What Next?

Living in the Midwest, we're used to wild weather swings. This past week was off-the-charts bonkers. Considering what we've experienced this year so far, that's saying a lot. It was record-breaking warm, so wild weather was to be expected, but a DUST STORM? That was a first for me. I'm glad I wasn't outside when it blew in. I wear hard contacts, and when dust gets in my eyes, it's a very painful experience. Back in the day when my boys played baseball and the bored players kicked up the dust on the diamond, I'd have to run to the car with my eyes closed to avoid the dreaded contact attack. IYKYK

Anyhoo, the dust storm was weird. I wondered if the locusts were next. Is it the end of times? Not to get all deep and philosophical, but fellow Midwesterners have to agree, we've been subjected to some really extreme conditions these past couple of years. Mother Nature's got some splaining to do.

Meanwhile, today we're in the 50s, after breaking records for highs in the 90s just 2 days ago. The wind continues to blow. Dare I ask: what next?

I'm Spending Lots of Time Outside

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Last week, I asked for sunshine and Mother Nature delivered. It wasn't especially warm--Lake Michigan is to blame for that--but I can't complain. Everything is in bloom, and I enjoyed lots of time outside soaking it all in. I can't get enough!

Did I say lots of time outside? Read on...

Where is the Sun?

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As far as springs go, this one hasn't brought its best conditions. In fact, I'd rate it a 5/10, and that's generous. A lifelong Midwesterner, I long for spring after our cold winters. But this year it's been slow to warm up. The sun has been MIA most days. And let's not even talk about the incessant wind.

Despite the poor conditions, I have been getting all my runs done outside. Thank goodness for good gear! While spring is slowly arriving, I am seeing color on my runs. Green grass, leaves budding on the trees, mushrooms popping up, and flowers blooming. Now if it could warm up...

Mini Book Reviews: April 2025

 Disclaimer: I received ARCs of Enough: Climbing Towards a True Self on Mt Everest, Heartwood, The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits, and The Imagined Life. This post contains affiliate links.

April was another great month of reading for me. You know it's a good month when your lowest rated book was by Jennifer Weiner. She's usually a win for me, but this time, The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits was just ok. Maybe it was just me--the ratings on Goodreads disagree with me. It could be just a matter of personal taste. But that's what is so great about reading books--there's something for everyone. And if you don't like it, you don't have to finish it. Thankfully, no DNFs this month! 

Running: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

I have been a runner for most of my adult life. The impact that running has had on me is immeasurable. From mental health to physical fitness, from confidence to composure, from youthfulness to body acceptance--the list could go on forever-- running has provided me with so much more than miles. After two runs with friends this week, I was reminded once again of the many benefits of this never-ending gift. 

My why regarding running has changed over the years, but no matter what reason I have for a particular run, I always get so much more than I need. Even the bad runs teach me something--and really, is there ever a bad run? I feel so lucky to be a runner; as I age, even more so! Running truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

Up and Down

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I hate to be that person who talks about the weather, but as a runner, it's in my DNA. While we in the Midwest are accustomed to wild weather swings, this spring has been more challenging than usual. Don't like the weather? Just wait--it will change. And let's not even talk about the ever-present wind. It's enough to send a runner to the treadmill! 

That may be an exaggeration, but I'm glad that I'm not training for anything. Content to 'just run', I got all my miles in this week. I'm always grateful for the sunshine, even on the cooler days. I also received some new gear, which always makes me happy!

Agility, Baby!

Will Spring ever come? It was a gloomy, cool week here in Chicagoland--at least until the end of the week when the sun finally came out! That didn't stop me from taking all my runs outdoors. I had a lot of fun on my trail runs leaping over puddles and fallen trees. It sure keeps things interesting!