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!

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!

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…

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. 

Wind & Cold & Another Vortex, Oh My!

The Iowa winter continues, as does its less-than-desirable weather conditions.

As if the cold temps and blustery wind weren’t enough, Momma N upped her game and sent an intense polar vortex to the greater part of the USA late in the week. Although it’s been extremely cold and windy, the precip has been pretty minimal in my area…so there’s that, at least. 

But still, I’m totally not a fan of the winter season…

Sweating out the “cold”

Let’s just say the weather wasn’t the only thing experiencing “cold” symptoms this week.

I’m not sure where it came from, but there was a vicious little bug (of some sort) trying to wreak havoc with my sinuses. It didn’t really keep me from moving and grooving, but it did test my patience. 

Alas, I persevered… Yadda 

Winter, Why So Early???

Wowza! When Momma N decides it’s time for winter, she doesn’t mess around.

Yeah, there was all kinds of winter antics happening this week. The temps were cold (and set some records), the wind was crazy, and there was plenty of the white stuff. 

Ugh. We all knew it was coming, but the extreme conditions were 4-5 weeks early. Alas, what’s a gal to do but face the cold conditions head first… 

Rebounding?

At long last, this week had me flirting with a possible rebound from all the hip crankiness of late.  

Yes, you read it here first! 

Although, it’s still too early to fully assess, I’m feeling pretty optimistic. Read on for the deets…

The Active Recovery Reality Check

Active recovery is my current reality, and I’m good with that.

It’s now been three weeks since the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon. While I have been a good girl, avoiding the running shoes, things are still not feeling fully recovered. This past week, I ventured back out for a couple of short runs, and I didn’t notice any change…for better or worse.

So, how did things play-out? In a word: satisfactory.

Recovery. Recovery. Recovery.

Recovery. Recovery. Recovery. ‘Nuff said.

So, this was another week with another emphasis on active recovery. It’s been several years since I’ve taken an extended sabbatical from running, but I’m doing fine (not much FOMO). Can I just say it’s a nice break from the usual OCD weather-stalking?  

That said, active recovery does not mean sleeping-in or excess time on the couch, at least not in my  world…

Let’s Rock the Recovery

Recovery:101

Yes, indeed, it was a solid seven days of disciplined recovery in my world this week. Well, technically it was active recovery, because I’m not that disciplined to sit still, LOL.

I did stay out of the running shoes, though, and did more stretching and massage gun therapy than usual. That’s a huge win for me!   

Last call for Summer

All is well, but it feels like my summer may be flirting with the fall season  (a few weeks post-equinox). 

It hasn’t been especially cold yet, but the mornings have been feeling chilly and the overnights are getting cooler. There hasn’t been much color change with the tree foliage, but I know that’s coming soon. It’s all part of the change of seasons, right?

I don’t hate the fall season, I just don’t like what follows, LOL.     

Coffee-Talking…

Well, how do you like the heat? 

Most know I’m a fan of all things summer. The calendar now says “Fall,” but I’ve been basking in all kinds of Summer. 

Even when the temps are toasty, I’m still taking my “coffee” hot, LOL. And, let me clarify, by “coffee,” I’m drinking foo-foo cappuccinos (and not actual coffee). 

 Alas, we have a new month in front of us. There’s no better time than now to gather for a coffee talk.

Shall we?  

When Fall Feels Like Summer…

Talk about your dream weeks!

We’re talking next-to-perfect summer conditions (warm, but not excessively hot), solid cross-training, and fabulous miles in the running shoes. Seriously, it’s been a hot minute (see what I did there?) since I’ve had a week where every run felt nothing short of fabulous.

If only this could be the norm, right?

One “Fall” Swoop

…and just like that, it appears the fall season is here to stay.

Well, at least that’s the story from this week. Although we did have some pleasant afternoon temps, the mornings were chilly, the air was crisp, and the wind returned with somewhat of a vengeance.

 I know the summer-like temps aren’t completely in the rear-view mirror, but ugh. Why, oh why, is Summer such a painfully short season in the Midwest? It’s a good thing I have perseverance and grit, both of which are crucial in getting outside (still) on the daily.

August’s Final Hurrah

How, exactly, is August (almost) over?

I gotta say it’s been a month full of adventure, fitness, and fun. I don’t dread September’s arrival, but I’m not too keen on the final days of summer looming on the horizon. The best I can do is celebrate and embrace every minute before the daylight depletes and the cold sets in…

Hmmm, What’s in your cup?

If we were to gather for a coffee chat, virtual or otherwise, what would be in your cup?

I’ve been on a hazelnut cappuccino kick for a a couple of years now. If I’m sipping in the comfort of my home, that would be my beverage of choice. If I was out and about, I’d go for a chai latte’ because I’m still not a coffee drinker. I do love me a hot beverage on occasion, though, even in the heat of summer.

Another question…if we were gathered around a table, what would you want to share?

Myself? I have a few things I’d bring to the table…

Back in the (RAGBRAI) Saddle Again

Some things are just too good to miss.

The same could be said about bike rides, especially when we’re talking about the biggest such event in the world. Did I mention it happens in the state of Iowa?

This such event is known as RAGBRAI, and I was fortunate to take part for Day-5 of this weeklong ride across the state.  

The HEAT Is ON!

Anyone feeling #HotHotHot ?

If not, let me extend an invite to Iowa. We’ve not only got the heat, but the humidity as well. While I can usually handle the heat and humidity with moderate ease, these conditions have been bordering on extreme for this region. That said, I will gladly take what we have and not wish it away. Also, I’d choose these hot temps over the bitter chill of winter, hands down, any day.  

So yeah. There was all kinds of glistening and glowing going on this week. And, I survived without incident. All is well….

Just Keep Moving Forward!

Talk about your action-packed weeks!

Of course, that’s the way (uh huh, uh huh) I like it.   

Biking and walking were both vying for center stage. Strength training had some moments. A new July challenge started. And, running staged a rally-back. All was well as the summer heat (and requisite humidity) ushered us into the new month and Independence Day weekend.