2019 Bix-7 Recap

Supposedly, the third time is the charm. For myself, though, the fourth time was where the magic happened.

I'm talking about the Quad City Times Bix-7. This past weekend, I returned to this famous event (after a 5-year hiatus), with all kinds of hopes and aspirations for a PR. After all, 2019 has been pretty kind to me in terms of my racing endeavors, including a couple of hot and humid races earlier this month. Why not hope for the best?

A week of Miles and Smiles

Well, it's been quite a week, from start to finish.

There's been running (duh!). I've done some walking (nothing new there). Speedwork made a reappearance (it's been awhile...). There was quite a bit of action on the bike (what the WHAT?!?).

The week played out nicely, and I'll be smiling about this week for quite some time.

'Fessing up for July

 Well, what's to runfess this month?

Quite honestly, I don't have much to grumble about. My mileage has been decent. I've had a few races, and those have gone well. My cross-training has been legit. Everyone's in good health....

...but there a few things I'll share. After all, it's that time of the month...time to Runfess so we can all sleep a little better at night (since a lot of us probably have an early-morning workout on tap).

Riding The HEAT WAVE

Shall we talk about the 2019 heat wave?

Recently, Momma N dropped a major heat wave on most of the US. Honestly, it happens every year (most likely, several times, depending on where you call home). But doesn't it always seem to be the "hottest one on record?"

It is Summer, after all, and Summer is historically hot, at least in my area. Instead of cowering inside, wishing it away, I try to make the best of it and enjoy it for what it's worth. As I have said (repeatedly, in recent weeks), I'll take this melting heat, any day, over the freeze of Winter. At least it ain't snowing, right? We gotta keep that frosty mug half full!

Running Walking Biking in the HEAT

Baby it's hot outside...

Trust me, I am NOT complaining (remember, I waited 10 months for summer to return to Iowa). The heat does make it a bit more of a challenge to enjoy the great outdoors, though.

I'm still taking most of my cardio workouts outdoors. Even when the mercury is off the charts, and it's hotter than Hades, I usually shun the inside option. I figure if I'm gonna be sweating anyways, I might as well enjoy the scenery.

Midnight Madness 2019 15K Recap

Here we go again!

I first took part in the Midnight Madness Races in 2016. I was registered for the 15K (which is the combo of the 5K and the 10K, run back-to-back on the same evening). Long story short, it didn't go well; the 5K resulted in a personal worst (thanks to a major struggle bus adventure) and I pulled out of the 10K after the first mile (my one and only DNF to date). I had some wonky hip flexor thing going on and I should not have even started the first race.

I returned in 2018, hungry for redemption. I ran the 5K much better (5th place AG), and also was able to snag a 3rd place AG in the 10K. Redemption was all mine.

This past weekend, I returned to defend my 10K AG honors, here's what happened...

Going All Out

Sometimes, you just go all out and hang on tight.

It's been an exciting week, complete with a dramatic roller coaster ride in terms of weather, fitness, and all things outside.

Say hello to Gustavas

It's been a long time coming.

Not my getting a bike, but actually christening said bike with an official name.

But let's rewind for a minute...

Fifth Season Health Solutions 8K Race Recap

I'm all about a running a race on a significant holiday, and the 4th of July is no exception.

I love dressing for the occasion (in red, white and blue). Here in the Midwest, it's usually going to be warm, so that eliminates the stress of proper layering. Independence Day is a holiday that brings a lot of people out of hiding, so crowd support is usually a given. And if it's a new-to-me event, all the better!

Thursday, July 4th, was the date, and Cedar Rapids, IA was the setting for the 34th year of the Fifth Season Health Solutions Races. My friend, Barb, and myself were doing the 8K, while the hubby was running the 5K. The start time was 8:00 for the 8K and 8:15 for the 5K...and we were excited!

What day is it...again?

It's been an out-of-sorts kind of week.

The temps were especially muggy, there was a holiday, and I ran a mid-week race. All of which was great, but I think I spent the majority of the week in a state of confusion and flux. First world probs, right?

A Coffee Date...shall we?

If we were having coffee, I'd probably be opting for water.

How's that for a buzzkill on this much-awaited, monthly coffee get-together? It's not that I'm anti-coffee...I simply just do not care for the taste of it. But, I could sit in a coffee shop all day, basking in the heavenly aroma of the stuff.

That said, it's gotten so hot in Iowa ((finally)), that I'm slamming the water like it's my job. That's all good...the heat AND all the water. Glass half full (no pun intended LOL).

Anyways, there's a lot of stuff I'd share with you, as you enjoy your java...

A journey of Gratitude

It's been an interesting two years.

It hasn't been easy, but it's been very enlightening. Definitely not a journey I'd choose to repeat, nor wish on anyone else, but it left me with some valuable lessons. And I'm ever grateful for the experience.

In case there's any doubts, I'm talking about my journey with Voldy.