Still Waiting for Summer’s Arrival

Well, we’ve had the sunshine and clear skies.

We are still entertaining crazy wind (most days) and chilly morning temps, though. I’m starting to think the wind is here to stay, but surely the temps are gonna feel more summer-like, right? Eventually? (Spoiler: things warmed up nicely but the weekend, and this next week is looking stellar!)

Seriously, though, 2025 has really been a piece of work in terms of weather thus far. It’s not keeping me inside, but still. It would be nice to not have to second guess the wardrobe on the daily. Or is that just me?

Before I dis on the deets from 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 this week, amidst the (not-yet-summer-like) weather conditions:

It was a very sunny Sunday

The day started off chilly. I got out for a walk before church (sporting a couple of layers), but things felt much better by the early afternoon, though still a bit windy. Total walking came in at five miles (two 2-milers and a mile with Max).

By mid-afternoon, the wind had mellowed enough to warrant a bike ride. I saddled-up Krystal, and we knocked-out a 25-mile out-and-back ride along the Chichaqua Valley Trail. Garmin was kind enough to reward me with the 40K weekend ride badge as well as the 30 for 30 badge (30 minutes of activity for 30 consecutive days).

Never miss a Memorial Day

There were plans for a midday bike ride, but I wanted to get my Monday run done before loading-up the bike. Besides, I always feel compelled to honor our fallen heroes with a few miles. I was not disappointed in spotting a few American flags on display either.

Shortly afterward, I headed over to Ankeny (a few miles west) and met-up with Mike, Amy and Dave for a ride on the High Trestle Trail. The east wind had shifted, and none of us realized just how much of a southeast line we’d be riding on the return from Slater. Yikes, that 13mph headwind was a killer!

Taking it easy on Tuesday

After Monday’s busyness, and seeing as I was in a a bit of a taper mode in preparation for Saturday’s D2D race, I kept things on the down low for Tuesday. I walked a couple miles in the early hours, did some upper-body strength work afterwards, and walked a a couple more miles over lunch. And that’s all she wrote.

Wednesday - back in action

I was up and out the door by 4:30 for the 4:45 meet-up with Hannah and Bill. Three miles for them, and I stuck around for two bonus miles. It’s really nice, this time of year, starting in the dark, with a little hint of daylight, then having full-on daylight before we finish. Not much else to report other than a 1-mile walk with Max and a 2-mile lunch walk.

Thankful Thursday

It’s not very often I have the opportunity for a midday bike ride during the week, so why not take full advantage? Besides, I opted to skip my “usual” Thursday lower-body strength session (I really didn’t want any DOMS cramping my style). I got out for a 2-mile walk upon wake-up, did a short upper-body workout, then hit the trail later in the morning. I gotta admit the 64F temps were a little chilly on the bike, especially when I didn’t have tree cover, but it was worth it. 

I also met the running group in the evening for the weekly 3-mile “tempo” run (but I kept my pace in the low 9-minute range). We had a rep from On shoes there, so I tried a pair of support shoes for the run. They were super cushy! 

A lowkey, low-impact fitness Friday

With the D2D 13.1 a day away, I knew to keep things somewhat easy-peasy. I snagged an early morning 3-mile walk (with the weighted vest). Then, I got a text from Deb…so I joined her, virtually, for a couple more miles. I might have done a short upper-body strength session as well.

Saturday - DAM-to-DSM race day (with some bonus biking)

Wow, this was quite a day! Although I have had some pretty consistent running mileage, I was doubting what my body was capable of doing on race day. Well, all things seemed to come together…the weather was perfect (high-50F’s at race start and sunny!), I never felt the “need” for any walk breaks (though I did pause several times for pics and walked as I was periodically digging-out the Honey Stinger chews from my uncooperative belt), and my 2:07:44 (official) finish time was MUCH faster than anticipated, even with the numerous photo-op stops. Then, I had a long bike ride happening shortly after I made it back home (and showered quickly). Mike and Amy met me at my house, and we hit the trail for a 28-mile round trip to Ankeny. While this may sound overly ambitious after just running a solid 13.1 miles, the biking worked its magic (flushing-out my post-run legs) and my hip flexors appreciated the steady pedaling. 

…and Garmin acknowledged all of my May biking efforts with another badge. 

…and what’s happening on Sunday?

The weather is looking simply beautiful…but I’m gonna keeps things on the down low. I’ll probably get out for a pre-church sunrise walk and maybe some walking later in the morning or evening. 

So, yeah. It was a busy week, even with the cooler-than-ideal weather. Thankfully, the temps took a nice upswing by the weekend. Running logged 23+ miles (13.1 of which were from D2D), walking also had 23 miles of movement. And biking took the prize with 94 miles in the saddle. I kept the strength work fairly light, and kept it upper-body-focused. I’m really satisfied with everything from this week!

In case you missed out, here’s what went down on the blog this week:

I Demand a Weather Re-Do!

Some (early) Summer ‘Fessions

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. I was feeling a little bit of a boho vibe on Friday. I don’t think I really have a specific fashion style, but anything with bright colors (or a bit of a funky twist) will catch my eye and find its way into my closet.

Finally, with all the biking as of late, I already have these beautiful tan lines from my Chacos sandals. Lovely, huh!

Well,  that’s what happened in my little world last week. Looking back, things look much busier than they seemed at the time, LOL. Nonetheless, I’m grateful for what my body is capable of, and I don’t take any of my grit, stamina, endurance or perseverance for granted. 

How was your week? Is the weather playing nice, or keeping cold? Any races this weekend, or upcoming? Have you ever utilized biking as a means of recovery following a long run or race?

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