Compassion is the wish to see others free from suffering. — Dalai Lama

The above quote rang really true for me. Not just for my mom, either. We’ll leave it at that.

How did July go? Let’s see!

Getting in scheduled runs
Running was going pretty well until we got to the second half of July and the heat and humidity moved in. Well, I’m still moving, but I won’t lie and say it hasn’t been something of a struggle! Even though I’m an early riser, I don’t like fasted runs so getting out there early was challenging but I (mostly) did it.

Grade Earned:  A

Dynamic Warmup
I’m doing pretty good. It has actually been challenging because halfway through July it turned quite hot and humid and I needed to get out there much earlier (yes, I’m repeating myself).

Grade Earned: A

Foam Rolling
I’ve had to give up on some morning Yoga, which doesn’t make me super happy, but if I’m going to run, I want to foam roll.

Grade Earned: A

Nutrition
My clothes are definitely feeling better! I thought maybe there’d be a vacation in July, but instead I had to be at my moms again since the current aide has more medical issues. Not sure how this is going to play out. The number on the scale is fairly steady but being comfortable is what I’m really after so I’m calling this a success.

Grade Earned: A–

Cross Training
Thanks to my friend I got in one swim; maybe another by the end of the week. The rest of cross training is the usual suspects (Yoga, stationary cycling, strength training).

What I did in July
I decided to add this section because a lot of the time you just don’t remember what you did! The irony is there wasn’t a whole lot happening in July. We stopped at a rail trail on the way to my mom on the 4th for a very short walk. I swam for the first time in a year. I got a much needed haircut — although it actually hadn’t been too long since the last one, the hair was very long. I thought perhaps we’d be going somewhere this week but then I needed to be at my mom’s.

I did get a short hike in at Montgomery Place yesterday & I was a sweaty mess. Even with nice, shady paths it was just hot. Maybe I’ll get an another short one tomorrow but I also need to be home at a certain time.

July tends to be a quiet month for us — at least, that’s what my Facebook memories tell me.

July 2022  gets  . . . 
. . . an A. It was easier to eat healthy (mostly) while being at home. Running went pretty well. No hikes, which does make me sad.

June Goals:

• Run 3 x week. Y. Happy to be running 3 x week (4 x two weeks) and holding steady at a 7 mile long run.
• ST 3 x week. Y.  I did well with ST this month.
• Keep long runs between 6-7 miles. Y.  Proud of myself for keeping up 7 mile long runs as the temps and humidity climbed.
• More hiking. N. Not a single hike. Either we were too busy or it was too hot. Maybe I’ll be able to squeeze one in today.
• At least one real rest day a week Y/N. Most weeks yes, but there was definitely at least one week where there truly was almost no rest at all.
• Think about a local Summer trip. Y/N. Well, I did think about it, and got as far as researching locations and AirBnBs — and then I had to go to my moms for multiple days again.
• Look for hotels for Fall trip N. I have continued to work on some of the logistics of this, but am waiting to hear back from the RD about some questions — although I never heard back. Which tells me something.
• Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. Y. I feel a lot better now that more clothes are fitting the way they should.

Which leads me to August Goals:

• Run 3 x week. 3 times is usually doable. May sometimes alternate 3 & 4 x week, just see how it goes.
• ST 3 x week. Depends on what happens with aides, otherwise should be doable.
• Think about training plan for a Fall Half. There are so many reasons this may not happen, but I’m putting it out there.
• Maybe a race. I’m not a huge fan of Summer racing and I haven’t been pushing myself much. It’ll definitely depend on the weather.
• More hiking. All it would take is one hike, LOL!
• At least one real rest day a week. July did see more rest. A little anyway. There were a few times I feel I pushed a bit too hard with fitness. Let’s just say my body truly doesn’t enjoy heat.
• Think about a local Summer trip. The hard part is actually finding a dog friendly place to stay.
• Look for hotels for late Fall trip. The time is now.
• Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. I do still feel intuitive eating is working.

Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.