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.



Here's what I'd share if we were chatting over chai (or any beverage of your choosing)...

First off, let me tell you how glad I am to be in taper mode. It's fun and exciting running a marathon, but the training can be a buzzkill. It takes a lot of time and, frankly, my body is tired. This past weekend, I had a 5K on Saturday and a 5.5-mile run on Sunday. I ran the 5K pretty strong, and the 5.5-miler wasn't especially fast, but it also was a strong and steady effort (with negative splits). Both outings were on rather hilly routes. Come Monday morning, my glutes/hamstring region was on fire. My #nevermissaMonday run was in slow-mo, and my body still had some residual DOMS at play for my #5at5 on Wednesday morning. I'll just suffice it to say that I have been foam-rolling like it's my job, and stretching those weary muscles every free minute I can muster.

time for some muscle TLC

As mentioned, I ran a 5.5-mile run on Sunday. This wasn't just any run, though, it was a memorial run, done in tribute to Mollie Tibbetts. It took place 20 miles away, in her hometown (Brooklyn, IA), and there was a huge turnout of people. There were well over 500 runners and walkers in attendance. We ran her favorite route, the route she set out to run on July 18th (but didn't finish). There were balloons everywhere, numerous motivational and spiritual signs along the route, and tons of spectators on their lawns. Many were wearing the commemorative shirts. Her brother spoke briefly, and thanked everyone for all the love and support through this tragedy. He also mentioned that over $20,000 has been donated in Mollie's name to the Stead Family Children's Hospital (at the University of Iowa, where she was a student). Mollie had a fondness for children, and it's comforting to know her legacy will long live on.

#MilesForMollie #theMollieMovement

My September miles totaled out at 113, which is the most monthly miles I have run in two years. My cumulative walking miles were right around 90...giving me just over 200 miles on my feet over the course of those 30 days of September. Yikes. Other than this past week, I have really felt good. My yearly (running) miles are at 740. I never set any goals for yearly mileage, so I have never entertained the 1,000 mileage quest. Even though I will come close, I do not plan on striving towards it for 2018. After the marathon, I do have a couple of half marathons on the roster...but they will not involve any additional training since I'm already in peak form (supposedly LOL). Besides, I do plan to give myself some rest after the marathon, you know...to recover.

Cannonball Marathon miles....

If I could weigh in with my thoughts on the change of seasons, I'd tell you that I love summer. Hands down, summer is my favorite season, for running and otherwise. Granted, the humidity is not enjoyable, but I am a huge fan of extended daylight, warm temps, and all things sunshine. That said, I do like autumn, but I prefer a gradual transition to the cooler temps. And that has not been happening in Iowa. It's been cold, cloudy, damp and windy.

sorry, not sorry....Fall 2018 has been pretty miserable thus far

I'd like to think Karma dealt me a nice hand on Wednesday, though. The temps were in the upper 60's for my early morning 5-miler, and it felt like summer again. I didn't need long sleeves, arm warmers or gloves. I was back in a tank and shorts, and I was a wet, sweaty mess when I returned home. And I was in total bliss (despite my achy muscles).

Ahhhh, now that's more like it!

Then, Momma N reared her ugly head and the temps did a complete 180. The temps got as high as the mid-80's Wednesday afternoon, then did a major overnight plummet. Thursday morning smacked me with 40-degree temps (with a feels-like of 32F!). Holy Brrrr, Batman!

From a tank and shorts to a fleece jacket and headband

Lastly, I have to share a funny Barb story. Most of you probably know her because I mention her quite often. We run a lot of races together and also do the bulk of our long runs together as well. Recently, we did our 20-mile long run together, and decided to go out for breakfast after we'd finished. We were sitting at our table, waiting for the waitress, and I was quickly trying (in a brain fog from the 20-miles we'd just completed) to get a pic posted on Instagram. My sweaty fingers were hitting the wrong letters and auto-correct was miserably failing me. In a moment of frustration, I told Barb that I'd set my phone down as soon as I was finished getting my post finished. She looked at me and said,"We've just spent the past 3.5 hours talking...I'm all out of conversation. You take your time." And both us immediately burst into hysterical bouts of giggles and laughter. Maybe you had to be there, but it was a very funny moment for the two of us.

runner friends truly are the BEST!

So, that's what I'd share...how about YOU? Anything you'd like to share about your recent running adventures? Significant races? Long training runs? Crazy weather?

I'm linking this with Meranda and Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0. 

And, since it's the first weekend of the month, I'm also linking with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

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