The weather was near-perfect. The Covid protocol was on-point. The course was its usual hilly self. And my post-stress-fractured self was ready to truly test my grit, my fitness, and my rally-back efforts.
Enter the Drake Relays Road Races. And, while we're at it, let's run a half marathon!
But the precipitation stayed away, so there's that.
It also was a bit of a taper week for yours truly. I still ran on my usual running days, but I laid off of the lower-body strength work, stairs and HIIT. I also did plenty of walking (and some biking) to keep my legs loose.
Disclaimer: I received a registration to the MercyOne 5-Mile Run as part of being a Bibrave Pro. Learn more about becoming a Bibrave Pro (ambassador), check out Bibrave.com to review, find, and write race reviews.
Well, it's not just the marathon, but ALL of the events affiliated with race weekend.
Even though race weekend is six months out (October 16th -17th), I'm already feeling pretty giddy. There are many reasons why I'm totally pumped for this weekend. Care to hear a few? How about five?
It's been said, by myself and others, that there are no friends like runner friends.
Heck, we all know the ins and outs of running. If there's anything we don't yet know, the odds are greater-than-great one of our runner friends can enlighten us.
Have you ever taken the time to list the many ways we benefit from running with these awesome friends? I'm not talking about our online running friends (who are invaluable in their own right), but our in-person running comrades.
Let me cite a few (or several) ways these particular peeps are beneficial to runners...
Ever played the "Guess The Weather Cuz The Forecast Failed" game?
Well, I have, repeatedly. At least that was the case this past week.
Case in point, I have two weather apps I follow. Both seemed to be in agreement on what the weather was going to be doing. However, what they both showed, in the forecast, didn't quite play out as predicted. Not a crisis, but definitely a frustration (actually several).
It's no secret that I love Summer.
And, I love summer running. I can say, in all honesty, Summer is my favorite season for running.
While many find the heat (and humidity) of the summer months too much to bear, I find it invigorating. After all, I'd rather be too hot than too cold. Call me crazy.
Let me start by saying, "Holy Wicked Wind, Batman!"
Allow me also to say, "Thanks for the beautiful sunshine, Momma N. It made the psychotic wind a lot more bearable."
Whew! All things said, it was a CrAzY week of weather in Iowa (and, I believe, elsewhere). That which doesn't kill us, makes us ever so much stronger. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
The recent Iowa weather has been windy. And the temps have been cold.
After a beautiful taste of early summer, the (current) frigid outdoors have left much to be desired. Nothing that a warm beverage can't fix, right?
How about we huddle together (virtually, still) and share some conversation around a (virtual) table. Care to join me?
A lot of us are eager to get back on a race course.
A lot of us will do anything for chocolate.
How about a race that features chocolate? Sounds pretty sweet, am I right?
Got sunshine?
It didn't happen in Iowa this past week. Not to worry, I know the sun is always shining even if it's hidden by a few (or several) clouds. There may have been some rain, and the temps were on the chilly side of Spring, but all went well. This next week is looking like a 180, though.
So, here we are.
Another new season, and a new set of 'fessions are front and center. While the 'fessions are nothing short of genuine and authentic, the current season (Spring) is feeling like a phony.
Little did I know, Fake Spring is actually a thing...
Hello, my name is Kim and I'm a runner who runs while on vacation.
I know I'm not alone in this addiction. After all, runners love to run, and exploring a new place (in one's running shoes) is a special kind of fix.
Not to be confused with a racecation, running-while-on-vacation is different. The first involves planning a trip around a race; the other involves running (and, often times, racing) while already on holiday. It's a fine line, I'll admit, but there are distinct differences.
Don't we all need a little escape, from time to time?
Well, I certainly do. This past week blessed me with such a treat. After all, Winter was coming to a close (according to the calendar at least), and this called for a celebration!
Before I share the details, welcome to the Weekly Run Down!
Oops, I did it again (and I don't regret it).
Since last year's inaugural Week of Pi was so successful, it was a given that it would happen again. After all, not everyone is blessed with a birthday that falls on the National Pi Day. That right there is a recipe for celebrating!
The thing is, I'm not only a runner, but also a bit of a numbers nerd. Most of us have probably played the game of runners' math (calculating how far one has run vs. how much further remains). I have also done many tribute runs, where I base my mileage off of a significant date or number. Call me weird, but I like to mix things up and not do the same-old-same-old repeatedly.
For many years, I have done such a tribute run on my birthday. A 3.14-mile run is short enough that it can fit into most any day (or night). It's also long enough that it feels like a substantial workout, regardless of how fast, or slow, it's run.
In 2020, March 14th landed on a Saturday, giving me an entire calendar week to have some fun. Thus, the Week of Pi was born. And, just last week, it happened again.
Ahhh, let the spring commence...
Well, technically, we still have another week to go (according to the calendar). Also, there is some more winter-like "precip" in the forecast (thanks, Momma N). But we've "sprung-ahead," and all of the residual winter snow has melted away...so onward!
This week saw daily action with the Week of Pi taking place. For the most part, there was ample sunshine and pleasant spring-like temps. No complaints, no regrets.
It was a jolly good time, indeed (and we're not just talking about that sub-9 pace LOL).
There was plenty of green to be had. Oodles of sunshine kept our hearts warm and our smiles bright. Let's not forget the numerous twisty hills to navigate. And, a new location for all the lads and lasses.
Sound familiar? Those were just some of the makings of the 2021 Leprechaun Chase!
There was a whole lotta green going on this week!
We're talking emerging grass (courtesy of the melting snow). The MSU Spartans had a big victory Tuesday evening. And, there was a St. Patrick's themed (in-person!!!) race on the roster.
After so much cold, in previous weeks, it was great to usher in an entire week of pleasant weather. March is a tricky and temperamental month, weather-wise, so this past week was a nice treat.
Anyone up for some coffee chatter?
You don't have to drink coffee, and we don't even have to all sit at the same table (Covid is still a reality, don't forget). But we can gather (virtually) and have some conversation.
Are you game?
Grab a mug (or a pint, or a stein, or a simple glass), and let's begin. What would you share, if we were chatting as we sipped our beverages of choice?
What do you think about when you're out and about, in your running shoes?
Honestly, my mind wanders. A lot. If there's an ADD that exists for runners, then I'm a victim (not that I think it's necessarily a bad thing).
Suffice it to say that many a blog post has been "written" while running. And, many of those blog posts started out as one topic, then morphed into another before the run ended.
Back outside never felt so fine!
After nearly three weeks, the extreme cold weather broke and Iowa returned to its regularly scheduled winter. Some days even saw temps well above the seasonal norm! Of course, that gave way to melting (LOTS of melting) as the 30ish inches of ground snow slowly shrank...but who am I to complain?
February has been a month, and not necessarily in a good way.
Well, I digress. It hasn't been all bad, but it has had it's moments. Maybe a few 'fessions will help clear the air and ease my mind.
Shall I? Shall we?
Yeah, this past week was rather frigid.
We're talking sub-ZERO temps, most days, in Iowa. The snow continued to fall, the wind kept blowing and the streets remained a near-hazard. Thankfully, as we neared the weekend, things were finally (after two solid weeks of polar vortex conditions) on the upswing.
Have you ever been stuck inside and needing a fitness fix?
Hey, it happens. Sometimes, the outdoor conditions just aren't in our favor. It may be too hot, too cold, too icy, or just too dangerous (I'm looking at you, lightening). We cannot control the weather, but that doesn't mean we have to be victims of it.
If you're looking for some ideas on at-home entertainment, via working-out, maybe I can help you out. Here are a few blog posts from the archives...
Milly. She's my treadmill. Suffice it to say that our relationship is marginal, at best.
While I am most grateful to have an indoor option for running and walking (especially these past two weeks), that doesn't mean it's all roses and rainbows. Once in awhile, I'll be pleasantly surprised with a run that doesn't leave me questioning my sanity or grit. More often than not, though, my runs are dread-the-tread excursions.
I accept that this is all on me (well, most of it). A lot of runners enjoy their runs on the 'mills, and don't have the issues I do. Honestly, I'm quite envious.
Holy Frigid Freeze, Batman!
While we able to avoid extreme weather in January, that has not been the case in February. We've had near-record snow fall and have not seen above-freezing temps in awhile. Truth be told, this past week saw only one day without any new snow and our town is running out of places to stash it.
But, it's not all bad! We still have had some glorious sunshine, and I've been able to stay just as active by opting indoors. My glass (coffee mug?) has remained more than half full...
Winter running....
Although I much prefer the heat (and humidity) of Summer, I admit I would miss not having the change of seasons right outside my door. Granted, I may loathe the cold, but there is a bit of a magical essence to Winter, especially in terms of running. Even I cannot deny that.
Actually, there are several things I like about running during the winter season.
Care to hear a few? Read on...
Could you choose five words to describe yourself?
How about five hashtags?
Somehow, the hashtags are easier, but they still don't tell the full story. That's alright, limiting oneself to five words is just that: limiting. But, why not give it a try? Besides, I'm always up for a challenge.
Yowza! Can you say "SNOW!"
We had an abundance of the white stuff this past week in Iowa. Let's be honest...it IS the winter season. Even though January treated us to some unseasonably (dare I say) warm temps and weather conditions, it was only a matter of time before the real winter arrived.
All is well, though. While I don't love the cold of winter, I can deal with it. On occasion, I can smile about it, too.
It would appear that Winter 2021 has finally made its grand entrance.
After all, this Midwest gal knows what a real Midwest winter feels like. Even though January treated us to a (mostly) mild winter interlude, the real winter weather was bound to show up.
With the arrival of said real winter, I've been craving hot beverages 'round the clock. I also enjoy hanging with my running and fitness cohorts. What say we gather (virtually, of course), and have some (virtual) chatter. Shall we?
Disclaimer: I received a registration to the Allstate Hot Chocolate Virtual 5K - Houston as part of being a Bibrave Pro. Learn more about becoming a Bibrave Pro (ambassador), check out Bibrave.com to review, find, and write race reviews.
Sometimes, though, a virtual race can have all the feels (or most of them) as an in-person event. Like, for example, when a runner rallies back from her first-ever stress fracture...
It's definitely Winter in Iowa.
For the first time, in a long time, I had to mix up my weekly routine to accommodate (or avoid) the crazy "seasonal" weather conditions. Believe me, I'm no hero. It's something we all have to do on occasion, and not just in Iowa.
Besides, change is good. It's kind of fun to switch things around. No harm, no foul. And all that jazz.
Runfessions...oh yes, I have a few. And they're not all running related.
So, here we are. The first official 'fessional opportunity of 2021.
What say we get started. I'm game, are you? Yes, let's 'fess!
Oh, for the love of shoes.
Well, not just any shoes. We're talking running shoes here. I've worn many in the past (almost) 16 years of lacing up. Some have been good. Some have been duds. And some have been nothing short of total perfection.
I'm a proud sentimentalist, and I don't easily part with cherished pieces. That goes for greeting cards, thank you notes, past training logs and an occasional art piece from our (grown) kids' (childhood) art classes. And, my running shoes are no exception.
It was not like any other week.
The winter temps are still a reality, but they have been bearable. We've been blessed with a lot of sunshine, and the wind hasn't been too evil. As much as I look forward to the arrival of summer, though, I have actually been quite content with Winter (so far).
Trust me, stranger things have happened.
No question, I'm a summer runner gal.
But, thus far, there have been some good things happening. Maybe it's just that #GlassHalfFull thing I have going on, but I've actually been loving this winter running gig.
Even though it's only January, and there's plenty of cold weather still on the horizon, I'm choosing to celebrate the current situation. After all, I gotta take what I can get as I work my way back towards Summer.
Well, obviously, this pandemic belongs to ALL of us. I would argue, though, that each of us has experienced it differently. We've all had fears, anxieties, frustrations...and we all have brought our own life experiences to the table.
That said, my pandemic experience came with many lessons. Most weren't necessarily new "aha moments," or ground-breaking revelations...but all of them left me wiser, changed, and ever more grateful.
Choices aplenty...
Right? Most everything is a choice, at least regarding our behavior, our attitude, and our actions. This past week presented me with plenty of choices...weather (stay inside or opt outside?), workouts (cardio, strength, both?), and wellness (to snicker or smile?). The list could go on...
Bottom line, we have a lot more control than we sometimes realize. I'm quite grateful for that! This is my journey, after all, not anyone else's.
I have often said, "I run, therefore I am."
But running is no longer my one and only when it comes to fitness. It took several years of ongoing injuries to learn that good runners run, but great runners do other things as well. Truth be told, I don't consider myself a great runner, but I'm definitely an experienced one.
As much as I love strength-training and HIIT workouts, I have to admit cardio (in general) is my fitness "drug" of choice. When my body needs a break from pounding the pavement, though, I'm thankful to have several options to choose from when I'm craving a cardio fix. The newest member of my fitness clan is our stationary bike, whom I've named Sebastian (but I call him Sebbe, for short).
This may have been the least stressful streak I've ever done.
Why?
Coming off a stress fracture, my streaking strategy was to have zero expectations. Besides, it's not like I had any big races happening any time soon.
So how did that work for me? The short answer: Mission Accomplished!
With the new year here, there's no time like the present to get things rolling...right outta the gate.
So, that's just what I did.
While nothing has really changed much, just flipping the calendar page feels so refreshing and invigorating. For myself, it brings much hope.
Before I give you a peek at my first week of 2021, welcome to the Weekly Run Down!
Disclaimer: I received a registration for the Criss-Cross Virtual Challenge as part of being a Bibrave Pro. Learn more about becoming a Bibrave Pro (ambassador), and check out Bibrave.com to review, find, and write race reviews.
Let's just say they call it Perfect Timing for a reason.
Ever been there? In the early phase of a comeback, when an opportunity practically landed in your lap? And your gut instinct immediately said, "Let's do this!"
Well, it's been my reality for a couple of months now.
If I were asked to pick one word as a theme for 2021, it would be difficult.
After all, there are many words I frequently use (often disguised as hashtags) that I'd say accurately describe my perspective on fitness, drive, attitude, well-being, and life in general. A few of these include #GoBrightOrGoHome (bright colors are everything), #ThisIsMyCoffee (early morning workouts are my gig), #GlassHalfFull (because, why dwell on what's missing?), and #SmileThroughTheSweat (fitness feels great and brings me infinite joy).
So many words, so many choices. There's a lot to think about as we forge into this new year. Myself, I refuse to sit still and I'm all about enjoying the journey (in good times and in bad).
With that, I give you my 2021 focus: Blissful Persistence!
"Let your BRIGHT shine" definitely was the theme of the final days of 2020.
At least in my world, it was. Maybe it was because Christmas had come and gone (and I was a bit burnt out on red and green). Perhaps it was to bring a touch of zing to the white backdrop of snow. Or, most likely, it was just me being the art geek/color freak that I am.
Whatever the case, it was a fun week of fitness. The bright colors that I brought to it were merely just a bonus. You can decide...
