Sunrises, Smiles, and Some Serious Sweat

Indeed, the July heat (and humidity) was ever so strong this week.

Every day saw temps in the upper-80F/low-90F range with plenty of good old-fashioned “seasonal” humidity right alongside it. As I’ve often said, I don’t mind the heat. I can even tolerate the humidity most days, but that doesn’t mean I have to love it.

Nonetheless, I persevered through the thick of it… 

Before I dive into the deets from the heat-infested 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 amidst the sweltering weather:

Sunday - active recovery at its best

After a very active weekend (45-ish miles on the bike & that 5-mile race, as well as three very late nights), my body was ready for an easy-peasy day. Some morning walking and evening walking did the trick (five total miles). 

Never miss a Monday

I was up and out the door for a pre-workday walk. It was just a couple miles, but it was enough to awaken the mind and body (seriously, who needs caffeine after that?). I also hit the skywalk, over lunch, for a couple more miles of walking. It was too warm (and far too humid) to even consider walking outside by the noon hour. 

After work, I took Max on a slow walk around the block, then headed out for three miles in my new shoes. Yowza, that was a a sweaty endeavor! I was glistening and glowing like a beacon by the time I made it back home.

Tuesday - another low-impact kind of day 

Still somewhat in recovery mode (not sure if the fatigue was from the weekend or the oppressive weather), my energy level was not too high. I got out for a quick 1-mile walk, which worked a little magic. Back home, I stacked some Peloton workouts (core, arms, shoulders) as well. There was more walking over lunch, and also after work (5-1/2 total miles). 

Double Workout Wednesday

Although the temps were a (somewhat) pleasant 72F, the humidity was still pretty heavy, even at 4:45AM. We got our 3-mile route done, and both Hannah and myself stuck around for a bonus fourth mile in the wee hours. There was some walking at work, as well as with Max (both before and after work). I also took advantage of the not-too-crazy wind and hit the trail for 13 miles of biking before retreating to the house for the evening.

Thankful Thursday

It was yet another muggy morning when Deb and I joined forces for our weekly cardio hour. Thankfully, the 5:00AM temps were still pretty mild. We both walked as we talked (four miles for me). 

Afterwards, I hit the much cooler basement for a quick upper-body session (arms and shoulders). 

Friday - more easy-peasy active recovery 

Nothing too grandiose to report for the day. I got out for a 2-mile walk amidst a beautiful hazy sunrise (hey, a hazy sunrise is still a sunrise!). I also did my usual lunchtime 2-miler. 

Triple Workout Saturday

The morning started with the Corporate Games cross country race. It was steamy and muggy, but that is summer in July. I don’t usually run on grass, so this was a new experience. Anyways there were five of us, repping our company, and three of us placed in our respective age groups (first place for me!). Go us!

 Afterwards, I hit the basement for about 30 minutes of upper-body work…

Then, Scotty and I hit the High Trestle Traill for 50 miles of Ragbrai training. 

…and what’s happening on Sunday?

Well, there’s another Iowa Brewery run on the roster at 11:00 (because, why not?). There also may be some walking, and possibly (emphasis on possibly, LOL) a short bike ride.

So, overall not a bad week. Running logged 10 miles. Walking kept me busy with 27 miles. Biking had a decent 63 miles this week, but must of those were from Saturday’s ride. 

In case you missed out, here’s what went down ont he blog:

Surviving the Swamp

Fifth Season Races 8K 2026 race recap

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. I don’t typically wear much orange, but this top caught my eye immediately as I entered the store. It’s more of a reddish-orange, so it’s not as “warm” as most orange-colored fabrics appear. Nonetheless, I had the perfect chunky beaded necklace just waiting to be paired with it. I like it when that happens!

As mentioned, we had another week of intense heat and insane humidity. What can I say? We get a taste of almost every kind of weather in Iowa, LOL. 

So that’ll do for now. Lots of outdoor fitness, plenty of sweat, and all is well.

How did your week play-out? Is it still hot and humid in your ‘hood? Any races happening? 

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