Getting My Groove Back

So there I was, getting my groove back after a mini vacation.

Fortunately, my overall fitness wasn’t lacking while away (other than some lackluster running totals, LOL), so it wasn’t a tough return to reality. Still, missing a week of work and whatnot made these final days of June whiz by at record speed. 

How is it almost July? Where did the first half of 2026 go? Things that make you go, “Hmmm….”

Before I get into the deets

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Anyways, here’s what went down this week, as I was moving & grooving back in Iowa:

Sunday - rainy day = active recovery, by default

After several days with a jacked-up sleep schedule, two early-early morning flights, and a couple more late nights, I was feeling a little worn down. It’s almost like Momma N was doing me a favor with the day-long rainfall, LOL. I got out for a short walk with Max, and that was it for the day. 

Never miss a Monday…

With zero issues falling asleep, I woke up feeling refreshed. The evening forecast was looking damp, so I chose to get the Monday run done before heading to work. It was chilly (how does the sound of 54F temps grab you?), but all went well. Three miles, in the running shoes, done and dusted. I resumed my 2-mile lunchtime walk routine, and also walked a solid mile with Max after work.

Another low-impact Tuesday

The morning featured a 2-mile sunrise walk, core work, and an upper-body session. There was more walking over lunch and also with Max (after work).  

There also was 10-mile bike ride after work. I love post-workday rides, but there’s also this “little” ride coming up, called RAGBRAI, that I’m training for as well.

 

Double Workout Wednesday

Ahh, back in the 4:45AM Wednesday run routine! It was just Hannah and myself. The temps were balmy but comfortable. We even got sprinkled on a tiny bit, but I stuck around and ran a bonus fourth mile after Hannah headed home. The air remained horribly humid, so I kept my lunchtime walk indoors, but I couldn’t resist another post-workday ride after getting home (14 miles).

Thankful Thursday

As the saying goes, “I’ve never met a sunrise that I didn’t love “ (or maybe it’s just me who says that, LOL). Deb and I reunited in the wee hours of Thursday for our weekly fitness gig.

Afterwards, I hit the gym for some intense shoulder work. Over lunch, I got outside for a quick mile, then got a bonus mile of walking to and from a summer concert thing at a brewery.

(Somewhat) Easy-Peasy Friday 

The day didn’t see much sunshine, so the temps were pretty mild. I got out for some walking before work, during lunch, and with Max after I got home. I battled the 14-mph wind on the trail for 15 miles, though. Ugh, it would be nice to have the wind play nice a little more often.

 

Long Run Saturday (and then some)

The temps were somewhat cool, but the air was humid on Saturday morning. I was planning on 5-6 miles, then I noticed the 10K Garmin badge (see below), so that’s what I did. 

After lunch, there was a long bike ride to tackle. We rode the trail over to Mingo, took a short break (hydration and fuel), then returned back to Bondurant. With just under 30 miles, we were more than satisfied. BTW, the humidity had gotten worse, so the wind was more of a blessing than a challenge.

 

…and what’s happening on Sunday?

The forecast is looking hot and humid (again), so it will probably be a low-key day. I’m thinking there web some walking and maybe a short bike ride. Stay tuned! 

Overall, it was a decent week of rallying back to my (Iowa) routine. The running came in at 13 miles, which is a good “running maintenance” number for me. Walking was substantial, with 22 miles. Biking, as is typical this time of year (did I mention RAGBRAI training?) ended with just under 69 miles in the saddle. I went a little light on the strength work this week, as I was still feeling somewhat sleep-deprived, and I thought it best to not risk injury with compromised form due to fatigue. 

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

Almost a Rainout

Yes, I did it again…D2D 2026 race recap

‘Fessing It Up for June

In other news: 

Friday Fashion Flair. I’ve mentioned before how much of a fan I am of the classic black and white color combo (especially in an Aztec print). Pair it with a bright pop of color, and it’s even better. 

I mentioned in my Runfessioins post that we had a jigsaw puzzle set-up at work in the 8th floor break room. Yikes, it became a small obsession for me during my afternoon breaks this week. I wasn’t the only one working on it, but it sure was fun playing along.

  

Finally, there were a few Garmin badges that made their way to em this week.

So, that’s the latest and greatest! The week had me getting back in my Iowa groove, and I’m glad things went well. 

How was your week? Any humidity in your area? Training for any races? Is it easy to get your groove back upon returning from vacation?

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