I’m not going to lie, last week was rough. My Mom was in the hospital recovering from her hip surgery. I had a lot going on at work and had to push back on clients trying to pile on more so I could preserve my long weekend. None of my kids came home for Thanksgiving. My Mom was still in the hospital over Thanksgiving, so we revised and simplified our plans even further. I accidentally published a half-written version of this post via the WordPress App instead of saving a draft. And so on.
But I am a glass half-full person, and I know I can’t pour from an empty cup (how’s that for mixed metaphors?), so I put on my own oxygen mask and spent some along the Mount Vernon Trail.
Filling My Cup Along The Mount Vernon Trail
When we learned my Mom would not be discharged on Friday, we decided to go for a short ride along the Mount Vernon Trail, from Belle Haven to Mt. Vernon.
From there, we checked on her house and brought her the Starbucks chai concoction she’d been craving–a grande steamed milk with two chai tea bags and one pump of chai syrup.
That plan worked out so well I decided to repeat it Saturday, with a run instead of a bike ride. That’s when I took that gorgeous picture above, and these:
Isn’t that tree gorgeous!
Frost on the bridge made it slippery.
I loved how the sunlight filtered through the trees.
Those leaves were perilous on our bike ride but I was cautious.
I noticed the pond on the right on my bike ride.
The time outside and gorgeous scenery really boosted my mood and helped me keep a positive outlook. My Mom is recovering well, my kids did a great job fixing their own Thanksgiving feasts, and my clients are accommodating my re-juggled schedule.
Weekly Wrap
This week proved the value of having a morning workout routine. From Tuesday on, we started each day thinking my Mom might be transferred to rehab or discharged, but I was able to got to my early morning fitness class, get my urgent work done, and get to the hospital before rush hour … and learn she was staying put another day, because rehab was still full and she wasn’t quite ready to be sent home.
Monday: strength workout at home
Tuesday: 5:30 am ride at CycleBar
Wednesday: 5:00 am OTF class
Thursday: 6 mile run before tackling my pain in the ass apple pie recipe
For better or worse, it’s worth the extra effort!
Friday: 21.75 mi bike ride
Saturday: 8.5 mi run
Sunday: CorePowerYoga with Deborah
Join the Weekly Wrap link up
hosted by Holly and Tricia
for support, motivation,
and encouragement,
and join Deborah and me for
the Ultimate Coffee Date link up
on Saturday, December 2!
Did you #optoutside this weekend?
Did you score any amazing Black Friday deals?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
Those pictures are lovely. I’m glad you could get outside during this tough week. It really is good for the soul!
Thanks! It made an amazing difference in my mood.
I didn’t really #optoutside, but I didn’t do any shopping either. It was good to get away from it all for a few days and recharge. 4 weeks until Christmas.
Aack! Don’t say that!
The trail is so pretty this time of year. Glad you were able to get out there. Hope you have a better week this week. So wonderful to see you!
Thanks! I’m at least hoping for no more hospital visits after tomorrow — knock-on-wood and fingers crossed!
Sometimes the best thing is to reconnect with nature! I hope everything is settling down. Sending love.
Thanks. I think we’re all out of the woods for now at least.
Wow! Those trees are stunning! It looks like a painting I’ve seen. I don’t like riding my bike over pine straw. I can imagine how slick leaves would be. I hope your Mom continues to improve. Wanting a particular Starbucks drink is a very good sign! 😉 Your apple pie looks delicious. I’ve never tried making one from scratch. Thanks for linking!
Yes, you’re right, craving Starbucks is a sign of good health. 😀
Apple pie can be “easy as pie” but this recipe has multiple “easy” steps.
Thanks for being such a great host.
Hope things continue to go well for your mom. You know me, I always opt outside (but I don’t have gym classes to keep me inside). I did find some good BF deals (on foot) and this afternoon (via computer LOL).
Hope that you mom is doing well!! Your pics are gorgeous and that pie looks absolutely delish! haha pain in the ass apple pie. It’s always worth the extra effort!
Wow, what beautiful pictures! The trails can work wonders on stress. Hope all is better this week.
It really was lovely there this weekend!
I can see how being on that trail could soothe your soul.
Continued good thoughts to your mom and you!
Thanks. I she should be discharged tomorrow – and then a new phase of recovery begins.
sending you so so much LOVE as you navigate this.
you are beyond wise to put YOU first still and fill that cup.
<3
Sorry it was a tough week. I know those days where the kids don’t always come home for the holidays are approaching fast for me. I too found myself retreating to the trails for all of my runs last week. They’re so good for the soul. Hope your mom is getting better every day. xo
I’m really glad to hear your mom is recovering well. Go Coco’s Mom! And I’m glad that you refilled your own cup; so important, so hard to do sometimes.
I did #optoutside this weekend — although I’m taking it to the treadmill today, I’ll still #optouside with the dogs. 🙂
I commend you for getting in so many workouts this week considering the hard week that you have had. Sending so many positive thoughts and prayers to your mom and hope that her recovery goes well.
I’m sorry to hear about the tough week and your mom 🙁 Hopefully there will be some good news for her this week. It looks like you had some beautiful views on the Mt. Vernon trail. I’ve never done that one but need to get out there some day.
Sounds like you had a great bike ride with perfect weather. Sorry to hear about your mom. Hope she has a speedy recovery. That apple pie does look delicious!
Wow, that tree photo is a post card Fall picture for sure! It’s just perfect! All of them are really! I was fighting crowds and lines but my black Friday was spent with my family in Disney so no complaints here!