A Star-Spangled Coffee Gathering

Well, friends, July has arrived!

How about we gather (virtually) and have a chat over coffee? I have a lot of stuff in the works for this new month, and I’m looking forward to all kinds of summer weather to get things done. 

Getting My Groove Back

So there I was, getting my groove back after a mini vacation.

Fortunately, my overall fitness wasn’t lacking while away (other than some lackluster running totals, LOL), so it wasn’t a tough return to reality. Still, missing a week of work and whatnot made these final days of June whiz by at record speed. 

How is it almost July? Where did the first half of 2026 go? Things that make you go, “Hmmm….”

‘Fessing It Up for June

…and just like that, it’s time to hit the ‘Fessional.

Crazy how a week away can make one’s reality hit the fast-forward mode (I’m looking at you, Houston). Although the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays, I’m in no hurry for June coming to an end. 

That said, I have a few ‘fessions to come clean on before all the July festivities begin…

Yes, I did it again… 2026 D2D race recap

Yes, I did it again. 

I returned, with my 19th bib in place, for the 2026 DAM-to-DSM Half Marathon on Saturday, May 30th. Believe it or not, it was just as exciting (and hot and humid) as it had been the first time I crossed the start line…

Almost a Rainout

Well, it was quite a week!

It had been a long while since I’ve had the opportunity for a vacation, and Momma N had it in her mind to make it a memorable one. This one came complete with crazy air travel issues, torrential rain and all kinds of heat and humidity, courtesy of the city of Houston.

Nonetheless, it still was a nice little getaway in a new-to-me city…

Holy Heavy Humidity!

 Oof, did it feel damp this week!

While the temps were equally warm, it’s the humidity that really makes the outdoor conditions ever-so-miserable. Granted, I don’t hibernate indoors during the summer. I’m fortunate to have a petty high-tolerance for the summer heat (and its requisite humidity), but it is a shock to the system when it appears practically overnight. Even I prefer a little bit of an acclimation…

ALL RECOVERED!

Not quite sure how it happened …

This week has to be the easiest recovery week on record. If nothing else, it ranks right up there in the top-3 of active recovery endeavors. 

In a nutshell, there was plenty of walking, some strength work, and substantial biking. Also, there was some running, but the miles were kept to a conservative minimum. 

How About a Coffee Chat?

Anyone craving some chatting, maybe over coffee?

It has been a few weeks, and I do have a few things to bring to the coffee table (see what I did there?). Besides, it’s always nice to share some convo amongst friends.

I’ll get the party started…

I’m Calling This a Taper

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…

Shall We MAYfess?

And, just like that, we’re back at the Runfessional.

Yes, May is winding down. Before we (or at least myself) can move on to June, a trip to the ‘Fessional is in order to wipe the slate clean. 

Care to join me?

Reunited with the Flock! Market-to-Market 2026 Recap

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!

Consistency

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… 

A Wind-Blown Recovery

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…

Klompen Classic 5K - race recap

 

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!

More Spring Chillin’

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

Grand Blue Mile - 2026 race recap

 

I can do tough things.

Although I pride myself on doing such things, I often question my sanity while in the midst of getting them done. Over the years, I’ve gotten especially good at getting out of my comfort zone (because there’s nothing to be gained by staying “comfortable”). 

Case-in-point…the Grand Blue Mile. 

Feelin’ Good, Feelin’ Fine

Another week of Spring, and things have been feelin’ pretty stellar.

Even after that cold, windy, and hilly Drake half, as well as the intense Grand Blue Mile, all is well. There have been no traces of the DOMS, which is a valid cause for celebration. And, although the wind has been rather naughty, the weather has been seasonally pleasant. 

Coffee and Chatting and Whatnot

Here we are, welcoming in a new month.

I’m not quite certain how May arrived so quickly, but whoops, there it is.

Like it or not, we are moving closer and closer to my favorite season, namely Summer! April had some summer-like moments, and it was total bliss. It also tried to catapult us back to Winter a few times.

As is the custom, it’s time to grab a mug, pull-up a chair, and gather for a short coffee chat amongst friends. I’m game, are you? 

Drake Road Races Half Marathon - 2026 Race Recap

 

There are a lot of favorite races that have me questioning my sanity.

Yet, I go back year-after-year. 

Now in its 58th year, the Drake Road Races offers a 5K, a 10K, and a half marathon. I’ve never run the 5K, but have run the 10K a few times. Prior to race day, I’d run the 13.1 eight times. The thing is, it’s not just the longer distance that makes this particular half marathon a tough one, it’s the hilly course that really keeps you humble.

…and Spring Awakens

It was quite a week.

Active recovery (ha ha! #SortOf), Celebrations. Service. And, another race. Not a bad mix, right?

Momma N even righted all the wrongs she threw at us over the previous weekend, so she’s not on my hit list anymore.  

Drake-Fessions, Anyone?

Are we ready for another trip to the ‘Fessional?

How about we add a slight twist to the mix, and throw out a few Drake Relays ‘fessions this month? After all, there was a whole lotta Drake running and racing on the agenda, not just this week but also this past month in preparation.

Last Saturday (April 18th) was my ninth time running the half marathon. Just a few days ago, on Tuesday (April 21st) I returned to downtown Des Moines, for my fifth attempt at running the Grand Blue Mile. Oof, yes…we’re talking a long distance race (with a whole lot of hills) and a very short one, within three days of each other.

Anyways, here are some thoughts and Drake-fessions on the matter…

More Whacky Weather Whiplashing

Suffice it say Momma N had some attitude this week.

Wowza. She was generous with the wind (#BigSurprise), but she also was very kind with the (summer) heat. Then, by week’s end, she did a complete 180 and tried to catapult us back to Winter. Yes, just in time for my race, LOL…

Before I get to the nitty gritty deets from the week, Welcome to the Weekly Run Down!

Let’s Climb! Fight for Air Climb - 2026 recap

Yes, I did it again.

It’s not like I’m a glutton for punishment. I definitely have a zest for taking on challenges, though. You know, especially the ones that others may shy away from. 

Such was the case on Sunday, March 29th. I found myself back in downtown Des Moines, with 79 total flights of stairs awaiting my legs, heart, and lungs. 

Riding the April Rain Train

 Can we talk about 4-letter words? Specifically, those that often times try to wreak havoc on my fitness endeavors? 

It’s a given that wind is top contender. Another such wild card is rain. Let’s suffice it say both of these were in tight competition for this week’s top honors. I guess I could also add cold  to the mix, but it wasn’t in the deal-breaker range.

Rain had a sight edge this week, though, and not in a good way…

Weathering the Week

 

It was another interesting week of weather.

Lucky us, we were blessed with a little bit of everything this week. Although there was some sunshine, it was a contest between the wind and the rain for the most attention. There even was a little hint of tornado conditions. Never a dull moment!

An Early Spring Coffee Chat

 

Anyone up for a warm beverage, and some chatter among friends? 

After all, it is (finally) the spring season, and the Midwest weather is nothing if not unpredictable. There’s plenty to talk about, though, and we don’t even have to bring the weather into the conversation.

Go ahead,  grab a favorite beverage, and join me around the virtual table!

A Welcome Seasonal Shift

Hmmm, the Iowa weather just keeps us guessing.

After last Saturday’s record-setting 91F temps, the thermometer crashed and the wind returned. Go figure! Thankfully, things mellowed-out by mid-week and we saw more seasonal conditions. It still wasn’t summer-like, but at least the temps were moving in a better direction.

‘Fessing amidst the Madness

 

Here we go again!

Spring is finally here, both on the calendar and in the air. Races are on the roster, as is the training. March Madness has me totally excited. 

Those being said, there’s a few things to bring to the ‘Fessional before the month winds down. Care to join me? 

Rebounding with the Weather

 Have I ever mentioned how crazy the Iowa weather is?

This week survived a major rebound, not only in terms of weather but also with all the March Madness happening. By the week’s end, we saw more than a 100-degree temperature jump (in the right direction this time). 

I guess it was only appropriate we welcome Spring all proper, right?

Week of Pi: Take-7

So, I Pi’d again, for the seventh time.

What started out as a whimsical expansion on the (then) annual 3.14-mile birthday run, has become an annual tradition. Call me crazy, but once I get a zany idea in my head, I seldom put it to rest. 

This year’s rendition was probably the windiest Week of Pi on record. Thankfully, there were a few summer-like days, but the chilly spring/fall temps made an appearance, as did some late-winter conditions as well. As I’ve said, many times before, I’m glad I’ve got that #IowaTough thing going for me.

Whiplashed by the Wind

Wind. Too much wind.

Let me start by saying WIND is a 4-letter word, and quite an evil one at that. Let me add that we had a lot of it, this week, in Iowa. 

We even were under a severe wind advisory most of Thursday evening. That crazy wind continued through most of Friday as well. 

It’s a good thing I’m #IowaTough. 

Damp and a bit Dreary

Can you say cloud cover? Or fog? How about continuous overcast conditions?

Such was the theme, in terms of weather, this week. Although we did get some (limited) intermittent sunshine, the bulk of the week featured damp air and cloudy skies. At least it never snowed, so there’s that.

A Pre-Spring Coffee Chat

Although our weather is (currently) mild, and our temps are on an upward trend, I’m always down for a delish hot beverage. 

Anyone else? 

Disclaimer: most know I don’t care for coffee itself. Give me a hot & steamy foo-foo beverage, though, and all is well in my “coffee world.” 

I’m always ready, as well, to gather with the gals for some lively chatter. What say we grab our beverages-of-choice and have at it? Shall we celebrate the upcoming spring season, together, over a coffee meet-up?

The Great Thaw-Out

The Iowa weather just keeps us guessing.

First, we have arctic-like conditions for several weeks, but sans snow  (I’m looking at you, January). Then, we’re blessed with a couple weeks of very unseasonably warm temps, while the rest of the country was buried under several inches of snow and ice. Last weekend had us fighting the aftermath of a sudden much-more-snow-than-expected storm. 

And, this week? It started out very winter-like, but we gradually made our way back to early spring-like temps.    

Yes, never a dull moment!

How about a few February ‘Fessions

 

February 2026 was quite a unique month. 

The weather threw most of us for a loop. While much of the US spent the greater part of the month under snow and ice, Iowa was pretty much exempt from the usual extreme conditions of the winter season. 

With such an unseasonably pleasant month, one would think there wouldn’t be any ‘fessing needed. But, the ‘fessions, nonetheless, are still ripe and ready…

Care to join me at the ‘fessional? 

Winter (again) Reverts

 

We all knew it was coming, and Momma N made certain it arrived with a vengeance.

Winter! Yes, after two weeks of a beautiful reprieve from all things winter, we were brought back to the real weather of February. Alas, the fitness persevered, the #OptOutside streak was maintained, and I lived to laugh about it…

February Weather…say WHAT???

Did I fall asleep and miss the last of Winter? 

Doubtful, but a gal can dream, LOL. As much as we desperately need some precipitation, the past couple weeks have been rather…dare I say, pleasant? The extreme cold has left the scene (for the time being), the wind has mellowed, and the sunshine has been incredible.

Not needing my jacket in the afternoons has been intoxicating, and sweet little Max has really enjoyed the extra walks after work (and sometimes before I leave in the morning). Instead of dreading the eventual return of Winter, I’m choosing to bask in the here and now. All is, indeed, quite good!

A Sneak Peek at Spring

A quick sneak peek at Spring?

Please, and thank you! Although I am well aware the true winter temps and conditions will return (probably with a vengeance), I’ll take any reprieve from the extreme cold I can get.  

After a very cold start, the week ended with a major upswing in terms of temps. Of course, the wind still kept its presence known, but the great outdoors felt oh-so-much improved. 

Besides, it was nice saying goodbye to Winter for few days….

Shall We Gather Over Coffee?

Once again, it’s time for some chatter, coffee and kinship.

It’s been a cold 2026 thus far. I’m always up for a warm beverage, and it’s a given I enjoy some friendly conversation with my peeps.

Care to join me?

The FREEZE-OUT continues

Holy Brrrr, Batman, the winter FREEZE-OUT continues…

Yes, it was another cold week in my ‘hood (and much of the US). As mentioned, it’s been a pretty precip-free January, but Momma N has been ever-so-generous with dolling out the wind and arctic-like temps. 

Nonetheless, the fitness continued, albeit mainly indoors. That said, the #OptOutside streak continues. In fact, as this post goes to press, the Streak is sitting at 1,884 days of outdoor antics.

Alas, it was a week full of fitness and fun and whatnot….   

Here we go Runfessing, Here We Go!

Here we are, already entertaining the first runfession session of 2026. 

As per usual, the month of January was anything but boring. It actually was quite cold and crazy windy in Iowa, but the usual “white stuff,” which shall not be named, was at the bare minimum. No complaints in that regard.

 Alas, here’s a few select ‘fessions to come clean on…

Wind & Cold & Another Vortex, Oh My!

The Iowa winter continues, as does its less-than-desirable weather conditions.

As if the cold temps and blustery wind weren’t enough, Momma N upped her game and sent an intense polar vortex to the greater part of the USA late in the week. Although it’s been extremely cold and windy, the precip has been pretty minimal in my area…so there’s that, at least. 

But still, I’m totally not a fan of the winter season…

Another cold week #literally

It was another cold week, in more ways than one.

In case you missed the play on words, I continued to do battle with the previous week’s head cold. I didn’t necessarily feel any worse, but things were still not ideal with my “sinus situation.”

The weather also took a turn for the cold (rather, colder than what we’d been experiencing). This is January in the Midwest, after all, so cold temps (and snow) are to be expected. Knock wood, though, the snow has pretty much been MIA in my area, thus far, in 2026….  

Sweating out the “cold”

Let’s just say the weather wasn’t the only thing experiencing “cold” symptoms this week.

I’m not sure where it came from, but there was a vicious little bug (of some sort) trying to wreak havoc with my sinuses. It didn’t really keep me from moving and grooving, but it did test my patience. 

Alas, I persevered… Yadda 

We’re Up & Running!

Here we are, up and running in 2026!

This week was a busy one. We not only had 2025’s grand finale, but we also welcomed 2026’s arrival. Myself, I had several days (and a half day) of PTO, so my schedule was slightly off. Case in point, it felt like I had three Saturdays before the real Saturday arrived, LOL. My brain was so confused!

As per usual, the Midwest weather was a wild card. Nonetheless, it was a full week of fitness, fun and whatnot…

Coffee & Chatting? In 2026? Anyone?

…and, just like that, here we are in a new month, and a new year!

Our monthly coffee gathering is always a much needed break from our day-to-day stuff. This particular coffee date, though is on the tails of two holidays and several days of PTO from work. In fact, my brain is needing some caffeine to remember what actual day it is.

So, shall we have a quick coffee gathering and do some chatting?