Week of July 3rd to July 10th, 2022

Sunday, July 3rd:

Gym day! Side lateral raises and kettlebell toe squats. Those toe squats sure do feel helpful for lower leg and even plantar strengthening.

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Monday, July 4th:

My first run since my big one on the 30th. A midday recovery run of 10k. It was hot out, but windy enough that I didn't feel too overheated. But when I got back and stopped running, I felt like I was covered in a sheet of water. Warm day!

Also, since they closed the park to vehicles for the 4th, I had the run of the roads, which was nice.

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Tuesday, July 5th:

We went with the kids to Elevenmile Reservoir, and walked about 3 miles around the lake. It was overcast but not too cold.

It was another lovely day that made me so thankful for living in this amazing state. There's so much beauty to see!

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Wednesday, July 6th:

Full sets of barbell bicep curls first. Then, rotating pushups into planks. Basically, when I'd start to feel fatigued from the pushups, I'd go into a high plank and hold it for as long as I could. I didn't time them this session, just trying to stick it out until my abdominals felt like they couldn't take anymore. Also a good workout for the transverse abdominus.

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Thursday, July 7th:

80 minutes on the elliptical. A nice cross-training day.

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Friday, July 8th:

10.7 miles, beginning with a run up to the small hill along Palmer Point.

This small hill is actually a superb overlook spot. I looked for a minute to take it all in.

Up on top, I could see my whole world. It was peaceful, with distant storms over the far back side of Pikes Peak. The clouds weren't threatening and the birds were singing.

I could see parts of all my recent long run routes. Almagre, Mt. Rosa, and landmarks like Garden of the Gods, where I spent a fun summer working as park safety.

It was just a gorgeous evening to reflect for a few moments on everywhere I've been and how far I've come in this life.

Then, I climbed the northern mesa to the top of the park. At the top, I was treated to the most gorgeous sunset! Wherever they were, people had stopped along the trail to take it in.

Then I ran out to Grandview and back twice, watching the distant storms over the Rampart Range. The lightning was impressive!! As I wrapped up my run, the storm seemed to be slowly encroaching on the town, but I was already home safe, showered and relaxing 😎. 

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Sunday, July 10th:

Over 8 miles in Palmer at sunset.

I was fascinated that, at the start time of astronomical twilight, the sky was still exceptionally bright. Although astronomical twilight is often indistinguishable from night in many cities, this evening the setting sun illuminated the clouds above the mountains. Interestingly, my phone camera couldn't pick up how bright it really was to the eyes.

Every sunset is unique 😍! I wish I could experience them all while running, but I love to see them when I can.

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All in all, a nice week. No upcoming big runs on the menu quite yet, as I've got a few busy weeks ahead. But I have a few ideas 💡 kicking around for later in the month!