Shamrock Shuffle Race Recap

Sometimes, on race day, the stars, moons and planets (and any extra powers that be) will all align.

And, sometimes they don't.

The weather may be undesirable. The course may be unexpectedly tough. Your body may feel fatigued or your energy level is in the negative. Or, all of these factors could show up at the start line, give your mojo a run for its money, and wreak havoc on your race.  

Such was the case for me on my most recent race day. 

FreezeFest 5K 2020 race recap

That which doesn't kill us...

We're much stronger for the fight, right?

So what if there's a 20mph wind (the air temps were almost 60F warmer than the windchill two days prior). A runny nose (meh, it IS possible to breathe through one's mouth). And, a weird "out-of-joint" thing going on with the hip (well, that's just one body part...all others were fully functioning). Glass half full, after all.

Care to hear more about the 2020 FreezeFest 5K?

Winter Iowa Games 5K

There's a first time for everything, right?

Since 1987, Iowa has hosted the Iowa Games. Similarly to the Olympic Games (but obviously on a much smaller scale), there are summer events and winter events that take part over the course of a couple weekends (in each season) encompassing various sporting events.

I have participated in the Summer Iowa Games, doing the 5K and 10K road races in 2016, 2018 and 2019. It's never fit my schedule to take part in the Winter Iowa Games, but that all changed this past weekend.

Jingle for a Cure 5K

What can I say? I'm a sucker for a holiday-inspired race.

The thing is, there are not many of them to choose from in my area. There were a couple races that I used to do every year, but both of them disbanded a few years ago.

My main running friend, Barb was joyfully basking in a day of grandma-duty, so I was on my own (which is not a bad thing, just saying). I really didn't feel like driving an hour to Des Moines for a short (and solo) 5K.

Enter the Jingle for a Cure 5K!