Autumn 2019: What's on Tap

Buckle up, Friends! It's gonna be a bumpy ride...

Things have started to get a little crazy and busy in my running world. And I wouldn't want it any other way.

I have an action-packed line-up of activities (fitness and otherwise) to keep me on my toes for the remainder of the autumn season. There's weekly races, family celebrations, and plenty of entertainment as well.

Care to hear a few of the details?


Last weekend, (in the midst of taper for MCM), I ran the Run for the Roses 10K (recap HERE). It was a new-to-me event, and a lot of fun despite the crazy weather Momma N served up on race day. I treated the race as a tempo-ish training run, which proved to work in my favor (rewarding me with a new PR in the 10K distance). Beating my previous PR (from May 2012) was a great confidence boost as I continue tapering for my marathon on October 27th.

This coming weekend, I'm lacing up for my 10th appearance at the IMT Des Moines Marathon, running the half marathon on Sunday. Oh, this event is such an awesome endeavor! All told, I have run every race this exciting weekend offers (except for the marathon relay), and I make it a point to take part every year. With MCM a mere seven days later, though, I have ZERO race day goals (other than to enjoy the wonderful course and the non-stop crowd support). I'm going to run by feel, treating this as my final long run before MCM.

2018 IMT Des Moines Half Marathon

Oh, did I mention, it's also Homecoming weekend at the University of Iowa (the hubby's and my alma mater)? We're hoping to swing the parade on Friday evening, but that's only after a mad dash to Des Moines to get my race packet. There's also the football game on Saturday (the Hawkeyes are hosting the Purdue Boilermakers).

At the 2018 Iowa Homecoming Parade

We all know what's happening the following weekend, right? Drum roll...the Marine Corps Marathon! Seriously, I have had this race on my bucket list since forever. I'm on the fence for race day goals. I have had a strong training cycle, and I think I'm in decent shape to possibly try for a PR (sub 4:33), but we all know race day can be a crap shoot in terms of weather, crowds, phantom aches/pains, and general anxiety. We'll see....I still have a good week to think about it.

The weekend after MCM, I'm doing another half marathon, the Hillbilly Hike, because why not? My body is in shape and I want to take advantage of that. Don't worry, I plan to take things very easy the week after MCM...there will be (maybe) a couple of short runs and a whole lot of nothing else (well, except for foam rolling, stretching and post-race TLC). This strategy (running a half marathon a week after a full) worked well for me last year when I ran the 2018 IMT Des Moines Half Marathon following the Cannonball Marathon.

At the 2017 Hillbilly Hike...will I wear a flannel shirt again this year? Stay tuned...

Our youngest received her Associate of Arts degree in August, and we plan to celebrate her big achievement (she did it in one year!) with a party that same weekend (November 2nd). Oh, and it's also her birthday (and her boyfriend's birthday) that weekend as well. Go big or go home.

At the commencement ceremony (back in May)

Then, as if nothing else has kept me busy or on the go, the hubby and I are road-tripping to Madison  for the Iowa vs. Wisconsin football game on November 9th. Yes, we do thrive on fast and furious road trips, and we do love NCAA football.

Whew! Did you get all that?

Seeing all of it in print does look a little crazy, but I thrive on staying busy. I also have a hard time passing on a fun race. Oh well, I'm getting plenty of shut-eye right now, so I'm feeling fine. Onward!

Do you have a lot of fun stuff lined up for the autumn season? Any races? Family activities? Both? Ever run a half marathon before (or after) a full?

I'm linking this with Meranda and Lacey for the Friday with Fairytales and Fitness link-up. 

 

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