Balanced and Back on Track

This is my favorite time of year. It's still warm enough to feel like summer, yet there is a change in the way it feels. Maybe it's the lower angle of the sun or those crisp, cool mornings, but it just feels different. Kind of the last hurrah of summer, in a sense.

Don't get me wrong, there will still be warm days into October. Trust me on that! All 3 Chicago Marathons I've run were warm ones. I like those warm fall days but not for running 26.2! But for shorter distances and bike rides, the cooler mornings and moderating warmth are a welcome change.

This past week, the heat broke and we had some spectacular conditions. I had some good runs and I walked the dog multiple times. She's enjoying these walks as much as me, although we've had to alter our schedule to accommodate the fading daylight. I'm looking forward to greeting the sun once again on my morning runs!

I had 3 really good runs this week. Pacing was good and I finally pushed my distance, running 8 miles on Saturday. All 3 of my runs were sub-9 min/mile paces and the foot? Quiet. I am cautiously optimistic and beginning to consider some local fall halfs for late October/early November. This week's mileage totalled 20+.

I got in 2 classes at the yoga studio this week, both with substitute teachers. I like the sub we had on Monday, but her music is not my style. The first song was a ukelele version of Bohemian Rhapsody. Seriously. How can you be mindful and focused with that playing? Scaramouche, Scaramouche, can you do the fandango? It was sticky and humid in the studio and the farting yoga mat was in all its glory. How did I ever land the apex pose, bird of paradise? Maybe my amusement made me relaxed. I was pretty excited about this. It's been a long time since I got my leg up this high.

When I saw the sub we had for Wednesday's class, I almost rolled up my mat and left. I needed to stretch out and her class is adequate for that. This instructor has no personality and calls out the poses in a monotone. I'm sure there are people who love her, but for me, not so much. We worked on standing big toe pose, and while I can't get my leg straight, I was able to hold this one as well. Balance is back.

Becky had me swing on the rings again, kicking my feet up to the rings. It's fun but it's not as easy as it seems! There's that whole tighten the glutes and holding the core thing...so much to think about! But it's really exhilarating. I love when she throws in the fun stuff. She had me alternate those ring swings with kettlebell carries across the parking lot. I also did shoulder presses with kettlebells dangling from the bar alternating with eccentric body rows and cleans alternating with good mornings. As I write this, I'm still sore. Maybe some DOMS?

There's a plank challenge going on! Again...this one is hosted by Kim at Running On the Fly. As if we need any excuses to plank. Even though Friday was a rest day, I was able to sneak out of the office at lunch to enjoy the beautiful day and get in my plank. A little fresh air does the brain a lot of good...

Today I got in a much-needed bike ride. Actually, what I really needed was a good hard run, but after running 8 miles yesterday, I didn't want to risk angering my PF. Mama drama strikes again. All I'm going to say about it is that my oldest son needs to get his act together. I'm pretty sure you all are tired of hearing about it as much as my husband and I are tired of dealing with it. As I rode out to my favorite path, I reflected on how lucky I am to have physical activity to help me work through the stress of parenting teenagers. And how ironic is it that in the week I rediscover my mojo and balance, once again the rug gets pulled out from under me? I stopped at the local community college for some solitude at this fountain, aptly titled "Oasis". The sound of water drowned out the traffic noises and I found my center.

Life really is all about balance, isn't it?

How was your week? Do you find balance between different areas of your life? Up and down?

I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap, as well as Angela and Ilka for the Sunday Fitness and Food link up!