Give Me 19 Minutes...

Got 19 minutes for (daily) fitness?

I'd bet the farm (if I had one) that you do.

It's not a big time commitment and it doesn't have to be intense. In fact, you'd be surprised at just how fast 19 minutes go by...the key is getting started and just doing it.

Need some ideas? I got that covered...

Gloomy Is As Gloomy Does

Gloom is a state of mind, and quite a subjective one at that.

No doubt, things continued to stay nutzo with the #covidcrazy pandemic. The weather, though not uncomfortable, certainly wasn't all sunshine and warmth either. And, although I felt humbled at times, my fitness endeavors kept the sweat flowing and my heart pumping. After all, I get to do fitness endeavors, no matter how tough or challenging. That's always a good thing!

Runfessions...because some things never change

A lot of things have changed recently.

Oddly, though, a lot of things have remained (relatively) the same. At least for the time being.

One thing's for certain...there's always a few runfessions to disclose.

My 2020 Spring (empty) Bucket List

There were all kinds of grandiose things on tap for my 2020 spring racing season.

Sorry, but I'm not sorry for being an early bird (both in my daily routine AND in registering for races). There is a gamble, though, in that the race(s) may not come to fruition and that start line (and subsequent finish line) will not happen. It could be all on the runner (ahem, injury or arisen schedule conflicts) or it could be on the race day circumstances (the weather).

Or, in my case, it was due to COVID-19 messing with things.

Spring Break: Broken

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Or, in my case, break it anyways by canceling all your Spring Break plans. I wish I could say "crisis averted," but plenty of COVID-19 drama still went down. At least I had the "luxury" of not worrying about air travel and dirty airports. That said, as of Saturday morning, there has now been one confirmed case in my area.

But, like most others, I chose to forge on. My current count of affected races is at six. Not a big deal...it is what it is, and I'm all about doing what's best for the general population. Most of my races are postponed (one did have a virtual option), and only one was outright cancelled.

Alas, it was another interesting week...

5 Coping Strategies for a COVID-19 Cancellation

COVID-19. How's that for a buzz word!

That's the current reality.

It's affected all of us in one capacity or another. Unfortunately, no one is exempt.

As runners, many of us have had road races cancelled or postponed, leaving us in limbo for the next couple months. A lot of time and energy have been spent, all in preparation for these events that now may (or may not) happen in the foreseeable future.

What's a runner to do?

Well, it's not the end of the world, and all is not lost. Actually, there are many options to consider in the wake of this turn of events...

A Week of Pi Challenge recap

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Now, that's a mantra I have embraced a time or two in my running shoes.

We all know our own body best, but there's always a few unknowns...how many miles are too many? Total on-the-couch rest, or active recovery? Back-to-back race weekends? Easy pace or all-out speed?

It's easy to pass judgement on that which we have not tried (I'm guilty myself), so I decided to test the waters with a little challenge leading up to the Day of Pi, March 14th.

March Madness and Mayhem

Wow. Has it been a week!

A lot of events have gone down (quite literally), a lot of stress has been elevated (unfortunately) and there's been all kinds of panic and fear laid out before us. Myself, I don't think I've let things (known and unkown) get to me (yet), but it's been a week like none other.

Let's just say I'm ever so grateful to have the likes of fitness, sweat and endorphins as my one constant.

No. Gym. Required.

Stuck at home? Quarantined? No gym?

In light of the recent COVID-19 precautions, many are opting to stay home. Working-out at home, whether by force or by choice, has its benefits. And, it is possible to get a great sweat going without leaving your house.

2020 Leprechaun Chase

For starters, there was plenty of green.

After all, the Leprechaun Chase 10K is all about some St. Patrick's Day fun, by way of a race course. But that's not all that awaits the Lads and Lasses at the Omaha venue.

There are nonstop hills. Many twists and turns along the race course keep you guessing. The terrain is constantly changing. And, this past Saturday, March 7th, there was a 22-mph steady blast of wind!

Alas, all of these variables not only made for a tough race, but a fun challenge.

Windblown!

Wind, wind, and even  more wind!

Yep. It was a windy week, pretty much on a daily basis.

Thankfully, the temps were mild, and the precip was a no-show (in the daylight hours), so it wasn't all miserable. Just windy.

Coffee, Anyone? Lets Chat...

Anyone else (still) craving a hot beverage, though the temps are (slowly) rising?

Even though Spring is in the air, that air is still feeling a bit cold. Thankfully, the snow is mostly gone and the bulk of the residual mud has dried up. We've even had quite a bit of sunshine! But, those 30mph wind gusts Thursday afternoon? A big "No Thank You" to those.

What say we gather, warm beverages in hand, and chat for a bit?

Marching and Racing into Spring

March 2020 is gonna be a busy and fun month for this runner!

There's some traveling on tap. A new state to check off. And my favorite non-running event will be  the culminating crescendo.

Care to hear what's on the roster?

All is Well that ends Well

All is well that ends well, especially in terms of the weather!

But, Holy Brrr, Batman...we had to wait for it.