Making Some ILLI-NOISE!

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I've been making my own Illi-Noise lately.

Let's just say they call it Perfect Timing for a reason.

Ever been there? In the early phase of a comeback, when an opportunity practically landed in your lap? And your gut instinct immediately said, "Let's do this!"

Well, it's been my reality for a couple of months now.

Since We're Gathered Over Coffee...

We made it!!!!

It wasn't easy. At times, it was quite scary and filled with much anxiety, fear and heartache. But it's over and it's done.

Yes, indeed, 2020 is officially in the rear window. Things did not magically change at the stroke of midnight, but hopefully it gave many closure on an especially tough year. Alas, now we can forge ahead to much anticipated brighter pastures.

A Few Final 'Fessions for 2020

Shall we share a few final 'fessions for this train wreck of a year?

Truth be told, while 2020 dumped many unforeseen challenges on us, it wasn't all gloom and doom. After all, I'm a strong believer in finding the sliver lining of every cloud (because EVERY cloud does have one). Let's suffice it to say the past nine months have given me many opportunities to strengthen that skill. 

Recently, there's been a lot of stuff happening...

Coffee & Chatter & Chai, Oh My!

Well, here we are again. 

As with all things virtual (that word has been on permanent repeat for too long, just saying), it's time for gathering over a virtual cup of coffee (or beverage of your choosing). We could even sit around a virtual table and munch on virtual snacks.  

That said, at least the conversation would be real. 

And, let's not forget, we are in the midst of a crazy holiday season (with its own set of new Covid-compliant rules). There's also a grand bon voyage to 2020 in the works.

Yes, there's plenty to chat about. In fact, let me go first... 

Shall we 'fess up already?

Here we are...time to 'fess up and feel good about it.

Things have continued to stay on the crazy side "normal," but 2020 is winding down.  It's been a tough year, in so many capacities. It's also been a year of change, adjustment, and growth...none of which are bad. 

Alas, as November winds down, there are a few current things I'd like to bring to the 'fessional... 

A Winter Running Refresher

It's crazy.

I've had to stray from my usual routine in recent months (you know, #stressfracture). Yet, here I am...feeling ready, and raring to get back at it. Only now, the weather is a tad bit colder than it was three months ago.

As much as I dread the cold weather, it's a reality in Iowa. That said, I don't have to love it to tolerate it. After all, my attitude is all on me. 

Here's a few cold weather reminders that'll assist me in facing the winter in my running shoes... 

Currently...over coffee

Currently....over coffee, I might actually be drinking a cold beverage.

No, I don't mean an adult beverage either. We've had some unseasonably warm weather this week, so I've been downing the cold, flavored water like it's my job. Don't worry, I know this weather won't last, but I've been enjoying it on the daily (like that's my job as well).

None the less, it's that time of the month for gathering and gabbing. Imagine, if you will, a virtual coffee date with friends. What would you care to share?

"Fall" 'fessions

Time for some 'fessions? 

Oh yes, indeed. I've got a few to share...

And, guess what? One of them is an actual legit Runfession!

A Bit of a Sneaky Streak Seeker

I have a bit of a confession...I'm a bit of a sneaky streak seeker.

I'm not embarrassed, nor the least bit ashamed. And, I must confess that I'm not really sure how it all began, nor do I wish it to end.

Streaking, in terms of fitness, has its merits. It also has potential downfalls, if done carelessly. But there's a pretty significant sense of accomplishment in knowing that you completed (or are still maintaining) a streak.

Five Ways To Intensify Your Strength Workout

Are you a fan of strength workouts?

It's no secret that I am! 

It's been just over 10 years since I was introduced to the world of strength-training, and it's been a pretty fun ride. While I'm not a coach (Ha! As if! LOL), I have learned a lot about the sport of pumping iron.

I'm also a creature of habit. It's all too easy to get stuck in a routine and not venture very far from that which we feel the most comfortable. 

Fortunately, I'm also one who is always looking for new ways to do old things. Such is the case with my at-home workouts. I don't have much for fancy equipment, but I do have a few sets of dumbbells. They get a lot of use, usually weekly.

Chai and Chatter and (bicycle) Chains

What say we gather (virtually, of course) and chat for a bit? 

You can have your beverage of choice (hot or cold), but I'm opting for a chai latte.' We can discuss the latest happenings in our lives, and give each other a (virtual) hug of encouragement and support. After all, COVID-19 has not yet left us and things are a bit strained at the moment.

Care to join me?

stress fracture 'fessions

 

Please forgive me, dear runners. It's been 42 days since my last run..

I wish I could have been running this past month, and I wish I was #runfessing about it now. But I am gonna break stride (see what I did there?) and share some #StressFractureFessions this go-round. After all, this stress fracture has been my reality since August 19th, when it was first diagnosed.

Anyways, shall we begin?

My current coffee "situation"

My current coffee "situation" is not like anything I could have imagined a few weeks ago.

Things aren't fabulous, but they're manageable. Fortunately, I'm not prisoner to a pity party, nor am I dwelling on the things I'm (temporarily) not able to do. Again, it's that "big picture" perspective. Knowing that I have 100% control of my attitude is pretty empowering.

That said, there are a few things I'd like discuss over coffee. Care to join me? 

It's 'fession Time, but Where Do I Even Begin...

It's 'fession time, but where do I even begin?

As if 2020 hasn't been a wicked ride on a broken roller coaster, August has not exactly been a picnic in the park.  In fact, the past month has thrown a tank of lemons in my direction. 

It's a good thing I have an affection for lemonade! By the way, I'll take that lemonade straight up, sans anything mixed in, because I don't trust myself not to spill.

Gimme A (coffee) Break

If there ever was a coffee date I've been needing, it would be this one.

Actually, I'd be savoring a chai latte. As much as I love the aroma of coffee, I've never acquired a taste for the stuff. I do adore the quaint atmosphere of a coffee shop, though. And if there are a few friends, gathered around an intimate table...well, all the better.

I'm not a stress-filled, anxiety-consumed person...usually. Things have been a little out-of-the-ordinary in recent weeks, though, and I'm eagerly waiting for a break in the action, so to speak. There's a lot to be said for things returning back to their original positions.

'fessing with the best of them

It's that time of the month and, yet again, there's plenty to 'fess about.

I know, I know...these are supposed to be runfessions, but I have a few extra 'fessions that need to be shared as well. After all, most of us runners have lives outside of our running shoes, right?

So, let's get started...

100 Days of Walking

I may be a runner, but go ahead and call me a walker, too.

Honestly, I will not take offense to being called a walker. Some runners shun walking, and may even be ashamed to walk during a run or a race, but not me. After all, walking has served me quite well, even before April 16th.

What's so significant about April 16th? That's when the Outdoor Walking Streak began.

Just Chillin' with a July Chai

Don't mind me, I'm just chilling with a (hot) chai latte,' in the July heat.

 Can't you just see (or feel) the irony?

We all have our drinks of preference, and I'll choose a hat chai (most days) over anything else. The summer heat, and subsequent humidity, came barreling in this past week. Personally, I don't mind the heat much, but the humidity really does a number on my hair. Oh well, at least it's not snowing.

Anyways, it's that time of the month most of us look forward to...time for gathering round a table and chatting, virtually that is.  Shall we get started?

Runfess? I Think YES!

It's really a good thing we have the opportunity to runfess each month.

If we were talking full disclosure, there's always a few things that I need to come clean on anyways. I've learned it's always best to runfess and move on. I can only imagine it's the same for others...am I right?

That being said, here's the latest...

So.....Now WHAT?

So...anyone else looking at a big question mark for the Summer of 2020?

You probably heard that my marathon has been cancelled. Yes, I'm bummed, but I'm not heart-broken. Don't worry, I will not be hanging up the running shoes or giving up on my fitness. Things are going to be different from what I've come to know for the past 12 years, though.

Honestly, this is going to be way out of my comfort zone. I'm not afraid of all the unknowns or lack of schedule. But with no big Fall race on the calendar, I feel like I'm embarking on a journey into the great unknown.

It's both exciting and a bit eerie, but it is what it is.