The Return to the Routine

When the recovery ends, the routine returns. 

That was my hope and my strategy, following the previous weekend’s half marathon. Thankfully,  everything went as planned and I’m feeling like a new person. 

A few random October Runfessions

 

…and, just like that, October is winding down.

That being said, it’s time (already again) to hit the ‘Fessional and clear the air (and my head).

Every month, several of us take our respective turns and share a few (or several) Runfessions amongst one another. It’s a great means to the month’s end, as well as a chance to wipe our slates clean (fitness and otherwise) before the new month begins.

IMT Des Moines Half Marathon - 2026 Race Recap

The Great Recovery

Ahhhh….

After a decent showing on a race course, a week of recovery is a good idea.  

Most know this wasn’t my first 13.1 rodeo (seriously, I’ve lost count, but it’s got to be in the 60-70 range). Other than doing a few requisite long runs in the weeks prior, I didn’t train especially hard for the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon. Even so, I know to respect the recovery that follows the finish line. 

When the Weather Pivots

Talk about an unexpected 180-degree (weather) pivot! 

Yowza, this week saw it all. We had beautiful summer-like conditions. There were a few pleasant seasonally-appropriate fall days. Of course, there was some rain (reminiscent of the spring season). Then things turned winter-like frigid by the weekend.

 It’s a good thing I’m an #IowaTougb gal.

A Back-to-Summer BOOMERANG

 To sum up this week in one word: Wowza! 

This week pretty much had it all. The weather felt like I’d gone back in time, and woke up in mid-June (no complaints!). The running felt incredible (and has me feeling good going into taper week). Finally, the freaky bruising has substantially faded from my unassuming eyes and face (check out last week’s WRD for more info). 

Dodging the Deluge

Rain, rain, and still more rain! What a reality!

This week, thankfully, had some prime opportunities to dance around the rainfall. There also were a few moments of  sunshine! The temps were more late-summer-like, so the weather conditions were a lot more to my liking.