Summer has returned with a vengeance — and it’s made running quite… “fun!”
Unless you’ve been living under a rock — or in the desert, apparently — you may have noticed summer has returned with a vengeance. I mourned the loss of summer when August quietly turned to September without more than a handful of 80˚ days. But now?? It’s almost October and it’s been in the 90s for days. I’m ready for fall weather.
Before the heat got really out of control during the latter part of last week, I got in some really good training runs. The only one I struggled with was my progression run on Wednesday. That was the beginning of the return of summer, though, so I’m cutting myself some slack on that one.
The Return of Summer Running {MCM Training: Week 13}
Monday — strength training + KRTN
Mondays have historically been my slow days but that’s soon changing. Knowing that, I took advantage of a quiet morning and worked in a very solid strength session. I focused on my glutes, as I always do, and upped the ante with some new kettlebell exercises. In the afternoon, my husband and I coached Kids Run the Nation which was a blast as always.
Tuesday — 7 miles
I had a great run on Tuesday! It felt like the return of summer and I was so, so happy! It was also new shoe day, which was totally awesome — until it wasn’t. But on Tuesday I didn’t know it would be in the 90s for the next week. And on Tuesday I didn’t know my new shoes would suck so much. So Tuesday was a pretty awesome run day! I knocked out 7 miles with no problems.
Wednesday — 8.14 miles + KRTN
What goes up must come down — or so they say. On Tuesday it was summer-like. By Wednesday it was turning oppressive. I had a progression run and although I hit the paces for the most part, I didn’t really progress as I should have. It was more of a dip and a rise every couple of miles.
Also on Tuesday, I was relishing in new shoe day. But by Wednesday, I was having major issues with my left shin. So much so that come time to coach Kids Run the Nation, I could barely walk. I iced beforehand, popped some Advil, and taped up my leg, but it really didn’t help at all. Luckily we played a relay game where the coaches didn’t have to do much. Otherwise I would have been in big trouble. I spent the evening icing and keeping my feet up. I also took more Advil before bed.
Too many dips and rises. And sweat.
Thursday — 10.2 miles + strength training
Thankfully I woke up on Thursday with no shin pain. I let out a huge sigh of relief as I had an early morning run with my friends Julie and Candice that I really didn’t want to miss.
It was such a beautiful pre-dawn run — a bit humid, but nothing compared to what I had been running in during the middle of the morning. We started in the dark and got to witness a beautiful sunrise. By the time we were finished the sun was up but we definitely beat the heat by running early.
I followed up our run with some strength training. It was such a great way to start the day!
Saturday — 15 miles
I love discovering new places to run, especially for long runs. My mind tends to get bored and needs new stimulus throughout runs, so when I suggested a path about 40 minutes away and my friends agreed, I was elated!
I had a fast finish long run. Julie was going to pace me for the last six miles. I knew it would be tough for me to motivate myself to hit those paces when I was running with other people, and since she’s significantly faster I was glad she was willing to be my pacer.
We had a great run on the way out. We looked for wooly bear caterpillars (we saw so many!) and counted hornets nests along the way. By the time we got to our turnaround and it was getting close to pace time, I realized I didn’t have a whole lot left in the tank. It was very hot and very humid. I was also getting dangerously low on water. The first two miles of the pace portion were incredibly tough. Then I realized I was psyching myself out and I decided to stop looking at my watch. I told Julie not to tell me how fast we were going. The third and fourth pace miles were on target.
I boarded the struggle bus for the fifth mile and I rode it all the way through. It was hot, I was dying, and I was thirsty. I wanted the run to end more than anything. Julie and I separated during this mile. Then my watch buzzed.
Last mile.
I didn’t want to give up that easily. After all, my runs during the week in the same conditions had been just as fast, if not faster. I gritted my teeth, took off the bitch pants, and ran hard. I met my pace goal for the last mile. Despite the run almost killing me, I was pleased with the outcome. Could I have pushed myself harder in those middle miles? Probably. Was I too busy getting in my own way? Likely.
Sunday — 1.25 miles + strength training
I was supposed to meet a client on Sunday morning for a session. Unfortunately she slept in and missed our appointment. I was planning on heading home but I knew if I went home I would put my pajamas back on and sit around for a while. Since I was already dressed and at the park, I figured I would do a quick recovery run and some strength training. It was so quiet save for a few runners and cyclists. I didn’t do a full workout since it was again — so hot and humid! — but I got in what I could and felt great about it.
Looking Ahead
This week I’ve got some hard workouts heading my way. It’s also race week! I’ll be toeing the line at the Northern Ohio half on Sunday. It’s one of my all-time favorite races and I’m very excited for another year! I’m confident it won’t be miserably hot like it has been (hopeful might be a better word, but I’m going with confident) and that I can snag a halfway decent time. I won’t be too broken up about it if I don’t, though, because after next weekend it’s taper time!
I should take a moment and mention here how much I love summer. Love it. Feel me? I saw a post on Instagram over the weekend of someone running in tights and gloves and I just thought, “oh helllllllll no!” Now having said that, I appreciate a little nip in the air. I like shorts, tanks, and arm sleeves. That’s my preferred running outfit. I’m not ready for all the layers. But if Mother Nature could get on board and provide a teensy tinsy bit of relief from the heat, I would be grateful. Just a little — not a lot. Because I still like warm weather.
Speaking of summer… need tips on running in the heat? Check out this post!
xo
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What’s YOUR weather up to these days?
What’s your ideal running outfit?
Linking up with HoHo Runs and MissSippi Piddlin’ for the Weekly Wrap, and My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs for Tuesdays on the Run.
