Not much new to report around here…..just a 4:30 AM wake up to run on the treadmill then the morning hustle with the kids.

Both Cannon and Emmy have been asking for a star for the top of our tree this year. My parents had one laying around so the gifted it to us and now we have a crooked start on our tree (LOL).

It was another beautiful day here so we spent a bunch of time outside (1000 hours outside)

Another new to us playground.

We don’t have school on Wednesday so there was lots of time for play.

I wonder how long they will let me coordinate their outfits……

We have been enjoying the beautiful weather but change is coming, it’s not as easy to get out but we are going to do out best!

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What is your weather like where you are?

Anyone else just wimping out and running all the miles inside?

Christmas is feeling so close! I can’t believe it’s just two and half weeks away! Here are a couple ideas if you are looking for some stocking stuffers for the runner in your life:

Runner Mug – Most runners love coffee, I love this one, it’s metal so it’s great on the road as well!

GU Gels – Get your runner their favorite running fuel, I love this GU variety pack.

Neck Gaiter – A very 2020 gift, great as a face covering and for cold weather running.

Running Socks – Runners always need more socks, I though these were super cute!

Headlamp – It’s dark this time of year and a headlamp can make things so much nicer for those morning or evening runs.

Hand Warmer – These rechargeable hand warmers are so cool, great for running or skiing etc.

Running Books – I love this book but any running book is a great gift. I also love Born to Run and Run Fast Cook Slow.

Gloves – Just like socks it’s always good to have more gloves. These are great, I also love the Head brand that is sold at Costco.

More Gift ideas for runners:

Fun Gifts for Runners + A New One

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It was another early running morning for me, anyone else have alarms that look like this:

I have so many at such random times and I use all of them.

While I would never ask for times like these I am so grateful to get to watch Cannon interact with his teachers and friends at Zoom school.

I just fall in love with him over and over again.

We also got a chance to go have a craft play date at my parents house.

It was over 60 degrees so we went to their back porch and made Kiwi Co Christmas crafts. It was so nice of my mom to get these for the kids and it was so sweet that they got to do them together. We still aren’t gathering inside so outdoor activities are keeping things fun.

It’s been very easy but it looks like the weather will be turning.

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With the pandemic have you been doing more outdoor activities?

As we approach the holiday season I thought I would list a few things I have, love or wish I had:

Chase the Chill Leggings – these leggings from Lululemon last forever and if you live in a cold climate they will keep your legs warm and happy all winter!

Peloton Treadmill – If you are ready to drop so real cash I had heard some great things about these! This would be a dream purchase for me, but I am also very happy with my Nordictrack!

Sarah Marie Studios – I want one of everything from her site! So good and awesome to support small businesses.

Goodr Glasses – These hold up, have great designs and are at a great price point!

Garmin GPS Watch – I have had many Garmin watches over the years, there are many different styles to meet the needs of any athlete, this is a top purchase. I wear my Fenix everyday and love all of it’s functions.

Nathan VarpoHowe Hydration Vest – If you are buying for a distance runner or an aspiring ultra runner this vest is amazing. They also have a men’s version designed by Rob Krar. I love this one because the women’s is actually designed for a woman not just a small man’s version.

Running Jacket – This is the perfect layer for someone wanting to get into winter running! I have had mine since 2016 and it still wears and washes well.

Run Angel – Great for anyone who wants more safety on their runs!

Running Shoes – Everyone needs more shoes! If you don’t know their size and shoe preference a gift certificate to a local running store works great too.

Erica Sara Jewelry – Anything from Erica Sara is sure to be a winner!

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We are just about done with our Christmas shopping and I feel really good about that, now to just get on top of wrapping…..

I got a quick couple of miles in on the treadmill to start the week then did the normal kid, school, play thing.

We found a new playground near us and the kids had a blast. Being outside really is the cure for most things.

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What’s on your wishlist?

Are you done with your holiday shopping?

Ever since I decided that I would renew my registration for the Mt. Hood 50 for 2021 I feel so excited and more motivated. I always do better when I have a real event on the schedule that I am excited about. It feels now a little bit safe to plan for a mid 2021 race. We haven’t been back to see family in Oregon since 2018 so that is also overdue.

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Cannon was only two and Emmy was three months last time we were there.

I have 32 weeks from now until the race. 8 weeks of prep to get myself ready for the real race training. Then 24 week race specific training including a 50k that I would love to do an actual race for but we will see what the state of Covid in our state is around May/June.

Today the kids both stole my phone and took a total of 80 photos. In those 80 pictures I found these gems:

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They were very good models for each other.

We decided to go for a hike together in the foothills, we also decided that Cannon is too big to ride in a backpack so all hikes have to be Cannon appropriate from now on. It was warm and beautiful. December here is notoriously mild. Please send me strength for January through April when our trails are icy and the highs don’t get above freezing.

Cannon has decided that the activity that he is most passionate about is rock climbing!

It’s too bad we can’t take him to indoor climbing gyms but until then we will have to find little rocks (and maybe a helmet) for him to climb.

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Emmy loved climbing too, but her true love is running.

This popped up as “on this day” from last year.

This was last year at our neighboorhood Christmas party. The kids look so little and this is the first year since Cannon was born that we are missing the party and photos with Santa. Hoping to be back at it next year.

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Anyone else finding new passions?

Missing any traditions this year? Trying my best to not be down about the things are missing and embracing a new way of doing things.

Weekends really are the best because I get to sleep in until 6:30 AM, make waffles and strawberries for the kids and still get my run in.

I have been loving using the Peloton App on our TV. I might do some of the treadmill workouts but I am most excited about the spin classes and the strength training classes. Makes me miss my gym a little less (still miss the kid care the most) I may need to see if I can get away with doing a class while the kids play near me.

** I do not own the Peloton bike or treadmill, they look awesome and I would love them but I just can’t justify the cost. I have a Nordictrack treadmill that’s over 6 years old and just got a Echlon bike. I love our home gym setup even though it’s far from Pinterest perfect. It works for us without costing thousands of dollars. Sometime I will detail our setup.

To the left is the kids’ play area, to the right a mat area for yoga and strength training. I ran 3 miles then did a core workout.

While I was running Cory took the kids to a new playground, they had the best time!

For lunch I had one of my favorite easy meals. We get this salad kit and a rotisserie chicken from Costco and it makes at least six meals.

It’s SO good!

You can also get smoked salmon from Costco and that’s a win too.

In the evening we finally got around to decorating our tree. Emmy was very into it and so careful hanging each one.

Our tree isn’t color coordinated or themed in anyway but I love that there is meaning behind most of our ornaments. There are some from my grandmother, my childhood, special occasions and kid milestones.

After the kids went to sleep I spent the evening looking at gravel bike races. Let me be clear that I have no interest in racing a gravel bike. Cory got a new gravel bike (I think that brings his total to five bikes) and wants to try racing it this summer. I am excited for him to try something new and for a family vacation somewhere in the mountains!

This race looks amazing!

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Anyone trying anything new in 2021?

Do you have a home gym? What do you have that you love?

We are starting to get into a routine around here now that we are almost a month into quarantine part two. I get up early (4:30 AM) to exercise and enjoy some coffee. Then the kids get up between 6:00 and 6:30.

Emmy got up a little early so we got to enjoy some girl time. She really like taking screen shots while making videos on my phone.

We enjoy our slow mornings, and playing before Cannon has his zoom call.

Emmy like to color and play along with school too.

We then met one of Cannon’s class mates at a playground and they had the best time. It always reminds me how important these connections are.

I would really like to add MORE outdoor time, probably reintroducing our morning walks. I dropped them when it was really cold and the kids were sick, but I think they would be a good morning addition (until more snow falls).

It looks like next week is going to be beautiful so no excuses!

We came home to lunch and nap time. I often give the kids a show while I get lunch ready, they are super into Beat Bugs lately.

After nap we met my mom at another playground. The kids have been missing their grandparents so much and it was nice to be able to see her outside in a safer environment.

We came home to enjoy Thai food and Christmas lights.

I have been hearing a lot about glutes not being engaged or firing while running or riding. I looked into it a bit and it looks like it can be exceptionally bad after sitting all day (hello working folks) or given birth recently.

I found Sarah Canny’s post about glute activation and am going to try to add it to my warm-up. Ordered these bands one Amazon.

My day started out like normal with an early morning on the treadmill…..I swear I will get outside and run in the dark tomorrow morning. The treadmill is great but I really need to shake things up!

After my run I made the kids strawberry smoothies. Adding whipped cream and sprinkles raised it up a level.

They were pretty excited, being a mom is fun.

After breakfast we went to the basement for “recess” then it was snack time.

I think we are all doing well on our schedule, and even though we aren’t doing much, it always feels busy anyway. I really want to do something with this room if we are still remote learning in January. Anyone set up a school room in their house this year?

While Cannon was attending his Zoo class Emmy was practicing her writing too.

When I got done with putting Emmy down for her nap I came out to this:

One of the perks of working from home, take a quick lunch nap with Cannon. The kids are really not going to like it when Cory does go back to the office.

After nap we went to the park to enjoy the sunshine.

Do you think they will let me dress them matching in ten years?

Both kids are really into dinosaurs so this playground was a hit.

Lately I have been thinking a lot about 2021 racing. With vaccines coming out soon it feels like there could be a light at the end of this tunnel. While there are some races going now, I am just not willing to participate yet but I am hopeful that late spring or summer we might be able to. It would be so nice to have something on the calendar to look forward to. I am a little bummed I can’t plan on any of my favorite winter spring trail races but if things turn around quickly some of these could be options:

Run Through Time Half Marathon – March 13

Source

I have always wanted to do this race…..probably not this year but someday.

Behind The Rocks Ultra – March 27

I did this race in 2015 and would love to go back. Moab is amazing and the camping near this race looks great. It would be a fun outing with Kermit (our camper).

Desert RATS Trail Marathon – April 16th-18th

I did this one in 2017, LOVED it.

Collegiate Peaks 25 Mile Trail Race – May 1st

I have wanted to do this race for a long time, it looks so beautiful! Hoping things will be looking better by then.

North Fork 50K – June 3rd

I ran the 50k in 2017 and it was so beautiful, close to home and has some great camping so this is definitely on the short list.

Mt. Hood 50 – July 10th

And of course take two at the Mt. Hood 50. Fingers and toes crossed.

Not planing past July because who knows what the year will bring.

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What’s on your list for 2021?

I have been feeling a bit run down lately and feeling like I really need to get more sleep. I wear a sleep tracker at night that tracks sleep, heart rate variability and other metrics. I took a look at my recent sleep.

I feel like I need about eight hours of sleep to function well. I wish it was less, Cory does okay on less and I swear my brother thrives on about five hours of sleep a night. When I get less than eight and especially less then seven I don’t do as well. I can’t focus as well so I am not as good of a teacher, I have less energy and patience so I am not as good of a mom as I would like to be and I am less organized so I am not being as good of a partner as I could be. I am trying to work on finding ways to get in more sleep and still fit it all in. Please send me all your tips!

Here is a picture of Emmy, just because she is so cute…..

Cannon’s hair has grown back to sitting in his eyes.

We’ve had it cut once since Covid hit.

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I am going to have to decide if I am brave enough to cut it myself because we are in a pretty bad lock down here in Colorado.

I also haven’t gotten a hair cut in about a year, things are looking desperate.

We had the best broccoli and salmon for dinner.

I am always surprised when the kids eat this dinner. They love it!

After eating we drove to a neighbors house that has set their holiday lights to music, the kids loved it. It’s nice to have some holiday spirit!

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How much sleep do you need?

How long since your last haircut?

The day began very early, but it’s made a little sweeter that it’s lit by a Christmas tree. The dark mornings and evenings are easier to take with all the Christmas cheer.

I stumbled a few miles on the treadmill, but the lack of sleep is getting to me. Working late (well late for me) then getting up early to run is starting to add up. I am really missing my gym with kid care where they could go play and I could run at a time other than 4 am. I don’t mean to complain…..I am happy we are safe and healthy. I think we all just miss the way things were.

Annnnnyyyyway. Emmy woke up before Cannon and Cory so we got some cuddle time while reading books.

We started the kids’ first advent calendar. We got them this one.

It had little toys inside and so far the kids love it. We got them both the same one because they have been having trouble lately and it’s easier if they have the same thing. So far so good.

We have been playing in the basement every morning before Cannon has school. I call it recess and hope that it helps getting some energy out before class.

I love how well Cannon is doing with online school, I am proud of him for adapting.

We have been working hard to get Emmy to drink more water and less milk. This mix was well received (we call is pink drink to make her like it even more) it’s 25% kombutcha, 75% water and some raspberries for fun. So far so good.

We spent some time in the afternoon playing outside then had a delicious salad with leftover Thanksgiving turkey. We have a lot of turkey since we made a Costco bird for just the four of us.

Emmy has been enjoying stealing Cory’s food lately.

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Anyone else struggling a little with exercise with this second quarantine?

After our long holiday weekend I will keep this short and sweet just like my run for the day.

I had planned on getting up early to run in the morning before the rest of the family but I completely forgot to set an alarm and slept in until it was time to wake with everyone else.

Cannon had “school” again after last week off. One thing that I will always be grateful for from this time is getting to see Cannon interact at school.

Of course I would rather have everyone safe and Cannon in school socializing like he should but I love seeing him interact with his teacher and friends.

Emmy joined us for school time playing Homer on her fire tablet.

After school we went to the library where you can check out books online and have them delivered right to your car. We have been enjoying new books every week and there are great playgrounds near the library as well.

It was sunny and beautiful so we spent some time playing before it was time to run home for lunch.

During nap time Cannon cuddled with Humphry while I got a short run in on the treadmill. I love how these two are bonding. Humphry even sleeps on Cannon’s bed at night.

After Emmy woke up I decided I wanted to get them outside again (1000 hours outside). We were discussing where to go, when a friend texted asking if we wanted to meet, perfect!

Cannon and Emmy got to see of their favorite friends and I got to see one of my friends and it was such a reminder that human connection is so important. We want to be respectful and careful in the face of a pandemic but we feel that distanced outside it’s safe enough and so good for our hearts.

After playing we decided it was a pizza and movie night. I used to love the movie Elf and wanted the kids to love it too. But as it was playing the kids were not that into it and I realized it probably isn’t my favorite anymore. Still good but not what it used to be for me, funny how things change over the years.

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What are your favorite Christmas movies?

Did you have a childhood dog?