It’s been one of the most humid summers ever, at least in the most recent weeks.
We’re talking 100% humidity, almost on the daily. As much as I love the heat, and can tolerate the humidity, I have to admit it has been pretty uncomfortable. The damp air, the wet streets (from the non-evaporating rain), and the requisite messy hair updo’s (by default) have been my reality.
We did get a much welcome reprieve, though, as the weekend approached…
Before I divulge all 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 ;-)
Anyways, here’s what went down in my little corner of the universe this week:
Sunday - OOF! It was a sticky and icky Sunday…
I got out for a quick walk before church. The air was already a muggy mess at that early hour…but the sunrise was on-point.
After spending most of the day inside, other than a couple of very short walks with Max, the cabin fever was getting to me. I decided to grab the bike and hit the trail in the late afternoon. Yes, it was crazy hot and humid, but there was a slight breeze, and the air flow always feels cooler on the bike. Besides, I needed to break-in the new RAGBRAI jersey. Desperate times and all…
Never miss another (muggy) Monday…
Although the morning was looking sketchy with continued rain in the forecast, the afternoon forecast was showing triple digit feels-like temps. I took a chance and headed out…and caught a brief peek at the sunrise, scored some coin, and (somehow) managed negative splits. Whodda thunk!
Taking charge TuesdayAnother high-humidity morning, I got out for a 2-mile walk then hit the air-conditioned basement for a solid upper-body workout. Silly me, I also walked a couple miles, late afternoon, in the 90F temps.
Another “Weather Whatever” Wednesday…
More overnight rain and continued storms caused another early-morning meet-up cancellation with my Wednesday run peeps. When I got out, a couple hours later than usual, the temps were slightly cooler but the humidity was still off the charts. Nonetheless, the rain had moved on and my 5-miler went well..
Thankful (triple threat) Thursday
It had been several weeks since
Deb and I’d gotten together for our usual Thursday morning gig, but we made it happen this week. I hoisted the weighted vest and knocked out a 4-mile walk while we chatted.
After we parted (virtual) ways, I hit the basement for several strength sessions, via Peloton. We’re talking legs & glutes, chest & back, core, and some upper-body work. A little bit of everything and a whole lot of burn.
As if my morning wasn’t busy enough, I also had an afternoon biking date with my friends Mike and Amy. Another 26 miles added to the summer biking vault, and all was well. Hey, when I have a free day, I don’t spend it on my couch, LOL.
Friday fitness - a low-impact (active) recovery day
Believe it or not, I slept pretty solid Thursday night, and woke-up feeling quite refreshed on Friday morning. I started the day with a somewhat chilly 2-mile walk (the early morning temps were sitting at 59F!). By lunchtime, we were back to our regularly scheduled summer, and I did not need any extra layers for my 3-mile walk (with the weighted vest).
Long run Saturday (and then some…)
The wake-up temps were 59F, again. I knew I’d be fine once I got going, but opted for the arm sleeves for the first couple miles. I was planning on just running six miles, but decided to try for seven because things were feeling good (it also was the perfect distance for assuring my mani was thoroughly dry when I returned home, LOL). I think that’s my longest run since DAM to DSM (?). Out of boredom, I took Krystal out for 15 late afternoon miles because it was such a beautiful day. I may have also snagged a 3-mile pre-dinner walk while chatting with a friend on the phone.
…and what’s happening on Sunday?
The forecast is looking similar to Saturday, just not quite as chilly upon wake-up. There’s probably some pre-church walking on tap, as well as some afternoon cycling. I certainly don’t plan on keeping inside!
So, this was an interesting week! The heavy humidity (early in the week), periodic rain, cooler temps (late in the week) and intermittent wind kept me guessing on appropriate workout gear. Running was moderate, with 16 total miles. Walking was a consistent 25 miles. Biking had a decent showing with 61 miles. The strength training was well-rounded. The 3X-1 minute challenge (1minute holds of wall sits, and forearm side planks) is still going strong, and I’m gonna keep it on the daily roster.
In case you missed out, here’s what went down on the blog this week:
In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair. Friday’s low-70’s temps were a nice change from the previous couple weeks of heat and humidity. It’s refreshing wearing the more “refined” summer attire without the fear of excessive perspiration cramping your style. Am I right?
Finally, a few Garmin badges showed up this week. The July Time to Ride popped-in after Sunday’s ride. My running miles were pretty conservative in July, but I did surpass the 50-mile minimum, LOL And, the 3-mile Weekend Walk badge is the first August badge to go on display. Yadda yadda yadda.
That’s how my week played-out. The weather continues to be beast. We’ve had a lot of rain recently, and there’s a surplus of standing water everywhere as well as higher-than-usual water levels in the rivers, lakes and streams. Hard to believe we were under a water ban earlier this summer. Onward!
How did things go for you this week? Did your temps flirt with triple digits as well? How’s your training…any races or events coming up?
Nice work this week getting the activity going with that muggy weather! But with that nice air-conditioned basement you always have something to do! We've had a very pleasant week in terms of weather, oh so busy with the travel prep but I got some good things going in the gym as well.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very nice looking outfit! That necklace pendant (Celtic knot?) is lovely!
Yes, it was muggy! My weather apps are both still showing 100% humidity, but the cooler temps don’t feel as damp. I’m good with that!
DeleteIt's sure nice to have a break from the steamy weather! Looks like you made the best of it and got all your workouts in! Hopefully the cooler weather sticks around for a while.
ReplyDeleteThe early part of the week was pretty sticky! This cool streak does feel good.
DeleteI love how you make so many things happen with your workouts. And it was great getting back on track with our workout on Thursday. Your cooler weather made it our way on Friday just as I hoped! It was 57° when I got up this morning.
ReplyDeleteIt was actually 55F this morning when I headed out for a walk. EEK! I wasn’t expecting that!
DeleteJuly was rough weather wise! Way to keep moving and get it done despite the humidity and heat.It is a little cooler here this weekend which is much appreciated
ReplyDeleteI’m sure you’re enjoying the coolness!
DeleteUgh, humidity! Next time I move, I want to live in the desert. I'm extremely envious of your cooler morning temps on the weekend- 59 degrees, whaaat??? I want that! We won't see those temps till probably November.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great week in spite of all the damp. Oh and watch out for mosquitos! That's the first thing I thought of when you mentioned standing water. Just to round out the summer feels- sweat, soaking wet clothes, and itchy mosquito bites. Fun!
I had not thought of the mosquitos, but there’s an abundance of standing water EVERYWHERE right now. It’s always something, right?
DeleteI'm just feeling so depleted and depressed from the weather. It's a supreme effort to do anything at all and I hate that. We actually haven't had much rain at all, which is probably making things so much worse. I don't know when we will get a break, but it needs to be soon.
ReplyDeleteYou had some great workouts in spite of it all. Sometimes it's great to just get out of the house and move your body.
I think it’s always great to get out of the house and move my body ;-)
DeleteWow, that humidity sounds relentless - 100% almost daily is brutal. I get it, loving heat but dealing with muggy, wet streets and messy hair is a mixed bag. Props for pushing through all that with solid training and variety. That long run and biking mileage is impressive given the conditions. Keep owning it - summer’s a beast, but you’re tougher!
ReplyDeleteHa! Yes summer weather can be a beast, but I’ll take it ;-)
DeleteI just don't know how you do it! I ran 4 miles in 84% humidity today and that was very draining! Well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks ;-) I seem to have a much higher heat tolerance than a lot of people…but I also detest the winter weather more than others as well…
DeleteGreat week Kim! You're embracing the heat and still getting in all the fitness.
ReplyDeleteNice job this week!! We had some heat this week but I was in Upstate NY over the weekend and it was cool in the mornings, which made for enjoyable runs! Nice 7 miler!!
ReplyDelete