A Final Chapter of Stewardship
Selling my parents’ farm has been a labor of love that has been as much about physical endurance as about emotional transition. Preparing the ranch house, out buildings, and its acreage for the market has meant balancing hours of manual labor—cleaning, organizing, and even transplanting cherished flowers—with the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye to the only childhood home I’ve ever known. While the process of getting the property market-ready was a massive undertaking, it has served as a final chapter of stewardship, ensuring the land and home were ready for their next adventure. I wish the new owners as many years of happiness as my parents, brother, and I had in this wonderful home.
Overview of the Week
Before getting into each day’s workouts, here’s an overview of my workouts from this past week. Scroll beyond the infographic for daily details…
Sunday
Gardening: 2 hours
Walking: 3.1 miles
• Average pace: 15:22 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: 134 feet
• Start time: 11:44 AM
• Location: neighborhood circle
• Weather: 77° and mostly sunny
• What I wore: shorts, s/s shirt, and visor
Stretching: Peloton Adrian Williams 10-Minute Full Body Stretch
One of the things I love most about my husband is that he truly ‘gets’ me. Knowing I’d much prefer spending Mother’s Day in the garden over going out for a crowded brunch, he let me dive right into my happy place. After 7:30 AM Mass, I changed clothes and headed outside to work before the heat set in. While my husband joined the Gravel Rats for a ride, I stayed behind—marking the first Sunday in a long time that I haven’t been on a bike, indoors or out.
I decided bouncing along gravel wasn’t the best idea for my injured arm. Last week I failed to mention that I tripped while carrying boxes and landed hard on my left forearm. A 7-inch goose egg appeared instantly, and I’m now sporting a deep reddish-purple bruise from my elbow to my wrist. X-rays showed it was only a soft tissue injury.
We capped off the day with a delicious grilled dinner; my husband picked up Key West chicken and Brussels sprouts from the butcher, and I tossed together a fresh salad. It was a wonderful day!
Monday
Strength training: 1 hour of total body
Cycling: 15 miles
• Bike: Life Fitness Lifecycle GX Spin
• Average speed: 15.9 MPH
• Surface: N/A
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Start time: 9:03 AM
• Location: basement
• Weather: 64° in the basement, 54° (feels like 48°) and raining outside
• What I wore: bike shorts and sports bra
Walking: 4.14 miles
• Average pace: 15:19 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: 148 feet
• Start time: 2:24 PM
• Location: neighborhood trails
• Weather: 60° and mostly cloudy, turning mostly sunny
• What I wore: shorts, s/s shirt, nylon shell, and visor (took shell off after first mile)
Stretching: Peloton Jermaine Johnson 5-Minute Lower Body Stretch
My morning was packed with clients—including a session where I managed a multitasking spin while training someone virtually—followed by lunch with friends and an afternoon walk. The real highlight of the day; however, was an update from my client who is a month shy of 80 and has been training with me for just over a year.
During his six-month cardiology checkup last week, his doctor noticed a significant improvement in his numbers and asked what had changed. My client’s response? He told the doctor he’d started working with a ‘mean personal trainer!’ LOL The doctor was so impressed that he told him to keep it up and moved his next checkup to a year out instead of the usual six months.
Stories like that are exactly why I’m still working rather than being fully retired. Seeing that kind of tangible impact on someone’s health makes every session worth it!
Tuesday
Drive to the farm
Cycling: 8.62 miles (Peloton Bradley Rose 30-Minute Classic Rock Ride)
• Bike: Peloton+
• Average speed: 15.6 MPH
• Surface: N/A
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Start time: 4:59 AM
• Location: basement
• Weather: 65° in the basement, 43° and clear outside
• What I wore: bike shorts and sports bra
Stretching: Peloton Bradley Rose 5-Minute Post-Ride Stretch
Walking: 2.25 miles
• Average pace: 14:49 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Start time: 6:05 AM
• Location: basement
• Weather: 62° in the basement, 42° and clear outside
• What I wore: shorts and sports bra
Cycling: 4.2 miles
• Bike: Life Fitness Lifecycle GX Spin
• Average speed: 16.9 MPH
• Surface: N/A
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Start time: 6:40 AM
• Location: basement
• Weather: 62° in the basement, 44° and clear outside
• What I wore: bike shorts and sports bra
Up early and on my bike before 5 AM, I continued front-loading my workouts in preparation for our trip to the farm. Since my husband decided to fit in a Peloton ride before we left, I used the extra time for a walk/jog on the treadmill before hopping on my Life Fitness spin bike for a short ride.
I knew I’d be busy once we arrived in SWVA, and since the forecast called for cool, rainy weather, we decided to leave our outdoor bikes at home. However, I wouldn’t be entirely without a cardio option; taking walks along the quiet gravel road at the farm is always an option and a total delight.
Once we arrived, it was straight to work. We dove right back into the ongoing process of cleaning out, fixing up, and preparing the property for its impending sale. It’s been a massive undertaking—sorting through years of memories and managing six acres of land—but each task brought us one step closer to handing over the keys to the new owners on Friday.
Wednesday
Pilates: Peloton Ally Love 10-Minute Barre: Core
Walking: 3.05 miles
• Average pace: 14:18 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: 227 feet
• Start time: 3:30 PM
• Location: country roads at the farm
• Weather: 66° and cloudy, dropping to 63° (feels like 57°) and raining
• What I wore: shorts, s/s shirt, nylon shell, and visor (took shell off almost immediately and put it back on when it started raining)
I took a break from cleaning to head out for a walk, but unfortunately, I’d gotten so caught up in the task at hand that I waited too late in the afternoon. Just as I hit the turnaround point, the skies opened up and I got caught in a heavy rainstorm. It turned into a deeply bittersweet walk—the very last one I’ll ever take from the only childhood home I’ve ever known.
Thursday
Strength training: 15 minutes of core
Pilates: Peloton Ally Love 10-Minute Barre: Core
The heavy lifting was completed by mid-day so my brother, husband, and I ran a few local errands making sure to be home in time to do a walk through with the buyer. Did I mention it’s our maternal first cousin once removed? Yes, the farm is staying in the family!
Friday
Drive home from the farm
Stretching: Peloton Tunde Oyeneyin 10-Minute Countdown to TB Core
After a busy week, we closed on the farm and headed home. I don’t know how I managed to drive away without crying, but I did. More details will follow in my next coffee update or perhaps even in a stand-a-lone post.
Saturday
Strength training: 15 minutes of core
Cycling: 41.2 miles
• Bike: Specialized Roubaix Comp
• Average speed: 13.5 MPH
• Surface: paved
• Elevation gain: 1,594 feet
• Start time: 12:28 PM
• Location: W&OD Trail Ashburn/Purcellville loop
• Weather: 75° and sunny, climbing to 83° and partly cloudy
• What I wore: bike shorts, s/s jersey, and fingerless gloves
Stretching: Peloton Cody Rigsby 5-Minute Post-Ride Stretch
Walking: 2.04 miles
• Average pace: 16:37 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: 79 feet
• Start time: 4:24 PM
• Location: neighborhood circle
• Weather: 83° and cloudy
• What I wore: shorts, s/s shirt, and visor
After going to bed around 9 PM, I slept in until I woke up on my own over 10 hours later. I was emotionally and physically drained and needed to catch up on my sleep. After doing a few morning errands, my husband and I headed out for a ride, going farther than planned. Once home I took an easy walk.
I capped off the day by going to Saturday evening mass and having carry-out for dinner.
Garmin Badges Earned
Five Garmin badges made their way to me this week – three on Saturday after my ride.
Last Week’s Blog Posts
In case you skipped checking in on my blog this past week, here’s what you missed…
Questions:
- • Did you grow up on a farm or have family you could visit that lived on a farm? ~ yes
- • Has it been unusually cold in May where you live? ~ After a cooler than average week, it was 36° on Thursday at the farm when I woke up. We’re expecting a heatwave here at home for the next couple of days.
- • Which workout did you enjoy most this past week? ~ Without a doubt, my final walk at the farm was my favorite workout this past week, even with getting caught in the rain and getting soaked.
And that’s my rundown… Have a great week!
*********************************************************************
I’m linking up with Deborah at Confessions of a Mother Runner and Kim from Running on the Fly for their Weekly Run Down. Be sure to check out not only the hosts’ posts, but those of the other great bloggers joining in on the fun!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on the blue product link and then make a purchase, I will receive a small commission for referring you. You will pay no more or less for the product; however, Amazon will show their gratitude for my referral by paying me.
Sounds like a tough week for you! My sisters and I dread the task of going through all my parents’ things when the time comes. My dad has multiple classic cars that he has lovingly restored and refuses to sell, as well as lots of antiques. We keep asking him to start getting rid of things, but he refuses. And then there will be the vultures…aka extended family who will want us to give them things…
I grew up down the road from my grandparents’ dairy farm and spent many happy hours there, ‘helping’ my grandpa until he passed, and playing there with my cousins. Sadly, my grandmother didn’t have a will, and when she passed, my dad and his siblings were forced to sell it to a developer to pay the inheritance tax. It’s now a subdivision–breaks my heart, but what can you do?
You were very lucky to grow up near your grandparents’ farm and have cousins nearby to play with. I’m sorry to hear about what happened to the farm after your grandmother passed away.
Wow that does sound like a massive undertaking and a real labor of love. I am sure it’s emotionally and physically exhausting for you all. It’s something my sister and I have thought about and completely dread. Hugs to you xoxo
Thanks, Deborah, and yes to all. If any opportunities arise to start cleaning out things while your parents are still alive, take advantage of the opportunity, don’t wait.
It must be so emotional to let go of a happy childhood home, especially if it’s a farm. But you made the right decision and you have all the happy memories that you can treasure.
When I saw your pictures on Strava this week of the farm it reminded me again of how much it looks like Switzerland.
And what great feedback from your client!! That must be incredibly satisfying for you. Nice job, Debbie!
It was emotional, but I held it together better than I expected. How interesting to hear that SWVA (Southwest Virginia) looks a lot like Switzerland!
Thanks, Catrina! And you’re correct, the feedback from my client’s doctor was very satisfying.
Oof Debbie, that is hard. I’m glad the farm stayed in the family though. To answer your question, when I was a kid we would always go visit my grandparents in Wisconsin , and there was always a trip to “the farm.” It was the family farm where my grandfather’s brother lived. I can only imagine how hard it was for you to say goodbye to your childhood home!
I’m sure it was a sad week but there were so many good things as well. I love the story about your client!!! How rewarding to hear that. I have so many clients whose attitude is “I’m old so I might as well give up.” I can’t have as much of an affect on them as a personal trainer would, but I’m always urging them not to think that way.
Take it easy- I’m sure you’re still processing everything. Hugs!
Thanks so much, Jenny! And I love that you had a farm to visit when you were young. 🙂
Keep encouraging your clients to not give up, and rather take their health in their own hands and exercise! Too bad you don’t live nearby – we could refer clients to each other.
Hugs to you on a busy week, especially the emotional aspect of everything. I can only imagine how cathartic (?) that final walk was. That is excellent news about your client and his check-up!
Thanks so much, Kim! And yes, I was thrilled to hear my client’s good news.
It was not an easy week for you!! Glad you got so much sleep. It sounds like you needed it! That’s great news about your client!
Thanks, Melissa!
My aunt and uncle used to own a farm. I have many fond memories of being there with the chickens and cattle. A big difference from our house! I’m happy to hear your family’s farm is being sold to other family members.
That’s so great to hear your work with a client was recognized 🙂 Good job to both of you!
Thanks, Lisa! I love chickens, but we didn’t have them after I was old enough to remember, just cattle. The new owner has chickens, though! 🙂
I didn’t grow up on a farm or near a farm, but I wish I did. In fact, I wish I had a farm right now. I’m sure that was a difficult transition for you all.
May has been hot but not necessarily humid, which helps quite a bit.
My favorite workout was trekking about Epic Universe all day!
I think you would love living on a small farm, Jenn! I still remember the Airbnb you stayed in on a farm that time. That sounded amazing!
sorry about your arm injury. Glad you didn’t break it but I’m sure it sucks to be injured.
My MIL is sooo old and she hasn’t ever de-cluttered. It will be scary.
My farm experience is zippo.
My race was my favorite of the week. Nothing to write home about but still fun to try something new.
Thanks, Darlene! Yes, good news it wasn’t broken.
Glad to hear you enjoyed your race!
Oh, wow, that is a big life transition. My Dad sold the house I grew up in after I graduated from high school, and that was a bit traumatic for me. Hopefully my kids don’t feel the same about all the moves we’ve done.
That’s fantastic about your client. Obviously you are making a big difference!
I’m sure this would have been even more difficult if I were younger. Now that I’m older I’m much more pragmatic and selling the property just made sense since neither my brother nor I wanted to live there.
And yes, I was thrilled with my client’s news!