July 2 to July 8

Finally a few days off to enjoy at home in Atlanta. Despite summer being in full swing in Hotlanta, it should be a good week of running and weight lifting.

Monday; July 2: A long day of work yielded the day off. Hopefully, nobody noticed there were just two days off in a row!!!

Tuesday; July 3: Needless to say, a bit antsy to get back on the trails, Traysen and I headed out quite early for an easy 10 miler. It was one of those wonderful "floater" runs that required very little effort. After a quick shower, it was off to the gym for abs, chest and back. (yes, a shower is required before going to the gym...gotta get rid of the layers of sweat...just too grimy).

Wednesday; July 4: Usually at work on this day, it was odd to be at home and have a whole day to ? Out the door early for a nice 9 miler. Traysen even made the whole distance and then a quiet day ensued. Peachtree City goes all out for the 4th. A huge parade followed by parties everywhere and then to cap off the day, a fireworks display over the lake. For the afternoon walk with the dogs, the cart paths were full of golf carts, most of which were decked out in the red, white and blue! It's a tradition here that golf carts even get in on the celebration.
As usual the dogs and I wandered off to bed at 730pm, only to be jarred wide awake at 930pm to bombs going off!!!! At least that was what it sounded like....but not to fear, it was only the fireworks being fired about a quarter mile away! Traysen and I walked into the backyard and watched the display....we had the best seats in the house!



Who knew you could dress up a golf cart like this?



Fireworks as seen from the boat dock on the south end of the lake. Thanks to M. Schneider for the pic.

Thursday; July 5: Sleeping in til almost 6am, the ole bones finally wandered out into a very steamy morning. All dogs boycotted the whole mission as Mom here headed over to the track. After a warmup.....as if it wasn't toasty enough.....it was 4x800s and then 4x400s. All times were as expected and consistent. Then off to shuffle through an additional 3.5 miles for a total of 8 for the day.
Finally, the track workouts are happening. With a track within a mile there are no excuses. Now, the key is to keep it consistent. As I have mentioned many times the benefits of running/exercise stem from sticking with the program. Even when there are setbacks, it is important to get right back on the wagon and resume the running/exercise.
A weight lifting session of abs, biceps and triceps rounded out the hot day.

Friday; July 6:  Quite the warm start at 530am and during the first three hours of a 17 mile run, I wasn't sure the whole distance was going to be covered! Traysen gave as much support as he could for the first 7 miles and then it was a solo effort for ole Mom. With plenty of Powerade and not much clothing, the distance was covered and the recovery went quite well.
Sometimes when running in the extreme heat an ugly headache will take place after the run. Anyone else experience this frustration? Maybe it was the fluids, maybe it was the nap, but whatever the lack of a post hot run headache was welcome!

Saturday; July 7:  Back in the old stomping grounds of Salt Lake but yet an early departure yielded an elliptical effort of 8 miles. This was actually a welcome relief from the heat and from the pounding of running.

Sunday; July 8: Waking up in my favorite place on earth, Jackson Hole, Wy, the ole bones greeted the early morning light with a simple 8 miler  on the elk refuge.



There probably are prettier places to run but where? The Tetons as viewed from the National Elk Refuge.

Summary: A very nice week of running with some weight lifting. Summer is in full swing in the south with temps topping out in the upper 90s and even a few 100 degree readings! That can only mean one thing: Home grown tomatoes and watermelon!!!! Ya'll probably thought I was gonna say reduced running!? No way....running is full steam ahead....
Total miles: 60.0
Total miles for 2012: 1539.0