A Star-Spangled Coffee Chat

All is well, and there’s a big USA holiday to celebrate!

Shall we have a quick coffee chat before the festivities commence? Even if we don’t have much time to catch-up, it’s great to have this (virtual) time together. 

So, let’s gather, and share a few laughs and some conversation…

At our star-spangled coffee chat, I’d start by sharing my June stats. Despite my strong showing at DAM to DSM Half Marathon (recap) on May 31st, my running kind of tanked thereafter. I took things easy, recovering, the week following the race. My hips (and vicinity) had been feeling cranky, so I continued with scaled-back mileage and even took a week off near the month’s end. Fortunately, walking and biking came to the forefront and kept me plenty busy. Entering July, things are feeling MUCH better, so onward!

At our star-spangled coffee chat, I’d also show you my Garmin badges from June. Ha! Garmin kept busy throwing badges my way, and it was fun seeing them show up following the various activities. Granted, I was aware of most of them, but a few were there by surprise. 

At our star-spangled coffee chat, I’d tell you about a nice means of environmental repurposing. My running group sponsored a 5K race recently at Adventureland, an amusement park in Des Moines. A few years ago, the park took down its long-standing Flume ride. I had not visited the park in several years, and I was pleasantly surprised to see they had converted numerous “log boats” into planters! This ride had been a crowd favorite! I immediately recognized the log boats, and seeing them brought back so many fond memories.

At our star-spangled coffee chat, I’d tell you about a new challenge I’m doing for July. While my abs aren’t flabby, they definitely are my least-favorite body part. They are in dire need of some toning, LOL! Although I do periodic Peloton core workouts, I like the added boost from taking on a short-term challenge: enter the 3-Minutes-a-Day Challenge. I’m bringing back the daily side planks, and doing 1-minute holds on each side, and also adding a 1-minute wall sit to the mix. I actually kickstarted this challenge on June 30th, and took measurements. Stay tuned…hopefully this will keep me accountable!

Finally, at our star-spangled coffee chat, I’d share an (almost) embarrassing runfession. June 29th was the eighth birthday of Voldemort! We’re not speaking of Harry Potter stuff, but the nasty scar on my knee that was named after the evil character from the HP series. This all came about from a misdiagnosed injury that warranted emergency surgery for a staph infection (more details HERE). I can’t believe I let that day slip by without any flashbacks or Facebook memories popping up (I know, #FacePalm). My knee still has some minor residual discoloration, but the scar is barely noticeable now. I’m ever grateful for the full recovery I was afforded, and the love of walking that ensued (during the nearly 3-month recovery period). 

Volde…now and then

Anyways, that’s my contribution to our star-spangled coffee chat. Besides, I think I’m due for a refill before I head out and hit the trail (my bike, and some friends, are awaiting my attention!).

What would you bring, to the (virtual) table, if we were gathered? Any 4th of July plans?

Since it's the first weekend of the month, I'm linking this with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date

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