Doing things I haven't done in awhile....or at all

Another week is wrapped up...care to hear what went down? Well, there were lot of things happening that I had not done in awhile...and several things I had never tried before.

For starters, the temps on Monday morning were very chill...and that is not a play on words. It was 55-degrees when I laced up the shoes for my #nevermissaMonday routine. Even though the cooler temps felt great, let me be clear on this.....I am NOT ready for summer to end.

brrrr....my first long-sleeved outing of the season

Tuesday morning was a bit more realistic...temps were in the mid-60's at the break of dawn. I did my 4-mile route somewhat in the dark because it was overcast. But, alas, the overcast skies started to break apart as I was finishing my four miles

Seriously, how do people stay inside when this kind of beauty awaits you outside?

My plan for Wednesday was some cross-training, in the name of cycling. I have not been on the Mongoose for any substantial length of time since before my ultra. But Momma N had a different idea...as I was getting my bike ready to roll, rain started falling. Seriously??? Well, I also have not done any major stair-climbing workouts in recent months, either...so I spent a good 20+ minutes going up and down the staircase (80 flights) and called it good.

Rain outside? I'll gladly take my cross-training inside...on the steps

Thursday, I had some hill repeats on the roster (I have not done hill repeats in awhile either). I headed out to a nearby county road that sports a couple of good hills (and not too many residents to witness my antics as I ran up and down, back and forth). Over all, I ended with four miles in total distance (including the warm-up and cool-down) and a very sweaty (and exhausted) feeling of accomplishment.

Yes, that's a hill...and YES, it's a lot more daunting than it appears in the photo

Friday was a light day of active recovery. My glutes and hammies were feeling the after-effects of the prior day's hill work. I did some foam rolling, stretching, and my daily August challenge stuff (planks, push-ups, etc.).

Saturday was my first double-digit run since my ultra. The weather forecast showed rain and storms, but the rain ended around 6:00AM. I headed out just after 7:00 and got the first seven miles done, then I met up with Barb (who does a lot of my long runs with me).  She ran the final three miles with me, and I headed back home feeling sorta beast-like. It's crazy how a 10-miler, even though I had not run that far in the past six weeks, still didn't seem like much of an effort.

I have not done much chalk artwork in awhile, either....

Sunday. Nothing specific workout-wise on the agenda, but I still wanted to get in some activity. The temps were warm and the humidity was high, but the sun was bright and beautiful. I had not been on my bike for awhile (remember Wednesday's rain?), so I dusted it off and met up with Barb. We cranked out almost 90 minutes of non-stop pedaling.

Somehow, we almost always manage to show up in matching outfits...

I should mention, I'm entering a new phase with my upcoming marathon (Route 66, Nov. 20th). What's new? (Cue the drum roll...) I'm working with a coach this time. I will not be posting my specific, detailed workouts, but I will be chatting about them. How do I feel about this adventure? I'm a little anxious in giving up that control,but also kinda excited about it, too. I'm one of those people who typically will go through the motions and do as I'm told (though I may question things now and then). When I'm left in charge, though, I tend to (sometimes) slack off and pull excuses out of the air. So, stay tuned! I'm eager to see how this plays out!

In other news.....

Another thing I have not done in awhile is post a selfie plank, first thing in the morning. Usually, I'm kind of  a disheveled mess, sans eye liner (trust me, no  one wants to see that!), and the bed head looks atrocious.  But, I believe in keeping things real.....even if it means I may resemble Cousin It in all my glory.

I know, I know...hot stuff! The compression socks, slippers, and messy hair really have it going on.

Let's talk filters for a quick minute. Another new venture for me is the use of filters on my pics. I'm very much a self-processed art geek. My goal in photography is to capture the moment, and have that "moment" stand on its own. But....there's also a part of me that likes to take a bland (BORING) pic and glam it up a bit. Hypocrite? Maybe so.....but I'm trying to keep a more open mind on the use of .filters. And fair warning, I will probably be succumbing to the pressure and using them more frequently.

For example:

How about this? The bright colors and heavy shadows give it more dimension...

...and this one? It almost looks like a chalk drawing with the stark contrast of black and white...

...and, last of all, this one resembles a Van Gogh creation with the crazy colors and brush strokes

While on Sunday's bike ride, I came across this little guy. He's been there all summer (but I don't usually have my phone or Ipod with me). Poor guy, he's looking a little weathered....

How was your week? Any new adventures you're undertaking? Ever worked with a coach? Have the temps started to feel more autumn-like?

As usual, I'm linking with the lovely ladies Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap. Do yourself a favor, and head over and check out their awesome blogs, as well as all the numerous others.