All is Fair in Fitness and 'Fessions

 

All is fair in fitness and 'fessions...at least that's what I'm going with.

It's that time of the month, when it's only right (and needed!) to 'fess up a few things from life and reality. For the most part, all things are pretty quiet and stable... 

My stress fracture may be history, but I suspect a relapse will always be lurking in the back of my mind. Momma N, and her army of weather gods, has kept me guessing...but she has not kept me inside. And, the increasing daylight, before and after my workday, has been absolutely wonderful.

So what could I possibly have to 'fess about? Trust me, there's always something...

Spring - Then vs. Now

What's up with Spring 2021? 

Things are a little different, now, than they were a year ago. There's still a lot of unrest and unknowns, but things are definitely moving in a better direction, at least in terms of "normalcy" for us runners.

Thankfully, I didn't put my running shoes (or other fitness accessories) in storage once Covid hit the fan, but there were some necessary adjustments last Spring. Now, as the vaccine is allowing for more freedom (and/or peace of mind... for some, at least), I find myself (again) adjusting my regimen.

Shall we do a then vs. now comparison?

One Last Cold Blast

 

Holy Freezing Buttocks, Batman!

If there ever was a week of roller-coaster-like weather antics, this would be it. We're talking drizzle, snow and frost for starters. Fortunately, things turned more seasonal, with some warmer temps and (almost) nonstop sunshine, as we approached the weekend. Whew!

Feelin' Fine: Back in a Bib

 

The bibs are back, and I couldn't be happier!

Not everyone will share in the joy many runners are feeling. I get that. It's kind of a luxury we may have taken for granted prior to Covid. 

But, alas, races are (slowly) making a comeback, and I'm pretty jacked. 

Drake Relays Road Races Half Marathon - 2021 recap

 It was one of those days where everything just fell into place.

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!

Sunny. Windy.Chilly. Mix & Repeat.

It was a week! There was a lot of sunshine (yay!), an abundance of wind (buzzkill!) and frigid flashback-to-winter temps (brrr!). 

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. 

IMT Des Moines Marathon Weekend: Why I'm So Giddy

 

Disclaimer: I received a race registration for the IMT Des Moines Marathon weekend 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.

The IMT Des Moines Marathon. Oh how I love thee.

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?

Running with Friends has it's Benefits

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... 

Weather Forecast #FAIL

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).

Summer Running - It's My Jam

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.

...and out came the Sun!

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. 

Grab Your Cup, Let's Huddle!

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?