Chasing My Joy

My journey to becoming an Ultra Runner and Ironman

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August 10, 2015

Visiting Whistler

While my race may have ended in disappointment, Whistler did not disappoint. Western Canada is so beautiful, we loved visiting BC! I may be a bit biased since I grew up in Portland, Oregon but I think the rain forest of that area is one of the most beautiful places in the world. BC was especially beautiful because it melded the temperate rain forest with the ocean and the mountains that I have grown to love living in Colorado for the last six years.  If you are thinking of racing an Ironman next year I highly suggest IM Canada, especially if you aren’t afraid of a few hills, altitude and unpredictable weather.

Whisper really is stunning! Also looking forward to getting home and plotting new adventures

Whistler really is stunning! Also looking forward to getting home and plotting new adventures

On the way to Whistler we flew into Seattle and drove up to Canada. In Seattle we stopped for lunch, since we live in a landlocked state it had to be Seafood! We headed to the waterfront and enjoyed lunch at The Crab Pot.

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It was great, we didn’t have time to hang around long but have been to Seattle many times. If you go make sure you visit Pike Place Fish Market, it’s a must see in Seattle. Also the space needle and a walk along the waterfront aren’t to be missed.

Hello Seattle! #IMCanada

Hello Seattle! #IMCanada

It was great, we didn’t have time to hang around long but have been to Seattle many times. If you go make sure you go to Pikes Place Fish Market, it’s a must go in Seattle. Also the space needle and a walk along the waterfront aren’t to be missed.

Then we were on our way across the boarder to Canada and up the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. I wish we had much more time to explore Vancouver, guess it will have to be on another trip.

Whistler Village is really cute and easy to navigate. Lot’s of beautiful views and restaurants everywhere.

Fun times around Whister today. 2 more sleeps before show time #IMCanada

Fun times around Whistler today.

We stayed at the Market Place lodge booked through Airb&b  It was a great choice for Ironman since it was right on Olympic Plaza where the Athlete Village was. There was also a grocery store, drug store and coffee shop steps from our condo. It was a bit noisy during the day with all the Ironman events as well as a playground directly below us but it quieted down early each night.

There were many places to eat around town, a couple of my favorites were:

Caramba! – Mediterranean food made with lots of local organic food.

La Cantina – REALLY good street tacos and salads

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La Bocca – Yummy simple Italian Food

Crepe Montagne – We didn’t eat here until the last day but it is an amazing little breakfast spot.

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Marketplace IGA – Ok this is just a grocery store, but it’s amazing and they have great sandwiches at the deli if you want to grab something to take with you on a hike.

Whistler is full of some amazing sights, and the best way to see them is on foot. We took a short hike to Wedgemount Falls, it’s a little challenging hiking up the side of a mountain but the views were worth it.

Image-1Or you can drive to Alexander Falls and see it from the parking lot. It’s worth the drive

Beautiful last day in Whistler but happy to be headed home to my pups #backtoreality

Beautiful last day in Whistler but happy to be headed home to my pups #backtoreality

By far my favorite thing that we did was to ride up to Whistler Mountain and ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola It was amazing to hike around and enjoy the views. Seriously the photos can’t do it justice.

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Posted by bethcurtis 2 Comments
Filed Under: Ironman Canada, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged: Ironman Canada, Travel

July 22, 2015

Ironman Canada Week!

It really hasn’t sunk in yet that it’s ironman week! T-minus 4 days until Ironman Canada. It’s been a long journey to get to the start line but I am ready to see what the day brings and deal with it the best I can. The last miles have been banked in Colorado before heading to Whistler.

One last swim in Boulder Rez before #IMCanada #triathlon

One last swim in Boulder Rez before #IMCanada #triathlon

So packing and weather stalking has started and thunder storms are predicted so my plan (similar to Lake Tahoe in 2013) is to bring everything and hope I have everything I need. Baggage fees might be interesting.

It’s my first time flying with my bike, any tips?

Thanks to a professional cyclist friend, these arrived today  now to figure out how to pack our bikes. Any tips?? #IMCanada #ironman #triathlon

Thanks to a professional cyclist friend, these arrived today now to figure out how to pack our bikes. Any tips?? #IMCanada #ironman #triathlon

See you all on the flip side in Canada, wheels up tomorrow morning!

Posted by bethcurtis 6 Comments
Filed Under: Ironman, Ironman Canada, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged: Ironman, Ironman Canada, Travel

July 14, 2015

TAPER! And the Rocky Road to Ironman Canada

I am grateful that taper is here, the Road to Canada has been a bit of a rocky one.

At the intersection of left hand and old stage. Not a bad place for hill repeats! #IMTraining #IMCanada

At the intersection of left hand and old stage. Not a bad place for hill repeats! #IMTraining #IMCanada

It’s not that things have been terrible, I really enjoyed my training when I could get it done. In the past I have had many more external issues with getting training done. My past job had a funky schedule a lot of time requiring that I work early and/or (usually and) late and many weekends. My current job is much more steady and flexible and I am very happy about that.

BUT the last couple of months of training for IM Canada has been marred by injury and setbacks.  Most of these were stupid little things, like pulling my glute muscle.

That feeling when your third and last workout of the day is done #bestdayever #lovewins #IMTraining  #IMCanada #WinstonThePug

That feeling when your third and last workout of the day is done #bestdayever #lovewins #IMTraining #IMCanada #WinstonThePug

Others were bigger, like crashing on my bike at mile 80 of a 100 mile ride. Bloody with a slightly broken bike I called for a ride home. I am still recovering from the crash two weeks later and just doing what I can.

My favorite "rest stop" so bike friendly! I  long summer rides #IMTraining

My favorite “rest stop” so bike friendly! I long summer rides #IMTraining – 20 miles before eating pavement

I feel slightly under cooked for Canada but I also feel determined. I know it will be challenging but so much of an Ironman is being mentally tough and dealing with the pain the day hands you. Surprisingly I feel fairly calm, as they say the hay is in the barn. There is nothing to do now but rest up, eat well and show up ready to do my best.

So I go into this race ready to grit my teeth, especially on that last 20 mile climb. I am excited to get to whistler and happy to get to race another Ironman.

Ever gone into a race slightly under-prepared? What helped you get though?

Posted by bethcurtis 6 Comments
Filed Under: Ironman, Ironman Canada Tagged: Ironman, Ironman Canada

April 27, 2015

Ironman Canada Training – 14 weeks to go

This last week was a little funky since it started in Boston but it ended feeling like my first “real” weekend of ironman training. Mostly because I finally got outside for my long ride. I am so looking forward to summer!

Monday: Boston Marathon day but I still got in 6 miles

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Meb!

Tuesday: Last day in Boston, does walking around being a tourist count?

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Wednesday: Back to relativity, work and 90 minuets of intervals on the trainer

 

Thursday: Swimming and a quick run with the pug

Friday: Strength training

Saturday: 4 hour bike ride with a 20 minute t-run – I was stoked since I got my workouts in before a storm rolled in

It was a cold rainy day but I got my 13 miles in. Didn't see another person the entire time good thing I had @enduranceplanet and @zentriathlon podcasts to keep me company  #IMTraining #IMCanada

Sunday: Said Storm did roll in, it was cold and rainy so motivation was low to get out and run. I got out told myself not to judge the first mile (should have told myself not to judge the first THREE miles) about 4 miles in I started to actually feel great and got my 13 miles in.

Recovery time! #IMTraining

Recovery time! 

~12 hours of training, not too bad with travel only 12 weeks until Ironman Canada!

Posted by bethcurtis 2 Comments
Filed Under: Ironman Canada, Ironman Training Tagged: Ironman Canada, Ironman Training

February 9, 2015

Ironman Canada Training – Weeks 1 & 2

Ironman Canada training has officially started with just six months until race day. Here we go!

Week One:

Monday: Easy run on Boulder’s Mesa Trail

photo 1

Tuesday: Trainer Ride Intervals + TRX Strength Session // Evening Run with the pug

Wednesday: Running Speed Work

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Thursday: Rest Day to get a bunch of errands done

Friday: Easy Run

Saturday: 12 mile long run along the Coal Creek Trail

Sunday: 6 mile run // hour easy spin

Week Two:

Monday: Yoga // Quick run with the pups

Tuesday: Hill Repeats Run // Easy Spin + TRX session

Wednesday: AM Swim // Quick Run and Strength Training

photo 3

Thursday: Power Pyramid on the Trainer // Stryd Launch Party *more on this later*

It's Mary Beth Ellis!!!

It’s Mary Beth Ellis!!!

 

Friday: Yoga

Saturday: 12 mile long run along the Coal Creek Trail

photo 5

Sunday: 8 mile run // 24 mile ride it crazy warm winter weather

Reflections: The first couple weeks have been all about getting back into triathlon training and creating new habits to fit my new career. I feel good about the progress I have made and expect things will get easier as I really find a groove. Things that could use improvement are running and swimming. While I got my runs in I need to be logging MORE MILES for that 50 miler I have in May. The worst one is swimming, once in two weeks will just not cut it. This is partially not yet having a pool I like ironed out but also it was just not making it a priority. I deffinitly can feel that I am back in training but it’s a good kind of sore.

Posted by bethcurtis 1 Comment
Filed Under: Ironman, Ironman Canada, Uncategorized Tagged: Ironman, Ironman Canada

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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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