Chasing My Joy

My journey to becoming an Ultra Runner and Ironman

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Archives for April 2013

April 30, 2013

Moab Day 2

Ok, so there was a bit of a delay after posting Moab Day One, that’s what happens when you neglect work and grad school to go play with triathlete friends!

On day two in Moab we got up early, grabbed some coffee and headed to the local rec center for a swim. About 40 of us piled into the pool so coach could put us through our paces. 2800 meters later I was tired from a lot of kicking and ready for some food. We had a little over an hour to get back to the hotel, clean up, eat and get ready to ride! We grabbed more coffee and breakfast burritos at the Love Muffin, so good!

Then it was time to roll out to Arches National Monument for 56 miles of riding and 4200 ft of climbing. This was a good wake up call that all my winter trainer and flat land riding has NOT prepared me for Tahoe, time to climb!

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The scenery was amazing and made the burning in my legs worth it

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I will admit that by the time we rolled back into the hotel I was tired and my legs were hurting. I had an hour run still left to do for the day but Cory was really hungry. I thought no big deal, I threw on running clothes with every intention of running after finding something small to eat. On our way through town we ran into Coach at a pub where we joined him to talk about the ride and how I should get shorter cranks (another story) while we were sitting there I “sorta” got permission to skip the run for the day. At the time I was relieved to be done and to get to rest my tired legs, looking back I wish I would have sucked it up and ran but it’s a lesson learned. After filling up Cory and I headed back to the hotel to rest and recover we were both beat!

Posted by bethcurtis 2 Comments
Filed Under: Ironman Training, Travel

April 30, 2013

Designer Whey Product Review

The nice people at Designer Whey sent me this giant box of product to review at the beginning of the month. Luckily for me this month has been full of opportunities for recovery.

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I used the powder in my green monster smooth, it was delish!

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The shake was super convent after my longest swim of the year
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And the bars were great in Moab and after my long run today
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I really enjoyed all the products I have tried so far and after my current stash runs out will definitely restock!

Some of the benefits of Whey Protein for Designers Whey’s Website:

High Biological Value

Whey is superior to all other forms of protein, boasting the perfect amino acid profile for muscle building, strength, and recovery. Based on its biological value (BV), the measure of a particular protein’s effect on nitrogen balance, as well as its protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS), a measure of how well a particular protein supplies the nine essential amino acids, whey protein scored higher than meat and eggs!

Whey protein also empties from the stomach and is absorbed into the bloodstream faster than other proteins, which results in speedier muscle recovery. As such, it is the preferred choice for post-workout nutrition when the body is in a catabolic state.

Strong Amino Acids

Whey protein contains high concentrations of the branched chain amino acids that are metabolized during exercise, most notably valine, isoleucine, and leucine.

Abundant Antioxidants

Perhaps just as impressively, whey protein works as an antioxidant to boost your body’s immune system. In fact, scientific studies have shown that regular supplementation with whey protein can help prevent illness and disease.

I was provided with this opportunity via my affiliation with FitFluential. I was given the products at no cost to myself, but was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own!

Posted by bethcurtis Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized

April 26, 2013

Paying the Price

I am guilty of one of the worst crimes in endurance sports. I have been inconsistent in my train (cue dramatic music). I have many excuses, I was injured, then school and work got in the way, then I was really sick for two weeks, etc. No matter what the excuse I still have to pay the price for about 5 weeks of less than stellar training. The biggest price I will pay is the lack of fitness that I should have gained over these last weeks but the most immediate consequence is next week’s marathon.

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I made it up to 18 miles for a long run but that was over a month ago. I am certain that I could run a marathon now but it would hurt a lot. If the marathon was the big goal I think I would still go for it but being sick for the weeks I was supposed to run 20 and 22 miles has made it seem less doable. Because I want to be able to bounce back quickly and keep training for my half ironman in June, I am going to drop to the half. I am a little bummed because I ran the full in 2011 and loved it. It also stings a bit to be behind the plan. But the half will still be fun and I should be able to walk the next day, I am sure that would not be true if I ran the full.

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On a happier note I think I have finally (mostly) rounded out my race calendar for the summer :

June 9th: Denver Triathlon

June 29th: Pacific Crest Long Course Triathlon

July 13th: Steamboat Springs Sprint Triathlon

August 4th: Ironman Boulder 70.3

August 10th: Beaver Creek Trail Half Marathon (just for fun)

August 31st: Boulder Sunset Olympic Triathlon

September 22nd: Ironman Lake Tahoe

After IMLT I am planning on taking all of October to not race and do my own thing and enjoy my favorite month of the year, after that I have BIG plans!

Posted by bethcurtis 2 Comments
Filed Under: Running

April 20, 2013

Moab Day One

Hello form Moab! We are currently sitting in the hotel waiting for the rain to stop so we can head out for our longest ride of the weekend (80 something for me but with the late start might need to be cut to 66) it’s very cold and currently snowing at the top of our ride, a few hard core triathletes that were going for 100+ miles today went for it in the rain but most of us are waiting it out. I am still recovering from being sick for two weeks so I am not going to take my chances.

The trip so far has been a little impeded by weather, we have had a cold wet spring so it’s really no surprise. But Day 1 (Thursday) made for a sketchy drive through the mountains from Denver to Grand Junction where we had planned to ride about 36 miles on our way to Moab but it was very cold and talk of snow so we pushed on to Moab where we checked into the hotel and quickly got on our bikes to put some miles in. The ride was still chilly but we rode along the river into a canyon on some nice easy rollers.

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After the ride we cleaned up and headed to dinner with Coach and a bunch of people from the team the food wasn’t great but the company was stellar. Then it was quick to get to bed for an early morning at the pool.

Day two coming soon, but I wanted to clear a couple things up. I called this a training camp and while in my mind it is we are very fortunate that it is put on by our local tri club and is free to members, not a fancy expensive camp. Obviously we have to pay to drive out here and for the hotel (some people camp but that seems crazy to me). Our coach and club officers plan the entire weekend (workouts, reserving a pool, discount at the hotel, etc) for us for free. It’s a nice perk of being part of a really awesome club. We also have access to some of our club sponsors like Cliff Bar produces, Sierra Nevada beer as well a massages and recovery pump boots.

Posted by bethcurtis 1 Comment
Filed Under: training, Travel

April 18, 2013

Prepping For Training Camp

I leave for a long weekend “triathlon training camp” in Moab tomorrow morning. I am so excited about spending four days (including two days traveling) mostly swim, bike, running in the beautiful arches national park. Since I haven’t  been to a camp like this before packing was a little overwhelming and I bet I will end up repeating a bunch clothes and not wearing half of what I packed. Here it is all layed out

And all packed up
Obviously this doesn’t include my bike and pump food etc, hopefully it will all fit in our car! But I will worry about that in the morning, for now I am off to get some much needed sleep, catch you from Moab!

Posted by bethcurtis 3 Comments
Filed Under: training

April 17, 2013

My Heart is in Boston

As a middle/back of the pack runner I may never make it to the Boston Marathon but what happened yesterday still feels a bit like a personal attack. There may be millions of runners in the world but somehow it still feels like a small tight knit community. I tossed and turned last night and had trouble sleeping thinking about all the people who were hurt or had a loved one injured. I hurt for everyone affected and I hurt for the sport I love. This incident makes me want to do what I can so I will find ways to contribute (I am sure there will be organized ways to contribute, I will participate), I will give blood (it won’t help people in Boston but it will help someone) and I will run and that will help me.

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I will run another marathon and if I ever qualify for Boston I will show up with a fearless spirit. My hope for all the runners out there is that you band together, you go for a run and find peace.

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Posted by bethcurtis Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized

April 1, 2013

Ironman Lake Tahoe Week 13

Another week down – this week was ok from a training perspective, I was feeling a little under the weather so each session was a bit of a challenge. Also it was spring break here in Denver so it was an extra busy week at work with early mornings and late evenings at work.The big fail was that I didn’t get in the pool once, I kept meaning to and then wither sussed out pushed it off. That really can’t happen anymore, must be more consistent in swimming, and all disciplines. It’s officially Spring and the pre-season winter safety is now gone. But it’s a new month with a clean slate and a chance to go from doing ok to going great! I am now looking at the start of race season starting this weekend with Boulder Half Marathon.

Here’s a look at week 13:

Monday: Yoga and indoor spin, lots of snow still on the ground

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Tuesday: Yoga (legs still tight from the weekend) and track practice the track had a little lush and I left with a few new blisters on my toes

Wednesday: 90 minute trainer ride (lots of indoor riding this week) and strength training

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Thursday: 80 minute trainer ride, also this was my first bike commute to work of the year, shameful that it took this long!

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Friday: Rest

Saturday: 56 mile ride in Boulder, so nice to be outside!! Topped off with a 5 mile ride with my parents and a 3.5 mile transition run, this was my fist t-run of the season and I could really feel it. I have had a few of these on the schedule but haven’t been able to make it work before because of weather.

Sunday: 8.5 mile run, I would like to have run further but I am trying to keep my milage in check this early in the season

Total: 13ish hours of training and feeling ready for more

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

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We are having so much fun learning to ski as a fam We are having so much fun learning to ski as a family! Ski traffic I could do without 🫠
✨2022✨ I can honestly say this was the best ✨2022✨ 

I can honestly say this was the best year of my life. So many adventures. I am loving the ages of these kiddos and cherish our time together. 

Very unsure if we can top this in 2023 but we are sure going to try!
We hope you had a merry little Christmas 🎄 We hope you had a merry little Christmas 🎄
Winter hiking is just so magical. Definitely not h Winter hiking is just so magical. Definitely not hating winter this year! ❄️
We kicked off the holiday season by visiting the N We kicked off the holiday season by visiting the North Pole and seeing Santa! 

The kids had so much fun and it was way cuter than I was expecting. They said it was better than Disneyland 😂 @northpolecolorado
Happy Halloween!!! Cannon really wanted to be To Happy Halloween!!! 

Cannon really wanted to be Toad from Super Mario this year so we tagged along. 

Scroll to see 2021-> 2020 -> 2019 -> 2018 -> 2017 -> 2016 🎃
We finished up our tour of France with a couple da We finished up our tour of France with a couple days in Disneyland Paris. I love Disney Parks and visiting Disneyland Paris was a dream come true. We had such an amazing time on our entire trip. 

We are trying to plan our next trip. Where is the best place you have ever been? Do you have a favorite trip? I would love to hear about it. My parents say that Ireland was their favorite so UK tops the list currently but Italy or Costa Rica are on the list too.
In our last couple of days in Paris we took a bus In our last couple of days in Paris we took a bus tour to see the major sights. Our favorites included walking the entire Champs-Élysées and climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. We missed out on seeing the Catacombs because we didn’t get tickets early enough. c’est la vie, I guess we will have to go back 😉
A cousin reminded me that I never finished sharing A cousin reminded me that I never finished sharing our trip to France 🫠 better late than never! 

We spent our first day back in Paris with a trip to Versailles. We loved the gardens so much and particularly enjoyed Marie Antoinette’s little farm. The history here is incredible and the opulence overwhelming. We walked over 10 miles on our visit!
Before our long drive back to Paris we did the thr Before our long drive back to Paris we did the three castle hike in Ribeauvillé, France. We climbed up the side of a hill to three castle ruins from the 14th century. It was really fun to explore and a great way to burn some energy before a long drive.
While we were in the Alsace region of France we vi While we were in the Alsace region of France we visited the sweet little village of Riquewihr. Rumor says this was the inspiration for Belle’s village in Disney’s Beaty and the Beast. Can you see it? We could and kept singing Bonjour while walking through town.
After leaving Switzerland we made our way to Colma After leaving Switzerland we made our way to Colmar. This sweet little town in the Alsace region of France near the German border. We loved all the half timber buildings and winding streets. We had some great local food and wine. Colmar was a lovely place to get lost for an afternoon.
It was so exciting to see the Matterhorn in person It was so exciting to see the Matterhorn in person. The peak was never fully clear of clouds while we were there which was a little disappointing but it was still majestic . We took a cog train and gondola up then hiked about five miles down on the five lakes trail. It was a beautiful day and we got to enjoy lunch mid hike. We loved the little (car free) town of Zermatt. We enjoyed some fun Swiss playgrounds in town before dinner. I love Switzerland and it’s mountains!
With the last of our time in Chamonix we took a go With the last of our time in Chamonix we took a gondola and cable car up Le Brévent. We enjoyed hot chocolates and crepes at the top with views of Mont Blanc. 

Next it was time to drive on to Switzerland 🇨🇭
We took a cute cogwheel train up the valley in Cha We took a cute cogwheel train up the valley in Chamonix to Montenvers to visit the Mer de Glace  glacier. At the top you can take a gondola a little way down then MANY stairs to the glacier. It was sad to see the markers of where the glacier was in years past and how much it has shrunk. We did love exploring an ice cave that they dig out each year. We had to try twice to get into the ice caves as the first time it closed right as we arrived due to a storm. It was worth taking the train twice.
After riding to the top of Aiguille du Midi we sto After riding to the top of Aiguille du Midi we stopped half way down for a couple mile hike and a stop at a mountain hut for lunch. This might have been my favorite lunch ever. The views were amazing and the weather was nice. The mountains here are STUNNING!!! #aiguilledumidi #chamonix
We decided to spend a few day in Chamonix to explo We decided to spend a few day in Chamonix to explore the French Alps. The experience we were most excited about was taking the gondola up the 
Aiguille du Midi (highest cable car in France). You switch cable cars half way up so you can enjoy the views. The top outpost is incredible perching on top of the mountain. I’ve never seen anything like it! 

The day wasn’t completely clear but the views were still incredible. #aiguilledumidi #chamonix
After a long drive across the French countryside w After a long drive across the French countryside we landed in Annecy at the foot of the Alps. 

Annecy was such a pretty little town on the bank of a gorgeous turquoise lake.  We got to enjoy lunch at a canal side cafe, wander the streets, enjoy ice cream and playground hop our way through town. 

Very excited about our next few days in mountains of France + Switzerland.
We drove into the heart of France to visit the Go We drove into the heart of France to visit the  Gouffre de Padirac. A large cave system including an underground river. I don’t have many good pictures given the lighting and lack of patience. We loved climbing down into the cave and riding a boat along the river. Probably my favorite cave that I have visited. Kids loved all of it too and are so good about us dragging them along with us across France.
After leaving Mont Saint-Michele we drove to Loire After leaving Mont Saint-Michele we drove to Loire to visit Château de Chenonceau. It was stunning and the gardens were fun to explore. The history here is so rich!
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