Thursday, April 25, 2024
Time for some Runfessions
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Drake Road Races - the 10K Game-Changer
I registered for the half marathon back in October, well before I knew there would a house (finally) selling, another one purchased, and a stressful timeline of all things moving/relocating. In other words, my typical pre-spring training took an unexpected backseat and the probability of running 13.1 miles became unlikely.
Saturday, April 20, 2024
So This Is Spring
Monday, April 15, 2024
A Race I Run Every Year
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Eclipsed by the Wind
Can you say WIND???
It's always windy in Iowa this time of year, but this past week was unbelievably gusty. As much as I love the great outdoors, even I struggled with getting my buttocks outside on the daily. Don't worry, the #OptOutside streak is still going strong...but there were a few bare minimums with my efforts due to this week's circumstances.
Monday, April 8, 2024
Fight for Air Climb - 2024 recap
When they named this event the Fight for Air Climb, they weren’t kidding!
Hot stairwells. Heavy breathing. Trashed leg muscles. But a finish line like none other.
There’s much to love and respect about fighting for that air, all for the sake of those who need it most. Many struggle with lung health, and it’s for them that I (and numerous others) return to the stairwells every year.
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Let's Get Settled
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Time for a Chatty Gathering
So, shall we chat?
It doesn’t need to be about running, or even fitness…but who am I kidding? There’s always plenty of that with which to chat.
Shall we get this chatty gathering started?
Sunday, March 31, 2024
Grooving & Moving (not necessarily in that order)
Well, it’s been a week!
There was lots of moving & grooving, with a good mix of stress & insomnia added in for good measure. But, it’s (mostly) all in the rear view mirror and we’re still in one piece, still standing, and still smiling.
Friday, March 29, 2024
My StressFessions Overfloweth...
Let's just cut right to the chase - this month's 'fessions are full-on stress-induced.
That's not necessarily a bad thing, but there's plenty on my plate that needs released. Are you ready? Buckle-up, this may be a bumpy ride to the 'fessional...
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Oh, the Irony!
Isn't it ironic?
The weather, that is. I mean, we all knew the pre-summer fun of recent wasn't going to last. This week's drastic temperature plummet (and accompanying precip), though, was a bit much.
But, it is what it is. We certainly don't have the power to change the weather (if only, LOL!), but we do have 100% control of how we deal with it.
Monday, March 18, 2024
Another Week of Pi - 2024 recap
Just like that, I was closing in on another trip around the sun. Time flies!
We all know what that means...another Week of Pi to commemorate the occasion. A week of daily lacing-up, weather stalking, and logging 3.14 miles every time I hit the street.
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Running on the Pi
Talk about your action-packed weeks...
This one had a lot going on with the almost daily Pi running, weather stalking, and miscellaneous comings and goings. It's a mighty good thing we all have our fitness fixes to keep us (somewhat) sane, am I right?
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Pre-Spring, Anyone?
Let's just say spring fever has hit me hard, even if the weather isn't quite there just yet.
Yes, it's a pre-spring situation, and I'm eager and excited for what's yet to come.
Monday, March 4, 2024
Leprechaun Chase 10K - 2024 recap
The luck o' the Irish? The luck o' the Chase?
Maybe it was a little o' both, but this past weekend had me donning o' the green and me running shoes and pinning on a race bib. This was my 10th time taking part and I was eager for a good time...
Now in its 14 year, the Leprechaun Chase is a race like none other. It's a friendly competition between lads and lasses (in other words, guys and gals) all on a quest for a first place finish and a celebratory free green beer for their comrades.
Saturday, March 2, 2024
A Multiple Leap Week
There was a whole lotta leapin' going on this week.
Leap Day. Summer weather. Winter temps. Nonstop wind. Need I go on?
Never a dull moment, and that's usually a good thing...
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Post-Leap Day coffee chatting
Coffee, coffee, who's got the coffee?
And, equally important, who is needing some chatter amongst friends? Anyone?
It's time for the monthly coffee chat, where we talk all things (not just fitness). We can drink whatever we choose (hot or cold, mild or strong, day-appropriate or not so much). And we leave feeling all warm and fuzzy. Sound good?
Shall we get this coffee chatting started?Saturday, February 24, 2024
I See The LIGHT!
This time of year can be tricky and temperamental.
The temps are all over the map (currently, they're flirting with spring in Iowa), the wind is unrelenting, and the threat of snow is far from over. But, the daylight is increasing! My early morning outdoor antics are seeing signs of the sunrise and my post-workday activities are not shrouded in darkness anymore.
In a nut shell, things are looking brighter as we work our way through the final weeks of winter.
Thursday, February 22, 2024
5 'Fessions 4 February
Well, well, well. It's time, once again, for a trip to the 'Fessional.
Even with a bonus day, February seems to have (almost) flown by at record speed. As per usual, the month hasn't been without incident. It only seems fitting that I share a few bits and pieces and 'fess up the deets.
So here goes...
Saturday, February 17, 2024
Just Chillin' (but not too much)
There was a tad bit of chillin' going on this week.
It's still (somewhat) the off-season, so I'm keeping the mileage steady (as opposed to excessive). The late-winter weather continues to be unseasonably mild, so I'm getting outside without excess layers. And, I am gearing-up for my first race of 2024 (Leprechaun Chase 10K, March 2nd, Omaha NE), so I'm not excessively keeping a low profile.
All in all, I'm keeping things in a desirable balance...I think...
Monday, February 12, 2024
Things I've learned to LOVE about RUNNING
It's been said that love doesn't come easy.
Let's be honest... that's not only true with life in general, but it's especially true with running (at least in my experience).Thankfully, there have been far more good times than bad, and there have been many lessons learned along the way.
Would you care to hear a few of the "tough love" things I've learned about running? Read on...
Saturday, February 10, 2024
Going With The (off season) Flow
Ah, the off-season!
Saturday, February 3, 2024
We Have Sunshine!
Hello, Sunshine, my old friend!
After a somewhat warm week (with dreary skies), we were treated to an even warmer week with a return of (almost) daily sunshine! Suffice it to say, it was quite grand getting back outside in all the spring-like weather.
It also was equal parts grand getting back to a routine of more consistent walking and running. The strength training...well, that's another story. Not a deal-breaker, though, because it felt like winter had vacated the premises (at least for the time being).
Thursday, February 1, 2024
A Coffee Chat Thaw-Out
Wow, is this ever a great time for a coffee chat!
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Smile...We've Turned the Corner
There was a lot to smile about this week.
After almost two weeks of endless cold, wind and snow (not necessarily in that order), we got a much-appreciated winter thaw. Case in point, the daily snow shoveling didn't have to happen on the daily anymore. I was able to get outside for more than just driveway boot camp. And, the excess layers of gear were no longer necessary.
Granted, winter is still far from over. Just having this nice reprieve, though, makes it feel like we've turned the corner on my least favorite season. That's worthy of a lot of smiling!
Thursday, January 25, 2024
The '24 'Fessions Are Flyin'
Here we are again...
Not only has January 2024 gone quickly, but the monthly trip to the 'fessional is already upon us. Yikes, how did that happen? Oh well, the faster we get through January, the sooner we'll get to summer.
As per usual, there's always a few 'fessions that need mention. You know the drill...we 'fess the 'fessions, and we move on.
Saturday, January 20, 2024
Not a DOMS Dweller
The DOMS ... Driveway Onset Muscle Soreness.
Ever heard of it? You may become a lucky victim of this condition after a week (or longer) of daily snow shoveling in one's driveway.
The 20+ inches of snow (from the previous week) kept me busy, gradually chipping away at its lingering remnants. Then, several more inches of the white stuff arrived Thursday afternoon and evening. As a result, my already aching body was blessed with even more driveway boot camp. My biceps have never seen so much action!
But, all was well. The crazy weather gave me ample opportunity to properly acclimate to the arctic-like conditions as I successfully maintained my #OptOutside streak. Glass half full.
Monday, January 15, 2024
Another Run Streak? DONE!
Yes, I did it again (for the 11th time, nonetheless).
What started as a once-and-done thing, back in 2013, has become a much-anticipated yearly gig. It's no secret how I feel about the winter season. The cold temps, the crazy wind, and the lack of daylight...all are things I can deal with, but ALL of them are major buzzkills.
Enter the annual Runner's World Winter Run Streak. It not only gives me some much-loved fitness via the running shoes, but also a much-needed distraction from all things winter. And, it sees me through the winter solstice.
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Brrrrring on the Biking!
Suffice it say Momma N had some winter wrath to dispel this week, and she did not hold back.
I know, I know...she has spared us plenty of crazy weather, thus far, this typically cold season. We all knew the real winter would eventually be making its arrival, but this grand entrance was quite unnecessary (and, dare I say, ridiculous).
Although things were a bit precarious with (outdoor) running this week, this gave me ample opportunity to embrace all things biking (indoor, that is). Oh, and there were oodles (upon oodles) of hours of shovel time...
Saturday, January 6, 2024
...And Away We GO!
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Coffee & more, it's 2024!
Did someone say coffee?
It's been a few weeks since our last gathering, and the temps are ever-so-chilly. I don't know about you, but I'm always game for a get-together, warm mugs in hand, for some friendly camaraderie and conversation.
Shall we?