In Denial...

You should know the drill by now...

The temps start feeling like fall, and I do my best (most stubborn act of denial) to stay in summer gear for as long as possible. Yes, I may be donning the arm warmers and calf sleeves, but dammit, I'm still in shorts and tank tops most of the time. 

The irony is that I really detest being even the slightest bit cold. Seriously, admittedly, I really have a tough time letting summer go. And this week was no exception (even though the Fall '23 season officially commenced this weekend). 

Before I delve into the deets of the week, 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 8:00AM (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 blog as well...please don't link-drop & dash ;-)

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

A triple-the-fun Sunday

We all know I'm a fan of recovery runs, right? Saturday's 10-miler had gone well, and Sunday's recovery run was pretty stellar as well. I always run these recovery endeavors "easy," but my legs just kind of did their own thing - check out those identical splits! Shortly after, I met the sis for a 3-mile walk, then rallied with Barb for a 21-mile ride in the late afternoon.

Never miss a Monday

For the past several weeks, my Monday runs have morphed into progression runs. Although each week's 3-mile splits have shown varying paces, all have yielded negative splits. Why ruin a good gig? This 5K happened in the pre-work hours, and left me energized for the day. I also got in a lot of walking (two miles at work, two miles after work, and two more miles in the evening).

Stuck inside Tuesday

Ugh, it was dark and cold and rainy at wake-up. So, ugh, I kept it inside, on the spin bike (eight miles). I also did a short arms/shoulders workout before heading in to the office. The intermittent rain lasted the entire day, but I was finally able to get in a quick 1-mile walk mid-evening (gotta keep that #OptOutside streak going!). Afterwards, I cued up an upper-body workout (Peloton app) and did some core work before lights-out.

Double (solo) workout Wednesday

The usual #5at5 became a spontaneous #5at625 this week (Barb was feeling a bit under the weather), because I slightly "over-dozed" after my alarm went off (#oops). Not having much time, I headed out, planning on 3-4 miles. Things felt good (like, really good), so I ended the morning with five miles (and a very, very quick shower, shampoo and shine) before getting to work.

After work was the much-anticipated grand finale (ride-20!) of the weekly hilly bike path rides. Only, Amy blew a tire just before reaching the trailhead (yeah, another #oops for the day, LOL), so she was out. I forged on, solo, because this was my only opportunity to get it done this week. The temps were nice, but wouldn't you know? The 11mph wind (straight out of the east) made for a tough ride back after the turn-around at the lake. That said, it was only appropriate that there would be a tough headwind to battle, since the wind had been the one constant on almost every ride on the path this season. Who says Momma N can't have a sense of humor? 

Another Thankful Thursday

It was another early morning virtual meet-up with Deb. I continued with my 3-mile run, followed by a 2-mile walk, routine (I think this was the fourth consecutive week of said routine). Afterwards, I hit the mini gym and did some glutes/legs, core and arms work (via Peloton). I've learned not to discount the short 10-minute strength workouts - they bring a big muscle burn in a short time span.

Finally Friday

Fridays are more of a recovery day than a devoted "workout" day for me, so I keep the fitness pretty low-key (you know, #ActiveRecovery for the win). Silly me...I thought the low-60F's temps would be  chilly, but I had to lose the jacket after the first mile of my 3-mile walk in the pre-dawn hour.

By mid-morning, the day turned rainy. I didn't feel like hitting the wet roads, but I was craving some biking, so I spent some time on the spin bike after work. My biking miles have been decent this month, but when I saw I was within 24 miles of hitting the 200K mark for the September Ride to 200 Garmin badge, I decided to go for it. Thus, 25 miles later, it was mine.

Long(ish) Run Saturday

Having done a 10-mile run a week prior, I thought this would be a good time to scale-back a bit. Besides, I had plans to run on Sunday (Mollie Tibbetts Memorial Run) and didn't want to overdo it with my legs. I met Allison and Barb at 6:00, and we all had limited time, so eight miles was the agreed upon distance. Personally, the 8-mile distance is ideal in such a circumstance...it's long enough to be a "long" run, but not too long that it impedes on any time constraints or muscle overuse.

...and what's on tap for Sunday?

As mentioned, the sixth annual Mollie Tibbetts Memorial Run is on deck. It's hard to believe it's been five years since her disappearance and murder. The first memorial run was held about a month after her body had been discovered (2018), and it's been an annual tribute ever since. It takes place on the very road she ran frequently, and it was where she ran her last run. It's a hilly route, with a 5K or a 5-mile option, and it draws a huge crowd of runners and walkers alike. 

So, it was a good week for fitness and fun! Thankfully, the weather was comfortable - cool (but not cold) most mornings and warm in the afternoons. Running saw 21 total miles. Walking was on the conservative end, with only 15 miles this week. Biking, saw 69 miles (36 outside; 33 indoors). I'm happy with the strength workouts, and am looking forward to upping the core work (ugh...I could use a little more firming-up in that area, LOL). 

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

I Can't Complain (much)

Fall Fitness '23: What's Happening?

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. Back in black (again), this time with a fun square-neck top. In all honesty, square-necklines are my favorite, but they are tough to find. I think they add a little more funk, flair and style compared to a crew-neck or a V-neck.  

A fun memory popped up on Friday...a pic from the 2013 Quad Cities Marathon (recap)! This was my first-ever attempt at 26.2 miles, and I was truly blessed with a near-perfect experience on a beautiful day. I'd love to return, someday, and run this marathon again (I am seeking a venue for my 10th marathon...hmmm? Could this be the one?). I have been back a couple times, and have run the QC Half Marathon (recap) and the full marathon on a relay team (recap). Needless to say, this event holds a very dear place in my (running) heart.

There you have it! Another week in the wraps, and another week of fitness fun.

How did your final week of summer play out? Are you eager for the fall season, or are you in denial (like myself)? Any big races happening? 

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