Almost a Rainout

Well, it was quite a week!

It had been a long while since I’ve had the opportunity for a vacation, and Momma N had it in her mind to make it a memorable one. This one came complete with crazy air travel issues, torrential rain and all kinds of heat and humidity, courtesy of the city of Houston.

Nonetheless, it still was a nice little getaway in a new-to-me city…

Before I get into the nitty gritty (damp) 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 amidst all the rain, humidity and heat of the week:

Sunday - Chilly start and time on the trail

Believe it or not, the temp were sitting at 55F when I headed out for a 3-mile walk before church. Holy Brrr, Batman!

Shortly after returning home from church, I met-up with a few co-workers for the Des Moines Corporate Games Bike Ride. Much of this event is done on the honor system (in terms of distance ridden and route), but all team members are required to check-in at a designated spot with the event’s officials for their company to get credit (and points) for each member who participates. My team did an out-and-back route, starting at Reclaimed Rails Brewery (which is actually near my house) and riding to the Firetrucker Brewery in Ankeny (31 total miles).

Never miss a Monday (even when traveling)

My sister and I landed in Houston, TX late Monday morning, and were greeted with rain (lots of rain, as well as a damp and dreary forecast for the week). Reluctantly, I hit the hotel gym for a couple miles of treadmill running and some upper-body strength work. I did eventually manage a short walk outdoors, that evening, during a brief break between downpours.

Not my typical Tuesday

Even with a rainy forecast, I was able to squeeze in a 2-mile walk in the early hours, and also found a core workout (Peloton). The afternoon was still pretty wet, but the rainfall had lightened enough that I could get out for another 2-mile walk under my newly-purchased “travel” umbrella (title pic, above), and also a short evening walk.

A weird Wednesday

Waking up to more rain (ugh), had me heading back down to the hotel gym. I’m not typically a gym-goer, but 30 minutes of upper-body work (heavily focused on shoulders and arms) went well.

Then, a great thing happened…Momma N threw caution to the wind, and the rain tapered off by late morning! Finally, I was able to lace-up and hit the streets of Houston for my first-ever run on the states of Texas. Grated, it was an extremely hot and humid endeavor, but those three miles had me feeling totally fulfilled. 

Thankful Thursday, indeed!

 Deb and I weren’t able to do our usual 5:00AM virtual meet-up, so I was on my own for four miles of heavy-humidity walking. I was grateful, though, for another opportunity to get outside. Afterwards, I hit the gym (yes, that’s four consecutive days of gym workouts!), this time for a full-body strength session (glutes, arms and shoulders). 

Although Deb and I weren’t able to do our usual workouts together, we were able to chat later in the morning…..while relaxing post-workouts. Amazingly enough, all of Thursday’s forecasted rain was a no-show, so I was able to enjoy some Texas sunshine.

Finally Friday

After four (mostly) rainy days in Houston, the sis and myself arrived back in Iowa by late morning on Friday. I managed to sneak in some airport walking before boarding the plane, and then there was more walking on-deck in the afternoon.  

Long Ride Saturday

It had been a long time since riding with Mike and Amy. We all hit the Cedar Vally Nature Trail for 35 miles on an absolutely beautiful day! Happy Summer Solstice!

…..and what’s happening on Sunday?

 Forecast is looking damp and dreary (ugh, again?), but I’m hoping to get out for a walk anyways. Maybe Momma N will do me a solid and allow for some moments of dryness.

Overall, the week went well. I did have to do some unexpected indoor fitness, via the hotel gym, but it wasn’t a deal-breaker. My running was pretty bleak, with a mere five miles (#OOPS). Walking was substantial, though, with 17 miles. Biking totally dominated, thanks to Sunday's and Saturday's long rides (66 total miles). The strength training was strong this week, with four solid days in the gym. Boom!  

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

Holy Heavy Humidity

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. Airport travel stalls for comfort, but I also throw in a little bit of color. A few accessories never hurt no one either.

Finally, I have to admit that I do not follow soccer much. I did know the World Cup was happening, but I was not aware that Houston was one of the cities hosting the matches (yeah, #duh).There were soccer decorations everywhere, even in the airport..

So that’s a wrap on the week’s worth of workouts and whatnot. How did your week play-out? Did you have some crazy heat and humidity? Have you ever been to Houston? Are you following the Wold Cup matches? 

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