Recovering? Like a BOSS!

...and, just like that, I was back in recovery mode.

Funny, it seems like it hasn't been that long since my last long-distance race (DAM to DSM Half Marathon, early June). Apparently time flies when you're having fun.

So, this week was all about respecting the recovery. I'd trained. I'd tapered diligently. The race had gone well. Now, it was time for the final piece of the puzzle...recovery.

That Post-Goal-Race Reality

Sometimes, reality bites. Other times, it feels just right.

Having just finished my seasonal goal race, the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon (recap HERE), I'm enjoying an engulfing tide of relief, along with a few remaining post-race endorphins. It's a rather euphoric ride, I must say.

But where do we go from here? 

IMT Des Moines Half Marathon - 2023 recap

Maybe it was the intrigue of redemption. 

Or, it could have been a long-standing loyalty. 

Perhaps a little of both?

Whatever the reason, The IMT Des Moines Marathon weekend is one that I cannot stay away from.  

Taking the Taper Seriously

 

Another week, another seven days of taper.

What can I say? We all know the benefits to a proper taper prior to race day. 

Without much on the racing roster this fall, I had ample opportunity to thoroughly embrace this taper, and really pay it due respect. Gotta admit, though, the compromised weather definitely helped, LOL. Cool temps, windy temps, damp temps...all made it easy to opt inside and not overdo any of my usual outdoor fitness this week. That was definitely a good thing!

Weekly Progression Runs: A Game Changer?

Kind of by accident, it seems I may have upped my training game.

My Never-Miss-a-Monday runs are something I hold pretty sacred in my routine. I can't even remember when they became a constant, but it's been awhile. They happen every week. Sometimes before the sunrise, sometimes after work. They have even happened following a Sunday marathon. 

No excuses, they just happen.

Bankin' the Taper

Taper. It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?

With the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon one week out (as this post goes live), this past week was Week-1 of my taper. I use the word taper quite loosely, though, since I'm kinda/sorta always in somewhat of a 13.1 condition (at least this time of year). That being said, this week I made a concerted effort to take the taper seriously in terms of scaled-back mileage, lighter strength-training, and extra ZZZ's.

Gotta say I'm pretty happy with how things played out...

A Coffee Catch-Up

Low and behold, it's already that time of the month. Time for a coffee catch-up, that is.

You know the drill...we all gather (virtually) around a (virtual) table and have some (virtual) chatter. It's crazy that September is in the rearview mirror and October '23 is already a week old. Time flies, right?

So, grab your favorite mug, cup, water bottle or stein, and let's have at it. I've got a few things to share with you all, so what say we get this party started.?