Desperately holding on to Summer

Argh, ever have that feeling that something is slipping away, faster than you can drag it back?

Well, my friends, that would be summer, My Summer. I'm grateful to actually have a summer season, but it's a buzzkill that it doesn't last a fraction of what our Midwest winter entails. As much as I feel like whining about the change of seasons, though, I really try to focus on what remains.

That being said, this past week certainly looked (and felt) like a preview of Fall 2023. No kidding, we had temps in the 50F's almost every morning! I cannot deny those temps are ideal for running, but not in late August (in my ever-so-humble opinion). At least it wasn't snowing...

Before I delve into the deets of the 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 in my little world of fitness (and whatnot) this week:

Easy like Sunday morning...

After Saturday's antics - an 8-mile run, a tough windy ride on the trail and 12 bonus miles of riding afterwards (25 cumulative miles on the bike), Sunday was declared a recovery day. But, if you know me, that doesn't mean lounging on the couch. I hadn't done a true recovery run (following a "longish" run, the day prior) in quite some time...and I was itching to do one. So, I grabbed the arm warmers (it was 58F #brrr), and ran an easy-paced 2-miler. Things felt great, so I met the sister for a 4-1/2 mile walk afterwards. Another 2-mile walk, over lunch, and I was good for the day.

Never miss a Monday!

It was another cool morning (57F, #brrr #again), so it was another adventure in arm warmers. And, another 3-mile with progressive splits (which seems to be a Monday thing, recently). After getting to work, the temps warmed up nicely, so we got in a couple of 1-mile walks on our breaks.

After work, Barb and I met up for a 20-mile ride. I absolutely love those perfect summer temps...warm, but not humid!

Tuesday: A little bit of everything

The morning started with an early morning 2-mile walk with my sister. Upon returning home, daylight was breaking, so I hauled a few of my dumbbells out to the deck and stacked a few workouts from Peloton (upper-body, Barre, core). Later, at work, we got in our two "daily" walks (two cumulative miles) in the bright sunshine. That evening, it was (already) time for another full moon run (see below).

 

Double ride Wednesday

With the full moon run not even 12 hours behind us, there was no scheduled #5at5, so I met the sister for a 2-mile walk instead. After getting back home, I saddled-up and went for a 7-mile ride before getting ready for work. The morning was chilly (temps, again, were in the high-50F's). It felt nice by mid-morning, though (with more walking at work).

  

After work, it was time for another ride on the hilly bike path. Yet again, the wind refused to play nice. Even with only a 5mph wind, it still was a beast of a ride. Although this bike path ride seems "easier" at times, it's never truly an easy ride. That's not a bad thing, though. Nonetheless, another 16 miles of biking in the bank.

Thankful Thursday

This week, I took it upon myself to mix-it-up a bit for my virtual workout with Deb. The super blue moon was still shining bright (at 5AM), so I opted for a second full moon run...because, why not? I ran three decently paced miles (10:03 pace) in the chilly 55F temps, then switched to walking, for another two miles. Back home, I hauled the dumbbells outside, again, and got in a nice glutes/legs workout on the deck. Thankfully, the temps bounced back up to the mid-70F's range, making for a beautiful day. I got in four additional miles of walking (two at work, and two more in the evening).

 

Full moon Friday fun!

With a busy Saturday on tap, I thought it best to do my "Saturday" run a day early, and morph said run into another full moon adventure. Barb was willing to join the fun, so we met at 5:30 with the plan of running four miles. When we parted ways, though, my energy was on fire. I just couldn't help myself...  and extended my run to five miles. Later, we got in two (total) miles of at-work walking as well.

 

A sun-sational Saturday

The temps started a bit cool, but quickly regained their "summer status" by mid-morning. Let's just say it was a fun day of biking (25 miles) and college football (my Iowa Hawks were victorious over Utah State). The evening's core and arms/shoulders workouts were legit as well.

...and what's happening on Sunday?

Believe it or not, I have another longish bike ride on tap. I'm also hoping to get in a few miles of summer running upon wake-up. Hey, the forecast is looking warm and sunny, I'm not going to even consider spending the day inside.

So, this was a decent week on so many levels. Running saw 18 miles (13 of which were under  the glow of the super blue moon). Walking had 25 miles. Biking did alright, with 68 miles in the saddle. The two strength sessions were short but sweet (my favorite combo!). I'm feelin' good, feelin' fine.

In case you missed out, here's what went down on the blog:

Holy Sweltering Sweatfest, Batman!

A Late Summer Coffee Chat

In other news:

With the season's opening game on Saturday, I was sure to wear the team colors (black and gold) of my University of Iowa Hawkeyes. I know the leopard print cardi also brings some white to the mix, but I think the pattern adds an edgy touch ;-)

It worked out best for us to run our full moon run a day/evening early. The thing is...the full moon looked pretty grandiose the night prior, the night of, and also the morning after. We were blessed with clear skies all week, so all three of my full moon adventures were successful.

Whew! That was a lot! I'm grateful to have the energy to do all the fun fitness stuff that lands on my calendar.

How about you? Did you catch the full moon? Any fun fitness accomplishments or workouts that need mention?  

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