Another Streak: Done!

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.

Our First Chat of 2025

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…

I’m SO Confused!

Seriously.

This week had my brain so fried! 

My place of work gave us both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off (which was very generous of them), but it totally messed with my routine, LOL. Working one day (Monday, obviously after a 2-day weekend), then having two days off  (Tuesday and Wednesday), followed by two days back in the office (Thursday and Friday) really had me forgetting what day was what.  

Yes, a big time First World Problem. But still…

One Last ‘Fession Session for 2024

…and just like that, it’s time for one last visit to the ‘Fessional for 2024. 

How can we already be past the holiday hustle and bustle and embarking on 2025? It just doesn’t seem possible. 

Yet, there are a few remaining ‘Fessions that need disclosing before years end. Funny how some things never change, right? 

 Shall we get to it? One last ‘Fessional hurrah for the year? 

Seasonal Chillin’

‘Tis certainly the season for chillin,’ both figuratively and (quite) literally!

Momma N held nothing back this week, except for all things warm. Fortunately, she wasn’t especially generous with snow, bless her.  She more than made up for that, though, with cold temps and insane wind on the daily. 

Holy Brrr, Batman! It was a cold one!

Back to the BRRR

Well, this was a week!

The past two Decembers, at least in my area, have been mild. There hasn’t been much snow. The temps have been cold, but not extreme. There’s been wind (Hello, #Iowa LOL), but nothing too painful.

This December, thus far? Let’s just say we haven’t been quite so fortunate.

Thankfully, the snow has been very minimal, but the outdoor “feels” have been less than fantastic…and it’s not officially Winter for another week. Eek! I’m glad I’m Iowa Tough!

Another Run Streak? DONE!

Yes, I did it again (for the 11th time, nonetheless).

What started as a once-and-done thing, back in 2013, has become a much-anticipated yearly gig. It's no secret how I feel about the winter season. The cold temps, the crazy wind, and the lack of daylight...all are things I can deal with, but ALL of them are major buzzkills.

Enter the annual Runner's World Winter Run Streak. It not only gives me some much-loved fitness via the running shoes, but also a much-needed distraction from all things winter. And, it sees me through the winter solstice.

Returning to Winter

It was bound to happen...

After almost an entire month of unseasonably pleasant temps, it was back to life (in Iowa) and back to the reality of winter. At least Momma N kept the precip to a minimum and waited until after Christmas to have her way with us. 
 

Despite the usual busyness this time of year, this was probably one of the least stressful holiday seasons on record. The bulk of gifts were bought (or sent) ahead of time, most of the baking was done a couple weeks ahead of schedule, and I only needed a handful of last-minute grocery items. Whew!

Oh, and the run streak continued on its merry way, as did the other non-running fitness fun. All in all, it was a great week! 

Continued Smooth Sailing

What can I say?

We're almost through December, not to mention the Year of 2023, and the weather has been pretty kind to me. We all know I've been run streaking since Thanksgiving Eve. This year, I've done several of those runs in shorts, and even more sans gloves! 

There's also been a lack of snow (precipitation in general, actually), which has made for some low-maintenance daily jaunts in the running shoes.

This past week was no exception...

Halfway There!

Things just keep moving right along...

Not only have we passed the halfway mark in December (how is that even possible???), but yours truly passed the mid-point of my winter run streak. Indeed. Truth be told, I'm not sure which is going faster, the final month of 2023 or the streaking.

My theory? The continued (mostly) mild winter weather is what's keeping things pleasantly in motion. While it's been quite cold at times (as it should be this time of year), we haven't had much snow (or even rain) to deal with. For myself, not having to fight the elements makes the great outdoors much more manageable this time of year.

Call me crazy, but I'm good with mild temps, clear streets and a definite lack of ice. 

On The Upswing

The winter season is definitely in our midst, but it's not all bad.

It's no secret that Winter is my fourth favorite season. I'm not a fan of extreme cold temps, psychotic wind, or the increasingly dark days. That said, the Solstice is getting closer, bringing with it (gradually) increased daylight! 

This week gave us "seasonal" temps, but not much in terms of precipitation (#Win). We also were gifted a few days with much-appreciated mild weather (#BigWin). My winter run streak is going well (#AnotherWin). And, I'm at a good place in terms of prepping for the holidays. I'd say things are on a definite upswing, given this busy time of year.

So, Here We Are...

Although I knew Winter would be arriving (eventually), it still wasn't a pleasant entrance.

What can I say? Momma N strung me along through most of November, teasing and taunting me with unseasonably mild temps...only to drop Winter upon me with a rather large thump. I have heard it may be a calmer-than-usual winter this year, though, so that does give me hope.

Nonetheless, that does not mean I have to love it...

Whoa, Winter! Not So Fast!

Despite the calendar still showing Fall (for another four weeks!), it feels like Winter staged an early arrival.

It's no secret how I really feel about the cold weather. Yet again, Momma N seems to have dumped the frigid temps, and unrelenting wind on us, without a gradual transition period. Lucky us!

I guess it's all good, though not ideal. I mean, it's not like Winter wasn't due to arrive eventually...

5 'Fessions for November

Here we are...

We made it through Thanksgiving, and November is winding down. 

With a new month knocking on the door, it's time to pay a quick visit to the Runfessional and come clean on a few things. Anyone care to join me for this monthly "sole-cleansing" ritual?

My 10th Winter Run Streak: a few highlights

A decade of winter run streaking...whodda thunk?

I recently finished my 10th consecutive Runner's World Winter Run Streak. Truthfully, this is a feat I never, ever, would have imagined happening 11 years ago. 

Why? I'm constantly paranoid of injury. Often times, I err on the side of low-mileage instead of risking too many miles on a tired body. And, although I sometimes run on back-to-back days, I seldom exceed a 3-day jaunt in doing so.

But, here I am. 

It's been two weeks since this 10th streak party ended, and I have a few thoughts to share...

New Year; Same Me

Here we are, one full week into 2023...and, my-oh-my, how time flies when you're having fun!

It may be cliche, but it's true (at least in my world). I've been keeping busy, trying to enjoy the remaining remnants of the holiday season and maintaining all things fitness, so this first week of the new year has flown by. 

I haven't really set any specific new goals for 2023, nor have I made any reflective resolutions. My main focus is to keep on keeping on, and to enjoy this ride called life. So far, so good!

Weather: Say WHAT?!?

Well, well, well, can you say weather whiplash? 

If there is such a thing as weather whiplash, I'd say we experienced it in all its glory (and then some). 

The weather "pendulum" swung from seasonal temps to extreme cold, then did an abrupt 180 to unseasonal warmth. Yikes! Trying to stay ahead of the game, in terms of what to wear and when/where to work-out was a challenge. As a result, the round-the-clock weather stalking took on a life of its own because there was my daily #OptOutside obligation and streak runs to be done.

It's a good thing we runners know how to make do in undesirable circumstances...

Yes, a Final 'Fess for 2022

 Seriously, friends, how did we get to the final 'Fession of  '22?

Time seems to keep accelerating, and I cannot seem to keep up with it. Maybe that's a good thing, since I have ZERO time to sit idle and succumb to boredom. Yeah, that's the story I'll go with, LOL.

So, here we are again, knocking on the door of  the final 'Fession Session for 2022. As always, I have a few (or, in this case, five) 'fessions to disclose... 

And just like that It's Winter

Just like that, Winter made its grand entrance...and it didn't do so quietly.

It also didn't come alone, bringing with it an ill-timed bomb cyclone. And, as most know by now, this bomb cyclone didn't just affect my stomping grounds (in the Midwest). It swept its way across the USA and messed up a lot of holiday travel plans and kept many locked-up inside to avoid the dangerous weather in its path. 

A big UGH. But, alas, the fitness still prevailed. We can't control the weather, but we can definitely control our attitudes...and we can still get it done inside.

Desperately Seeking Sunlight

Darkness falls across the land....

Well, at least it looked and felt like darkness most days this week. Ugh. We had precip (rain AND snow, thank you very much), almost daily cloud cover, and wind (LOTS of wind). I did continue my #OptOutside streak, as well as my #RWWinterRunStreak, so my #IowaTough grit was thoroughly put to the test. 

Alas, as I've said numerous times, I refuse to let Momma N win. Whatever she throws at me, I'll face it head-on and rise to the challenge. That doesn't mean I have to like it, though.