Trials and Errors

This was a week of trials and errors, both on and off the road. Some weeks are like that. I've been struggling with some career decisions and a couple of days off early this week gave me time to clear my head. Wouldn't it be great to have someone to tell us what to do? Fortunately, there's running and cycling to give me time alone with my thoughts.

It was also an interesting week on the blog. My post about taking photos for Instagram was really popular and that made me happy! But I think my Runfessions post may have offended some people when I talked about race bumper stickers. By no means do I judge any of you who put running bumper stickers--no matter what distance--on your car. You know I am supportive of anyone who runs, no matter what the distance. I know how hard it is to up your distance and to line up to run a race. But I've shared in the past about how I didn't feel like a real runner until I ran 26.2, which is why that will be the only distance I put on my car. Even my first marathon didn't meet my standards. This is my issue, my problem and I'm sorry if anything I said was misinterpreted. We are all on our own journey. This blog chronicles mine.

Along with that, my workouts were a test of patience. The high humidity was back again. I had some time constraints and weather related issues, and this week flexibility was the key to getting it all done.

I was happy to get in 2 yoga studio classes this week. Megan's class on Monday was a tribute to the full moon. Her theme for the class was opposites. Yin/Yang. We did Sun Salutations and Moon Salutations along with other complimentary poses. As always, I felt very uplifted and positive after her class. On Wednesday, we had a sub. The owner's husband taught a tough class, as he always does! The apex pose was standing big toe pose. I'm struggling with balance right now and we worked on a lot of balance poses. Naturally, I struggled with all of them. Both classes were full of hip openers and I felt really good all week.

Cocoa assists with heron pose

I got in 3 runs this week. Tuesday morning, I had an early morning meeting and after a sleepless night, I skipped my predawn alarm and slept in. But no worries, I got that 5 miler in, albeit during some very warm midday conditions! I stopped at the park to do my upper body work as well: body rows, hollow hangs, scapular pull ups, and chin ups. Making progress! 4.87m/39:53

Getting closer to the bar!

I also played with headstand and forearm stand. Like I said, I'm balance challenged these days. I tried to push up from headstand into handstand but it wasn't happening.

The camera caught my graceful tumble to the ground.

On Thursday, I ran another hot, sticky 6 miler. Becky had me work on the rope climb. She also had me do an exercise with slam balls and jumping forward. I am so uncoordinated! It's not that it was difficult, but I couldn't get my moves synchronized. She also had me do handstand push downs against the wall and atomic sit ups. 6.08/53:57

Handstand push downs. She wouldn't let me push back up but I did it once.

Saturday morning, I got up to run but it was pouring rain. I just didn't want to run in the rain, so I made the plan to run after work. Turns out it was 82F and 60% humidity. So I did what any runner would do, I went for a bike ride! Ha. I knew that the forest preserve paths closest to my house would be crowded, so I sucked it up and went on my 30 mile round trip route. I struggled a little bit with the conditions but I brought plenty of water and sipped frequently. On the way home, I decided to take a different route and realized that I was going the wrong way! So yes, I ended up taking the long way home and rode about 35 miles. I can't be sure because my Garmin died. But the physical exhaustion I felt after my ride was sweet. I think you know what I'm talking about.

Sunday morning was steamy but cloudy. I was grateful for that the clouds because it was 75 degrees with 90% humidity. Just like Florida, right? I tried to stay mindful of my effort because I really wanted to run the whole 6 miles I had planned. The humidity made it hard to breathe. At 4 miles, I stopped at the playground to do my upper body work. I promised myself one set: hollow hangs, scapular pull-ups, chin-ups, body rows, and push-ups. I was happy with my effort and results. It was hard to start running again, but I did and I got the last 2 miles done. I was soaked! 6m/53:38

I'm happy with how the week ended. I pushed through some tough runs, a tough bike ride, and some tough workouts. I'm seeing progress with my upper body work. I really want to add a 4th day of running back in but I don't want to aggravate my foot. Yes, the PF has been mostly quiet, but I do get an occasional reminder that it's not completely gone. I'm hoping that when the weather cools off and the running feels easier, I'll be able to go back to 4 days/week. I'm still hoping for an October half marathon. Becky just shakes her head.

She's not a runner.

How was your week? Are you still dealing with heat and humidity? Have you had to modify your runs?

As I do every Sunday, I'm linking up with my friends Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap. I'm also linking up with Angela and Ilka for their Sunday Fitness and Food linkup!