I DID IT! Reflections on my 1-mile time trials

I did it! 

Yes, me. The gal who is not especially fond of the track, spent four weeks running 16 circles around it.

Whodda thunk, right?

For those who have not heard, I'm telling you now...I did four weeks of 1-mile time trials in May. Amazingly, they weren't so bad. Granted, they were not easy...but I walked away from them, literally, with no regrets and quite grateful for the experience.

Show Me Some Summer

...and just like that, it was full-on Summer!

We're talking daily sunshine, heat, humidity. The whole nine yards (and then some).

Thankfully, I was able to take most of my workouts outdoors, and that's always a good thing. There was plenty of action on foot and on the bikes, and even some sweat equity on the outdoor stairway. For myself, this is what the summer season is all about...getting outside as much as possible and soaking up all the sunshine (safely).

It's a boy! Say hello to Fritz!

As many have seen by now, Gustavas (my mountain bike) became a big brother recently.

We welcomed Fritz, a hybrid bike, into the family on June 8th. Let me just say, it's been a smooth ride thus far (pun intended).

Care to hear a little more about this new addition to the family?

Let's take it Outside

Summer is (practically) here, and I have a tough time staying inside.

Several years ago, I got the idea to take my workouts outside, and it stuck. Obviously, not every workout can withstand an outdoor setting (those requiring heavy equipment or electricity, for example). That said, many workouts can be modified and adapted to the great outdoors. 

After all, why not? You're going to get hot and sweaty anyways, why not do it with a view?

A Humid Heat Kind of Week

It was one of those "it's not the heat, it's the humidity" kind of weeks.

Believe me, I am no stranger to these, especially once the temps start climbing. Do I love the heat? Yes! The humidity...not so much. But, it's my reality and I'll take it any day over the frigid temps of winter.

And, I'll gladly run in it without too many complaints. After all, at least it's not snowing. Glass half full, and all that jazz.

Running "Things" that ain't my gig

How about a Keeping-It-Real tell-all on a few things that are #NotMyGig?

Yes, I'm a runner (I have been for 16+ years). I love lacing up and hitting the streets. I know the importance of fueling, hydrating, and re-hydrating after a long run or an especially hot/humid day.

But, there are several things most runners embrace that I have to turn my back on and take a pass. Trust me, there's no FOMO (or not much LOL). After all, running is a pretty individual thing.

Feel the Heat; Run with Caution

Summer's here, even if the calendar doesn't yet say so.

Personally, it's my favorite season for running. Yes, it's hot. It's also, more often than not, quite humid. Although it's not always comfortable, I don't have to guess how to dress for it (#GlassHalfFull).

Summer running has its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to health and safety. Most have worked hard to get to a certain level of fitness, and most aren't willing to give all that up for the sake of staying (safely) inside. 

It IS possible to continue running outdoors, even in the heat of summer...here are a few suggestions to consider: