Last call for Summer

All is well, but it feels like my summer may be flirting with the fall season  (a few weeks post-equinox). 

It hasn’t been especially cold yet, but the mornings have been feeling chilly and the overnights are getting cooler. There hasn’t been much color change with the tree foliage, but I know that’s coming soon. It’s all part of the change of seasons, right?

I don’t hate the fall season, I just don’t like what follows, LOL.     

Before I dis on the deets from the “Flirting-with-Summer’s-FInale” 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:

Sunday - A cold start with a gradual warm-up

Brrr, it was a chilly 63F when I got out for my pre-church walk. It also was a bit windy, so I was especially thankful for the bright sunshine. Two miles later, all was well (and Max was waiting for his turn at walking when I returned). Later, I got back out for a second walk (also a 2-miler), after lunch. By then, the temps had risen to a beautiful 81F. Total bliss! That evening, I also took advantage of the warm temps (and clear sky) for the monthly full moon run (see below).

Never miss a Monday (just barely!)

It was cold, dark and rainy upon wake-up. My enthusiasm for for the wet outdoors was in the negative. Ugh. I decided to hit the bike in the basement (seven miles), and finished with some daily push-ups before getting ready for work.

Later, after returning from a running club board meeting, I snuck in a quick 1-mile run. Hey, don’t forget, I always run on Mondays, LOL, even if it’s just a quickie in between rain showers. 

Taking-It-Easy Tuesday

In an effort to keep things low-impact, I opted for some strength work via a full-body workout and upper-body strength (Peloton app). There also was some walking over lunch and after work (with Max). Boredom set in, after dinner, so I took it to the basement and hit the spin bike for 10 miles (unfortunately, it’s now too dark for outside biking in the evening #whompwhomp). 

Wednesday - here comes the fall chill…

Another brisk morning, Wednesday’s group run saw all of us dressed in various states of “warmth.” All I can say in my defense is 45F temps feel much colder in October (following a recent heatwave) than they do in March (following a frigid winter). We did have a crystal-clear sky, though, so the full moon was shining most bright!

Thankful Thursday saw lots of action

The morning started with 12 miles on the bike. There was the usual walking over lunch. The temps were so nice (though a tad bit windy), I got out for a short 2-mile run after work (title pic, above). Yikes, I barely beat the sunset; the daylight is dwindling…

Friday’s fitness - more low-impact fun

With a long run on-deck for Saturday, Friday was all about active “recovery” and keeping things low-impact. Again, the day began with more time on the spin bike (10 miles), then some upper-body work before heading to the office. There also was (again) walking over my lunch break and after work (on my own and with Max); 4-1/2 total miles.

Long Run Saturday!

The temps were chilly, but the wind was mild (at the start, LOL) and the sun was bright. I didn’t get out until about 7:15, but all felt good for the first few miles. Although I’d had breakfast, I realized I’d totally forgotten to have any water. UGH! My route allowed me to swing back home, for some hydration (and a quick potty stop). By the time I got back out, the wind had picked up (nice!). I made another stop at the house, and lost the jacket (and grabbed more water), but the final two miles were a struggle. Nonetheless, I got the 10-miler done! 

   

…and what’s happening on Sunday?

Well, the temps are looking mild, but the wind is forecasted to be psychotic (with 30mph gusts). So, the group bike ride I’d planned on attending was canceled…thus, I’m now planning to just do some miles (again) on the spin bike in my lovely basement. I’ll probably take advantage of the warmth, though, and do some walking.

Alas, it was an interesting week! The running saw 20 miles. Biking had 39 miles (all indoor). Walking was in the game with just under 22 miles. Although I have been getting more sleep, my body has been feeling a bit run down. I’m glad I have entered the taper for next weekend’s half marathon, LOL!

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

Summer’s Sweet Sequel Continues

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair.The temps were beautiful and sunny outside, but things were chilly inside the office. It’s a good thing I have a slew of  cardis to keep me cozy, especially when I need a little extra pop of color.  

The Harvest Moon run! It was a good move doing the monthly full moon run an evening early (on Sunday). Monday featured all-day rain and cloudy skies, and that didn’t change in the evening. Besides, Sunday evening’s temps were still feeling quite summer-like. Total win-win!

Most know I am an avid art geek. I treated myself to an impromptu date night (with me, myself and I), and attended a nearby Paint & Pints event Wednesday after work. I thought the featured painting was cute as well as seasonal. My painting, obviously, is in the left pic and the “prototype” is on the right. There were maybe 25 attendees, and it was fun seeing everyone’s rendition.

Finally, here’s another update on the re-blooming orchid. This first had the stem merging in June, with buds forming in August. It only had one stem  this time (it originally had two), but there were four “branches” coming off it. This past week, the final blooms opened. I’m loving it!

So, that’s all for now! It’s hard to believe the IMT Des Moines Marathon weekend is only one week away. While I haven’t done any specific 13.1 training, I did get some longer runs done in the past 5-6 weeks. I know my endurance is fine; I just hope my grumpy hip flexors (and bum toe, LOL) can hold up to the finish line.

But, enough about me…

How was your week? Any fitness milestones reached? Races coming up? Change in the weather?          

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