Brain & Body Health

I saw a funny Instagram post which basically said I didn’t realize I’d be navigating my daughter’s PMS while also battling perimenopause. I’m doomed. Although I suspect perimenopause is a recently concocted term for all the space and unknown leading to menopause, if this is it then it’s very real.

My memory has taken a nosedive downhill. We all attributed it to PhD brain, work stress, the usual. But when mini started commenting on how I couldn’t even finish a full sentence… yikes. Time to make some changes.

Insert brain vitamins! It’s still the first week, and maybe it’s a placebo effect, but I do feel more focused! Will report back.

Saturday evening I decided to pause my run plan. The past 2 weeks, Garmin has indicated my training status as “straining”. I thought it meant I was coming out of “peaking”, which I had been, but I also thought straining was positive. Ha. Wrong.

It has been struggle city. I haven’t hit any of the prescribed paces, constantly tired, not sleeping well…classic symptoms of overtraining. And perimenopause. All this to say, I’m taking a break. Literally and figuratively. I’ll be back soon.

_________________

I ask you –

What does straining mean to you?

(The post Brain & Body Health first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Ohhhhh, San Diego

Because the line was so long, approx 27 people with the average wait time of 52 minutes, I have no photos of the incredible ice cream at An’s Electronics Repair. At this point, An’s has invested in dry cleaning, hat making, and, now, electronics. What a marketing and business genius. The truth is she has the very best ice cream in…anywhere. You should partake at every single location, as I have.

Cookies were the theme of this jaunt to San Diego. Coco and Jules Cookies were my favorite, while Cookie Plug was trying a little too hard. But did I eat the cookies? Well, yes.

Tacos, coffee, and chicken pot pie rounded out the menu. Turns out I’m not a fan of chicken pot pie. I know others who adore it. Just not me.

Tacos El Gordo

Breakfast Republic

Acento Coffee

The Chicken Pie Shop

Quite the successful and relaxing trip. I managed 3 runs and 1 workout. I’d gladly pay extra to have San Diego weather year-round. In fact, the first run back in Texas was a glorious disaster. From heat and humidity to stiff muscles and uncertain hydration status, I was a walking risk. Alas, it will return.

__________________________

I ask you –

If you’ve been to San Diego – name your favorite places there! Food, too!

(The post Ohhhhh, San Diego first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

New Watch, Same Me

Garmin has a lot of faith in me! This is the Forerunner 955 Solar, a vast improvement to my previous Forerunner 265. The solar feature was a last minute decision, but since this is Texas and the sun is nearly always shining, I thought why not. Even without it, my battery, with regular use, lasts more than a week between charges. It says you can sit the watch in the sun and it will charge without overheating. Haven’t tried yet.

Thus far, I think the watch is much more accurate than my previous version, especially when it comes to heat acclimation. Very important to me. At the time of this post, I’m only 44% acclimated. When my other watch would give feedback, it commonly stated I was 78-80% acclimated when I hadn’t been running at all. Although it doesn’t influence my running habits, I would like a more realistic picture of heat acclimation, which I believe I’m receiving.

For me, this was a satisfactory, albeit expensive, purchase. My previous one, the Forerunner 200-something series, was great…no complaints, but when it started losing charge quickly and began having some glitches, I knew it was time.

Just like this post. It was time. Get it get it.

_________________

I ask you –

When did you last update your electronic gear?

Have you tried a newer version of a watch where it exceeded your expectations?

Tell me what you currently run with!

(The post New Watch, Same Me first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Re-Post!! Running + Cycling Stuff

From 3 June 2024 – as I’m traveling today and didn’t properly plan for a post, please enjoy this re-post until I return!

I’ve been running. Yes, it hurts. I keep forgetting about that part, until I do it.

On the bright side, Garmin says I’m 40% acclimated to the heat, which I know is definitely not true. Probably more like 14%. Nonetheless, it’s rained so often in the past 2 months I haven’t been out in the heat thus far. Only recently have I attempted to navigate the daily rain showers to make a conscious effort to go outside.

Perhaps I’ve forgotten to mention I’ve been sort of training for a mini triathlon. The sort of part refers to a general, well complete, lack of swim training due to a complete lack of available swimming locations. Unless you count the consistent daily rainfall and the fact the installation pools have only (until last weekend) been open on the weekends. Nonetheless, I can swim, so 250-something meters shouldn’t be too hard, right? Meh.

Working back up to a 20 mile week!

I’m genuinely excited to participate as I’ve never done anything like this before. Typically, I’m a single-plane type of athlete, unless volleyball counts as dual-plane? Relatedly, fast four volleyball has begun and I intend to join this week. More to come.

P.S. Someone should remind me about this run next year: Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k. The check in gift is a box of cookies and a loaf of bread!

_________________

I ask you –

How has your weather been?

Have you ever entered a triathlon? To be clear, this is a mini triathlon so definitely less intensive.

Tell me about a sport you’ve always wanted to attempt!

(The post Running + Cycling Stuff first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Activity Update

Slowly making my return to running. It’s been a few miles here and there, no definitive plan or purpose. Just doing whatever feels good at the time. Typically anywhere from 2-4 miles because it feels doable in under 60 mins. As the weather heats up – we’ve already had several over 90 degree days – then I’ll figure out what works best for schedule, body temp, and future goals.

Regular yoga sessions, in my opinion, have been very useful to staying pain free and promoting faster recovery. Cooling down with yoga and icing my knee seems to do the trick when I get an inkling my knee is struggling. I’ve also noticed the warmer weather is much better for me. If only it would cooperate with my body. The colder months create some arthritic issues in my lower body, but it’s so much better for running!

Making it out of intramural volleyball season with my sanity intact might be a stretch. This team has pushed my patience, humor, and stress levels to the max. What an incredible job they do off the court. As first sergeants and assistant first sergeants, they care for and advocate for military members going through things. I’ve seen them juggle their own careers with the needs of others all while balancing their families’ needs and additional pressures of the job. There’s not a single one I wouldn’t trust with helping another human.

Just a few of them

On the court

On the court? Well…let’s just say my abs hurt from laughing so much, I did offer an apology when I let my emotions cloud my articulation, and, at the time of this posting, we’ve won no games. Not a single one. But, I’ve seen other teams cheer for us, celebrate with us, and laugh with/at us. This team brings the fun! And, as promised, I will post more photos soon.

_________________

I ask you –

Have you been running or walking more lately?

On a scale of 1 to kicked off the court, how much laughing happens during a volleyball game? At one point, I was an 8.

Choose one: volleyball or yoga

(The post Activity Update first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Spring Break Recap

running debut!

To think a few years ago the most difficult part of my weekend (and week days) was figuring out when to do a long run. To think carving up to 2 hrs from my day was nearly impossible. Ha. Now, I know I can do anything.

apple

tree

Once I received the running green light on Wednesday (happy birthday, Kel), I ran my fastest mile since Nov (13:10!!) and played volleyball. Although this coaching gig is fun, I’d much rather play.

Spring break was quite the whirlwind of a week. From high emotions to adventure parks to a major wind storm and a furlough avoidance, March is shaping up to be one for the books. Speaking of books, I still haven’t read this month’s book club recommendation.

_________________

I ask you –

What currently takes up most of your time?

Do you/have you ever coached a sport?

Vote here for Spring Break for Adults!

(The post Spring Break Recap first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Discipline + I’m getting old

Could it be once you hit my age (sub-40), you just can’t expect to run without any pain?

Since early November, I’ve not run, not played volleyball, worn a brace, diligently gone to PT and practiced the exercises, included strength training as a staple to my routine, and began an ice rolling regimen. What more can I do?!

Perhaps daily activities sans pain is unrealistic. Perhaps this is the new norm. Perhaps I didn’t take adequate care of myself in yesteryears so I’m paying for it now. Whatever it is.

As the pain persists, there is concern of an unrealized issue. Good thing I haven’t replaced all my permanent jewelry yet because more scans might be in the near future.

As for Strava (in the photo above), it’s really very difficult to adequately increase my fitness level at such a time as this. For instance, it takes approximately 10 days at an average of 6 hrs per day to finish a dissertation chapter. And how do I know this? Because I just spent approximately 60 hours with a discipline I never knew I had, diligently writing. And writing. And writing some more.

Fortunately, there’s only 1 chapter remaining and I have 18 days to complete it. Fitness will just have to wait, but I wasn’t betting I could run anyway.

_______________

I ask you –

Is no pain actually normal?

How do I get to that point?

Tell me about a time your discipline surprised you!

(The post Discipline + I’m getting old first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Did you know…?

“How fast do people typically walk? According to a 2020 study, how fast you walk depends on your age and biological sex, with men walking slightly faster than women. In general, individuals under 30 walk at an average speed of 3 miles per hour. Those aged 30 to 39, as well as 40 to 49, walk at an average speed of 2.8 mph. People 50 to 59 average 2.75 mph, while those over 60 move at 2.7 mph. After age 65, people tend to walk at an average speed of 2.1 mph.”

Well, I’ll be damned. My walking speed is worth more than making slower people feel uncomfortable. I’m as healthy as a horse! Some feet issues and a joint problem, but not too bad.

I can’t wait to start running again. It would probably help if I stopped rescheduling my orthotics appointment and PT sessions. I’ve been busy.

I was so busy gathering data that there seems to be a run on busted water pipes, water heaters, and electrical rooms. Let’s make fire! Keep reading for more ways to make your Saturday night fun.

_______________

I ask you –

Are you a fast walker? All my life.

Will 2025 bring increased mileage?

Give me new ideas for fun nights sans water cleanup.

(The post Did you know…? first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Television Time

Prior to last week, when I began the data collection portion of the dissertation –

With ample time on my hands, I’ve found a few television shows which have caught my interest. Besides football, I don’t watch anything. Stupid Cowboys. And now that I’ve returned to near fulltime at my desk, finding time for shows is a challenge.

Nonetheless – first, Landman is wow. I find myself wrapped up in the wild wild West of its characters, as well as the insanity. Then, Lioness. It’s difficult to watch for me, but the story sucks you in. Finally, Going Dutch, a lighthearted military show where I find myself ruefully shaking my head. It’s hilarious in an unbelievable-but-entirely-plausible way.

Picture this –

(dinner table scene, late at night. about 5:30pm. whatever)

Mini: *speaking endlessly* And you know what?! *with much righteous indignation* We have to work with each other to solve math problems. I appreciate the concept but … *more chatter*

Me: *practically snorting laughing* So, you’re telling me you don’t like group projects?! *finally, someone who understands my plight* Our whole lives will be filled with group projects where one person does all the work. It stinks.

(end of scene)

Run motivation! A beautiful emerald/teal/green. And the discussion above is why I run.

_______________

I ask you –

What shows are you watching? Any of the ones I mentioned?

Do you predominantly buy bright or dark shoes?

Share your dinner time conversations!

(The post Television Time first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Anew in 2025

My heart has been hurting for some time now. The holidays had me at war with myself. Every day in November, I did one thing for myself. I went to the coffee shop frequently, I escaped work to go window shopping, I went on long walks, I dated me. In December, I set a goal to work out as much during the week as possible. I created my own workouts to excuse the knee pain, I religiously followed up with doctors to get the X-ray and MRI, I pushed hard for me.

Then, the diagnosis of patellar tendonitis. Doesn’t sound so bad. My first question – can I run? Short answer: not yet. There’s still inflammation, there’s still remedies, there’s still physical therapy. I was happy with a diagnosis and thankful for an intact meniscus, but I still can’t run. I’m still in pain. There’s still swelling. I’m not ready to run, I know, I know. Yet I really wanted to just take off, down the street, carefree, moving my body the way I love to do.

2024: 267 miles

Afterwards, the threat of government shutdown, of furloughing my staff, of making dozens of notifications to people who just want to enjoy their holiday. My thin thread of sanity was fraying. My hard-fought and well-earned beach vacation was beginning to feel like a middle finger to everyone left behind. The one beating heart inside me threatened to collapse.

I should be excited. I should be ready to tackle the new year. My ethics board review will most likely be completed early January. I can begin scheduling, then traveling for my research. I will graduate in 2025.

But, for whatever reason, peace eludes me. The things I’ve tried to fill my time with, to refocus on, to overcome, have not been enough. I’m getting there. This is a hard one. And I think it’s important that others know you’re not alone.

Artist: B. N.

Not to worry. I’m ok. Just need a little more time.

_______________

I ask you –

Any defining word for 2025?

Feel free to share your difficulties with the holidays or regarding life in general. We’re all doing the best we can.

(The post Anew in 2025 first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)