Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer, but there's still plenty of summer-like weather left! We had some amazing weather this week--finally! I enjoyed some really nice runs that made me feel like a runner again. While I worked up a sweat, it was nice not to be drenched when I finished.
It's my favorite time of year, and I plan to make the most of it!
Weekly Rundown
Sunday: Ice Age Trail Run 7.1m/1200ft
Monday: strength training
Tuesday: Yoga with Adriene
Wednesday: trail run 7.25 miles
Thursday: strength training
Friday: run 6 miles
Saturday: fun at the lake
We were still up at the lake house on Sunday, a cool, breezy morning. There would be no waterskiing, so I took my feet to the Gibraltar Segment of the IAT. I hadn't been there for 2 months! Summer flies by so fast. Speaking of flies--I was hoping the cooler weather would keep them away, and I was right. I had the woods mostly to myself, save for a fellow hiker, a man who kind of gave me the creeps. I can't pinpoint what it was, but he made me uncomfortable. I made sure to put a lot of space between us, and I was relieved when I heard his truck drive away.
After that, I completely enjoyed my time on the trails. I was surprised to see so many different variety of mushrooms! Whatever will I photograph after this summer of mushrooms comes to an end?
We finished up with accessory work, 3 x3 box jumps (18") alternating with 3 x8 per leg barbell reverse lunges (empty BB).
It was too cold to go to the pool on Tuesday (53F), so I took my feet to the mat. My back was tight--I tweaked it on my last deadlift-- so I chose Adriene's Pelvic Floor Yoga. It was the perfect choice-my back loosened up nicely- and I felt great when I finished.
Wednesday morning was absolutely beautiful--55F and bright blue skies. I was excited to hit the trails. It was very peaceful--there were few people on the trails, but I did run into my friend Amy with her vizsla Greta, whom I haven't seen in a long time! I saw lots of wildflowers, but only one deer, which was hiding in the foliage at the very end of my run. No complaints! I could have this weather all year round!
On Thursday at the gym, we worked on bench presses, building through 4 sets of 3 lifts. I was thrilled with hitting 85# for my last set. I have a long standing goal of hitting 100# for my 1 rep max--this was a great start! As SJ said to me after class, "You all got stronger!" Yes, we did!
After we finished bench pressing, we had accessory work:
5 x1 lap broad jumps
5 x 5-seconds pull-up negatives.
I had an early meeting before work Friday morning, but wanted to get a run in prior to starting my very long day. I was up and out the door at 5:30 in the pitch black morning. No fear, I was wearing my NoxGear. Yes, I'm a poet...lol. Anyhoo, on my way on this out and back, I stopped to admire the predawn sky. My pace was brisk, thanks to the cool (55F) conditions. On the way back, I stopped at that same spot to admire the sunrise. It was a really peaceful run and set me up to stay calm throughout my busy day at work.
We went up to the lake for the long weekend and were joined by my sister and her husband. The weather could not have been better. We enjoyed time on the water and just hanging out in the backyard, wrapping up the day sitting around the fire. We had lots of laughs! After this ridiculously hot summer, it was so nice that Mother Nature bestowed this perfect weather on us.
How was your week? Are you enjoying cooler conditions? Are you seeing any signs of fall? Any plans for the long weekend?
It's definitely the best time of the year! So nice to see that you are taking full advantage of the fantastic weather.
ReplyDeleteYour morning sunrise photos are absolutely stunning!
Your deadlifts are also stunning! My goodness, 180lbs are heavy! Well done! Especially after not lifting heavy for 9 months! Hopefully, I will experience the same when I get back to Crossfit in Cape Town in October!
This is a beautiful time of the year! I always enjoy hot weather but after a decent summer in Ireland and then a month in Italy, I'm finally ready to embrace autumn and all the good things that come with it. I'm glad to see you have some more running-friendly weather, and you're kicking ass with the deadlifts! How fun to look forward to some heavier lifting and be in good form for it. Your sunrises are stunning!
ReplyDeleteWow! Those photos are gorgeous! It looks like the weather will get quite cool here this week with highs in the 60s. It will be good back to school weather. Dare I say I would like it just a bit warmer? But I will take these cooler temps over temps that are too warm! And it will be great for running. I hope the temps stick around for my 10 mile which is about 2 weeks away now. Last year it ran the entire race so I am hoping for better weather (although rain > hot temps).
ReplyDeleteI tried an orange theory fitness class this week and really liked it so signed up for a 10 class pack. I liked the mix of cardio and strength and the cardio is a lot of intervals and such so it’s a workout that goes by fast.
The boys and I are up at my parents lake home for the weekend. My uncle passed away in March but his out-of-state daughter was very pregnant so they decided to wait 6 months to have the memorial. We had a big family gathering with 60 people on Friday night and the service was yesterday. It was great seeing so much family, much of which I hadn’t seen since before the pandemic. We tend to only gather for weddings and funerals and now it’s mostly funerals. :( We head back today to get ready for back to school. It’s been a heavy week for my community with the school shooting so that’s been in the backdrop for me.
Agreed-these cool mornings and warmer afternoons are just the best! I am planning on soaking up this fab weather as well while it hangs around. Your trails look really pretty enjoy your tie out there
ReplyDeleteThat pre-dawn sky is stunning!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great week of outdoor adventures — except for the creepy guy. Ugh.
Enjoy the time with your sister!
ARRRG! I'm so so envious! 55 degrees is just perfect running weather. In contrast, I did a trail run on Wednesday that was hot, muggy and filled with mosquitos. Blah.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are beautiful as always! I hope your lovely weather continues.
Nice pics! The water and the sunrise are so tranquil I love the bright wildflowers as well. Nature never ceases to amaze me with its brilliance.
ReplyDeleteLove the title and your upbeat post.
ReplyDeleteIt is perfect running weather here but I'm not perfect. as they say, this too shall pass (hopefully).
Maye boating tomorrow (if I feel better).