Some say the sky’s the limit.
I’d have to say the sky’s not only the limit (figuratively and in reality), but it’s also quite beautiful. This week, there was plenty to see in looking skyward. Not only was the sunrise breathtaking, on the daily, there were numerous celestial things going on, and it was an astronomer’s paradise.
It also was another humidity-filled week, with plenty of summer weather to behold. Of course, I was all about that!
Is anyone else ready, willing, and needing to ‘fess a few things?
Well, I certainly have a few things to bring to the ‘fessional. After all, there’s never a dull moment, right?
I’ll get right to it…
It was a hot one.
This past week, that is. The weather returned to its usual seasonal heat, and brought a fair share of brutal humidity with it.
Even the “cooler” mornings had me slicked & slathered with all kinds of dampness. Such is summer…
Suffice it to say that things were a bit out-of-sorts this week.
After a few weeks of outright denial, reality smacked me in the face. The sunrises (that I love so dearly) are coming later and later, and the morning (and some of the evening) temps are on a downward spiral. These are all things I'd noticed, but they really became evident this week. Ugh...why, oh why, is the summer season so short in Iowa???
It wasn't just the seasonal shift in daylight and weather, though, that affected my livelihood. The Iowa State Fair was underway, and I simply had to make a trek (or two) to see the sights (and compromise my already-jacked sleep schedule).
Alas, you only live once and I believe in seizing each moment, day, and week whenever possible. So, that I did...
Such has been my objective most of the summer, and this past week was no exception...
Sometimes you just gotta set a lofty goal and go for it.
After all, anyone who has ever trained for a big event (say, for example, a half marathon or longer) usually makes the commitment well in advance of the actual event itself. Often times, it's the commitment that fuels the fire to put in the work to reach your goal.
Such was the case with these 25 Weekly Rides of 2022...
My current reality?
It's definitely not what I would have pictured or imagined a few weeks ago, but that's not a bad thing. Not in the least.
This past week saw very little running (umm, how does a single, solitary mile grab you? LOL). Instead, it entertained all kinds of other fun fitness things, which is always a good thing.
And, the weather? Well, it was a brief summer-rewind situation...and that was a GREAT thing.
Is there anything better than a comforting hot beverage, especially when the weather feels less than perfect?
Truth be told, I can drink a hot beverage anytime (no matter the season or the weather) and be quite content. Although I don't drink true coffee, per se, I often have a coffee mug in-hand on a daily basis.
And, wouldn't you know, it's time (already) for another gathering of like minds for some stimulating chatter as we sip our beverages of choice. Myself, I'm indulging in my most recent new favorite, a hazelnut cappuccino. How about you?
How do you feel about planking? Ever wanted to give it a try? If you're already a proficient planker, have you thought of upping your game ?
Or maybe you're just simply craving a little challenge to get you through November, before the holiday season really takes off?
Have no fear...Planksgiving '22 is here!
Yes, I did it again.
With my love for all things cycling front and center, my heart was leading me to do it again. Not an entire week, but simply (I use that term quite lightly) for a mere day.
It wasn't just any day, either. It was the final day of a famous 7-day trek (of numerous cyclists) across Iowa.
I loaded up my hybrid, Krystal, and we made it happen.
RAGBRAI for a day...
I came. I rode. I conquered. But I didn't do it alone.
As most know, my love for cycling has exploded in recent years. Last summer, I got the wild notion of doing a century ride (and so did a few of my friends). After all, I had ridden 88 miles (and change) in late July, for RAGBRAI. Surely an extra 12 miles weren't very far out of reach.
After almost a year of talking, scheming, and a lot more biking, my first 100-mile ride came to fruition on Wednesday, July 27th.
And, here's the story...
Every step counts.
All 3,336 of them. On a warm day. In the sunshine. At a baseball stadium.
The event: The Fight for Air Climb.
The objective: To climb for those who aren't able, to promote health and fitness, and to raise funds (on behalf of the American Lung Association) to aid those who suffer with lung disease.
The climber: me (and numerous others).
I'm always up for a challenge.
Trying to pick just five words to describe myself was far from easy. After all, it's nearly impossible to assume a subjective analysis of oneself.
That said, here's what I came up with...
Baby, it's not just cold outside, it's ridiculously frigid.
Even by Iowa standards, the past week was downright brutal. We're talking single digits temps on the daily, as well as double-digit mph wind. That just means the feels-like was sub-ZERO on the daily as well. Thankfully, there wasn't any new snow or ice, so I'll give Momma N kudos for that.
How did my fitness fare? I'm glad you asked...
I'm a huge believer in ending the year on a strong note.
It's also a busy, yet festive, time of year. Why not combine the two?
Well, that's just what some fitness friends, and myself, did!
It's been said that time is of the essence...
The thing is, time is (often times) in limited supply for many of us. We all have the same 24 hours each day, and we all have the same seven days each week. Those days and hours, though, have a tendency to get loaded down with work, family, and household obligations.
Sneaking in a workout, or even some personal time, can be a struggle.
It's those really busy days when I turn to an old standby...HIIT!
