Chasing My Joy

My journey to becoming an Ultra Runner and Ironman

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Archives for January 2013

January 26, 2013

Packing for Miami!!!

I am so excited to be heading to Miami tomorrow. I really hope I haven’t forgotten anything, after a hectic day at work I laid everything out in the spare room of our house hoping that I would be able to make it all fit into my carry-on, I’m too cheep to pay the extra but I don’t like to pack light. I love to have options so packing isn’t my favorite task. I couldn’t decide what to wear for the race so I packed two options

My forst choice is tank top and capris, my second choice is shorts and a t-shirt. It’s like I have completely forgotten how to run in anything above 50 degrees. Race start is at 6 am (ugh, that’s 4 am mountain time)

The race temps look pretty great, but the humidity is a little intimidating, I think the highest we have gotten lately in Colorado is less than 40%. No matter what I am so looking forward to this trip, hangin with Amanda from Run to the Finish and wearing my summer clothes that I had to pull out of storage. 
Anyone else racing this weekend? My mom and hubby are racing the Yeti Chase in Colorado. 

Posted by bethcurtis 2 Comments
Filed Under: half marathon, Travel

January 24, 2013

Ironman Lake Tahoe Picture Recon

While I was “studying” last night I started googling information about IMLT, I had been getting very nervous about the amount of climbing there would be on the bike. After scoping out the elevation profile carefully I compared it to the IMCDA profile since that is my best frame of reference . It looks like Tahoe has less than 1000 feet more than CdA. Tahoe will definitely be difficult but I had it in my head that it was going to be twice as hard.

As I was trolling around the internet I found a blog called IM Tahoe Live written by a triathlete who lives in Tahoe. This site has amazing information about the race! He has loaded videos of the swim area, and the bike and run course. Plus tons of photos and information about the race.

Photo pf the bike path that the run will be on [Source]
I had fun checking out all the information I could find, the one downside was that I was getting so excited about the trip and race that once it was time to go to bed I felt too ramped up to sleep. Thankfully it didn’t take to long to wind down and fall asleep. 
Anyone else so looking forward to races that aren’t until this summer, or in my case fall?!?

Posted by bethcurtis 2 Comments
Filed Under: Ironman Lake Tahoe

January 22, 2013

Ironman Lake Tahoe Training Week 4

Training update is a couple days late but I had the day off yesterday and fully enjoyed a full day of recovery with the hubby. This week is a recovery week after three build weeks. The formula for during the work week usually looks about the same but the weekends are getting bigger and I have to say I love it. We got out on a 50 mile ride and 13 mile run this weekend and it was great to be out in the sun (too bad I don’t have a heated outdoor pool to swim in) Guess I should move to San Diego!

[Image Source]
Monday: Complete Rest =)
Tuesday: 90 minute interval run
Wednesday: 75 minute spin
60 minute strength 
Thursday: masters swim 
Friday: easy yoga  
Saturday: easy shake out run if time
Sunday: ING Miami Half Marathon ( thanks to Amanda)
I am happy for a recovery week, normally I am not that excited about them but it lines up perfectly for a mini taper for ING. But more importantly my legs are trashed after last weekend and I need to let the my muscles rest, recover and come back stronger. I didn’t think that last weekend was that big of a weekend but I haven’t been on my bike in a long time (mostly been on a spin bike) so the 50 miles left me tired and sore. Then on Sunday it was so nice to be out in 40 degree weather running that I pushed the pace on the 13 miles more than I have the past few weeks. Biggest lesson I learned was that spin class is great fun but I need more time on my bike, outside whenever I can or on the trainer.

Posted by bethcurtis 1 Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized

January 20, 2013

Gettin Out of the Box

No I don’t mean the CrossFit Box, but Someday I would love to try it out. I mean out of my gym, it had been crazy cold in Colorado lately but when Saturdays high was forecasted to be 57 degrees I was stoked to get out on my bike. I even got to try out my new Zoot Knickers that Cory got my for Christmas, I loved them, they kept me nice and warm and I fel lie less of a goob then when I used to put running tights over bike shorts.

Cory and I did an easy 50 mile out and back to from Broomfield to Boulder. It was awesome to see SO many other cyclists out on the road.

Today we set out for a 13 mile easy run, it was awesome to breathe easy and not have to bundle up for once. 
The Nuun giveaway goes to Live4endurance (I used random.org) if you haven’t checked out this blog you should, I haven’t read a lot yet but he has some pretty great posts and is only 16!!! Live4endurance (I couldn’t find your name) please email me your adress  at bethcn at gmail dot com and I will send your nuun to you.
Happy weekend everyone, I will be enjoying one more day of a long weekend happily.

Posted by bethcurtis 1 Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized

January 17, 2013

Three Things Thursday

Hello! I have some randomness to report so a three things post seemed appropriate.
1. I judged a grade school science fair this morning. Kids think of some funny shit people! One was testing to see if kids were more flexible than adults and the board was full of spread eagle crotch shots (testing to see who was better at the splits). So funny!
2. Everyone I mean EVERYONE at work is sick and with different stuff so I have been loading up on antioxidants and vitamins from tea and nuun (want some?) as much as possible.
This has been my typical breakfast lately and I am sick of it
I finally ordered some Healthy Bites from Lindsay and I can’t wait to get them! They are much less processed than Luna Bars (nothing against Cliff they make great products)
That’s it for me, anyone have at least one thing they want to share?

Posted by bethcurtis 2 Comments
Filed Under: Uncategorized

January 17, 2013

Hydration Nation – A Giveaway

Hello out there! I am happy to report that we are finally seeing a warm up here in colorado. It’s been rough the last week with highs in the single digits and lows sporting a negative.
Snowy Street.jpeg
Thankfully the streets are thawing and it’s much more comfortable to be outside. Regardless it’s not warm out and this time of year it’s easy to get dehydrated since you aren’t as motivated to drink up as you are in the heat of the summer. So I was extra excited to see that nuun has come out with a new product. I have been known to drink original nuun at work because I love it so much. Lucky for me they came out with nuun all day.
Nuun all day.jpeg
From the Nuun All Day site:

  • NUUN ALL DAY HYDRATION helps you drink more water every day with crisp and refreshing flavors and is enhanced with an all-natural blend of vitamins and minerals making it perfect for your daily routine.

I have really enjoyed this new option and thought it would be fun to share with you, so here’s a little giveaway. I would be happy to send a bottle (Grapefruit Orange). Giveaway is simple follow me and leave me a comment bellow. I will close the giveaway Saturday at midnight (mountain time) and let you guys know on Sunday.

Happy Hydrating!

Posted by bethcurtis 3 Comments
Filed Under: Uncategorized

January 15, 2013

Acupuncture for Athletes

I was speaking to a coworker earlier today and she peaked my interest after telling me that she has been feeling great after having acupuncture the last couple weeks. I am not normally that into alternative medicine but it peaked my interest because I have heard that it helps athletic performance and recovery also I have heard from people that it has helped heal old running injuries that hadn’t healed with rest in years.
As someone who is injury prone and an endurance junky I am not quite interested and considering giving it a go. I did a little web search and found some promising articles on the benefits:

 Studies have shown that acupuncture has measurable effects on the flow of blood to certain areas of the body, which could in turn boost athletic performance. One such study conducted at the Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine involved athletes running 5,000 meters, and then sitting for acupuncture treatments before they had a chance to catch their breath. The heart rates of the athletes who received the treatments recovered more quickly than those in the control group. (source)

Have any of you tried acupuncture? Good or bad results? Voodoo? 

Posted by bethcurtis 6 Comments
Filed Under: Uncategorized

January 14, 2013

January Goals Check In


WIth the month almost half over (Already?!?!) I thought it was time to check in on my January goals since there is still time to make them happen if I have been slacking:

1.    Train no less than 45 hours total for the month On course to complete this one
2.       Miss no more than 3 planned workouts Missed two already better stay focused and not get sick again!
3.       Don’t buy food out more than twice Bought dinner once, not too shabby
4.       Blog at least 20 times (5 times a weekish) this is to work on the consistency Only 8 times so far this month, so best get after it
5.       Get organized before classes start and stay on schedule I am ready and got ahead of some work, so this ones a win
6.       Take more pictures Extra big fail =( I have barley taken any pictures this month, good thing I still have time to get it on film (thanks blazeman)


So to work on #6 I snapped a quick photo of an exciting purchase from yesterday

Our first Le Creuset Dutch Oven in a pretty robins egg blue. Winston wondered what all the excitement was about. 

He still dosen’t get it but he sure is funny!

Posted by bethcurtis 1 Comment
Filed Under: goals

January 14, 2013

Ironman Lake Tahoe Training Week 3

Training for the week 1/14

This week looks much like that last two, with the major different of a 3.5 hour bike ride on Sunday. I really hope I can go outside and ride a REAL bike. If I can’t get outside I will have to try not to go crazy inside. I am happy to run outside:
But riding outside is another story, time to man up!

Monday: Yoga
6 mile run (optional)
Tuesday: 3200 swim
90 minute interval run
Wednesday: 70 minute spin
60 minute strength
Thursday: 6 mile run
2750 m swim
Friday:  75 minute spin class
60 minute strength
Saturday: 12 mile run
Sunday: 3.5 hour bike ride (If I can get outside I will try to go for my favorite 60 mile loop)
60 minute strength
Approx: 18 hours
Anyone racing this week?

Posted by bethcurtis 1 Comment
Filed Under: Ironman Lake Tahoe, training

January 11, 2013

Books That Inspire

I have found that one of the best ways to get or stay inspired about running and triathlon is reading a good book about the sport. During this time of year I find it especially helpful since the cold, dark, dreary days don’t make me want to get out and swim, bike run as much as the long days of summer. I really enjoy reading magazines and regularly read Runners World, Triathlete and Women’s Running but I don’t think they are as inspiring as a full length book/memoir can be. Here are some books that I have loved reading and have sparked my dedication to train in these cold dark days:
Chrissie Wellington’s A Life Without Limits: A World Champion’s Journey
Such a great book about the love of sport and her journey undefeated ironman champion. I would have loved more detail about what she did for training during her time with Brett Sutton, but I love to read about other people’s training and this might be a highly guarded secret anyway.

Matt Long’s The Long Run: A New York City Firefighter’s Triumphant Comeback from Crash Victim to Elite Athlete

 If this book doesn’t inspire you to get after it nothing will. If you are at all feeling bad about yourself for being injured or not doing as well as you would like, this book can help put things in perspective.

You Are an Ironman: How Six Weekend WarriorsChased Their Dream of Finishing the World’s Toughest Triathlon

Maybe a little less inspiring but really cool to read about age groupers experience in getting ready to race Ironman Arizona.

 

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, andthe Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

I LOVED this book, I am not completely into the barefoot running craze so I wasn’t sure I would like this book when I first started it but ended up loving the story and the people in the book. If you are going to read just one book about running this would be my recommendation.

 

I want to read Finding Ultra  next but I am always looking for recommendations. What is your favorite running/triathlon/inspiring books?

Posted by bethcurtis 6 Comments
Filed Under: books

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Happy Earth Day 🌎 we hope you find time to go e Happy Earth Day 🌎 we hope you find time to go enjoy nature and do just a little bit more to protect this planet we call home ❤️ #earthday #protectourplanet
Birthday week continues with a trip to the aquariu Birthday week continues with a trip to the aquarium. The kiddos loved it and it was a nice break from the snow 🥶 #denveraquarium #familyadventures
Dinosaur National Monument was a great place to vi Dinosaur National Monument was a great place to visit for Emmy’s birthday adventure. She loved all the dinosaur bones and hikes. Our baby is now officially three #emmyisthree #dinosaurnationalmonument #familyadventures
Last day of being two was epic. Happy Birthday Swe Last day of being two was epic. Happy Birthday Sweet girl, you are a dream come  true 💗 #Emmyisthree #happybirthday #dreamcometrue
Lunch with a view 😍 #familyadventures #birthday Lunch with a view 😍 #familyadventures #birthdaytrip #emmyisthree
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I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter (if you cel I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter (if you celebrate 🐰 you can’t tell behind the masks but the kids were ecstatic to go to an egg hunt.
✅ adventure ✅time outside ✅family time ✅d ✅ adventure 
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Spring break well spent! Where will we be off to next?!? 

#familyadventures #1000hoursoutside #52hikechallenge #springbreak
The kids getting to find and touch real dinosaur f The kids getting to find and touch real dinosaur fossils was such an amazing experience for us. 🦕 Now the journey home. Sad that it’s over but very excited to see family and friends. #trailthroughtime #familyadventures #springbreak
Our plans had to change due to snow and low temps Our plans had to change due to snow and low temps in Bryce Canyon and Zion. We spent the day enjoying Goblin Valley State Park. We loved this stop so much. The best natural playground for the kids! We are sad to miss a couple stops on our trip but that just saves something new to come back for! Already dreaming of our next visit to Utah 💗 #familyadventures #goblinvalleystatepark #springbreak
Capitol Reef doesn’t get as much press as other Capitol Reef doesn’t get as much press as other national parks in Utah but we loved it. Great hikes for kids and amazing views! #capitolreefnationalpark #familyadventures #utahsmighty5  #springbreak
My favorite two little campers 🏕 on our way to My favorite two little campers 🏕 on our way to Capitol Reef! Anyone been? Suggestions on things we must do? #springbreak #familyadventures #capitolreefnationalpark
A real life wishing tree. The kids loved our after A real life wishing tree. The kids loved our afternoon hike at  White Rim Overlook Trail. It was nice being in the park later in the day with less crowds. We didn’t get to see as much as we wanted so we are headed back in the morning for one more hike before heading out to Capitol Reef National Park. #canyonlandsnationalpark #springbreak #familyadventure
The views here in Canyonlands National Park can’ The views here in Canyonlands National Park can’t be beat but my heart is at home with my family and friends. News of another mass shooting so close to home is heart breaking. Things must change.
A magical day in Arches National Park! We loved it A magical day in Arches National Park! We loved it all and Cannon hiked the entire hike to Delicate Arch that is rated difficult 🤩 #familyadventures #springbreak #archesnationalpark
Utah trip day 2 Fruita > Moab. Woke up to amazing Utah trip day 2 Fruita > Moab. Woke up to amazing views 🤩 feeling grateful and excited for our adventure #familyadventure #utahsmighty5
First night camp site #notbad #utahsmighty5 #sprin First night camp site #notbad #utahsmighty5 #springbreak
Enjoying our blizzard conditions stay at home day. Enjoying our blizzard conditions stay at home day. Gotta love Colorado in the spring ❄️ #snowday
Weekend not wasted #1000hoursoutside Weekend not wasted #1000hoursoutside
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