Now That’s More Like It

Can I get an “Amen!”

Why? Because it feels like Summer has officially landed in Iowa! Is there anything better than a full week of pleasantly warm seasonal temps, especially after a couple weeks of dismal dreariness? 

I think we’re all in agreement that the 2025 weather has been anything but predictable. There’s been excessive wind, and unexpected warmth (though it was short-lived). Here’s hoping the true summer weather is here to stay for awhile.

Before I get into the nitty-gritty deets, 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 fun and fitness this week:

Sunday - How’s about some active recovery?

Fresh-off of a busy Saturday (DAM-to-DSM Half Marathon and a 28-mile bike ride), I was ready for some low-key active recovery. The morning began with a 3-mile walk before church. There were a couple of ‘round-the-blocks walks with Max. The afternoon included a 2-hour commute to a family graduation party (and a 2-hour return trip). The evening featured another 2-mile walk, and that was that.

Never miss a Monday

Still keeping things easy-peasy, but craving a sunrise run, I started the day with a 2-mile run amidst a hazy sunrise in the early hours. Next, there was a 3-mile lunchtime walk in the midday sunshine. Later, there were a a couple of short walks with Max. 

Tuesday - Dancing around the rain..

The forecast was looking dreary and damp, but I managed to sneak-in a quick early-morning 2-mile walk before the rain showed up. Afterwards, I joined forces with the Peloton app for some upper-body strength and core work. The day stayed damp, and the temps plunged (brrr!). While having dinner with the family, I got a text from Deb, asking if I’d celebrated World Bicycle Day. Oops. Face palm. After my company left, I then joined forces with the spin bike and pedaled-out 10 miles. Whew, that was a close call!

Wednesday - Global Running Day!

It was just Hannah and myself for the weekly early-morning meet-up. We ran four miles, then I ran a bonus fifth mile after she headed home. The day also saw some more upper-body and core work, as well as a 2-mile lunch walk.

How about a triple-threat thankful Thursday?

It’s been a hot minute (and several months, LOL) since I’ve gotten outside for the Thursday morning cardio hour with Deb. It was too chilly for a bike ride, but the temps were optimal for a 4-mile walk and the sunrise was beautiful.

Afterwards, I summoned the heavy weights and got to work. Things had been feeling really good, since the D2D 13.1, so I thought it was time to bring back some lower-body strength sessions. We did all kinds of lunges and squats, thank you very much. I also added a chest/back workout to the mix. There also was a late afternoon 14-mile bike ride with Gustavas (the mountain bike) against a challenging headwind.

Friday - Can you say DOMS???

The good ‘ole DOMS were already knocking on the door by Thursday evening and were in full-blown mode by Friday morning. Usually, it’s my glutes and hamstrings giving me attitude, but this time it was my quads (yeh, totally didn’t see that coming!). I started the sunshiny day with a 2-mile walk, and it was slow-moving. Later, the 4-mile lunchtime walk felt a bit better, but I still wasn’t out of the woods, LOL.

Saturday - Oops, another race!

Earlier in the week, I spontaneously registered for a local 10K. I knew I’d be running 5-6 miles anyways…why not support a local event? The DOMS were still present (but had been gradually diminishing), so I thought it would be a good idea to walk to packet pick-up to loosen things up a bit. The race didn’t start until 10:00, so I had plenty of time to make the 1-mile trek to the race site (and then the 1-mile walk back to my house). Also, this avoided needing to stash my swag bag anywhere. There were a few sprinkles on the first walk, and the air was really feeling humid. I had a quick oatmeal breakfast, then hiked back to the start line. The route was an out-and-back course, with a lap around a lake (both going out and coming back). Imagine my surprise to see my friend Barb (remember her?) snapping my pic as I ran the first loop around the lake! There were more runners doing the 5K, so the 10K field was small. There’s a short recap in the works, so stay tuned.

…and what’s happening on Sunday?

The early morning is looking sunny, so there will probably be a sunrise walk on the agenda. The afternoon is anyone’s guess. LOL. I want to get some more biking miles in, so I may head out for a ride (though it’s looking a little cool for biking). We shall see…

Overall, I think this week of D2D recovery was a success! The fabulous (warm) weather certainly made for awesome walking conditions, though it did get a bit steamy on Saturday. The running saw only 13 miles. I skipped the Thursday night run this week (and opted for the afternoon bike ride instead), so that generated a slightly lower-than-normal mile count. Not a big deal. Biking was pretty conservative as well, with 24 miles. Walking totally dominated this week with 30 miles. I got in quite a bit of strength work, and my quads were definitely feeling it (which is a good thing). Onward!

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

Still Waiting for Summer’s Arrival

Back to the DAM - 2025 DAM-to-DSM recap

Shall we chat over coffee?

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. Don’t tell anyone, but this casual summer dress is actually a tennis dress. I saw the bright coral/red color and couldn’t resist making it mine. I might have added a black one to the wardrobe as well.  

Speaking of the above-mentioned dress, a few friends and I went to a wine and craft beer fest Friday night. And, quite by accident, we all showed up in coordinating colors. What a fun night with such fun peeps!

Guess what I found on the trails this week? Mulberries! I look forward to seeing these little sweet-tasting beauties of summer every year.

Finally, Garmin was a busy bee this week, dolling out the badges. Wowza! A couple showed up by surprise, and some of them I knew were in-the-works but arrived sooner-than-expected. World Bicycle Day was Tuesday and Global Running Day was Wednesday. World Environment Day was on Thursday. The 2025 Cycling badge is from biking 675 kilometers (419.43 miles) from April 1 through June 30th…this badge showed up following Thursday’s ride. The June Weekend Walking badge was from walking three miles during June 6th-8th (it popped-up after my lunchtime walk on Friday). 

Anyways, that’s all the fun (mostly) in the sun from this past week. Onward to more summer weather and even more outdoor activities!

How did your week play-out? Did the weather suddenly turn summer-like? Has the humidity arrived yet? Any races on the roster…from this weekend or coming up?

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