It's been a really busy week! But so much fun. After a great weekend up at the lake, this weekend was Brooks Hype Fest in downtown Chicago! They packed a lot in for a weekend and we are all happy and exhausted. As it should be. I'm so grateful for these opportunities!
Weekly Rundown
Sunday: hike at Gibraltar Rock/Ice Age Trail, waterskiing
Monday: trail run 7 miles IAT Lodi Marsh segment
Tuesday: yoga
Wednesday: trail run 7.5 miles
Thursday: CrossFit
Friday: Hype Fest!! 4 miles run/walk tour of downtown, 3 mile run on the lakefronr
Saturday: Hype Fest! 3 mile run/walk to Navy Pier/3 mile walking tour
Before my sister and her husband left on Sunday, I took them to Gibraltar Rock for their first time on the Ice Age Trail. My brother-in-law is an avid hiker, having done thru-hikes of the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail in California. I think he was surprised at the trail--I don't know if it compares to the trails he's hiked but both he and my sister enjoyed it and want to do more! Yay!
After dinner, I talked my hubs into pulling me around the bay for one final ski for the summer. It was chilly but I warmed up once I got going. I didn't want to stop and I am so happy I could close out the summer on my own terms!!!
It was 48F when I headed out early Monday morning to the Lodi Marsh Segment of the Ice Age Trail. The fog over the ponds and the golden glow of the sun on the foliage made for a very pretty morning. This was one of my fastest times on this segment--I'm sure the cool air made all the difference!
The beautiful weather continued into Wednesday! I laced up and headed to the local preserve for some miles. I've been avoiding the trails there lately because of the thick foliage. Since we've been rain-free lately, I hoped that maybe the trails would be a little more welcoming. I wasn't wrong, but it was still pretty thick. The buckthorn was grabby in spots and in others, the foliage was taller than me and laden with dew, which weighed it down and brushed up against me. Ick. I swear, it's always something when I run these trails! I did see some interesting things, including a giant wasp nest hanging from a tree over the creek. I had to climb down the steep slope to get a photo of it and I slid into the creek. I did see a few deer, but they were off running and I couldn't get close enough for a photo.
With the September Challenge starting on Friday, the CrossFit WOD for Thursday was designed not to tax the athletes too much. September is very busy for me, so I'm not participating in the challenge. The strength portion had 12 minutes on the clock and we worked on laps of bandbell walks (kettlebells suspended from a PVC pipe), 20-30 seconds of hollow holds, and 6-8 hip flexor raises (leg over a KB or DB). SJ had me do these movements frequently when we worked together. I completed 3 rounds of this. The MetCon was 3 rounds, 1:30 on, :30 off of 200m run +AMRAP air squats, 250m row +AMRAP pushups, and 80 jump ropes + AMRAP slam balls. It was more taxing than it looks!
On Friday, I headed downtown for Brooks Hype Fest! I'll post a full recap hopefully next week, so I'll just share a little bit about the runs here. I had some time before the first run, so my friend Frankie and my son Matthew joined me for a walk-through of the Chicago Run Tour I was leading on Saturday. You can see Matthew in the bean taking the photo!
Later that evening, wearing our Run Visible gear, the entire Brooks Running Collective ran to the lakefront trail. The wind was blowing off the lake and the waves were crashing over the seawall! The sunset was spectacular but we were all glad to get back to the hotel.
On Saturday morning, we were out the door at 7 am for a run to Navy Pier. Deborah and I walked it and we finally had some time to catch up.
I led the run tour on Saturday afternoon--the RunGo app let me down--so we just kind of winged it. We actually had a lot of fun!
Off the Road
On Monday, we drove to the city to celebrate our oldest son's birthday at Andros Taverna, a Greek restaurant in his neighborhood. I always love seeing my boys and their girlfriends! We had a delicious dinner alfresco--the weather was just perfect. What a fun evening!
While I was downtown over the weekend, my youngest son met me for lunch on Friday and helped me navigate the Chicago Art Tour. He also took a lot of great photos of Frankie and me!
On Saturday, my oldest son texted that he was working just a few blocks away and wanted to meet me for lunch! Of course, I said yes. We went to Cindy's Rooftop Bar where I had a yummy avocado toast. It's always great to see my boys.
Saturday night was our big outing! The theme for the weekend was a Gatsby-themed roaring 20s event at a jazz club called the Bassment. Our assignment was to wear a costume with a 'Brooks twist'. I did my best, wearing a sequined flapper-type top over Brooks leggings, Hyperion Max shoes, long black gloves, and a Brooks cap with a feather. It was so much fun with a live band and lots of dancing!
How was your week? Is it starting to feel like fall for you? Did you do anything exciting or fun this week?
Coming up: the final day of Hype Fest!
This weekend really flew by! Glad we got to hang out so much!
ReplyDeleteI had an absolute blast and am exhausted, lol. Happy I was able to share the experience with you!!
DeleteOh, that sounds fun! I can't wait to hear more about Hype Fest. Love the photos of you and Deborah.
ReplyDeleteAs always, I love your trail photos, and I'm envious of your cooler temps (I did hear you're getting a heat wave this week though!) Enjoy the last day of Hype.
It's a little cooler than it should be, but no worries, the blast furnace will be back at the end of the week!
DeleteWhat a great week for you! We hosted our Marine Corps niece last weekend. She's now stationed in San Diego so we hope to see a lot more of her.
ReplyDeleteI have weather envy! We have been in triple digits since Wednesday. Cooling starting on Tuesday. I finally learned why this happens every year. The Pacific Ocean is so cold that it takes all summer to heat up. Just when much of the country is starting cool, the Pacific says "hold my beer" and we get blasted. It's not a new phenomenon, but I hate it every year!
I always had heard the warm up was due to the Santa Ana winds! Not that I know anything about that, lol
DeleteDefinitely feeling like fall here! Seeing the scattered leaves on the ground (already!) and the dwindling daylight confirms summer is about outta here ;-(
ReplyDeleteNot yet...the heat is coming back this week!
DeleteSo cool that you got to spend so much time with Deborah!!It is feeling cooler here but I'm unfortunately not able to enjoy it for running. my broken toe has me staying off my feet and staying inside sadly. Lov all the fun photos and even though it was busy, it looked like lots of fun!
ReplyDeleteIt was so much fun!! i hope I get to go again next year.
DeleteToday really felt like fall. I was sad that I couldn't run to enjoy the cooler temps.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun week with a variety of activities.
You and Deborah look marvelous.
How awesome that Brooks Fest was in Chicago this year.
It was so great that they picked Chicago!!!
DeleteWhat a lovely week! Love the Bean picture and all your Brooks exploits and it's lovely to see you having lots of time with family.
ReplyDeleteI can never get enough of time with my boys!
DeleteYou all look like you had the best time at HypeFest! I love that for you! And such a great week, with so many awesome things! I can't believe summer skiing is at an end - it's like you just started!
ReplyDeleteSummer is just way too short! Maybe, just maybe, I'll get in some skiing this weekend. Weather permitting.
DeleteIt certainly sounds like you and the others had a blast at Hype Fest! And what a treat to see both of your sons over the weekend.
ReplyDeleteHype Fest was so much fun!
DeleteWhat a fun, fun week!! My heart is warmed by the pictures and stories of you and your sons. I bet that was awesome to hang out with them!
ReplyDeleteI was beyond thrilled that they contacted me to get together!
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