Running into the Sun

This was a beautiful, sunshine-filled week!

A lot of runners dread the summer heat, but I welcome it with open arms. Sure, the sweat equity is increased, but it's all good. I'll take the heat over the cold any day.


Since I was on the road last Sunday morning when last week's post went live, I'll give you a brief summery of why....we were Chicago-bound, to see U2 perform at Soldier Stadium! Is that a legit reason?

We departed at 5:45 a.m. and arrived in the Windy City around 11:00. My friend, Linda, is also a runner, so we brought our running gear along and hit the lakefront upon our arrival. It was hot, but there was a nice breeze (go figure, this is Chicago!). Four miles later, we called it good.

Four miles along Lakeshore Drive!

Later that afternoon, after some amazing deep dish pizza, we boarded the train. Upon arriving at the Roosevelt station, we had about a 1.5 mile walk to Soldier Stadium.

Gotta love that Chicago skyline in the company of friends

The concert was amazing! I've been a fan of U2 forever. The first 45 minutes were a bit of a let-down, though, because they were on a smaller, auxiliary stage with spotlights (and no big-screen coverage). Eventually, they moved to the main stage and then all was good. Bono got on his political soap box a few times, which is not what we paid to see or hear...but, again, the music and lights and overall experience was phenomenal.  These four guys have been together 40+ years and can still rock an arena.

The Joshua Tree 30th Anniversary Tour

We didn't get back to our B&B place until well after midnight, and we did so much walking (not necessarily in proper shoes LOL), that I elected to NOT set my alarm for Monday morning (though I still woke up around 6:30). Linda and I headed out for one last Chicago run.

How about a Warrior-2 for a cool down?

Back to life, back to reality. Tuesday had me working a very long day at the office. That's what happens when you take a day off...especially a Monday, no less.

Did you know Wednesday was National Running Day (also called Global Running Day)?

Did you celebrate?

I usually do my training runs on Mondays and Thursdays, but since Wednesday was THE big day to celebrate all things running,  I elected to lace up the shoes a day early. I met my friend, Barb, at our usual spot and we knocked out another #5at5. I could tell my body was still in recovery...from the Dam to Dam half marathon on Saturday, the long day on Sunday (with running and lots of walking), the "morning after" 5-miler on Monday, and the long work day on Tuesday). The miles didn't necessarily feel slow, but my hamstrings and hips were not as enthusiastic as their owner to be out pounding the pavement in the early hours.

Another five miles done!

Not a lot of action for this gal on Thursday. I knew my body needed some recovery time, and I obliged.  

Friday was another day of low-key activity. In case you haven't noticed, I take my recovery time seriously! Let's not forget, I'm also in the midst of tapering for Grandma's Marathon...now is NOT the time to be overly active and risk injury. 

My #FridayFashionFlair (check out the new hashtag!) was very well-received. Did you see it? I invite YOU to play along...every Friday, I post a pic of my outfit on Instagram (HERE), and I'd LOVE to see what you're wearing! Post a pic of your outfit and tag me!  

Aztec high-low skirt, favorite pink ruffle top, and funky beaded sandals

We were due for some warm temps this weekend. On Saturday, Barb and I met up at 5:00 (yes, even on the weekend we rise and shine in the wee hours) for our final long run before the marathon. We did a #10at5 (do you like what I did there?), and it was a bit of a challenge for me. Ten miles usually are not a big deal, but my body is still a bit in recovery mode, and I felt like the final 3-4 miles were tough. The hammies were achy and the hips started to feel strained. The temps were warm (in the 70's), but the humidity wasn't too bad and there was a strong breeze. UGH. Maybe the "taper crazies" are getting to me?

10 miles! My last long run before the Grandma's Marathon start line!

With even warmer temps in the forecast for Sunday (and a lot more humidity), I was careful to get out fairly early for my recovery run. Thankfully, all of achy body parts no longer felt achy, and the two miles in the sunshine were a great wrap-up to the week. I probably could have run longer, but knew it was the wise decision to stop. I have six days until the marathon...so this next week will be all about rest, hydration, and carbo-loading.

Yes, it was a sweat fest!

 So, that's my week! My mileage (Sunday - Sunday) came in at 26 miles in the running shoes. I felt like I spent the entire week playing catch-up with everything (with work and especially with social media) since I was out of commission for most of Sunday and Monday. I have been doing my daily yoga challenge poses (June goals), and foam-rolling before and after my runs. I've also been keeping up with my daily planking (I just don't post much about it because it's part of my usual routine). There's been some strength training in the mix, but I have scaled that back a bit in recent weeks to coincide with my taper.

In other news:

The Dam to Dam pics were released and I was pleasantly surprised with mine! Although it looks like I'm in the middle of a boxing routine with my arms.... 

To buy or not to buy? That is the question...

 And, how a bout a recent pic of my little guy, Max? We don't give him bones very often, but when we do...he is in total heaven. 

Doesn't he look like a little puppy?

In case you missed them, here are the posts from last week:

Shall We taper?

Dam to Dam & The Big Picture


Have (running) Shoes:Will Travel


How was YOUR week? Training for a summer or fall race? Plenty of sunshine in your location? Ever take a day (or two) off from work (and/or social media) and spent the next several days finding your way back out of  the "catch-up" abyss?

I'm linking up with Kimberly (on behalf of Holly and Tricia) for the Weekly Wrap. Please join us!