Back to the Stairs: Fight for Air Climb 2025 recap

 

There I was, back in the midst of the excitement.

After two months of weekly stair workouts, it was time to test the training at the Fight for Air Climb. This was the 22nd year of the Des Moines venue, and my 12th time participating in the festivities. 

Affiliated with the American Lung Association, the Climb takes part in numerous cities across the United States. The event raises funds for research, education, and advocacy for clean air and lung health. 

Nostalgia:101

Can we talk about nostalgia? 

Specifically, can we touch on nostalgia for the good old days when the wind wasn’t such a nuisance ? Or a daily occurrence? Or seemingly always in the double digits, in terms of wind speed?

It seems the wind has taken on a life of its own in recent years. Even in the warmer months, there seems to be more windy days than not (I know, because I’ve had to fight it on my bike). In the cooler months, though, it can sometimes be a deal-breaker, or a wild card at the minimum. 

Alas, it IS a reality. As much as I detest the wind, it’s part of the outdoor scene (more often than not). This week was no exception…   

Spring’s First ‘Fessions

Is anyone else ready, willing, and needing to ‘fess a few things?

Well, I certainly have a few things to bring to the ‘fessional. After all, there’s never a dull moment, right?

I’ll get right to it…

…another Week of Pi

 

I think we all knew it was bound to happen…again.

When I spontaneously gave in to a self-created challenge in 2020, little did I know it would become an annual ritual during my birthday week. I guess somethings are worth repeating!

This was my sixth time taking on the Week of Pi Challenge. Read on for all the deets…

Enough with the Wind!

Well, it was quite a week!

I’d have to say the obvious constant was, hands down, the incessant wind.

I’m ever grateful for my persistence in keeping the #OptOutside streak alive. As of Saturday, March 22nd, the daily count is sitting at 1,578. If it weren’t for that streak, and my self-imposed obligation to maintain it, there could have been a few near misses this week.

Alas, all is well, and there were no unnecessary desperate measures needed…

SpRiNg is in the air

 

Well well well, it appears Momma N isn’t all that bad.

At least she played nice this week. The 7-day forecast had showed unseasonably warm (and sunny) weather, and it was pretty much on-point. 

With my Week of Pi antics on the schedule, I had high hopes of pleasant (if not warm) conditions, and was envisioning several (if not all) of my Pi runs in shorts. Mission accomplished! Can I just say, “Thank you, Momma N!”  

Can You Say Roller Coaster?

Well, this past week was a bumpy ride…

Much like that of a roller coaster, the weather had some exhilarating ups, breathtaking descents, and several gusts that left my hair windblown. No doubt, it was much in keeping with the strange winter we’ve had this season.

The calendar shows Winter’s grand exodus is only a couple weeks away, though. Let’s hope that holds true for our reality!