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? 

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… 

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….”

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…

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…

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

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!

‘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? 

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.

The Great Thaw-Out

The Iowa weather just keeps us guessing.

First, we have arctic-like conditions for several weeks, but sans snow  (I’m looking at you, January). Then, we’re blessed with a couple weeks of very unseasonably warm temps, while the rest of the country was buried under several inches of snow and ice. Last weekend had us fighting the aftermath of a sudden much-more-snow-than-expected storm. 

And, this week? It started out very winter-like, but we gradually made our way back to early spring-like temps.    

Yes, never a dull moment!

How about a few February ‘Fessions

 

February 2026 was quite a unique month. 

The weather threw most of us for a loop. While much of the US spent the greater part of the month under snow and ice, Iowa was pretty much exempt from the usual extreme conditions of the winter season. 

With such an unseasonably pleasant month, one would think there wouldn’t be any ‘fessing needed. But, the ‘fessions, nonetheless, are still ripe and ready…

Care to join me at the ‘fessional? 

February Weather…say WHAT???

Did I fall asleep and miss the last of Winter? 

Doubtful, but a gal can dream, LOL. As much as we desperately need some precipitation, the past couple weeks have been rather…dare I say, pleasant? The extreme cold has left the scene (for the time being), the wind has mellowed, and the sunshine has been incredible.

Not needing my jacket in the afternoons has been intoxicating, and sweet little Max has really enjoyed the extra walks after work (and sometimes before I leave in the morning). Instead of dreading the eventual return of Winter, I’m choosing to bask in the here and now. All is, indeed, quite good!

Shall We Gather Over Coffee?

Once again, it’s time for some chatter, coffee and kinship.

It’s been a cold 2026 thus far. I’m always up for a warm beverage, and it’s a given I enjoy some friendly conversation with my peeps.

Care to join me?

We’re Up & Running!

Here we are, up and running in 2026!

This week was a busy one. We not only had 2025’s grand finale, but we also welcomed 2026’s arrival. Myself, I had several days (and a half day) of PTO, so my schedule was slightly off. Case in point, it felt like I had three Saturdays before the real Saturday arrived, LOL. My brain was so confused!

As per usual, the Midwest weather was a wild card. Nonetheless, it was a full week of fitness, fun and whatnot…

Are We Ready?

 

Here we are… on the verge of kissing  2025 goodbye, while awaiting the arrival of 2026! 

I think I’m ready, are you? 

Are We Feeling Festive?

Here we go!

The holiday spirit is going strong, and the craziness is getting real. Of course, we have the weather doing its ever unpredictable dance, but I guess that just keeps us on our toes (see what I did there?).