Category Archives: thankful

2013 Wrap-Up

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For me, 2013 was truly one to remember. I love photographs, so to wrap up 2013, I wanted to share some of my favorite images of the year. Enjoy!

It brought me to the finish line of so many races…

 

 

..and also other fun adventures like vacations…

…exploring California…

…and finally finishing my graduate degree.

There were many miles in the pool,

on the bike,

and on foot.

And most importantly, I spent a lot of time friends both old and new.

   

Hope you had a great year too! I’m looking forward to more exciting times 2014! Thanks for reading along and sharing in my adventures.

What was one of your favorite adventures from 2013?

Hood to Coast with Nuun, Part I: The Fun Before the Race

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To start describing this epic adventure of running Hood to Coast, I first want to tell you about all the fun we had in Seattle before the actual race.

I arrived on Wednesday morning with an easy direct flight from Sacramento. Meeting new people started right away, as Karen was on my flight too! After arriving in Seattle, we were whisked away straight to Nuun Headquarters to drop off our stuff, and left to explore the city on our own for a few hours.

A group of us (Meghan, Leslie, Catey, Mallory and I) headed to Pike’s Market and the waterfront. I love checking out the beautiful flowers and grabbing some fresh fruit at the market. I actually ate an almost 1 lb yellow peach as part of my lunch…. it was amaaaazing!

{no, not enough time to go on the ferris wheel}

As we were wandering around, Meghan mentioned that a friend she used to work with was now working at Brooks/Moving Comfort, and that he had invited her to come for a visit. She called Daniel to come pick us up, and he gave all of us an awesome tour! It was cool to see where the magic happens there since I wear their products — both shoes and sports bras.

{excited to be at Brooks! Mallory and I fit inside this shoe on wheels — but I just have a pic of Mal only}

After our little tour, we headed back to Nuun HQ to meet up with all the other ladies who had arrived. Nuun took us out to The Garage to play pool and bowl, eat snacks, and give us some time to get to know each other. It was really cool to meet so many other bloggers in real life that I have started to get to know online.

Thursday was another great day! In the morning, we headed to Oiselle HQ for a run and some more hang out time. It was a gorgeous day for an easy run around Green Lake. Those ladies are so lucky to have a perfect run spot right outside their doorsteps.

{The whole group post-run!}

In the afternoon we went on a Duck Boat Tour, which was an absolute blast. I think I was laughing the entire time because our driver was hilarious — Captain Chaos! Plus, how can you resist quacking at everyone when you are on a duck! We saw a lot of sights including many Starbucks, the Space Needle, Pike’s Market, and Lake Union.

{Party on a duck!}

{Great view of downtown Seattle from Lake Union}

The evening was filled with dinner and van decorating at Nuun HQ. Plus there were even cupcakes in each team flavor! Thanks Megan!

By the end of the day I was exhausted and so ready to start running the relay! Stay tuned for Part II–all about the running!

The Science of Positive Thinking

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I think I usually have a pretty positive attitude toward life, including how I view the world, my body, my work, and my running. But we have all had those days filled with negative thoughts, and know how one negative thought seems to lead to another in a huge downward spiral.

Recently, I read this article about the science behind positive thinking.

Negative emotions narrow your mind and prevent you from seeing the other options around you. For example, if you feel bad about not exercising or not eating healthy, all you think about is how little willpower you have, how you’re lazy, and how you don’t have any motivation

Positive emotions (joy, contentment, love, happiness) allow you to see more possibilities in your life and open up your mind. In turn, these posibilities allow you to build useful skills and enhance your life.

The article goes on to say that it is important to find things that you enjoy doing and spark these positive emotions. But also to be careful not to put off happiness until you have reached some arbitrary goal. Happiness should be the precursor to success (building your skills), but is also often the result of it.

So, what makes you feel positive? Is it running or other exercise? Reading your favorite book? Talking to your best friend? Mediating? Cooking a delicious meal? Whatever it is… make time for it!

{from dailyom.com — another fav way to feel positive}

I think this is a good reminder that we need to schedule time and energy toward happiness.

For me, exercise is a key to feeling good every day. I feel stronger, it helps me work toward my goals, and eventually see results.

Ryan and I also really enjoy scheduling activities on the weekend, whether it is trying stand up paddle boarding, going wine tasting, or exploring a new place (going camping or hiking). Enjoying the outdoors and being active are things that make us happy.

So tell me, what makes you feel joy, contentment and love?
Let’s focus on those positives.

Happy New Year!

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Phew…the last few weeks have felt like a whirlwind. I am finally back in sunny California and settling back in at home, and gearing up for 2013.

My holidays with family were full of love and gratitude for being surrounded with such wonderful people. Unfortunately, we also had a few sad times too with the shooting of firemen in my hometown, and a stomach bug that affected most of my husband’s family. I am so thankful to have  happy and loving family and friends and for the joy and laughter they bring to my life. I’m also thankful for my health and the ability to move my body every day. I’m also proud to be from a hometown that respects those who serve their community, and who band together in times of sorrow to comfort and strengthen those who grieve.

As I ring in the New Year, I want you all to know I appreciate you reading my blog and helping me get started in documenting my training and life. Thank you! Please take a moment to be grateful for what you have, and tell those you love that you care about them. Make the most of this life you are given and cherish every moment.

Now that I’m back at home, I’ll be back to more consistent posting. I have a few things in the works and still need to recap my goals for December and write out my list for January. I had an amazing year in 2012, and am truly looking forward to all that 2013 will bring.

Happy New Year! May you be blessed with happiness and love, and many miles under your feet.

Holidays at Home

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Sorry I have been a little MIA lately! Earlier this week was a little crazy with getting ready to travel, and now we are in upstate NY visiting my parents for the holidays.

So far it has been wonderful. We made it East without too many flight issues, even though there were big storms in Denver. Since we got to NY, we have visited with friends and family, wrapped Christmas gifts and eaten lots of cookies! Ryan and I have been trying to go to the gym most days, doing both some running and weight lifting.

Posting will continue to be light through the new year, but I will do my best to post when I can. I hope everyone enjoys their holidays! Spend time with those you love and care about.

What are you doing for the holidays?

Thankful for Good Friends

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We spent all weekend with Matt & Raechel. It is great to have good friends you can spend a ton of time with and have a blast the whole time.

Thursday, the four of us did our morning turkey trot. Then we cooked all day for an amazing Thanksgiving feast! Ate way too much food, looked through all the Black Friday adds, ate dessert, lounged on the couch in a food coma. Thanksgiving is perfect for taper week — carbs + relaxing.


Friday, we enjoyed the beautiful weather on a nice walk (it was beautiful out!), then the four of us headed out to South Lake Tahoe for the rest of the weekend. We got a great deal on a condo rental in the Heavenly village area. The weekend continued to be filled with food, (window) shopping, and board games.

 squinting in the sun!

Today, Ryan and I settled back in after being away all weekend. And we got our Christmas tree! It is lovely this year! I love to have a few blinking lights on my Christmas tree. So now we are relaxing, watching the tree and enjoying a fire in the fireplace. Love.


What did you do this weekend? Anything fun?

10 Things About Me

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I figured since I have mostly been writing about running, and am still new to the blogging world, that you might want to know a few things about me. So, here are 10 random things about me.

1. I love chocolate, especially dark chocolate. It is only enhanced by pairing with peanut butter. But generally I don’t say no to most desserts.

2. I am still in school — working on my graduate degree. My undergrad was at the University of Delaware, and I attended the University of Minnesota for my Master’s degree. I’m now at the University of California Davis. Yes — I have moved a lot.

3. I grew up in Webster, NY. The thing I miss the most about being in CA is spending lots of time with my family and friends! I also miss all the leaves being so many colors in the fall– although my street is pretty nice.

4. I love beer and wine tasting. I’m spoiled for living in Northern CA with lots of both to choose from.

5. I got married to my husband Ryan in September 2009. He is wonderful and I am so thankful everyday that we are together. 🙂

6. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because everyone gets together to celebrate being thankful for what they have. And eating tasty food. Stuffing is my favorite side dish. Now that I can’t as easily be with my family on Thanksgiving, I also love Christmas because I get to spend time with them. And Ryan’s gets so excited about Christmas, so that also makes it fun.

7. Besides exercising, I love photography. I have mostly used iPhone photos so far on the blog, but hopefully I will get better at bringing out my nicer camera on a regular basis to take some of the photos with that too.

This was actually taken on the iPhone too…but maybe at some point I’ll show you guys some others of my favorites.

8. I’m not usually very good at taking photos of myself, but this is probably the best one I’ve ever taken. I actually really like it.

9. Ryan and I like to do some homebrewing. It is awesome to make a tasty beer yourself, and then be able to share it with friends.

10. I love traveling, and always look forward to seeing new places, whether within the US or outside it. Road trips are SO much fun!


Tell me something about yourself!