Loveland Ski Area --> Georgetown By Way of Running

I do it for the view, seriously! This run, although called the Slacker Half Marathon, isn't as easy as it may sound.  It is mostly flat with some downhill running, but there are definite inclines too!  The race starts at Loveland Ski Area, an altitude of 10,800 feet and ends at Georgtown, an altitude of 8,530 feet.  Thirteen.1 miles of the most beautiful scenery....and even though you are running along the highway in the last 3-4 miles, it's not a bad site to see!  Besides, at that point, you know you are almost done!

This year I did not hit my personal best, but I finished the race and was still walking so there's that. The air is thin but that isn't what gets me.  I feel better running in that altitude than I do here in Kansas.  Besides that, the temperature was in the upper 50's at the starting line, so it was perfect weather.  I started having trouble with my knee last year before running but decided to still go for it and last year I hit my PR and was extremely happy considering I was having some pain while running.  The doctor said I should probably have an MRI, a likely small tear that could easily be fixed, but I chose to put that off....

This year, at Mile 4, both knees were shooting pain up and down each leg.  I knew then it wasn't going to be my best race or time.  I stopped when I needed too, but kept going and crossed the finished line regardless.  At Mile 9, besides them handing out gummy bears which I savored as long as I could, I knew I had 4 miles to go but it was going to be tough. And at Mile 12, I really thought I was going to have to walk the rest of the way.  Lesson learned, guess who's getting her knee's checked out? This girl...otherwise I know my running career is over.  And I'm not done running so I guess I better make that appointment.

Anyway, did I mention I do it for the views? Besides, all of the food they hand out afterward. I also have a tradition to stop by the cutest little bakery, The Cake Bakery, to reload with some carbs and their refreshing Mountain-Berry lemonade. I always get a chocolate croissant, but this year, the blackberry scone was calling my name! It didn't last long!

We finished that day with a trip to Manitou, a quick game of horse racing where somehow I managed to place 1st...Horse #4, thanks for playing! I handed off my winning tickets as we left to head to the The Loop for their famous Margaritas.  It was a good day...other than at this point, I could barely walk!  Thank you to my Colorado Bestie and baby Cohen for driving me to and from the race and supporting me the whole way through!  

11 Months to June 2018!! I think I better plan on making it 4 years and Running!
Shona

Mile High City

I made my annual trip to Colorado recently and it was amazing even though when I arrived it was 100 degrees...what the heck Colorado? I could have had that weather in Kansas! But this time I changed it up a bit by staying one night in the Highland Ranch area with a friend...and get this, we had never even met in real life!!  ...sidenote, my sister was very concerned that I was staying with someone I had never met..."what if she tries to murder you?"  Me rolling my eyes...Shelli, I'll be fine, I'm packing..." Anyway, we became acquaintances through none other than Beachbody and so I reached out to her when I found out she had moved to the Denver area and figured we may as well meet up for lunch! Leah is a real peach and she offered up her new pad, allowing me to stay with her! I'll be honest, I wondered how "uncomfortable" it may be never having met...but it became real comfortable pretty quick as we both stood at the bathroom mirror getting ready like roommates for the evening out!  Makeup, hair, outfits, life, love...you get the drift.  Some friends of hers invited us to a Movie Night to support the Special Olympics, but first we headed to grab some dinner at a local place called Lola's for Coastal Mexican. Our selections: Cochinita Pibil which included waffles and Smoky Chicken Enchiladas...happy plates!  BTW, when I told Leah what my sister had said, she replied with, "The only I might try to do is make you eat unhealthy"...goal accomplished!

After dinner we met up to watch The Sandlot at a local bar, Recess.  And because it was ridiculously hot..we ended the evening at a famous ice cream place, Little Man...we waited in line for like 40 minutes...on a Wednesday night...but it was worth it.  The next morning we decided breakfast was a must so we ventured to a very popular place called, Snooze.  Coffee, Bloody Mary's and Pancakes...and bacon.  Enough said, this place was amazing! Food coma for sure!  I took off shortly after, thankful for the new friendships!! 

I was meeting a friend for lunch later that day, but wanted to make a quick stop at Red Rocks and explore before heading back to downtown Denver.  I have definitely gotten over the fear of doing things alone...and was glad I had the chance to wander around this beautiful place.  The views were incredible.  Literally so many "red" rocks.  I need to return and do a bit more exploring as I found a tap house while driving around the cute little town that I am sure would be worth stopping for! Colorado has some amazing beer! 

Katie and I met for a light lunch at Highland Tap...and by light I mean a hamburger and fries...and two amazing beers.  The favorite, a Ginger Cider, from a local company in Colorado.  I should have asked them to bottle that up for me.  I am not usually a huge Cider fan but add Ginger and hello! 

I made my way to Colorado Springs...where more adventures would begin! Stay tuned for the next blog post about traditions and a few new experiences I shared with my Colorado Bestie.  

To new friends and new experiences!

Shona

Joshua Tree National Park

Another adventure I can check off the bucket list! A self-guided, convertible-top down drive through this amazing park filled with more Joshua Tree's than you will ever see in your life in one spot!  We cruised around, stopping to explore the vastness of this beautiful desert landscape and  the dozens of rugged rock formations. There are miles of hiking trails and one can even camp there...we were there during the day but I hear the views of the stars at night are unforgettable.  This park is nestled between the Colorado and Mojave deserts and at higher altitudes inside the park, the temperature becomes cooler.

We made sure to head to Key's Point, a high point in the desert that overlooks Coachella Valley, the San Andrea's Fault and the peaks of  San Jacinto and San Gorgonia.  The views here were amazing! We drove around mostly, you could definitely spend an entire day or days there exploring, but bring your hiking shoes and pack water! Flip flops won't cut it!

We ended the day with a visit to Twentynine Palms and stopped for a quick bite at Pie for the People before heading back to Palm Springs. It was a great day to explore more of beautiful California with my BF.

Until our next adventure!
Shona