Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Grand Blue Mile - 2026 race recap

 


I can do tough things.

Although I pride myself on doing such things, I often question my sanity while in the midst of getting them done. Over the years, I’ve gotten especially good at getting out of my comfort zone (because there’s nothing to be gained by staying “comfortable”). 

Case-in-point…the Grand Blue Mile. 

Saturday, May 2, 2026

Feelin’ Good, Feelin’ Fine


Another week of Spring, and things have been feelin’ pretty stellar.

Even after that cold, windy, and hilly Drake half, as well as the intense Grand Blue Mile, all is well. There have been no traces of the DOMS, which is a valid cause for celebration. And, although the wind has been rather naughty, the weather has been seasonally pleasant. 

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Coffee and Chatting and Whatnot


Here we are, welcoming in a new month.

I’m not quite certain how May arrived so quickly, but whoops, there it is.

Like it or not, we are moving closer and closer to my favorite season, namely Summer! April had some summer-like moments, and it was total bliss. It also tried to catapult us back to Winter a few times.

As is the custom, it’s time to grab a mug, pull-up a chair, and gather for a short coffee chat amongst friends. I’m game, are you? 

Monday, April 27, 2026

Drake Road Races Half Marathon - 2026 Race Recap

 


There are a lot of favorite races that have me questioning my sanity.

Yet, I go back year-after-year. 

Now in its 58th year, the Drake Road Races offers a 5K, a 10K, and a half marathon. I’ve never run the 5K, but have run the 10K a few times. Prior to race day, I’d run the 13.1 eight times. The thing is, it’s not just the longer distance that makes this particular half marathon a tough one, it’s the hilly course that really keeps you humble.

Saturday, April 25, 2026

…and Spring Awakens


It was quite a week.

Active recovery (ha ha! #SortOf), Celebrations. Service. And, another race. Not a bad mix, right?

Momma N even righted all the wrongs she threw at us over the previous weekend, so she’s not on my hit list anymore.  

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Drake-Fessions, Anyone?


Are we ready for another trip to the ‘Fessional?

How about we add a slight twist to the mix, and throw out a few Drake Relays ‘fessions this month? After all, there was a whole lotta Drake running and racing on the agenda, not just this week but also this past month in preparation.

Last Saturday (April 18th) was my ninth time running the half marathon. Just a few days ago, on Tuesday (April 21st) I returned to downtown Des Moines, for my fifth attempt at running the Grand Blue Mile. Oof, yes…we’re talking a long distance race (with a whole lot of hills) and a very short one, within three days of each other.

Anyways, here are some thoughts and Drake-fessions on the matter…

Saturday, April 18, 2026

More Whacky Weather Whiplashing


Suffice it say Momma N had some attitude this week.

Wowza. She was generous with the wind (#BigSurprise), but she also was very kind with the (summer) heat. Then, by week’s end, she did a complete 180 and tried to catapult us back to Winter. Yes, just in time for my race, LOL…

Before I get to the nitty gritty deets from the week, Welcome to the Weekly Run Down!