Westward

Is Westward even a word? I'm not sure I care...

I realized lately that I haven’t been writing as much, and I couldn’t quite lay my finger on why. Then I realized this morning that in the midst of my busy couple weeks, I haven’t been taking as many pictures as I typically do. Pictures are what helps to remind me what I want to write about and tell you guys.

Shame on me.

To make up for it, I snapped some pictures at the gym this morning mid-workout.

I’m back up around 4 minute planks on my good days, which is nice. I strongly believe planks are a crucial part of core-work, and contribute greatly towards keeping a tight mid-section, if that's what you're looking for. I don’t really have any strong research to back this up, these are just my general feelings and observations of my own body.

Also, please check out my badass shot from the Warrior Dash that I stole:

Do not copy? Ok sorryyyyy

I’ve been running a lot on my lunch breaks. As long as it isn’t too hot, I don’t sweat much, and love being able to get in 3-4 miles mid-afternoon. It’s an awesome way to break up the day. Body spray post-run is usually necessary in order to not smell up the office...

Hey, quick question… did you know that we fly out to Colorado today? Also, did know that Monday AKA Memorial Day, is Andrew’s birthday? I got him the best birthday gift a crazy runner girl can give…

Yup, I got him a pair of Brook’s Cadences, the same beauts that I run in. Mutual Brooks love.

I had a little chat with Fort Collins and was like hey, can you give me the best weather ever this weekend? And Fort Collins was like well I love you a lot and miss having you around, so sure...

I wouldn’t expect to hear from me this weekend. It’s mountain/boyfriend/friend/family/Colorado time.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Any Memorial Day plans?

Cheers to the red white & blue!

Ski Free

Did anyone else play this computer game as a child?

Ski Free

My sister and I used to be obsessed with it.

I'm back in good ole' MD after a weekend of skiing up at Camelback Resort in the Pocono Mountains. I must admit, the mountain greatly exceeded my expectations.

I tried to keep expectations fairly neutral as far as trails/snow goes, as many people have warned me since moving out here that East Coast skiing is a lot different than Rocky Mountain skiing.

The snow was definitely heavier - it was in the mid-thirties on Saturday, and misting/foggy the entire way. Praise the Lord for waterproof winter gear. Our outer shells were soaked, but for the most part we stayed dry on the inside.

And it's what on the inside that counts, right?!

The mountain offered a fantastic amount of trails for all different levels, and a few of us even ventured over to the moguls to try our luck.

I only fell twice, which in my book is a success.

This was also my first time night skiing - the entire mountain was lit - which was a whole different kind of experience. In short, it was pretty thrilling to be flying down trails at night.

a night shot

Our 4 pm refueling sesh before heading back out that night involved this:

a HUGE mountain of nachos. heaven.

Overall it was a great time, and I'm so glad we went. The house we stayed in was super cute, we were in great company, and our back porch had a beautiful view of the mountain. I also brought back some sexy wind-burnt cheeks that make me kind of look like a clown.

Friday night from our back porch.

After returning today I headed to the pool and it was closed. So I headed over to Trader Joes and filled up my cart to the brim which I realize is actually counter productive from working out but whatever. Tomorrow's a new week.

Anyone else have any great East Coast skiing experiences? Next on my bucket list is to try something up in Vermont...

Cheers!

Colorado Craziness

Oh man.

This past weekend was a mental health kind of weekend. The kind of weekend where I laughed so much I got a better ab workout than I would have at a gym. And although I consumed more calories (both food and drink) than I probably should in an entire week, I walked away from the weekend with a feeling of pure joy.

Eric Church would have been proud.

 As much as I want to, I’m not going to sit here and rant about the details of the trip and the concert. It was one of those “you had to be there” type weekends, with more inside jokes and immature humor than a middle school classroom.

Leslie... in the bed of the truck.

However I do have to say this: if you ever decide to make a trip somewhere for a concert, make it Red Rocks Amphitheater. This was my second concert there and it was just as magical, if not more, than the first. And when I say magical, I mean almost spiritual.

Boots in the air when Eric Church sang "These Boots"

Our own boots

I’m unsure if anything compares to an outdoor concert up in the Rocky Mountains, surrounded with amazing people and beautiful red rocks (literally), overlooking the beautiful Denver lights and singing along at the top of your lungs to songs about life. 

Karlie and Me

I’m still a little hoarse today. When I left on Sunday all that was left of Karlie's voice was a squeak.

Probably has something to do with this.

It wasn’t just a concert, it was an experience.  And I will never be able to hear the song “Springsteen” again without tearing up.  

It broke my heart to be back in that amazing state and it broke my heart to leave once again. I am so thankful to have spent a weekend surrounded with friends who are like sisters, an abundance of cowboy boots and a pace of life that is simply a few steps slower.


Cheers!