Show Me Some Summer

...and just like that, it was full-on Summer!

We're talking daily sunshine, heat, humidity. The whole nine yards (and then some).

Thankfully, I was able to take most of my workouts outdoors, and that's always a good thing. There was plenty of action on foot and on the bikes, and even some sweat equity on the outdoor stairway. For myself, this is what the summer season is all about...getting outside as much as possible and soaking up all the sunshine (safely).

Before I share all 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 ;-)

Anyways, here's what went down this week in my little world of fitness:

Another #NeverMissAMonday

As mentioned in last week's WRD post, my right hammie and right foot had been a little iffy recently. I kept the Monday morning 3-miler easy-paced and all things felt great. WHEW! After work, Gustavas (the loyal mountain bike) and I knocked out 16 miles. Not a bad way to start off the new week, on Flag Day none the less.

Easy-Peasy Tuesday

Nothing flashy; nothing strenuous. Since I'd run the past four days, it was time for a day on the down-low. A 2-mile morning walk (with the hubby and Max), a 1-mile walk on my morning break (at work), and another 2-mile walk after work. The hubby is bringing running back into his fitness routine, so I took Gustavas out for 1-mile ride while the hubby ran (after dinner). And that was all she wrote.

 

Double Workout Wednesday

Barb was under the weather, so I was on my own for the weekly #5at5. I pretty much had all the streets to myself until the final mile or so...hardly anyone else in sight except for a couple of dogs (walking their humans), a fellow runner, and a handful of vehicles. That sunrise, though...

Then, after work, it was a return to the hilly bike path out to the lake (and back). This is a new ritual my friend, Amy, and I are hoping to continue through the summer. It was Fritz's turn for some action (remember him, the new hybrid bike?). The hills are so-much-easier on the hybrid (have I mentioned that before?), but I'm still working on my strategy for the last hill on the return trip...it's the longest and the most challenging. Fifteen total miles, and my legs were done for the day.

Full-body, full throttle for Thursday

Yes, my friends, you can take your strength workouts outdoors! You can use lighter weights (and do more reps, or do them in slow-mo), and/or you can hold two of them together (in the same hand) to UP the resistance. We did some upright rowing, shoulder pressing, curling and hammering...and interjected some squats and lunges just for fun.

Family Fitness Friday

The hubby joined me, Friday morning, for a brick workout (of sorts):

1-mile run

40 flights of stairs (on the outdoor staircase at the college)

1-mile run back home

Boy, was it a balmy morning! The humidity felt much hotter than the 79% on the weather app, just saying. There also was a 1-mile walk (at work) and another after dinner.

Super Saturday

With a busy day on tap, my morning began with a 5:40 departure for my long run. I ran a couple miles, then met up with Barb at 6:00 for another seven miles, then ran the last mile back home. It had been a hot minute since my last double-digit run, so it was nice to rectify that...10 miles!

After a quick rinse-off in the shower, the hubs and I headed to Des Moines to explore another trail, the Great Western Biking Trail, with Mike and Amy. There were a few segments where the ride was a little rough (peat gravel and several bumpy "seams" along the asphalt), but it was very scenic and not too hilly...38 miles of pedaling action. Then, after that, there was a meet-up with the two daughters for some wedding dress fun (see below).

 

A welcome refresher for Sunday

Kind of ironic the last day of Spring would gift us with rain...but we desperately needed it. And, my legs needed a quick shake-out after the previous day's antics...so I was out and back home before the real heavy rain arrived. Besides, I've run marathons in the rain LOL, a couple of miles ain't nothin.' 

So, another week under the summer sun, done and dusted (literally...we're in the midst of a nasty drought). Running was moderate, but not crazy, with 22 miles. Walking had 10 miles. Biking dominated with 70 total miles. And, one full-body workout, and 90 flights of stairs climbed. Thankfully, whatever was provoking the hammie and foot were MIA, so all is well.

In case you missed out, here's what else went down on the blog this week:

A Humid Heat Kind of Week

Let's take it Outside

It's a boy! Say hello to Fritz!

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. I have a favorite tried-and-true summer top that's been around for several years. I love the colors, the pattern, the paisleys, the fit and the cut, so I have not been able to part with it. Sorry, not sorry...some things just stand the test of time, and this piece is one of them.  

Our Saturday ride turned into a fast and furious adventure after a later-than-planned start (parking was a nightmare at the trailhead). The oldest daughter had a 2-3:30 appointment at a bridal store (nearby, in Des Moines), and she found her dress!! Wow, I was on the verge of an emotional blubbering breakdown seeing her in all the beautiful dresses...but I was able to hold it all together. For now.

Happy Fathers Day! I'm so thankful, and quite grateful, to have my father nearby. And, I'm really appreciative of the hubby for all he does for our family. 

So, whew! Lots of action and all kinds of summer. I'm totally good with that.

How did your week play out? Does it feel like summer is in full-swing? Any fitness or training highlights? Any races happening?

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter