Chasing My Joy

My journey to becoming an Ultra Runner and Ironman

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February 8, 2020

Stories From My iPhone – February 2020

Here are some stories from my phone:

This is what “rest time” looks like lately.

We are planning a mini remodel for a kitchen, it’s actually really hard for me to start to pick these things. I can’t really picture what this will look like in our house.

We are planning on completely redoing our island, new counters and painting the cabinets.

The best way to get Emmy to smile for pictures is to have her sit with Cannon. We were trying to get her monthly picture and it is always best if Cannon is there too.

We had high hopes for this Gyro Kit from Costco but it wasn’t great. It wasn’t awful but I don’t think we will get it again.

Cannon’s school has themed weeks a few times a year and it was plaid day this week, we missed spirit day and teacher swap day due to snow.

The kids are loving this new play kitchen we got for them from Ikea. I would love to update it, there are some really cute ideas on Pinterest.

[Source]

We will see when there is time for that……

_________________________________

What’s new with you?

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: Project 366

February 7, 2020

Friday Favorites – the M Word

Happy Friday everyone! It completely feels like Saturday today, Cannon had his school cancelled because of snow and Cory has the day off.

another snowy day

Cannon came with us to Emmy’s gymnastics since he didn’t have school.

Emmy has been loving gymnastics, I think we need to sign her up for another session.

Here are some favorites from the week:

Very interesting article from Katie Arnold in Trail Runner Magazine. Katie writes about motherhood and identity and it really made me think about my identities. Her book Running Home is really good too, you should read it.

The “M” Word

This podcast;

Matt’s conversation with Neely was so so good. I am excited to keep listening for all the Olympic qualifiers.

Emmy’s new overalls from Old Navy They are made from sweatshirt material so they are cozy and warm.

And these Cran-Pistachio cookies from Betty Crocker are SO easy and SO good.

_________________________

What are some of your favorites from this week?

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: Friday Favorites, Project 366

February 6, 2020

Running in Circles + Dreaming of Spring

This morning I broke my run up with two miles on the treadmill

and two miles outside with the kids before Cannon’s school drop off.

It was a little warmer this morning at 28 degrees so we enjoyed it as much as we could.

Do you do this as well with milage? I don’t think I would run to 6 miles after 5.12 but I have definitely ran past my house instead of stoping at 5.9 miles.

Emmy and I spent the morning visiting the homeland (Target) to pick up valentine’s for Cannon and Emmy. I am so excited that Emmy gets to exchange valentines this year. Last year she was only 10 months so we didn’t bother for her. This year she picked out Mini Mouse cards to give her friends.

After Target we spent sometime at a playgroup with friends. It’s so funny that last year Cannon was hanging out with his friends and Emmy was just along for the ride. Now Emmy is the one who goes to play dates while Cannon is at school. Everyone always tells you how fast things go with kids but I just never feel prepared.

After school pickup I made lunch for the kids and threw together a salad for myself. I put strawberries on it and pretended that spring is coming.

______________________

Do you enjoy winter or are you ready for spring?

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: Project 366, Run

February 5, 2020

Winter is Here + Cookies

The past few days we have been hunkered down with our first big snow of the year. All miles have been short and on the treadmill.

Cannon actually had school on Monday but Emmy and I drove him due to the ice and blowing snow.

Emmy and I hanging out in the car waiting for Cannon to finish school.

We got about 8 inches of snow and it looks like winter finally decided to show up.

In the afternoon we made dinner for a friend who just had a baby (cutest little tiny boy) and Cannon helped me make some cookies to send them as well.

Cannon was happy to help taste test the cookies to be sure they were good.

Emmy napped through our baking time but also approved of the cookies.

It was a teaching night for me so I spent the night talking about types of variables in statistics. I might be the only one who finds it fun but I love teaching probability and statistics.

________________________

Did you have a warm, easy January like we did? It looks like we might make up for it in February.

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: Project 366

February 4, 2020

Things to do Before You Start Training for a Big Event

Over the years of training for endurance events I have learned my lesson that it’s best to get your life in order before you start really training for a big event.

The first thing is to not try to combine big life events with big endurance events.

In 2014 I really wanted to do a double Ironman (finishing two Ironman races in one year). I had my races picked out and handed the money over for both. Ironman races are a pain because you often have to sign up nine months in advance just to get a spot. Then we decided to try to sell our house and move.

I tried to continue to train for both races as well as pack up, fix up our house and move a total of four times before we settled in our permanent house. The process took six months, lots of time, money and energy. I should have probably decided to pull out of the Ironmans or not moved until they were done. I would have saved myself a lot of stress and disappointment.

Next it’s good to make sure your support system is in place. It doesn’t matter if you are training for a half marathon or an ironman you will need your family on your side. Make sure you discuss how much time you will need to train, how your schedule might change (i.e. alarms going off at 4am) and what support you can use.

Cory took the kids to the park while I was running
Grandparents = lots of support

Try to find balance where you can. Cory and I trade off years of big events. Last year Cory did a half ironman and this year is my turn to try for a 50 miler.

Ironman St. George

Organize as much as you can before training takes over. This is the point where I am at now. We are trying to wrap up some house projects and organize before training gets too heavy. The more clutter I can get rid of and systems I have in place the better chance I have to get through training without life falling apart.

Practice Good Habits. It’s best to start following good habits early so they can follow you into your peak weeks. Now is the time to recover well, even after short workouts. Good nutrition, stretching, warm-ups, recovery boots and lots of sleep.

This may be an example of I give very good advice but I seldom follow it….I need to get on this one.

_______________________________

What do you make sure to do before starting to train for a big event?

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: Project 366

February 3, 2020

Weekly Rundown – 50 Mile Training Week One

This week officially starts my training for the Mt. Hood 5o Miler. I am still not feeling great and my base is not where I want it to be, but my plan calls for 24 weeks of training and that is where I am at.

For now I am focusing on time on feet not miles so I don’t get caught up in tying to do too much too fast or comparing to past years.

This is how the week went down:

———–

Monday:  An hour easy jog before dragging my sorry butt to the doctor to try to get better already.

Tuesday: About 45 minutes easy with the kiddos in the stroller.

Wednesday: About 40 minutes on the treadmill, with a little speed work. I have been enjoying the treadmill way more than normal lately.

Thursday: About 90 minutes on the treadmill with some progression miles.

Friday:  Just 20 minutes to get moving, Cannon had a hard night and didn’t go to school. Have you ever woken up to the sound of a child throwing up in your bed? I do now…..

Saturday: I got up with the family and enjoyed breakfast together before 30 minutes on treadmill. These early base training days are so nice when half the weekend isn’t spent running.

Sunday: So glad to be back to Sunday long run days! It’s not really that long but 90 minutes total makes me feel like there is progress and maybe a chance for July.

Kids playing at the park while I ran

______________________________________

Totals: Just about six hours for the week plus a couple core and strength sessions that I didn’t record. It’s a start.

The goal for this coming week is to follow the plan as written and drink 100 oz of water a day.

What are you up to this week?

Posted by bethcurtis Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: Project 366, Run, Ultra, Weekly Rundown

February 2, 2020

Sunshine + Football

Today felt like spring and it was so good. Short sleeves, windows open, kids playing outside….it was just a bit cruel that tomorrow there will be snow.

I was so so so excited to run outside, it’s been forever. It was so nice and I really felt like my lungs were recovered.

I got less than a mile from my house when I couldn’t get a full breath or stop wheezing. I was pretty upset about it because I really though I was better and now it feels like I may never be (so dramatic).

When I got home I got on the treadmill, I made sure to keep the pace nice and easy. I was able to complete my “long run” which improved my mood a lot. I am still left wondering when I will be able to run outside and feel normal.

Post run coffee making everything better.

While I was running Cory took the kids for a run and to the park, they enjoyed being outside in February.

The afternoon was spent cleaning up, I always feel like I am cleaning and my house is never actually clean.

Then we had a friend’s birthday party, the kids had the best time playing and eating cake, they are now going to expect multiple parties and cake every weekend.

Then we spent some time at my parents house having the best food (my dad makes the best shrimp dip) and watching the Super Bowl.

We only made it to half time because of bed times for the kids but that’s life with littles!

____________________________________

Did you watch the Super Bowl?

Were you sick the entire year when your kids started pre-school?

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: Project 366, Run

February 1, 2020

Winter Weather + Play Time

It was a good, fun, family day. I decided not to get up early to run so we could all spend the morning together.

After breakfast I ran for 30 minutes on the treadmill before it was time to get the day going. I am planning on doing my long run tomorrow outside and I am really excited about it. I haven’t ran outside in so long, I hope I remember how.

It is supposed to be 70 (70!!!!) degrees tomorrow, and then Monday we will get 6+ inches with a high of 29 degrees. Colorado weather is always crazy.

We have a couple birthday parties this weekend so we hit up our favorite toy store. Grand Rabbit is really the best, and they gift wrap!

After picking out the gifts we ran over to Costco for the week. I like to try to get our shopping done during the week so family time can be spent doing other things but this week was pretty crazy with everyone being so sick, it didn’t get done.

I did find this super cute active set for Cannon. Two tech shirts and some shorts perfect for soccer practice. We just signed Cannon up for his first season of soccer this spring and I can not wait to go cheer for him and see him running around on the field. Soccer was such a big part of my childhood and I think Cannon will love it too.

Emmy fell in love with this mini jacket, it’s a little big for her now but we are planning a trip to Disney in November so this will be perfect!

When we got home it was lunch time, I had a Costco salad that was amazing. I am 100% more likely to eat a salad if it’s already out together for me.

Rest time for Cannon means cuddle time for me. Usually I like to have a coffee after lunch but I was out of creamer so I grabbed a Verb bar and that did the trick.

After naps we went to pick up my new phone, Cannon was over it.

Then it was party time! One of my good friends’ little girl turned three so we went to go play and celebrate with them.

Both Emmy and Cannon love Hannah and had the best time playing with their friends.

__________________________

Do you have crazy weather where you live?

What are you doing for the Super Bowl?

Posted by bethcurtis Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: Project 366, Run

January 12, 2020

And the Winner Is……

ME!!!!!

I got into Mt Hood 50 Mile race, I am so excited and equally scared. Please send me good vibes that training goes well.

It was really an amazing day, it started with a much needed massage. Set a very good tone for the day.

Then Cannon and I got to go to a friends lego themed party.

We had a great time and Cannon ate his weight in chocolate cake.

The rest of the day was spent hanging out as a family, it was pretty dang great.

___________________________________

How was your day?

Posted by bethcurtis Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: Mt Hood 50, Project 366, Ultra Training

January 11, 2020

Time vs. Distance + Wish Me Luck

Todays “run” consisted of both kids in the stroller, out feeling way colder than I expected. I am keeping things short and easy while my lungs heal (like my doctor suggested). I have decided to track time instead of milage for the first few weeks. I don’t want to get caught up trying to run too much, or comparing now to years past. Time on your feet counts!

Hopefully next week I will be back on schedule.

ALL the drugs….the inhaler is helping a lot!

Especially since the lottery drawing for the Mt. Hood 50 is tomorrow

*yikes*

there was a 66% chance of being drawn the day before so the chances are likely even lower now. Fingers crossed!

Today we took Emmy back to gymnastics. She went last session between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I wasn’t sure about signing her up again because she didn’t always follow directions, but this time she loved it and I am so glad we stuck with it. She is so stinkin’ cute trying to hang on the bars and jumping around.

Throw back to Cannon when he took gymnastics at this same(ish) age.

Baby Cannon!

_________________________

Do you track your time, milage, neither?

Posted by bethcurtis Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: Project 366, Run, Ultra

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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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