Yes, there I was again…going through a taper (of sorts).
With DAM to DSM happening on Saturday, this week was all about prepping my body and mind for the start line. As most know, this was my 19th time taking part, and it kind of felt more like an annual holiday (as opposed to the half marathon that it actually was).
Nonetheless, I still needed to respect the race itself, and (most of) the tapering protocol that entails running those 13.1 miles…
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Oops, we did it again!
The date was Saturday May 9th. There were seven of us, dressed in seven variations of pink gear. There was a 72-mile course to run. And we had the entire day to do so.
Yes, it was time to return to the Market-to-Market Relay!
There’s much to said about the not-so-simple concept of consistency.
Consistency has been paramount in my life since fitness entered the scene, over 21 years ago. It took a long time to learn how to be a runner, and consistently logging a few miles each week is what made the transformation take place. The same thing happened when I first mounted a “grownup” bike, worked-out with dumbbells (and exercise bands) and started climbing stairs competitively.
Such was the case this past week as well. I did a little bit of everything, and kept the fitness happening on a daily basis amidst the continuous wind and temperamental temps…
Well, can you say wind?
Yet again, the wind was a force to be reckoned with in Iowa. We’re talking pretty much on a daily basis.
My body was ready for some recovery time (I’m looking at you, busy weekend), and getting outside was not only a priority, it was paramount. There was a lot of walking. There was some decent running. And, at long last, there were some miles logged on the mountain bike.
…and, there was plenty of crazy wind awaiting most of my adventures…
It had been a few years, but I was feeling the call to return.
After all, it was “just” a 5K, right? I knew the race course was flat, the crowd support was strong, and there were lots (and I do mean LOTS) of tulips everywhere.
Then, as if on cue, the race organizers reached out and offered a comped registration in exchange for a couple of promo reels. Sold!
Spring 2026, in Iowa, has been seasonably “unseasonable.”
The calendar is showing Spring, but we keep getting Winter feels-like conditions on repeat. The wind has been downright brutal and rude. At least we haven’t seen any of the white stuff (snow or frost), so there’s that.
That said, if anyone has a magic weather wand, I’d appreciate a wave or two to set things right, LOL
