Moving Things Around and Hiking Begins!

Sometimes I struggle with what detail to write this blog! I could go on and on about the hectic trip to NYC/CT – but instead I’ll try to boil it down

1- Even though it was a long and sort of out of the way trip, it was great to spend the entire weekend with the bride to be and all the bridesmaids and I am glad we went the extra effort to make it happen!

Hanging out on the terrace at the hotel!

2- You never know who around you is focused on fitness so always be on the look out. I firmly believe that if your peers, friends, and family are finding time for fitness and staying active you are MUCH more likely

Case in point #1 – While in Connecticut, I was worried about getting up early to run, and looking like a party pooper. LUCKILY as we were getting ready for bed, I heard another girl tell the Bride to Be she was going to get up and run! SCORE! We chatted quickly about our plans, about how we both use MyFitnessPal, and how we were both glad someone else had the same thing in mind. It is great when you find people trying to fit in fitness! Luckily no one was on a time schedule and everyone was planning on sleeping in and I was able to get up and do a 4 mile run! PS – Love running at sea level :-)

So I wouldn't get lost - of course I did :-)

Case in point #2 – While at the gym on Friday, I realized I am lucky to work in the department that I do. My coworker who sits right next me, religiously goes to the gym as well, which in turn makes me more motivated for the gym. We actually went at the same time and did the spin bikes together – it helps for some extra motivation. ALSO – my VP and another person in the department run every-single-day during lunch – at least 5 miles. If the VP can find time to run, so can I! I love it :-) This transcends to social circles, and back the bachelorette weekend where I was extra motivated when I knew someone else was running. I hope that by me working out, losing weight, and becoming so much healthier – friends and family will see anyone can do it and try it more often, too! 


Case in point #3 - One day this week as I was opening the door to our floor at work, a women stopped me and asked what I had done at the gym. She proceeded to ask what my normal workouts were, etc. Later she also asked if I "skipped the treats" at work (because another department always has something yummy and unhealthy out on the table...I said yes...because I know I won't be able to resist later at home, so at least I can resist then!). I told my coworker (referenced above) who later saw this women at the gym. The women told her, "You and A look great I figured I should do what you do!". I wrote her a brief email about my habits, nutrition, etc - I think she appreciated it! 

OK...I do have treats if I bring them in - cake pops for 2 birthdays at work Thursday

 Weekly Recap:

Monday – REST – had planned swimming and yoga – was not happening after too much fun in NYC

Tuesday – 3 mi speed run on treadmill and 1000 m swim
On paper it seems like an easy switch – but moved around the schedule to fit in swimming…still feeling tired at this point during the week 

Wash Park! Leaving swimming

Wednesday – 40 min spinning at work (~9mi) + Yoga

Thursday – AM swim 1000m + 4 mile run outside at work
This run was hard, even before 2 miles I was really tired – my lungs were not cooperating. I powered through though with about a 10:30 pace.

Friday – Got GREAT sleep last night, I really needed it. 40 min spin (~9 miles) during lunch

Weekend Outlook:

Sat – Hike!!! Hooray, so excited to get out there. AA and I are being a little ambitious – plan is to hike Ben Tyler Trail to Kenosha Ridge. It is 11.5 miles RT and 3,500’ gain with an estimated time of 5-7 hours. It is only about 1 hr from the house and a lower starting elevation of 8,500’ so there won’t be as much snow as in the high country. We’ll see how we do, even if we don’t make it the whole way we are excited to get out there! 

Update!! We already hiked! I did not get to post this last night...
AA's alpine buddy Nate came along with us, and the pups, on the hike! We were on the trail head by 7:30 AM. The first 2 miles were great, but then the trail started to be covered in snow! By mile 4 we were 'post-holing' (aka you break through the snow to your knees or hips) so it was very tiring, slow, and frustrating. Unfortunately we didn't bring our snow shoes (which were in the car) so we turned around. It was still a great 8 mile trip and probably around 2,000-2,500' gain. I forgot my watch charger at work so I can not download the map yet!

AA and I on Ben Tyler Trail!

Practicing Map Skills!

Pups tired! AA post-holing + Ellie floating! Beg of trail clear!

Sat night we have a going away party for my really good friend :-( She moved out to Denver a few months before I did, and is a big reason I got motivated to run! I don’t wanna think about that yet.

Sunday –HOPEFULLY get in a run! I have to come in to work for a while unfortunately so we’ll see how it goes! I’d love to get in 5-6 miles in.

Weekly Totals:

Run – 7 so far, hopefully 12!
Bike – 2 days of 40 min spinning, probably around 16-18 miles
Swim – 1000m
Other – Hike and Yoga!

How are you motivated?

What are your favorite cross training exercises?