Rock What You Got

Sometimes, you just gotta go with what you're given.

We've had an unusually extended heat wave. We're talking nearly three continuous weeks with near record-setting temps and continuously high humidity levels.

With a September 18th marathon on deck, I've been keeping pretty active on the bike(s) and on the feet. I've been in constant motion and was due for some scaled-back recovery time. 

Wouldn't you know, Fate intervened and allowed both to happen...all within the same week. Lucky me. I like it when that happens! 

Some SUN*RUN*FUN 'fessions

There's a lot to be said about the fun (under the sun) that a runner gets to enjoy.

As per usual, there's been a lot happening in my little world of fitness this summer. While I have had a few brief moments questioning my life's choices (I say that in humor), I've been able to forge on and keep going. Perseverance is a good thing, am I right?

That said, I do have a few 'fessions to disclose as we bid the dear month of July a fond farewell...

"On Your Left" - Reflections from my first RAGBRAI

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later.

After several years (like, maybe 15?) of whining, pleading, and sweet-talking from the hubby, I caved. He's long been a huge fan of RAGBRAI, and has ridden this week-long bike ride many times...and I finally agreed to ride Day-1 of the 2021 event. 

I would be "On-Your-Left'ing" with the best of them...

Summer Smiling While the Sun is Shining

There's been a lot of smiling happening.

Believe it or not, we had an entire week of sunshine! 

We also had an entire week of summer temps and humidity, but it's a package deal and one I'm quite content with. I was able to see the sunrise most mornings, and that always ensures an awesome start to each new day.

It Seemed Like a Good Idea - Clive Running Festival 10K

It really seemed like a good idea.

Honestly, runners have been known to do some crazy (irrational?) things. Throw in marathon training, during a post-pandemic summer (with oodles of races returning), and things may get a little out-of-hand.

Well, that's my story and I'm sticking with it...

Desperately Seeking The Sunrise

You know how it is...you wake up early and head outside, eager to greet the new day amidst another sunrise.

Or is that just me?

Truth be told, we did have some sunshine this week...but the sunrises kept eluding me (until Friday). Definitely not a deal breaker on my fitness endeavors, but still.

Summer Fitness Options Aplenty ... and how to choose which to do

The heat is on; on the street. Can you feel it?

Trust me, I am NOT complaining (after all, I wait nine months for summer to return to Iowa every year). The heat does make it a bit more of a challenge to enjoy the great outdoors, though.

I make it a priority to take most of my cardio workouts outdoors. Even when the mercury is off the charts, and it's hotter than Hades, I usually shun the inside option. I figure if I'm going to be sweating anyways, I might as well enjoy the scenery.

That said, the extreme heat of summer is nothing take lightly or ignore. It commands all of your respect and every last ounce of common sense.

Midnight Madness 2021 Recap

Fifty years (and running) says a lot about an event's longevity.

Throw in some crazy weather, though, with an unplanned merging of two races (as well as a delayed start time), and you have the makings of a potential catastrophe.

...or the entire evening could just surprise you, for the better.

Rain Dance...Anyone?

Not quite sure what Momma N was thinking this week, but she could not make up her mind.

We had a lot of rain in the forecast, but quite a lot of it missed us. While I don't love a rainy run, I can tolerate those conditions once in awhile. In all honesty, a little bit of rain does feel good on a hot summer day (so long as it's not a torrential downpour or has lightning along for the ride).

I did get a little wet, though, but not all of that was from precipitation. The humidity remained high and certainly kept things interesting, so the "glistening & glowing" was full-on. 

Racing & Pacing & Placing, Oh My!

Ever been a (self-imposed) victim of the podium?

Let me elaborate....once you snag a coveted age group award, at a particular race, you may find yourself  returning (in subsequent years) with the hopes of grabbing another. It can be both thrilling and stressful. 

The thing is, there are no guarantees.

Sully Freedom Fun Run 5K - 2021 recap

So, it was a 4th of July 5K on the 5th, none the less.

That's what happens (sometimes) when our nation's birthday lands on a Sunday. Not a problem; not an issue. But it does make for a fun play on words.

This was the 26th year of the Sully Freedom Fun Run 5K, and it (consequentially) was my first 5K in just over three months. The temps (and humidity) were just as expected, the race day excitement was on par, and (despite the previous day's 46-mile bike ride) my body was ready for some action. 

Facing The Heat Head On

The heat is on, and so is the humidity.

It's all part of the summer gig, but Holy Humidity Batman! We always have humid days in Iowa, but there's usually a break now and then. Well, this year? Not so much.

While we have had an intermittent day (or afternoon/evening) with lower humidity...more often than not, the high humidity has been there upon wake-up the next morning LOL. Thankfully, the early morning temps have been comfortable (60F-70F, on average), but my app has indicated the humidity has been in the 90th percentile most of those mornings.

Oh well, since I can not change it, I choose to face it head-on. Such was the case this past week...

Coffee Chat this 'n that

It may be (officially) summer, but I'm happily drinking my hot beverage of choice, on the daily.

Although I'm still not on the coffee-drinking bandwagon, all is still well and good in my life. The chai latte's suit me just fine, and I'm done with the "real" coffee FOMO....but I still am in love with the rich aroma of the stuff. In short, I'm enjoying the best of both worlds. Rest assured, I don't feel any less of a runner for my lack of morning coffee.

Alas, it's time for the monthly Ultimate Coffee Date, and I have my chai latte' in hand...shall we get this party started?