Thanksgiving has come and gone, so that means it's time for my annual "Get Me Through The Solstice" end-of-year ritual.
This can be a difficult time of year for many of us. The racing season has come to a close. The daylight is on a downward spiral. The weather is a bit dismal. A little incentive to stay active through the holiday season never hurt anyone, myself included.
There's a certain sweet satisfaction when (most of) your undesirable circumstances do a #180, am I right?
After the previous week's crazy cold "winter preview," this last week catapulted us back to more seasonal temps (that were actually borderline unseasonably warm, just saying). The healing hammy continued its upswing with more feeling-good vibes. And, the running saw a little more action.
So, yes, things were definitely much better in my little world (#HappySigh).
Even with all things to be thankful for, there's still plenty that needs 'fessing, am I right? I mean, we're only human, myself included. It's best to get these things 'fessed and finished, so we can forge ahead into the holiday season.
Care to share a few 'fessions with Yours Truly?
It's that time of the year, again and already.
While I reflect, almost daily, on all the good that's come my way, I especially try to draw on all that gratitude this time of year. After all, the holiday season is a busy time. It's easy to let one's focus veer towards all the chaos, rather than all the blessings, if we're not careful.
Such is my reality for the next several months, at least in regards to biking. I know, quite the first world problem.
Not only am I thankful to have an indoor bike a mere 2-minute walk from my bedroom (on a slow-moving day, LOL), but I am even more grateful that I LOVE riding it. Of course, I'd much rather be outside, in the fresh air...but certainly not this time of year (in the limited daylight), and certainly not in the midst of an Iowa winter.
Have you ever taken your cycling indoors? Here's a few things to consider if the opportunity presents itself...
Whatever it takes, I'm on board.
Especially when it comes to an injury-related rally-back situation, keeping the focus on the rehab (over the FOMO) is paramount. This has been the case for me, with my most recent healing hammy scenario.
The past week had me digging deep to stay on task with the rally-back action, and it kept me busy...
Sometimes you just gotta set a lofty goal and go for it.
After all, anyone who has ever trained for a big event (say, for example, a half marathon or longer) usually makes the commitment well in advance of the actual event itself. Often times, it's the commitment that fuels the fire to put in the work to reach your goal.
Such was the case with these 25 Weekly Rides of 2022...
My current reality?
It's definitely not what I would have pictured or imagined a few weeks ago, but that's not a bad thing. Not in the least.
This past week saw very little running (umm, how does a single, solitary mile grab you? LOL). Instead, it entertained all kinds of other fun fitness things, which is always a good thing.
And, the weather? Well, it was a brief summer-rewind situation...and that was a GREAT thing.
Is there anything better than a comforting hot beverage, especially when the weather feels less than perfect?
Truth be told, I can drink a hot beverage anytime (no matter the season or the weather) and be quite content. Although I don't drink true coffee, per se, I often have a coffee mug in-hand on a daily basis.
And, wouldn't you know, it's time (already) for another gathering of like minds for some stimulating chatter as we sip our beverages of choice. Myself, I'm indulging in my most recent new favorite, a hazelnut cappuccino. How about you?