Wouldn't you know? It's that time of the month for baring one's soles (and souls, if you will) and disclosing a few 'fessions amongst friends. I'm certainly in need of some cleansing...shall we get right to it?
Care to join me?
Oops, I did it again...and for the 10th time in Des Moines!
I'm talking about the Fight for Air Climb. Affiliated with the American Lung Association, the Des Moines Fight for Air Climb is now in its 20th year. This is an event like none other, where its participants "race" up stairwells as they raise funding (and awareness) to benefit those afflicted with lung disease.
Not only is this a physically demanding endeavor, but it's also pretty emotionally challenging. That said, its also quite an empowering conquest...
Spring 2023 arrived this week, and not a moment too soon.
After the previous week's winter grand finale antics, this week's milder weather, increased sunshine and much more desirable temps were welcomed with open arms.
'Nuff said.
I've been doing the Week of Pi Challenge, every year, since 2020. I look forward to it every year because it's a quirky way to celebrate a quirky day (in more ways than one).
Well, this year I had to make a slight exception.
Apparently, Winter is refusing to leave the party.
Not only did it gift my area with three (count 'em, THREE!) nasty snow storms the previous week, this week it dropped the temps back to January-like conditions. Oh, and let's not forget about the ever-constant wind.
Let's just say I was not amused. After all, there were several Week of Pi runs on the agenda, and they all needed to happen outdoors...
I have often said that I've never met a sunrise I didn't love.
Recently, thanks to the increasing daylight, I've been able to return to my (almost) daily sunrise exploits. Of course, those consistent exploits are currently suffering a brief setback due to the time change. Within a few weeks, though, that "lost" hour will be reinstated (mostly, LOL) and all will be well.
None the less, I'm eager and ecstatic to be experiencing the sunrise again...
Lacing o' the running shoes. Wearing o' the green. Chasing and racing o' the lads and lasses.
Check, check, and check.
Such were the variables of the 2023 Leprechaun Chase. Let's just say I was jolly-good glad to be partaking in the fun.
While the calendar still says "Winter," I dare say we got a substantial taste of Spring this week.
In addition to the mostly mild temps, we also had the requisite wind (pretty much on the daily). You know, Momma N wouldn't want it any other way. Thankfully, she was generous with the sunshine and very stingy with the rain (no complaints on that!).
As for all things on the fitness front, I front-loaded the week in preparation for my first race of 2023...
Shall we gather? Over coffee? And have a chat session?
While I may not actually be drinking the real stuff (I prefer the foo-foo "poser" coffees, teas and lattes, LOL), I'm always game for a get together. It's no secret I LOVE the aroma of coffee, though, and chatting with friends is a definite yes. Even if we have to do this virtually, I'm fine with that as well.
So, shall we? Grab your mug and let's talk...
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Well well well...for such a short month, February sure makes a name for itself.
This week started off with sunny skies and pleasant temps, took a turn for the extreme cold, and rebounded back to spring-like weather. Wow, one would almost need a tightly buckled safety belt for such a roller coaster ride!
In keeping with my #OptOutside daily streak, I did get outdoors everyday. And I was blessed with almost every kind of weather imaginable. Emphasis on the almost...
What say we gather at the 'fessional...I have a few 'fessions that need mention...
2022 was a fun fitness-filled year, and it was filled with many favorite things.
That being said, shall we play a little game? Maybe a "Pick 6," of sorts? Better yet, how about a round of "6 Favorites from '22?"
Trying to narrow it down to just six favorites is tough, but also not so much. I have found, it's always best to go with the first thing that pops into your head when thinking of such things. After all, those very "things" pop-up for a reason, LOL.
The time had come, so I got it done.
I'm talking about a scaled-back week. Recovery. You know, dialing-it-back a bit.
My body wasn't in agony, but I'd had three pretty intense weeks of strength-training. My running mileage, while not crazy high, had been gradually building. And, my sleep had been nothing short of a mess recently.
I thought it was the perfect time for a week on the (somewhat) down-low. We all know it's during the rest/recovery time when most of the fitness gains are made, right? And, we also know, it's best to take advantage of downtime before it's forced upon us due to injury or illness. Alas, there was no time like the present...
What can I say?
I became a runner in the summer of 2005, and I have not looked back. What started as a hobby of sorts, soon morphed into a red hot love of the sport.
It didn't take long before the world of racing entered the scene. Along the journey of racing and training came a lot of trial and error...and a lot of other perks as well.
Some say, "Movement is magic." I say, "Movement is medicinal."
Don't worry, other than a mild head cold recently, I haven't been under the weather in a long time. Well, I guess I did have Covid six months ago, but that was a mere couple days of mild discomfort (honestly, in my case, the vaccine/booster did more harm than the actual virus itself).
In terms of actual sickness, though, I have been very lucky (and very thankful). I not only attribute daily moving and grooving to staying healthy, but also getting outside - everyday- no matter what. As this post goes live, on Sunday (February 12th), my #OptOutside streak is at Day-809.
This week, Momma N gifted my locale to a sneak peek of spring, so getting outside was true bliss! Even with a couple cold (ahem, seasonal) days, this week was a treat.
What did I see on my last (significant) run?
Well, that would be the Full Snow Moon, of course. The Snow Moon, which is actually the second full moon of the year, is so named for the typical heavy snow fall received in the month of February (source).
Ironically, this full moon made its appearance amidst a slight warm-up (and melting snow), at least in Iowa. You won't hear me complaining about that kind of weather condition, though. This full moon was simply majestic, with a clear sky, and it thoroughly lit the way for another full moon run.
Yes, another full moon run - my 22nd such run, in fact.
What was so great about this week? We had sunshine aplenty, like on the daily.
And, what was not so great? Baby, it was cold outside. Thankfully, the temps weren't as severe as the previous week, but they definitely were quite "seasonal."
With Milly (she's my treadmill, LOL) out of commission, I had to take my runs and walks to the streets, but all were manageable. I had zero problems staying active indoors as well. I guess I can't really complain (much), though there's nothing wrong with longing for warmer outdoor conditions. As I've said before, I can tolerate the cold, but that doesn't mean I have to love it.
Is there anything better than a toasty hot beverage and some cozy conversation with friends?
In my opinion, these two make for a great combination...and not just in the winter season. Gathering together, even if it's by virtual means, always makes for lots of feel-good vibes and plenty of laughter.
What ya say? Shall we join forces, fill our mugs, and have a chat?
Holy BRRR, it's been a bit brisk...
I guess it should come as no surprise that the real winter weather would eventually make an appearance. The mild January really had me hoping the calm before the storm would remain calm a bit longer, though.
Oh well. Such is the reality of winter in the Midwest. It's a good thing I'm #IowaTough.
Yikes, has it been a month!
BTW, how are we already almost through the month of January??? It seems like we were just ushering-in 2023 amidst all the requisite fanfare that besieges a new year. Things that make you go hmmm, indeed!
In spite of January being my traditional off-season, I've been riding the wave of keeping active. My running has been (slowly) on the upswing. I've been pedaling to my heart's content on the spin bike. The #OptOutside streak is still going strong. And, I have been staying consistent with cross-training. Yadda Yadda Yadda.
That being said, I still have a few 'fessions worthy of sharing. Some things never change...
My 2023 off-season is underway, and moving right along. Yay for me, right?
I gotta admit, as much as I enjoy the off-season, and as much as I know my body needs it, the actual "season" itself can be a challenge. I have a lot of energy (even though I don't drink coffee), so sitting idle is not an option for me. I wake up early, usually before 5:30AM (and that's without an alarm). I don't fall asleep before 11:00PM, ever (unless I'm really, really tired). I love all forms of fitness, and I crave the fresh air of the great outdoors.
Alas, I'm keeping things (somewhat) scaled-back. I'm trying not to give-in to the temptation of doing "long" runs, at least for a few more weeks. My first race of the new year is a 10K (early March), so I don't necessarily need to amp up the distance or my speed just yet.
So far, so good....
I recently finished my 10th consecutive Runner's World Winter Run Streak. Truthfully, this is a feat I never, ever, would have imagined happening 11 years ago.
Why? I'm constantly paranoid of injury. Often times, I err on the side of low-mileage instead of risking too many miles on a tired body. And, although I sometimes run on back-to-back days, I seldom exceed a 3-day jaunt in doing so.
But, here I am.
It's been two weeks since this 10th streak party ended, and I have a few thoughts to share...
Here we are, one full week into 2023...and, my-oh-my, how time flies when you're having fun!
It may be cliche, but it's true (at least in my world). I've been keeping busy, trying to enjoy the remaining remnants of the holiday season and maintaining all things fitness, so this first week of the new year has flown by.
I haven't really set any specific new goals for 2023, nor have I made any reflective resolutions. My main focus is to keep on keeping on, and to enjoy this ride called life. So far, so good!
I applied that strategy last year, in coming up with a theme for 2022. After all, "Blissful Persistence" had worked quite well for 2021, why not do a repeat?
In fact, those two simple words have come to mean a lot to me; so much, that for '23 they're doing a 3-peat.
In other words, that theme ain't broke, so I'm not fixing it.
