Let’s Just Call It Sustained Heat Training

The Heat Dome of ‘26 continues.

It’s true, I love the heat of summer. I can even tolerate the humidity, though I’m not a fan. But, even I would like an itsy-bitsy break from these extreme conditions. 

Alas, at least it wasn’t snowing, right? 

Before I dive into 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 in my little corner of the universe this week:

Sunday- a running start to the week, then Recovery:101 

There may have been a rare 2-mile out-and-back walk to the donut place (pre-race fuel, LOL), then it was off to Confluence Brewery. This was my second 3-mile run as part of the Iowa Brewery Run series, and it was a hot (and humid) one. After a cold beverage, it was decided the “optional” afternoon bike ride wouldn’t be happening, as both Saturday’s 50-mile bike ride and 3-mile cross country race had left me kinda sorta fatigued, especially after this brewery run.

Never miss a Monday

Still in recovery mode, I opted for a 2-mile walk amidst the sunrise. I walked a couple more miles over lunch, obviously in the skywalk. Since I’d had two hot & humid runs over the weekend, I kept my Monday run short (two miles), but it was every bit as hot and humid. I did score a found penny, though, so there’s that. 

Another low-impact Tuesday…

How about changing things up a bit? Instead of walking in the pre-workday hours, I took Gustavas out for a quick 5-mile ride. Dare I say, it actually felt a little chilly in the Xx temps! Another 2-mile walk over the lunch hour (inside) and a short 1/2-mile walk with Max (outside, after work)…and that was it for the day (other than 30-ish minutes of weed-pulling. 

Wowza Wednesday, it was humid! 

There was no 4:45AM meet-up this week, so I was on my own. I  got an extra hour of shuteye, then was out the door by 5:xx for four miles in the running shoes. Amazingly, my splits were surprisingly consistent (10:08 / 10:09 / 10:01 / 10/09). Don’t be fooled by the “cool” 68F temps - it was still crazy humid out there! Afterwards, I rode the struggle bus (figuratively) with a 10-minute arms/shoulders workout. Not sure how those 5-pound weights felt so oppressive, but ugh. Maybe I was still fatigued from the weekend, or simply dehydrated from those four humid miles. The world may never know.

Thankful Thursday

First thing in the agenda? Meet-up with Deb for our weekly early morning fitness shindig. Again, it was a muggy morning, but the temps were crazy (yet). 

After finishing four miles in the walking shoes, I retreated to the basement for a short core workout.  

Then, because I just hadn’t had enough of the hot weather, I made an appearance at the Thursday night group run. My weather apps weren’t in agreement, but nonetheless, it was a very hot evening for the six of us who braved the weather. 

Friday - limited fitness…

With a busy week coming up (two consecutive days of RAGBRAI riding), I thought a somewhat low-key weekend would be a good idea. Besides, Thursday night’s hot & humid 3-miler had me craving a recovery day. So, after a slight sleep-in, I got out for a quick 6-mile ride before getting ready for the workday. There also was a 2-mile walk over lunch, and that was it for the day.

Saturday…even more sweating to be done

First on the roster was the Des Moines Corporate Games 5K road race. Yikes, it was another warm and humid morning (86F at the race star). We had a decent showing with fellow runners repping our business. Despite a few walk breaks in the second mile (I blame the much-too-speedy first mile, as well as that first big hill), I snagged a first place AG. I haven’t seen any updated results, but our place of work was still in the lead, within our division, going into Saturday mornings’ race.  

Then, after a brief cool-down, shower, and change of clothes, Scotty and I headed back to the High Trestle Trail for 25 miles of biking. RAGBRAI starts on Sunday, and I’m riding Tuesday and he’s joining me on Wednesday.  

…and what’s on tap for Sunday?

After Saturday’s action-packed day in the sun, Sunday will be a day of easy-peasy fitness. We’re talking (maybe) some walking and nothing much else.  

So, it was a hot and humid week (again), but such is the current reality in much of the US right now with this heat wave. Running saw a lot of action this week, with 15 miles in the running shoes. Biking was a little conservative, with 31 miles in the saddle (there will be plenty of miles via RAGBRAI happening next week). Walking was substantial with 20 miles. Strength training was pretty conservative, as well, with only a a couple of short sessions (#OhWell). 

In c ase you missed out, here’s what went down in the blog:

Sunrises, Smiles, and Some Serious Sweat

Des Moines Corporaate Games: Cross Country race recap

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. I’m a huge fan of all the floral prints we see in the summer. I’m also good with bright and vivid colors. Hence, this top has been in rotation for a few years, and I haven’t gotten tired of it. 

Finally, a good thing this summer, thus far, has been the lack of mosquitoes. Let me reassure you, I have ZERO complaints about that!

That’s all for now. We have a couple more very hot days in the forecast, then the temps are supposed to drop slightly…just in time for my RAGBRAI riding to start. Fingers crossed all goes as forecasted! 

How are things in your world? Has the heat continued as well? Any races happening, or training underway for upcoming events? Have you experienced a similar situation regarding mosquitoes? 

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