Marching into a Coffee Chat

Is there anything better than gathering and chatting with friends?

How about we up the ante and add a hot beverage? 

Every month, several gal pals and myself gather (virtually) and chat over (virtual) drinks of our own choosing. I’m going with my latest fav, a hazelnut cappuccino, and I’m sipping from my MSU Spartan mug.

Care to join the party? 

Here’s what I’d bring to the (virtual) table…

First of all, if we were gathered and chatting…

I’d share my February stats. It’s pretty obvious I’m still basking in my off-season, isn’t it? I’m not lounging on the couch, nor am I skipping daily fitness, but I’ve been keeping things pretty lowkey. I don’t have any distance races for a while, so there’s no need for excess running miles. I’m progressively getting  more focused walking done, due to my office’s recent new location (hello, sidewalks!) and slightly warmer temps and daylight. The biking keeps pretty consistent, though it was slightly on the more conservative spectrum for February. The stair training, though, kept me busy.

If we were gathered and chatting…

I’d tell you about my latest challenge. I’d been doing daily leg lifts, from a standing position, for awhile. Doing them on the floor, though (since February 9th), from a lying position, adds an element of core work to the mix. Nothing wrong with compounding this simple exercise and doubling the benefit. I’m not really seeing much of a change in the ab region yet, though there’s a significant burn during the two sets of 30 lifts (both legs done in unison; 30 with the feet pointed straight, 30 with the feet and knees rotated outward). My quads are seeing (and feeling, LOL) more definition, so there’s that. 

Feeling the burn…

If we were gathered and chatting…

I’d admit to finally pulling the trigger and registering for the Bulldog Double, by means of the Drake Road Races 10K (April 19th) and the Grand Blue Mile (April 22nd). In years past, I’ve run the half marathon, but ran the 10K last year (due to my crazy busy spring and lack of training). Lo and behold, I had solid finish times for both: 10K PR (recap HERE) and 3rd place AG for the 1-mile (recap HERE). So, why mess with a good thing? 

Last year’s Grand Blue Mile, 7:50 pace

If we were gathered and chatting…

I’d also mention my excitement for the 2025 Iowa State Fair! Let’s just say there’s a pretty stellar line-up for the grand stand concerts happening this year. Def Leppard, a longtime favorite band of mine, was announced last month. Another favorite band, Hairball (whom I’ve seen numerous times) are taking the main stage as well (in years past, they were a featured band on one of the many free stages). It was just announced this week that Pitbull and Lynyrd Skynyrd will also be there. Wow. I might need to simply declare that my vacation week!

Finally, if we were gathered and chatting…

I remind everyone (yet again) just how ridiculous the weather has been this winter. We had a strange storm blow though, on Wednesday, that kept many stranded at home. We didn’t get much snow (maybe two inches?), but it looked like a psychotic blizzard outside with the 30-60mph wind. We’re talking total whiteout conditions most of the day! Did I mention it had rained all day Tuesday, so there also were numerous patches of hidden ice beneath the snow. Yes, I desperately want my summer back!

Anyways, I think I’ve had the floor long enough, LOL. I’ll step aside and let someone else (you?) have a turn. Besides, I’m due for a refill…

If we were gathered and chatting, what would you share? What would you be drinking?

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

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