This week I felt the energy and hope I didn’t feel at the start of the new year. I know having a new president and new administration isn’t going to change things overnight, but it still feels like a breath of fresh air.
How I get fresh air in my basement gym.
That Kamala Harris is our Vice President. That Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks performed at the inauguration. That I could see the fireworks out an upstairs window during Katy Perry’s performance at the Lincoln Memorial. It was a day of celebration like we haven’t been able to have this past year.
A Breath Of Fresh Air
The week started with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. With my fractured rib I wouldn’t have been able to visit the D.C. memorial anyway, but I was sad the area was closed off due to heightened security precautions.
My firm sponsors an annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Oratory Competition for 4th and 5th graders, who present original speeches. This year the final round was held as a hybrid live-virtual approach. Watching the winning speeches I am impressed by their insight and talent–and even more hopeful for the future.
Aren’t they amazing!
Speaking of amazing, let’s talk about Amanda Gorman.
Each time I listen to her recite The Hill We Climb, I am grabbed by a different verse. A few that I want to remember:
We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace. In the norms and notions of what just is isn’t always justice.
Because being American is more than a pride we inherit; it’s the past we step into and how we repair it.
[W]e know our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance of the next generation. Our blunders become their burdens.
And that powerful last verse:
For there is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.
Weekly Run Down
My workouts this week were still governed by my fractured rib and my sore hand. It’s probably a good that it hurts too much to hold anything heavier than my 3 lb. bike weights, but it’s frustrating. I’ve become such a strength junkie over these past 10 months–I miss that powerful feeling of pushing through those last reps. I pretty much alternated Tread days with Bike days, but did a bit of both on the weekend.
Monday: 45 min Ride + 30 min Strength
I’m still wary of 45 min rides, but this New Wave playlist sucked me in and did not disappoint! It had all the songs of my high school days! I also managed a 10 min Strength for Runners class, 10 min Core class, and 10 min Arms Toning class.
Tuesday: 30 min Tread + 20 min Strength
Wednesday: 30 min Ride + 20 min Strength
I got the party started with Ally & Emma’s Prince Ride. The classes with two instructors are always fun, and you know with Prince we did Party Like It’s 1999!
Thursday: 20 min Strength + 30 min Tread
I did the first of Olivia’s new “Breakthrough” classes, and it was tough, with 6 minute steady-pace intervals at a steady incline. If it doesn’t challenge you it doesn’t change you, right?
Friday: 30 min Strength + 20 min Ride
I’m trying to find Strength for Runners classes that don’t have too many standing-to-floor transitions and don’t rely on weights. This one used weights, but the exercises could be done without–deadlifts, lunges, etc. I enjoyed Tunde’s Afrobeats ride. Her classes tend to be intense, but I could manage for 20 min.
Saturday: 30 min Treadmill + 20 min Peloton Ride + 40 min Zoom Ride
My new Saturday morning routine: walk Scooby, run on the treadmill, have breakfast, join Kim’s Zoom ride. 🙂
This week it was just me an the Kim twins.
I hopped on Emma’s 20 min Funk Ride (so good!) before logging in to Zoom. After all that, I definitely needed to stretch.
Sunday: 30 min Tread + 10 min Core
The music of Adrian’s DJ runs isn’t my favorite, but I love the vibe and the banter, and it’s cued on the easy side. I was craving a core workout and this wasn’t the best one to try—lots of twisting moves.
Thanks to Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down link up.
Do you read much poetry?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
Even with a compromised rib, you’re staying active (and you’re doing it wisely). I love that MLK oratory contest! I did a lot of speech competitions in high school, and they really helped me overcome some of my childhood shyness. Great seeing you yesterday!!
These kids are so talented! It took me a long time into adulthood to get comfortable with public speaking.
I shared that same passage from Amannda Gorman’s poem. I get goosebumps just reading it! I was having really bad anxiety up until Wednesday–I am sleeping much better and feeling better too. What a terrible time we’ve been living in!
I’m glad you’re feeling better – I hope it lasts!
Way to keep up all of your workouts despite your wrist and rib injury. I am sure it is frustrating not to push it the way you normally do. Have a great week ahead!
My hand is starting to frustrate me. I’m 99.9% sure nothing’s broken, but it still hurts to do simple things — like stir stew!
I’m impressed you’re able to do as much as you are despite your rib and wrist. Wow those speeches are so well done. Omg Amanda Gorman is amazing. So much promise for the future!
I love how passionate the students are — we need that!
Thanks so much for sharing the clips from the Oratory Competition – how inspiring! Wednesday made me feel so hopeful. I was in a good mood for the entire day and my heart was so full.
You were able to get in so many workouts despite your rib fracture! Sorry about the core class that had a lot of twists – that sounds painful 🙁 I have the Live DJ run bookmarked. I agree with you about the music but the joy and fun between DJ John Michael and Adrian is infectious!
It’s time like this when I wish the classes had better notes. I can do crunches and planks pretty well, but I can’t switch between the two!
You were still able to get in some great workouts despite your injury! I loved hearing Amanda Gorman’s poem. The words are so powerful!
Her words, her delivery – WOW!
I know it’s a bummer not being able to progress on where you were when you broke your rib, but you’re doing exactly the right thing by keeping your fitness where you can. You’ll maintain it and be able to leap right back in when your rib is healed. I was really bummed that I had meeting all day on Wed so I didn’t get to see the inauguration until that night.
I re-watched some of the performances on YouTube — so good!
Thanks for sharing the oratory competition! So talented!
And, Amanda Gorman…simply amazing! I have re-watched her reading a couple of times now and, like you, I’m struck by a different passage each time.
You had a solid week despite your rib – great job!
The fireworks were spectacular!! And you are right that changes won’t be made overnight but at least we have the possibility of CHANGE. No poetry for me. Many times I just don’t get it. I don’t think I knew you worked at Foley and Lardner. Years ago I worked at the ABA and that is one of the firms I always remember. No idea why.
There aren’t enough good words to say about Amanda Gorman, and I feel you about the hope and optimism. So necessary.
I love the idea of an oratory competition. Truly carrying on his legacy of using your words.
How cool that you were able to see the fireworks!!!!! Yes, it was quite a day.
Sounds like you’re not letting your injuries hold you back too much- i know it’s frustrating but you still managed to have a great week!
I’m still so impressed by all you get done even with a fractured rib! My shoulder on and off was so painful I had to have Mr. Judy help me into my sweater once — thankfully not all the time. Today it feels pretty good — with snow predicted for tomorrow, I’m a bit worried about it tomorrow.
How cool to be able to see the fireworks from your home! And Amanda Gorman is just fabulous. Period!
All of that was truly a breath of fresh air, and it was much needed. Hopefully, we can start moving forward and onward and upward.
Great week for you!
So much more hope these days :). I know too it doesn’t change overnight but … it kind of feels like overnight it’s changed, if that makes sense!
I felt so hopeful but everything has exploded here in the Netherlands and it’s really put a damper on my mood. Rioting, looting, setting things on fire, violence against the police… I feel like we are going to be stuck here in lockdown for a while.
Take it easy with healing!! glad you can still get some good workouts in!
Oof. Injured ribs aren’t comfortable and you still were very active. I’m glad you can keep it up! I hope it’s getting better each day.