Back in the Running Shoes!

My first official week "back in the running shoes," so to speak. And I couldn't be happier!

After two lack-luster (though necessary) weeks of recovery, I finally allowed myself a little more action this week.

Monday started with the usual #nevermissaMonday ritual....an easy run to get the week off and running (see what I did there?). After missing 2-1/2 days of work (due to moving the daughter to Pennsylvania), I knew it would be a busy day at the office. Not only would I benefit from a little bit of post-run happiness & energy, I suspected my enthusiasm for a post-work-day run would be iffy at best (but I did go for a long walk with a friend in the evening).

#nevermissaMonday done in the sun

Tuesday, I decided (again) to rise and shine and log some miles to start my day. It was a smart move, because the temps got really hot and even more humid as the day progressed.

yes, I'm sparkling and glowing all over the place

Wednesday was my first non-running day since Saturday, but I kept busy doing my August Challenge stuff (see below, under the "In other news" heading). I also went for a bike ride (on pretty flat tires) to get a more accurate read on the actual mileage from Tuesday's run. I typically don't take my GPS watch (a pretty pink Timex Ironman) with me for short mid-week runs, and while running on Tuesday I got the urge to add a few extra turns. Imagine  my surprise to see the mileage was almost an entire mile longer than I thought I'd run. (oops)

a few miles on the Mongoose (Yikes, I still haven't named him!)

Thursday was gonna be another hot and humid day, so I did a few early morning miles (again) before work. Fortunately, it was pretty cloudy (so the temps weren't unbearable, but the sky was still a bit dark) when I headed out. Ahhh, tranquility.

By the light of my Knuckle Lights

Thursday night, though, the weather took a (brief) turn for the worse. The sky turned an eery shade of yellow (I kid you not) and a massive thunderstorm passed through town, It was over and done in 20 minutes, but left us without power (until 3:00AM)....

By the light of the emergency lantern....

...and lots of damage throughout town. I live right by a city park, and there was a big tree uprooted, another tree trunk split, and numerous downed branches everywhere.

some of the aftermath

Friday was a great day! Can you say,"new shoes?"

Aren't they just precious? Brooks Adrenalines GTS 16's...come to Momma!

Saturday also found me up early, dressed, and heading out by 6:00 for some miles in the new shoes. I met up with a friend, and we knocked out six miles at a decent pace (that felt much slower than it actually was). But that sunrise! It was so beautiful!

After returning back home, I did a quick shower and jumped in the car for a 3-1/2 hour car ride to a family reunion in southern Minnesota. That seems to be a common trend for me recently...doing a long run and then spending several hours in a car. Oh well, that's my schedule and I have to make it work. 

Sunday was a designated day of recovery. My weekly mileage had not been excessive, but I was ready for a day with minimal activity. I did a 20-minute walk before church, then spent some time squatting in the garden in the afternoon ... and maybe a few sets of stair climbs...like 40 (oops, hate it when that happens). 

Sunday's recovery walk...bonus points for matching shoes

So, that's a wrap on the fitness-activity.

 In other news:

I have some goals and challenges for August. Most of these are daily "obligations," but some are weekly and monthly as well. These are not big time commitments, but I anticipate I will see some great results (after doing 25 daily push-ups in July, my form was much-improved, and I have much greater range of motion!). Onward!

August goals... care to join me?

I have a strong Norwegian heritage, and a love for all foods Scandinavian! A friend brought me some lefse (a pastry-type of delicacy, made from potatoes none the less) from a Norwegian festival...and it was delicious! 

Lefse...what a delicious mess!

Isn't Max a cutie? I realize everyone thinks their dog is THE cutest canine on the planet...but our little Max is also an Iowa Hawkeye fan. So, he's not just cute, he's also smart...can you say that about your dog? (j/k)

Maxton McArthur

I just have to add that I am so glad I discovered the magic of strength-training. My arms have never been "soft," but there was a time when they were skinny with zero muscle tone. I don't want to have body builder arms, but I'm thankful to have some shape and definition now. Life is good.

I love what's happened to my arms

So tell me about your week! Lots of mileage, or recovery? Any Norwegian heritage in your gene pool,  or a love for lefse? Have you ever done an early morning run, only to have forgotten about it later that same day?

I'm linking up with Holly from HoHo Runs and Tricia from MissSippiPiddlin for their awesome Weekly Wrap! Head over and checkout their blogs, as well as all the many other linked blogs.