When Fall Feels Like Summer…

Talk about your dream weeks!

We’re talking next-to-perfect summer conditions (warm, but not excessively hot), solid cross-training, and fabulous miles in the running shoes. Seriously, it’s been a hot minute (see what I did there?) since I’ve had a week where every run felt nothing short of fabulous.

If only this could be the norm, right?

Before I dis on the deets from the summer-like 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 world of extended-summer fun:

Sunday - a great day of (sort of) active recovery

Following the previous day’s busyness (eight miles of running and eight miles of walking), I knew to keep things on the low-impact spectrum. I did some early morning walking (on my own and with Max). There was a family gathering for lunch. Then, I met Carol for a 25-mile bike ride. I was unsuccessful in airing Krystal’s front tire (she’s my hybrid bike), so Gustavas did the honors (he’s my mountain bike). It had been awhile since he’d seen the trail, so it was all good. Since he’s much heavier, I was also blessed with some bonus resistance work. Glass half full.

Never miss a Monday

The morning began with some upper-body work and a short weighted-vest walk. I was able to walk a couple miles over my lunch hour, and also a short walk with Max after I got home.

Then, I headed out for a 4-mile rendezvous in the beautiful weather. WOW, not only did the low-80F temps feel great, but so did my legs. Is there anything better than a sweaty  (negative-split) run in the sunshine? 

Take charge Tuesday

I’d heard some crazy rain and wind overnight, but all was calm upon wake-up. I kept the fitness very low-impact (and very active-recovery-like) with walking…morning walking, lunchtime walking, and evening walking. Total miles came in at four miles.

Double Workout Wednesday

It was just Kelly, Hannah, and myself this week for the 4:45 run. The three of us ran the usual 3-mile route. Hannah stuck around for a fourth mile, and I finished with five total miles. After returning home, I had time for some strength work (glutes, legs, arms and shoulders, thank you very much) before heading to work.

A thoroughly thankful Thursday

I woke up early (4:20AMish). So I decided to hit the bike a little early for the hour of cardio with Deb. I was able to get in 20 miles and a bonus 1-mile walk before hitting the shower and heading to work.

Then, after work, I opted to do the Thursday evening run on my own (instead of with the running group). Another WOW of a run, complete with a decent pace and negative splits!

A fantastic Friday, full of fitness fun

It’s a rare occurrence, but on occasion I do delay the start of my day. My bed was feeling just too comfy and my body was feeling a tad bit fatigued. I did a short chest/back workout, and called it good (for the time being). I had time for a 2-mile walk lunch, which was a nice escape from the intense spreadsheet project I’d been tackling at my work desk.

After work, though, was when the fitness magic really came to life. My Saturday was fully-booked, so I knew Friday night was when the “Saturday long run” would need to happen…and happen it did! I was feeling a bit tired, but after the first half-mile things dramatically turned around. Each mile felt easier, and the last three were total bliss. I love it when that happens, especially after a long day at the office. 

A sensational Saturday

My place of work was a key sponsor for the Des Moines Walk to End Alzheimer’s, so I was all about supporting the cause. My friend Jason came along, and joined me for the festivities. We walked the token 1-mile route, then looped back to walk it a second time (and almost caught up with the end-of packers), then continued on for another 8ish miles around Grays Lake. The weather was phenomenal (again) and the walking felt oh-so-good on such a beautiful morning.

…and what’s happening on Sunday?

Most of you may remember the Mollie Tibbetts story. It’s now been seven years since her tragic death, and her hometown (Brooklyn, IA) is hosting the annual tribute run in the morning. I haven’t been there in a couple years, so I’m planning to join Barb for the event. The route is very hilly, but it’s five miles of good vibes and a beautiful time to honor Mollie’s legacy.

So, yeah! This week had SO many good things happening, especially in the running shoes. As mentioned, every run felt phenomenal, with negative splits and awesome weather to boot; 18 total miles logged. Walking saw a lot of great miles as well with 28ish miles knocked-out this week. Biking was decent with 45 miles in the saddle. Strength training wasn’t lengthy, but the workouts were intense. All good things!

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

Back in my Summer Stride

‘Fessing for the First Time this Fall

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. I’ve always been a sucker for the classic black and white color combo. Often times, I add a pop of color, via a cardi, statement jewelry, or funky shoes. Today, though, I opted to let this fun “Betty Boop” blouse stand on its own.

It was a busy week for Garmin badges as well. It’s always fun seeing these pop up after my runs, walks, and rides. 

Well, that’s the latest and greatest! This extended summer weathered is remaining in the forecast for the next week, and I’m all about that. Although we could use a good rain, the sunshine (especially the sunrises) brings a daily smile to my face and totally keeps my spirits lifted. 

Enough about me…how was your week? Is it feeling like Fall yet? Did you celebrate the Equinox, on Monday? Any upcoming races? 

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