Turquoise Lake

This weekend Kevin and I joined a big group of "friends" to go camping up at 10,000 feet in Leadville. I believe there were about 13 couples, 21 kids, and plenty of dogs. One of Kevin's friends invited us so we didn't know the whole group but it was a blast getting out of dodge for a bit and meeting some new folks. It was good birth control, that's for sure!!!

We both took the day off on Friday to get in a long bike ride before leaving town about 4pm. It was only about a 2 hour drive so we were setting up camp before dark! Kevin & I usually backpack in when camping so car camping made things allot easier, but I have to say I still prefer packing it in and really getting way out there in the wilderness. We set up shop and grilled some steaks just in time before a big storm rolled in. So off to bed everyone went. I love to camp but I never sleep well. Who does? Well, maybe the folks with the 35ft RV down the way slept great, but not us! Is that really considered camping? I'm not so sure that counts!

We got up early, not by choice, and took Lucy off to chase squirrels in the woods before breakfast. It was simply a peaceful morning and day. We didn't do much but it sure was nice to actually NOT do something for a change. We took our wetsuits to possibly get in a swim. After about 90 seconds I was frozen solid so I was out as quick as I got in. Guess I should have expected freezing lake water at 10,000 ft. The wind picked up and really made the water choppy so we couldn't even get out in the boat, which I was disappointed about, some water skiing would have been so much fun! After a nap and a little corn hole (see photos) everyone gathered at one camp site for a little pot luck. We ate ALLOT, played some fun games, fixed s'mores, drank plenty of wine, and watched the kids run around. It couldn't have been a better day in the mountains!

Sunday we were up early, another romp in the woods, then headed back to Boulder to meet up with my parents who are in town for the week! All in all it was a great weekend. I loved it up in Leadville and the scenery couldn't have been any better! And my run today was fantastic since I spent 2 days way up high!

The photos do a better job....here you go!

Soak in Boulder Creek

This past weekend was my biggest training weekend yet this year. I was in Colorado Springs Fri-Sat and came back to Boulder Sat night. Friday I did a favorite ride of mine down there, my legs were tired from a big week and Stroke & Stride Thursday night so I went into the weekend fatigued. Only time would tell if that was a bad idea or not. Saturday, killed that idea. Instead we were lazy most of the day and enjoyed the Tour de France. I was determined to get my long run in though so about 2:30 we were heading out. Kevin wasn't up for it so he was amazing and rode his bike next to me handing me water, gels, and taking pictures. I love when he supports me on my long runs, it sure makes them allot easier! After a massive calorie consumption I hit the road to get back to Boulder.

Sunday I did the BAM 2 mile swim at the Res and then Brad and I headed up to Horsetooth Res in Fort Collins on our bikes. The swim was interesting because my back started bugging me really bad just 1 lap in. I almost stopped because I thought I had hurt myself but I pushed through. Not sure what caused it but eventually it went away. A quick change, some food, and we were off on our bikes. I love this ride. It is by far one of my favorites in the area. Starting out I could certainly feel the fatigue and was a bit worried how I would feel on the way home or if I'd make it home for that matter. We kept a pretty steady IM pace so it was manageable but by about 75 miles I was getting tired. I don't think I ate enough on the way back and I was just tired from all the training. Brad got ahead of me a bit but I eventually made it back, clocking 100 miles! My biggest ride to date was maybe 4 hours, this was 5:50 so it was a bit of a stretch but there is nothing I would rather do on Saturday or Sunday, spend my day on the bike in beautiful Colorado! Perfection!

After a shower, Brad and I met downtown to grab a burrito at Illegal Petes, CALORIE HEAVEN!!!!, and soak our tired legs in the cold creek. It was a perfect day in my opinion after 24 hours of training during the week, YIKES! Only thing that could have made it better was if Kevin had come along!

Monday was a rest day so nothing heavy on the training schedule. I took off work at 4 to ride my cruiser downtown to the creek just to shake out the legs. I enjoyed my book by the creek for a while and then met some friends at Westend Brewery for some wine & dinner! It was a perfect Monday of rest for me. I was so relaxed when I got home. There is something enlightening about sitting next to a rushing creek, watching kids play, enjoying a book, good conversation, and a cruise through Boulder on my bike! I love my life!

Here are some pictures of my weekend!

Enjoying a fire Friday Night!

Lucy & Kevin. Can you tell Lucy is content?

Kevin snapping pics during my long run Saturday!

Horsetooth Reservoir

My bike resting while I rest in the creek on Monday!

Happy Legs

Happy Boulderites! You can barely see but there are 2 guys sitting in the trees playing
the guitar and enjoy there time wth Mary Jane! Love it!

Boulder Creek!

Westend Tavern Patio, w/ Flatirons

Boulder Peak

The race went about how I expected and was about as hard as I expected it to be. I was really nervous going into the race knowing that I truly had bust my a$$ to get in the top rankings. I had done my research before hand and knew who my competition was going to be. I saw the girl that beat me at the sprint in transition and wished her luck before the race. I knew she was the one to beat but also knew that some new faces would come out since this is a more competitive & popular race. 

At 6:50 am our wave started. The sun was so bright you couldn't see any of the bouys on the way out. I lined up to the inside at the front. We were off and I just swam as hard and fast as I could to get out of the madness. I was right on the feet of the girl that beat me at the sprint, knowing our swim times were going to be close I didn't want to lose sight of her. We swam together the entire time. She came out of the water right in front of me (1st & 2nd out of the water) and beat be out of transition by about 2 seconds (I had trouble getting my helmet on, grrr)!

As soon as we were off on our bikes she was gone. Girl can ride a bike! I knew she could based on her bike split at the sprint but I thought "maybe she can't climb" and that I'd have an advantage up Old Stage since I live here and climb in allot. Nope, she was gone, once I saw her turn up Lee Hill from 36, I never saw her again. I couldn't catch her for the life of me. I knew (or was pretty sure) I was in 2nd place at this point. I figured if I can hold that going into the run I would have a pretty solid race. It took me a while for my legs to come around. They didn't feel horrible just a bit heavy and I couldn't get that "my legs feel fantastic feeling" that I had at the sprint. After torturing them up Old Stage they began to come around and the rest of my ride was solid. About 10 miles from home a girl in my AG passed me. I wasn't about to let that happened so I picked up the pace and dropped her. I checked back a few times and she was a good ways behind me but between there and home she caught up and we came into transition just a minute or so apart. I had the fastest transition I think I've ever had (37 seconds) in order to keep the gap. 

I thought maybe I could hold her off but about 1 miles into the run she was on me. I held on to her for a minute but just couldn't keep the sub 7mm pace she had. I let her go and sucked it up that I would probably be 3rd. I was OK with that.The first few miles of the run hurt B.A.D! I cramped a bit in my stomach and just wasn't feeling like I was keeping the pace I wanted even though my splits were telling a different story. I felt slow! By the time I got to the turn around I was feeling better and happy to be heading toward the finish line. At about 3.5 miles I got passed again, held on briefly but just couldn't keep it up. I let her go too, keeping her in my sights thinking maybe she'll slow down. Between 4-5 miles I got passed AGAIN by a couple girls I thought were in my AG but I wasn't sure. Each time I picked up the pace but not enough to stay with them. I was working as hard as I could at that point and I was ok with it. My running has come a LONG way since last year and I'm just happy to be running the way I am lately! Very happy about it!

Going into the race I was hoping for top 3, knowing that might be hard to do but that I was capable if I had a good day. After getting passed by a few girls I was sure I was 6th or even 7th place and decided that a Top 10 at this race would still be quite the accomplishment for me. 

I ended up 5th which I was totally stoked with. I'd be lying if I didn't say I was just A LITTLE disappointed that I wasn't top 3 but I know the competition was thick and to get a top 5 here was great! 

All in all it was a good race. I didn't feel 100% but I executed to the best of my ability and that's all that I can ask for. I laid it all on the line and the result is something I am totally happy with. I'm curious where I stand in the series. I believe that I'm either 2nd or 3rd right now.

Next....Long Course in 4 weeks! Bring on the heat. I do well in the heat and I'm hoping it'll slow the other girls down. Muahahaha!!!!

Wedding Whirlwind Weekend

One of my best friends, Molly, got married this past weekend and I had the honor of being in the wedding. It was a whirlwind of a weekend for sure with very little sleep! But it was well worth it and Mr. & Mrs. Anderson are finally hitched! They are a cute couple and I wish them years & years of wedded bliss! Love you guys!

It started Thursday night with a lingerie party that I was hosting for her so I drove to Fort Collins that afternoon. That was a blast with lots of naughty jokes, fun gifts, and lots of laughter. After a short night Thursday I was up and headed back on Friday to do nails, the rehearsal, dinner, etc. The rehearsal dinner was at a local brewery. It was a fun, relaxed event with yummy pub food and lots of brews! After another late night I got up early to get in a bike ride on Saturday before all the fun began.

We rode up Rist Canyon, down Buckhorn Canyon, then up and over Horsetooth Res. It was a gorgeous 50 mile ride. By far some of my favorite road riding has been up in N. Colorado. To die for! I also saw the tiniest baby fawn during our ride. I tried to snap a picture but it bounded off into the woods before I could get it.

Back to town, fastest shower I've ever taken, and off to the salon. We arrived at the Tapestry House at 4pm to start getting dressed, take photos, and celebrate before the wedding at 6:30. There were about 90 people there and it couldn't have been a better day for a beautiful garden wedding. It rained cats and dogs during the rehearsal so we were all a bit nervous but not a drop fell on Saturday and it was perfect.

The ceremony was so them! Great combination of humor and sentiment. And the reception included lots of drinks (which they almost ran out of-haha, guess we know how to have a good time) lots of dancing, and lots of laughs. Kevin drove up Saturday since I was preoccupied with bridal party stuff most of the weekend and it was fun to share a drink & a dance with him Saturday night. I miss him like crazy when our weekends are cut short!

Slept in Sunday, had some brunch, and headed back south down I25 to Boulder. We got in a much needed nap (I was exhausted! I'm a wimp these days! 3 late nights for me hurt!) and then around 4:30 headed even farther south to Denver for my friend Jax's engagement party. It was also beautiful and the weather was perfect for a BBQ! We couldn't stay long but I was happy to be a part of it none the less! They are a great couple as well...can't wait for the big day!

The whole weekend was a blast and Molly looked absolutely stunning. I met Molly when I worked down in Colorado Springs. We actually got let go on the same day so we shared many of hours drinking our sorrows away that summer. She eventually moved to Ft. Collins for grad school and I moved to Boulder (at least we're still sort of close). She has become a great friend over the years and she always makes me laugh so hard. Funny side note--almost everytime we go out people ask us if we are sister or if we are related. Appparently we look alike. I'm flattered people think so because I think she's gorgeous, but I find it funny. Even people at the wedding were asking. At one point during the rehearsal dinner her mom came up behind me and said: "Hey, Molly"! Boy was she surprised when I turned around. Anyhow, I was honored to be a part and I truly am blessed to have such great friends in my life!

Lock Out

Last night I made an expensive Oops! I managed to lock myself out of my condo. I had gone to the liquor store to get some wine for a party I'm having tonight. I got back, parked my car in the garage, and went into my storage unit to get some other things I needed. As soon as I pulled the door shut I had my OH $H!T moment! My keys were sitting on the shelf in the storage closet!

I went to the condo manager, no master keys. I went to my landlords mom (who lives in my complex), no extra keys. I had 1 window open in my bedroom which is about 12 feet off the ground level so we got a ladder and climbed up. I couldn't get the screen off the window. I was tempted to rip through it but the the condo manager discouraged me saying that I would have to pay to replace it! Well, duh! However, I'm confident that would have been cheaper than the alternative.

I called my landlord to see if he could bring over a key...nope, he was at a function 25 miles away and couldn't leave! Off to call the locksmith and wait for another 30 minutes...Finally he arrives and at 8:15pm and $150 later I'm back inside. To say that I was pissed is a MAJOR understatement.

I should have ripped that damn screen off my window!

Lesson learned....the hard way!

5430 Sprint

Yesterday was the kick off to my triathlon season and it was a big success for me! And with it being the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year there was good energy in the air for a great race!

I have never considered myself a "speedy" athlete. I've always been much more successful in the long course stuff. Let me just say, I'm thankful I ran so much through the winter and have been focusing on my speed because it's paying off. I went into the race saying I was going to race it hard the entire time. It was short enough to be able to go all out so no slacking off for me today! My goal going in was to place top 5 in my age group, top 3 would have been fantastic!

We were the first woman to race and it was chaos from the gun. I placed myself up front and to the outside so I could avoid the madness as much as possible. It was all out and I knew I had a good chance of being up front with the top swimmers as I'm swimming pretty strong already. However there was allot of feet grabbing and crawling up on top of eachother for the first 100 meters. It was the most aggressive swim start I've done (with the exception of Kona). I sat on someones feet for most of the way until the turn towards shore were I decided to pick up the pace a bit. I'm not sure but I think I was 5th out of the water??

Quick transition and I was off on my bike. I saw 2 other girls running out with me so I knew I was top 5 or so at this point. I immediately passed 2 girls and could see one more out a good ways in front. It took me a while to hammer my way up to her but I passed her about mile 4 and as I passed I threw down to make her have to work to catch me. I was hoping she would think there was no way and let me go. I held her off for a few miles but she eventually caught back up. We went back and forth for a bit but eventually she got far enough ahead I couldn't keep up. She didn't necessarily look like the strongest runner (not that you can really tell) so I was hoping if I could just keep her in my sight I could run her down. I never lost sight of her so I wasn't giving up. At this point I thought there might be one more girl ahead of her but I wasn't sure.

Another fast transition and I was running! This run was brutal and HOT (and it was only 9am!). I think I was at LT pretty much the entire time. My run pace wasn't as fast as I would have thought it should be with as hard as I was working but I think I was worked up trying to catch these girls that had the lead. At this point I knew I was in for a podium so I wasn't going to let anyone catch me to push me back to 4th or 5th. I saw Kevin coming in from his run right when I hit the dam of the reservoir. He shouted "3rd female and they're all running slower"....it was on!!! I made my way to the turn around and I saw the girl I was challenging on the bike and just a little ways behind her another female, all running hard, I'm not sure they were really running slower but they had probably picked up the pace by now! Ok, so I'm in 3rd..not bad! Right after the turn another girl passed me and there was NO WAY I could keep up with her but luckily I realized she was an age group up from me and I let her go, it didn't matter. There weren't any other females heading out that were too close to me so I knew if I could hold this pace I'd get 3rd. The run home on the dam was hard, I kept looking over my shoulder to make sure there wasn't anyone sneaking up behind me and it was always clear. I crossed the line in 1:23:57 in 2nd place (10th female overall)! Turns out the 2nd girl I saw running in was 17 so I wasn't competing against her anyways. Although, the announcer wasn't paying very good attention because when I crossed he shouted- 1st female! Ummm, 3 others had come across already?!? Oh well!

The general consensus was that the swim and run were maybe a little long. A friend of mine had a GPS that measured the run at 3.17 miles. Doesn't matter but it's nice to know!

All in all I was really happy with my race. It was a PR on that course and to get 2nd made it even better. Now, can I do it again for the Boulder Peak and Longcourse and podium for the series?! The girl that beat me is doing the series so I think she is my primary competition, although the other races will likely pull in some new faces.

None the less, great start to another great year and hopefully plenty more PRs!

Here is article in the local paper!

Stroke & Stride Race #2

Last Thursday I chose to do the 750m swim again. Kevin was in town and that's what he was racing so I wanted to race with him as well as get one more sprint session in before the sprint next weekend. 

I raced harder than last week, my shoulders were feeling better, and my wetsuit was feeling ok this week. I improved over 3 minutes total from last week. I think the competition thickened a bit and more people raced this week. 

Total Time was 35:15

Swim: 11:42 

Run: 22:05 (7:08 pace)

I was 1st in my AG again. 8th of out the water. 2nd Female Overall. 6th Overall (Male & Female)

Not bad, another improvement!

Red Rocks Concert & Wknd in The Mountains

Another busy weekend here in Boulder, CO. Friday night I met Kevin at Red Rocks for the O.A.R. and Brett Dennan concert. I hadn't ever been to RR so I was super excited to get to see a show there. I was worried that it would be pouring rain the entire time but it cleared up just in time for the show and we actually got to see some pretty sweet lightening from the amphitheatre over downtown Denver. 

After a late night we slept in a little on Saturday before heading up to Magnolia Road where I was keeping a few dogs for some friends. It is beautiful up there so we took Lucy and let her run free as well. After a little time up there we headed back down to get in our ride. It was a beautiful day so I was stoked to be playing in the sun. It was the first time Kevin and I have gotten outside on our bikes together since Canada (wow! that was a long time ago)...so it was fun to be together doing what we love. A long nap Saturday afternoon and then an evening in the mountains watching a storm roll in. 

We were exhausted by Sunday so we slept in late and then headed up to Mags to let the dogs out and do our long run up there. The run didn't quite go as planned but we enjoyed the mountains and then a lazy afternoon. 

How come the weekends always fly by so fast? I don't feel rested at all after the weekend. I logged 22 hours this week of training, my biggest since last year I think and I'm feeling the fatigue for sure. I've got to get my body readjusted to this training load again. It's not even 6pm on Sunday night and I'm already anxious for Friday and more weekend naps! I wish we had 2 day work weeks and 5 day weekends!

Stroke & Stride Race #1

Last night I jumped in the local Stroke & Stride event. It's every Thursday night for 10 weeks all summer long. You can do either a 750m or 1500m swim and then a 5k run. It's a great way to get in some open water swimming as well as a little speed work and healthy competition. I meant to do it last year but never got around to it.

Last night I chose to do the 750m swim (which was actually about 775m). That's the distance that the sprint tri will be in a couple weeks will be so I wanted to simulate that as well as I had already done 2 workouts earlier (including a really hard swim at noon) and was pretty smoked by 6pm. I just wanted to do it for fun and get a quick brick in. 

For not really trying that hard I was happy with my results. 

Total Time was 38:18

Swim: 12:57 (1:39 pace, which was a bit slow for me but my shoulders were exhausted & first time in my wetsuit)

Run: 23:40 (7:38 pace)

I ended up 1st in my Age Group (F25-29), 2nd Female overall, and 5th overall male & female!

Next week I'll likely race the 1500m and see what happens!

Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies

My SIL made these for our brunch in Nashville last weekend and they are sooooo yummy! I thought I'd share the recipe.

CARROT CAKE SANDWICH COOKIES
*Makes 1 dozen sandwiches

3/4 cup grated carrots
2 Tbsp dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup raisins
1 (16.5oz) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
Cream Cheese Icing

1. Toss together first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in raisins.
2. Tear cookies dough into pieces, and stir into carrot mixture until well combined. 
3. Drop cookie dough mixture by tablespoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto lightly greased baking sheets.
4. Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes or until edges are crisp. Cook on baking sheets 5 minutes; remove to wire racks and cool 10 minutes.
5. Turn half of cookies over, bottom sides up. Spread each with 1 Tbsp chilled Cream Cheese Icing. Top with remaining cookies, bottom sides down, and press gently to spread filling to edges of cookies.

CREAM CHEESE ICING
5 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1. Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed until creamy
2. Add remaining ingredients, beating until smooth. Cover and chill 30 minutes.

ENJOY!!!