Happy belated Global Running Day to those who celebrate! 

Cleveland had a fun celebration that included a run along a lakefront path right near downtown and more, but it was at 6 p.m., which conflicted with our existing plans. Now, if only someone would host a 6 AM (or even better, 5 a.m.) running celebration – I’d be in!

That said, I did “celebrate” the day by going for my own run, and internally, celebrating the fact that I run. It’s hard not to take for granted the fact that I can run — I know I’m very lucky that I have the resources to run, including the time to run, a place to run, childcare, job flexibility, access to running paths/routes near me, a supportive spouse, and of course, I’m lucky to have a body that let’s me run.

So this week, I’m celebrating the fact that I get to run, and am so glad that I can do it!

Here’s how the week looked:

Sunday: 31 minutes on the indoor bike and 3.5 mile run –  I had done a fast (for me) 10K on Saturday and expected rain Sunday, so I hadn’t planned on running. But we lucked out and it rained only on and off, so I did get in a short run in only a light mist. I don’t mind rain when it’s 60 degrees – especially if it’s just an on and off mist!

Monday: 5.07 mile run and 12 minutes on the indoor bike – I woke up and IT WAS LIGHT OUT! Hooray! It was so nice to go for a run in the daylight before heading into the office It was even a little foggy, and I captured a cool photo of the fog dissipating.

Tuesday: 5.13 miles running and 2.7 mile walk – I was glad to be able to add to my mileage by getting in a lunchtime walk. Now that the kids aren’t in school, I don’t get to go on my post-kids-at-school-but-before-work morning walk. But I do get an hour more sleep, so I’ll take it!

Wednesday: 8 miles running, plank and stretching, ~2ish mile walk later – Happy Global Running Day to meeeee! I was excited to get out for a run and a semi long run for me. I felt pretty good even though the air quality wasn’t that great and it was already mid-70s and humid on my run. Not as fast as last week, but still feeling good! I ran on a path near some streams/lake and I saw some baby racoons AND a giant turtle! Later in the day I got in a nearly 2 mile walk, and it was great to move my legs.

Thursday: 4 miles running, core work, 20 minutes indoor bike, 1 mile walk – I had a busy day and was only able to get out for a 1 mile walk. I also decided to focus on some core work in the morning, which I hadn’t done in forever, so I didn’t get in as many miles outside. It felt good and I know it’s important to switch things up!

Friday: 4 miles running, planking, mini kettlebell workout and 17 minutes indoor bike, ~2 mile walk later – I woke up TIRED after being out late (till 10 p.m.) with some moms from my kids’ school. I still got in a run, but made it shorter, so I also had time to do a kettlebell workout. Later it was nice out and I got in a short walk at lunchtime.

Saturday: 5 miles running, stretching, core workout and some arm exercises, then 1.6 mi family walk – I woke up with a desire to get in a short run, but while I was on my run, B took the kids out so I kept going (I was thinking 2-3 miles) and made it to 5. I then did some arm exercises. My legs were sore from my kettlebells! Guess that’s what happens when you don’t do squats for a while? It was a BEAUTIFUL day, and we even got in a 1.6 mile walk with all the kids – that hasn’t happened in a while and I loved it!

Total: 34.76 mi of running

Questions for you:

• Did you celebrate Global Running Day?
• Do you ever do kettlebell workouts? Any recommendations for some quick workouts?

I am linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.