Chasing My Joy

My journey to becoming an Ultra Runner and Ironman

Archives for November 2013

Gift Ideas for Cyclists

In honor of Black Friday I thought I would post my second Wish List for Athletes, you can find the first here. I didn’t venture out shopping myself today, too scary. I took down all my fall decorations, put out Christmas and put up a tree. The house smells amazing and now I can spend the weekend swim bike running with my chores being done.

Onto my list of fun items for cyclists:
Gift Ideas for Cyclists

1. Speed Fill makes drinking a breeze and keeps that expensive bike aero

2. A fun little bike ornament for your cycling enthusiast office mate

3. Zoot Knickers for those cold weather cycling adventures, so comfortable and keep your legs and bum nice and toasty

4. Bonk Breakers are a great snack while riding

5, This Cervelo P5 is for the athlete on your list who has been very good this year



Trail Runs in Colorado

Happy Thanksgiving (to my US readers) I am excited to spend the day giving thanks, doing a Turkey Trot with my entire family, watching movies and easting lots of great food. It will be a day of relaxing and finding peace. Luckily my contribution of pies will be baked this evening so I can mostly relax tomorrow.
I havenโ€™t made tome to share much lately to I thought I would bomb you with some trail porn. Given my upcoming trail ultra marathon I have been spending my weekends climbing and descending. So here are some great local trails if live or ever visit Colorado.
Golden Gate Park: Lots of great trails that can keep you running for 30+ miles.

Centennial Cone: There is a 12 mile loop with approximately 3 mile spur to a lower parking lot, add that on as an out and back and you have a great 18 mile run.
Lory State Park: miles and miles of trails can be strung together here, we planned out a 20 mile course but you could run shorter or longer easily. This trail has been my favorite so far in Colorado. Tons of climbing but the trail is interesting and the views are incredible. This one was furthest from home but I will definitely be back!
So that’s what my weekends have looked like, what have you been up to? Any big plans for the holiday weekend?

Athlete Wish List – Swim!

Hard to believe that it’s almost Thanksgiving and given this years’ late date it means even less time to shop for holiday gifts. I thought I would share some holiday wish lists for the athletes in your life, or to possibly add to your own list. I’m starting with swim goodies but will move onto biking, running and other fun items. 
Swim Wish List

1. A Swim Buoy to work on arm strength and rest your tired legs
2. Splish has fun suits to keep you smiling when swimming lap after lap while it’s cold and dark outside
3. Zoot Prophet is my fantasy swim gift if you are looking to spend big bucks
4. Keep things interesting with this waterproof mp3 player
5. Many people swear by chlorine removing hair products but I find they dry out my hair and skin even more, I really like this product from Philosophy. It comes in fun scents and is a shampoo and body wash in one so it saves space in my swim bag.  
What’s on your wish list? 

In November

Happy November everyone! After my month of debauchery and unplanned fun it’s time to get back at it and it seems important to set some month goals to help me stay focused. November Goals.jpg

1. Follow training plan and train at least 65 hours this month.

With big races coming up it’s time to refocus.

2. Hit the trails at least once a week twice would be better.

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With my first ultra marathon coming up in three months with 8,400 ft of climbing (more than Ironman Lake Tahoe bike course)

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3. Clean eating 6 days a week (must have cheat day)

4. Take time to be thankful for the big and little things

What will your November goals look like?