As of Late...

So it's a new year. A time for new beginnings as well as new endings. A time for adventuring and a time for accomplishing goals.

As of late, I have moved to a new place in downtown Boulder. I absolutely love this place-it's basically a walk to everything and it just feels a lot more that home that my place in East Boulder. When I returned to Colorado after being home for a week, I realized how much I appreciate the beauty of Boulder, CO. The smell of fresh air, the 300+sunny days, and the view of the Rockies, literally located 1/2 mile from my new place. I wish my stay in the nicknamed Maxwell Fortress could be a long term deal, but unfortunately, come August I will be forced to move again within Boulder city limits. Once again, I will be transient and will move on to a new place and a new roommate. Sometimes I wish that I could find a permanent place of residence, but other times I find that moving keeps life interesting. I mean, how many people could say that they have had half as many roommates in a lifetime as me? haha.

This time though, the reason for the move will not be a personal choice, but a lifestyle choice. You see, as of late last week, I made a big decision. Come August, I will be the proud owner of my first dog! If you know me well enough, you know that I absolutely love dogs. It is actually kind of crazy how much I melt when I get to interact with a dog. I have always wanted my own dog and growing up, my parents (mainly mom) would not let me get one. (Coincidentally, when I leave home a dog is acquired and my mother is in love with the thing). But some things have prevented me from getting my first dog. From working countless hours in veterinary offices, I have seen the familiar mistakes far too many times. The dog owners with little money to support their companion, their lack of time to spend with it, and the list goes on. If there is one thing that frustrates me, it is these pet owners. Hence, the reason why I havent gotten my own dog yet.

But as of late, I have made the decision to stay in Colorado, I have a steady job, and I have time for a dog. In my mind, now is the right time. So last week, I officially opened a savings account for my dog! haha! So yes, in August after 7-8 months of saving, I hope to have more than enough to get my first dog and give he/she a good home. I will definitely be interested in larger, active running dogs to take with me on runs. Some of my rescue options include Golden Retriever Rescue of Colorado and Boulder/Denver Humane Societies. Recently, I also have the other option of obtaining a pure bred Golden Retriever from my friend, Brandon's family. I have honestly always been a rescue dog person, but after meeting Brandon's dog, Flip, for a run, the option of a pure bed is definitely creeping in. We shall see how things play out with time, but either way, Ill need to find a place in Boulder to live that allows dogs (and puppies!) Should be interesting...

On the running side of things, I just signed up for the Colorado Half Marathon set for May 9th and soon will be signing up for the Bolder Boulder 10k at the end of May (if anyone wants to come out and do it with me, the invitation is open-its one of the biggest 10ks in the US!) Signing up for the half has lifted a weight off of my shoulders and has actually gotten me into the groove of training again. As of late, I have even found some new training partners closer to the Boulder area. Dont get me wrong, I love my Denver girls, its just so hard for me to drive back and forth there all of the time. One thing I have learned from meeting new training partners is that not all of them have to run 7 minute miles or faster to provide something for my running. I truly believe that there can be a balance of hard and easy runs! Recently, I have been running at 6 AM with two 40 year old single moms, Maggi and Lisa. Running with these woman has been one of the most influential things I have done as of late. These women have been through a lot and even though they are 20 years older than me, I feel as though they have provided me with so much insight on life thus far-I hope that this can continue. Today, I ran with a Grand Valley State Alum, named Lindsey Mills, who is aiming to run 1:17 for a half in February. After running with her for the first time, I know that she can play a key part in helping me get back into getting faster and ready to race again. She is coached by Darren and Colleen De Reuck and even knows a lot of pro runners like Sarah Slattery! I cant wait to start training with her more often. In Denver, I have BF, Jaimelyn, who ill be my Friday running partner and half marathon training buddy as we will both be doing halfs in May. And lastly, I have my friend Brandon, who is new to running, yet seems to be improving quickly. A very outdoorsy person and already in good shape, I have invited Brandon on a few runs and each time, he has brought the dogs and we have run a quicker pace. So the mix is random, but full of variety. My running comrades here are nothing like the CRC, but in a way, its not such a bad thing. I can pick who I want to do an easy or hard run with and I can still have some days to myself. Who knows, maybe someday Ill form my own running club out here!

As of late, life seems to be calming down. I seem to feel lonely less often. I seem to find myself smiling as I look out my window at the Rockies. And I seem to be finding that inner peace that I have been searching for the past five months.

There will be some excitement going on in the upcoming month with my dad visiting on a ski trip, my good friend, Andrew, visiting for almost a week from PA, and with my birthday adventures. Let the good times roll. :0 )