In the midst of documenting the process of screwing my trail shoes [for traction on ice] I had an “aw, crap…left that in the car” moment which lead to a quick scamper down the stairs and across the parking lot, sans jacket. As I was bouncing down the stairs I randomly noticed how happy my legs were. They wanted to flouncy about, they wanted to run across the parking lot, they wanted to move.

For the last month or so being intentionally active has been rough. I still lack the endurance to bust out a 3 hour run and somehow that gave my brain the right to veto shorter runs because they weren’t badass enough. While fighting my own internal battle of “to run or not to run” I was also wiggling my life schedule around to find time for strength training, yoga and spin classes.


From a hike a few weeks ago – where hiking, NOT running, was perfectly awesome!

Don’t get too excited – I am much better at making a list of all my options every day of the week than I am at actually following through with said options. I have a gigantic mirror in my bathroom and I’ve dedicated one half of it to a colorful set of dry erase markers – I list every week with the possible classes/runs/whatevers that are available to me. For example…

Monday: Spin @ 6am, Lift @ Gym, Run 3-6mi
Tuesday: Yoga @ 10am, Lift @ Gym, Run 3-6mi, Spin @ 5:30pm
Wednesday: Spin @ 6am, Runners Roost Group Run

…and so on. Obviously I do NOT do everything every day, that would be insane. But it is really nice to have everything in front of me every time I brush my teeth/pee/attempt to wrangle my hair as a “well, if I don’t yoga today then I won’t yoga at all this week” reminder. At the end of the day I make notes of what actually happened and move onto the next day.

It works for me, so far.

However, in my quest to find balance between straight up running and cross training [for the sake of avoiding a stupid overuse injury] my body has been sore and tired. Nothing alarmingly so, just the normal tired aches and ‘ugh, why!’s that show up when you decide to actually show up at classes to justify a gym membership after months of holding down a couch! Until today.


Post-run stretching after a lunch run…gotta love Colorado weather where it’s below freezing at 8am but in the 50’s at lunch!

Today that changed. For the first time since I started consciously making the decision to run/yoga/lift/spin/whatever on a regular basis [about a month ago] my body has been truly happy about it. I have finally hit the point where the legitimate struggle of getting my body on board with this new routine is over…my body is excited about this! Which is awesome, because lately my brain isn’t completely opposed to it anymore!

And that’s a really, really good thing because I have officially put money toward a 2015 race! The Arizona 200M, put on by Solemates’ Ultra Running Events, is paid for and permanent marker’ed on the calendar! Anyone want to come crew/pace for a few days in June?!

I’m really excited about this crazy stupid challenge. I spent a weekend volunteering for Mark + Sharill at the Silverton Multiday last year and truly respect them as RDs and as people. I know they’ll put their heart and soul into pulling off an awesome event with fantastic volunteers. I’m sure I’ll hate them while suffering through the 219.53 mile course…but it’ll be worth it. Because I said so!

Or, if crewing/pacing doesn’t sound fun enough…come run with me! You probably won’t regret it, I promise!

If you’re looking for races to add to your calendar in 2015 and want an excuse to visit Arizona or Colorado check out the Solemates’ Ultra Running Events…they offer just about any race distance or terrain option out there and if you use the code “2015” on UltraSignUp you’ll get 20% off the registration any fee, for any of their races [valid thru 1/1/2022]! Do it, you know you want to!


4 Comments

Brenda @ Don't Lose the Trail · December 20, 2021 at 10:55 am

Whoa, what an awesome goal! I hope to run a multi-day race someday. The idea of multi-stage races really intrigues me - it seems like a really fun way to see a lot and cover a lot of distance, kind of more like a vacation than a race! Glad your legs are feeling fresh and ready to take on the preparations for this challenge!

    Heidi Nicole · December 20, 2021 at 12:02 pm

    I haven’t looked into stage races too much, but I’ve read recaps — they look like an awesome experience! Especially if you go international! So much road-less ground covered! Clearly I think it’s an awesome goal to have… 🙂

Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb · December 21, 2021 at 8:15 pm

I’m really hoping I’m around in June so I can help you out! Dunno about pacing you since you’re a speedy gonzales but I’m sure I could do something =)

    Heidi Nicole · December 21, 2021 at 8:35 pm

    I’ve been meaning to email you…I need some education on what Arizona weather does in June?! I have no idea!

    And, trust me, I won’t be too speedy by the time I pick up pacers. I’m completely solo for the first 100 miles or so. That should be interesting. :/

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