Spring 2026, in Iowa, has been seasonably “unseasonable.”
The calendar is showing Spring, but we keep getting Winter feels-like conditions on repeat. The wind has been downright brutal and rude. At least we haven’t seen any of the white stuff (snow or frost), so there’s that.
That said, if anyone has a magic weather wand, I’d appreciate a wave or two to set things right, LOL
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.
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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.
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?
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.
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.
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…
