To Streak or Not to Streak ...

To streak or not to streak?

That's not usually a question I'll even bother to answer. I realize a lot of runners do run streaks (running at least one mile everyday, no matter what). For many, it's a natural part of their day, an element of their being, and a necessary daily task that needs to be performed. Yes, a lot of runners run everyday...but I'm not (usually) one of them.

November in a Nutshell

How is it almost December already?

My head is still spinning, trying to fine-tune all of my November "stuff," and the month is almost over. Not quite sure how that happened.

Anyways, here's my November in a nutshell:

My Heart is Full

Another week is in the wraps, and all I can say is, "My Heart is Full."

The Pennsylvania daughter arrived back in Iowa on Friday morning (11/17). The college son came home Saturday evening (11/18). The high school daughter was off from school after Tuesday (11/21). So, we had lots of family time and a full house (complete with an extra dog!).

I was able to keep active with my workouts as well as getting the house ready for our Thanksgiving dinner. Here's what went down:

Runfessions?

This month's Runfessions kind of have me in a flux...

If you caught my Thankful post earlier this week (if not, it's HERE), you all would know how full my heart is. It's really hard to find things to runfess about when everything is sort of on the up-and-up. There are a few things of recent, though, that I thought would be runfess-worthy, but I was surprised at how easily I just shrugged my shoulders at the situations.

So Incredibly Thankful

Being a runner has had a pretty significant impact on my life.

There is SO much to be grateful for...and not just this time of season, but year-round.

I've written previous Thankful posts (in 2016, in 2015 and in 2014), and I honestly don't know if I could say it any better. Bear with me, I'm gonna go with (mainly) what's been said before, but tweak some of it to make it more current.

Let There Be Rest

Let there be rest...

Yes, indeed. Rest was a much-needed commodity this week. Coming off the R'n'R Las Vegas Half Marathon (and the 2-hour time change), numerous (walking) miles, and three consecutive very late nights...well, let's just say I found myself  in a moderate run-down (and dehydrated) state of euphoria. My body was craving rest, and I obliged.

Winter Running Must-Haves

Let me just start by saying, "BRRRRRRRRR!"

We still have another five weeks before the calendar officially says winter is here, but the recent temps tell a different story. Thankfully, there has not been any snow accumulating on the ground (though there have been some flurries blowing around in the wind). That means it's time to assess the running gear and get ready for the next few (or several) months of chilly weather running.

Living in Iowa, I'm no stranger to winter temps (even when they arrive several weeks in advance). As a runner, though, it's not just a matter of grabbing the nearest fur-lined parka or snow boots. There are some items that I deem necessary for winter survival (whilst in my running shoes), and some not so much. Also, a lot of warm weather running gear can be used in the frigid temps if you know how to tweak it. 

R'n'R Las Vegas Half Marathon Recap

They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...well, I'm gonna share my latest Vegas adventure.

I registered for the R'n'R LasVegas back in March, a few months before that plot twist of a summer smacked me in the face (and the knee).  Not only did I have to DNS the R'n'R Chicago, but I had paid big bucks for the Vegas experience. Also, there were several blogging gals (Tricia, Marcia, Mary Beth, and Darlene) headed there as well. I was granted clearance to resume running in mid-September, giving me less than two months until the Vegas start line. Although I knew my endurance was fine, that still presented me with a tight window to get my body in 13.1 condition. None the less, I was determined to make it happen...

That thing called "Fate"

I'm a pretty spiritual person, but I also believe in Fate.

Fate has been waving its magical wand and sprinkling all kinds of fairy dust on me in recent months, and this past week was no exception.

Hillbilly Hike 10K Race Recap

With my rally-back-to-running going so well, I felt the need to add another race to my calendar. Enter the Hillbilly Hike.

Now in its fourth year, the Hillbilly Hike is a fairly small "local" event, that has grown every year. The main beneficiary is the Indianola Christian Union Church Mission Team (more info HERE). The course involves a point-to-point route along the Summerset Trail (a former rail trail). Participants have the option of running the half marathon, 10K, or (new this year) the Greubel 5K.

Getting it Done!

Sometimes, you just gotta get it done.

The weather may be foul. Your body may be tired. Your spirits may be down. But you just gotta do what needs to be done.

This past week was interesting.... the weather continued to be wacko, my work load was lighter than usual, and (amazingly) my body felt energized. Here's what all went down in my little corner of the universe....

How 'bout A Warm Drink?

Care to join me for a warm drink?

It's that time of year, after all. What would you be drinking? I'm going with a chai latte' (big surprise, I know), but feel free to pour yourself whatever you desire. It's always fun to get together and chat about life (in general) and running (in particular).