Tag: outdoors

Just Like Treating Tuberculosis

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The bright blue skies called my name in more of a panicked shout than a whisper. “IT’S NOT RAINING! THE SKY ISN’T DARK! GET OUT IN THE SUNSHINE! QUICK! BEFORE IT GOES AWAY!” We hit the trails close to home, you know, the one’s I like to call my “home trails.” There is a little lake about 10 minutes from my front door that has miles and miles of trail to explore. So off we went. And it was great.

Until the evening.

That’s when the ick set in. The Viking/Spartan/Roman in me dug her heels in deep and refused to acknowledge that this was actually illness, so I loaded up on antihistamines (because allergies, right?) and slept like the dead. In the morning I was gravely disappointed when I realized I’d been hit by a truck in the middle of the night. Fast forward to today, 6 days later, and I still can’t breathe properly or exert any effort without hacking up a lung.

Yesterday, I demanded that I get out and enjoy some fresh air. I’ve been cooped up in the office all week long breathing recycled germs and thought that just maybe spending time in wide open spaces would do me good. I few friends agreed to walk with me and even if I’m still congested at least my heart is happy from the few moments of togetherness we were able to have.

We should make it a regular thing.

The walk. Not the sickness.

Beating the Heat with Chronic Pain

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Baby Berries

I hadn’t run since Saturday. Not the best training plan considering that I’ve got a race coming up on July 22, but it’s been hot and I’m still making my way through physical therapy. Yesterday I managed a 5K. And this morning my body is screaming.

Lake Natoma looks mighty inviting

Here in the beautiful and fertile Central Valley of California summers are like living… well… on the surface of the sun. Or in the fires of Hades. And if you are a chronic pain sufferer this heat can wreak havoc on your body. Everyday Heath has a simple read on the topic that you can find HERE.

And wouldn’t you know it? The experts suggest staying indoors and not over exerting yourself on hot days. HA HA HA HA!! That’s a good one. I’ve got a race coming up and I’m hiking 10 miles tomorrow. I’m going to go outside and chances are pretty darn good that I’m going to over exert myself.

Where does that leave me? Joint pain when I get up in the morning. Burning and aching, it will be difficult to get my stretching in. Still, I’m not going to let Rheumatoid Arthritis defeat me. I’ll continue to be active in all kinds of weather. That’s why I stopped after 5K yesterday, that’s why I took a few days off, that’s why I’ll hike with my poles (#respectthepoles) and take photo breaks tomorrow. I’ll be active, but smart.

You know, kicking ass gently and all that.