What’s with the Weather?

What’s with the weather, anyways?

It’s been said, if you don’t like the weather, give it a few hours (or a day or so), and you may change your mind. Such was the situation this week in Iowa.  

Last weekend we witnessed (and felt) a major nosedive in temps, an increase in wind, and basically nasty outdoor conditions. The last few days, though, the temps continued to rise, the sunshine felt ever-so-warm, and there’s a good chance we’ll be seeing (and feeling!) record-setting temps for mid-November. Whodda thunk!

The Active Recovery Reality Check

Active recovery is my current reality, and I’m good with that.

It’s now been three weeks since the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon. While I have been a good girl, avoiding the running shoes, things are still not feeling fully recovered. This past week, I ventured back out for a couple of short runs, and I didn’t notice any change…for better or worse.

So, how did things play-out? In a word: satisfactory.

There’s a Chill in the Air

After a late summer hurrah, the weather has turned chilly.

Actually, the weather is acting “seasonal,” but I much prefer the extended summer vibes Momma N had gifted us recently. A good thing about the cooler temps (maybe the only thing, LOL) is the vibrant change of foliage everywhere. Yeah, it’s looking pretty colorful out there right now!

Thus, I’m dealing with the change of seasons and am sipping plenty of hot beverages these days. Since it’s the first weekend of November, it’s time to gather ‘round our virtual table for some coffee chatter. 

I’m game, so here goes…  

Recovery. Recovery. Recovery.

Recovery. Recovery. Recovery. ‘Nuff said.

So, this was another week with another emphasis on active recovery. It’s been several years since I’ve taken an extended sabbatical from running, but I’m doing fine (not much FOMO). Can I just say it’s a nice break from the usual OCD weather-stalking?  

That said, active recovery does not mean sleeping-in or excess time on the couch, at least not in my  world…

A Few ‘Fessions Worth Sharing

It’s been quite a month.

There was some tapering going on. The IMT Des Moines Half Marathon went off much more smoothly than I could have ever anticipated. And, there’s been some recovery.

That said, there’s a few ‘fessions I need to share before October comes to a close…

Racing with Caution - IMT Des Moines Half Marathon 2025 recap

Oops, I did it again.

Actually, I did a lot of things (again) that I’d done before, at this year’s IMT Des Moines Half Marathon. 

This is an event I’ve run many times prior. Fortunately, as in many years past, I got to enjoy ample sunshine. Also, as in many times prior, I had to deal with colder-than-ideal temps (in my opinion), as well a very wicked wind. And, although I had logged several long runs, I really hadn’t followed a focused 13.1 training plan. Sound familiar? 

The 2025 edition of this favorite race was different, though. There was the usual rush of endorphins at the finish line, but they were more overwhelming than usual. This time, those sweet feel-good vibes weren’t from running (and finishing) an especially fast race. Instead, I was almost overcome by the ironic strength  I’d felt while persevering through a heavy dose of doubt, all while babying a few compromised body parts… 

Let’s Rock the Recovery

Recovery:101

Yes, indeed, it was a solid seven days of disciplined recovery in my world this week. Well, technically it was active recovery, because I’m not that disciplined to sit still, LOL.

I did stay out of the running shoes, though, and did more stretching and massage gun therapy than usual. That’s a huge win for me!