Cannonball Marathon Race Recap

The Cannonball Marathon.

It had been 16 months since my last marathon (Grandma's Marathon). I had rallied back from an emergency surgery. There had been several races done, a sprinkling of age group placings, and many miles run. It was go time.

Erring on the side of Caution

Taking things easy...

That was the paramount theme of my final week of taper. No speedwork, no extreme HIIT workouts and no risky behavior. I know, it makes for a boring week, but it was necessary.

Here's what went down as I prepared myself for the Cannonball Marathon weekend...

What (running gear) would I buy with $1,000?

If I had $1,000 to spend exclusively on RuNnInG gear, what would I buy?

Well, that's the $1,000,000 question, isn't it!

We've all heard running is a cheap sport. All we need is a pair of shoes, after all, and a willingness to lace up and get moving. But, those shoes do not come free, nor do any of the other "extras."

None the less, I do have a few favorites....

So, what’s up?

It's been another week of roller-coaster weather in Iowa.

The pendulum has swung both ways, and we've had both extremes of heat and cold (mostly cold!) as well as dry and wet (mostly wet!). Lovely, huh!

None the less, I kept it outside for the most part. Here's what went down in my fitness world this week...

Running, Tapering, Chatting...over Chai

What's been happening in my life recently?

Funny you should ask....I have been running (lots), tapering (the Cannonball Marathon is almost here) and, on occasion, I have been downing a chai latte' (or several).

That said, it's time for our monthly coffee chat (or, as I prefer...a chai chat). You know, a time to gather among fellow (running) friends and share what's been happening on (and off) the road.

Kickoff to Kinnick 5K Recap

The 5th annual  Kickoff to Kinnick 5K took place on Saturday, September 29th, and I was happy and eager to participate.

It was exactly one year ago that I pinned on a race bib and ran this very race...welcoming me back to the world of racing. After being sidelined for three months, there was a lot to love about being back in my running shoes on that special day, and the Kickoff to Kinnick 5K did not disappoint.

Seriously, what's not to love? This event is 3.1 miles of excitement, there's plenty of runners dressed in Iowa Hawkeye attire, and the race ends on the famous Kinnick Stadium field?  If that's not enough, the main benefactor is the University of Iowa Dance Marathon, who do phenomenal work with childhood cancer patients and their families.

Moving Forward, Scaling Back

Week One of Taper is complete!

And it was a week of scaled back mileage and sporadic weather. Welcome to my life...pull up a chair and I'll fill you in on the latest...