Holiday Bowl National Funding 5K

When one travels cross-country for a bowl game, isn't it a given there would be an affiliated road race to do as well?

Or is that just a fortunate coincidence?

When the bowl games were announced earlier in December, the hubby indicated it would be fun to follow our Iowa Hawkeyes to the Holiday Bowl in San Diego. We didn't have much time to consider the travel options...there are many Hawk fans (who are even crazier than us) and the airline tickets would go fast.

Flights booked, rental car secured, lodging accommodations reserved. Done!

A Grand Finale

Can you believe 2019 is winding down?

It's been quite a decade, a phenomenal year, and a decent week for this runner. This final full week of 2019 had all the makings of a Grand Finale. Go big or go home, right?

One Last Set of Runfessions for 2019

Here we go again...time to lay it all (or most of it) out there.

You know the routine...say a few runfessions, clear your mind and sole(s), and move on.

Care to join the party? Here's what I'm sharing...

My Kind of Winter

When it comes to Iowa weather, you never know what you're gonna get.

We have hot summers, damp and windy springs (usually with residual snowfall), and sporadic autumns. Winter is a crap-shoot all its own.

This week, we had a taste of everything.

2019...Looking back; Moving ahead

Gratitude.

Yes, gratitude. It has been a predominant theme, mantra and state of mind for me these past two years.

I made it through an unexpected 3-month sabbatical from all things running in 2017. In 2018, I was  rewarded with a renewed sense of gratitude for the simple act of running, and being able to CHOOSE to do it (in all conditions).

Enter 2019...and things got even better.

Just Cool It...and don't skip the cool-down

What happens after the run?

There are many benefits to warming up before a run (or a race), but did you know a proper cool-down is also beneficial? Taking a few minutes to cool down not only benefits your body, but also your mind. It gives your heart rate a chance to return to normal as well as your breathing.

And let's not forget about the muscles that made the workout possible. A little stretching and TLC will enable them to relax and cool down as well.

Back to the BRRRR!

We now return to our regularly scheduled Winter...

Let me just say, "BRRRR!"  Even though I've lived in Iowa most of my life, I still think the winters are brutal. Granted, I've learned to deal with them, and they can be bearable (most of the time), but they still are cold.

None the less, I make an honest effort to get outside as much as possible, especially for my running. Thankfully, I didn't have to succumb to the 'mill this week (except for some walking).

Jingle for a Cure 5K

What can I say? I'm a sucker for a holiday-inspired race.

The thing is, there are not many of them to choose from in my area. There were a couple races that I used to do every year, but both of them disbanded a few years ago.

My main running friend, Barb was joyfully basking in a day of grandma-duty, so I was on my own (which is not a bad thing, just saying). I really didn't feel like driving an hour to Des Moines for a short (and solo) 5K.

Enter the Jingle for a Cure 5K!

Blinging It in 2019

The year was 2019, and it served me well.

Lots of races run, 19 in total. And, there was a nice haul of bling brought home.

Shall we play a quick game of Show and Tell?

Change in the Weather

Change is good.

There is nothing more crippling than to be caught in a stagnant state of existence. Same rituals, nothing new, zero challenges, no ventures outside of that comfort zone...none of these encourage growth or adventure.

Thankfully, that was not the case this past week. Not only was the weather in a flux of disarray, but so was my routine. And, it was all good.

Coffee & Convo

What say we grab a warm mug and chat for a bit. I'm game, are you?

How's your life, running and otherwise? Any races on the horizon? Any great ones in the rear window? Ready for the holidays? Or the impending cold weather?

What, oh what, could we chat about if we were having coffee? I could think of several things I'd share...

The Streak is ON!

Here we streak again!

Well, let me rephrase that....here I streak again.

I know, I know. It's that time of year. The racing season has come to a close for many of us. The weather is a bit dismal. Besides, a little incentive to stay active through the holiday season never hurt anyone.

Feelin' Seasonal

 Things were feeling pretty seasonal this week.

The temps weren't too cold (or any too warm, for what it's worth). There were some holiday happenings. College football was exciting! Even college basketball had some good moments. And, my end-of-the-year run streak is now underway.