My #PlotTwist of a Year - 2017 in Review

It was the best of times, it was (almost) the worst of times.

Somehow, it flew by ever-so-quickly. 2017 is now in the rear view mirror, and it took me on an interesting voyage around the sun.

Runfessing My Reality

Can you believe 2017 is coming to an end?

It's been an interesting year for me, given the unexpected surgery that nearly threw me into a tail-spin six months ago. Thankfully, I have been able to rally back, and can bid 2017 a fond farewell with no regrets. All things considered, all is well that is ending well.

That being said, there are a few last-minute Runfessions that need to be addressed and brought to light. You know how it is...full disclosure and all.

INSPIRATION is where you find it

How about one last dose of inspiration?

If you've stuck with me through Advent, thank you for your patience. If you're lost on what I'm chatting about, here's the details: I have been following the #AdventWord2017 challenge on Instagram, We've had daily word prompts to inspire us to post a pic related to each day's featured word.

Tis the Season

Tis the season!

This is the time of year for a myriad of emotions, busy-ness, and stress. It's also when there seems to be a lot of good cheer in the (cold) air. Even though not all of us celebrate the same holidays, I think most of us share in the general "good will towards others" thing as the holiday season engulfs us.

Even more INSPIRATION

Where do you find inspiration?

Do you seek inspiration for peace? For gratefulness? For reflection?

My #PlotTwist of a Year - Races & Bling

Oh boy! Has it been a crazy year!

This is the first of a 2-part series of my #PlotTwist of a Year. My Year-in-Review post will be coming soon (stay tuned).

For now, though, let's chat about my 2017 races and the subsequent bling.

Significance

It was another typically cold December week in Iowa, minus the typical snow.

I’m quite alright with that. Although, if it’s gonna be so buttocks-freezing cold, maybe having a little bit of snow to show for it would not be all bad. But, I digress. There were several significant things happening...

More INSPIRATION for Advent

I'm all about Inspiration.

Sometimes, I can do it on my own. Other times, a little prompt or key word will do the trick.

Such is the case for me for this Advent season. I have been following the #AdventWord2017 Challenge on Instagram (take a look HERE), and it's been a fun little way of throwing some thought, preparation, and purpose into my posts.

20 Days of Awesome

Can I get a Whoop Whoop?

Why? I just hit Day 20 of the 2017 Runner's World winter run streak. This year, the Streak has the subtitle of "40 Days of Awesome," and hitting the halfway mark is a major milestone.

How's it going for me? So far, so good. This is my fifth consecutive year of doing the winter run streak. Basically, I'm just running an easy-paced mile on my usual "non-running" days. No speed work and no major long runs. Easy peasy and very minimal commitment.

Baby it's Cold Outside

Baby, it's cold outside.

Ugh. Welcome to Iowa. I'd offer to take your jacket, but you'll probably want to keep it.

After a nice little late summer/early fall-like weather reprieve, Momma N got down to business and handed us the REAL winter weather we'd been lacking. I was able to keep it outside, but Holy Chilly Cheeks, Batman, it was cold.

'tis the Season for Inspiration

'tis the season, right?

Actually, it's the Advent season....those 24 days leading up to Christmas Day. Whether you celebrate the Christmas holiday or not, there's plenty of good cheer and well wishes among many this time of year. It's also a time to think back on the year, reflect on things to be thankful for, and also prepare for the upcoming New Year.

Jingle Bell Run 5K

It was a fun day of bountiful beauty.

How does that grab you?

On Saturday, December 2nd, I ran my first-ever Jingle Bell Run, and it was a grand time!  Living in Iowa, there are not many options for holiday-themed running events. Up until a couple of years ago, there were two favorite holiday-themed races I had done every December, but ((poof)) both are now gone. Fortunately, I found the Jingle Bell Run in a last ditch effort for some holiday racing fun...and it was more than just a fun morning in colorful Christmas attire.

Awaken

It was another week full of adventure, fitness, and awakenings.

The weather was really out of sync with the calendar. Most days it was in the 50's by the afternoon, though it  was very "seasonal" in the wee hours (like, in the low 30's).  In keeping with my daily cardio (10-20 minutes every morning) and my running streak (running at least one mile everyday from Thanksgiving until New Year's Day), I got to experience it all.