Spring is officially here, and I’m definitely feeling its vibes.
The weather is warmer (for the most part). The daylight is exponentially increasing. The trees are budding. The grass is turning green. Spring bulbs are blooming.
Yeah. Things are feeling good!
Perseverance takes on a new meaning in dealing with the spring weather, at least in my little corner of the universe.
We’re talking erratic temps, intermittent precipitation, and nonstop windy conditions (emphasis on the windy, LOL). Facing all that nonsense, especially on the daily, does build character and strengthens one mental strength and tolerance. Not a bad payout!
At least that’s what I tell myself (also on the daily).
We’re already rockin’ a new month. That means it’s time to gather ‘round the virtual table and have a virtual chat. I don’t know about you, but I’m always game for such things.
We’ve had some chilly temps of recent, and I’ve been pounding the warm beverages like it’s my job. In fact, it’s been a challenge keeping my mug full.
Speaking of which, I’m due for a refill; so how about we get this party started…
There I was, back in the midst of the excitement.
After two months of weekly stair workouts, it was time to test the training at the Fight for Air Climb. This was the 22nd year of the Des Moines venue, and my 12th time participating in the festivities.
Affiliated with the American Lung Association, the Climb takes part in numerous cities across the United States. The event raises funds for research, education, and advocacy for clean air and lung health.
Can we talk about nostalgia?
Specifically, can we touch on nostalgia for the good old days when the wind wasn’t such a nuisance ? Or a daily occurrence? Or seemingly always in the double digits, in terms of wind speed?
It seems the wind has taken on a life of its own in recent years. Even in the warmer months, there seems to be more windy days than not (I know, because I’ve had to fight it on my bike). In the cooler months, though, it can sometimes be a deal-breaker, or a wild card at the minimum.
Alas, it IS a reality. As much as I detest the wind, it’s part of the outdoor scene (more often than not). This week was no exception…
Is anyone else ready, willing, and needing to ‘fess a few things?
Well, I certainly have a few things to bring to the ‘fessional. After all, there’s never a dull moment, right?
I’ll get right to it…
I think we all knew it was bound to happen…again.
When I spontaneously gave in to a self-created challenge in 2020, little did I know it would become an annual ritual during my birthday week. I guess somethings are worth repeating!
This was my sixth time taking on the Week of Pi Challenge. Read on for all the deets…
Well well well, it appears Momma N isn’t all that bad.
At least she played nice this week. The 7-day forecast had showed unseasonably warm (and sunny) weather, and it was pretty much on-point.
With my Week of Pi antics on the schedule, I had high hopes of pleasant (if not warm) conditions, and was envisioning several (if not all) of my Pi runs in shorts. Mission accomplished! Can I just say, “Thank you, Momma N!”
Well, this past week was a bumpy ride…
Much like that of a roller coaster, the weather had some exhilarating ups, breathtaking descents, and several gusts that left my hair windblown. No doubt, it was much in keeping with the strange winter we’ve had this season.
The calendar shows Winter’s grand exodus is only a couple weeks away, though. Let’s hope that holds true for our reality!
Is there anything better than gathering and chatting with friends?
How about we up the ante and add a hot beverage?
Every month, several gal pals and myself gather (virtually) and chat over (virtual) drinks of our own choosing. I’m going with my latest fav, a hazelnut cappuccino, and I’m sipping from my MSU Spartan mug.
Care to join the party?
Ahhh, it was a fabulous week of reprieve from the winter!
After 10-ish days of extreme winter conditions, Momma N did an abrupt about-face and brought us a week of spring-like relief. Although I knew these conditions wouldn’t last long-term, they sure felt good for the time being!
In the blink of an eye, February is on its way outta here.
Although it was a short month, it certainly packed a powerful punch. Thankfully, there was an abundance of sunshine, but there also were some extreme temperature swings.
In keeping with tradition, it wouldn’t be a jolly end-of-month send-off without a trip to the ‘Fessional. Even better, is sharing ones ‘fessions with a few (or several) ‘fession-worthy friends.
Are you game?
Talk about your polar vortex posers.
Wow, Momna N did not want to play nice this week in terms of temps & wind! She did grant us a bit of grace with a plenitude of sunshine, so there’s that.
In keeping with my #OptOutside streak, I got outside everyday, but I may have questioned my sanity in doing so. It’s a good thing I’m #IowaTough…
Perspective.
This week was all about keeping things in perspective. Although Momma N dumped a lot of the white stuff on us, we really haven’t had much snow this winter. It’s definitely been cold and windy, but there hasn’t been much in terms of adverse conditions either. And, let’s not forget we’re already halfway through February! In a few weeks, we’ll be only a few more weeks from Spring’s arrival.
Speaking of perspective, that shovel (above, title pic) isn’t really as big as it appears. The artistic element of perspective is what makes items in the foreground look much bigger than those behind it, LOL.
But, I digress…
Yes, the real winter has returned.
After a week of spring-preview temps, Momma N snapped us back to reality. After all, it’s not like we didn’t know it was coming, right? This is winter in the Midwest, and we’ve barely crossed into February.
That said, it’s been a weird winter with little-to-no snow all season. We’ve had plenty of cold temps, though, and an abundance of wind. This week saw a little bit of ice, so we’re keeping humble, LOL
Well, Momma N did it again.
First, she teased us with a sudden taste of Spring! Then, just as abruptly, she pulled the rug out from under us and catapulted us back to Winter.
Yikes. I think this calls for a comforting hot beverage. It also warrants a gathering of friends…you know, misery loves company, LOL.
While we cannot change the weather, the wind, or the weirdness of this winter season, we can commiserate. We can also chat, and we can have coffee (or any beverage of choice).
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Well, Momma N never ceases to keep us guessing!
After what felt like the coldest week on record (at least for this winter), she sprung almost an entire week of spring-like temps on us. The mornings were still quite winter-like (as they should be, LOL), but the afternoons were flirting with temps in the 50F’s most days. Can I say this is my kind of winter?
Although I know these “fake spring” conditions won’t stick around for long, they sure have been a nice break from the recent arctic chill.
Well, here we are!
The new year isn’t so new anymore, and we are almost into February. Just like that!
It’s also (already) time for a few minutes at the ‘Fessional. We all have those things that just need released (and confessed among friends), and I’m no exception.
Have I ever mentioned that winter is my fourth favorite season?
If not, I’m saying it now. Ugh, this week was C-O-L-D! Thankfully, the precip has been at the minimum (thus far, #NoComplaints). But Holy Brrr, Batman, the sub-freezing temps (and sub-ZERO feels-like conditions) have been less than pleasant.
It’s a good thing I’ve got the #IowaTough thing going for me.
…and just like that, the weather is “whiplashing” us back to realty.
We still haven’t had much for precip in my area, and I’m totally good with that. This week did see some crazy cold conditions, though. Need I mention the wicked wind?
Next week’s forecast is showing those arctic temps continuing, so lucky us! It’s a good thing I’m #IowaTough and have the gear to show for it.
How is time going SOOO fast?
Here we are, already more than a full week in and (already) the new year isn’t feeling so new. I’m always amazed how quickly the pre-season routine(s) return(s) once the metaphorical ball drops at 12:00 on January 1st.
Indeed. Another Runner’s World Winter Run Streak is in the rear view window.
What started as a supposed once-and-done ordeal has returned every year since 2013. Whodda thunk?
This particular streak was different from all previous ones, in so many ways and on so many levels.
I’d wish you a warm welcome, but it would be an oxymoron of a gesture.
Yes, it may be the first Weekly Run Down of 2025, but the only thing warm about it would be the spoken words of my greeting, LOL. Holy Brrr, Batman, it done got frigid!
Nonetheless, this is my Midwest reality, and I refuse to let it defeat me…
I don't know about anyone else, but I sure could go for a nice frothy hot beverage in these cold weather conditions.
I’m always game for some warm conversation, as well, so how about we combine the two? We’d probably have to gather virtually, but so what? That just means we wouldn’t need to go out, in the freezing wind, to meet-up anywhere. We could just “stay in” and keep comfy on our own virtual couches, while sipping from our favorite mugs and chat to our hearts’ content.
It sounds like a win-win to me…
