Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Discipline


Discipline....Got any?

I believe all sports require discipline, but running especially.

Remember back when you were a new runner? Those first few (or, in my case, several) runs were not easy. My lungs burned and my legs did not want to move. And, what was that sharp, twisting pain in my side?

I wanted to be a runner, though, so I kept at it. Eventually, my legs didn't require as much warming up, and my lungs felt fine. And, best of all, those side stitches became a thing of the past.

Sunday, October 29, 2017

What Happened to Fall?


I have been mourning the loss of summer, but now fall has vacated the premises as well.

I mean, is this really necessary? We are barely half way through the fall season (according to the calendar). I've lived in the Midwest all of my life, so I am very well-acquainted with the change of seasons and all of their individual nuances. Although it just began to look like fall, it definitely feels like winter already. Let's be honest, a little bit of transition/acclimation would have been appreciated.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Runfessing The Latest...



Somehow, October is coming to a close.

How did that happen? And, how is it that we only have two months remaining of 2017? Well, one good thing about the month ending is that it gives one a chance to reflect on some things....and, if you're a runner, you can runfess those very things.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Sweat Equity Circuit


Good runners run, but that's only part of the equation.

I don't consider myself an expert on running, but I do know it's not in a runner's best interest to run all the time. The runner's body also needs rest, recovery, and other forms of fitness to keep everything in balance (and also to help ward off injury).

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Ready to RALLY


Shall we rally?

I mean, it's been almost four months since the surgery, and (already) it's been five weeks since I've been back in the running shoes. I've had two races that have gone pretty well considering there was not much (if any) training prior. Oh, and let's not forget there's a half marathon in the very near future (Rock'n'Roll Las Vegas, November 12th) that had been bought & paid for long before my summer ever began.

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Favorite Fall (running) Hacks


Do you like running in the fall?

A lot of runners sing the praises of fall because they welcome the cooler temps for their runs.
Myself? Not so much.

Don't get me wrong; I do enjoy fall and the cooler temps can be pleasant. The cooler temps, though, can also be unpredictable and extreme (ummm, low-40's in the morning, high-70's in the afternoon, thank you very much).

Let's not forget the shorter days also throw in another nuance...limited daylight. My early morning runs (and occasional walks) are now in 100% darkness. I'm still getting them done, but the change of seasons dictates I change a few habits for the time-being.

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Mercy Live Up Loop Race Recap


What can I say? Sometimes the stars, moons, and planets all align, and things just happen.

The second annual Mercy Live Up Loop 5-mile Race happened this past Saturday morning, and I was there. I ran it last year (2016), but under much different circumstances (I had the Route 66 Marathon happening a month later, and had not spent the summer recovering from surgery). This year, having just returned to running, I was eager to see what I could do.

Friday, October 13, 2017

Going with the Flow


There was a lot of "going" and "flowing" happening this past week.

That's what happens when you surrender to Momma N and just go with what she hands you. And, sometimes, she does play nice.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Hmmm????


There are a lot of things that make me go, "Hmmm."

Recently, though, there has been a plethora. Not only have I been "hmmm'ing" all over the place, I have also been rolling my eyes and shaking my head.

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Just Breathe...

***This post is sponsored by The Breathing App***
Have you ever thought about the simple act of breathing?

It's one of those natural bodily functions that most of us take for granted. We breathe slowly when we're at rest, and we breathe excitedly when we're anxious or being active. Most of our breathing is a result of our actions, but it is possible to actively control our breathing as well.

Enter The Breathing App!

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Another Week...


Another week back, another week of transition. Only, this week also had some dark moments.

The Las Vegas tragedy was horrific. Plain and simple, horrific. I am not going to let it hold me back from doing my races (after all, these incidents can happen anywhere and at anytime). I am going to remember to be in a constant state of gratitude, though....we all have things that could be gone in a moments notice (like our family, friends, our health, or our ability to run). If we live in a state of constant fear and dread, we miss out on so much beauty and livelihood. I also think instead of focusing so much coverage on the animal that committed these acts, we need to be mourning those we lost, praying for the survivors, and praising all the helpers who stepped in and provided immediate assistance.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Over scheduled?


Do you ever feel like your schedule is out of control?

My fall schedule is a bit outta whack this year, and it's throwing my "usual" fall routine for a loop. Can we talk about this? You know, over a mug of coffee, a cup of tea, or a hefty glass filled with the beverage of your choosing.

Monday, October 2, 2017

Kickoff to Kinnick 5K Recap


What happens when your Alma Mater, the University of Iowa, hosts a big event (coincidentally) right after your running sabbatical has ended?

Well, my answer is to register and get my buttocks to the start line!

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Can You Say EPIC?


Maybe I should take 3-month sabbaticals more often...

(just kidding)

My return to running has really been MUCH smoother and easier than I would have imagined. Of course, it's only been a couple weeks, and I have not jacked up the mileage much. In fact, I'm  staying on the conservative side of that spectrum, and taking mini walk breaks as needed. But it still has felt like an epic adventure thus far....and this past week was no exception.