a Zoom Easter today (with a scavenger hunt around the house, which was fun!). Sorry to hear about your dad and friends. Hopefully they will all be able to come home, healthy, soon!
Deborah Brooks says
Taking full advantage of Zoom get togethers as well. I love them! Strength training and cycling seem to be my strong. I am still running but I don’t feel like I am finding my groove without the crew. Just keep moving forward right? Well wishes to your friends and to your dad
Jessie says
We are lucky that this is all happening now when we have technology like Zoom to stay connected!
Sorry to hear about the stress of your dad and the sleep challenges, but glad your running is keeping you sane and feeling so good! It’s definitely helping me through all of this.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
No 80s here. Chilly, chilly mornings.
I’m so sorry about your Dad. Even when things weren’t crazy, they always seem to be doing that kind of stuff. Fingers crossed for next week — and for your friends. 🙁
We’ve been lucky, so far, knock on wood — I know many people effected but no one in my immediate circle.
Maybe there will be a marathon later in the year. 🙂
Kim G says
Do you think that Zoom ever thought they would be this popular? I’m so thankful for Zoom and other platforms that I use to video chat with people.
I’m sorry that you haven’t been sleeping well. I’ve also been a bad sleeper, but one thing that has helped me is time release melatonin and I’ve also started doing a few of the 5 minute meditation classes on my Peloton app.
Sending so much love and prayers to your dad and friends <3.
angela @ happy fit mama says
This past week I turned a corner with my sleep. I’m found myself sleeping almost as well as I did before all of this. Don’t get me wrong, I still wake up sometimes with my mind racing with what ifs. Like you, I’m so glad I have running right now. Further proof that it is way more than just exercise.
Kimberly Hatting says
Your post echoes much of mine, regarding the weather at least. Momma N is really having a time staying on track with the calendar. Sorry to hear about your father, as well as your friends.I hope things turn around for everyone <3 That's awesome your daughters are taking so much initiative with running and working out….perhaps there's an awesome role model setting the example within their household 😉 Take care, stay safe!!!!
Cari says
Bloom and flourish. So true
I feel you on the mind racing. So many weird hours. Self love is key to get through all of this.
*Hugs*
Coco says
I am so sorry about your friends. Being so close to people who are so sick and having your Dad in the nursing home — no wonder your stress level is high. I try not to worry about all.the.things but is does have a way of creeping up in the middle on the night. Glad your running is going so well and that your daughters are exercising— I know exactly what you mean about not being able to nag but being thrilled!
Michelle D. says
Connecting virtually with friends and family has been a lifeline!
I’m so sorry about your friends and your Dad – so stressful! Sleep has been eluding me as well.
I’m so glad your running is feeling strong! And, added bonus that your girls are working out too!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Running is such a comfort these days. And its so ironic because I feel like alot of us are running so well and we have no races to do. Im sorry your dad has to stay longer. I hope he can get stronger and come home soon.
Erica @ Erica Finds says
Thank goodness for running – right? I’m finally feeling better on my runs and the added frogger of getting distance here is good for agility training (mostly kidding). Praying for your friends and their daughters.
Jenn says
Zoom has been great. It’s not the same and I do find it a little difficult sometimes, just because it drains me of some energy, for some weird introvert reason. But it is what we have in these moments, so we take advantage, right?
Little man has is karate, as well as his scooter and bike. He has to do work for PE every day, so he’s on top of that.
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
I had my first Zoom with friends last week, it was wonderful and I think we’re going to make it a weekly thing!
I’m sorry about your dad and your friend. I hope things turn around soon.
Running is definitely a savior – nice to hear that you’re killing it! Those effortless runs are the best!
Zenaida Arroyo says
I am also loving how quiet it is around here. I live by Midway Airport so I would constantly hear the airplanes. Now it is maybe 1 or 2 planes per day. I am sorry to hear about your dad. I know that is not easy nor the news you wanted to hear. That is so sad about your friends. I hope they recover soon. Zoom is great! We’ve been chatting with my cousins on Saturdays and we’ve all enjoyed them. My mother looks forward to them which makes me happy!
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures says
Oh wow, I’m so sorry about your friends. I don’t know anyone personally that has COVID, so it’s odd for me to be told that there is something lurking out there that I need to avoid.
That is great about your kids and exercising. My daughter has continued with her running and workouts, but my son does need to be nagged about it every day, and that’s my job 🙂