Summer ‘s Sweet Sequel Continues

 

I really could get used to this.

The extended summer bliss, that is. Rumor has it, though, this bliss may soon be ending…so I’ve been careful to cherish every waking moment while it’s still here. 

That’s pretty much the story with this past week’s fitness endeavors…

Before I delve into all 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  - Paying tribute while “reunioning” with a a dear friend

It’s already been seven years since Mollie Tibbetts’ disappearance and tragic death. I had to rise and shine (and drive) early, but I made it over to Barb’s by just after 7:00. The memorial run started at 8:00. It was a beautiful morning. The route was hilly. But it was an awesome tribute to a young lady who was taken from this world much too soon…while running this very route herself.   

Never miss a Monday

After Sunday’s hilly 5-mile run, my body was still feeling pretty fatigued (even with a late Sunday afternoon nap). I started the day with six miles on the bike then walked a couple miles over my lunch break. Saving the Monday run for after work was a wise decision (title pic, above), giving my legs a little extra recovery time. I kept the run short (two miles) and all felt great, especially the 82F temps.   

 

Taking things easy on Tuesday

I was feeling sleepy, so I didn’t get up as early as usual. I kept things on the low-impact/recovery spectrum with a short walk before work (check out that sunrise!), then two miles over lunch. I met a couple of former co-workers for dinner, so that was it for the day’s fitness (3-1/2 miles of walking).

Triple-workout Wednesday

We had fabulous weather for our Wednesday morning run! My bum pinky toe has been feeling a little iffy, so I thought it best to limit the run to the standard three miles. With a half marathon only a few weeks away, there’s no need for excess wear and tear, right?

Then, after getting back home, it was still early. I took Max for a quick walk around the block and knocked-out a couple upper-body strength workouts before hitting the shower and heading to work. I also walked a couple miles over my lunch hour, walked (again) with Max after work, and hit the spin bike for five miles…then headed out to an impromptu concert gig!

Thankful Thursday…

Even after a late evening, I still was awake “early” for the weekly meet-up with Deb (I was on my bike around 4:45AM). The earlier-than-usual start allowed for me to get in 20 miles of biking and still have time to take Max around the block before heading to work. I walked a couple of miles over lunch, walked more with Max after work, and walked two bonus miles on my own. Seriously, it was SO nice outside, I simply could not stay inside (but I did crash hard when it came time for lights-out). 

Friday - a low-key/low-impact day for the win 

Even with the beautiful weather, this week had me feeling sleepier than usual. My body felt more fatigued than usual as well. I was planning on a long run for Saturday, so a day of active recovery sounded like a great plan. I found a lower-body Pilates class (Peloton), and that was a perfect start to my morning. I got out for a walk before work, walked over my lunch, walked with Max after work, then did a couple extra miles on my own. All told, I walked about six miles total for the day. 

Long Run Saturday: SUCCESS!

The plan was a (hopeful) eight miles, and I had four different 2-mile loops on the roster to get me there. The thought had crossed my mind to (maybe) attempt to go for nine miles, though. Try as I might I just couldn’t shake it. I purposely “added” a little extra distance to each of the 2-mile loops, which not only kept me ahead of my targeted splits, it also gave me a cushion in case I decided to add that extra ninth mile. This run was not easy…my splits were all over the map, I had to fight some wind, and I questioned if I was under-fueled (though I did have a light breakfast). Nonetheless, when I hit the 6.5-mile mark, my mojo suddenly felt boosted, so I decided to go for the 9-mile distance…and finished the last mile with one of my faster splits of the morning. Although I ended with a hefty endorphin rush, I was glad to be done.  

…and what’s on-deck for Sunday?

The temps are looking similar (mid-80F’s), but the wind is looking a bit crazy. As much as I’m craving more outdoor biking miles, I’m not too keen on battling the forecasted 14mph wind. I may just resort to walking, and possibly sneaking-in the full moon run an evening early. Stay tuned.

So, not a bad week. Running logged 19 miles. Walking ended the week with 22 miles. Biking was on the bleak side, with 31 miles (and they all were inside, UGH!), but that’s quite the first world problem, LOL. I’m keeping the strength work upper-body-focused until after my half marathon (October 19th), and that’s been feeling good. I’m still doing the daily forearm planks (that streak has been going for several years), but am doing the side planks/wall sits on alternate days now. I did bring back the daily push-ups, though. Never a dull moment…

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

When Fall feels like Summer

Coffee - Talking…

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. It’s October, which is breast cancer awareness month. I have a lot of pink in my wardrobe, so it’s not too difficult pulling outfits together. As we all know, though, it’s not about the color, but the cause.

This weather has been simply amazing in Iowa! I respect many are ready for the real Fall to arrive, but I’m hanging on to every last minute of Summer that I can.

 

Finally, I need to share this plant revival. I had a cutting from an umbrella plant that I’d brought home when I left my job a year ago. I’d been there 18 years, and had already successfully propagated cuttings from the “mother” plant, and this one was the last one. It had a very good root system, but the leaves had been gradually dying-off. A couple months ago, I cut the stems back and crossed my fingers that the roots were still thriving. Just this week, I noticed four new “babies” coming to life on the two stems! 

 

Well, that’s all for now. There’s been a lot going on, and I am doing quite well keeping busy. 

How was our week? Are you eager for Fall, or are you still enjoying Summer? Any fall races happening? 

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