Red Rocks Trail

Red Rocks is a must see when you are in the Denver area. Concerts, “Film on the Rocks”, wildlife, a quick hike, a trail run, one huge workout gym, it’s got it all. Wanna see what I’m talking about?

How about a concert with an amazing view? Here you go. Red Rocks will put out their calendar starting in March. They also do “Film on the Rocks” during the summer where they show movies like “Ghostbuster” and “The Goonies” plus a little music. Fun!

Doesn’t matter if you see a show sitting in the very back row – just look at the scenery!

Feel like going for a workout without going to a “gym”. Try doing what the freaks of nature do and do a squat jump up each and every one of these stairs. Not enough? Do a push up as well? Just so you know, I once ran down each and every row and it was a total of 3 miles. I just wanted to know.

Now just imagine doing even just one pushup up everyone of those stairs.

Here is the view once you get to the top of those stairs.

Or if running some stairs with a personal trainer yelling at you is your bag, then we’ve got you covered as well.

Want to see some wildlife frolicking?

Want to go for a quick hike? You’ve got the Trading Post Trail that starts and ends at the Trading Post. It’s about a 1.5 mile hike and when you’re finished you should go into the store and buy some fudge for your efforts. Here is your view.

If you want a great trail run, make sure to hit up the Red Rocks Trail. You’ve got ups and downs and a fun little climb over some big ol rocks! It’s a great 6 miler.

Here I am gearing up for my run wearing my New Skin gear of course.

Don’t forget to give me a call if you are heading out to Red Rocks!

On a side note: my ankle is doing better. I took yesterday off and will attempt a run today. The left ankle is still tender and my right shin is scraped up but doesn’t hurt as bad. My mom called me fussing at me for going alone on the trail. So just for the record: It was a popular trail medley that loops around. I actually had 2 ladies see me fall and offer to help and then another trail runner ask if I needed him to carry me back. For safety, someone always knows where I am running and I never go to a terribly remote area alone. Plus, I had my phone with me. I didn’t feel like I was in danger or was taking unnecessary risks by trail running. It is part of it. It was my first big trail running tumble and I wear it as a badge of honor.

Want to see other fun things to do in Colorado, check out this fun blog Love Living in Colorado.

Have you ever taken a tumble on the trail? Did it shake your confidence or did you just shake it off?

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Sunday Funday: Crested Butte Style

After finishing the Epic Relay with my favorite girls (post coming soon with plenty of pictures), Jim and Noah met me in Crested Butte Saturday afternoon (so awesome). We received a relay discount at the Grand Lodge so we took advantage of that.

Sunday, after 2 trips to the buffet, I put on a bathing suit with no hesitation because it was Sunday Funday and I didn’t care. We splashed in the hotel pool for quite some time until mom and dad were tired and needed a break. Then, we were ready for a little hiking.

We took the Silver Queen chairlift to the top of the mountain. This was Noah’s first chairlift experience and he took it like a champ (we rode a gondola in Breckenridge when he was a few months old). Since you are not allowed to ride the chairlift with a child in your lap, your choices are to sit him in between the two of you or to keep him in your pack facing forward. We chose to keep him in the pack because he is quite the wiggle worm.

on the chairlift, baby. Can’t wait for ski season!!!

Our plan was to take the Silver Queen lift up, then do the short hike to the summit. We were to hike along the maintenance road (2 1/2 miles) down to the Red Lady chairlift and take that to the bottom. Since we were a little short on time, this was a good plan for us, but if we had more time we would’ve done another hike. Once the lift dumps you off up top, there is a short 1 mile hike to the summit for some spectacular views. It is a short hike, but really pretty!!

hiking like a pro

don’t know if you can tell, but the little man is out like a light!

why is it that when I see a trail of any sorts, I wanna run it??

beautiful views from the top

Crested Butte is known for it’s downhill mountain biking. I know nothing of the sport other than you take the lift up and ride your bike down and they wear a lot of gear and fall down a lot and love to show off their battle wounds. Seems cool, but I don’t think I’m that cool. Anyhoo, be warned that unless a trail says “Hiker Only”, you will have some company on the trail.

We had a great late lunch at Avalanche Grill and found a great new way of doing a tuna melt. They mix the tuna with diced tomatoes and place it on wheat pita bread and cover it with mozzarella cheese then toast it. They slice it up to look like pizza slices. Oh wow. It was yum! We then headed down the mountain ready for our 4 1/2 hour drive. Woo-Hoo! To keep from major meltdowns, we pointed out cows and said moo, we sang twinkle twinkle little star, we looked for buses and tractors and fire tucks. Whatever works.

Marathon training will get back on track this week. More running, more strength training, more yoga, more spinning. MORE!!! I will post my Epic Relay race report soon, but I will leave you with this.

Van A somewhere in the middle of nowhere but with amazing views

It was a wonderful day with my wonderful little family! Do you have any tricks or tips for keeping a toddler entertained during a long car ride???

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Sunday Funday: Castlewood Canyon

We spent the good part of the day playing in Castlewood Canyon State Park in Franktown, CO. It’s a great family hike, plenty of trails (some trails are paved for good wheelchair access). Stella Nutella and I have run here once and I need to make a point of doing it again. You can get some decent miles in connecting some of the trails together for a great medley run. From where we live, it is about a 40 minute drive.

Me & Stella Nutella

Driving into the parking lot, I had flashbacks of my last trip here when me and another gal took a group of adults with developmental disabilities hiking for the day. That trip was a total disaster that resulted in calling in a park ranger to help us back, a 2 hour delay, and a very stubborn adult sitting down refusing to budge because he was hot. Oy! Today was a much better experience!!

We took the Inner Canyon Trail and Lake Gulch Trail (we parked in the Canyon Point Parking Lot) to the Dam Trail to see the Waterfalls. It was about 4ish miles round trip. There is a parking lot on the west side of the canyon that would make the hike down to see the falls a 10 minute hike, but would that really be a hike???

part of the Inner Canyon Trail

Here is part of the historic dam. This is the part of the trail that is pretty fun (or tricky, however you look at it). If you like climbing rocks, this is the trail for you; if you don’t, then don’t go on the .35 mile section of the Dam Trail.

The Historic Dam

Have I mentioned that Noah is obsessed with airplanes? Anytime he hears one, he will say “Arpane.” “Diyouseedat?” and point to it. Very cute.

“Arpane!”

“Diyouseedat?”

Here is a far away shot of the falls. It is a small waterfall that you can actually hike up to and play in. It was just occupied by a family with 4 boys who were having a big ol’ time.

I promise there is a waterfall somewhere in this photo

Stella loved the creek along the way.

nice cool creek water

So did Noah.

splosh, splash, splish!

He made friends with the kids trying to catch “creek stuff”. They had nets and everything. Noah thought they were pretty cool.

“yemme seedat”

We stayed in the creek for a while. Big Fun! It was pretty hot out, so we didn’t mind wading in the water.

The hike back up to the parking lot has scattered tree cover. Make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen. Another gorgeous Colorado day.

Jim carried the baby in the pack this hike, such a gentleman.

Hey Colorado, you’re so pretty. I love you.

Mr. Mans was getting pretty sleepy on the hike back to the car.

Going.

Going.

Gone.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend enjoying all things around you!

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Toughin’ Out the Leadville Heavy Half

I have the Leadville Heavy Half Marathon coming up this Saturday. My plan of attack??? Survive. I doubt my Garmin will accompany me (not sure it’s too trusty that high up anyway), but I do plan on bringing my camera, camel back and plenty of nutrition. I have no real goals for this race other than to enjoy the experience, the people, and the opportunity to run on a tiny stretch of a legendary course, the Leadville 100.

Here is my course profile.

Yikes. Did you see that 3,000 ft elevation gain in 3ish miles? Oy!!

We all have been watching the wildfires. There are currently 11 throughout Colorado destroying our beautiful land, wildlife, homes and businesses. The race directors haven’t officially announced a plan B for course closures due to smoke on Mosquito Pass, but it is likely they will have to. Fortunately, it doesn’t look like it affects the Half Marathoners, but it does affect the Full Marathoners. No matter which plan we follow, we will all be out there enjoying the mountain the way we know how. So instead of bumming out about all the damage the fires are producing, I plan on celebrating the beauty of the Colorado mountains on Saturday!

Not sure if I mentioned on the ol’ blog here but the hubs competed survived (barely) the Tough Mudder in Beaver Creek, CO on June 9th. It wasn’t without injury. He had nasty bruises and scrapes all down his right arm. His battle wound- he’s so proud! We all got to try out the orange Tough Mudder head band.

Are you tough enough??

I think we’re tough enough!!!

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Week 6 Marathon Training

Heading into my 6th week of marathon training and I am feeling confident. The 18-miler on Saturday was a huge boost in the right direction for me. I am still not doing great with strength training, but I am going to really focus on that this week. I have a pretty easy week ahead of me this week (well, not counting the 20 miler on Saturday) so I am hoping to take the opportunity to do some more yoga and strength training than I have been doing.

Last Week’s Workouts

I had a spin class on Monday morning and followed it with 20 minutes of a total body workout before being paged to the childcare center. Tuesday was a gorgeous day out, albeit windy so I dragged Stella dog out for a 6 miler. Wednesday was an unexpected rest day due to life. Thursday was a super frustrating day. I don’t know what was wrong with me, but I was having a “Bad, Awful Day” as Grover would say. I hopped on the treadmill for a tempo run and 2 miles in I gave up. I just didn’t have it in me. Those 2 miles were hard and I could not imagine having to run another 4 or 5 miles on a treadmill. But, me giving up that run made me so mad I just couldn’t stand it. For whatever reason, I just couldn’t let it go- I just kept beating myself up about it like it was a metaphor for my life or something (who knows), but when Jim got home from work, I grabbed Stella’s leash and off we went and it felt great – 6 solid miles and fast (I must’ve been running off that frustration).

my run at The Bluffs

Friday I was an idiot and forgot my shoes for the gym. We drove all the way there and had to turn around because I am dumb. It was my only window of opportunity for a workout that day so I called that a rest day too. Saturday was an 18 mile day for me and I did it and did it without any hip pain. We ran in Waterton Canyon and it was a gorgeous day – first day in short sleeves! Running through the canyon is beautiful. We saw bighorn sheep and plenty of deer.

Me and Nina Machina

This Week’s Workouts March 12th-18th

Monday- Strength and Stretch. Spin class in the morning and a hint of a strength training session (only got 20 minutes in, but it’ll do).

Tuesday- 4 miles easy. Hiking in the morning at Deer Creek Canyon with my Colorado Mountain Mamas. An afternoon jog at the Bluffs with Stella dog and hot Yoga that evening. Perfect!

Wednesday- XT and Strength. I plan on a spin class followed by Circuit One Workout.

Thursday- 4 miles easy followed by Hot Yoga.

Friday- rest day. Maybe a walk to the park but that will be all.

Saturday- 20 miles. Followed by plenty of Irish cheer!

Sunday- 3 miles easy peasy and I would love to do the Candlelight Core Power Fusion class that evening.

Here is the entire training plan. 15 Week Marathon Training Plan

Hiking at Deer Creek Canyon

I’m gathering my best Irish recipes for Irish Soda Bread and Shepherd’s Pie for a feast with friends Saturday evening. If you have any ideas for more yummy and fun Irish stuff, let me know!

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Sunday Funday

We had a lovely lazy morning eating chocolate chip muffins (I ran 18 miles Saturday and rocked it so I earned every bite) then we did our chores around the house like good little boys and girls. Now, let the Family Fun begin! All of the photos in today’s post are from my new iPhone and Instagram (My birthday present)

Get Noah his very own chair. Check.

Have lunch on a patio. Check. Thank you, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos- I love your green sauce!

Family Time. Check. The Wildlife Experience is such an awesome place for families. Kids under 3 get in free and if you purchase a membership that day they put your admission that day towards the cost of the membership. We lucked out too because they were hosting a kids consignment sale (on everything). We bought a couple of things: toddler size easel, more blocks and a xylophone- total price $10!

Hang out with dad. Check!

…Mom’s not so bad either…

Make car noises. Check. How do little boys know how to do this??

Go on a hike. Check. Jim had a softball game, so Noah and I took Stella to her absolute favorite place: The Dog Park @ Chatfield State Park. She was in heaven and with the beautiful sunset, so were we.

Naptime for Stella dog. Check. She earned it.

Playtime for Noah Bear. Check. Blocks, blocks, blocks!

Lining up toys is big fun, who knew?

It was a really great weekend: from a good 18 mile run without any pain to date night with the hubs to Sunday Funday. Thanks, weekend, we needed that!

Week Five of Marathon Training

I’m moving into my 5th week of marathon training this week with a great attitude! After the past 2 weeks of sporadic training and what felt like constant sickness, this should be a really great week coming up. Plus, it’s my birthday week- what, what!!

The Workouts

Last week, I managed decent running workouts, but lousy cross training with only 1 spin class and 1 strength training workout. But I showed a solid speed and tempo workout on the treadmill Tuesday (5 miles) and Thursday (6 miles). Saturday, Nina and I ventured out for a 15 miler. I have to admit that I was nervous about this run because I felt like I lost so much fitness over the past few weeks, but once we got out there, there was no doubt that I could finish- huge morale boost for me! The run itself was fine, but the elements were borderline ridiculous-windy, windy, windy! We did Red Rocks and around Bear Creek Lake Park. It was a good change of pace for us to run a different route. We needed the change of scenery! Sunday, Stella dog and I ventured out for an easy 4 mile jog to flush my legs out a bit. It was a good run and I am happy to report (more than happy) that there was no snow on the trail!!

The Weekend

This past week wasn’t my favorite, but the weekend rounded out pretty nice with some home projects (diy stair gate and small greenhouse) so a trip to Home Depot was a must.

Here's the plywood, dad!

Okay, let's go, people!

We had a nice big lunch at Pasquini’s Pizza and played video car games (making vvrroooom car noises, of course).

I like to go fast!

Sunday ended nicely with Frozen Yogurt for dinner and couch time watching some tv!!

This Week’s Training: March 5-11

Monday: Spin class + Total Body Workout

Tuesday: 1 mile warm up, 2×1 mi @ pace (8:00) w/ 800 recovery jog, 6×200 @5K pace (6:40) w/ 200 recovery jog, 1 mi cool down

Wednesday: Cross Training + Strength. Noah and I will be joining the Colorado Mountain Mamas on the Elk Mountain hike. I’m also hoping to do the Strictly Strength barbell class at the gym that evening.

Thursday: 6 mi Speed (1 mi warm up, 3×1600 @7:07 w/ 800 recovery jog, cool down)

Friday: Rest day. I am hoping to fit in a hot yoga class.

Saturday: 18 miles -the farthest since finding out I was pregnant in April 2010. Waterton Canyon just opened back up to trail runners since its 2 year hiatus so there is a large group of runners hitting the trail that day (HoneyMilk is supporting the run). My plan is to get there a little early to run the 4 extra miles before running the 14 miles at Waterton Canyon (to make my 18 miles for the day).

Sunday: easy peasy 3 miles and maybe some Core Power Fusion Yoga that evening!

Click 15 Week Marathon Training Plan for the pdf of my entire marathon training plan.

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Winter Hikes

Hiking is not just for summertime! Snow shoes aren’t always needed, but Yak Trax usually are.

Having a great back pack for the babe is key too. I love the Deuter Kid Comfort II. We tried out some others but this one fits me the best and has everything I wanted (lots of pockets for water, diapers, treats, camera, etc. The Kelty is mighty fine as well, it just didn’t fit my super short torso as well as the Deuter.

Snug as a bug in a rug

Per typical Colorado living, I usually have an extra layer or two of clothing in the car, just in case. (We can see all seasons in one day). But, to dress Noah I just make sure that no part of his body is exposed and have extra hats and gloves around.

It is often times just me and Noah going on a hike, sometimes Stella dog will join us. I always make sure I tell my husband or a friend which trail I am going on.

I love being outside. I don’t mind the cold so much, but if it is really windy, I don’t care to be in it much less have Noah out in that. Lately we have had ridiculous wind gusts that almost knock you over. A couple of times I was jogging back to the car with Noah in the backpack (poor kid getting jostled like crazy) just to try to get back to the car a little quicker.

For me, hiking is a cool way of bonding with my little boy and I hope that it will teach him to love and respect nature. Colorado is an amazing playground!

Red Rocks Amphitheater Hike, Morrison CO

Don’t think I could take this shot again if I tried.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

South Valley Park, Coyote Song Trail

the start of the trail. very dry. very deceiving.

I like rock formations like I like cloud formations.

this rock looks like a rabbit, see it?

I have a great group a ladies that I meet with once a week called the Colorado Mountain Mamas. This isn’t your typical mom’s group.

Lair O’ The Bear Hike

Meyer Ranch Hike

Red Rocks Hike

Mt. Falcon Hike

Finding places to hike isn’t hard. I have several trail running books and hiking books, but word of mouth and the internet are valuable tools as well. Just get out there and enjoy!

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It’s Good to Get Away

I’m home with a sick little boy right now, but wanted to send out some pictures of when he didn’t feel so puny. We have had a nice week in Beaver Creek, CO. Jim had a conference and Noah and I tagged along for a few days. Sometimes a change of scenery is really nice.

Noah motivating me to go for a run since it would possibly be my only opportunity for a run during the week. My running BFF, aka Nina Machina got this cute little onsie for Noah. Love!

Noah’s new hat, scarf and gloves that his Mo made for him.

Yep, that’s a new hairstyle. I got bangs – haven’t had them since I was 14 years old. Mom, told me that I looked like a Kardashian – I think I might have to grow them out now. Just kidding.

Enjoying the ice skating rink in Beaver Creek. We went to a fabulous Italian restaurant called Toscanini with some friends and followed that up with Nelson giving ice skating lessons (he’s Canadian).

It’s a beautiful day for a hike.

In the village of Beaver Creek.

“Repentence” by Tom Walton

The cool little ice sculptures through the village leading up to the Tom Ford Center. That reminds me, Breckenridge is having their ice sculpture competition soon! We must go- such amazing talent!

Little Bear with his dad!

Noah is one cool dude!

On a running note, this week will clearly be an off week for me since life happened.  I will post my training plan soon.

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A Lion, Tiger, and Bear, Oh My!

Lion and Tiger and…

a Bear, Oh My!

Our fearless Lion, Stella was originally going to be our Oh My! because face it, she really is an “Oh my!” to look at these days (Click HERE for our poor Stella story). But due to us not being super enthusiastic about costume possibilities for a grown man as a lion, game day decision Jim decided to switch costumes with Stella (my step-dad will be disappointed. He was sooo looking forward to seeing Jim wearing the lion costume or Stella’s cone of shame). I wrapped her cone in yellow and brown yarn and it turned out fabulous. She was the hit of the neighborhood greeting all the trick-or-treaters with sass.

Noah and I spent the morning at Lookout Mountain Nature Center for the Colorado Mountain Mamas Trek-n-Treat. My fellow mountain mama, Julia and her son dressed up as a tree. It was one of the most adorable and creative costumes. She covered his hat with leaves from a craft store and drew the tree and added a little felt owl. Loved it!

Here are more costume pictures of us.

Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!

Ready to greet our trick-or-treaters

Giving the lion some love

We had fun Halloween and hope you all did as well.We only have a small amount of candy leftover so my lack of willpower is thankful for that! Now to check out all the Halloween stores for discounted items. Weee!

Jim carved our pumpkins. Didn't he do a great job!

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