A Streak Like None Other

It definitely was a streak like none other.

I'm referring to my ninth consecutive Winter Run Streak. It's been in the rear view mirror for a month now, but is still quite fresh in my memory.

Care to hear a few highlights?

Freeze Frame

Let me start by saying, "Brrrrr!"

 Yep, it was a cold week in the sunshine state. For the record, we didn't see much sunshine, but we certainly had plenty of wind to cherish.

In the grand scheme of things, it wasn't totally miserable. After all, the temps back home, in Iowa, were much colder. It's all about perspective. So what if the water - in my half-full glass - had turned to ice?

A Final 'Fession Session, Florida Style

Well, here we are again!

Time to face the music and 'fess up (among friends).

I've got more than a few 'fessions on deck this month. In the interest of time, though, I'll only share a sampling (you can thank me later). 

Running With The Herd 5K race recap

This race was quite a unique experience.

What can I say? This was another (somewhat) spontaneous race that found me. Being a runner, it's always fun to run a race in a new place...am I right?

Last weekend, I ran the Running With The Herd 5K. Let's just say it was a race like none other I'd ever done before...

Totally Temp Tolerant

Not only can I do hard things, I can tolerate a lot of things, too.

For example, the Florida weather. While Momma N has thrown a few curve balls in my direction, I have been able to face every last one of them. After all, I'm #IowaTough. The Florida winter that I've experienced, thus far, has been easy-peasy compared to what I'm used to.

That said, Momma N did give me a run for my money this week....

A Solo Virtual 13.1...some thoughts

As the saying goes, "I can do hard things."

And, once in awhile, I can do said hard things on my own and with a smile.

Case in point: The Key West Half Marathon. I chose to run it virtually, on my own, mostly in the o'dark hours, sans friends or course support. And, I finished with a crazy dose of finish line endorphins, believe it or not.

Finding my Florida Stride

Ain't nothing gonna break my stride...

This week may have given me a couple challenges in keeping that stride going, though. That's all well and good, and everything played out with a happy ending. Besides, a few obstacles just make the journey more interesting and the finish more satisfying.

At least that's the story I'm going with. 

BACK in (my favorite) BLACK

I'm back in black, and it isn't the first time.

As much as I'm a Go-Bright-or-Go-Home kind of gal, I do have a few favorite black fitness gear go-to's. The thing is, although they see much wear and tear (and not just when I'm breaking a sweat), I fail to give them kudos. 

While I do think the color black has merit, I also believe it is overdone in the fashion industry. I know, #mybad. In an effort to rectify that, I'm sharing my Top 5 Back in Black favorites with you today. 

Running of the Squares 5K

When all the stars, moons and celestial beings align, and a local race finds you, it's best to act upon it.

Almost always, it's the other way around.

We'd just barely gotten settled into our January snowbird dwelling, when I noticed there was a 5K race happening the next weekend (like, five days away). Honestly, I was not looking for a race. Instead, I was searching to see if there was a local running club nearby and the activity tab lead me to the weekend's upcoming events...and there it was:

The Running of the Squares 5K. 

Assimilation

Is there anything better than getting back into one's routine, even if it's not exactly like what you're used to?

After the previous week's busyness with travel and "suitcase living," it was nice to lay down some roots (very relatively speaking) and have some structure. With our snowbird lodging in place, I was able to get back to work (literally) and resume a little more consistent fitness routine. Of course, with the weather much different than what's typical for my January regimen, it took some adjusting and quite a bit of trial and error. 

And it's still a work in progress...

A Chillin' Chai Chat

When I say I'm chillin,' don't confuse it with "chilly." 

My condolences to anyone who may be huddled under your thickest blanket. It's no secret how I feel about the cold Iowa winters. I'm ever so grateful to not be experiencing those conditions first-hand, at least for a few weeks. Of course, that just means I'll get to re-acclimate when I return...but I'll deal with that in due time. 

 Anyways, no matter the temps outside, I'm always game for a hot beverage. Add in the opportunity to gather with friends (even if it's virtual and not face-to-face), and that just sweetens the deal. It's always fun to get together and just chat. I'll bring my chai late' and you can grab your beverage of choice.

What ya say? Shall we?

*Blissful Persistence* (take '22)

If it ain't broke...

Trying to come up with a theme, word or mantra for 2022 had me stumped.

I mean, 2021's Blissful Persistence pretty much said it all. It kept me focused on the good, the happy and the hopeful. It drove me to stay strong and not give up. And, most of all, it encouraged me to smile while doing it all.

How can that be improved upon?

I'm glad you asked.

Destination: Downtime

 ...and away we went!

Have you ever spent a week "in transit," but (somehow) managed to keep (most) of your fitness regimen on task? Let me tell you, it was not an easy endeavor! But, all things are possible if you keep your focus and make it a priority.

That's what she (me) said...