Welcome to...Summer (?)

Happy Summer...or is it?

Seriously, Momma N!  Can you cut us a (weather) break?

The calendar officially indicates it is Summer, but the temps have still been waivering in Iowa. Granted, at least it isn't snowing, but this warm-weather gal really wants the real feel of summer. Anyways, that's all minimal. I was still able to get outside everyday, so things are good.

But, first things first...

Welcome to the Weekly Run Down! I am so excited to host 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 1:00 (EST) on Sundays and remains open through noon on Monday. Please share your 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 blogs as well.

Here's what went down this past week on the fitness front:

Monday - #nevermissaMonday
A few things about this early morning run....
(1) the 10K headband was just for fashion; I really wasn't feeling that ambitious...#reality
(2) the 5K run with 300m (approximate) mid-mile surges...#fun
(3) the sunrise was beautiful on such an eery, foggy morning...#tranquility
(4) the shiny penny that found me made me smile...#lucky

Tuesday - #5at5
With crazy cool temps and (more) rain in the forecast, Barb and I opted to do our weekly early-morning 5-miler a day early. Not a big deal, although I don't often run four consecutive days in a row. The run went well, but it sounded like a tropical rain forest as I ran through the park, en route to meet Barb. All the birds and bugs were wide awake at 05:00, and they had plenty to say...too bad I don't speak the same language.

Wednesday - #optinginside
I try to reserve my indoor workouts for the rainy days, so that was the plan for Wednesday morning. Ellie (my faithful elliptical) and I spent 20 quality minutes together in the dark confines of our basement. Besides, after that 4-day run streak (and 18 cumulative miles), my body was ready for some non-impact cardio. All was well. I did get out for a 2-mile walk after work, though.

Thursday - #doubledown
I had not done a core-focused workout in awhile. The early morning temps were cool (again), but pleasant, so I took my mat outside and got busy on the deck.

Core-focused sweat equity circuit:
*1-minute side plank (on forearm)
*15 burpees
*1-minute side plank (other side)
*20 push-ups
*1-minute wall sit
*2-minute regular forearm plank
*25 leg lifts (each leg)
*1-minute reverse plank ("table top" position)
*25 oblique leg lifts (each leg)

Two sets netted me 10 (cumulative) minutes of planking (with a little bit of intermittent HIIT & strength), took me about 25 minutes from start to finish, and left me with a pretty major sweat going on. Next time, maybe, I'll allow for enough time to do a third or fourth set instead of just two. Maybe.

The temps rose throughout the day (75F!!), but the forecast looked iffy (at best) for the next couple days.  Barb and I made a command decision to meet up for a few post-workday miles. Although my body felt a bit sluggish for that first mile, things mellowed out for the remaining three. I was reminded that I get to choose to run, after all. Not everyone is so fortunate. No regrets!

Friday - #SummerSolstice2019
I really have mixed feelings on the summer solstice. It is such a paradox...the first official day of Summer also points to the fact that the days will (gradually) be losing daylight. That being said, it also is a day to celebrate because Summer is my favorite season. I make it a point to get outside everyday, if possible, and take in as much of the sunshine as I can. Friday was an active recovery day for me, so I got out early for a 2.5-mile walk under the constantly changing sky. Then, it rained like crazy almost as soon as I got back home...how's that for immaculate timing?

Saturday - #sweatequity
Barb and I rallied. More scattered rain was on tap (for the entire day), so we headed out at 7:00. We took a hilly route (because, why not?), faced a serious headwind out of the east, and knocked out eight miles. We made it back home before the rain. Total win! Later, things got intense in my backyard with all kinds of squatting, digging, and lifting...(see below). By the way, the afternoon scattered showers never showed.

Sunday - #ahhhh #SUNday
My weather app can be such a #buzzkill. It shows all kinds of clouds and rain (it apparently has a fondness for the phrase "scattered showers"). Often times, though, I wake up to more sunshine than rain (which is a nice surprise!). My lower back has been feeling kind of wonky recently, so the temptation to stay horizontal on my comfy bed was pretty strong. But, I decided to lace up and head out anyways...and look at what I would have missed! The sunshine, peeking through all the funky and feisty clouds, was breathtaking! And, I returned from those two recovery miles feeling like a new person. I love it when that happens. The hubby and Max were waiting for me, so we also got in a 2-mile walk before church. All kinds of good karma going on!

So, despite the somewhat chilly temps, and intermittent rain, the week really played out favorably. Total running mileage came in at 22. Walking was moderate: 18+/- miles (with more on tap for later Sunday). I kept things light on the strength work this week, but had a great 20-minute session on the elliptical and Thursday's core workout felt great. The double workout thing on Thursday was a really nice switch from my usual routine, so that may be happening again.

In case you missed out, here's what went down on the blog this week:
Easy Does It
The Allure of a Local Race
Hot Summer RUNNING

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair! Brrrr...even with the first day of summer on the calendar, Momma N shifted things to rather chilly, windy and rainy...I'm glad I was wearing something bright, cheerful, and funky. The multi-criss/cross neckline is a bit tricky with jewelry, but that's a first world problem. And, who says the shoes have to match (Not I!). Anyways, I post these pics as a means to keep a gallery of outfit options for myself. I often refer back to it when I'm feeling bored with my wardrobe and need some inspiration (it's much cheaper to shop in your closet than to hit up the mall or Amazon). So, play along...share a pic, grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair), and be sure to tag me (@runningonthefly)!

I spent six weeks on a "candy fast". It wasn't a life-changing ordeal, but more a test to see just how badly I really "needed" that candy at work (and elsewhere). It really wasn't much of a sacrifice, after all, since I still had a fair share of sugar via granola bars, etc. But, I did successfully keep my hand out of the candy jar at work and refrained having it elsewhere. On Monday, I officially declared the candy fast over and done. Onward!

Lastly, here's what I spent the greater part of Saturday afternoon doing. We have an area in our yard where grass refuses to grow, despite constant grass seed, fertilizer, and adequate watering. With the crazy rainy and cold spring we'd had, there wasn't any opportunity to get some of my front yard plants dug up and transplanted. So, I finally made it happen Saturday afternoon. After 3+ hours of digging (in the mud), lifting (from the mud), dividing, even more digging (in more mud), and oodles more lifting, my landscape project was complete.  All told, 16 plants now have a new home in our backyard. Maybe that was  a factor in my back feeling kind of grumpy Sunday morning?

So, that's the latest Weekly Run Down, in my fitness world and otherwise. How was your week? Cold temps? Seasonal temps? Rain? Any landscape projects you've undertaken?

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