Chasing My Joy

My journey to becoming an Ultra Runner and Ironman

Project 366

I have been thinking a lot about my goals, mindset and things I want to leave behind in 2020.

While I have some big, check off the list, goals for the year (more on those later) I also want to focus on daily habits to improve my life.

I read The Power of Habit last year and it was really interesting, I plan to read it again.

With this in mind the idea of project 365 was born and then morphed into project 366 when I realized it was a leap year.

So with that I decided that I wanted to attempt to add things that I do every day. Even with selecting simple things it will be challenge to be consistent every day for an entire year. But with challenge comes change.

[Source]

My project 366 consists of doing the following things every day for all of 2020:

  • Run – can be as short as 20 minutes but the idea is to move everyday #runstreak
  • Core work – After two back-to-back pregnancies, my core can use all the help it can get
  • 100 oz of water – because hydration is everything
  • Write – this little blog has been the definition of inconsistent over the years. I would love to be able to look back and see what changes happen over these 366 days.

Just like my runs some posts may be very short the idea is consistency and building habits.

Baaaaaaack to Reality

And just like that, the holidays are over. Today meant back to work for both Cory and I. I teach an accelerated prep-course that helps students be prepared for college level math that starts now to prepare students for spring semester.

It was a pretty uneventful day other than the kids were not happy about Cory being back at work and they were a little salty after two late nights.

#Notfeelingit

I tried my best to keep them happy, we went to the gym to play, we ran around the house, nothing….I guess we all are over winter already. It’s sad to be dreaming of summer and it’s only January, LOL.

I didn’t get up early again because of our late night so I decided we all needed some fresh air in the afternoon.

I piled the kiddos into the double and pushed them around for a couple miles.

The down blanket in the stroller is key to winter runs

We stopped in the middle for a park break and everyone was happy.

Then it was the evening dinner and get ready for bed hustle.

I teach my class in the evening, and to be honest, working at night is not my favorite. But this schedule allows me to spend so much time with the kids so I can’t complain (too much). Cory has to put the kids down on his own on nights I teach so he gets a gold star too.

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Have you ever had a non-conventional work schedule? Did you like it?

Cheers to the New Year!

We spent the first day of 2020 doing all the best things, we had a lazy morning as a family after staying up way past all our bedtime the night before. Then we did a little shopping and I grabbed a short uneventful run on the treadmill, we will be good friends this winter.

Later we met Cory’s cousins for some sledding in Evergreen.

I just love this family so much and even though we see them fairly often I always wish it was more.

They have two girls one who is just a few months older than Cannon, I love seeing them play and bond together.

All the kids loved sledding which was a surprise because sometimes they are not into it. Having friends there helps!

We then all went to Evergreen Brewery where I had a fantastic burger, I wish I had taken a picture. All of their food was really good, you should go if you are ever in the neighborhood.

*source*

We stayed way too long talking and enjoying our food so the kids got to bed late again, but it was well worth it!

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How was your first day of 2020?

2020 – A Fresh New Decade

I can’t think of the new year without saying it (in my head) in Barbra Walters voice. I hope this fades as it’s starting to wear.

We spent the last day of 2019 hosting parties, hanging out with friends and relaxing at home.

We hosted a Noon Year’s Eve party for a bunch of Cannon and Emeralds friends.

The kiddos had fun playing, making noise and counting down to the “new year’ at noon. It was fun to catch up with my friends while the kids played.

I did my best to come up with my “best 9” for 2019, but it was hard to just pick 9, it was a good year.

We then went to our friends house for a New Years Eve party. They had delicious food and lots of kids to play with.

Emmy was really into the watermelon. Thank goodness for friends with kids who have amazing kid friendly parties.

They set off fireworks early to celebrate the new year and so the little kiddos could get home to bed.

After getting the kids down, we stayed up watching movies then said cheers to the new year! Pretty big deal for me to stay up until midnight I don’t think I have done that since 2014 or 2015 ( I have either been pregnant or had a newborn).

I hope you had a wonderful time celebrating and are enjoying the fresh new year.

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Did you make it until midnight?

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!

Gift Guide for 1-2 Year Old

Gift Guide, Toddler Gifts
  1. Doll + Stroller Set – Emmy isn’t really into dolls yet but I think she will really like pushing around a stroller that is just her size.
  2. Dino Stuffed Animal – Emmy is really into dinosaurs right now and I thought these were so cute.
  3. Tiny T-Rex Book – To read while snuggling her new stuffy.
  4. Magna-Tiles Set – Both Cannon and Emmy love playing with these sets.
  5. Toy Laptop Emmy is always trying to get ahold of my laptop and loves to bang on the keyboard, so I figured it was time for one of her own.
  6. Patagonia Snow Suit – We have tried a few different snow suits for the kids but this one is the best! Keeps the kids warm without being too stiff or falling apart mid way through the season.
  7. Wooden Scooter – This is such a cute little scooter. Perfect for scooting around inside the house during the winter.
  8. Red Dress from Old Navy – This dress is so soft and cute, perfect for meeting Santa.

Gift Guide for Boys 3 – 4 Years Old

I am always feeling behind the ball getting ideas together for Christmas, this year I am hoping to get all of our ideas together before Thanksgiving. Here are some ideas we have for Cannon, some we have and love and some will be waiting under the tree for him this year.

Gift Guide, Boys Gifts
  1. Digital Camera – Cannon loves messing around with our old cameras so we think he might love a kid friendly version.
  2. Helmet – We love the magnetic closure on these that prevent pinching.
  3. Kid Safe Headphones – with both bluetooth and wired connection these are great for travel.
  4. Disney + – We are pretty excited about this subscription, you can even download some movies.
  5. Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet – Key for travel also these things are tough, they have been dropped so many times.
  6. Strider Bike – Cannon is obsessed with riding his bike.
  7. Sunglasses – I love these little glasses, we have had a couple sets, they only last so long in the hands of babes.
  8. Little Blue Truck Christmas – The little Blue Truck books are so cute, I can’t wait to read this one to Cannon.
  9. Paw Patrol Fire Truck – What kid doesn’t love Paw Patrol
  10. Little Tykes Bounce House – We have enjoyed the Jr version of this bounce house for the past couple of years but with Cannon and his friends getting bigger we are ready to upgrade.
  11. Train Set – Cannon is obsessed with trains.

What are you excited to get your little ones?

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