Coffee, Chai, & Chatter

Here we are again.

A new month. A new season. A new set of things to chat about.

Shall we gather (virtually, since that's the thing to do these days), and have a chat? You can have your (virtual) coffee, or any other beverage of choice. Myself? I'll be sipping a hot chai latte (yes, even in the heat of summer, I prefer my chai's hot).

What would you want to discuss?

Allow me...I'll go first.

If we were chatting (virtually), I'd share another gut-punch of a race change. This past weekend, May 30th, would have been my favorite-ist of favorite races, DAM-to-DSM. Formerly known as Dam-to-Dam, this has been my favorite race since the first time I ran it (2008). Last year, it underwent a slight name change (as a new race management team took it over), but it kept the integrity of the same 20K point-to-point course. Fast forward to a couple months ago, and the race got pushed back to September 5th (not ideal, but still doable...and, thankfully, not canceled). Just this week, it was announced the race course would need to be altered, due to the COVID/social distancing situation. The start line would now be in town and involve two 10K loops, and would have staggered start times for the racers. Of course, I completely understand these precautions, and I'm SO grateful the race is still happening...but it will not be the D2D race I know and love. But, that is a first world problem, so I am not going to dwell on it (much).

AT D2D last year, with the hubby

If we were chatting (virtually), I'd also tell you about the magic of social media. Granted, there is a lot of ugliness out there (especially in recent times), but there's also a great deal of feel-good vibes. I have been taking part in a 10-day challenge of posting favorite running images that have had a positive impact on me. A few days ago, I posted the pic of the marine giving me my medal after I'd finished the (rainy) Marine Corps Marathon last fall. Imagine my surprise when the very marine in the photo commented on the pic (a friend had spotted him and sent him my way)! Small world, indeed. 

with the "mystery" marine

If we were chatting (virtually), I'd tell you some exciting news. I was chosen to be an ambassador for the Bix-7 (race site HERE)! This is another event I have talked about a lot, even though I've only run it four times. It's a 7-mile race that takes place in Davenport (IA) in late July every year. The weather is always hot (go figure) and the route is very hilly, but it's big event that attracts a lot elites (like Meb Keflezighi, Joan Benoit Samuelson and Billy Rodgers). This year, the race officials had to switch it to a virtual format, which opens up the opportunity for everyone to run it virtually, on whatever route they choose and on whatever day they decide (July1-25th). As an ambassador, I have a promo code (Rakh2020) for any of my friends who choose to register. It's more of a referral code, since I don't get any commissions for people using it, but it will help track where the registrants are coming from (via promotion). If you're interested in an Iowa race (without the expense of travel), I'd love to have you join my virtual team (so far, I have recruited four peeps!). 

in front of the statue of Joan and Billy, 2019

If we were chatting (virtually), I'd admit that I have had a small taste of  5K burnout. It certainly comes as no surprise, given the fact I've been doing these 5K time trials for the past 10 weeks. When I initially signed on with the UN-Canceled Project series, it was for six weeks, after all. When the series was extended for an additional six weeks, I was eager to continue (because, why not?). I've come this far, so I'm going to finish out these two remaining weeks. I have had some challenges to fight (can you say wind?), and the temps have been all over the place (as have my finish times LOL). But, it's been a great lesson in perseverance, and I have no regrets.

...just two more 5K's remain...

Lastly, if we were chatting (virtually), I'd tell you how the month of May played out. The running was consistent, and the mileage was significant (BTW, I honestly do not care that I didn't hit the century mark #NotAPriority). I'm glad that I was able to get outside for daily walking, thanks to the warmer temps and increasing daylight. And, Gustavas (my bike) came out of hibernation! In the past two weeks, it finally feels like summer has arrived, and I couldn't be happier. I look forward to many more fitness endeavors (and miles) outdoors!

Anyways, those are a few things I'd be sharing, if we were chatting (virtually). 

How about you? Anything in particular you'd like to share if we were having coffee? What would you be drinking? Are you eager for summer running?

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

I'm also linking this with Meranda and Lacey for the Friday with Fairytales and Fitness link-up. 

 

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