Savoring the Last Days of Fall

We have had an amazing fall--warm weather and beautiful colors! The leaves are starting to fall, but we've still got good color. I'm sure that's going to change in a hurry with the impending arrival of more winter-like weather. As much as I don't love winter, I will admit that I am looking forward to days of curling up on the couch by the fire and reading a good book. And winter foods! Soups, stews, and baked pastas--hearty fare that just don't work in the warmer weather. I came home from my aunt's house last week with a bag of wild rice that their neighbor harvested, and I made chicken and wild rice soup with it. I also baked an apple crisp. 

I know by March, though, I'll be ready for warm weather again!

Finding Fall in the Northwoods of Wisconsin

We wrapped up our trip to northern Wisconsin, completing another segment of the Ice Age Trail, and returning to Illinois on Monday. Even though we were only gone for 4 days, it felt like we were away for much longer. I won't lie, reentry was tough after being off the grid and immersed in beauty and solitude. This trip was wonderful. It also made me question why I'm postponing retirement, as I struggled to find my center this week. I'm hoping that with the Mammoth Trail Challenge completed and getting back into my routine, I'll feel more settled. 

If you missed my last 2 posts, here are the links to read about my other Mammoth Trail Challenge adventures:

Trail Magic

A Week of Challenges

Mini Book Reviews: October 2025

Disclaimer: I received a copy of The Eternal Forest from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links.

October was a crazy busy month for me, and unfortunately, I didn't get as much reading done as I had wanted. I also picked a couple of books that were long and a little bit slow. I only had 2 NetGalley reads this month, but I wasn't able to read both of them based on my library holds coming in. I know, excuses, excuses. 

I'm looking forward to a slower paced November with lots of good books because...it's non-fiction November! I'm kicking it off with Nobody's Girl, the blockbuster memoir written by Virginia Giuffre. Stay tuned for my review!

A Week of Challenges

It was a week filled with challenges, but they were good challenges! I continued to add more miles to my total for the Mammoth Trail Challenge! I surprised myself on Sunday by knocking out almost 9 miles on one of my favorite, albeit very hilly, trails in Wisconsin, feeling strong after running 8 miles the day before. Back-to-back runs have never been my thing, especially longer runs, but here we are!

I also participated in a challenge for Fluid Running. The actual pool running wasn't the challenge; it was trying to get it done! But if you know me, I'm not a quitter, and I didn't let the glitches stop me. I even made it to work with time to spare.

As you read this, my youngest son and I are currently up in the north woods of Wisconsin, on some new-to-me trails. I always like to check out new segments when I do this challenge, and I was really excited for these. I'll share more on my IG this weekend and the blog next week!

Trail Magic

Trail magic, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, is finding what you need when you least expect it, experiencing rare nature, or encountering acts of generosity. I always leave the trails feeling that I've experienced trail magic, whether it's petting a sweet dog, spotting wildlife on the trail (especially deer), or simply running on a beautiful trail. I even experience the runner's high on occasion on the trails--you know, that feeling you get when everything falls into place. It happened twice this week! 

I've been feeling good about running right now. I'm going to credit the heavy strength we're doing at the gym for giving me a boost. The cooler weather helps, too. Even though I got a late start on the Mammoth Trail Challenge, I'm feeling confident about getting all my miles before the end of the month. I'm halfway there and as you read this, I'm out on the Lodi Marsh Segment working on another 8 miles! Next weekend is going to be extra special as I tackle some new-to-me segments with my youngest son. Stay tuned for that!

Another Busy Week

Life has been very busy for me this fall, and it doesn't look to slow down anytime soon. I struggled to get my workouts in this week, but I did get a lot of movement in every day. And no, I have not gotten any miles on the Ice Age Trail yet for the Mammoth Challenge. I'm about to remedy that today--if you are reading this on Sunday, I'm in Whitewater earning some miles! I need 45 miles to earn my patch this year, and I have a plan to get it done, even with the limited time I have left in the month. 

It's all good busy, and I'm enjoying it. I just read a quote that resonated with me: "It's better to be busy than to be busy worrying". Being productive, achieving goals, and spending time with family and friends--that's the best way to be busy.

Is This the Real Fall?

What I want to know is: where is fall? 

When I step onto the trails, it looks like fall, but it still feels like summer. Usually, this time of year brings crisp temperatures to go along with the crispy foliage (see what I did there?). Not so much this year. I'm all for a warm fall, but it has been downright HOT. Like middle of July HOT. On Friday and Saturday, we hit 90°F/32C. I was planning on kicking off the Mammoth Challenge with a long run/hike today, but I'm postponing it for a few days.

Next weekend is the Chicago Marathon, and it looks to be a warm one. Hopefully, everyone who has been training in this warm weather will be prepared for it.