Five years ago I was a lazy bum. Four years ago I was a slightly less lazy bum. Three years ago I was making progress and just over 2 years ago I changed my life when I registered spur of the moment to do a 2 day mountain bike ride for charity.

A year ago I was laid up for a full month after a minor surgery with a difficult recovery. When I came back I was determined to improve my running. At the time every run was physically painful and mentally miserable. I went out for that first run post surgery and did around 2 miles at a 13:45 mile and I was beat at the end. I decided to start running more and back off the other tri disciplines so that I could improve the run and maybe like it one day. In September I found a running group to join which helped inspire me. Just a week later my 23 year old cousin passed away suddenly and we donated her organs and tissue saving or changing 18 lives. This group became support and solace as I grieved this loss. Eventually I joined their paid training group in March of this year and have had a fantastic plan from incredible coaches including 2 group workouts a week and a a free group run on Saturday.


While this plan probably has a bit more speed/hill work than some here would prescribe at my mileage level (just on the cusp of 20 miles per week and still building) I've been very careful to listen to my body and have rested and/or treated as needed. Plans have adjusted as needed and I've seen progress in my speed and strength and my long run has increased to 9 miles last week with a planned half marathon in October.

Anyhow, this week was a rough one. I was in a car accident on Thursday (partially my fault) and while I have some soreness I'm okay. The car is not. I missed the group workout dealing with everything.

Today was the Donor Dash for which I organized a team to run in honor of my cousin. I had my coach, 2 running group members and another friend join me to run and 2 more running group members down to cheer. I went in going for a PR and had a butterfly that had been in the flowers at my cousin's funeral in my shorts pocket. I went out too fast, it was hot and I was emotional but was able to hold on in the end for a 1 minute PR. I'm not fast, that PR now sits at 32:43 but I'm supremely proud of the work I've put in to get here. And I'm excited to see where I go from here. Somewhere in the last year I've fallen in love with running.

Hard work. Dedication. Consistency. Passion. Time. Take control of your training and the improvement comes.

Coal Creek Crossing 10 Miler, here I come!

Spring is coming...

As usual the winter got away from me. The ski season had it's highs and lows with not enough snow but so many ski days with friends!

I'm progressing with my 2010 goals though and thought I'd update here. I'm doubtful I'll get to the 1000 miles run goal as I've only logged 129 thus far. It will be interesting to see what happens now that I'm in a plan and have registered for the Denver Half Marathon in October. Nevertheless I'm extremely proud of the dedication I've put into running and how much I've fallen in love with it.

And, well, the nutrition strategy. Not so much. I'm getting somewhat better but as usual ski season does me in. In the coming weeks I'll focus more on this part so that I can maximize me training.

Now, let's see if I can update y'all more frequently...

It's a New Year!

I'm being pestered to do an update so I guess it's about time. Although, I feel like my life is pretty boring and not necessarily all that interesting to read about.

But, looking forward to 2010 I do have some goals. Not resolutions as it seems like resolutions are something we work to avoid breaking while goals one work towards achieving and I like the positive spin so much more. So here they are, written down so you all can keep me honest.

1) Run 1000 miles.
2) Run a half marathon this fall.
3) Improve my nutrition strategy.

I've started working toward the first and the third and I guess by extension that means I'm working toward the second since all base miles will help me prepare for the half-marathon.

You may be wondering about skiing and coaching. Yep, I'm doing that too although the snow thus far this year has sucked the big one so I haven't skied as much as I would like. I have a great group that I'm working with this season and I'm excited to see how far we'll go! In the meantime we're all praying to Ullr the Norse God of Snow to bring more of the white stuff!

Thanksgiving reflections...

Wow, what a year it's been. Last year's Thanksgiving was spent in Vail with family and friends. Skiing, my first Turkey Trot and treasured time with family and it couldn't get much better.

Since then I've discovered just how strong my body and spirit are and I've been reminded of just how important living life to the fullest is. I was laid off from a job I liked, I completed my first triathlon, I battled health issues, started a new job I love, became a runner, mourned my cousin and celebrated renewed life with a special friend.

This Thanksgiving I'll run my second Turkey Trot and share a meal with friends. And I'll celebrate those people in my life that have supported me through it all and shown me just how awesome life is. I am truly blessed and thankful for it all!

Seasons changing...

Usually at this time of year I'm so excited about skiing and coaching I can barely stand it. It's all I think, talk and dream about (well I imagine I dream since I don't ever remember the actual dreams) and I go up every day I possibly can.

But this year my heart is torn. I loved doing my first tri this summer. And I've fallen in love with running. Starting in August, post surgery, I started focusing a bit more on running which has always been my weakest link. I was cycling too but not swimming. As cycling season (for me) closed down the running ramped up even more. I'm now running 4-5 days a week and really enjoying it.

I joined a run group in a next door town and was welcomed at the end of September with open arms even though the group is much faster than me. The group leader, a professional running coach, is pregnant so she has slowed her pace which made us a perfect fit to run together most Saturday mornings. We motivate each other, chat and get to know one another and before we know it we've done more miles than we'd planned or hoped. I've looked forward to my Saturday morning runs all week with breakfast afterward which served as inspiration to get out during the week and get in the miles.

Next weekend I begin my season of coaching with an on mountain clinic and then I'll spend the last weekend before coaching in Florida with family. All of this is great but it means that today was my final run with the group until next spring. And I'm very very sad. To the point of tears a couple of times today. Who knew I'd be so sad about a running group? Those that knew me 5 years ago would bet money against that one.

The group has inspired me to start thinking about doing a half marathon next year. Yes, you read that right, I'm thinking of running 13.1 miles. If I've learned one thing over the last 2 years it's that I can do anything I decide I want to do if I plan for it, train for it, and want to do it. And this is something I want to do.

I know as I get into my coaching season and start skiing I'll adjust and be very happy all winter long. But sitting in the back of my mind will be this wonderful group running their miles while I ski on snowy slopes. And next spring, as the ski season wanes I'll know that I get to return to the group. It is fabulous to have beloved activities for all seasons!

Today I want to thank the leader of the run group, Erin. The miles with you have been more fun than I ever dreamed running could be. I will miss you this winter my friend but cannot wait to meet Baby Boy and run together next spring as we both start our comebacks! You inspire me, you motivate me and you are in the right profession!

Blizzard of October 2009

Some photos from our approximately 18-20 inches of snow this week!

Uh, oops.

So, I think I might be the world's worst blogger. :(

Wow, it's been quite a summer. Shortly after my last post I had a minor surgery which took me out of my workouts for the majority of July. I also moved in July up toward Boulder and live in the town of Lafayette. This town has great access to trails and fantastic roads for riding leading out to farm country and I've loved living here.

In August I started ramping up my running again finally coming to terms with the fact that if I wanted to run faster I needed to run more. I did my first post surgery run at a pace of 13:45 per mile for 2.6 miles. Definitely slow. I'm now up to running 3-4 days per week and my last hard pace run I did 3.1 miles at 11:20 per mile. Still slow but a heck of a lot faster than previously. I've joined a Saturday morning run group and absolutely love running with them. Or, more accurately starting at the same time then enjoying breakfast and coffee afterward. Well, actually the coach is pregnant so she's stuck with me for 2 of my runs and I really am enjoying her. She seems to know the perfect balance of pushing me and giving me a few ego boosts that just keep me going.

Today we ran the Dowdy Draw Trail just south of Boulder near the town of Eldorado Springs. This trail goes up, up, up on the way out and has some fantastic views. I can't wait to run this during the spring! There was a lot of walking on the way out as those hills just make my heart rate sky rocket but Coach Erin motivated me when I tried to turn around and go to an alternate, flatter trail, we chatted and ran and walked and we went out for 2 miles. My fancy new Garmin Forerunner 305 told me it was just over 2 miles. We turned around and headed back after Coach told me about some other trails we'll run as I get better for which I'm very excited!

The downhill went by fast but was so much fun. Have to be careful as the rocks just beg to trip you up. I can't wait until I have more endurance to be able to go further on these types of trails as it is absolutely gorgeous out there.

And I earned my power sandwich at Panera afterward for sure!

Good run, good company, good food. What more can a girl ask for on a gorgeous fall Saturday morning?