Week 7: July 25-31 Run for Fun

Monday's sunset

Welcome back! I'm linking up with Hoho Runs and MissSippiPiddlin for another weekly review. Read more about my fall goal race here. 

Week of July 25-31
Monday: 3.3 miles
Tuesday: walk to/from work (w2w)
Wednesday: 2.6 miles + w2w
Thursday: rest + w2w
Friday: 2 miles + w2w
Saturday: 10.8 miles
Sunday: 6 miles + 3.2 miles walking

Total (Running) Miles: 24.8 miles
2016 Miles: 544 miles

My weekday runs were short due to boredom and excessive heat. I'm really trying to wake up early, but I am not a morning person. I love my Saturday group runs because I get up on autopilot; I know there are people waiting for me. I cannot replicate that sense of urgency on weekdays. One new factor: we installed blackout curtains in our bedroom Tuesday. I love them, but I think they work a little too well...  zzzzzz

Around mile 3 on Saturday

Saturday was my first double-digit run since the end of May. As I get into higher milage I'm remembering why I enjoy long distance running! Instead of sticking with the group for my prescribed 10, I ran with them until their turn-around at mile 7 then ran the rest of the way home. I ran a 10:45 pace with the others and between 9:15-9:45 on my own. It was fun reviewing the map after and my point-to-point journey. Sometimes I don't appreciate how far we runners go during training.

These guys were all along one segment of Sunday's trail. Crazy!

Sunday marked my first longish distance back-to-back weekend run on Hanson's. I had 6 miles, so Alex came along as my bike escort. After mile 2 I felt pretty good and since I skipped group speed work Wednesday (my car was in the shop), I decided to push my middle miles. Mile times: 10:35, 9:28, 8:45, 8:50, 8:51, 9:28. Not bad for heavy legs!

Example sample (I had some of the wine; the pours are generous)

Besides running, my week contained a few fun outings: an out-of-town friend visited Monday and on Tuesday night I saw Star Trek Beyond. I really enjoyed it. We met up with my parents and booked seats at one of those swanky theaters with recliners. I will definitely be back! On Thursday, Alex and I went out with some folks to check out a growler shop. I was impressed with their selection. I'm a big craft beer enthusiast, but even I get weird-flavored-beer fatigue. I was thankful GROWL! (yes, with an exclamation point) stocked several tasty and easy to drink styles. Friday night we had grand plans to go to an event at the newly renovated art museum, but we got lazy and decided to do wine night at Whole Foods instead. For $4 you get get 5 wine and food pairings. Kind of weird to spend a Friday at a grocery store, but whatever. It's a good time!

Sunday's after dinner dessert

On Saturday night we went to dinner with Alex's family and on Sunday my mom and I went to a nearly all day political rally. It was full sun, very hot, and we walked over 3 miles. By the time it was finished we were famished (I'm glad I brought snacks, including Honey Stingers!). Afterwards, Alex made dinner and my step dad came over to celebrate his birthday. It was a nice weekend!

Thanks, Strava!

Finally, I had a milestone this week: I had my first 1,000 mile year! I know it's not a traditional calendar year, but I joined Strava August 7, 2015 and I hit 1,014 miles this week. (In 2015 I ran 800 miles and 550 in 2014.) We'll see if this leads to 1,000 miles Jan-Dec 2016.

Are you a early bird or night owl?
What's the last movie you saw in the theater? 
Did you buy the new Harry Potter book? (I'm waiting a bit.)
Do you ever hang out at grocery stores? (ha)