As I’m writing this, I’m decidedly not stressed, but this was one of those weeks when my stress level was running high. Luckily it was all work stress–which I’m pretty good at compartmentalizing–but I’m blaming it for the knots in my back that kept me from doing Conte’s bike ride.
Weekly Wrap
Monday: I started the week at OTF where I was surprised with a Tornado workout even though it wasn’t Tuesday. That was a harbinger of things to come, because by 10 am the Supreme Court had issued a patent-related decision I’ve been following for work. I had two hours to read the decision and put some thoughts together for reporters. Then three hours to write a bulletin for our clients in between media phone calls. Then another hour or so to re-work what I’d already said into a post for my other blog. All while attending to other deadlines and following the news on the horrible shooting at a baseball field nearby.
Tuesday: What better way to hold our injured public servants in my thoughts and prayers than to run around the monuments? I usually am looking at Cherry Blossoms when I run around the Tidal Basin, but on Tuesday the statute of Jefferson caught my eye.
The view of the Capitol from the base of the Washington Monument was stunning, and I was grateful that the flags did not have to be flying at half-mast.
Wednesday: I went to OTF again to use up my monthly membership classes before I switch to a package deal. This time it was a team workout with the person doing the floor exercises setting the pace:
- 20 squats with overhead press, twisting to alternating sides
- 10 push-ups with one hand on a medicine ball (alternating sides)
- 10 leg raises with overhead reach
- 20 sit-ups with cross punches
My abs still hurt when I laugh!
Thursday: I woke up with a muscle spasm in my back, but decided to go to Revolve anyway. I didn’t push too hard in class, but still got my heart rate up and worked up a sweat. By the time I got to work my back was killing me. I knocked out the work I had to get done–some of which I’ve literally been losing sleep over–and booked a deep tissue massage for 1:15–leaving just enough time before my 2:30 conference call. See, even my relaxing appointments were stressful this week!
Friday: My back was still jacked up, but I thought some hot yoga might do it some good. There were a few moves I just couldn’t do, but overall I think the yoga helped more than the massage. I dashed from my 6 am yoga class to a 7:30 am hair appointment and squeezed in a 12:30 pm manicure before a 1:00 pm conference call. Again, appointments that should have been relaxing were stressful because I had so much to do!
Saturday: I really wanted to do the hilly Conte’s bike ride–really, I did, because I’m afraid it will be that much harder the longer I go between rides— but since my upper back was still tight and I didn’t have full mobility, I decided to play it safe. I opted for an easy ride on the Mount Vernon Trail and Capital Crescent Trail, which didn’t do my back any good, but did help my mood.
As I was riding, I tried to think of what could make my back feel better, and decided to buy some Icy Hot on the way home.
I don’t know why they have to keep these products on the bottom shelf when I could barely reach down to get them, but it really made my back feel better. It’s like a miracle cure!
Sunday: Despite a late flight into San Diego for a business trip, I was up before 6:00 am local time, and plotting a route for a long run. I decided to head to Balboa Park–where my profile picture on the top right was taken when I was here for the same conference a few years ago. It’s such a neat place!
My route was mostly on sidewalks, but I ran a few miles on trails through the park–chasing bunnies out of my way as I ran. I’m looking forward to more runs in San Diego this week, although I”m not sure I can face that run UP to Balboa Park again!
That’s my recap for Weekly Wrap Link Up.
This week’s guest host is Tara at Run and Live Happy!
[Tweet “My #WeeklyWrap – Work Stress, Icy Hot and Balboa Park”]
How do you recover from a stressful week?
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I like to alternate heating pad and ice if I have a knot like that. Hope you are feeling better!
Good idea. I wasn’t patient enough for that approach!
Oh man, you had a rough week – I’m so sorry 🙁
Similar to Deborah, when I have pain or knots I do alternate between my heating pad and ice. They both tend to make it feel better.
I am a new convert to Icy Hot!
I love how you had runs in 2 scenic parts of the country this week. I too am glad the flags are not at half mast.
I’m sorry you had such a rough week. I like to use a heating pad when I have a knot. It really helps to release the tension. Your pictures from your runs are really pretty! I love the one of the Lincoln Monument. That is an awesome view! I hope you have a great week this week!
I know when I’m stressed out, I get those knots in my back. I have to say that yoga helps keep me loose. the heating pad is my best friend. I like those SalonPas pads for spot relief too.
YESSS.
Im all about the SALONPAS pads here as of late.
As the scent of the house quickly reveals when you open the front door.
#opps
Wow, that does sound like a really busy week. I’m glad that the icy hot helped your back. I hate when things are so stressful that even relaxing appointments don’t feel relaxed. I hope you have fun in San Diego.
Ouch to your back AND the stress! I always love all the beautiful DC pics!!
Oh wow sorry about all that stress and back pain. No fun at all. A run in Balboa Park on the other hand, sounds awesome. It’s been years since I’ve run there.
I hear you on the relaxing stuff being not so relaxing when you’re busy & squeezing everything in — that’s what it was like for me when I ran my half in April.
I hope your back is feeling better! I’ve only been to San Diego once (despite the fact that I have cousins who live there) — so lovely! When is your next actual vacation, LOL? You need one!
Running in San Diego sounds amazing. There was a conference I wanted to go to there in March, and I’d been eying it for a few years. But I couldn’t swing it this year since I just moved and was learning my new job.
I get the stress – for me it’s new job!! It gives me a stiff neck…
Hope you’re feeling better. Enjoy San Diego. I was th ere for work years ago and loved it.
I will be in NYC for work and hope the weather cooperates so I can RUN!!!
Geez, I have knots in my back just reading about your stressful work week! Icy Hot? Yes! I’ve been rubbing Major Hubs back with that stuff all week as well…he says it really does help. Hope you are knot-free soon and back to your more “intense” bike rides!
Enjoy San Diego!
I think I may need to try Icy Hot for my lower back! You certainly had a full week. I hope this week is a little less stressful and you get more runs in at Balboa Park while in San Diego.
I get the stress tension in my neck. I’ve been using tiger balm instead of icy hot… the hubs recently got a few knots in his back, and he used both TB and IH… decided the tiger balm worked best.