Chasing My Joy

My journey to becoming an Ultra Runner and Ironman

Archives for December 2019

2019 in Review

I love this time of year for all the reflection and goal setting, dreaming big and feeling grateful. When I think back on 2019 I had some big running goals that were put on the back burner for various reasons, but I am not sad about that at all. Running will always be there for me to come back to (hello 2020) and I will just keep trying until I make my goals happen.

Instead 2019 became a year of magic , fun and making amazing memories with my family. The kids have changed so much this year, everyone always says it flies by but man it still gives me heartache. I held Emerald a little longer while putting her down for her nap today knowing that these days are numbered.

I can’t believe how much there two babies have changed since last January!

Some highlights from early in the year was a trip to Moab for a half marathon and time with Cory’s cousins whom I adore.

In February we went to Disneyland with my parents and it was amazing. I loved sharing one of my favorite places with my kiddos. Having Grandma and Grandpa along made it so special.

After Disneyland we celebrated Valentines day, these “little” holidays are so much more fun with kids!

We did lots of winter running with the kids tucked into the Thule.

In April we celebrated Emmy’s first birthday with a Peter Rabbit themed party.

And Emmy’s first Easter.

With better late spring weather we were able to get out on more family hikes.

And some trail runs.

In May we went to St. George, Utah to cheer Cory on for his Half Ironman.

Summer came around and I don’t think I have ever had so much fun!

I also started to really log some miles on the trails.

Mid June we celebrated Cannon turning three with a buggy birthday party. It was so cute and fun but I didn’t get any pictures of his party!

Summer for us means many trips to the mountains for hiking and camping.

July brought Le Tour de France, Independence Day and more trail running.

The begining of August was filled with as much fun as possible before Cannon started school.

Mid August Cannon started preschool for the first time. I had a way harder time with him starting school than I ever thought I would. Luckily he ended up loving school because I was really questioning my decision to send him.

Luckily he only is in school for three hours a day four days a week so we still had plenty of time to enjoy the end of summer.

In the fall we headed on our big adventure for the year visiting Germany, Austria and Switzerland. We had the most amazing time and made memories that will last a lifetime.

When we got home from Europe it was time to celebrate Halloween. Cannon was really into it this year and we dressed up as Peter Pan characters.

We spent Thanksgiving home with the flu but made up for it by doing all of the Christmas things with family and friends.

Going back over the year really reminds me of how much fun we had and how magical the year really was. I am so grateful for all the memories we made and most of all the health we all enjoy.

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What are some of your favorite memories from 2019?

A Very Merry Christmas | 2019

It was a lovely Christmas season here for us in Colorado. I honestly can’t believe it’s over already! We had the best time trying to squeeze all the holiday cheer in a few short weeks.

We met Santa with no tears, and Cannon actually told him a gift that he wanted (Paw Patrol toy).

We eventually made it up to Georgetown to ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad. You may recall that we missed our chance to ride it on Black Friday like we normally d we were able to reschedule. We love going to the mountains anytime, but it was extra magical this time of year.

My parents joined us and made it extra fun!

  • Big brother “helping”

We built the kids a playground in our basement that has been a BIG hit.

Elf on the shelf took over the house and the kids loved playing with filters.

Cannon had his first ever school concert and did so well! Emmy loved visiting his school and loves his teacher so much!

Cannon also had a PJ day for his last day of school before winter break, and helped me put together gifts for his teachers.

On break there was lots of fun with friends, a cookie exchange and cuddling with The Grinch on repeat.

We attended Grandma and Grandpa’s Christmas party and had fun playing games, seeing Santa and taking a carriage ride.

There was lots of baking and enjoying yummy food.

On Christmas Eve we took a morning hike then hosted family dinner and let the kids open their big gift from us.

After the kids were asleep waiting for Santa, Cory and I stayed up late being sure that everything was wrapped and breakfast was ready for the morning. I use this recipe for sticky buns that is so easy and good.

Christmas morning was so fun opening gifts just the four of us.

Christmas Chaos

We then went to my parents house for gifts and a delicious dinner.

We had such a wonderful Christmas this year. Cannon is pretty sad that it’s over and for him next year feels forever away.

I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday and you are looking forward to the new year.

26 Weeks – North Fork 50 Miler

Here we go again! This post could also be titled third times the charm. I have now *tried* to complete a 50 miler in 2017 and 2019. Failed both times, but I am just going to keep failing at this goal until I get it done.

I completed the North Fork 50k in 2017 and LOVED it! Race report HERE. The course is gorgeous and not too far from home. I also love that it’s in June so I can decide to go for another big goal in the second half of 2020 or just take time to enjoy summer with my family before jumping into something in the fall.

I can’t wait to go run on these trails again!

So I have 26 weeks to basically go from 0 to 50 miles. I feel like I am starting from scratch and just hoping my past training will help me build up my milage and mental grit will get me the rest of the way.

I plan to document the journey here, share what I learn, the ups and the downs……follow along!

Thanksgiving 2019 – A Series of Unfortunate Events

First I want to say I don’t post this to complain or get sympathy, we are all well now and there is SO much to be thankful for! But, most of all this blog has always provided me a way to look back on our life, mostly with a smile.

Thanksgiving 2019 was not at all what I wanted it to be or how we planned it, every single one of our traditions went out the window. Everything started going down hill the day before Thanksgiving. I decided to take the kids to the store to pick up some supplies to make pies for our feast the next day. I was just about to pick up the last item I needed when I noticed the kids were acting a little funny (they were in a little car attached to the front of the cart). As soon as crouched down to check them out Cannon started throwing up……a lot. Poor little guy was feeling really sick and leaving it all over the floor of our King Soopers. There was a deli attendant that was an angel and helped me clean Cannon up, I was SO happy I had a change of clothing for him in my bag. Another family offered to buy us a clean outfit for him when I was first trying to get him cleaned up, people really are so kind!

We made it out to the car finally all together, Cannon wrapped in my scarf because his jacket was too soiled. I wanted to cry, feeling so bad for Cannon. We made it home and got him settled on the couch where he didn’t move for the rest of the day. Normally Cannon is full of energy so this was odd for him. I gave up on the idea of baking pies and just focused on taking care of Cannon.

The next morning I wasn’t feeling well and had no energy, we were also keeping a close eye on Emerald. We always run a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning but with it being very cold no one was feeling up for it. Instead of a 5k we were staying in for a movie marathon.

Cannon ready to trot in 2018

We were supposed to have a full traditional Thanksgiving dinner with my parents and brother but we weren’t sure what people would feel up to eating and mostly we didn’t want to get anyone else sick. My parents kindly sent over plates for anyone feeling up to eating but mostly we were on saltines and sprite.

Luckily the kids are so young that they were happy to watch Christmas movies and thought it was awesome to drink juice and eat crackers.

I feel SO lucky that this was a fast moving illness and we were all feeling better by Friday morning. We have a black Friday tradition of riding the train in Georgetown and seeing Santa to kick off the season.

Video from 2018

After 3 long detours we made it most of the way to Georgetown before being turned around because of a rock slide. We were so disappointed but made the best of it by stoping in Idaho Springs for hot chocolate and some playtime before heading home.

While nothing seemed to go our way we were happy to be together and we will get to ride the train this coming Sunday. I can just hope that we all stay well for Christmas!