One Year Later....

Tomorrow I will be attending and participating in the Pearl Street Mile in Boulder. One of the biggest races this town offers, I cant wait to watch all of the professionals and kids alike. I remember last year, this was one of the first community events that I attended and was in awe the number of people that came out. One year ago....

Looking back over the past year, it has not been easy, but it has gotten easier. I mean, really what can you expect from being 1700 miles away from all that you know and love? I remember two months after I came here, I wanted to leave. I missed people and places and things. The familiar. And I remember how the Charlotte Running Club reached out to me and made me feel like I had the biggest support group ever. But something inside of me, told me to stay. As hard as it was, I needed to stick it out. For this was my dream. I couldn't just abandon that.

So I did all that I could do. I reached out to any group and any people that I could. I couldnt just strictly rely on running anymore. I made friends and I left friends. There were people I met for a short while and then drifted away from. But one year later, I feel as though I finally have those people that I can count on. People that I can call my friends. You see, starting all over isn't easy. For me, I value friendships with people that I can count on, that have similar beliefs, and similar interests. It's almost like an interviewing process, making new friends, but once you find some good ones, you have to hold on tight!

The Runner's Roost in Denver has been the best running group I have joined out here. I started going to this again after a 4 month hiatus. Even if I have to sit in 2 hours of traffic every Weds night to get there, it is totally worth it. This group is extremely fun and supportive. Weds night runs followed by free food, beer, and great friends. I just love it. I will be applying to this racing team next year rather than being on the Fleet Feet Boulder team because I want to promote a store that has helped me so much! Unfortunately, I have felt that although I met one training partner at FF, it is not really what I have been searching for. Special thanks to Phil, Bridget, Heather, Ashley, Yaicha, Emma, and new friend, Becca. Without these people, my running experience would not be the same.

I would be lying if I didn't say that dating someone hasn't helped me. Even though Dan is from New York, he has a lot of friends already out here, all of whom have been incredibly welcoming and fun. Seems like this state is a gold mine of transplant Pennsylvanians, Californians, and New Yorkers. Dan has made my life infinitely easier out here, and honestly, it's nice to have that one person that you can count on to always want to go on adventures together. From traveling over 1300 miles in one weekend to training on the Boulder trails, the past five months of my life spent with a person that I can call a best friend has been absolutely thrilling.

Job wise, I am a living example of what can happen with hard work and patience. I started out in Boulder at a gym and a candy shop. I was enjoying the Boulder life, living the dream. I cant say that I wasnt a little bit jealous of those fellow classmates of mine that had real jobs, but honestly, you only live once and these jobs were stepping stones for me career wise. Willy Wonka wore on my last nerve but with patience, I found out through Phil, one of my Runner's Roost friends, that there was an opening with World Triathlon Company (Ironman) in their warehouse. It was basic shipping and ordering stuff, and to be honest, it did get boring, but within two short months, I advanced to office manager and who knows where I can go from here. This company is growing in an economy that is struggling and now I have my foot in the door. I have worked hard out here to make it, and I can honestly say, I am now making it and loving life and my job. I can wear what I want to work, my bosses are triathletes, I get free gear, and I get to be around athletes all of the time. It's really a dream job for me, and I cant wait to see where it takes me.

If you have never been to Boulder, you must come and see the beauty of this place. As I was driving home tonight after a run in Denver, I was in awe at the beauty that I saw out my window. The sun was setting behind the flatirons creating a backdrop of pinks, purples, and blues. And I felt a peace come over me. A peace that I have been longing for for many years on the East Coast. A peace that I hope remains for many years to come.

This is Home.

“I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.”

This week, I find myself in Charlotte, NC visiting old friends from my 2008-09 year here as well as seeing best friends from college for a week long beach bachelorette party. Going back to places where I once was and seeing those friends of the past, always brings up feelings of nostalgia and old memories. Moving around has always been a big adjustment period for me, and I have always found myself longing to stay in an area for a while just so that I can establish connections and friends and really get to know an area well. I remember leaving the University of Richmond with a feeling of losing my team that had become a family, and similarly when leaving Charlotte, with the Charlotte Running Club.

Until about a month or two ago, Colorado still had not yet had this effect on me. I still hadn't quite figured things out yet, and for some reason, it just felt like I was in some kind of adventure land with no real purpose. Over the past month or so though, things have simply just been falling into place. I started doing consistent Weds Track workouts with Emma and Dan. I ran a few races and joined 24 hr fitness. I even explored some new things that Colorado has to offer, particularly some good breweries.

On a whim (with a recommendation from a Denver area running friend), I decided a week and a half ago to apply to a job with Ironman (the triathlon company). For me, the frustration was building as I worked 40+ hours a week managing a candy store that plays "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" on repeat all day, everyday. A personal goal of mine is to always be challenging myself. Was the candy store really challenging me? No. Was it helping me survive in Colorado. Yes, but that's just it. I saw it as a stepping stone and my time there was up. So I went into an interview a few days after applying with really nothing to lose. I was asked some questions, shown a tour of the warehouse and offices, and hired right there on the spot. I was ecstatic. For me, to be involved with a company that promotes endurance sports-something I have grown up loving, is a dream come true. Starting June 1st, I will be starting at the bottom of the ladder with merchandising and ordering, but who knows where this position could really take me? And I am so ready to embark on the journey with a real 9-5 M-F job, where I can have a real life. Honestly, I dont think you ever really appreciate things like a 9-5er unless you've had a retail or service job with crazy hours that really limit your lifestyle. This job with also provide me with more of the structure that I need to balance my life, training for Chicago and socially, as I continue to build my social network.

Running wise, things are really starting to come together. Emma and I are seeking out world class marathoner, Steve Jones, to be our coach for Chicago with a select group called Boulder Express Runners. Honestly, I think that having a structured plan, with the support of like minded and talented athletes, will really help me attain my future running goals. I was elated this past weekend, after me, Emma, Dan, Chris LeMare, and a new friend Scott Baker, entered the Denver Colfax Marathon Relay under team name D.I.R.T. (Denver's Intense Running Team) and won the co-ed division. I have to admit, I haven't done a team relay since the Richmond River 2 Sea got lost and had to drop out, so I was a little nervous. Luckily, everyone put forth 110% effort and we pulled out the victory! As I held the giant gold cup that we received at the awards ceremony, I was overcome with joy. This team effort made me feel like home again, like I had that family of teammates again. And for me, that is one of the best feelings in the world.

They say "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" and for me that is just what happened as I took a leap of faith, moved out here, and followed my dream. I do not think my journey will ever really be through. After all, we all need a little daring, dreaming, and discovering in our lives.

Addicted to Life

I had never heard this saying before until last week (and yes, Im stealing it). But the more I thought about it, the more I realized how much it relates to my life right now, as well as how I want to hold it close to my heart in the future.

An addiction is defined as: the state of being involved in a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming.

Usually possessing a negative connotation, the positivity of being "addicted to life" is the reason why I love the saying so much. For to me, being addicted to life means that I am loving living each and every day to the fullest and I want more of it!

Over the past few weeks and even the past month or so, I have felt a change coming about in my outlook on life in Colorado. I am finding that balance that I have been seeking since I came here, and consequently, I am feeling more content and happy with the direction that I am going. Every morning that I wake up I see the Rockies out my window and I cant help but smile. The beauty of them is absolutely astounding...

My running is taking a turn for the better and that has made me excited! Dan and I do at least a run or two a week-he has kept me more motivated than anyone else out here. I even did a mile repeat workout on the track on Saturday and although it wasn't like my mile repeats at sea level it wasn't half bad, and it was a start! Jaimelyn and I started a tradition of doing a night run through City Park in Denver once a week. It is so wonderful to be able to have those people again, to talk to on runs, that motivate and support me. It's nice to get down to Denver at least once a week to do a run-the city at night is just gorgeous and the neighborhoods are just awesome. Im going to run my first 5k in two weeks to break out the 2010 racing season. Although I know it may not go the greatest, simply because of where Im at in my training, I am confident that it will be the start of something great. I also just formed a relay team (team D.I.R.T.-Denver's Intense Running Team) for the Colfax Marathon in mid-May-it's so great to be doing those kind of things again! And of course, the Bolder Boulder, one of the largest 10ks in the nation will be a big race for me come Memorial Day weekend.

Ski season is officially over this weekend, but I am excited to be getting involved in some new adventure activities, I mean, thats one of the reasons I moved out here! I joined the Colorado 14ers Initiative a few weeks ago, which is a volunteer group that works to mitigate damage to Colorado's 14,000 ft mountains by educating the public on the trails. I got three people to join with me (Michael, Dan, and Antonio) so I am really looking forward to some great trips this summer! Dan took me climbing last week for the first time, and I must say, it was awesome (if you've never tried it you should)! I held my own and had a great time doing it-I cant wait to get stronger and into the harder stuff!



If you havent heard: Colorado has the most number of microbreweries per square mile than any other place in the USA. The other day I found a map showing all of the breweries in the state of Colorado and had to purchase it! In the past few weeks I have gone to 3-4 local breweries and they have all been pretty amazing! The goal is to try out many more in the upcoming months, especially the bike and brew tour day in Fort Collins where you "check out" a bike from their bike library and ride it around town to the different breweries! Thus far, Im extremely fond of the Espresso Stouts and Porters, but I have had a few good Belgium Whites. I think Im becoming spoiled by such good beers out here!



I started coaching a few weeks back for Fast Forward Sports and needless to say, it hasn't been easy getting to know and help train my 15 athletes, but it is so rewarding. The athletes I have really listen to what Im, saying, even though most are at least 20 years older than me. It's so awesome knowing that a sport that I have loved my whole life, can be used to impact the lives of so many others.

I have some upcoming exciting things happening in the next month or two including: my visit to Charlotte to see all my friends down there as well as to attend Mary Dudley's week long bachelorette party at the beach in South Carolina, my Abnormal Psychology course at CU, my racing schedule, a five course dinner with 7 different beers from Avery, and many more adventures throughout this state of daily wonder!

Til next time, "Ain't no mountain high enough!"

The Trials and Tribulations of Training with a Triathlete.

Before a run on the South Boulder Creek Trail


26.2 and 70.3. The number of miles in a marathon and a Half Ironman. So why do I mention these numbers and what do they have to do with each other?

Meet Dan Simpson.

A recent transplant of Rochester, NY, Dan left his NYC professional job of 6 years at an environmental engineering firm to follow his dream of moving halfway across the US to Colorado. A former competitor in sprint triathlons, Dan decided with his sister to sign up and train for his first Half Ironman in Syracuse, NY to be held on September 19, 2010. What better place to train, than at altitude?

Flashback a few weeks ago. I received a message from Dan, who found me on the Boulder Fleet Feet Page, asking about local races. I responded by telling him about the local website with all Colorado races called Colorado Runner, and then offered to go on a run any time! I never would have thought that weeks later, he would have gone from complete stranger to becoming one of my biggest motivators.

Dan and I come from different backgrounds. Dan was a top notch Division 1 pole vaulter at SUNY Buffalo and I a Division 1 distance runner at the University of Richmond. He never even dabbled in endurance sports until post college, yet I am convinced from his stories that it is one of the best decisions he could have made. Now, I have had many friends, especially in Charlotte, that have been triathletes, but none of them have been strictly a triathlete-most do distance races and triathlons on the side. So needless to say, I was a little hesitant to start doing training runs with Dan. But to my surprise, he is right on my level on the running side of things and making strides towards getting better each day. Exactly the pace I need to be pushed, yet not too hard.

We have tried to consistently do one to two runs a week together and thus far they have been a success. I think that by working together towards our separate endurance race goals, Dan and I can bring unique things to each other's training. For instance, I am trying to add strength back into my training, and Dan always has a new Crossfit workout or video for me. Last week, we even did a crazy workout with his sister at Red Rocks in Golden, CO---a crossfit circuit type workout right out on the boulders. A natural athlete, Im convinced there isnt a sport that he isnt at least semi talented at. He even does yoga, something that I also need to motivate myself to start doing on a regular basis. I think that doing these extra strength and flexibility exercises is important for distance runners, who too often strengthen one muscle group over another, a leading cause of injuries. On the flip side, I bring years of distance running experience the table and can provide him helpful pacing information and even distance running workouts.

After our Red Rocks CHAD workout

Besides being talented endurance athletes, we are both motivational people. And when two driven, motivational people work together, it usually leads to attaining or even surpassing set goals. By bringing together our unique perspectives and experiences, we can challenge ourselves and strengthen our weaknesses. I look ahead with excitement, as we work together motivating each other towards greatness this fall (Syracuse 70.3: 9/19/10, Chicago Marathon: 10/10/10). Maybe triathletes arent so bad after all...

*You can follow Dan's journey towards his Half Ironman on his Facebook Fan Page: "Dan Simpson Road to 70.3 Ironman"-the more fans the better!*

And you can follow my training via my blog :0 )

Until next time, Trials of Miles...

The Debut

October 10, 2010. This date will officially mark the day that I cross one more of my lifetime goals off my list and begin a hopefully successful chapter in competitive marathon running. That's right, I just registered for the Chicago Marathon. Im locked in. Since I ran my first half-The Disney World Half-in 2003 and had much success in it, I have always had the goal of trying the marathon. Am I nervous? Heck yes! From the number of painful stories I have heard about marathons, you'd think I just simply be scared out of my mind to do one. But there's something about a marathon that gives it a magical aura-maybe its the challenge. I have been told countless times that I am meant to be a marathoner. But until I try one, Ill never really know. My dad was an Olympic Trials Qualifier in the marathon after his 2:18 win at Vermont City, so its in the genes for sure. Physically, I know I can handle it. In college, I pushed 80-85 miles with no problem in training, and I have that long distance shuffle that is not really conducive to shorter races, but efficient for longer ones. So where will the potential barriers arise in this quest? Mentally. I know that the marathon is grueling and to date, I havent ever done a run over 15 miles. But if I properly train myself I know I can handle that aspect of it. I just read an article in Runner's World about Kara Goucher's mental battles and one of the strategies that she uses during races is to repeat a key strength word over and over in her head-in training and then in races. I will definitely be trying to employ this strategy in my own training.

After much persistance, I finally feel like I have the training partners to help me along in this quest and some will even be right there in Chicago with me. There's Emma Keenan, a recent graduate of CU, who will be also debuting in the marathon and is a talented runner who could have competed on CU's team. Emma's friend, Dave, previously in the Navy, and just finishing up an undergrad degree in Mechanical Engineering. Michael Morgan, new to running, but not new to outdoor adventures and extreme sports, since he grew up in Frisco. Liz Smith, an accomplished UNC Charlotte middle distance runner, that ran her first marathon at Chicago last year and will be doing NYC this fall. Saul Evanoff, a CU senior and runner with similar goals to mine. And a new addition to the mix, Dan Simpson, a Boulder newbie from Rochester, NY, that is training for a Half Ironman and was a sick pole vaulter in college. And then of course, I have my Denver crew. Ashley Anderson will be joining me in Chicago. While Heather Utrata and Jaimlyn Kost will be competing at Rock and Roll Denver Marathon.

So now all I need is the training plan. And what better person to help me than my dad!

I cant wait to begin this journey, which I hope will lead me to great places (Goal: Olympic Trials 2012 or 2016). As of late, I have been feeling to urge to do something greater with my life. Yes, it was a challenge moving out to Colorado alone, getting a job and getting settled. But now that Im starting to adjust, I need to do more. For that is who I am. I live for the challenge and consider myself an adrenaline junkie. I see too many people settle into their life without experiencing the challenges. I often think: If I were gone tomorrow, would I have accomplished enough of what I wanted in my life? So the marathon is one challenge. Physical Therapy School will be another. I will be getting back into the academic world this summer as I take a Social Psychology class at CU and I am pumped, and then it will be on to the application! I also just got picked up by a coaching company called FastForward Sports so I will finally be able to start coaching people to achieve their own goals in running. And this weekend I will be getting trained by the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (a group that helps preserve Colorado's 14,000 ft mountains) to become a Peak Steward-in which I will volunteer to hike Fourteeners this summer and educate people about preserving them.

So things are coming together. I have a feeling greater things are yet to come, and greater things are yet to be done in my life!

6 Month Rewind.

As I stared at the snow covered Pearl Street cobblestones from the inside of the empty candy shop tonight, I realized that a week or two ago marked the 6 month mark for me in Colorado. I asked myself: "A half a year in Boulder: What have I accomplished and where am I going? Is this what I expected and wanted? "

Since I arrived at the doorstep of the daunting flatirons that first week in August, one thing has never and will never change: the beauty of this place. It doesn't matter what kind of mood I am in, the minute I stare into the distance at the Rockies, I am experience a peace of mind. I love that about Boulder. I can walk out my door and be on some kind of trail in the wilderness in 1 mile or less-there arent many places in the US that are like that.

I have already moved once within Boulder city limits and plan to do so again this fall when I get my dog (which I am counting down the days). Since I have been here for a few months, I have experienced most parts of this "city" and know where I do and do not want to live. I absolutely LOVE the place I live at on Maxwell Ave, walking distance from downtown and work. I hope to stay in the downtown or Northern part of Boulder when I look for my new place this summer.

Which brings me to my next decision. I will be staying in Boulder at least one more year for sure. But recently I made a career decision that has brought me some peace of mind and has given me some direction. I have decided that this November 1st, 2010 will be my deadline. For what you ask? My deadline for Physical Therapy school. I can hear my mom breathing a sigh of relief for that has been her suggestion to me since I was in undergrad. :0 ) PT has always been on the radar in my life, but for some reason I have pushed it to the back of my mind. I have always loved helping people achieve goals or get better, so why not combine my love for fitness, people, and goal accomplishing? I would love to specialize in sports medicine physical therapy and possibly even get a background in massage therapy. And I am not holding back on this decision. I have already made some arrangements to shadow a physical therapist to get hours in. This summer I will be taking two Psychology courses at CU to fulfill the only prereqs that I need. I will be applying to the Denver College of Health Sciences this fall, placing my odds on only one school-kind of risky, I know. But I moved out to this state to experience it, and I want to be sure I have enough time here! If I dont get in for the entering class of 2011, I will broaden my application to many of the PT schools throughout the US. I think that my background in running and coaching, as well as this shadowing, will be a huge asset to me. I finally feel like I am going in the right direction career wise, something that I set out to do when I came out here!

Another aspect of my life that hasnt quite figured itself out yet: Friends. I am convinced that this move to Boulder has been one of the truest tests of my character in my life. I find myself constantly experiencing lonliness and periods of homesickness out here, which I barely even experienced in college. There is something about being 1700+miles away without a family member or familiar friend even remotely close that constantly weighs on my heart. As I have talked about many a time in previous blog posts, my friends mean the world to me. I recently read my friend, Jay's quote "No man is a failure who has friends" and was reminded of what I have struggled so much with out here. There is no other way to explain it, than Boulder is the hardest place I have ever been to make friends. Im not talking about everyday acqaintances that call themselves your friends. Im talking those people that call you to do things, that are there for you through thick and thin. And maybe its just the situation Im in: Not in graduate school and not in a professional job. Either way, its been frustrating. Every day I see the Charlotte Running Club members or my former Richmond teammates encouraging and joking with each other online and I become sad. Why havent I found that out here? Im not going to whine and complain and say I dont have anyone. Of course I have a few co-workers, a few running buddies, and a few church goers that I consider good friends. Could I call on them if I really needed? When it ultimately comes down to it, a few of them, yes. But with the exorbitant number of people out here that I meet on a daily basis, and the effort that I put into calling and organizing things, I just get frustrated and worn down when calls arent returned or when I get flaked out on. So what am I really looking for? I think I have figured out that what I would really like, is a group of people (runners or non-runners) that hang out together, do runs together, do outdoor things together, and that have similar beliefs, goals, and interests. I just am at a roadblock as to how to get there. Maybe Im just a dreamer and need to accept the people that I have in my life for who they are and try to make the best of the situation, but when I constantly see myself with my future dog being my best friend out here, I think there is a problem there. But then again, maybe I just need more time...


On the upside, the number of outdoor activities that are out here, beckoning me to try them are endless! I have been skiing about 7 times at various resorts in the area, and I have to admit, I am so much better than my first day at Copper! I absolutely love skiing. It really reminds me of hockey, and Im convinced, flying down the mountain is one of the best feelings in the world. Winter Park has to be my favorite resort thus far, so Im glad that I got the dual pass to there and Copper! I cant wait to see how good I can get before the season is over! Hiking around here also proves to be a fabulous experience. I hope to hike some great 14ers this summer as well as experience many of the underpopulated other trails in CO. In a few weeks I will have my first snowshoeing experience under my belt, which I am pumped for and also have goals of trying climbing in the near future. I would also like to go on an extended backpacking trip this summer with mini vacation trips to the desert in Moab, the sand dunes, and some Southern Colorado exploring!


Running wise, I am no where near where I want to or thought I would be. I just thought that the minute I came out here, there would be a plethora of training partners and trails to motivate me. Well, the trails are there, but thus far the training partners have been few and far between in Boulder. People are either privately coached or they run recreationally. Fortunately, joining the Fleet Feet Women's Racing team, as well as posting an ad on craigslist has brought me two great training parnters, but up until the beginning of January, my motivation was lagging. Now, though, I have a set plan, and Im training for the Colorado Half Marathon in Fort Collins on May 9th, as well as the Bolder Boulder of Memorial Day. So Im excited for a fresh start to my running, even if my number of training partners is small.

So the past 6 months have been eventful to say the least. I have a plan for my career, which is good. Im loving the weather and the outdoors, a few other pluses. Im mainitaining positivity on the friends, and Im convinced that eventually everything will come together. For now, Im just trying to enjoy the ride!

Frostbite?

As I returned from my run this morning, I jumped in the shower and stood there for 30 minutes as I tried to warm up. The run had been in sub 20 degree temps at 7AM on the South Boulder Creek Trail with my training partner, Saul. 15 minutes into the run, we ran by a woman that had glasses on that were completely iced over. That should have been a sign to me that I should turn around and bundle up more, but nevertheless, we continued on and about 30 minutes in my eyelashes and hair were frozen. As I returned to the car, after about 50 minutes, I couldn't feel my calf muscles and I had trouble seeing with all that ice on my face. After my marathon shower, I thought I would thaw out, but to my dismay, my left ear and right calf were red and burning with a sensation that would cease to leave me. Frostbite. Now, you would think I would have learned the last time I got frostbite on my finger in January, as I watched the skin painfully peel away. But no, I didn't, and for the second time in my life, I have frostbite. Hopefully my ear doesn't peel off! And who ever heard of frostbite on their calf muscle?

Running wise, I just finished my 3 month training plan for the Colorado Half and Bolder Boulder 10k in May! I also am excited to be a part of the Fleet Feet Boulder Women's team! I am hoping through this team that I can help to promote a community of running through Fleet Feet as well as establish some new friendships and training partners. I have a new training partner that I also met, named Saul, who is about the same level as me, and will be doing the same training and racing plan, so I hope that we can both accomplish our goals for the upcoming spring training season. I will be doing my first race in Denver on St. Patrick's Day-a 7k-with my friends Jaime and Brandon so Ill be excited to break out the racing shoes in Colorado!

Colorado continues to amaze me with all of the beauty and outdoor activities that it has to offer. I went skiing at Winter Park this past weekend with my dad and former high school cross country coach and it was absolutely amazing. While up there in the Rockies, I just couldn't help but think how lucky I am to be out here taking advantage of what this state has to offer. Skiing has become one of my new loves. Being out there almost just transports you to another place of euphoria. For me and many others ski season has just begun and I cant wait to see what it has to offer! In a few weeks, Ill be embarking on my first snowshoeing experience, which Im sure will also prove to be simply awesome. I definitely have goals of visiting the sand dunes, hot springs, and going on an extended backpacking trip within the next year. Now to find the people to go with me...