Ticket to freedom

A stroller.  

That is my ticket to freedom.

Having a baby in winter is hard.  You're even more confined to the indoors than "normal" after giving birth.  We/I took Rosie on several walks, bundled up in her car seat that fit nicely in her other stroller, but that wasn't good enough.

The other stroller meant I still, somehow, needed to try to find a separate time to work out.  That was getting really compromised with all the other daily duties and I was getting increasingly frustrated.  I was tired of being a prisoner of our house and the baby weight wasn't coming off as quickly as I hoped.

Then our BOB arrived.  When it showed up on our front porch I felt like it may as well have been a giant Publisher's Clearing House check sitting there.  Suddenly, I could do whatever I wanted!  I could get out WITH Rosie and incorporate her into my workouts.  I wouldn't have to give them up because of Todd's schedule or her nap time.  

We took it on an inaugural outing over the weekend and I could barely contain my excitement.  

This weekend, with the weather finally warming up, Rosie and I will definitely be hitting the open road!  

Turning point

(This is kind of a girly post...)

I went to the mall tonight to find some fun black pants for Todd's office holiday party on Friday night. Yes, I have plenty of regular black pants, but none that are fun.

I went into the fitting rooms at two different stores and was appalled, let me say that again: appalled by my reflection!

I have never understood the reasoning of the folks who design fitting rooms...wouldn't you want the most amazing lighting EVER to make people think they look awesome and then buy lots of stuff? Instead, the lighting is designed to highlight - accentuate, it seems - your every flaw!

That is exactly what happened tonight.

And it was a turning point.

I promptly put my clothes away and resolved to get back into shape.

What has happened to me?!

I'll tell you: I stopped working out consistently.

Running? Ha!

Weight lifting?? Double ha!

Hitting the gym to do something at least 4-5 times a week like I should be? That gets a great big guffaw!

So.

That's it.

I'm angry at myself for slipping like this and I'm going to take it out on the poor machines at the gym.

I make no apologies.

Top 'o the mornin'

I hate this time of year because it's so dark when you wake up and when you're eating supper.

But I love one thing about it - the sunrise when you're out on a run or walk.

From mine and Rigby's walk this morning...

Treadmill of tears

Somehow I've hurt my back. I think it's from trying a terrible Pilates workout tape (yes, I said tape) at home on Saturday when the blizzard was at it's peak.

WHY did I do this video right in the middle of my marathon training?? Why? I've been asking myself this for the past two days because my back hurts so bad I can't run (or easily bend over for that matter).

I tried going out yesterday morning, but couldn't even make a mile. This morning I went to the gym to get on the despised treadmill because it's so windy. I couldn't run more than a couple minutes.

I tried to do an amped up walk when suddenly, as happens more time than not, my iPod went flying off. Without thinking I cursed rather loudly only to look over and see two elderly women staring at me. They either thought I had been injured or were appalled by my sailor-like mouth. Maybe a bit of both.

I slammed the f'ing machine off and stomped over to get some antibacterial wipes.

Then, just as suddenly as my iPod went flying, I got to the hallway and started to cry. I am just so angry and frustrated - and panicked - over not being where should be in my training.

It usually takes getting to this point to make me dig in. If only my back weren't broken.

Go, go, goal

I'm starting to get concerned about the 1/2 marathon.

I'm trying to train - I really am. But constant waves of winter storms are really screwing me up.

To stay in the game during bad weather I go to the gym and run on the treadmill for about 30 minutes - which seems lame, but it's significant because I HATE the treadmill.

I'm not where I should be though. My goal is to run 10 miles on my birthday, which is next Friday. I'm going to have to push it that morning at the rate I'm going.

I will do it...I will do it...I will do it.

Active Endeavors

I have been on the move all day today running and biking. The weather is super nice and rumor has it we're supposed to maybe get more snow this week, so I've been taking advantage of the Spring-like weather.

After a considerable run this morning followed by a lengthy bike ride I was ready for some lunch. And I wanted something a little heartier than a salad.

So, I cooked up some pasta. Those who know me are probably pretty surprised by that. I basically never have pasta. I pretty much went cold turkey with it several years ago and haven't gotten back into it. It just seems like I'm throwing calories away on something for nothing, which I don't enjoy.

I know, I know...those who also know me will likely argue back: But what about beer and wine? Well, I enjoy those. And let's be realistic: I'm not giving them up so I need to cut somewhere!

Every once in a blue moon, however, I'll buy some whole wheat pasta to use in "healthier" dishes. I did that today. I figured after a 6.7-mile run, and a who-knows-how-many-mile bike ride...rotini could probably fit into my diet.

Here's what I concocted on the fly at my stove. I was very happy with it!

Active Endeavors Pasta
3/4 c. (serving size on box) whole wheat rotini pasta
1 c. frozen salad shrimp
1 small handful chopped walnuts
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 heaping tsp. chopped garlic
1 1/2 tbsp. grated parmesan

Boil pasta and shrimp. Drain and pour in serving bowl. Toss with remaining ingredients while warm. Serve immediately. Serving size = 1.

That's all folks. Badda-bing, badda-bang.

Enjoy!

Chicago

I know I haven't posted for a few days, but I either don't have ready access to the Internet or we were on a bus!

I will do some catching up later, but for now a photo from today's morning run in downtown Chicago...

The ol' run around

All of last night I dreamed it was the day of the 1/2 marathon and I was trying to get to the start line. I was late for the race and, oh yeah, completely unprepared. The max I had run to prepare was only six miles!

Ok. That is more of a nightmare than a dream!

I think I'm starting to stress out about my training for it because...um...I haven't really been. Sure, I've been getting some runs in, but not the amount of days or miles I think I should be.

This last week I could hardly seem to get out of bed to get going! And the few times I have actually gone I mentally check out and end up walking the rest of the way home.

I'm going to have to turn this around.

Cheytown Bruisers

That's the name of the volleyball team my friends Matt and Molly put together for a bunch of us at work.

Since I've never really liked volleyball, I opted out of playing and for cheerleading.

Our first game was last night and we...sucked. We got CREAMED with scores of 25-8 and 25-17, the last of which was not a terrible showing. The other team was giving us pointers, and when the games were over the refs told us we could stick around to practice - which would help a a new ref practice too. Clearly, practice makes perfect...

My cheers sucked too. I really need to work on some clever ones for next week! I'm contemplating adding music...

The team...
We have matching shirts, compliments of Matt who is our office graphic designer. We also have nicknames, which were picked carefully (and evilly) by our awesome co-captains. I'm Skiddles! (exclamation mark included)...


The ball stuck behind the big rolled up curtain. Yeah...that was our fault...


Me in a classic cheerleader pose, with "Mustard Gas," a.k.a. Casey, behind me...


Ah, here we go...something we're GOOD at...

Inaugural - times two

Everyone knows of the upcoming presidential inauguration, but very few know there was a second inaugural event this month: that of using my snowshoes.

Linds, Nate and Sam H. and I went snowshoeing today. It was the first time the snowshoes I bought about a year ago touched "real" snow.

We took the Corner Mountain trail in Medicine Bow National Forest just west of Centennial, Wyo. It was cold and windy and consequently a short trip. It didn't matter - at least I got them out and I was so excited! So much so that I told Linds and Nate I felt like I should crack a bottle of champagne over them.

We followed up the trip with lunch at the Beartree in Centennial, which is quickly becoming a must-stop when I'm out that way.

This was just the first of many outings I plan to take.

The trailhead...


The Hoyts...
Me and Linds...


Me - the happy snowshoe-er...

Small World Spinning

This morning I went to my first spinning class at my new gym. I was so proud!

I attended a class pretty regularaly in D.C., but haven't been to one since leaving. The bikes are different than what I'm used to (but are really nice) and the music was hard to get in to (definitely not my old instructor's playlist, which was super fun and so many times finished with techno Whitney Houston. Oh, Stacy.) I think my new classes will be good though, and the instructors all look really hardcore.

Funny story: I got to the gym early to fiddle with the new bikes and get myself adjusted. I was having trouble getting it figured out and asked the second guy there for some advice.

As we chatted it came out that I had rather recently moved back from D.C. He seemed intrigued, "Do you know Alison McGuire?" I sure do!

Turns out the man helping me was her dad. I knew Ali in D.C., and her sister from college.

Who knew the world of spinning was so small?

New Gym

Today, I FINALLY joined a gym.

I already feel so much better and more motivated just knowing I now have someplace to go.

For years, I belonged to the Thomas Circle Sports Club in D.C., which I absolutely love, love, loved. Since quitting my membership there I've "belonged" to a couple other gyms: using Carrie's membership at the club in Vail, and signing up for, but never using, a membership at the Laramie Rec Center.

After months of talking about signing up, but never following through, I was finally fed up. I went and signed my lazy butt self away.

It's not within walking distance like my beloved TCSC, but it's super nice. And, might I add, for all its amenities is super cheap!

I can get over not being just a few blocks away.

Hot to (Turkey) Trot

This morning my friend Annie and I ran a Turkey Trot, a nice little 5k to benefit the COMEA House in town.

The COMEA House provides services to the homeless in Cheyenne, so it was a feel-good way to start the day. Also, I haven't done a race since the BoulderBoulder earlier this year and was excited to sign up for something.

There was a good turn out, but still small enough to make it fun and non-competitive.

We had a good time then treated ourselves to a fancy coffee (as Jeff Mack calls them) at City News, my favorite coffee shop downtown.


This picture cracks me up! The look on the turkey's face is HILARIOUS! And I have no idea why I'm standing like a super hero...

Friday Fave

It's from a while ago, but it was just sent to me and I wanted to post it.

The girls of the Boulder Boulder.

Kind of sounds like we should be in a calendar...

The Essence of Air

I went running in Hermann, Mo., the other morning and it was a bit of a shocker.

The last four months I've been complaining about the trials and tribulations of working out with no air. Now, I have almost too much of it. It's so heavy and tangible I can feel it resting on my skin as I run, and it's almost too thick to breathe in as quickly as I need it. But, I'm not at 8,000 ft. anymore, so I guess it's relatively easier.

And, this might be TMI, but I haven't sweat this much since D.C.! I simply walked outside at 8 a.m. to test the weather and started sweating bullets.

A couple other observations from my run:

Hermann is situated on the banks of the Missouri River. A brand spankin' new bridge just went in a while ago and it includes an exercise path. As I ran over the river I felt like I was running over the Potomac on Memorial Bridge. I loved that route - looking out over the river with the early morning rowers at practice, seeing the Kennedy Center, the banks of Georgetown, and the view of the Lincoln Monument as you cross back over the bridge into town, which is my most favorite view in D.C.

As I was crossing the bridge a whole flock of birds - sparrows? starlings? not sure - would fly up from below sqwaking and hovering very close overhead. They made me laugh, but they also made me think of Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. I ran a little faster.

Hmmm...maybe having wildlife chase me will improve my running time. On second thought nevermind. I'll just keep plodding.

Victory!

Yesterday was the much anticipated Boulder Boulder and, I'm proud to say, I ran the whole darn thing without stopping once - not even for water.

By my watch I ran it in 1 hour 5 minutes. This isn't the most stellar of times, but I could care less. My goal wasn't to finish with a certain time, it was just to finish without stopping. And without needing a respirator.

Overall I'm pretty happy with the outcome, especially since I tacked two miles on to my running yesterday cold. There was no building up, no slowly increasing mileage...I think I took my legs by surprise!

The race is fun too. It's the largest 10k in the country - this year alone we heard there was something like 56,000 people registered - and there are lots of bands and music along the way to keep you motivated. However, since it's Boulder the choices for musicians were sometimes a little folksy - not the Top 40 hip-hop stuff with a beat I need to keep me going.

My only real complaint is the giant two-tiered hill at the end. What's up with that?? Seriously. Just when you think you're home free the race planners throw you for a loop by making you climb to Folsom Field on the CU campus.

It's just mean. But, on the other hand, the race also ends in the middle of their football field, which you have to run around with hundreds of people watching you from the stands. It kind of makes you feel like a superstar athlete as you cross the finish line...which just happens to be at the base of another giant hill you must climb to get to the water stands and post-race snacks.

Regardless, I think I found me a new annual race. Next year that hill at the end is mine...

Rainin' and Runnin'

It has been pouring here.

I'm taking this as a sign that spring is here/near, since normally any precipitation we get is in the form of snow...lots and lots of snow. Another sign of spring, I'm

hoping, are the rather shockingly big, fat earthworms that are out. Colorado worms must live pretty high on the hog!

There is some snow, however. I went to the ranger station in Minturn this morning to pick up some trail maps, which is only about four miles down the road, and it was snowing there. Ahhh, crazy mountain weather. I love it.

On another note...I ran FOUR miles on the treadmill today without stop! I felt pretty good and contemplated running some more, but decided not to push it. I think I've left my three-mile days behind me. Boulder Boulder here I come!

It's Official

I am signed up for the Boulder Boulder, which takes places on Memorial Day.

That's exactly 26 days away. And 26 days for me to be running at least five miles without stop...

I'm doing better! Yesterday I ran OUTSIDE for a full 30 minutes. I was very proud of this kind of pathetic fact.

If I keep up with the treadmill, and my current intake of caffeine for that much needed boost (yes, I am relying on chemicals to enhance my performance!), I should be able to do it.

I will be able to do it. I have no choice at this point.

Finish Line (Or, Take THAT, Altitude!)

Today I ran a 5k - or 3.1 miles - NONSTOP! Did you hear that Altitude?! Non. Stop.

That's right, Altitude. You didn't get the better of me this time.

It might not have been my fastest time ever, but there was no pausing to catch my breath (after 15 minutes, and seriously thinking about it after seven) or throwing in the towel (after 20 minutes).

I ran the whole darn time, and you, Altitude, didn't bring me down (huh, kind of an oxymoron...).

I realize it might seem a little pathetic for me to get so super excited about running three measly miles, but with day after day of work out struggles, frustration and disappointment this is a big deal. Huge, in fact.

I was only on the treadmill, which I normally hate, but which I might start to like again. I think the treadmill might help train me up to running...outside. Ok, that's crazy sounding.

But not when it means getting me ready to run the Boulder Boulder, which I REALLY want to do.

I was so proud today because I basically ran half a Boulder Boulder. It was no Cherry Blossom 10-miler, which I was supposed to run a few weeks ago, but it's a start.

And, if I keep this up, hopefully a good finish. But I'll take just a finish.

Back to the Grind - An Attempt, Anyway

Today I have done two major things.

I worked out, and I searched for a job.

I figured it was about time to get myself back into a routine, something I haven't had in a little over a month.

During this time I've basically stopped paying attention to the news, stopped exercising, and...stopped working. But today I put an end to at least two of the three. I got up, actually read some headlines on the computer, then got myself to the gym.

I've been a little concerned about kicking up the cardio after what I'll call...a long rest. The higher altitude was definitely a factor here as well. But, it wasn't as bad as I thought, even though there were a few times I wondered what would happen if I fainted on the elliptical. Fortunately, I didn't find out.

Pounding the pavement for a job was a little like a work out as well, but in a different, less intense way. It required strolling into stores, shaking hands, and filling out applications.

Today's visits? A bookstore, a kitchen store, and Starbucks, where I had to go into some lengthy detail about my previous Starbucks experiences, why I liked coffee, and why I wanted to be a part of the Starbucks family. I didn't tell them it was because I aspired to make the most perfect foam ever (good foam is a big deal for me), but maybe they'll like my response just the same.

So, no job yet, but I at least started the process. And if I can keep up the reading/working out elements of my day I will feel pretty proud.

Next stop, a local pet store.