Up and Down the Hill We Went

Tonight Jeff and I decided to get in a hill repeat workout.  We warmed up for 2 miles and then started the hill repeats we sprinted last week.  We run up the 250 meter hill (under 6 min. per mile pace) and then jog back down.  We did this 6 times.  Cool down by jogging home 1/2 a mile.

Lets not pretend like this was really any fun or felt good.  In fact, it hurt and there was a lot of other things I would rather be doing.  But we got it in and it will only make us faster.  I’m looking forward to taking tomorrow off.

Paid for Races = Must Start Official Training

Jeff and I just signed up for two races:

April 15, 2012
GO! St Louis Half Marathon
AND
June 9, 2012
Utah Valley Marathon

This means we officially need to start training!  Jeff and I hope to PR in both races.  I know if we stick with how we have been running, it won't be a problem.  Should I put our goal times up on the this blog for all to see??

There are also two half marathons in the Denver area that we will most likely run to use as "training" races:

April 7, 2012
The Redline Westminster Half Marathon
AND
May 20, 2012
The Colorado Colfax Half Marathon

I like running races a few weeks prior to the "official" races that I am trying to PR in.  I usually run the first half of these races a bit slower than the goal pace and then the last half at goal pace.  It is a good way to build confidence and to verify you are where you need to be.  Plus it is good to practice what you will wear and how you plan on eating and drinking.

Clueless Path Hoggers

You want to know what really chaps my a$$.... people who take up an entire bike/jogging path and are clueless to the fact that they are being selfish, rude, and unsafe.

I understand that not all people who utilize a bike/jogging path are biking and/or jogging and that many people use these paths for leisurely strolls.  I think it is great that they are out there enjoying the outdoors and getting in a walk, really I do.  BUT get a freaking clue and don't walk side by side with your bff and your stroller and your 3 out-of-control dogs on retractable leashes taking up the ENTIRE path!

For example, I am running around the Sloans Lake path and up ahead I see two women walking side by side (taking up the entire path) with their strollers full of bratty annoying children (this is an assumption and not confirmed) and their golden retrievers on retractable leashes zigzagging all of there place.  I am running at a 7:30 pace and don't want to be stopped by this behavior.

So I do the *cough* the *STOMP* and finally call out "on your left."  The DUM DUMS act surprised that I am coming up from behind (I mean they must OWN this path?!?), don't know what to do, and split apart in utter confusion.  I slowly walk between them and proceed to start jogging again.... suddenly one of their stupid dogs darts in front of me tangling up my legs with the gosh darn retractable leash!
SERIOUSLY?!? GET A CLUE YOU IDIOTS!

Next time I am taking those beotches out.  With no warning, I'm going to get up to full speed and tackle them from behind.  That will teach them jogging path etiquette.  And they won't know what hit them, really they won't know because I weight 120 lbs and have the tackling strength of a wet noodle. 

Give me empty trails with no clueless humans......

How I Got Faster

I started out to just run; to get in the miles and to complete the distance at hand.  I started out struggling to maintain a 9 min per mile pace and didn't know what tempo or fartlek or hill repeats meant.  Then running began to get easier and my pace started dropping.  My most recent race in December I ran a 7 min per mile pace for 13.1 miles.  To get there, I pushed myself at the track, sprinted up hills, and ran faster for progressively greater distances.

It is fun to see yourself improve and to witness how hard work pays off.  There is no greater feeling than to commit yourself to training and then run a race faster than you expected to run.... and to feel good while doing it.

I like to keep my training relatively simple and  I make up my own plan by combining several different training plans found on the internet.

Quality over quantity is my motto.

I get in 3 main running workouts every week:
- 1 tempo workout,
- 1 speed or hill workout, and
- 1 long run.
The other 2-3 days, I cross train or get in easy mileage at various distances based on how I feel or what I have time for.  I ALWAYS take 1 day a week off from any activity to rest.  I also listen to my body and if I am overly tired or sore, I take a day off.  You can't run if you are injured!

The Power of the Surprise Care Package

I don't know about you, but I LOVE getting things in the mail.  Any by things I don't mean bills or red-light camera tickets.....

I especially love CARE PACKAGES!!  And lucky me I have in-laws that love to send surprise care packages.  Every few months Jeff and I get home from work and see a box waiting for us on the door step.  We open it up and it is full of many pleasant SURPRISES!

Thank you Bob and Marcia!!!

Jeff and I can't wait to make some care packages of our own to send to people and spread this joy.  Who knows, maybe YOU will receive a care package :)

Rock Chalk Jayhawk.... and the Long Run

Yesterday the Kansas Jayhawks defeated the Missouri Tigers 87-86 in overtime.  It was a great rivalry game and the Jayhawks made a huge comeback to get to overtime and then pulled off the win.  I love college basketball and games like this are why.  I can't wait for the conference tournaments and then March Madness!!!

I also got in my long run yesterday.  Jeff and I ran 9.5 miles at a 7:50 pace.  Jeff said it was the first time he has felt great in a run in a long time (YAY, he is back in shape!!).  I felt like poop, but you have days like that.  The last half of our run the crazy Denver wind picked up and every time we headed west the wind was in our faces.  Not normal wind, but wind that knocks your hat off and kicks up dirt in your face.  We were glad to be done and even cut the run short 1/2 a mile because of it.

I underestimated the temperature and was overdressed.  I had to take my long sleeved shirt off 4 miles in and I wish I was in shorts and a tank top.  I also started to bonk at 5 miles and needed my GU 45 minutes in. Thank goodness I had the GU, it gave me the kick I needed!

(this is not from my run yesterday, it is from when I was in Utah.  It is the only GU picture I have.  Orange Vanilla is my favorite flavor.  It tastes like a Dreamsicle!) 

If you are a distance runner and run anything longer than a hour, you should really start taking GU. Take it every 45 minutes during a long run.  I improved tremendously when I learned how to eat while running.  I can't say enough good things about GU products.

Jeff made a good playlist and that also helped keep my mind off not feeling great.  My long run song of the day is by Band of Horses, "The General Specific."  It has a great beat and is a fun song that just makes you feel good.  Jeff's brother introduced me to the song and it is another one that never gets old.

After the run we refueled with a few Boulder Beers and Bubba Chinos cheesy steak fries and burritos while we watched the basketball game.  We then were a lame old couple and watched two movies last night (Ides of March and The Adjustment Bureau, both good movies) and went to bed.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!!!!!

How to Prepare for the Long Run

Today I am about to go on my weekly long run.  I used to dread the long run, but now it is the highlight of my week (yeah, LAME).  I love getting outside, putting on some music, and running for hours on end.  It allows me to be alone with my thoughts while pushing myself physically.  


I also am a fan of a routine, and I have quite the routine the night before my long run.  I like keeping things consistent so that my body (and mind) has a routine before long runs and then I keep that same routine the night before a race. 

Fuel- I will eat dinner at the time I usually do, between 6-7pm.  I increase the amount of calories I typically eat and add in some more carbs.  For example, last night I had chicken with with mashed potatoes and a side salad (Jeff had talapia with mango salsa because of lent, I had food envy).

Hydrate- I keep my water bottle next to me and make sure I am properly hydrated.  If I am running anything more than 13 miles, I will alternate an electrolyte drink with water. I prefer to drink GU Brew or the GU tablets because they are formulated for endurance athletes (they also are not too sugary and taste great).

Music- I make a new playlist for my iPod and download new songs.  I love listening to music when I run and especially for long runs.  It’s fun to switch up what I have been listening to and I treat myself to some new songs to enjoy.  Sometimes I have Jeff surprise me with a playlist that he has made, and this is what he put together for today's long run:

Route- I decide the mileage and then map out the route I am going to take.  Not only is it a good idea to decide where you will go (less thinking); it is also smart for safety purposes.  I will save the route and email it to Jeff so if for some reason I don’t return, he will know where to look.  I prefer to use http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/ because it is easiest to use (better than mapmyrun) and I have found it to be VERY accurate.

Clothing- I look at the weather and decide what clothes I want to lay out.  I do this the night before so I don’t have to think about it in the morning.  It is in the 40’s and sunny;  I'm wearing a long-sleeved technical shirt, a KU t-shirt (because they play Mizzou today and I am supporting my Jayhawks!), half tights, and a hat.

 

Sleep- It is important to get at least 8 hours of sleep in so that you wake up refreshed.  This morning Jeff and I got up a little later so that we slept 10 hours.  Look how cozy Jeff looks in the morning, and how Jay thinks he is a human by using a pillow.

Off to get in my run!  Lets hope it goes well!!!

The Elevator Ride

I’ve never worked in an office building with more than 2 floors so I have never had the experience of riding in an elevator on a daily basis.  Until now….

My office is on the 10^th floor of a 10 floor building.  We have great views of downtown Denver to the east and the Rocky Mountains to the west.  I love having these views, but I HATE having to ride the elevator to get to my 10^th floor office.  There are several reasons why I don’t like elevators:

1.     The awkward glances and conversations that occur in elevators.  I know that most people have the urge to look my way and start idle chit chat, but this is always awkward.  Please keep your eyes forward and leave me alone.

2.     It never fails; I get turned around when riding in an elevator.  EVERY SINGLE TIME I forget which way to turn, especially because there are four elevators to choose from.  So I end up looking like a complete idiot every time I get off an elevator.  WHY AM I CONFUSED EVERY DAY, WHY??

3.     Once in a while, I get on the elevator alone…. Then some idiot on the 4^th floor makes my personal floor transporter stop AND the said idiot gets on and proceeds to try to talk about the weather (see #1).

4.     I am always worried I will fart and that the entire elevator full of people will be subjected to the stench, and know it was me.  Or I think that I will be riding the elevator alone, let one slip, and then someone gets on the elevator at the next floor.  So awkward and so unfortunate if this happens.

5.     Riding with someone that farts or has other bodily odors.  Its always worse when it is someone else…..

6.     The fear that the elevator will get stuck between floors and I have to live in the elevator for days.  The fear compounds when someone else is in the elevator with me.  Read this New Yorker article.  Now watch this clip:

That is my worst nightmare.  I think I'm going to take the stairs today.  

Happy Thirstday!

In honor of thirsty-ness, it is Thirstday, the day in which I drink some wine and tell you what I think.

Canyon Oaks, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010

$4.99 (liquor store), Cork, California

The back of the bottle says:

"The Canyon Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon offers fresh fruit aromas of cassis, mint and chocolate.  Dense flavors of black fruit and blueberry  explode on the palate.  Supple tannins lead to a long, smooth, lingering finish."

Who the heck writes the back of wine bottles?  Seriously, where do they come up with this stuff??  There are a lot of sexual innuendos in this one and I feel a little uncomfortable reading it.  I mean, there is explode, supple, long, smooth, and finish all in one place.  I don't like it one bit.  

And I did not really like the taste of this wine either.  I definitely did not taste any blueberries, mint or chocolate.  All I tasted was a cheap wine that reminded me of what I drank when Jeff's frat threw their monthly Wine Night to get the girls all liquored up on cheap wine.  

I don't recommend this wine unless you are 20 and attending a wine social at your local college's fraternity.  I guess I got what i paid for this time.  

Hill Repeats during a Wind Advisory

Tonight's run consisted of a warm up (2 mi), hill repeats (6X) at 10K pace (1.75 mi), and cool down (1.25 mi).

I really don't like hills but have forced myself to do hill repeats to get faster......

To top it off, there was a wind advisory in effect for the Denver area.  Great.  So half the time we were being pushed along by the glorious wind and the other half we were being pelted in the face with sand and other debris and held back by the blasted wind.

But Jeff and I made it home and got in a solid workout.  My thighs and lungs are still burning.  Oh and did I mention that we are still getting used to running at elevation?!?  This just means we are gonna SMOKE the half marathon we are running in St Louis in April......higgidy hellz yeah.

Order has been Restored

Usually it takes me forever to get organized after a move.  This time, Jeff and I were determined to get completely settled as quickly as possible.  I am happy to report that order has been restored in our lives..... and it feels GREAT!

We are renting a house that has 2 bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs and a finished basement with 2 bedrooms and a bathroom.  We have plenty of space for all of our stuff and have had fun deciding how to make this rental house a home.  I think we have done very well with decorating considering we only had to buy a few extra things; for the most part, everything you see is what we had.  Before we moved we sold a few pieces of furniture on Craigslist and we were able to keep our purchases within the budget of what we made off those sales.

The entry leads straight into the living room.  We put up a hook rack behind the front door and decided to hang our marathon medals from it.  I really like how it turned out and it acts as motivation every time we head out for a run.

The living room is a really big space and thank goodness it is because we have a sectional couch.  Luckily it fits well and I like how it turned out.  We scored on our TV console; it is a 1970's WORKING stereo cabinet with speakers.  ONLY $40!  It actually has a great sound and we can't wait to figure out how to hook it up to our TV and rig it so we can play our iPod from it.

Our dining room is pretty basic.  We sold our previous dining room chairs and picked up the "new" ones from a retro consignment shop for $20 each.  A little more than I wanted to spend, but they match well with the table I got from my Grandma.  The table and chairs need to be refinished and I plan on doing that in the next few weeks.  I also will have to recover the chairs.

Our "master bedroom" is pretty small so we kept it very simple. My next project for this room will be to make an upholstered headboard.

The finished basement also turned out well.  We have a "family room" and our "bar" down here and it is really cozy and comfortable.  We were going to get another couch, but my huge circle chair fits well and looks good.  Yay for not spending any money!  We put the guest bedroom down here and I think it will be nice for guests to have their own space.

We used the second bedroom upstairs as our home office and got a L-shaped desk from Ikea.  It still needs to be organized and looks cluttered, so I did not include a photo.

I'm sure I have completely bored most people reading this, but the mothers wanted to see pictures of our progress (enjoy Moms!).

Stella Pinot Grigio Review

I really have no business reviewing wine.  In fact, if you put all the various types of wine in front of me in a blind taste test, I would fail miserably.  I just know if I like something or if I don't.

Honestly, the only reason I am doing posts on wine is so I remember which wines to go back and purchase and which to stay away from.

So lets start off with.....

Stella, Pinot Grigio, 2010

$6.99 (Costco), Twist Top, 12% alcohol, Umbira, Italy

The back of the bottle says:
"Stella means 'star' in Italian & this star Pinot Grigio is handcrafted in the beautiful region of Umbria. The vineyards are sprinkled between medieval watchtowers, fortresses & castles & the region's volcanic soil adds distinctive characteristics to this flavorful wine."

First of all, a description of wine that includes geology and medieval references is my kind of wine.  After reading this, I immediately started referring to Jeff as "My Lord" and would only respond to him if he called me "My Lady."  (This is also a Game of Thrones reference.... I will do a post on that amazing series another time, in the meantime, either go read the book or watch the show on HBO)

This wine was refreshing and went down really smoothly.  It was the type of wine that reminded me of summers and drinking outside on a patio.  It had hints of citrus, but was not too sweet.

Jeff's first reaction was "I could chug this entire bottle."  Although we didn't chug the bottle, it did disappear very quickly.  It was really good.

I would not feel embarrassed serving this wine at a party (especially if the people didn't know how cheap it was).  If I had a rating system, it would be rated highly.  I'll work on making up a rating system for next time.

(By the way, I will only be reviewing wines that are less than $10. If you have any favorites that are in that category, send me a message!!!)

Entertainment at the Rec Center

I really like working out at the Rec Center, mostly because of all the freak shows that work out there.  There is always entertainment at the Rec Center.

For example, while running on the treadmill, out of the corner of my eye I see Mr. Rocky Runner.  He's sprinting on the treadmill punching his fists like he is training to fight Ivan Drago or something.  I really wanted him to crank the incline up and then all of a sudden stop and victoriously put his arms in the air.

Unfortunately he noticed me staring at him and continued to run like a normal person.  Boring.

I then had to focus my attention on the Westminster Best in Show competition that was showing on the TV.  This interesting specimen pops up on the screen and I burst out laughing:

A wirehaired dachshund made it to the finals, seriously?!?  What happened to it's legs??  Why does it have a goatee??  I realize Jeff is giving me a strange look because I am way into the Westminster Dog Show and people are now staring at me.

In case you are wondering, a Pekingese by the name of Malachy was the winner.  He is also an interesting specimen and looks like the love child of E.T. and a dust mop.

Jeff and I finished out our 3 miles on the treadmill, lifted, did some core work, and then relaxed in the hot tub with some other interesting Rec Center people (so many freak shows.....).

The Cake Maker

I have been meaning to do a post about the amazing construction cake my mom made for my nephew's birthday.  My mom is quite the cake maker!

The cake is made entirely out of cake or various types of candy (there are Twix, Twinkies, licorice, dots and a bunch of other cavity causing treats in there!).  Also, those little yellow things around the cake are construction hard hard cake pops.  Seriously, how awesome is this cake?!?

My mom called it an excavator cake.  The three-year-old promptly informed her, "Oh Grandma, that is not an excavator, that is a backhoe."  This little guy is quite the smarty pants and a child after my own heart.  I can't get enough of this kid and can't wait to see him again!  Mark, will you put him on the next plane to Denver?  Thanks.

The Long Run

Just got back from my weekly long run.  Jeff and I both got in 8 miles.  I felt incredible today, ran an average 7:40 pace (didn't mean to go that fast, I just let myself go with what felt good).  Somehow I lost Jeff, and he lost himself.  Luckily I found him later (he took a wrong turn).

Before we headed out Jeff and I weren't really sure what to wear.  So we took the dogs on a walk to see if we were over or under dressed:

It was definitely a pants and gloves/hat sort of day.  And apparently it was also the kind of day where you wear a knot on the very top of your head......

We ran from our house to the Clear Creek Trail and did an out and back.  The trail goes for miles and miles and connects to various other trails.  So we are set when it comes to long runs!

The long run song of the day is...... "Somebody the I Used to Know" by Goyte.  I have been obsessed with this song for about 3 months now and it never gets old to me.  There are so many great parts and pieces to it.

My post run reward is a Sweat Betty blonde ale brewed by Boulder Beer Company, absolutely DELICIOUS.

Notice the medals in the background.  Jeff and I hung all of our marathon medals right by the front door and it is the last thing we see before we head out.... motivation!

Going Up?

Usually I don't pay attention to the constant watching of ESPN in my house by Jeffrey.... but I just saw the BEST commercial:

Stocked the Bar

Who needs to go out when you have this in the basement:

(Yes, those are mini-bottles ready to be stocked away in my purse when I do venture out.)

Our little bar area is FINALLY set up and stocked with the wine we picked up on our road trip and various cheap wines that we just picked up at Costco.  Oh and also some liquor, including some Bushmills Irish honey whiskey that Jeff can't wait to try.

I plan on giving you a review of each wine (and how much each cost) as a part of the upcoming Thirstday installment of this blog.  Unfortunately I am not trained in wine tasting so my reviews will probably be something like this:

"This wine was red.  I drank it out of a glass.  I liked it because it made me giggle and feel warm inside.  I drank the whole bottle, whoops."

We also stocked up on Colorado beer to try. I wonder how it will compete with the amazing Northwest beers we grew accustomed to.....

Who wants to come over and hang out??

Punching In at the Rec Center

One of our favorite aspects of where we live is that we live within a mile of the our city's Rec Center.

It is a really nice facility with a lap pool, fun pool, treadmills, weights, indoor track, and locker areas.  Right now we just got a punch card because we didn't know if we'd like it; but I LOVE it and will most likely get an annual pass (its a great deal).

Today Jeff and I lifted, did core work, ran 3 miles on the treadmill, and did 15 minutes of water running (alternating 1 min easy and 30 sec hard).  I'd say we burned off the Bubba Chinos from last night.  Long run tomorrow in the sunny upper 40's weather.  Can't wait!

Arches National Park

I forgot to do a post about visiting Arches National Park on January 31, 2012.......

The geologist inside me was overwhelmed with happiness when we stopped at Arches National Park.  It had numerous gorgeous displays of rock formations and geologic time all in a relatively small area accessible by car.  It reinforced my desire to go back to grad school to advance my knowledge on the subject.......(NERD ALERT)

Anyway, while we were there we managed to break some more laws when it came to the dogs.  National Parks do not allow dogs in very many areas, especially not on trails.  I think the rule came about because of this:

Elle does not share my enthusiasm for geology. 

One Bad Night a Week

Jeff and I have been very good lately about eating healthy and working out consistently.... and not eating out.

Then tonight happened.

We got dressed and headed to the Rec Center to get in a good workout.  BUT we got there and they were closing (apparently it closes Friday at 6:30).  It was a sign that Jeff and I must go out to eat.  And indulge in something naughty.

We have been eye-ing a particular local fast food Mexican American joint called Bubba Chinos.  We met the owner, Leonard, last week at the Rec Center while working out.  Not only does he have a great first name, he owns Bubba Chinos and told us to stop by to try it out.

Tonight was the night.  Leonard happened to be there and he introduced us to some highly caloric and fattening, but absolutely DELICIOUS, food!  We ordered the Cochino Burrito (grilled burrito with egg, steak, potato, cheese, and salsa) and the Tony V Tacos (fried tacos with shredded beef and cheese).  While we were waiting, he starts hooking us up with some things to try: loaded steak fries, chips and salsa, and a Cochino sandwich.

I think Leonard thinks I am too small and is trying to force feed me fat.  He even tried to give me an IV drip full of lard.  He is a good man that Leonard.

We took the remainder of our food home and finished it off in front of the TV like every good American family would.  We are on the fast track to obesity if we continue down this road.

Needless to say, tomorrow we will be running either a tempo run or a long run to burn off these calories.  Until then, we will park our bottoms on the couch for a movie.

Home Internet

There is a rumor that the internet is up and running at my house.

That means I can spend this weekend spewing my words and pictures all over this blog.  The spewing will probably continue for a while or at least until I get distracted by something more entertaining than myself.

Sorry in advance.

Mr. Poopy Paws

Like every other morning I had to wake the royalty pooches from their slumber and force them outside to do their business.  After Jay got in a morning dump, he proceeded to turn around and step in his own poop!  He didn't step in it and act disgusted, instead he let his little paw linger because I think he enjoyed the warm sensation and disgustingly fragrant odor.  SO GROSS.

Then Mr. Poopy Paws pranced happily up to me like he was proud that he had poop all over his paw.  Maybe he was being a prankster and wanted to wake up Jeff by putting his poopy paw in Jeff's face? Although that would have been funny, I didn't let this happen and uneventfully picked Jay up and cleaned off his poopy paw.  

The End.

Maybe I should start making him wear shoes again:

Dear CenturyLink......

Dear CenturyLink Salespeople,

I understand that you don't care about your job and you are there to just answer phones and collect your paycheck, BUT, you should probably learn the simple basics of phone lines, cable, and internet to at least be able to set up an account.  I'm not even a techie person, but I at least understand basics......

First of all, CenturyLink does NOT provide wireless internet.  Wireless providers like Sprint, AT&T and Verizon provide wireless internet for cell phones and iPads and other such 3G or 4G devices.  What you provide, CenturyLink, is DSL internet through PHONE LINES.

When I tell you that I don't have a phone line, this means that you need to set up the installation of a phone line to be able to connect the internet to the modem.  Do NOT argue with me and tell me that all I need is a CenturyLink modem/router.  The modem/router does not magically shoot out the internet in the form of rainbows, unicorns, and happy hobbits who dance around giving out wireless internet. I wish that it did, but sadly, it doesn't.

And when I call you to set up an installation time for a phone line, because you did not do YOUR job correctly the first two times... DO NOT REFER ME TO A PHONE NUMBER FOR A DATING HOTLINE.  That was rude.  I'm sure you think you are clever and funny CenturyLink Salesperson by the name of Michael, but this little stunt will catch up with you.  After speaking with your manager, have fun looking for new work.

Sincerely,
A person who still does not have internet after 2 weeks*

*This is why I have been unable to post to my blog*

Back to Reality

No more Hawaiian vacations.  No more Road Trips.
Sorry there has been a lack in posts, I was lacking internet access, and free time.

We made it to Denver February 1, at the same time our trailer full of stuff arrived.  There are no Bank of America banking centers in Colorado, only gas station ATMs.  We paid our first month's rent in cash (he would not accept a personal check) and the gas station ATM only issued $20 bills.  Our landlord thinks we are drug dealers. Embarrassing.

We got the trailer completely unloaded Thursday.  A snowstorm hit Friday, dumping more than a foot of snow in Denver.

Jeff had to shovel the yard so our rats would go to the bathroom; the snow was deeper than they are tall.  They don't like snow because they have no fat or fur.  Like is rough being an Italian Greyhound.

Life is also rough being a half-blind Italian Greyhound; Jay now has to learn his new surroundings.  Luckily he hasn't fallen down the stairs or injured himself running into something....yet.  The freaky one, Elle, sticks to her comfort zone buried beneath blankets, only emerging when she smells food or hears the doorbell.

Jeff's parents arrived Friday night.  My parents arrived Saturday night.

I turned 30.

Mizzou beat KU :(

The Giants won the Super Bowl.

Both the parents returned to their respective cities on Monday, and I started work back up in my new office location in Lakewood, CO.

Haven't been running since the amazing trail run last Tuesday.  I will run tonight, yes I will.  I feel gross.

Back to Reality really stinks.  I wanna quit work, sell all my stuff, buy a RV and drive around to beautiful destinations, running every day in a different location.  One can dream.....