While the calendar still says "Winter," I dare say we got a substantial taste of Spring this week.
In addition to the mostly mild temps, we also had the requisite wind (pretty much on the daily). You know, Momma N wouldn't want it any other way. Thankfully, she was generous with the sunshine and very stingy with the rain (no complaints on that!).
As for all things on the fitness front, I front-loaded the week in preparation for my first race of 2023...
Some say, "Movement is magic." I say, "Movement is medicinal."
Don't worry, other than a mild head cold recently, I haven't been under the weather in a long time. Well, I guess I did have Covid six months ago, but that was a mere couple days of mild discomfort (honestly, in my case, the vaccine/booster did more harm than the actual virus itself).
In terms of actual sickness, though, I have been very lucky (and very thankful). I not only attribute daily moving and grooving to staying healthy, but also getting outside - everyday- no matter what. As this post goes live, on Sunday (February 12th), my #OptOutside streak is at Day-809.
This week, Momma N gifted my locale to a sneak peek of spring, so getting outside was true bliss! Even with a couple cold (ahem, seasonal) days, this week was a treat.
Holy BRRR, it's been a bit brisk...
I guess it should come as no surprise that the real winter weather would eventually make an appearance. The mild January really had me hoping the calm before the storm would remain calm a bit longer, though.
Oh well. Such is the reality of winter in the Midwest. It's a good thing I'm #IowaTough.
If we were talking busyness, this week was a doozy.
We're talking all kinds of work-related stuff, daily run streaking, and a host of pre-holiday to-do's that needed attention. Oh, and did I mention we have a college graduation happening soon (like next weekend!)?
I was especially thankful for each and every fitness fix (aka coping vice) that I had at my disposal this week....if you know what I mean.
Such is my reality for the next several months, at least in regards to biking. I know, quite the first world problem.
Not only am I thankful to have an indoor bike a mere 2-minute walk from my bedroom (on a slow-moving day, LOL), but I am even more grateful that I LOVE riding it. Of course, I'd much rather be outside, in the fresh air...but certainly not this time of year (in the limited daylight), and certainly not in the midst of an Iowa winter.
Have you ever taken your cycling indoors? Here's a few things to consider if the opportunity presents itself...
Funny how it seems that once the daylight started noticeably dwindling (which, for me, wasn't until after Labor Day), time seems to have sped up exponentially as well. Anyone else, or is that just my observation?
Anyways there's been a lot happening, so I have plenty of 'fessions to share. In the interest of time, though, I'll do everyone a solid and just disclose five for now. Fair enough?
Can I share a not-too-surprising secret?
I'm not looking forward to the start of the fall season. But, bless Momma N's dear heart, she was quite kind in gifting me another week of summer weather...and the forecast is showing it will continue for several more days this next week.
But still.
It's not that I detest Fall, I just do not like that it's a precursor to Winter. Maybe Momma N could sense my trepidation? Alas, this past week was a nice one, in terms of weather and whatnot.
There's nothing like a good cleansing session at the 'Fessional.
Let's just say that things have been a little crazy, and my world has been a little topsy-turvy recently. And, the dwindling daylight has got me in a bit of a funk (seriously, I really hadn't much noticed the days getting obviously shorter until this week!).
Unloading a few 'fessions does wonders for one's mind, body and sole(s), if you know what I mean.
Is it ironic that the start of May also jump-started a spurt of activity?
I mean, there's been the usual weather-dancing (#wind and #rain and #morewind) and running gear confusion (#layers), but the month of May also adds in multiple events with race bibs. Sure, why not?
Go big or go home, right?
MAYbe it's May, but things are feeling kinda "unMay-like" this year.
The weather is 5-6 weeks behind where it should be, and it's been cold, damp and blustery more often than not. We have had plenty of sunshine, though, so that's a plus. Also, despite the cooler than normal weather, the trees are blossoming, the grass is a striking shade of green, and most of the spring bulbs are in bloom.
I am grateful to get outside on a daily basis, though (the #optoutside streak is showing no sign of stopping). A good thing about the cold weather is that it does make a warm beverage (post-workout, or otherwise) a pretty sweet treat.
Even better than a hot beverage, is gathering with friends, and having a chat session. What ya say? Shall we gather and chat for a bit?
Well, another round of Weather Roulette went down this week.
Can I runfess that I'm not a very willing player? Every time I wash the fleece-lined tights, headbands and gloves, I wistfully hope it's for the last time this season...only to have to dig them out ((again)) for "just one more run."
Thankfully, I do know the end is in sight, and that all these cold (and windy) days will be a fading memory. And, thankfully, I am grateful to have a good supply of fleece-lined gear in my possession for the time being. That said, I'm ready to spring ahead to brighter and warmer days.
As the saying goes, Spring has sprung.
In Iowa (and probably a lot of the Midwest), that just means the calendar shows we've moved beyond the Spring Equinox. The spring weather can be rather unpredictable and ever-changing.
This week, for example, we had summer-like temps, spring-like rain, and winter-like snow. The one constant was the daily wind...and the wind was a doozy!
