Sunday, July 12, 2020

Keeping in Stride by Opting Outside


Can you say Humidity?

Better yet...can you feel it? Humidity is no stranger to Iowa summers, but it's really been intense in recent weeks. I think we've had constant high humidity, every day, for the past three weeks. We did get a brief (maybe six hours?) reprieve Friday morning, but the humidity returned with a vengeance by mid-afternoon.

It is what it is, and (as I have said several times) I will gladly take the heat (and humidity) over the frigid temps of winter. After all, it's only here for such a short while...I wish I could say the same for Winter.

I believe this was week #4 of taking all of my workouts to the great outdoors. I don't get to enjoy that year-round, either, so I try to take advantage of the extended daylight and outdoor conditions.

Before I get into the details, welcome to the Weekly Run Down!

I love hosting this link-up with Deborah (from Confessions of a Mother Runner)! If you write a fitness-based blog, you're invited to join the party. The link-up opens at 1:00 (EST) on Sundays and remains open through noon on Monday. We love reading about everyone's weekly fitness endeavors, training highlights (or low lights) and race recaps. We ask that you link back to both hosts, and we encourage you to read/comment on the other linked blogs as well...please don't link-drop & dash ;-)

Here's what went down in my little world of fitness this week:

Never miss a Monday
I switched things up and ran the 5K loop that goes out on a county road near my house. My manicure was needing some TLC, so I did a quick top coat (I'd done the base and color coats the evening prior) and let the nails dry while I ran. Multi-tasking at its best. I also did a 3-mile walk after dinner.


Another typical Tuesday
I keep my Tuesdays pretty low-key, so a 2-mile walk in the early morning (muggy) air suited me just fine. Doesn't everyone stop for a good stretch at a lamppost? I also rode 10 easy miles, after work, with my trusty bike, Gustavas.


The weekly #5at5 on Wednesday
It's hard to believe Barb and I have had this weekly early-morning ritual for almost four years! When we were training for the Route 66 Marathon, we started incorporating mid-week "medium-distanced" runs, and the early mornings were what worked best for both of our schedules. Now, these #5at5's are no-brainers...it's just a given we're going to do them. Nothing out-of-the-ordinary with this week's edition; the same warm temps and humidity that we all know (and love LOL).


Double workout Thursday
Even though we'd just done a stair workout on Sunday, I wanted to get back in the routine of doing them (somewhat) mid-week. The hubby wanted to go along, so we left the house around 6:15, and walked for a mile, did 40 flights of stairs, and walked a mile back home. Whew, it was another hot morning, but we both were smiling when we finished. Wouldn't you smile, too?


By mid-morning, we were hit with rain. Then, more rain in the afternoon, which stopped just before I was getting off work. I was hesitant about doing my strength workout outdoors, anticipating even more muggy air and mosquitoes, but the air felt fresh and the bugs were MIA. Aside from my stair workouts, it had been awhile since I'd done any focused lower-body strength work. I remedied that, Thursday evening, by doing several sets of weighted squats, lunges and walking lunges and intermixed some upper-body reps between the sets. Twenty minutes was all it took to get a decent burn, and my entire body felt thoroughly worked-over. Success!


Recovery day Friday
After Thursday's rain, a heat/humidity reprieve was in full force Friday morning (temps were in the mid-60F's!). I could sense the slightest hint of DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) lurking, so I knew a bike ride was in order. The hubby and I headed out just before 6:00, and kept the route (mostly) flat for our 10-mile ride. But, brrrr! Temps in the mid-60's may feel great for running, but those temps feel chilly on a bike, even with arm sleeves. As the day wore on, the DOMS definitely made their presence known and my hammies were on fire (probably from Thursday's lower-body work, and possibly also from the stair workout). The heat (and subsequent) humidity returned by the end of day. I went for a 1-mile walk after work and crashed (in a deep state of slumber) for about 30 minutes when I returned home.

Long run Saturday...hills, heat, humidity!
Barb and I entertained the idea of road-tripping to Des Moines, to run with the running club, but the radar wasn't looking very runner-friendly (t-storms from 7:00 and on). We decided to stay home and keep our 10-mile run on local streets (our local weather was forecast to have cloudy skies and 30% chance of storms after 8:00). Well, Momma N had other ideas...we met up at 6:00, and within about 20 minutes all the cloud cover had disappeared. Yowza, it was so sunny and mucho muggy! I wasn't feeling tired, but there were some lingering DOMS and my mojo just wasn't very strong. Near the 7.5 mile mark, I knew I had about a mile to my driveway, and I was ever so tempted to just head home. But, if I was going to end at 8.5, why not just loop out a little farther and make it the original 10 as planned? So we did. I'd gone through all of my water by the time I finished. I refueled with Nuun, and crashed for about 30 minutes and felt much better. This was a tough endeavor...as the song goes, "Grey skies are gonna clear up, put on a happy face." Just don't bet the farm on the accuracy of a weather app LOL.   

A somewhat simple Sunday
No doubt, my legs took a serious beating in the past few days. As much as I love a recovery run (the morning after a long run), my gut told me to take a pass. Instead, the hubs and I did an easy 5-mile sunrise ride, then took Max for a 2-mile walk when we returned home. And, those 62F temps? Although they were a welcome break from the recent heat, they felt mighty cold on a bike, especially with a headwind. I had an afternoon of garden squats awaiting my attention...so my legs and glutes were soon back in action and didn't get much rest after all. So much for those best-laid plans.


So, the week played out nicely, even with the crazy heat and humidity. Total running miles came to 18, and walking had 17 (probably more on tap for Sunday afternoon). Biking had 25 miles. There was one intense stair workout and a decent full-body strength session...as well as the daily planks, push-ups and leg lifts. Movement is medicinal in my world.

In case you missed out, here what all went down on the blog this week:
Let's Take a Ride...A Long Ride ...what really happened on that (almost) 47-mile bike ride

In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair! As mentioned, we had a brief (very brief) cool-down Friday morning. Talk about a beautiful day in the 'hood! It was the perfect  summer day for a summer swing dress, complete with bright colors, sequins and peacock feathers. Hey, go bright or go home, right? As always, you're welcome to join me on Fridays...post a pic on Instagram, grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and be sure to tag me (@runningonthefly).

Last Sunday, July 5th, was our oldest daughter's 26th birthday. Yes, 26! I don't feel old enough to have a 26-year old. We spent the afternoon with her, the boyfriend, and our other two kids. We even got many a lesson on the game of Beer Pong.


My trek across Iowa continues. As part of the Great Race Across Iowa, my total mileage (since June 2nd) is now at almost 233 miles. Of those, almost 124 are running miles and 109 are from walking. I need 249 total miles (by August 10th), which I will surpass this week. I'd hoped to reach that 249 milestone with my running miles, but it's not looking like that will happen, and I'm totally alright with that. I do so much walking, I will have ZERO guilt or regret if the running miles come up short. I will far surpass the 249 "finish line," so all is well.

So, that's another week of summer running and training in the books.

How was your week? Heat and humidity, as well? Does the heat keep you inside, or do you alter your workouts/runs to adjust? If you're doing a race across your state, are you on track to meet the finish line? Ever played Beer Pong?

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37 comments:

  1. Great workouts this week! Happy birthday to your beautiful daughter! I have not played beer pong (and hopefully will not get instructed by my high school senior!). I did complete my journey down the Maumee River (virtually), but kind of lost track when it happened due to my vacation happening. But I assure you I got all the miles in! Does your 5at5 always mean 5:00am? Not 5:50am? Just wondering, that's so early ;)

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    1. It was funny...all THREE kids knew all the rules and variations of the game LOL Yes, #5at5 does mean five miles at 5:00am ;-)

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  2. Happy birthday! 26, wow! I love that you guys a beer pong lesson. It has been too long since I played.

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    1. The hubby and I must have just missed this when we were still in college....We were still playing Quarters LOL

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  3. That’s a fantastic photo with your bike! Very cool shot. Speaking of cool, I’m not a fan of summer running, but I do like the ease of not having to figure out what to wear and bundle up..

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    1. I LOVE not having to figure out all the layering in conjunction with time of day, sunshine, wind, etc.

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  4. Great workouts and happy birthday to your daughter. It's been chilly actually here, and very rainy, but it's come up a bit over the weekend, and I have my fan on in the office now. Hoping for some kind of a happy medium this week.

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    1. We've had a lot of heat recently, without the usual "breaks" that we usually have.

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  5. Happy birthday to your daughter-gorgeous pic of her! well I will take that 62 degrees anytime! It was over 80 when we started running this morning. Congrats to you and Barb on your anniversary. Have a great week!

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    1. I honestly don't mind 62 degrees for running, or even walking, but it was cold on the bike LOL First world probs ;-)

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  6. I can imagine that 60s feel cold on a bike, but seriously, we've been mid 70s (and humid) very early in the mornings -- I would LOVE to have a 60 degree morning!

    I love that photo of you & Gustavus.

    I remember you training for Route 66 -- I guess that's the same time we got Bandit. Wow, time flies!

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    1. Time does fly! I can remember so many aspects of Route 66 training because that's also the summer our daughter moved to Pennsylvania, and we had to make a few (long) road trips in getting all her stuff there. I did enjoy the 60-degree temps...it was just a shock to the system after having been almost 30-degrees warmer for so long.

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  7. What a fun filled week! Happy birthday to your daughter! I'm not sure I know the rules of beer pong :) I need a lesson, haha! Glad you guys all have fun!

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    1. Gosh, I think Beer Pong skipped a generation because neither the hubby nor I had ever heard of it when we were in high school/college. It was fun, but took awhile for us to catch on LOL

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  8. Nice week! The heat is really tough for me so the summer inevitably means shorter runs, but that's Ok. At least we GET to run and without all of the extra layers. Happy 26th to your daughter!

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    1. So true...we GET to run regardless. The heat is tough for a lot of people, so you're not alone in that regard. At least you're on good terms with your treadmill ;-)

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  9. Awesome job on your workouts this week #kimtwin, and loved our quick catch up on Thursday.
    I didn't do any outdoor runs this week because I just didn't feel like dealing with the humidity.

    Happy belated birthday to your gorgeous daughter! Oh to be 26 again - I miss it!

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    1. I totally loved our Thursday chat, too ;-) The humidity seems to have been out of control everywhere this past week...Momma N needs to reign it in, for a bit, and play nice.

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  10. I love your dress. Perfectly summery.
    This summer has been educational without gym access - I can run outside when I need to. I still won't when it's much hotter, I just run too warm to feel safe, but it's good to know it's an option. Impressed your mani can dry in this humidity, but way to multi task!

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    1. Ha Ha multi-tasking is most essential when my time is limited and the nails need attention ;-) The air was humid, but this was just the top coat, which usually dries much faster than the other coats...so, not a big deal.

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  11. Great workout week as always! I was introduced to Beer Pong at my BIL's college graduation over 20 years ago. We made a visit to his frat house where a game was in session. Happy Birthday to your daughter! Where does the time go?

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    1. Right, where DOES the time go? Our youngest will be 21 in November...YIKES. I had never heard of Beer Pong, but I remember the kids talking about it. Didn't realize it was such a sport LOL

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  12. 4 years of #5at5 - how cool is that?! It's so great that you have such a consistent running buddy in Barb.

    A big happy birthday to your daughter! You certainly do not look like a mom to a 26 year old :)

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    1. It's hard to believe we've been doing these #5at5's for that long. I'm very fortunate to have a friend who is always willing to join me on these things LOL She wasn't as excited about them as I was, in the beginning, but now it's just a routine.

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  13. Happy birthday to your daughter! Back in the day when our kids were little and we hung out with the neighbors, we played beer pong. Well, I should say the guys did. Very entertaining!

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    1. I had never heard of it, though the kids did "casually" mention it a time or two. Indeed, very entertaining, and SO MANY rules LOL

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  14. I also had a good week which surprised me with the weather here too. Humid too but cooler the past couple of days.

    Happy Birthday to your daughter! Beer pong? I think I remember that but it's been so long.

    The heat does keep me inside. No need to get out there unless it is necessary. Well, running is "necessary". :-) There are many days were I wished I had a treadmill. For now I will suck it up because I know it is much worse during Winter.

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    1. I have a treadmill, as you probably know, but I even shun that in the winter. I can't imagine choosing to run on that in the summer...if I'm gonna get all hot and sweaty, I might as well just do it outside ;-)

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  15. I've been doing way better in the heat and humidity this year than I have on previous years! I'm not sure what it is but I think my mindset is just better. Maybe I'm more grateful to be running and back with friends since we didn't have that for a while.

    Beer pong, ha! It's been many a year since I've played that. Happy birthday to your daughter! My brother turned 20 a few weeks ago and I don't feel old enough for him to be 20 (he was born when I was 14, he was an oops baby for my parents haha).

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    1. I bet the fact that you weren't able to run with your group(s) for so long does help make the heat more bearable now. Honestly, Beer Pong wasn't a thing when I was in college (or even high school), but it seems to be all the rage among college-aged kids these days (at least in Iowa).

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  16. Happy birthday to your daughter! It's been a few years since I played beer pong, but I remember it from college and post-college. Someday I'll play it with my daughter, or teach her it if it's not still a thing. The humidity has been downright killer this week!

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    1. The humidity was off the charts this week, no doubt. It felt so cold when the temps plummeted down to the mid-60's!

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  17. I'm fine running, biking, mowing the lawn, etc. in the heat and humidity, but I have zero desire to carry my weights outside to lift. I'll leave that up to beasts like you!

    I love your swing dress - you look so pretty in it!

    Thanks for the linkup and have a great week!

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  18. I ran 10 on Saturday too. Holy Humidity!!

    I need to get up early and run before work. I keep saying that. Last week, I just skipped my runs because it was too damn hot at 4 pm.

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  19. It was definitely a hot and humid week! Oh beer pong. It's been a long time since I played. Hope your daughter had a nice birthday!

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  20. a 5am routine for 4 years is pretty dang impressive! That's what I would need to meet someone so early! Happy Birthday to your daughter!

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  21. I love that swing dress! And happy birthday to your daughter!

    It's just wet and miserable out there. We deal with it because cooler days will come eventually, but ugh.

    Another great week for you!

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