yay, Fall!

We finally saw some fall weather here in the swampy south. Temps actually dipped into the 50s (lows, highs still in the 70s), so I ended up with some decent runs (finally!). And it was definitely a good week. Work was slightly calmer, especially toward the end of the week and running was nothing short of awesome. It’s been a while since I’ve said that.

Workout Summary

Running

Guys, I ran 30 miles this week! 30! That’s my highest mileage week in I don’t even know how long, and I had some of my best runs since 2015 or 2016, possibly even 2013 (pre-baby). I’ve spent so many years now feeling like every single run was a battle. This week, they felt effortless. And I ran my longest run (12 miles) since 2015. So many milestones this week!

I ended up backloading my week because of my crazy schedule early in the week, which meant I ran 27 miles in 4 days, all in a row. Not ideal, but I survived! I also got a sports massage on Friday after work, and I ended up with some DOMS both Saturday and Sunday. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my runs this week given all of those conditions!

Cross-Training

I didn’t make it to any strength workouts this week because of my nutty schedule. I’m also really missing barre classes. It’s one thing missing right now from my workout schedule, and I’m anxiously awaiting the opening of Pure Barre right near my house. Once that opens, it will be an easy 5-minute trip to get there. While I love strength training classes at other gyms, nothing beats barre for keeping my core (and my finicky back) in shape. I’m looking forward to regular barre workouts again.

Life

This week was more low-key than last week - no happy hours or Broadway shows with friends, although we did have friends over on Friday night for pizza and game night. We played the adult version of Operation, which makes you “operate” in challenging poses or activities. Like downward facing dog, or in a wall sit, or using someone else’s limp hand. It was hilarious. I was terrible at it, but still had fun.

We spent the rest of the weekend getting ready for Halloween. I finished up B’s spinosaurus costume and made some cute little ghost earrings for myself. That’s two pieces of jewelry I’ve made in the past month!

While I love my digital product work, nothing beats making something with your hands. I used to be so into jewelry design that it was the product I focused my grad school thesis on (among other topics), plus I had an Etsy shop and sold at markets and local boutiques. Then life got in the way and I found myself missing one of my favorite side activities. I’m so happy to be getting back into it (and photography, too!).

And since it’s finally feeling like fall around here, I broke out a sweater and some cozy sweatpants!

I also binge watched Netflix’s new series, “The Haunting of Hill House.” Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to do that while my husband was away and I was alone with B and the dogs in our house. I kept thinking to myself, well, at least we live in a brand new house so it’s a little less creepy (unlike the house we own in PA that was built in 1888 - I would have way more creeped out there!). Anyway, the series is so good. I’m watching it a second time through with my husband now. If you haven’t seen it yet and you love a good creep factor, definitely check it out. It’s like Stephen King meets “This is Us.”

And that was my week! Good runs, good friends, and finding my way back to an old hobby.

How was your week? Are you enjoying fall weather where you are? Have you watched The Haunting of Hill House?

As always, I'm linking up with HoHoRuns and Taking the Long Way Home for the Weekly Wrap series.