A Week of Beauty

Fall is my favorite season, and this week once again reminded me of why I love it so much. Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights are the best. We've really had a nice fall again this year, and I just can't get enough of it! 

Weekly Rundown:

Sunday: Ice Age Trail Run West Bend Segment 15.5 miles/1950ft

Monday: PT/Strength Training

Tuesday: Fluid running

Wednesday: Trail run 5 miles

Thursday: Strength training/PT

Friday: Power walk 4 miles

Saturday: Full Moon Hike Ice Age Trail Gibraltar Segment 2 miles

Mammoth Hike Challenge trail miles so far: 39 miles plus 10 bonus miles

I was on the road at 6 am Sunday morning for my 105-ish-minute drive to West Bend, Wisconsin, with plans to hike the entire segment, out and back. It was beautiful with bluebird skies and bright sunshine, but it was chilly, 43F, and there was a brisk wind. I knew it would get warm, but I didn't count on wind. I was wearing shorts and a long sleeve top, and knew that my hydration vest would provide a layer of insulation. I grabbed a pair of dollar store gloves (I always have some in my car) and headed towards the trailhead. 

The West Bend Segment did not disappoint. Located in the Kettle Moraine National Forest, there is plenty of evidence of the glacial movement from the Ice Age. Kames, Eskers, and Kettles make up the landscape with lots of steep ups and downs. There were a few glacial lakes, and the bright sunshine lit up the foliage lining the shores. The trail was covered in leaves, which was pretty, but made it hard to navigate--there were a few times that I got off trail and needed to use my Far Out app to get me back to where I needed to be. If I had any complaints about this trail, the yellow blazes that guide hikers were few and far between. 

The trail took me through forest, a few parks with real bathrooms (yay!), and at the north end, the town of West Bend. I walked up above an area filled with fast food restaurants, which was a little jarring (and tempting), but it was a short section of the trail, and once past that, it was very rustic again. I didn't see many creatures on the trail, but I did see a group of deer and had a wild turkey land near me. What a beautiful trail--it's definitely on my top 5 favorite segments right now!

I missed the morning strength class--I went to see my grandson! So I went at noon to work on my lifts. Today's 'heavy' lift was the back squat: 

#1: 5 reps at 65# (40% 1RM)

#2: 3 reps at 80# (50% 1RM)

#3: 1 rep at 100# (60% 1 RM)

Deadlifts 5 x10:

#1 10 reps at 45# (30%)

#2 10 reps at 60# (35%)

#3 10 reps at 80# (40%)

#4 10 reps at 90# (45%)

#5 10 reps at 100# (50%)

Bench Presses 5 x10: rep scheme as noted above

#1 10 reps at 27.25#

#2 10 reps at 32.35#

#3 10 reps at 37.35#

#4 10 reps at 42.5#

#5 10 reps at 47.5#

Wednesday morning was another winner, weather-wise. I got to the preserve as the sun was coming up. While the bright sunshine made photography a challenge, I managed to get some beautiful photos. I mostly walked, but I did test out the knee for a few miles. It felt good during the run, but was a little sore later. I saw one deer--I was grateful for that- and also saw this amazing spiderweb! What a great morning to be outside!

Strength training followed the same rep scheme as last Thursday: 

Bench Press: 5-3-1 for load: the weights are based on a percentage of my 1-rep max; they will increase as we move forward! Let me just say that all the math involved in this scheme, calculating the lifts and loading the barbell, has got my brain hurting!

#1 5 reps: 45#

#2 3 reps: 55#

#3 1 rep: 65#

Deadlifts: 5-3-1 for load:

#1 5 reps: 95#

#2 3 reps: 115#

#3 reps: 135#

Back Squats 5 x10 ascending weights:

35%:60#

40%: 65#

45%: 72#

50%: 80#

55%: 88#

PT has been working me hard, and when I woke up Friday morning, my knee was feeling a little sore and swollen. I also felt a little achy--thanks, RA. With more miles coming up this weekend, I decided to do a power walk instead of a run. I popped a few ibuprofen before heading out the door. It was foggy, which always makes for fun photos, and I headed to the bike path hoping to catch a foggy sunrise. No such luck...the fog was so thick, it obscured the sunrise. The cooler temps helped me push my pace to a sub-14 m/m, which made me happy. My knee didn't hurt either! I'm hoping to throw in a few pickups on my next run. Stay tuned. 

On Saturday, the hubs and I drove up to the lake. My plan was to wrap up my miles on Sunday for the Mammoth Challenge. I also needed to visit one more trail town, so we went to our favorite brewpub in Baraboo for lunch. Tumbled Rock never disappoints. On the way home, we stopped at an orchard for some apples and took the long way home through the valley that meanders through the Baraboo Hills. We stopped at Natural Bridge State Park. It was a short walk from the parking lot to see this sandstone arch in the middle of the woods. This area is full of natural wonders from the Ice Age!

Later, I attended another Full Moon Hike, this time on the Gibraltar Segment. My friends Rachael and Melissa, who I actually met on this trail a few years ago, joined me. It was another really cool experience!

Off the road...

It was a pretty uneventful week for me! While I was hiking on Sunday, I received a few texts from my son and daughter-in-law about my grandson--he was having some eye drainage. I was pretty sure it was a blocked tear duct-so common in young infants- and told them what to do. They were pretty worried, though, and I went to check on him Monday morning after my PT appointment. He looked perfect to me! And so much more awake than the last time I saw him. What a little love bug!

How was your week? Are you enjoying some beautiful fall weather? Running any races? What was your favorite workout/run of the week? I can't pick one--but I loved my time on the Ice Age Trail on Sunday! I'm going to wrap up the Mammoth Challenge tomorrow on the Lodi Marsh Segment--one of my all time favorites!

I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown. 

My Turn

The past 6 months since my mom's fall have really taken a toll on me, physically and emotionally. While I have kept up with my workout routine while managing my parents' care, I neglected the maintenance needed to keep this old machine running. I'm paying for that now, with that knee injury. Now it's my turn to take care of my needs. My dad has pushed me away and is now refusing my help, as well as not going to any of his appointments, and while that is troubling, we have enlisted our care manager to try working with him. I'm 'quietly quitting'. I will continue to manage my mom's care and accompany her to appointments. 

I'm happy to report that my knee is improving with my conservative workouts, physical therapy, and the gel injection I received this week. The PT has me doing some deep hamstring and hip flexor stretches, and movements to strengthen my hips, adductors, and quads. We're also working on balance. 

Busy busy!

It was a busy week for me! Between my new grandson, work, and fitness, my days were full!

Weekly Rundown:

Sunday: trail run 4 miles

Monday: Yoga with Adriene Yoga for Sensitive Knees

Tuesday: Fluid running

Wednesday: Trail run 5.5 miles

Thursday: Yoga with Adriene Hips and Low Back

Friday: 12-3-30 (10-3.5-30) on treadmill (1100 ft, 2 miles)

Saturday: Ice Age Trail Dane County Chapter Hike-a-Thon 14.5 miles/1450 ft

I had plans on Sunday morning to go to the hospital with my hubs to see our grandbaby. I also wanted to run at the preserve. I was out the door before sunrise and went to the smaller part of the preserve, where I hoped to see some deer. Spoiler alert: I did! But not before I found a deer skeleton in the woods. Oh my heart. Seeing the live deer made me happy. I hope they survive the outbreak.

The conditions were picture perfect and my knee didn't bother me at all. I did smell something rotten in a few spots around the woods, so I know that EHD is still out there. My run ended on a positive note. I caught up to another runner, and we ran together for our last mile. She's injured too; she's having knee surgery after the marathon. Hopefully, I'll see her again in the future!

Because I had a PT appointment at 9:30, I hit the trail with the sunrise again on Wednesday morning. And wow, what a gorgeous morning for a run! Besides all the fall foliage starting to pop, I saw quite a few deer frolicking in the woods, which made my heart happy. There were signs that a few more had succumbed to EHD. I didn't go too far--I wanted to save my legs for my big hike on Saturday!

On Saturday, I participated in the IAT Dane County Chapter's annual Hike-a-Thon. They offer 3 distances, and with my eye on miles for the Mammoth Challenge, I chose the longest distance. We took shuttle buses to the Cross Plains Glacial Passage trailhead and started our journey, continuing onto 3 more segments: Valley View, Madison, and Verona. The first segment was hands down my favorite--the trail took us up, down, and around a beautiful valley with amazing foliage. It felt magical! My photos can't do it justice.

The rest of the hike took us on trails and connecting roads, which I mostly ran because hiking on the road is boring. The weather was spectacular, with bluebird skies, bright sunshine, and warm temperatures. My goal was to finish all 14.5 miles in under 4 hours--mission accomplished! What a fun experience and a great start to this year's Mammoth Challenge!

Off the road...

You probably figured there would be baby photos! After my run on Sunday, the hubs and I brought breakfast to the new parents, who were still hospitalized with the baby while we waited to see if his bilirubin came down. He was discharged later that day and has been doing well at home! On Monday, I went with her and my son to his first appointment--he saw the pediatric nurse practitioner--and received the RSV shot. He was so sad, but my DIL calmed him down quickly. I just adore him!

I had my first PT appointment on Wednesday, and the good news is: I can still run as long as I'm not having pain! I can also do most of the workouts at the gym, with modifications. The knee strap keeps everything in place, and she told me to listen to my body. Interestingly, my right leg/hip is much weaker than my left. I was sent home with exercises to do to strengthen my glute and stretch my hip flexor. I go back next week. 

I also saw the orthopedic surgeon/sports medicine specialist on Thursday, which was a completely different experience. He basically told me that the reason I have tendinitis in my right knee is that I have no cartilage behind the kneecap, and that I need to stop running. He also told me I need a knee replacement. While I have no doubt that's down the road, I don't think it's imminent. I'll be getting a second opinion.

How was your week? Are you finding yourself busy this time of year? Did you race this weekend? It's a big one!

I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown. 

Life is a Wild Ride

Life has sure been interesting lately with lots of ups and downs! Read on...

Weekly Rundown:

Sunday: Ice Age Trail Lodi Marsh Segment 7 miles/1100ft

Monday: unscheduled rest

Tuesday: Fluid Running

Wednesday: Trail run/walk 4 miles

Thursday: 10-3.5-30 treadmill workout plus 10 mins warmup/cooldown

Friday: run/walk 5k

Saturday: rest/work

The fog and cooler morning temperatures were so inviting! I had just been to the Lodi Marsh the night before for the Full Moon Hike, so I didn't repeat that part of the segment, instead focusing on the rest of the trail. I loved seeing the full moon still up high in the sky. The fog made everything feel moody and soft, and I took a ton of photos. Still recovering from this virus, I felt pretty good, but I had to stop and walk a few times. No complaints--it was a beautiful morning to be on the trail!

For the past couple of days, I've been battling whatever upper respiratory virus is going around, and on Monday, it seemed to settle in my chest, causing me to cough and feel short of breath. Maybe I pushed myself too hard on Sunday? Who me? I figured I should listen to my body, and I skipped the gym.

Wednesday's trail run/walk was in the rain. I wanted to get outside; I wanted to run, and so I did. Easy, slow, and uneventful. No deer sightings--just a few squirrels. 

It was still raining on Thursday, and with my knee injury, I played it safe (sort of) and took to the TM for the 12-3-30 workout, modified. My TM only elevates to 10%, so I increased the pace to 3.5. I also did a 5-minute warm-up and cool down. 

Off the trail...

As you know, I have been struggling with pain in my right knee for some time now. A few weeks ago, I had a steroid injections in both knees. The injections didn't help much with my knee pain and did nothing to help the main issue--pain below my right kneecap. The only thing that has helped so far is wearing a knee strap. On Monday, I had an MRI of the knee. I learned that I have a partial patellar tendon tear, along with tendinitis and cartilage loss. I attempted to schedule with an orthopedic specialist at Rush in Chicago, and got an appointment in 5 weeks. Not wanting to wait that long and to start on the road to healing, I self-referred to a local PT practice that works with athletes. I also scheduled with a local sports med ortho this upcoming Monday to evaluate my injury. I also want guidance on what I can do while I heal--both on the trail and in the gym. As you might have noticed, I'm still doing some running, but mostly have been walking.

On Wednesday morning, I got incredible news. My son texted me that my daughter-in-law's water broke and THE BABY WAS COMING! I worked that afternoon; he kept providing me with updates, and a little after 4 pm, my grandson was born, 6 pounds 12 ounces. Yes, he came 4 weeks early, but he was healthy and perfect. I had to work that evening, but my last 2 patients canceled, my manager closed my schedule, and I went to the hospital to see him. What a little love! Everyone says he looks like my son. He definitely has Tom's eyes!

The plan was for the baby to go home with his mom on Saturday, but unfortunately, he developed jaundice and bought himself another night in the hospital to be monitored. Fingers crossed this passes quickly!

How was your week? Did you have a lot of rain this week? Do you run when you're injured? What is the best thing that happened to you this week?

I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown. 

Mini Book Reviews: September 2026

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of Fallow from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links.

September was another month of mostly books that I wanted to read! I had 2 NetGalley books in my queue, Fallow and The Vanishing Family- this one I'm saving for Nonfiction November. I think it will fit nicely in the lineup of books I'm gathering for the month. 

Where the Wildflowers Grow and When She Was Ours were both Kindle Daily Deals that I picked up over the summer. It's a great way to check out books that you may have missed when they were published. The Birthing Tree, Someone I Used to Know, and Body Language were all new releases from my library. 

My favorite this month was Fallow. It was bizarre in the best way, and in this day and age, I could totally imagine something like this happening. What a fun read! I also loved Body Language, which was totally relatable and beautifully written.

Oh Dear, Deer!

When I was in the woods on Sunday, I noticed a foul smell in several locations. I suspected dead animals, but didn't see any on my run that day. On Wednesday's run, I discovered the reason for the smell when I spotted a dead deer next to one of the creeks. My heart sank. I have been reading about EHD-epizootic hemorrhagic disease--in deer in Wisconsin and learned that it has also affected deer in northern Illinois. I suspected EHD in the deer and reached out to the forest preserve district office to inform them of what I found. I received a thoughtful answer to my concerns. I was hoping they'd remove the deer to keep the disease from spreading throughout the herd, but I was told that the disease doesn't spread from deer to deer. Instead, the disease spreads via infected 'midges', which I was told will die off during the first frost. 

Um, ok, but don't those infected midges bite other deer and spread the disease? Oh dear, deer...

Usually our first frost occurs in mid-October, but with climate change, who knows when it will happen. I'll just keep my fingers crossed that it's sooner rather than later. Who knew I'd be wishing for an early cold spell!

I've been running in these woods since the pandemic, and I've become very attached to this preserve and all the creatures that live there--especially the deer. You all know I just love seeing them on my runs. I hope that this disease does not wipe out the herd. It's so heartbreaking! 

Weekly Rundown:

Sunday: Trail Run 7 miles

Monday: Yoga with Adriene, Strength Training

Tuesday: Fluid running

Wednesday: Trail run 7.8 miles

Thursday: Yoga with Adriene, Strength Training

Friday: Run 3.8 miles

Saturday: Ice Age Trail Full Moon Hike 1.8 miles

It rained nonstop all weekend. I didn't mind being stuck inside on Saturday because I was exhausted from the week and the family stress. But by Sunday morning, I was ready to go outside. It was still warm-ish, so the rain didn't bother me at all. It was quiet, although I did see a few people on the trails. I also saw a few deer, including the triplets sans spots. They're getting so big! Mama was in the background, keeping an eye on them. I also saw this doe who 'charged' towards me, trying to intimidate me, I guess! I didn't move, just smiled and snapped a few photos. She finally got bored and moseyed off through the woods. It was fun watching her! 

Looks like an album cover, lol

Fall is slowly moving in, but I still found some colorful mushrooms and fungi hanging on. The berry game is strong, so the deer will have lots to eat as the weather cools down. What a wonderful morning on the trails!

On Monday, we started a new, abbreviated strength cycle to prepare for powerlifting in 2 weeks. YAY!

We rotated through 4 stations 4 times:

-4 x8 per leg landmine clean and press (45#)

-4 x10 goblet squats (20#)

-AMRAP ladder drills

-Laps slamball broad jumps

We finished up a Tabata of 1-leg V-ups alternating with push-ups. This got spicy in a hurry!

I was excited to return to the preserve on Wednesday for another run! I felt like I was coming down with something and was feeling fatigued, so I decided to do a run-hike, taking it slow and being a 'noticer', as one of my running friends calls me. I did see a deer running through the woods, but she was flying--so fun to watch--and I didn't have the opportunity to get a photo. I saw a red shouldered hawk--a new hawk to me-- and lots of squirrels gathering nuts and dropping them on my head, lol. A dragonfly landed on my wrist--it matched my shirt-- and a yellow jacket stung my ankle. Yep, it's fall.

Not sure why the colors in the photo bled onto my skin

Thursday's strength work was 3 rotations:

-4 x8 seated press (20#) per arm

-3 xMax effort (5 banded) pull-ups

-4 x10 per side medball (12#) twist throws

This was followed by an E3MOM of :20 assault bike sprints x5

When I stepped out the door for my Friday morning run around the neighborhood, I could not believe the sky. Instead of my usual route, I sped off to the baseball field, about a 1/2 mile away, to catch this amazing morning sky. I snapped some photos before heading down the road towards the big park where I take so many of my running photos. By the time I got there, the red skies had cleared. I felt so grateful that I was able to witness that beautiful sky! The rest of my run was uneventful--in fact, I took it easy on this run before heading home to get ready for work. 

We were up at the lake on Saturday, and while I wasn't feeling great, I decided to participate in the Lodi Chapter of the Ice Age Trail's monthly full moon hike. It was something I've been wanting to do. The conditions were near perfect--just a few scattered clouds, so I joined about 40 other people and hiked the 1.8 mile loop on the marsh side of the trail. I'm so glad I did--the moon showed up for us!

40+ hikers!

Off the trail...

By the end of the week, the virus took hold and instead of staying home to run with my Trail Sisters, the hubs and I went up to the lake. The weather was beautiful--seasonally cool, but sunny. We spent the afternoon outside to soak up the sunshine and later took the boat out on the lake. Summer sure flew by, didn't it? I packed away my waterski. Until next summer....

How was your week? If you were to give the triplets a band name, what would it be? Have you ever heard of EHD? Have you ever done a full moon hike? How are you enjoying this beautiful fall weather?

I'm wrapping up my September reads and will post my Mini Book Reviews on Friday!

I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown.