DOMS? yes... Regrets? None!

It was bound to happen.

After all, there were a couple of big races, run on back-to-back weekends. It's a given the DOMS would be entering the scene eventually, at least in some capacity. I'm calling these the VDOMS - Very Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness - because they showed up much later than expected.

That's one of the things I actually love about running....it not only makes you proud, but it also keeps you humble. And I wouldn't want it any other way.

Post-26.2 #runfessions

You all know I ran a marathon recently, right?

I also have a small obsession with #hashtags (thanks, Instagram!).

Why not combine this month's Runfessions (which are all about my recovery from that recent marathon) with a few appropriate #hashtags? Sound good?

IMT Des Moines Half Marathon 2018

Brrrrrr!

It was a cold morning in Iowa, but we had oodles of sunshine and a clear sky.

Sunday, October 21, 2018 was the day, and it was the 17th year of the IMT Des Moines Marathon. There were over 7800 participants (representing 48 states from the US) that took part in the various events over the weekend.

Myself, I'm no stranger to this grand weekend. I have been a part of it in various capacities in the past 10 years:
***I have run the Half Marathon in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016
***I ran the Full Marathon in 2014
***I ran the 5K in 2015 (as part of the 5K/13.1 Combo)
***I ran the Mercy Live Up Loop 5-mile in 2016 (as part of the 5 Mile/13.1 Combo) and also in 2017

Laying Low

Keeping all things on the down low....that was my week.

And, boy or boy, is it tough to sit still when your body feels like it should be moving and grooving.

Having run a rather tough (super hilly!) marathon in North Carolina on Saturday, and then flying back to Iowa early Sunday morning, I was anticipating the good ole DOMS to come a knocking. There was some stiffness Saturday afternoon and evening following the marathon (duh!), but surprisingly, all things felt good Sunday, even after several hours of car and air travel.

I'm no stranger to the marathon, or the wear and tear on one's body that happens as a result. This was not my first rodeo (it was, in fact, my 8th). I totally respect the training, the race itself, and the recovery that follows. So, it was in my best interest to keep a low (fitness) profile this week....

Too Much GRIT To Quit

Too much grit to quit.

Have you ever been caught in an especially tough race, training run or competitive/endurance event? Were you able to dig deep and persevere to the finish line? Did you have enough grit to keep that proverbial white flag from flying?

Cannonball Marathon Race Recap

The Cannonball Marathon.

It had been 16 months since my last marathon (Grandma's Marathon). I had rallied back from an emergency surgery. There had been several races done, a sprinkling of age group placings, and many miles run. It was go time.

Erring on the side of Caution

Taking things easy...

That was the paramount theme of my final week of taper. No speedwork, no extreme HIIT workouts and no risky behavior. I know, it makes for a boring week, but it was necessary.

Here's what went down as I prepared myself for the Cannonball Marathon weekend...

What (running gear) would I buy with $1,000?

If I had $1,000 to spend exclusively on RuNnInG gear, what would I buy?

Well, that's the $1,000,000 question, isn't it!

We've all heard running is a cheap sport. All we need is a pair of shoes, after all, and a willingness to lace up and get moving. But, those shoes do not come free, nor do any of the other "extras."

None the less, I do have a few favorites....

So, what’s up?

It's been another week of roller-coaster weather in Iowa.

The pendulum has swung both ways, and we've had both extremes of heat and cold (mostly cold!) as well as dry and wet (mostly wet!). Lovely, huh!

None the less, I kept it outside for the most part. Here's what went down in my fitness world this week...

Running, Tapering, Chatting...over Chai

What's been happening in my life recently?

Funny you should ask....I have been running (lots), tapering (the Cannonball Marathon is almost here) and, on occasion, I have been downing a chai latte' (or several).

That said, it's time for our monthly coffee chat (or, as I prefer...a chai chat). You know, a time to gather among fellow (running) friends and share what's been happening on (and off) the road.

Kickoff to Kinnick 5K Recap

The 5th annual  Kickoff to Kinnick 5K took place on Saturday, September 29th, and I was happy and eager to participate.

It was exactly one year ago that I pinned on a race bib and ran this very race...welcoming me back to the world of racing. After being sidelined for three months, there was a lot to love about being back in my running shoes on that special day, and the Kickoff to Kinnick 5K did not disappoint.

Seriously, what's not to love?