May we Chitchat?

Well hello there, May! So very glad to see you again! 

For what it’s worth, I find the month of April painfully frustrating. Instead of easing towards summer, it feels like we’re stuck in a winter purgatory of sorts. Once May hits, though, it feels like summer is within reach. 

Alas, as we enter the new month, it’s always a great time to gather for a chitchat session. I’m game, are you? 

About that Grand Blue Mile…

Call me crazy, but I like taking on challenges that lead me out of my comfort zone.

Enter the 2024 Grand Blue Mile. 

Downtown Des Moines. On a sunny (and windy) Tuesday evening. Two days following a speedy 10K. Why not? 

Because Downtime Is Overrated

Sometimes, there are just too many things to do.

Often times I’m guilty of doing it all, because why not? 

This week saw a lot of fast-paced action. Admittedly, my body parts (I’m looking at you, legs) were feeling pretty wasted by weeks end, but it was a fun ride! 

Time for some Runfessions

...and, just like that, we're back 'fessing our transgressions, running and otherwise.

Are you ready?

Let's get this Runfession session underway. Let me begin...

Drake Road Races - the 10K Game-Changer

 There’s much to be said about going with your gut (and not your ego). 

Such was the case last weekend’s Drake Road Races. I made the decision to scale-down to the 10K, foregoing my 9-year half marathon streak. And I did so, surprisingly, with zero regrets or guilt. 

I registered for the half marathon back in October, well before I knew there would a house (finally) selling, another one purchased, and a stressful timeline of all things moving/relocating. In other words, my typical pre-spring training took an unexpected backseat and the probability of running 13.1 miles became unlikely. 

So This Is Spring

Spring in Iowa. 

Hmmm. It doesn’t feel like one specific “season.” It’s more like a random grab bag of all-season weather, where you don’t really know what each new day will bring. It’s definitely not boring, but it does keep us guessing on what to wear (for fitness and otherwise). 

A Race I Run Every Year

Hands down, my favorite race, every year, is DAM to DSM.

I've been trekking to Des Moines, the first weekend after Memorial Day, every year since 2008 to run this iconic race. 

Formerly known as Dam to Dam, this race was my first-ever long distance endeavor. Like a lot of distance runners, once I got a taste of that long distance finish line, I was hooked.