Tuesday Topics: How I stay fit with in-home workouts

Whew!  How is it again Tuesday?  How is the weather where you live?  Last week we had some cool Fall weather which I love.  However, it did warm up a bit yesterday and then today and tomorrow it is supposed to be even warmer.  Definitely some crazy weather here.

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  No gym access? How do you stay fit with in-home workouts?  You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

Tuesday Topics-8.jpg

I’ve been trying to be a fit person.  Ever since I started running in 2005, I’ve mainly focused on running.  I know I should be doing more but for some reason or another (more like excuses), I don’t do it.  I do love reading about other bloggers and their workouts whether at home or at the gym.  

Candy Whatever GIF by M&M’S Chocolate - Find & Share on GIPHY

Due to plantar fasciitis, I haven’t been able to run.  I have been foam rolling and stretching.  I bought a Strassburg sock to wear at night and also use orthotics in a pair of running shoes.  I don’t run in them but wear them on my way to and after school.  It does feel better but still I want to take it easy so that this injury goes away for good.

A month ago I got a Peloton bike.  So many people raved about it and I can see why.  I love the convenience of waking up in the morning and within 5-10 minutes being able to start a class or workout.  There are so many classes/workouts to choose from depending on the instructor, length, class type, and music.  So far my favorites are the ones with 80s music.  This is the perfect activity to do while I recover.

A few weeks ago my doctor diagnosed me with runner’s knee.  Symptoms include pain in and around the kneecap or rubbing, grinding, or a clicking sound when you bend and strengthen the knee.  The latter is what I have.  It was so weird to hear a clicking sound and I remember it used to freak me out.  Now I am used to it.  My doctor gave me a couple of exercises to do to strengthen the muscles that support the knee.  He also asked me to wear a knee brace while running.  I will confess that sometimes I get bored with the exercises but I know in the long run it is for my own good.  I am not consistent with them and that is why it is taking me longer to get better.  However, my knee does not click as much anymore and that is definitely a good thing.  

Every day I try to do something different whether it is a plank, tricep dips, wall pushups, or kettlebell swings.  I remember last year I did a 30 day challenge but only made it halfway through.  They’re definitely not easy to do.  Maybe I should try again.  No burpees for this girl.  Those I will save for later.  🙂

Kettlebell Challenge-1.jpg

It isn’t perfect and definitely not consistent.  I am not as fit as I would like to be but I am trying.  What are some of your favorite at home workouts to stay fit?
Tuesday Topics

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


Weekly Run Down: A fun week and plantar fasciitis pain is back

Weekly Mileage-25.jpg

I felt much better this week and wan’t as tired like last week.  One of my students didn’t show up this week so that left me with a total of 14.  However, I got a new student on Thursday and another one on Friday.  Now I have 16 which is still a good number of students to have.

I did not run much this week but at least it was 4.05 miles.  🙂  This time it wasn’t because I didn’t want to, it was because I couldn’t.  On Monday morning I set out to run 6 miles.  I noticed a slight pain in my left foot but didn’t think too much of it.  At mile 3 is when the pain started to get unbearable.  I stopped at 4.05 miles and walked the rest of the way home.  I was almost in tears because my foot was hurting so bad.  I knew it was because of the plantar fasciitis.  My foot had been feeling fine the past couple of weeks.  It would feel tight in the morning but then felt better later on in the day.

In the afternoon I got together with my cousins for some gorditas.  They were so good.  I ate 3 and then kind of regretted it.  Definitely not the healthiest thing to eat but definitely yummy.

No running so I got on the Peloton.  I had some great and challenging workouts.  The classes were mostly 15 or 20 minutes.  I know, not much but it was all I could handle for now.  Soon I will increase the minutes.  I would start sweating as soon as I increased the resistance but overall I felt so good after each class.  My favorite was the one with the 80s music!  I also enjoyed biking in Hawaii.

Peloton Workout-5.jpg

I am so glad I bought cycling shoes instead of toe cages to use with my running shoes.  Oh, and my bottom would get sore so I bought a seat cover and now it is much better.  🙂

Peloton Bike-8.jpg

I’ve heard so many great things about the OOFOS Recovery Sandals and thanks to BibRave got a pair to review.  Wow!  They’re amazing and I did not want to take them off.  I’ve been wearing them every single day when I get home from work.

Check out the ones coming soon!  I am not running the Chicago Marathon this year but do love the sandals and the design.

Oofos-3.jpg

I love it when Staley Da Bear visits our school to promote the Tales to Tackle Program (geared towards reading and learning).  The kids love him.  The announcer asked the students why he had the number 100 on his shirt and they responded that it was because it was the 100th day of school.  That made me laugh!  It was the 7th day of school but sure felt like 100th.  🙂

Staley-1
I am jealous of everyone running.  More now because we had some nice fall weather which was perfect for running.  I am hoping I can run again this week.  How was your week?

Linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.

Weekly Run Down.jpg

Random Thoughts Thursday 88

Random Thoughts Thursday

• It is beginning to feel like Fall.  I love this weather!  Fall is my favorite season.  I hope it lasts (unlike summer) since I’ve heard that we are supposed to have another COLD winter.  

• Haha, this made me laugh.  This summer I told my coworker that I want to do less complaining during the school.  It is hard but so far I think it is going well.  I pick my battles and don’t get stressed out about things that I cannot control (homework, parent involvement, etc).  

Glass half empty.jpg

• Plantar fasciitis sucks!  I went out for a run on Monday and could not finish it because the pain was unbearable.   I purchased a night splint and socks but do they really help?

 • Second week of school and I’ve said these to my students way too many times.  One thing I’ve noticed about my students this year is that they talk A LOT.  Let me clarify.  I do like that kids talk to participate, express how they feel, let me know what is going on, etc.  However, there is a time for that.  My kids talk all of the time and don’t stop even if I remind them that they need to stop talking  when they’re in line or when I am talking.

What teachers say.jpg

• Another cat photo because this makes me laugh.  🙂 

Lola-32

Tuesday Topics: My Fall race schedule

Hello there!  Welcome to September.  Finally my favorite season will be here.  Although here in Chicago it already feels like Fall and I am LOVING it

This week’s Tuesday Topic:  What’s your Fall race schedule?  You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

Tuesday Topics-7.jpg

My next race is the Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Half Marathon on October 20.  My training has not been going like I wanted it to go but I am excited to run a race in a new state.  I am more excited about running to/in Canada (although I’ve read that the tunnel is about a mile long and it is HOT in there).  I have 7 weeks to go so I think I will be ready?  🙂

Detroit Half Marathon-1

Another race is the Kiawah Island Golf Resort Half Marathon on December 14.  I have airfare taken care of but still need to find a place to stay.  It is expensive to stay on the island.  I am thinking of maybe staying in Charleston and renting a car.  Hopefully I’ll find someone that already has a hotel room and is willing to share it with me.

Kiawah Island Half Marathon-1

I was hoping to finish my 50 states goal next year in Hawaii.  The plan was to run in 3 states in August but I had to cancel due to my plantar fasciitis.  I have races planned out for most of the remaining states but still need WY, SD, and ND.  Any suggestions?  Perhaps one I can in November or January?

2020 Kona Half Marathon-1What is on your schedule?  Do you enjoy running in the Fall season?
Tuesday Topics

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


Weekly Run Down: What a week and I am T-I-R-E-D

Weekly Mileage-24.jpg

I don’t remember the last time I was this tired.  Maybe the end of school?  Or this summer?  Well, this back to school tired is different.  Wednesday was the first day with the kids and I couldn’t wait to get home.  I skipped my runs this week because I didn’t want to get up earlier in the morning and I just wanted to go to bed at the end of the day.

Wednesday morning there were 16 kids in my roster.  There used to be 17 but one was transferred to an English room.  However, only 14 showed up.  Not bad.  Small class..I like it.  Friday morning there were 15 kids in my roster.  One student still hasn’t shown up (must still be on vacation)  🙂  so it was nice to again have 14 students in my class.  Of all of my years of teaching, I’ve never had ONLY 14 students in my room.  OK, maybe during the very cold weather but it was temporary.  Let’s see if next week that other student shows up.  Oh and I have 5 girls and the rest are boys.  I do have 2 that will make the year interesting.  

Challenging Student.jpg

I ran 5 miles on Monday and I wore pink.  Monday was an Institute Day full of meetings.  There was also an hour for parents to drop off supplies and to meet the teacher.  Only 1 student showed up which was kind of disappointing. 

Tuesday was another Institute Day but I stayed home with my mother.  I got a haircut and we did some errands.  My last haircut was in April and it felt good to cut off 2 inches.  It was a good day with her.

Thursday night I told myself that for sure I would run Friday morning and got my things ready.  The next morning I did get up and changed into my running clothes.  My stomach was not having it and I was in the bathroom a few more times than normal (for me).  And everything hurt too.  So I went back to bed…in my running clothes.

Saturday morning I woke up at 5am to do my long run but didn’t leave till 5:45.  A few extra times in the bathroom. 🙁  The sunrise was gorgeous!  The weather was wonderful and I felt good on my run.  I wanted to run 9 miles but I had to be back home so my sister could leave to do laundry while I stayed with my mother.  We don’t like to leave her alone for too long of a time.  I had to leave around 9 for a funeral and my sister got home a few minutes later.

Sunrise-3.jpg

I mentioned in a different post that after almost 19 years, I bought a new TV.  🙂  Finally joined the Smart TV Club.  I love it!  So many things to see.   Even Lola likes it.  My sister put a movie for cats and she was all into it.

This morning I struggled to run 3 miles.  A late night and too many tacos will do that to you.  🙂  Plus, Lola wanted to spend extra time with me so I got out a little later than I wanted to.

Lola-13

Overall August was a good month for running.  The goal was to enjoy my runs and not worry about pace.  I ended the month with 66.36 miles.  A little bit more than last month but still not one of my highest.

August 2019 Mileage

How was your week?  What are you most excited for in September?

Linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.

Weekly Run Down.jpg