Saturday, November 9, 2024
It’s All a Blur
Monday, November 4, 2024
IMT Des Moines Half Marathon - 2024 race recap
The 2024 edition was no exception…
Saturday, November 2, 2024
CRaZiNeSs
It was a cRaZy week!
You know how it goes…a change in schedule, a major shift in weather, a new ride to troubleshoot, and fitting in the fitness as best you are able. Let’s not forget a few random late nights watching baseball. Whew!
I’ve said before that sleep is overrated, but this week it was a rare commodity. Oh well, onward!
Thursday, October 31, 2024
How ‘bout a Coffee Talk
Things that make you go Hmmm.
Just like that, the summer-like feels have come to an abrupt halt. The hot beverages are within arms length. And I’m craving some chat time.
Shall we gather ‘round the virtual table, and have a virtual coffee talk? I’m game, so let’s do it!
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Thursday, October 24, 2024
The ‘Fessions are Falling
So, here we are. More than a month (officially) into the fall season.
The thing is, it’s been feeling more like late summer than fall, and it’s been rather nice! While I’m in no hurry for the true fall to arrive, I do know it’s inevitable. Sigh…
Alas, it’s also time for another gathering ‘round the ‘Fessional as we prepare for another month’s arrival. As always, I have a few ‘fessions to bring forward.
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Let’s Taper, Shall We?
…and just like that, it was Taper Week!
It’s crazy how fast a race can sneak up on you when you really haven’t properly trained for it. I know, my bad.
It’s a Catch-22 situation being a seasoned half marathoner. I know the desired mileage for the optimal training, but I also know that (somewhat) consistent long-ish runs (most weekends) will get me to the start line.
Alas, here I am…
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Color My World
It was a week filled with all things Color (and some Paint, PTO and a little bit of Patience).
Actually, this colorful endeavor began last Saturday morning and has continued through the entire week. There’s still a lot left undone, but I'm enjoying the process and loving the continued progress. Color totally soothes the soul, much like running (and fitness in general).
Speaking of running (and fitness), it also was a decent week of continuous activity and movement. Suffice it to say my quads saw a lot action on the ladder and my glutes did their fair share of squat “holds” as I painted along numerous baseboards (cross-training, LOL).
Sunday, October 6, 2024
Somewhat Summer; Somewhat Fall
I think Momma N’s confused.
I’m not complaining, but it has me amused. She’s been giving us fall-like mornings and summer-like afternoons. Any last morsel of summer she throws my way, I’ll gladly take (even if I have to layer-up in the wee hours).
Let’s suffice it to say this week had me relishing the “PM” hours. There was plentiful sunshine and wonderful weather to behold. And I was there for it!
Thursday, October 3, 2024
If We Were Meeting for Coffee
Hello, October!
Thus far, you’ve brought some cold mornings, but also warm (borderline hot) afternoons. While the diminishing daylight is a total buzzkill, I’m making do by cherishing every last morsel of what remains of Summer 2024.
With this new month off and running, it’s time to meet with friends, over coffee, for our monthly chat. My hazelnut cappuccino is ready to go…shall we get this party started?
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Still holding on to Summer
Well, well, well.
The autumn season made its (unwelcome) arrival, on Sunday (September 22nd), bringing with it a 30-degree temperature plummet. Ugh!
The good news was this intro to Fall 2024 was short-lived, and the temps rebounded back to summer feels-like conditions by the next day. The great news was that these beautiful weather conditions lasted the entire week!
Thursday, September 26, 2024
First World ‘Fessions
Just like that, it's time to hit the 'Fessional and come clean.
You know the drill...we take a few minutes to disclose a few "unmentionables," and our "soles" are cleared for take-off. Kind of a nice cleansing send-off to one month as we get ready for the next ones arrival.
Well, it should come as no surprise, I have a few 'fessions that need mention. None of these are critical, and none are life-changing. In fact, they're more of a First World Problem caliber...
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Some like it HOT!
If we’re talking weather, some like it hot.
Myself? I’m definitely part of that jurisdiction. This past week had me enjoying all kinds of summer-like feels, and I had the glistening & glowing to prove it (not to mention a surplus of laundry).
As I’ve said numerous times, I’ll take the summer heat, any day, over the winter cold.
Saturday, September 14, 2024
A Summer Weather Rewind!
After a much-too-soon fall preview, this week had us rebounding back to summer.
For obvious reasons, I was totally on board with Momma N and her weather games this week. As far as I’m concerned, she can keep those fall-like temps in hiding until the fall season actually shows on the calendar, or even longer.
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Darkness Falls Across the Land…
Darkness falls across the land…and I’m less than thrilled.
Did you get that Michael Jackson musical reference (from his1982 hit, Thriller, for those who were drawing a blank, LOL). The dwindling daylight seems to be in overdrive all of a sudden. I know this happens every year, and I have been around for awhile, but it still seems to happen almost overnight. BTW, how is it that we’re almost on the dark side of the Autumnal Equinox?
Anyways, it’s the reality. There’s no sense in fighting it, but I am doing my best to celebrate every minute of each day's remaining daylight.
Before I dive into the “dark” deets from the week, welcome to Weekly Run Down!
Thursday, September 5, 2024
Coffee. Contemplations. Chatter.
Shall we convene, con coffee, and chat for a bit?
I don’t know about you, or even the general population, but I’m always up for some chatter amongst my peeps. Even if we can’t meet face-to-face, a virtual gathering will suffice quite nicely. If there are warm beverages involved, all the better.
That being said, I’ll go first…
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Glistening & Glowing to the max
It was a hot one.
This past week, that is. The weather returned to its usual seasonal heat, and brought a fair share of brutal humidity with it.
Even the “cooler” mornings had me slicked & slathered with all kinds of dampness. Such is summer…
Thursday, August 29, 2024
A few pre-fall ‘Fessions
Well, well, well. Here we are, about to bid summer an unofficial “so long, see ya later.”
It’s never an easy time of year for me. We all know I’d love for summer to last forever, right?
Alas, reality dictates the seasons are on the verge of changing, so I guess it's best to just go with it. That doesn't mean I have to embrace it, though. At least there's still plenty of summer-like weather remaining before the big freeze hits us, and I plan to enjoy every last minute of it.
Saturday, August 24, 2024
I Got This (I Think)
Sometimes the universe speaks to us.
Often times, it's a gentle whisper. Other times, it's a loud exclamation, urging you to take a halt. Ugh.
Any guesses what my message was, this week, and how it was delivered?
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Busyness: 101
Yowza, what a week!
We’re talking almost nonstop action on the daily, as well as most evenings. Alas, never a dull moment! We all know that’s the way I best function, right?
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Bruised & Battered but Bouncing Back
It was another crazy week, navigating my way through the after effects of the previous week’s nasty tumble.
The residual road rash, along with several obnoxious gashes (in awkward places) made for a few frustrations. Although the muscle aches were notably diminished by week’s end, the wild card (the strategic “tight-fitting" scab on my knee) was still cramping my style.
Ugh, first world probs, anyone?
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Succumbing by default
I’ve heard it said that flexibility is key.
That concept certainly can apply to many things, like ones work schedule or social obligations. Also, let’s not forget about the Olympians, especially the amazing gymnasts!
This week, at least in my world, saw a different kind of flexibility. The weather was all kinds of humid, dangerous, and rainy. Then there was an unfortunate mishap on an innocent morning run. Suddenly, without any warning, I found myself succumbing to an unplanned recovery mode of sorts…
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Let’s Gather, Let’s Chat
The pleasure from a warm mug of goodness really makes my day.
Even in the heat (and humidity) of summer, I find myself still reaching for that daily hot beverage each morning. After all, I’m usually within the confines of an air-conditioned dwelling, so why not?
Even better, I love my chat time with friends, family, and other special peeps. Sharing a laugh (or several) is always a fun time as we catch-up on the latest happenings.
I say we gather for a bit and combine the two…
Saturday, July 27, 2024
Keeping Things in Motion
I’m all about movement.
Especially on my high-fitness days, but also during recovery periods. Movement is magic in my world. It’s what my mind, body and soul know. And it makes me happy.
Thus, this week saw lots of motion as I babied a few “compromised” body parts. And I smiled through it all.
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Runfessions, Anyone?
Well, here we are again.
Back at the 'Fessional, with plenty of runfessions to share. I'm not sure how it's already that time of the month again. Seems like I was just doing the runfession routine...like yesterday.
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Making do…
We’ve all had those weeks…
The energy is not at full capacity. The schedule is a bit busier than usual. The body feels a bit off. Ugh.
What’s a good coping strategy? For me, I prefer to forge through the challenges, while keeping a mindful eye on all necessary TLC that needs attention. Also, a willingness to enforce some flexibility with the schedule never hurt no one.
Such was my week…
Monday, July 15, 2024
Midnight Madness 5K - Digging Deep in the Heat
Is there anything greater than returning to a fun race, after a 1-year sabbatical of sorts?
I think not (but I may be biased as a runner).
Saturday evening had me toeing the start line of the Midnight Madness 5K (Ames, IA). I had been registered for the 10K, but Momma N blessed us with extreme heat and humidity, so the 10K was cut in half and merged with the 5K.
So yeah…
Saturday, July 13, 2024
the HEAT is ON-POINT
"There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart."
Celia Thaxter knew what she was talking about. Yowza! The heat is on, and it’s most definitely on-point, but I'm grateful for whatever summer brings my way.
After the previous week’s “cooler conditions” relapse, this week was all about sweat equity. Suffice it to say there was a lot of glistening & glowing going on and creative hot weather hair hacks happening on the daily. You do what you gotta do...
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Looking Ahead…
Things that make me go “Hmmmm…”
I’m not quite sure how we got here so quickly, but yikes! The second half of 2024 is underway.
Shall we disclose a few (or five?) goals on the agenda, as we make our way through these remaining months?
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Kinda Sorta Chillin’
Well, well, well.
Just when it was really starting to feel like summer, Momma N flipped the switch. Holy yikes, she dumped some crazy cold conditions on us this week!
Typically, moderate temps in the 70F range are quite comfortable. Immediately following the recent tropical conditions we'd recently had, these “moderate temps” felt a bit frigid. We also had cold (as opposed to balmy) wind and more rain than necessary.
At least it wasn’t snowing, LOL, and the grass is a beautiful bright shade of green as a result…
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Shall We Chat?
It's really the simple things that bring the most joy, wouldn't you agree?
A monthly gathering of sorts. Among friends. Around a virtual table. Coffee mugs in hand. And lots of chatter to be had.
I'm always up for getting together with my gal pals, virtual and otherwise. I also have a fondness for warm and cozy beverages, no matter how hot or cold the weather may be.
So, let's do this...
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Hello to Summer!
Summer, most definitely, is here!
I must say, though, this first full week of summer felt more like it was mid-season. The temps were especially high (as was the humidity) for late June. That said, you will never hear me complaining. If you were to ask my hair, however, you'd probably get a different answer.
Thursday, June 27, 2024
The First (official) ‘Fession Session of Summer
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Change in the Weather
It was almost as if Momma N was refereeing (or taunting?) the outgoing Spring and incoming Summer in a battle of seasonal weather. We had extreme heat (with sky-high humidity), plenty of rain and all kinds of psychotic wind.
Remember, this is Iowa. Anything calm just wouldn’t be our norm.
Monday, June 17, 2024
Recapping the Baccoon Ride
I’m always up for an adventure.
Likewise, I’m thankful for friends who are always willing to join me in my adventurous endeavors. Whether it involves a long-distance race (in a faraway place), a late-at-night run (under the full moon), or a day-long bacon-enhanced ride (with no guarantee on favorable weather), it’s great to have such friends.
Alas, the Baccoon Ride caught my attention and I simply had to check it out!
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Spring Segues Into Summer
It ain’t summer yet (according to the calendar), but it sure feels like it!
Personally, I’m quite alright with that. As I’ve said numerous times, the summer season is far too short in the Midwest. I totally embrace the extended daylight, the warmth, and even the humidity (when it’s not too extreme).
This week certainly blessed us (me?) with all those summer feels….
Monday, June 10, 2024
Back to the DAM - D2D 2024 recap
What can I say?
DAM to DSM is my favorite race, and it never disappoints. My finish times, however, have not always been what I’d hoped… but the event, itself, is pretty stellar.
This was my 17th time taking part in all the DAM fun. Again, it gave me a taste of all things good…
Most know how much I look forward to this point-to-point race every summer. Most know, as well, that this spring wasn’t very conducive to long-distance training (at least not in comparison to what I usually have in terms of time and availability).
Nonetheless, I wasn’t gonna sit this one out...
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Meandering back to Maintenance Mode
Ahhh, it feels so good to have the "big" race in the rearview mirror, and a recovery week in the foreground.
This week was all about easy-peasy (but active!) recovery. The running was kept at the minimum, and there was a lot of muscle TLC and low-impact movement.
We also welcomed the "real feels" of summer with the arrival of consistent warmer temps and our first touch of humidity.
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Chitchatting & Whatnotting (with a side of coffee)
I'm feeling like some chitchatting and whatnotting are in order.
Anyone care to join me? We can gather around a virtual table. We can sip our virtual drinks of choice (my latest poison is a hazelnut cappuccino latte). And we can have some virtual conversation.
I'm game, with mug in hand...
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Riding the DAM Taper
Wow! A week of taper!
Ironically, it felt strange to remember that I actually had a half marathon happening on Saturday, June 1st. Not only did the date sneak up on me, but my mind and body just didn’t have the usual mojo to properly train.
Even with an erratic spring, in terms of stress and more than usual busyness, there was no way I’d sit this one out. Alas, the week of taper was upon me…
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Some Pre-Summer 'Fessions
Well, here we are again.
Marcia has granted admission to the ‘Fessional, and there’s a few ‘fessions to be disclosed. Funny how these ‘fession-worthy things burden our minds, right?
We all know the best solution is releasing the deets, and coming clean. So, here we go…
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Sunrises & Shakeouts & Shenanigans
I love me some action-packed weeks, even if that means I'm craving a little extra sleep by week's end.
This week had me doing a little bit (actually a “lot of bit,” LOL) of everything. Hey, it keeps me young!
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Reunited With the Road
After a very long six (or has it been seven?) months, it feels like things are back on track.
Of course, I'm referencing the outdoor biking thing. Although I have a great spin bike, it just doesn't cut it in terms of biker's bliss. That said, this week felt like a bit of a combination of continued training mixed-in with recovery...and the bike came in ever-so-handy for my weary muscles.
Monday, May 13, 2024
Market-to-Market Relay - 2024 Recap
Oops, we did it again!
The odds are really good we’ll do it again next year as well. Yes, it’s that fun!
What can I say? Eight run-loving gals, a fully-loaded van, a 15-ish hour day, and 77-ish miles of running to be had. How could it be anything but a grand time?
Saturday, May 11, 2024
No Time for Mayhem
Yikes, things were feeling a bit on the CrAzY side this week.
Somehow, I managed to keep things in-check, but there were a few shortened workouts (and maybe a few forgotten ones). Even with modifications, it's still my goal for daily fitness, and daily #OptOutside fun.
We do what we can, am I right?
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Feelin’ the HMMM…
It was one of those Things-That-Make-You-Go-HMMM kind of weeks.
You know, when you’re just not quite “feeling it.” There has been some residual fatigue (from the previous week’s antics, perhaps?). Random achy muscles. A few days of blah weather.
But there also was some end-of-week sunshine, an empowering Friday morning strength session (and an outdoor bike ride!), and a much-needed hair appointment. And, a visit from the North Carolina daughter, as well as a birthday celebration.
In the end, I guess everything balanced out nicely.
Thursday, May 2, 2024
May we Chitchat?
Well hello there, May! So very glad to see you again!
For what it’s worth, I find the month of April painfully frustrating. Instead of easing towards summer, it feels like we’re stuck in a winter purgatory of sorts. Once May hits, though, it feels like summer is within reach.
Alas, as we enter the new month, it’s always a great time to gather for a chitchat session. I’m game, are you?
Monday, April 29, 2024
About that Grand Blue Mile…
Call me crazy, but I like taking on challenges that lead me out of my comfort zone.
Enter the 2024 Grand Blue Mile.
Downtown Des Moines. On a sunny (and windy) Tuesday evening. Two days following a speedy 10K. Why not?
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Because Downtime Is Overrated
Sometimes, there are just too many things to do.
Often times I’m guilty of doing it all, because why not?
This week saw a lot of fast-paced action. Admittedly, my body parts (I’m looking at you, legs) were feeling pretty wasted by weeks end, but it was a fun ride!