Look to the Sky

Some say the sky’s the limit.

I’d have to say the sky’s not only the limit (figuratively and in reality), but it’s also quite beautiful. This week, there was plenty to see in looking skyward. Not only was the sunrise breathtaking, on the daily, there were numerous celestial things going on, and it was an astronomer’s paradise. 

It also was another humidity-filled week, with plenty of summer weather to behold. Of course, I was all about that!

Before I dis on the deets from 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 ;-)

Sunday - oof it was humid!

There were plans to meet some friends for a long bike ride, but there were a few technical difficulties (flat tires, LOL), so the ride was rescheduled. I did get out for a hot and mucho humid 4-mile walk before church, and made a command decision to take a rest day afterwards. I had briefly entertained the notion of a long solo ride, but I could tell my body was still dehydrated from the previous day’s long ride.

Never miss a Monday

The early morning run was kept short (two miles). Though the sunrise was looking nice, the air was crazy humid (again). My lunchtime walk was in the confines of the skywalk (air-conditioning for the win!), but the evening walk was outdoors (sticky and icky). 

Taking charge Tuesday…

How does a pre-workday 3-mile walk sound? The temps were a tiny bit cooler, but still pretty humid. The waning crescent moon and the planets (Jupiter and Venus), though, were oh-so-bright! I did a short upper-body workout before hitting the shower. Another lunch walk, via the skywalk, also happened.

Can you see Venus and Jupiter? You might have to squint a bit…

After work, I was craving a little more cardio, and the trail was becoming. I saddled-up Krystal for 16 miles of biking antics…not sure where all those leaves came from (FYI, I am NOT in a hurry for autumn to arrive)..

Double workout Wednesday 

At long last, the original four of us were reunited for the weekly 4:45AM group run! The temps were cooler (in the high-60F’s), but the humidity still was “nice” and heavy. The sky was oh-so clear! Again, the planets were all aglow. This time we could see four…I think Mars and Saturn (?) were the other two that were visible.

Again, there was more lunchtime “skywalk walking” and another post-workday bike ride (which had a much sooner-than-expected turn-around). I even hit the basement for some more upper-body work afterwards. Yes, you can do strength work in biking gear.

Thankful  (triple threat) Thursday 

As per usual, Deb and I met for our weekly virtual cardio hour of power. I was lucky to have a clear sky in Iowa (again, with the moon and planets smiling at me). 

After four miles of walking, I knocked-out some lower-body strength work. Ouch…we’re talking lots of Romanian dead lifts, goblet squats, and weighted hip bridges.

As if that wasn’t enough, I was able to get a 2-mile walk done over my lunch break (via the skywalk), and then joined the running club for the Thursday night run. It has been awhile since I’ve had a free Thursday evening, so this was another happy reunion.

 

Friday - FriYAY!

Up and out the door for some early morning walking. Yes, the sky was (again) looking spectacular! The moon had disappeared, but the planets were still there. The mid-60F temps were a little chilly, but definitely not uncomfortable. Three more morning miles in the walking vault, as well as two more over lunch. 

Long Run Saturday (with a touch of biking for good measure)

Have I mentioned how spectacular the early morning sky has been this week? It doesn’t show in the pic, but the planets were still shining bright when I left the house for my 5-mile run. Despite a very late night, and fighting even crazier fatigue, this run went better than expected. Even the splits were consistent! Afterwards, I had a few minutes to take Max around the block and do a quick costume change…

…and off to meet Amy and Mike for 44 miles of biking! Ugh, the wind was not playing nice on the way out, but did give us a somewhat decent tailwind after the turn-around. Still, it was a great day to be out on the bike, and the company of friends was top-notch.

…and what’s happening on Sunday?

A day of recovery will probably be needed. I”ll still get out for some walking and whatnot. 

So, another busy week of summer fun in the sun (and sunrises). Running logged 15 miles. Walking had a decent showing with 29 miles. Biking was strong with 72 miles. The daily wall sits and various planks are still happening. Strength work remains consistent. All is well!

In case you missed out, here’s what happened on the blog this week:

Because I Can

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. Question for the ladies out there…how do you feel about square necklines? Myself, I’m a huge fan! They’re much more flattering on me (and more unique) than the typical crew or rounded cut. The sparkly sandals? Well, they’re just a given,LOL. 

Finally, can we talk about the early morning sky this week? The astronomy geek in me was all about checking-out the planets and the moon while out and about, pretty much on the daily. 

From Thursday morning 

From Wednesday 

So, that’s the latest! What’s been happening in your world? DID you catch the moon and planets this week? How was fitness? Any training for fall events underway?

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