Saturday, September 27, 2025

Another Year Around the Sun

As I posted on my IG last Sunday, I woke up and I was older. Those birthdays just keep coming. There's not much I can do about that, but I'm always grateful for what this body lets me do! Here's to another strong, healthy year!

Weekly Rundown
Sunday: Ice Age Trail Lodi Marsh segment run 8.6 miles/1100 ft
Monday: strength training
Tuesday: Yoga with Adriene
Wednesday: trail run 5.5 miles
Thursday: strength training
Friday: run 6 miles
Saturday: rest

Sunday was my birthday, and we were at the lake. The hubs offered to take me waterskiing, but since I got behind the boat on Saturday, I really wanted to do a long trail run on Sunday. I was out the door early with plans to run my most favorite segment of all. It was cool and foggy, so I started in the marsh to get some really beautiful views. I was not disappointed. 




After my 2-ish miles in the marsh, I crossed the street to the segment that I usually run. I was alone until I got to the other trailhead, where I passed a couple of dog walkers. The dogs are usually so excited to be out there, and I was grateful these were leashed! I did give them some pets, though. Even though I ran here a couple of weeks ago, due to the ever-changing pattern of nature, it looked completely different! Lots of colorful foliage as well as beautiful late summer wildflowers. This run filled my cup!



On Monday, our strength training pivoted to heavy lifting. We built to a heavy back squats, sets of 3. I ended at 125#. We also worked on our power snatches and again lifted to a heavy set of 3. I finished at 55#. 


I slept later than usual on Wednesday, which meant I didn't get out on the trails as early as I'd like. I woke up with a headache and achy joints, but decided to push through it. You never know what a run will bring, and unfortunately, I struggled to push myself on this one. Thanks, RA! I couldn't shake it off, doing more walking than running, and by 5.5 miles, I wrapped it up. It was really humid, and I was literally dripping with sweat. UGH. Sometimes you just have to listen to your body. On the other hand, going slower allowed me to stop and smell the...mushrooms? I saw quite a few! I also saw the sandhill crane family out for a walk, dad and the kids foraging for snacks in the parking lot under mom's watchful eye. They grow so fast, don't they?




Thursday was upper body day at the gym, and we built to 3 heavy chest presses. On my first attempt at 85#, I failed after 2 reps, but went for it again and lifted 3 strong chest presses, 85#. YES! We finished up with 4 1 minute assault bike sprints. I completed mine with 13 calories each!

My knees were still unhappy with me on Friday, but I laced up those Brooks Hyperion Max 3s and gave it a go. The first 3 miles were slower than I hoped--my body just didn't want to let me go--and if I'm being honest, if I didn't have to go to work, I would have walked the last 3 miles home. I pushed my body as hard as it would go, redlining my heart rate and still unable to hit those speedy paces I've been accustomed to on these Friday pavement runs. Sigh. I did get to witness a beautiful sunrise and run in some really nice conditions, so I'm calling this run a win. I did end up taking some ibuprofen later that day to take the edge off the pain before heading into the office. 


Off the road...

We traveled to the lake on Saturday, hoping to take advantage of our continued summer-like weather to get out on the lake and maybe even waterski! But it was so windy that there were whitecaps on the water. We'll try again in the morning. Cocoa enjoyed her ride in the boat, though!


How was your week? Is it still summer-like where you are? What was your favorite workout of the week? I always love my trail runs, but my Ice Age Trail run on Sunday was just so beautiful!

On Tuesday, I'll be posting my monthly mini book reviews for September! I had another great month of reading, and I can't wait to share! Be sure to check them out.

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





6 comments :

  1. Happy belated birthday! I agree as we get older birthdays have mixed feelings. But you're right, it's a great time to be grateful for all our bodies continue to be able to do. Love all your photos as always. Those mushrooms look like an amazing color! Andthe water looks so peaceful!

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  2. It’s great to be able to celebrate your birthday in good health!

    We’ve got fall mornings and summer afternoons — still in the 80s.

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  3. I feel you on the aging however I am trying to put it into perspective. One of my favorite Peloton instructors says-growing older is a privilege, growing stronger is a choice”. I’d say you are lucky enough to do both. Sounds like a perfect way to spend your birthday!

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  4. Happy Birthday! You celebrated the perfect way, with an amazing trail run (I love those photos!) And yes- another strong, healthy year is always the goal.
    Sorry you felt crappy in the middle of the week, but thank goodness for ibuprofen- when you need it, you need it! Hope you're feeling good today and can get some waterskiing in.

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  5. Birthdays are even better when they move you into a new age group! We all work hard to stay fit as we get older, and it’s wonderful to see the rewards. You’re such a great role model for younger runners.

    The photos from the Lodi Marsh segment are beautiful, I love them!
    Here’s hoping the RA stays away for the week ahead.

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  6. It’s a given I’m loving these warm temps, and all the sunshine! AS for favorite workouts…I had all great runs last week, but my Friday night 6-miler was absolute perfection. A great confidence boost as I head into the final few weeks before my 13.1 on October 19th.

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