I'm Spending Lots of Time Outside

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Last week, I asked for sunshine and Mother Nature delivered. It wasn't especially warm--Lake Michigan is to blame for that--but I can't complain. Everything is in bloom, and I enjoyed lots of time outside soaking it all in. I can't get enough!

Did I say lots of time outside? Read on...

Weekly Rundown:

Sunday: walk Lake Geneva Wisconsin footpath 22.2 miles/1200 ft

Monday: Yoga with Adriene

Tuesday: Fluid running

Wednesday: trail run 5.5miles

Thursday: Strength training

Friday: run 6 miles

Saturday: work/rest/lunch with my boys

On Sunday, I joined two of my running friends for a bucket list adventure: tackling the 22 mile Lake Geneva footpath. This path was originally a trail connecting Pottawatomi villages. After the Civil War, the area became a summer resort for wealthy Chicago families. As the area became settled, a law was passed that the trail must be maintained and open to the public. The trail links the 3 villages on the lake: Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, and Fontana. 

I've been boating on Lake Geneva, but being up close and personal, aka in the homeowners' front yards, gave us a different perspective of the stately homes that line the lake. You cannot believe the size of most of these homes and the beautiful landscaping that enhances them. This was an absolutely amazing experience--I took a ton of photos, but they don't do it justice. The weather was perfect for this adventure. 

We wrapped it up at Scoops, a bar in downtown Lake Geneva, enjoying an ice cold Spotted Cow and a burger. And yes, our feet hurt!!! This truly was an experience that rivaled any marathon I've run. It deserves a post of its own. But alas...this is all you get.

On Monday, I had to DNS my strength class. I did not think my legs would appreciate more leg work. Instead, I did 2 Yoga with Adriene classes: one for the lower body and one for the feet. I felt so much better, which was good, because I had to go in to work for a meeting. Fluid Running on Tuesday was the icing on the cake. 

I felt pretty good on Wednesday and decided to try out my legs and feet on the trails. It was a beautiful morning in the 60s, which was such a treat! I promised myself I would take it easy and I did. I was definitely more fatigued than normal. Not a problem because there was so much to stop and take photos of. Flowers and mushrooms were popping up everywhere. I didn't see a lot of deer--I'm wondering if we'll see babies soon--but I did see the twins at one point. This was just a nice, easy tour of the woods. I'll take it.

Thursday was strength work, and the auxiliary strength workout focused on the upper body. I'm seeing progress!

Set 1 4 rounds: :40 KB Gorilla rows using (30->35#)/:10 transition/:40 DB bridged chest press (15->25# alternating arms) :30 rest

Set 2 4 rounds :40 seated single arm landmine press (35->45#BB)/:10 transition/:40 single arm landmine row (45->60# BB) :30 rest

Set 3 4 rounds :40 dips (36" boxes)/:10 transition/ :40 KB suitcase carry (40->45#), :30 rest

Set 4 4 rounds :40 banded chin-ups/:10 transition/ :40 medball plank tucks, :30 rest This time I was able to do 5 chin-ups each round using the green band.

I headed out Friday morning to a beautiful sunrise and cool temperatures. My legs felt light-yay! and fully recovered from last Sunday's 22 mile adventure. Wearing my Brooks Hyperion Max 2, I flew down the bike path and back home. My last 2 miles were my fastest, with a 'blistering' 8:45 on mile 6. It made me happy, and I may have done a little happy dance in front of my house when I finished. There will be a day when I can no longer run, but Friday was not that day!

Off the road...

After work on Saturday, I drove to the city to meet the boys and my future DIL for lunch at an old favorite of the hubs and mine, Hopleaf. Before we had children and were living in the city, we often went to this gastropub, which features Belgian beers and cuisine. We still like to go there and the boys had never been, so it was a perfect choice! We had a great afternoon! Of course, I miss them already...

Chicago has gone completely crazy since the announcement of the election of the new pope, Pope Leo XIV. He's a native of Chicago, supposedly a Cubs fan--or is it the White Sox, and the first American pope ever. I'm no longer a practicing Catholic, but Catholicism is part of who I am, and I was excited about this news. We watched The Conclave a few weeks ago--I highly recommend it--and it made watching the actual process of electing a new pope more meaningful. I hope Pope Leo can continue the legacy set by his predecessor, Pope Francis. Meanwhile, we have lots of memes ...

How was your week? What's on your bucket list? Are you enjoying lots of time outside? Have you ever done a happy dance after a great run?

What are your plans for Mother's Day, if you celebrate? Tomorrow my sister and I are going out to dinner with our parents.

I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown.