Was it a week!
Not only was it very hot, it was equal parts humid as well. In all honesty, it was quite a "sticky and icky" week in Iowa. And, when I referenced "sticking with the ride," I truly meant it in the literal sense because every piece of clothing was sticking to my perspiration-laden skin.
And, as you'll see, I pretty much "stuck" with my bike as my main form of fitness this week. That's not a bad thing, but it certainly was anything but typical. That being said, I have no regrets.
The heat is ON, my friends.
The humidity is off the charts, as well.
As I've said, it is July. I wouldn't expect anything less...but Momma N certainly isn't cutting us any slack in Iowa!.
It's also time to gather around the runfessional and come clean on a few things. I'm game, are you?
If you can't stand the heat, you gotta find a way to cope.
Well, we all know I love the heat, LOL. I'm not a fan of the accompanying humidity, but it's kind of a package deal this time of year.
This week gave me ample opportunities to not only beat the heat, but to also bask in it. Best of both worlds, at least in my ever-so-humble opinion.
Oh, was it a week!
Although I can't help but wonder if Momma N was playing some twisted jokes on me with the weather, I called her bluff and laughed right along with her. I mean...torrential rain and hail? Pop-up rain, mid-walk? Insane wind? Off-the-charts humidity?
And, let's not forget my willingness to test my grit (and sanity?) on a few occasions...
Is there anything better than a rally-back race?
I guess the first rally-back run is pretty epic, too. But, when a nasty bike crash (17 days prior to race day) leaves you questioning if you'll make it to the start line...that race day finish line was all that and more.
Case in point, the 2023 Sully Freedom Fun Run 5K.
...and just like that, I'm back!
Funny thing about my brief sabbatical from all things running, it already feels like I never left. No regrets, and no complaints. And I'm ever-so-grateful for the process of recovery.
So, let's just say this week was all about the return to running, and a whole lot more.
So, yeah. Here we are again...ready to gather over coffee, or any beverage of choice.
Most know I am not a coffee connoisseur (though I find the fragrance quite heavenly, LOL). I am a foo-foo cappuccino gal, though. Even in the heavy heat and humidity of summer, I want my "traditional" hot beverage to be - you guessed it - steaming hot. There's something about the warmth from the drink that I find quite soothing and relaxing...no matter what the mercury is showing outdoors.
That probably comes as no surprise since I'm a heat-loving gal anyways. I guess you could say I'm the polar-opposite of Elsa: the heat never bothered me anyways, LOL... with beverages or in terms of outdoor fitness fun.
...and the modified maintenance continues...
As we all know, it's important to have a variety of fitness in our arsenals. That being said, this variety is really advantageous when one particular sport-of-choice is off the table...am I right?
Thus, Week-2 of my '23 Running Sabbatical unfolded with lots of low-key modified action...