Ok, let’s be honest, the meetup may be virtual, but the coffee is absolutely not. I’m pretty sure I would not survive without coffee to start my day. I’m joining Deb and Coco for a virtual meetup – some day I’ll get to meet up for real with people again.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I signed up for another virtual challenge. Some of you may remember my 7 half marathons in 7 states in 7 days that I’ve done in the past with Mainly Marathons. Well, they offered a virtual where you can run up to all 50 states between October and February. I decided to aim for 15 states. Why that number? That’s the option that is just over what I have left to run a half marathon in all 50 states. Running them virtually is not the same, but I’ll take what I can get…

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that the last week was hard. We keep our circle pretty small and have only socialized a handful of times since March – always distanced, outside, with no more than 2 other people at a time. Our kids are both taking classes 100% virtual from home. While the strict behavior is mostly our choice, it’s still starting to wear on me. I’m just tired of weighing the risk/benefits of every choice I make.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’ve been fairly consistently doing weight training this summer. I have a pretty decent collection of weights, but I found myself needing a few new ones. I still haven’t found a 25 pound dumbbell or kettle bell I’m willing to spring for, but I managed to buy some new 3 pound weights (affiliate link) to fill the hole between my 1 and 5 pound weights. It seems like such a small difference, but there are actually exercises where I’ve moved beyond the 1 pound, but can not do more than a handful of reps with 5 pounds.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I am nearly a month past my 50th birthday and I’ve almost completed my “50 things for me” celebration. It was actually harder than I expected to come up with the self care options – apparently all I need is to work out and eat chocolate. I will share my list once I manage to complete the last few things. I will say that finally buying a weight bench, despite the current lack of room in my fitness room, was the best gift I’ve gotten in a while (except for some hard to get beers that Beer Geek got me.)

October is normally both my favorite and my busiest month with birthdays and races and perfect fall weather. All of those things will still happen, but somehow it’s just not the same. But I will admit I’m trying to spend as much time outside as possible before the weather gets colder.
I just found some 50# wts on amazon as I wanting to go heavier for a few things. It is nice to have a wide range at home so you can do anything. We have kept our circle really small as well but like you, I am getting tired of weighing every single thing I do. Thankfully my son is back on campus and doing really well. They test him weekly which I find comforting. He was getting really depressed working in our basement all summer. The challenges are great at this point it’s whatever keeps you moving and motivated. Thanks for linking
It is wearing. I might be ready to do more, but the community numbers aren’t quite there yet, and my husband is happy to stay in lockdown mode. I’m starting to try to improve my basement gym — it really needs better flooring but those stall mats I want are so expensive!
I really wish I’d gotten a collection of weights before the quarantine–I miss lifting so much (+ everything’s so astronomically expensive now). I’m with you on being tired of weighing every decision I make. :/
That’s awesome that you’ve almost completed your list!
I’ve been having the hardest time finding weights – I wish I had thought to place an order when things started shutting down. I think I was in denial about how long this would last.
That’s great that you did 50 things for yourself! Nice way to celebrate your birthday.
Well, I’m a true fan of all things Summer, so Fall feels like the the long walk down a dark hall towards the season of doom LOL I like Fall, but it’s hard to enjoy it for the moment when I know
Winter is lurking.
Believe it or not, I’m running a real, live half marathon tomorrow. I can’t believe how excited I am! Glad to see a post from you and I hope all is well.
I feel you on wanting to spend time outside. Hope you manage to navigate the situation as best you can with everyone home all the time.