Accountability

It's funny...the other day I was at the grocery store and I heard the clerk say to a woman, "don't you remember the days when you had to ask your parents permission for ice cream?"  When we are younger we are held accountable for our actions and are rewarded or punished based on what they are. Just like eating your dinner you were rewarded with "ice cream," if you missed curfew you were grounded.  When you are younger you have someone else keeping you "in check" with your life and the decisions you make.

Well at nearly 32 I don't have a parent I need to ask for permission to have ice cream even if I don't eat dinner.  I don't have anyone to report to if I come home at 2am instead of 10pm.  I don't have anyone making sure that I get my workouts in or that I take my vitamins or that I eat a balanced diet.  I am responsible for all of my own decisions and the outcomes from those choices.  I was reminded by a friend the other day when I used work as an excuse for staying out too late, having one too many drinks and missing my own workout in the morning..."it's always somebody else's fault."  Unfortunately and fortunately those words hit home pretty hard.

A lot of times we try and push boundaries and limits in an unhealthy way until the consequences for those actions teach us a lesson.  While I'm thankful that the only consequence I've truly suffered is my own guilt, it's enough to kick my butt back into shape!  I can't blame anyone else but myself for the lack of sleep, the inability to get to the running pace I want, or the crappy feeling you have after having one too many martinis.  This is my life...and my life alone to conquer in the way in which I want.

So although we all have "excuses" as to why we can't work out...why we "need" a few extra drinks...why that slice of chocolate cake is well "deserved"...it is up to us to hold ourselves accountable for our actions.  Everyone should enjoy life (and that chocolate cake, that glass of wine, and that late night out), but as with anything indulgent...we should only do these things occasionally and not make them a habit.  As adults, it is up to us and our own determination to decide how much we are willing to hold ourselves accountable to achieve the results in life that we want!

May Motivation

I can't even believe that we start the month of May THIS week!  Where has the first part of the year gone?!  How is it that summer is looming around the corner?  I'm definitely not complaining...summer sun, tan lines, bbq's, summer dresses and sandals...what's not to love?!  Well if you've slacked off in your workout routine lately, the realization that bathing suit season is only a few weeks away can be a little scary!

For me, the month of May brings many reasons to kick my butt into shape!  I don't know if it's a Derby Party, my 32nd birthday (still in denial about this one), a beach getaway weekend with girlfriends for our 10 year college reunion, an upcoming 10k race or the thought of Memorial Day Weekend and wanting to have that bikini ready body...but whatever the motivation, May is going to be MY month...the month where I put all the effort in with ZERO excuses!

I was asked to share how I'm preparing for summer and to share it on here as motivation, so I agreed.  My goal for May is to increase my endurance, to improve my running pace and to tone up in order to prepare for summer.  So with that being said, starting tomorrow, I will document my workouts by day.  Please keep in mind that this is my PERSONAL workout program...and one workout regimen is not made for everyone.  I'm by no means saying I'm perfect and I'm sure there are plenty of people that could critique my "program" but I know what I want to accomplish and I know the best way for me to achieve that.

My challenge for all of you?!  Take today to figure out what your May motivation is and to set forth a plan on accomplishing that.  We all know if we make healthy choices today, in 4 weeks when summer officially starts we will be much happier partaking in those poolside gatherings!

First Timers

Nothing beats 6:30 on a Saturday morning and having three of your closest friends waiting at your front door ready to drive down to Manitou Springs and do the Incline!  A quick stop at Starbucks and we were on our way!  For the three of them, it was their first time attempting the workout that has easily become my biggest addiction (outside of chocolate ice cream)!!

Driving down I25 and seeing Pike's Peak and eventually the break in the mountain that IS THE INCLINE, is both breathtaking and nerve wrecking.  The drive through Manitou Springs with the Incline looming in front of you, brings butterflies to my stomach no matter how many times I've done it before!

After driving around trying to find parking in an ever so busy little town, we were walking up to the base of the crazy staircase that leads up to the top which is 1 mile and over 2,000 feet in elevation gain. There is nothing better than sharing something you love with great friends.  There were no shortage of smiles (and maybe some exhaustion) that came from sharing this experience!  Once at the top, we found this incredible little box...which of course quickly became the best little photo op prop!

**This is me making sure that this box isn't going sliding down the mountain before I fully commited to getting inside!**

And what would be a day of outdoor activity without climbing some rocks with Nicole!  As always, we found ourselves on top of the highest ones, just to take in the scenery from a slightly different angle!

It's amazing how you can do the same thing several times, but when you do it with others you see things in a completely different light.  Sometimes you have to take a step back and truly take in your surroundings...to see what makes others smile...to share a few laughs...and in this case A LOT of deep breathing!!  There's no doubt that today was another amazing Colorado day for me and another successful climb up the incline....but whether Brett, Matt, and Nicole will ever go with me again is still up in the air!!  :)

Strength

By definition the term strength means, "the quality or state of being strong; bodily or muscular power; vigor.  Mental power, force, or vigor.  Moral power, firmness, or courage."  With that description, it is clearly stated that strength comes in many forms besides physical strength.  Your strength might encompass emotional and mental facets as well.

Yesterday I read a quote from my friend Sara that seemed to clearly describe me and what I consider strength.  "She was fierce, she was strong, she wasn't simple.  She was crazy and sometimes she barely slept.  She always had something to say.  She had flaws and that was ok.  And when she was down, she got right back up.  She was a beast in her own way, but one idea described her best.  She was unstoppable and she took anything she wanted with a smile."  - r.m. drake

For all of you that know me, this pretty much sums up my life and my personality!  I'm definitely crazy and even with things get me down, I do my best to get right back up and ensure I have a smile on my face through it all.

With everything going on in life, we sometimes get down on ourselves because we can't perform to the levels we want.  What we fail to realize is that it takes strength to get through each and every day (physically, emotionally, and mentally).  And if you're reading this, that same strength has a 100% success rate as you are living yet another amazing day.

Last night I attended a yoga workshop for women in Boulder, CO at the PrAna store (http://www.prana.com/life/retail-stores/boulder-store/).  We did a 1 hour Hatha Flow yoga class followed by an amazing 20 minutes of visual meditation all lead by the wonderful Grace Starr.  During the meditation portion of the evening, I realized just how much of my everyday life is lead by strength and how important it is to continue to have that power inside of me.  Strength starts from within and once you have it there, you will see your strength in the physical form.

So if you're having a rough day and don't think you have that strength to get through, I encourage you to dig deep and you will locate the source that triggers that strength for you.

Marathon Monday #BostonStrong

A year ago on Marathon Monday I was in Seattle, WA for work.  I remember meeting my friend Jay for a coffee after my meetings and him asking me if I had heard the "news."  When I replied that I indeed had not, he informed me of the tragedy that had taken place a few hours before.  Being from New England, I have several friends and family members that both run and participate in Marathon Monday in Boston every year.  The next hour or so was spent calling everyone to ensure that they were all safe.  Although, I'm fortunate that I was not personally affected, so many people were.

Being a "New Englander" doesn't just mean we love lobster (or lobstah), that we call soft serve ice cream creemies (if you're from VT), that we have rotaries instead of roundabouts or that we have a die hard support for our sports teams like the Red Sox and Patriots.  No, being a New Englander brings about a sense of pride, a sense of unity and a level of strength that is not seen in all parts of the country.  Being a New Englander makes us family...a bond that never breaks.

I am fortunate enough to belong to a group called "Executive Athletes."  Ken Lubin, the founder of this organization, is a successful athlete and a business executive in the Boston area.  Ken runs this group with the thought of, "inspiring people to be the best that they can be and to push beyond any perceived limits that they believe they have in order to be successful in life, business, and sport."  Ken, like myself, feels that sense of family when it comes to being a New Englander and especially in the significance of Marathon Monday.

This past week Ken sent out the following letter to all of the members of this amazing group and I feel it to be the perfect time to share it...

In Honor of the Boston Marathon

Last year I wrote the piece below and I still believe every single sentence. Being from the Boston area and seeing the outpouring of support for this year’s marathon is magical. The 2014 race is going to be one for the ages!! Good Luck to everyone racing and more importantly we need to remember and thank everyone that is part of the Boston Marathon family! (family, friends, loved ones, volunteers, team mates, EMS, and I am sure I am forgetting many more) If you are racing go out and kick ass!! If you are spectating, make sure you give all your love and support to those who are participating!!

From 2013....

Competing in and completing the Boston Marathon is like being in the Olympics. There are no other events in the world that the common man can be treated like a hero, or have 1 million + spectators watching them for 26.2 miles or can be a part of history. The marathon is racing at its purest, 2 legs, 2 feet, and a set of lungs. There are no engines involved or any fancy equipment, it is you against the road. >

From this point on, it will never be the same.

The tragedy in Boston yesterday was terrible and unlike a lot of terrorist attacks there was so much emotion involved. People have been training and living for this race for years. This race has been a lifetime goal for some, an inner escape for others, and a huge chance for personal victory for everyone. This race is also not just about the runners, it is about the families who sacrifice for their loved ones to do this event. It is about the City of Boston coming together for a celebration of achievement and it is a showcase to the world about human achievement and the fabulous place we live.

And unfortunately this has been taken away.

The race, people’s lives, and the city has now been changed forever. Never again will anyone look at the marathon the same again. For some it will scare them away, for others it will force them to drive forward, and for a city it will show the world how it will never bow down to the acts of cowards. It is very easy for me to say that we should just forge forward, because I was not personally affected, but I can only imagine the pain that the family and victims are going through! Having an 8 year old and a 4 year old daughter and knowing that my family could have been there, really hits home. Hopefully we are able to make some sense out of this and to learn what we all need to do moving forward.

We are all thinking about everyone being affected and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, emergency responders and volunteers of this great race.

Ken

So on behalf of all us New Englanders that are scattered across the country, I want to personally wish all of the runners luck in their incredible journey today...not only will I be hoping for all of you to hit PR's, but I will be praying for all of those who hold pain in their hearts from last year's tragedy.

Thank you to Ken for allowing me to share his thoughts with everyone.  I encourage you to check out what his group is all about...

https://www.facebook.com/executiveathletes

http://executiveathletes.com/

#BostonStrong

Get Better Together

#GetBetterTogether...this is what one of my good friends uses as a hashtag when posting pictures of his fabulous workouts with his clients and/or friends...and I couldn't agree with it more.

Today I woke up and decided to take a walk along the trail and just enjoy the early morning hours with a little music and peaceful serenity.  While walking, I noticed just how many people were exercising with others.  Be it a friend, a spouse, or their children, people were "getting better together" around every corner.  And simply, this is one of the many reasons why I love Colorado!

This afternoon, I too, enjoyed getting better together with a few good friends.  I am grateful that I have such amazing people in my life who love to share in the outdoors and more importantly can handle me and my craziness for more than a few hours at a time!  We found ourselves in Golden, CO at Mount Galbraith Park...a very nice 4.5 mile hike with fantastic views.

And truthfully the best part of afternoons like today is that exercise doesn't even feel like exercise.  We laughed and shared stories throughout the entire hike and had a great time.  Nicole and I even found ourselves on the top of the rocks attempting yoga poses (and yes, I almost went falling into that tree).

Life is short and we only live this life once.  We shouldn't look at exercise as something we HAVE to do, but something we WANT to do.  A lot of times working out can be a daunting task to do alone, but I encourage you to find others that share the same passion to "get better" as you do and do it together!  Not only will you laugh and smile (which bring along their own added health benefits) but you will encourage each other along the way and come out of it more successful!

Stubbornness Does Not Equal Intelligence

So I don't know how much I believe in astrology and signs but what I do know is that being a Taurus fits me spot on! I'm a typical "Bull" in every sense! I'm stubborn and when you tell me I can't do something, I will do everything in my power to prove you wrong. 

After suffering through a 24hr stomach bug, I woke up feeling great and full of energy again. Yesterday was full of an afternoon and evening watching tv and just trying to get through this nasty little bug so when I woke up feeling good, my stubbornness and determination kicked in and I found my way down to Manitou Springs and attempting the incline...again.

About 5 minutes into it I could tell I didn't have the strength or energy like I normally do but I kept going. About 15 minutes later you could find me on the side of the incline, head between my knees, breathing deeply just to avoid passing out. I have no clue how long it took me to get to the top today but I know for a fact, it was not the smartest decision I have ever made. In fact, it was outright stupid. 

For someone who is determined and has weekly goals, it's hard to take a step back and realize when your body needs a break. But the truth is that rest is just as important as the actual act of exercise. Without rest, your body can't perform at it's best and you end up like I did today...keeled over with your head between your knees!! So take it from my mistake, enjoy your workouts but listen to your body and when you need to rest...rest!

The TRUE Thoughts Of The Non Competitive Runner

There are so many times I go outside ready to run and my mind gets the better of me.  I can easily come up with every excuse in the book as to why NOT to run.  There's scary people on the path when it's dark out, the coyotes might get me, laundry, work, dinner...you name it and I've made the excuse.

Recently, I've forced myself to become a little more dedicated into getting both feet in my sneakers and starting the run.  For those of you who have run races with me, you know my mentality...I play games to get myself motivated.  Be it trying to pass the person in front of me, doing sprinting and running intervals, singing a song (haha most of the time it's silently) or setting mini goals, it's literally the only way I can keep my mind off of what I'm actually doing.  My opinion...you do whatever it takes to get the job done!  It doesn't matter your pace or the thoughts that go through your head...if you took the first step and actually started running you're ahead of the majority of the population!

Today my friend Michell shared the following link with me (http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinchack/thoughts-every-jogger-has-while-out-for-a-running) and I literally laughed out loud reading it because truthfully, I can COMPLETELY relate!

75 Thoughts Every Runner Has When Out For A Run

1. What a beautiful day for a run!
2. This sucks.
3. Well, five miles is only two and half miles each way, which is basically two miles each way, so I’m really only running four miles. That’s not too far.
4. It’s starting to feel far.
5. How long have I been running? A year?
6. SIX MINUTES?! 
7. I can barely remember what my life was like before I started this run.
8. OK, concentrate. There are still four-plus miles to go. 
9. But who counts the first and last mile? This is pretty much an easy three miler.
10. Oh, shit! A fellow jogger!
11. Should I wave?
12. I’m totally gonna wave.
13. OOOK, they didn’t wave back. Never doing that again.
14. Just keep running, no one saw. Except that old guy who may or may not be averting his eyes.
15. Man, I think I’m hitting that “second wind” thing my gym coach was talking about.
16. Wait, never mind. I’ve been running down a decline. 
17. If I leap to avoid dog shit, does that make me a CrossFit athlete?
18. What the heck is CrossFit anyway?
19. Mental reminder: Google CrossFit when I get home.
20. If I ever get home.
21. If I had a heart attack right now, I wonder who would find my body.
22. OMG, I hope I never find a dead body. Joggers always find dead bodies.
23. Bodies. Body. Bod-ay. Runnin’ all day, no one can catch … may.
24. OK, I must be halfway done by now.
25. What?! Only two miles in?
26. Alright, stay focused. What am I going to eat when I get home?
27. I’m running five miles so I should probably eat five slices of pizza.
28. Or I could buy one pizza and ask them to cut it into five slices.
29. I should probably get a side salad too. 
30. …
31. Fuck the salad actually.
32. Man, what are these people doing in front of me? Walking?!
33. Is this a contest to see who’s the worst at walking? Because you are both champions in my heart.
34. Maybe if I pound my feet on the ground they’ll hear me coming and let me pass.
35. Oh, God. They didn’t turn around and now I’m right behind them. They’re going to think they’re getting mugged by the world’s sweatiest criminal.
36. You know what? Now seems like a good time to run in the street.
37. * Jumps off curb * Parkour!
38. Hi hi hi please don’t hit me with your car. 
39. Pedestrian pedestrianizing over here, let me cross. 
40. Thank you, Mr. Blue Honda. I’m trying to smile at you but it probably looks like I’m having a stroke. 
41. Actually, I wonder what I look like right now. 
42. * Checks out reflection in shop window * Yeesh.
43. Is that what I look like when I run? What am I, a newborn deer with a drinking problem?
44. Whatever, I must be almost done by now. 
45. Heck yes. Three miles down, two to go. It’s all downhill from here. 
46. Except for that very real uphill in front of me. God damnit.
47. Wait, is that… Is that…
48. A DOG! 
49. Hi dog! You are so cute. You are now my mascot. I will finish this run for you, pup.
50. And — hello — what do we have here? Your human is pretty cute too.
51. Hope you like drunk fawns, Cute Human.
52. Watch my bambi ass prance up this hill.
53. Holy shit, prancing is exhausting. I am exhausted. 
54. Honestly, I don’t even like running.
55. Why do I even run?
56. Why does anyone even run?
57. Why are we even alive?
58. OK, let’s not go down that road.
59. Focus. Focus on that sweet, delicious ‘za waiting at the finish line, calling your name with its cheesy breath.
60. Wait, less than one mile to go? I am KILLING this run. 
61. I AM THE SWIFTEST GOD OF ALL TWO-LEGGED CREATURES.
62. YES, including ostriches.
63. Honestly, I should sign up for a marathon.
64. What is it, like 30 miles?
65. That’s just 15 miles each way, which is practically 10, and 10 is twice five, and I can run five miles EASY.
66. That’s it, I’m doing it. Thirty miles.
67. Thirty-mile marathon…30-mile marathon…30 Rock marathon.
68. On second thought, I’ll probably just binge-watch every episode of 30 Rock. That takes a lot of dedication and I will be winded from laughing so hard.
69. But I could probably do a marathon IF I wanted. 
70. OK, almost home. Should I shower first and order pizza or order pizza and shower before it shows up?
71. Yep, definitely ordering first. I earned that shit.
72. Oh, no. Oh god no. Another runner. Should I wave?
73. No, be strong! Do not get burned again. 
74. OMG, SHE waved first! Hello! Yes! We are both runners! Look at us run!
75. I guess running’s not so bad.

I know most of you can relate to at least thinking SOME of these things when out for a run.  I'm the first to admit, there are times when it flat out sucks and you want to stop, when your mind gets the better of you and you think you can't do it.  The truth is though that your mind will give up 100% of the time before your body does.  Keep your mind engaged in what your goal is and your body will follow!

From Stilettos To Sneakers

There's nothing that a good pair of stilettos can't do!  They make you a good 4-6 inches taller, they make your legs appear longer, they look great with jeans and even better with a dress.  They give you a sense of confidence and make you walk with a stride that causes heads to turn.  They're sexy...bottom line, I don't think any man or woman could argue that stiletto heels are undeniably sexy.

Moving to Colorado from NYC I have no shortage of stiletto heels.  Black, brown, beige, multi colored, open toed, closed toed, knee high, ankle high, platform and pointy toed...my house is like walking into the shoe department of Nordstrom.  What I didn't know was how little I would be wearing these living in Colorado.  Instead of the shoes causing heads to turn because they are sexy, I think people turn heads out here when you wear shoes like that because they think you are "working."  LOL It's been quite a transition in the shoe department.  I now own several flats, a pair of Sperrys and live in Rainbow sandals!

Today, I realized that I have officially traded my stilettos in for sneakers!  In need of a little retail therapy I found myself at the Boulder Running Company in Cherry Creek (http://www.boulderrunningcompany.com/) buying a new pair of running shoes and a pair of trail running shoes.

I must say that this store is absolutely unbelievable!  Not only do they have so many different shoes to choose from but the associates there are very knowledgeable and patient (especially after I tried on 15 different pairs).  They started off by doing a few static tests looking at how my legs, feet, and hips were aligned as I moved through lunges, squats and balancing techniques.  They then had me run on a treadmill in a basic shoe while they videotaped me with an iPad to measure my gait.  After analyzing the video we determined that I needed a stability shoe.  I ended up with a fantastic pair of Brooks Transcend shoes (http://www.boulderrunningcompany.com/brooks-transcend-women.html) as my running shoe and a pair of Mizuno Ascend shoes (http://www.boulderrunningcompany.com/mizuno-wave-ascend-8-women.html) as my new trail running shoes.  

Just like matching a good pair of stilettos to your perfect Friday night date night outfit, it's just as important to have the right shoes for your Saturday morning run.  Many running stores offer gait analysis and ultimately the shoes cost no more than buying them at a store like Dick's.  So enjoy finding your sexy new, gait analyzed, perfectly fitting shoes and rock them and run with confidence and a stride that will turn heads!!

A Little Friendly Competition

"To be number one, you have to train like you're number two."  - Maurice Green

I'm not one to fall for gimmicks or quick fixes that promise to make me lose weight or make me run faster.  I'm a firm believer in the basics of fitness training and the understanding of science when it comes to weight loss and weight gain.  I believe in working hard and eating right to reap the benefits of a healthy mind and body both inside and out.

While I was in Virginia this past week, many of my friends mentioned how much this blog is helping to motivate them.  How they love reading about the different things that I do to stay active and how it helps to get them outside and moving.  Many of them mentioned getting a FitBit and tracking their progress on there.  While I normally wouldn't have made that purchase, I decided to do it and track my own activity to help motivate them and also myself.  By the way, a simple trip to your local Costco will save you about $20 vs the everyday retailer of this item.  :)

My personal goal for the FitBit is to walk/run at least 15,000 steps per day.  It doesn't sound like a lot, but when you work a desk job, it's not always the easiest to get this in.  Now, my friend Jennie and I are as competitive as they come with each other, so we decided to create a challenge amongst ourselves to further push each other and get moving.  Our goal is to run/walk the 1,640 miles that separate us.  The prize?!!  The loser has to fly out and visit the other after the challenge is completed!  

We came up with a few rules for our challenge...

• Steps are only calculated when "living" everyday life and running outside and/or on a treadmill
• If doing the elliptical or bike, you must take the FitBit off
• We screenshot our progress at the end of each day and send it to each other to keep ourselves honest

I will be recording our weekly accomplishments on the "Workout Goals" page of the blog so you will be able to see where we both stand!  :)

Today was day one.  Not an easy start to the day for me after arriving home at 2am after missing my connection back to Colorado from the East Coast, but in any event I was able to get a quick 1.5 mile run in this morning along with a 30 minute elliptical workout.  By the end of the business day, I realized that I still had quite a few steps to complete so I decided to take a walk on a local trail.  Even though we started the day off with snow, this evening was absolutely gorgeous!

I've played sports my entire life so I'm a competitive person by nature, but the truth is that your competition shouldn't be amongst other people, but by the person you were yesterday.  If you are constantly trying to "beat" who you were yesterday, you will see great results and be happy with your progress!  So get up, get outside and get moving!

The All American Dream

Two children, two dogs, a beautiful house in the suburbs, a life filled with God, and never ending smiles...to me, this is my version of the "All American Dream."  Spending this past weekend with my best friend Jennie and her family gave me that glimpse into that ever faceted dream, but also into the work and dedication it takes to not only keep yourself happy and healthy, but your family as well.

I must start this off by saying there were THREE adults in the house all weekend and only two children (ages 4 and 7) and two dogs and I'm left exhausted!!  I give so much credit to parents because I can't even imagine just how much there is to do on a daily basis and yet still manage to keep everyone happy, healthy and safe.  Saturday morning I was fortunate to sneak away for a two mile run through the beautiful Virginia neighborhood that they live in with one of their dogs.  I'm pretty sure he is happy to see me leave Virginia as about 1.5 miles into the run, he decided he wanted no part in it anymore and  would retire to laying in front of the cherry blossom trees.

Following our run, the remainder of the day was spent at sporting events with the kids.  Cheering their daughter along at her soccer game made me realize just how much I miss both coaching and playing.  Nothing is better than soccer shorts, a jersey and a soccer ponytail on a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon.  Post soccer was their son's basketball game and another hour or so spent cheering him on from the bleachers and watching his excitement as he dribbled down the court.  

After all of the official sports games were over, we went home and enjoyed an amazing evening in their neighborhood.  Their son (whom I consider my nephew) learned to ride his bike without training wheels!!  To witness that truly made my weekend and brought that innocent smile back to my face as much as it did his!  He was soooo excited and didn't want to stop so we all walked/rode around the neighborhood until the sun went down.  

We all woke up this morning and had quite the fitness focused start to the day.  From simon says workouts around the block, to another bike ride, a basketball game and chasing bubbles...we ran around and laughed until it was time for me to leave.  It was an incredible weekend spent with people who I consider family and one that brought me so much joy and happiness.  

Jennie and I spoke about how I was going to write this post before I left and about what I took away from this weekend and just how much it brought back into my life both spiritually and emotionally.  The All American Dream is different for all of us...for me it's what I witnessed this weekend but for others it's very different.  We all have our own version of what makes us happy, but the ultimate takeaway is that if you're so busy trying to achieve that "All American Dream" you forget to live in the moment and you lose sight of what's in front of you.  I might be one of the worst at doing this.  I'm constantly looking in the future at what I "want" but truthfully I'm missing what I should be THANKFUL for today!  

So this weekend I may have had 48 hours of living my "dream" but ultimately I learned how thankful I am to have friends/family that make saying goodbye so hard! Miss you all already!!

xoxo

Love, 

"Auntie Heather"

Fore!

Yesterday was anything but a typical Thursday for me!  After an early morning wakeup and a drive from Alexandria, VA out to the Raspberry Falls Country Club in Leesburg, VA, I found myself in the pro shop getting a brief tutorial on my brand new rented TaylorMade golf clubs.  I'm not sure how funny the golf pro found it that he was renting never been used clubs to the girl who barely ever golfs!  After bringing them out to my cart and giving me my pitching wedge, a driver, and an 8 iron he walked out to the driving range with me.  My first swing?!  A 200yd straight drive!  Rendering a man speechless before 8am...quite a priceless moment.  :)

The entire morning and early afternoon were spent golfing 18 holes with my good friend Connie and two of the gentlemen that work for Pepperidge Farms.  I tried to get my workout in running between holes to try and find my ball, because lets be honest...it didn't always manage to land on the fairway!!  6.5 hours of golf was quite the workout as my entire body is sore this morning!  From my shoulders and arms to my core, I can definitely tell these are not muscles I use very often!  :)

Albeit a very enjoyable day filled with a few drinks, lots of sunshine, and warm weather, the bigger cause behind the events of yesterday is what made it even more special.  Every year the Costco NE Regional Office hosts a golf charity classic with all of the proceeds going to the Children's Miracle Network and more specifically the Children's Hospital of Washington, D.C.  Yesterday between golfing, a silent auction and cash donations, they were able to raise approximately $780,000 for this amazing cause!  Not only was the check presented to the CMN representative but also to a family who personally shared their experiences of Children's Hospital with the 500+ attendees of the evening.  There was not a dry eye in the house when their two young daughters (one of whom is a Leukemia survivor and the other who donated her bone marrow to her sister) started singing "Let It Go" from the movie Frozen while their father played the guitar.

Sometimes slowing down and taking a step back allows us to see just how grateful we should be for our own health and happiness.  Yesterday was another one of those days that was emotionally and spiritually motivating to continue to make sure I play my own music inside of myself!

A Three Airport Kinda Day

Travel days are simply the worst.  Airports, germs, suitcases, eating all my meals on the go, countless hours spent doing nothing but waiting in line after line.  Literally, I despise these days probably more than most people because on top of the usual reasons for disliking it, I can NEVER pack lightly and end up pulling around a 50lb suitcase from one flight to the next!  And at 5'4", having to toss a 50lb suitcase over your head and into the overhead compartment numerous times in one day, is just as exhausting as it sounds.

Today's flights all started at 9am and with that first flight being early in the morning, it left no time to try and sneak in a quick workout.  Sure, I could have packed last night and not procrastinated, but I would have missed out on a great evening spent with a great friend and what's better than a bunch of laughs and good times before you're gone for 5 days?!  Nothing...missing a run this morning was worth the smiles from last night.

Airport #1:  Denver International Airport (Terminal C).  I'm fortunate (or unfortunate depending on how you look at it) to have the Clear Pass because of my frequent travel schedule.  This fancy little card zips me in and out of security at DIA in record time!  By the time I got to my gate, I had 30 minutes before I had to board.  Being hungry at DIA at breakfast time is never fun as there are limited options available.  Thank you McDonalds for making an egg white sandwich that comes in at only 250 calories...not the best option ever, BUT it did consist of some protein and fiber that would hopefully hold me over until lunchtime.  That coupled with an iced coffee w/ skim milk from Einstein Bagels, a banana, and a bottle of water was my enjoyable little airport breakfast!  Now, because I knew I couldn't (well actually wouldn't because I was going to be too busy "living" life) work out today, I figured I'd maximize that preboarding time at the airport.  I had just enough time to do 50 calf raises and  a .5 mile powerwalk!

Airport #2:  Minneapolis St. Paul Minnesota...you hands down win the gold medal for best airport I've ever been to!  Not only do you have a fresh salad bar, several Caribou Coffee stands, but you have the CLEANEST public bathroom I've ever been in!!  So after doing an additional .5 mile powerwalk and grabbing a salad topped high with chick peas, artichokes, cucumbers and tomatoes, another iced coffee and an amazingly awesome 60 calorie chocolate treat, I was on the next flight to Washington DC!!

Airport #3:  Washington, DC Reagan International...thank goodness you have Dunkin Donuts!!!  After a French Vanilla Iced Coffee (yes, that's 3 coffees for me today), I was on my way to see my old college roommates!  Needless to say, this is why the workout didn't happen tonight.  Somehow celebrating and a few bottles of wine (for only two of us) were in order!!!  All in all, I can say I made the most of my travel day and yet still fully enjoyed life and enjoyed quite a few laughs with two of my best friends tonight!!

The Early Bird Gets The Worm

It's 4:30am and my alarm goes off.  I lean over and hit snooze because my goodness my alarm is the most ANNOYING sounding noise there is.  10 minutes later...off it goes again.  Now I know I have to make a decision.  I either get up and accomplish the goal I set forth for the day or I enjoy my comfortable blankets, ocean sound noise machine, and cool breeze from the ceiling fan.  For all of you that know me...getting up at 4:40am is not an easy feat to accomplish with zero motivation from anyone other than my own personal guilt trip.  But there you have it...4:41am and both feet were on the floor and ready to go before I could convince myself otherwise!!

Two bottles of water, a quick homemade protein shake, trail running shoes and headphones and I was out the door and in my car for the 1hr drive south to Manitou Springs.  One of my goals this year was to do the Manitou Springs incline weekly to try and get down to a 30 minute climb to the top.  Well, when the remainder of the week is being spent traveling, my only option was to wake up early today and get it done.  

A quick stop at Starbucks for a much needed caffeine buzz and I was on my way.  In typical Heather fashion, nothing is ever easy and uneventful.  My goal was to be in Manitou Springs and halfway up the incline by 6:33am...today's official sunrise to catch a gorgeous picture and truly enjoy the peacefulness of being up early and amongst nature.  But no.  Three miles before the parking lot for the incline, there were blue lights in my rearview mirror.  Not only was I speeding (39mph in a 30mph zone), but coming from NYC I didn't have my registration ("Officer, in NY we have it on our windshield.  I'm sorry but I definitely don't have it in my car").   And if that wasn't bad enough, I also didn't have an insurance card.  As I offered to pull up my Geico account on my phone, he told me not to worry he could pull everything up with my license (which of course had an incorrect address).  One would think, with all of that on top of the speeding, I'd drive away with a pretty hefty ticket, but no, I received his business card instead and was told to have a good day!!  Thank you Officer for letting me off the hook this time!

Needless to say, by the time I reached the incline I was ready to go.  With my cardio hip hop pandora station playing, I conquered the 1 mile distance and over 2,000 feet in elevation gain all in 38:35 (1 minute and 15 seconds faster than my PR)!  Not too shabby for an early morning start.  The view at the top was nothing less than incredible and totally worth my heavy breathing and sore legs!

After a 2.5 mile trail run down to the base, I was back at my car and on my way home...all before 8am!!  Driving back home, I realized just how grateful I am to live where I do and have access to the things that I do.  Getting up at 4:30am is much easier when the rewards are as high as they are!  Be it a beautiful view, loss of pounds on the scale or simply the satisfaction of knowing that you accomplished something when others were still sleeping gives you such an endorphin high and motivation to keep moving throughout the day!!