Des Moines Corporate Games: Cross Country race recap

There’s a first time for everything, even in the world of running.

A new such first, in my little world, was doing a cross-country race. Not only was it a traditional cross-country race, exclusively on grass, but it also was part of the on-going Des Moines Corporate Games. 

This is my first time working for a participating company, and these Corporate Games have been so much fun! I’ve done the bike ride and also the fitness walk (though, I did the walk “virtually,” but my 10K run counted towards my team’s participation points). 

Now it was time to lace-up the running shoes…

Sunrises, Smiles, and Some Serious Sweat

Indeed, the July heat (and humidity) was ever so strong this week.

Every day saw temps in the upper-80F/low-90F range with plenty of good old-fashioned “seasonal” humidity right alongside it. As I’ve often said, I don’t mind the heat. I can even tolerate the humidity most days, but that doesn’t mean I have to love it.

Nonetheless, I persevered through the thick of it… 

Fifth Season Races 8K race recap

So there I was…

Not only embarking on a Fourth of July race, but also returning to a specific race’s start line after a 7-year gap. 

With a solid week of sudden extreme heat (and off-the-charts humidity), the race day forecast had been looking sketchy as well. We’re talking 30% - 50% of rain, depending on which weather app you chose to access.

Alas, it was looking to be a muggy morning, rain or not…

Surviving the Swamp

Oof, did it get swampy this week!

I’m fortunate to have a pretty high heat tolerance. The humidity doesn't seem to affect me as much as it does a lot of others, but that doesn’t mean I love it

Nonetheless, I persevered... 

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…