WRD: Getting Ready to kick 2019 to the curb

Deborah and Kim are the amazing hosts for the Weekly Run Down! Feel free to join in as well to wrap up your week in fitness!

WEEK 31

Plan vs. Actual

Monday – 3.25KM walk, GLI gym 1 hr intake – no workout (appt w/different PT), 3.5KM biking
Tuesday – 3KM walk (office day) to and from train station
Wednesday – 3KM walk, W6R1 run, 6KM, GLI 1 hour, gym 55 min
Thursday – 2.22KM walk, gym
Friday – 2.75KM walk, W6R2 run , gym 55 min
Saturday – 2.5KM walk, parkrun in Alkmaar 5KM, 17/17 Dutch parkruns done!
Sunday 2KM walk, long run W6R3, 1.4KM w/u walk, 10KM run (!!!)

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One Month To Go

For real, y’all, I am so ready to see the backside of this year. I know some of you have had an amazing year with tons of accomplishments to proudly shout from the rooftops – me? not so much.

Anyway, you know the deal; it’s time to share all things fitness for this past week!

This Week In Fitness

Planned vs. Actual

  • Monday – pilates
  • Tuesday – in Amsterdam for work, will likely be a rest day
  • Wednesday – November project run? otherwise hotel gym
  • Thursday – hotel gym, own gym after I got home
  • Friday – appt with gym trainer
  • Saturday – RPM with Anne (my old instructor, now at a different gym
  • Sunday – Spin bike at home (unless there is an RPM class next week; my instructor is on vacation and usually it then becomes a spin class with a different instructor)

Out of my own comfort zone

Because I was in Amsterdam Tuesday – Thursday, I had less “control” over my time.

Pilates

Didn’t make it; still have quite some stress and workload, and I didn’t even leave the office until 5:45pm when Pilates starts at 5:30. Better luck next week.

Gym

Really wanted to use the hotel gym Thursday morning but was absolutely toast after two full days training (mostly listening and going through a LOT of material), so I slept in until about 7, then got up, packed and went down to the starbucks to drink a giant coffee.

I did make it Thursday evening for a bit of cardio (some walk/run intervals on the ‘mill and the elliptical) and Friday I biked (10KM) there and back for an appointment with a trainer for new exercises for my program.

Running

Well, I am really glad that I contacted November Project earlier in the week to double check the time and place of the Wednesday morning workout! A friend I met on Twitter YEARS ago (probably 8 or so?) is actually manning their social media so on Tuesday he messaged me and asked if I was still planning on going. I was, but the fact that he asked and then later offered to swing by the hotel and pick me up, sealed the deal for me. I had asked Dani if she was going but at the time she wasn’t sure of it.

I had a tiny idea what to expect with NP; I know they do a workout and a run in one session and Wednesday morning was no exception. Complete with my favorite… burpees (not)! What I didn’t know was how welcome everyone made me feel. Everyone hugged me when meeting me (they hug everyone and that’s very UN-Dutch) and Stephen hung out with me the most during the workout. It’s the first time we’ve actually done something “in real life” together besides when I once saw him on my flight to Liverpool (he’s a flight attendant) and during the Amsterdam marathon where I got a much needed hug from him and other NP members. So much fun! Too bad I live so far away.

with Stephen after the workout
with the group – happy people at 7:15am; who knew it was possible?

RPM with Anne

I didn’t make it to RPM at my own gym Tuesday since I was in Amsterdam, and I was not sure if there was an RPM lesson on Sunday (since my instructor is not there this week). Anne has asked me a few times if I want to pick up one of her classes at her new gym so, of course, I said yes! Finally I was able to go on Saturday! We had an amazing sweat session! I hope I can do another of her classes in the new year. As I’m not a member at that gym I really can’t go all the time and I certainly don’t want to take advantage of her invitation, but once in a while would be cool. She’s still my favorite instructor – it’s not quite the same at my new gym.

Our Spin Bike is here!

Our bike is here, it’s set up, the Apple TV set up, our Les Mills on Demand subscription is fully activated and we are ready to rumble! Ron was already sweating up a storm in our exercise room on Saturday with a spinning lesson and body balance.

Sunday was my turn; I did RPM 78 and funnily enough (I did not know beforehand) it was filmed in Amsterdam! Then I did 15 min Yoga for runners stretch (it was a half hour but I was dying – something to strive for now!).

I just started so of course I’m smiling
definitely need to work on my balance. this was HARD. I just don’t get how everyone does yoga so “easily”!

Update on my Health

Well, I went to the doctor and she thought that I might have an inguinal hernia (hence the “odd” feeling in my lower abdomen) so she’s referred me for an ultrasound. I don’t know when that is yet, but I’ll update as I know.

I do know that this is not something that can fix itself and that if it gets worse it could have pretty bad consequences so surgery is recommended at a certain point. It’s not painful but it is annoying. And I’m also annoyed that ONCE AGAIN some shit (excuse my french) is happening to my body. I can get upset about it, but I’m so tired of being upset, so I’m just moving right along here.

I didn’t mention it last week, but I’m IN as far as the Chicago Marathon goes so whatever is happening in October of next year with my foot (still screwed), back (is fine right now), or the new development (just call me Hernia Girl), I am going to cross that freaking finish line. It may very well be my last marathon and at this stage I’m fine with that. Ask me again in a month – hahaha!

Coming up Next Week

The Plan

  • Monday – AM spin, PM pilates
  • Tuesday – RPM at the gym
  • Wednesday – gym, cardio and strength
  • Thursday – REST (out with friends)
  • Friday – AM Spin or Run or some strength at home
  • Saturday – REST (away in Zeeland)
  • Sunday – home from Zeeland, will see what I can fit in

Friday evening Ron and I are driving to Haarlem to meet our friends Yvonne and Stephan for dinner, then I’m staying over with Yvonne and we are going to Zeeland for the day/night and coming back on Sunday. So I’ll see what I can fit in, but not worried about it.

That’s a wrap!

How was your week? Did you smash some goals? Did you enjoy a piece of pie for me on Thanksgiving? Have you ever had a hernia or know someone who has (and did they have successful surgery?)? Do you find Yoga hard or a piece of cake? Are you looking forward to the new year?

Comments

  1. Sounds like you definitely deserve a do over year! Chicago is a long time away and hopefully you will be a whole different place with everything. Enjoy your new bike!

    1. Renée says:

      Thanks Deborah! I sure hope I’ll be in a much different place when I toe the line at Chicago!

  2. Kim at Running on the Fly says:

    I don’t think yoga ever gets easy…even after you master the poses, you hold them longer or “deeper (for the stretches, so it’s always a challenge (for me, at least). I wish we had November Project here (as well as many other classes/groups I hear about). Oh well, I’m doing alright, but a few more options would be nice. I didn’t put my name in for Chicago….but maybe I can figure out a way to get there to meet up with you :-)

    1. Renée says:

      it’s good to hear others struggle with yoga! and yes you are doing all right with the balance between running with Barb and doing your own thing in the morning. You are more disciplined than I am! would be totally amazing to see you next year in/near Chicago !

  3. Geez, Renee, you just can’t catch a break! Although I’m quite ready to say goodbye to 2019. Which is what I said about 2018 . . . well, we can’t wish our lives away, but I (sort of) get it. Obviously my problems are different.

    As to yoga, done properly, it is supposed to be hard, actually! There’s a lot going on there. I am hoping to get out a couple of yin Yoga videos this month, actually (we’ll see, I make no promises) and that is actually a lot easier — although can be surprisingly tough in some ways, too. Stay tuned!

    1. Renée says:

      yes that’s how I feel. I can’t catch a break! I hope that we both have a better year next year. But we also have to deal with stuff that is not health and fitness related and that makes things more complex, right?

      I’m glad you say yoga is supposed to be hard! the thing is, social media makes it seem easy. and people don’t say “I did yoga today and it was really effing hard” they say “I did a 30 min yoga session and now I’m feeling so relaxed”. I’d love to see you doing a video!

  4. Wendy says:

    Looks like you had a pretty good week! Sorry about yet another health issue for you. Ugh…

    2019 sure had its ups and downs for me. I can’t say it’s been a bad year overall but it was challenging. We’ve got one month to go…here’s hoping for an uneventrul one.

    1. Renée says:

      Thanks Wendy. Still counting down. I’m sure it can’t get worse. At least that’s what I’m focusing on!

  5. Coco says:

    I’m glad you enjoyed NP. I have heard that about the welcoming and hugging. It can be a bit intimidating!

    Yay on the spin bike but boo on the possible hernia.

    1. Renée says:

      Thanks! yes, I am not used to the hugging anymore but I could definitely get used to it!

  6. therightfits says:

    Congrats on making it into Chicago! It’s fun to have a goal on the horizon and fingers crossed all the health issues are in the past by then!

    1. Renée says:

      Thank you!

  7. Marcia says:

    My dad needed hernia surgery for yeeeears before he finally got it done. Once it was done, he was 120% better immediately and has had no issues since. I’m sorry you have yet another health issue. It’s high time you caught a break. I’m so glad you enjoyed NP!

    1. Renée says:

      I am fully prepared to have surgery and sooner rather than later. I’m done with all this stuff! As if dealing with menopause wasn’t enough!!

  8. kookyrunner says:

    I’m so glad that you had a great experience with NP! I’ve never done one of their workouts but I have heard nothing but great things about the group.

    Congrats on your new spin bike! It’s so nice to have equipment at home, especially something like a spin bike :) I’m sorry to hear about the possible hernia :( I know that this probably feels like another blow after dealing with the back pain that you had earlier this Fall, but I’m glad that you are not letting it get you down.

    1. Renée says:

      I would definitely do NP again, I just wish it wasn’t so far away. I think that’s really want I want parkrun – it’s something I know I could do every week, where I could meet good people, MY running people.

      Thanks re the bike and possible hernia. It does feel like just one more thing but what can I do? I see my only option as moving forward.

  9. Birchwood Pie says:

    I love your spin bike set up. Fortunately I almost never have to travel for work anymore, I used to do it all the time and it was so draining. Woot on Chicago next year, finger crossed.

    1. Renée says:

      Thanks! I’m loving the set up too. Ron’s now put speakers in there too so I don’t have to listen to the tinny sound of the television!

  10. Cari says:

    Was your Doubletree in Amsterdam the one adjacent to the train station? I stayed there and loved it. I miss Amsterdam and need to get back.
    Hope you get the best news possible re: your hernia

    1. Renée says:

      YES! it’s so convenient there! You do need to get back here :)
      thanks, I hope so too, but if it’s there, there’s only one real option for me…

      1. Cari says:

        I loved that hotel and it was also perfect for “nervous about being alone in a new city/country and don’t want to navigate with a suitcase”. Of course Amsterdam turned out to be easy peasy to walk around

  11. How exciting about the Chicago Marathon!! I’ve heard so many great things about NP but I’ve never attended any of their events.

    1. Renée says:

      Thank you! I think NP is just so nice and welcoming. If you don’t have a group and you feel you “need” someone, it’s just super nice.

  12. Chaitali says:

    I’m with you on the begin glad that 2019 is almost over! I hope that the test shows some better news and that it’s something that’s easily fixable :( I’ve heard really good things about the November Project, how nice that they were so welcoming :)

    1. Renée says:

      we are almost at the end now Chaitali… I’m so ready for 2020. It really can’t get much worse!

  13. I’m so glad the NP experience was a good one. That’s something I’ve always wanted to try, but schlepping into the city in time to make that happen is just not possible.

    I’m so sorry you’re dealing with another health issue – you really deserve a break! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that whatever’s going on is easily remedied.

    1. Renée says:

      Yeah I wouldn’t be schlepping too far to run NP when it starts at 6:30… Thanks Michelle!

  14. Liz Dexter says:

    Matthew has a hernia and has never had it treated, I don’t think it bothers him. Maybe I should ask him about it again (oops). I hate it when our bodies go wonky – I was livid to find out I had a cyst a few years back! Sounds like you had a good week meeting up with old friends and doing different bits of exercise and hooray for the bike! I do find yoga hard by the way, 99% of the time.

    1. Renée says:

      oh! poor Matthew! is his also in his abdomen or the groin? My body has been wonky for a year now and I’m so done! I think, like you, I am just so angry about all this stuff and I want it to stop!

  15. Jen says:

    Congrats on making the Chicago marathon! I am definitely ready to kick 2019 to the curb!

    1. Renée says:

      Thanks Jen!

  16. Congrats on Chicago! That’s exciting! Hopefully all issues will be long gone in the past by then. I did enjoy several pieces of pie for you this past week :) . Yoga and I are not friends. It’s too much stretching for me!

    1. Renée says:

      Thanks Lisa! I’m determined to try Yoga a few more times before I throw in the towel!

  17. […] good to stay in the present moment but as I expressed last week, I’m just ready for the year to be over. Whatever curse (yes, I do realise it’s […]

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