A Time for Chai and Chatter

Have you heard? 

Winter staged an ugly (IMO) return this past week. And, it was a most unwelcome return, at that. 

Needless to say, the chai latte's have been on repeat in an effort to stay warm. You know, this would be a fabulous time to gather over said chai latte's (or the warmest beverage of your choosing) and chat about life, fitness and the latest happenings.

Are you game? Got your steaming mug in hand? Let's go...

If we were chatting, I'd start with my March stats. I realize these numbers don't mean anything to anyone else (truly, that's okay), but they're a means of accountability for me.  The running and biking miles were legit (that is, they were where they "usually" would be for myself). Walking - again - took a nosedive, though. Let's just say the temps weren't ideal, and I had a dog recovering from surgery (who could not be left unattended) for the past three weeks. Sigh.

If we were chatting, I'd tell you about the "winter-dressing amnesia" thing I have going on. I've been running for upwards of 17 years now, and most of that has been outdoors, year-round. Somehow, getting a few beautiful days of spring (and summer-like) temps throws my mind and body out of whack. Suddenly, those balmy 40-degree temps of winter aren't so balmy, and the wind feels especially harsh and evil. I find myself dressing too warm, or not warm enough, for my runs and walks. I've already forgotten how to outsmart the wind, and am constantly playing the Gloves-On/Gloves-Off Game whilst pounding the frozen pavement. I just wish Momma N and Old Man Winter would honor the calendar and take their party elsewhere.

If we were chatting,  I'd tell you a bit about last weekend's run with Milly. I took it to the treadmill because those recent "winter rewind" temps (and windy conditions) were simply outrageous. As the middle "leg" of my Pseudo Du (a bike/run/bike endeavor), I did a Peloton run (with Matty) on the 'mill. Are you ready for this? This treadmill run wasn't too bad! In fact, it was almost bordering on enjoyable. Of course, it was only for 30 minutes, and Matty's lively chatter (along with Donna Summer's music and trivia) kept me well entertained, but still. I definitely didn't see that coming, LOL. Don't worry, I don't plan on making Peloton treadmill runs a regular thing...but this one, in particular, made for a decent change in routine.

If we were chatting, I'd tell you about the upcoming Honor Flight my father and I get to experience! He and a friend were scheduled to go on an Honor Flight, two years ago...but Covid intervened and all such flights were indefinitely postponed. His friend isn't able to go this time (April 19th), so my father invited me to be his guest. It's going to be a long day, but a fun day of adventure!

Lastly, if we were chatting, I'd tell you about the Fight for Air Climb. This event, affiliated with the American Lung Association, is very near and dear to me, as I know several people who struggle with asthma, or fighting lung disease, or have successfully quit smoking. In the past, the event has taken place indoors, with the participants climbing numerous flights of stairs. In 2020, it had to go virtual (again, #Covid), but last year they were able to move the event outdoors, to Principal Park (a baseball stadium in downtown Des Moines). This will be my ninth time climbing, and I'm just excited as when I did my first Climb (in 2013). If you're interested in donating to the cause, my fundraising page is HERE. Ironically, I also have the Des Moines Women's 10K the next morning, so it will be a busy weekend of fitness and fun. Go big or go home!

Whew! That's enough about me!

Your turn...

What would you share if we were chatting? Would you be drinking something hot or cold? Has the weather been temperamental in your area, too?

 Since it's the first weekend of the month, I'm linking this with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

I'm also linking this with Michelle, Renee, Darlene, Jenn and Zenaida for the Fit Five Friday Link-up.

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