The HEAT is still ON!

Oof, the heat is back on!

Mind you, it didn’t disappear for very long, but it certainly returned with a vengeance. We were flirting with triple digits most of the week, along with extreme humidity. As I’ve said before, at least it wasn’t snowing. 

How About A Heated Coffee Chat

Anyone up for a “heated” coffee chat? 

I’m asking because the temps have been flirting with triple digits, and there’s no immediate chill in the air. I’m a devoted hot beverage gal, no matter the season, so I’m content with the situation. 

Care to join the conversation?

Still Feels LIke Summer

 How is August (already) coming to a close? 

Anyone have an answer? Anyone? Bueller? 

My best defense, in terms of the upcoming change of seasons, is to embrace every remaining moment of Summer while it’s still clear and present. Thankfully, this week afforded me such a luxury! 

End of Summer ‘Fessions

 

…and, just like that, it feels like Summer has hit the gas pedal, full throttle, and is speeding outta here.

While most are ecstatic for the heat to leave, I’m not in that camp, LOL. While that’s not a new revelation, it always surprises me how quickly the summer season comes to an end. Even with a few sporadic remaining heat waves to enjoy, the diminishing daylight is always a buzzkill. 

That being said, it’s great timing to hit the ‘Fessional with some late-Summer ‘fessions. Believe it or not, there’s plenty to discuss. 

If you’ll allow me to begin…

Stepping Out

These feet were made for walking, and that’s just what they did!

Suffice it to say there were a lot of steps logged this week, and I don’t mean on the stairway. I know this is all good for me, but Holy Yowza, I was feeling fatigued on a few mornings. 

Any regrets? Absolutely ZERO!

Sketchy Weather Aplenty

 The Sweltering Summer Continues…

Not only have the heat and humidity been in force,  but rain (heavy rain, nonetheless) joined their party this week. Another derecho swept through part of Iowa, and wreaked havoc on some other Midwestern states as well. 

Momma N, can you cut us a break? Please, and thank you!

Alive & Kicking in August

Welcome to August!

I’m not quite sure how we are already a full week into August, but here we are. Thankfully, the summer heat is still with us (because we all know I’m in NO hurry for cool weather). 

My best strategy is to appreciate the here and now instead of dwelling on the slowly dwindling daylight. Glass half full!

Chillin’ & Chattin’

 

How does a relaxing cup of coffee (or tea, or water , or fill-in-the-blank) sound?

Would you be sipping a warm beverage, or do you prefer chilled drinks this time of year? Although the temps are warm (actually, they’ve been downright scalding at times), I still gotta have my morning beverage hot. Call me weird, LOL.  

That said, I can still take a”chill,” and enjoy the moment as I sip away…

Care to join me for some conversation?

A Return to Routine

Yes, my friends, I rallied back!

After last week’s RAGBRAI busyness, lack of running, and a very compromised sleep schedule, I made it  back to my routine. The running resumed, there was a better showing of strength workouts, and my sleep was back on track (for the most part).

 Yay me!

…amidst the heat of Summer ‘Fessions

 It’s definitely been feeling hot hot hot! 

The heat of the summer has been strong this month. Despite Momma N testing my love of the season, there’s been a lot happening, outdoors and otherwise. 

As luck would have it, another month is winding down. Shall we hit the ‘fessional, so we can start the new month with a clear mind? 

If you’ll allow me to get this ‘Fession party started…

Des Moines Corporate Games: 5K race recap

There I was…

It was Saturday, July 18th, and I had one more event on my roster for the Des Moines Corporate Games. This time, it was the 5K Road Race to tackle….

A Week with Little Sleep

Yes, it happens and I’m pleading guilty. 

Admittedly, I often choose movement over rest, and this week was no exception. In fact, this week really had my fitness world in a bit of a tailspin.

I have zero regrets, but yowza, I’m feeling a bit fatigued…

Let’s Just Call It Sustained Heat Training

The Heat Dome of ‘26 continues.

It’s true, I love the heat of summer. I can even tolerate the humidity, though I’m not a fan. But, even I would like an itsy-bitsy break from these extreme conditions. 

Alas, at least it wasn’t snowing, right? 

Des Moines Corporate Games: Cross Country race recap

There’s a first time for everything, even in the world of running.

A new such first, in my little world, was doing a cross-country race. Not only was it a traditional cross-country race, exclusively on grass, but it also was part of the on-going Des Moines Corporate Games. 

This is my first time working for a participating company, and these Corporate Games have been so much fun! I’ve done the bike ride and also the fitness walk (though, I did the walk “virtually,” but my 10K run counted towards my team’s participation points). 

Now it was time to lace-up the running shoes…

Sunrises, Smiles, and Some Serious Sweat

Indeed, the July heat (and humidity) was ever so strong this week.

Every day saw temps in the upper-80F/low-90F range with plenty of good old-fashioned “seasonal” humidity right alongside it. As I’ve often said, I don’t mind the heat. I can even tolerate the humidity most days, but that doesn’t mean I have to love it.

Nonetheless, I persevered through the thick of it… 

Fifth Season Races 8K race recap

So there I was…

Not only embarking on a Fourth of July race, but also returning to a specific race’s start line after a 7-year gap. 

With a solid week of sudden extreme heat (and off-the-charts humidity), the race day forecast had been looking sketchy as well. We’re talking 30% - 50% of rain, depending on which weather app you chose to access.

Alas, it was looking to be a muggy morning, rain or not…

Surviving the Swamp

Oof, did it get swampy this week!

I’m fortunate to have a pretty high heat tolerance. The humidity doesn't seem to affect me as much as it does a lot of others, but that doesn’t mean I love it

Nonetheless, I persevered... 

A Star-Spangled Coffee Gathering

Well, friends, July has arrived!

How about we gather (virtually) and have a chat over coffee? I have a lot of stuff in the works for this new month, and I’m looking forward to all kinds of summer weather to get things done. 

Getting My Groove Back

So there I was, getting my groove back after a mini vacation.

Fortunately, my overall fitness wasn’t lacking while away (other than some lackluster running totals, LOL), so it wasn’t a tough return to reality. Still, missing a week of work and whatnot made these final days of June whiz by at record speed. 

How is it almost July? Where did the first half of 2026 go? Things that make you go, “Hmmm….”

‘Fessing It Up for June

…and just like that, it’s time to hit the ‘Fessional.

Crazy how a week away can make one’s reality hit the fast-forward mode (I’m looking at you, Houston). Although the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays, I’m in no hurry for June coming to an end. 

That said, I have a few ‘fessions to come clean on before all the July festivities begin…

Yes, I did it again… 2026 D2D race recap

Yes, I did it again. 

I returned, with my 19th bib in place, for the 2026 DAM-to-DSM Half Marathon on Saturday, May 30th. Believe it or not, it was just as exciting (and hot and humid) as it had been the first time I crossed the start line…

Almost a Rainout

Well, it was quite a week!

It had been a long while since I’ve had the opportunity for a vacation, and Momma N had it in her mind to make it a memorable one. This one came complete with crazy air travel issues, torrential rain and all kinds of heat and humidity, courtesy of the city of Houston.

Nonetheless, it still was a nice little getaway in a new-to-me city…

Holy Heavy Humidity!

 Oof, did it feel damp this week!

While the temps were equally warm, it’s the humidity that really makes the outdoor conditions ever-so-miserable. Granted, I don’t hibernate indoors during the summer. I’m fortunate to have a petty high-tolerance for the summer heat (and its requisite humidity), but it is a shock to the system when it appears practically overnight. Even I prefer a little bit of an acclimation…

ALL RECOVERED!

Not quite sure how it happened …

This week has to be the easiest recovery week on record. If nothing else, it ranks right up there in the top-3 of active recovery endeavors. 

In a nutshell, there was plenty of walking, some strength work, and substantial biking. Also, there was some running, but the miles were kept to a conservative minimum. 

How About a Coffee Chat?

Anyone craving some chatting, maybe over coffee?

It has been a few weeks, and I do have a few things to bring to the coffee table (see what I did there?). Besides, it’s always nice to share some convo amongst friends.

I’ll get the party started…

I’m Calling This a Taper

Yes, there I was again…going through a taper (of sorts).

With DAM to DSM happening on Saturday, this week was all about prepping my body and mind for the start line. As most know, this was my 19th time taking part, and it kind of felt more like an annual holiday  (as opposed to the half marathon that it actually was).

Nonetheless, I still needed to respect the race itself, and (most of) the tapering protocol that entails running those 13.1 miles…

Shall We MAYfess?

And, just like that, we’re back at the Runfessional.

Yes, May is winding down. Before we (or at least myself) can move on to June, a trip to the ‘Fessional is in order to wipe the slate clean. 

Care to join me?

Reunited with the Flock! Market-to-Market 2026 Recap

Oops, we did it again!

The date was Saturday May 9th. There were seven of us, dressed in seven variations of pink gear. There was a 72-mile course to run. And we had the entire day to do so.  

Yes, it was time to return to the Market-to-Market Relay!

Consistency

There’s much to said about the not-so-simple concept of consistency.

Consistency has been paramount in my life since fitness entered the scene, over 21 years ago. It took a long time to learn how to be a runner, and consistently logging a few miles each week is what made the transformation take place. The same thing happened when I first mounted a “grownup” bike, worked-out with dumbbells (and exercise bands) and started climbing stairs competitively. 

Such was the case this past week as well. I did a little bit of everything, and kept the fitness happening on a daily basis amidst the continuous wind and temperamental temps… 

A Wind-Blown Recovery

Well, can you say wind?

Yet again, the wind was a force to be reckoned with in Iowa. We’re talking pretty much on a daily basis. 

My body was ready for some recovery time (I’m looking at you, busy weekend), and getting outside was not only a priority, it was paramount. There was a lot of walking. There was some decent running. And, at long last, there were some miles logged on the mountain bike.

…and, there was plenty of crazy wind awaiting most of my adventures…

Klompen Classic 5K - race recap

 

It had been a few years, but I was feeling the call to return.

After all, it was “just” a 5K, right? I knew the race course was flat, the crowd support was strong, and there were lots (and I do mean LOTS) of tulips everywhere.

Then, as if on cue, the race organizers reached out and offered a comped registration in exchange for a couple of promo reels. Sold!

More Spring Chillin’

Spring 2026, in Iowa, has been seasonably “unseasonable.”

The calendar is showing Spring, but we keep getting Winter feels-like conditions on repeat. The wind has been downright brutal and rude. At least we haven’t seen any of the white stuff (snow or frost), so there’s that.  

That said, if anyone has a magic weather wand, I’d appreciate a wave or two to set things right, LOL

Grand Blue Mile - 2026 race recap

 

I can do tough things.

Although I pride myself on doing such things, I often question my sanity while in the midst of getting them done. Over the years, I’ve gotten especially good at getting out of my comfort zone (because there’s nothing to be gained by staying “comfortable”). 

Case-in-point…the Grand Blue Mile. 

Feelin’ Good, Feelin’ Fine

Another week of Spring, and things have been feelin’ pretty stellar.

Even after that cold, windy, and hilly Drake half, as well as the intense Grand Blue Mile, all is well. There have been no traces of the DOMS, which is a valid cause for celebration. And, although the wind has been rather naughty, the weather has been seasonally pleasant. 

Coffee and Chatting and Whatnot

Here we are, welcoming in a new month.

I’m not quite certain how May arrived so quickly, but whoops, there it is.

Like it or not, we are moving closer and closer to my favorite season, namely Summer! April had some summer-like moments, and it was total bliss. It also tried to catapult us back to Winter a few times.

As is the custom, it’s time to grab a mug, pull-up a chair, and gather for a short coffee chat amongst friends. I’m game, are you? 

Drake Road Races Half Marathon - 2026 Race Recap

 

There are a lot of favorite races that have me questioning my sanity.

Yet, I go back year-after-year. 

Now in its 58th year, the Drake Road Races offers a 5K, a 10K, and a half marathon. I’ve never run the 5K, but have run the 10K a few times. Prior to race day, I’d run the 13.1 eight times. The thing is, it’s not just the longer distance that makes this particular half marathon a tough one, it’s the hilly course that really keeps you humble.

…and Spring Awakens

It was quite a week.

Active recovery (ha ha! #SortOf), Celebrations. Service. And, another race. Not a bad mix, right?

Momma N even righted all the wrongs she threw at us over the previous weekend, so she’s not on my hit list anymore.  

Drake-Fessions, Anyone?

Are we ready for another trip to the ‘Fessional?

How about we add a slight twist to the mix, and throw out a few Drake Relays ‘fessions this month? After all, there was a whole lotta Drake running and racing on the agenda, not just this week but also this past month in preparation.

Last Saturday (April 18th) was my ninth time running the half marathon. Just a few days ago, on Tuesday (April 21st) I returned to downtown Des Moines, for my fifth attempt at running the Grand Blue Mile. Oof, yes…we’re talking a long distance race (with a whole lot of hills) and a very short one, within three days of each other.

Anyways, here are some thoughts and Drake-fessions on the matter…

More Whacky Weather Whiplashing

Suffice it say Momma N had some attitude this week.

Wowza. She was generous with the wind (#BigSurprise), but she also was very kind with the (summer) heat. Then, by week’s end, she did a complete 180 and tried to catapult us back to Winter. Yes, just in time for my race, LOL…

Before I get to the nitty gritty deets from the week, Welcome to the Weekly Run Down!

Let’s Climb! Fight for Air Climb - 2026 recap

Yes, I did it again.

It’s not like I’m a glutton for punishment. I definitely have a zest for taking on challenges, though. You know, especially the ones that others may shy away from. 

Such was the case on Sunday, March 29th. I found myself back in downtown Des Moines, with 79 total flights of stairs awaiting my legs, heart, and lungs. 

Riding the April Rain Train

 Can we talk about 4-letter words? Specifically, those that often times try to wreak havoc on my fitness endeavors? 

It’s a given that wind is top contender. Another such wild card is rain. Let’s suffice it say both of these were in tight competition for this week’s top honors. I guess I could also add cold  to the mix, but it wasn’t in the deal-breaker range.

Rain had a sight edge this week, though, and not in a good way…

Weathering the Week

 

It was another interesting week of weather.

Lucky us, we were blessed with a little bit of everything this week. Although there was some sunshine, it was a contest between the wind and the rain for the most attention. There even was a little hint of tornado conditions. Never a dull moment!

An Early Spring Coffee Chat

 

Anyone up for a warm beverage, and some chatter among friends? 

After all, it is (finally) the spring season, and the Midwest weather is nothing if not unpredictable. There’s plenty to talk about, though, and we don’t even have to bring the weather into the conversation.

Go ahead,  grab a favorite beverage, and join me around the virtual table!

A Welcome Seasonal Shift

Hmmm, the Iowa weather just keeps us guessing.

After last Saturday’s record-setting 91F temps, the thermometer crashed and the wind returned. Go figure! Thankfully, things mellowed-out by mid-week and we saw more seasonal conditions. It still wasn’t summer-like, but at least the temps were moving in a better direction.

‘Fessing amidst the Madness

 

Here we go again!

Spring is finally here, both on the calendar and in the air. Races are on the roster, as is the training. March Madness has me totally excited. 

Those being said, there’s a few things to bring to the ‘Fessional before the month winds down. Care to join me? 

Rebounding with the Weather

 Have I ever mentioned how crazy the Iowa weather is?

This week survived a major rebound, not only in terms of weather but also with all the March Madness happening. By the week’s end, we saw more than a 100-degree temperature jump (in the right direction this time). 

I guess it was only appropriate we welcome Spring all proper, right?

Week of Pi: Take-7

So, I Pi’d again, for the seventh time.

What started out as a whimsical expansion on the (then) annual 3.14-mile birthday run, has become an annual tradition. Call me crazy, but once I get a zany idea in my head, I seldom put it to rest. 

This year’s rendition was probably the windiest Week of Pi on record. Thankfully, there were a few summer-like days, but the chilly spring/fall temps made an appearance, as did some late-winter conditions as well. As I’ve said, many times before, I’m glad I’ve got that #IowaTough thing going for me.

Whiplashed by the Wind

Wind. Too much wind.

Let me start by saying WIND is a 4-letter word, and quite an evil one at that. Let me add that we had a lot of it, this week, in Iowa. 

We even were under a severe wind advisory most of Thursday evening. That crazy wind continued through most of Friday as well. 

It’s a good thing I’m #IowaTough. 

Damp and a bit Dreary

Can you say cloud cover? Or fog? How about continuous overcast conditions?

Such was the theme, in terms of weather, this week. Although we did get some (limited) intermittent sunshine, the bulk of the week featured damp air and cloudy skies. At least it never snowed, so there’s that.

A Pre-Spring Coffee Chat

Although our weather is (currently) mild, and our temps are on an upward trend, I’m always down for a delish hot beverage. 

Anyone else? 

Disclaimer: most know I don’t care for coffee itself. Give me a hot & steamy foo-foo beverage, though, and all is well in my “coffee world.” 

I’m always ready, as well, to gather with the gals for some lively chatter. What say we grab our beverages-of-choice and have at it? Shall we celebrate the upcoming spring season, together, over a coffee meet-up?