Let it snow!

This morning couldn't have gotten much better. I took Pete and Bailey (Derick's dog) out to Shawnee Mission Park to the off-leash area for a gorgeous trail run in the snow. It was so serene and spiritual. I was totally able to lose myself in the moment.

At one point, I just stopped. Looked around. Surrounded by fallen leaves, branches, rocks smothered in mud. To my right I could see the lake, as still as I've ever seen it. To my left, the two dogs bounding over fallen tree limbs, panting and playing with huge smiles on their faces. When I looked up all I could see was the snow falling only to land on my eyelashes and melt as quickly as they hit. I felt like I was in a movie. And once I started to run again, I felt like I was in a magazine shoe ad, where all you run with is your thoughts and your dog. It was surreal.

Trail running just might be my new favorite thing. And from the look on Pete's face, its his too. And when he shook off all the snow and dirt before getting in the truck, the slobber wrapped around his nose three times to prove he really had a great time.

Gobbler Grind

Races are so fun. Chels and I - along with several other friends - volunteered at an aid station on the half and full marathon course Sunday.

Days like that remind me of one reason I love this sport!! This community is so supportive, positive and fun - from handing out bananas and gatorade to cheering on runners when its cold and painful. Other athletes are one reason I will continue endurance sports and one reason I will finish Ironman!

Derick had a rough day due to cramping. Preston seriously rolled his ankle. Tim looked like a big dork in his "pilgrim" costume. But we all got back together post-race to celebrate everyone's accomplishments and poke fun at Carly for turning 30! Great party at Steve and Judy's!!

Ouch.

Fit Pit hurts.

My lower back is so sore. And this morning I couldn't move my right arm backward so I couldn't swim.

Sheryl, you're killin' me!!

Sigh...

Well, masters kicked my butt this morning. And after not really eating dinner yesterday and only a smoothie this morning, I am dragging!!

Fuel please! Luckily its almost lunch time!

And Enduracamp tonight and Fit Pit tomorrow. Man, I'm gonna be ripped before long. At least, I better be!!!

Fit Pit pain

Well, I tried Fit Pit for the first time this evening. Man, Sheryl kicked my butt!!

10 pull ups, 1 deadlift. 9 pull ups, 2 deadlifts.... etc.
10 weight swings, 1 dip. 9 weight swings, 2 dips...etc.

Then back squats. I started with just the bar - 45 pounds. I got all the way up to 100 lbs!!! It was pretty sweet to have Sheryl commenting on my strength. I think once I get a little more flexibility, I'll be able to do those pretty well.

Now that I'm home, showered and full of pancakes, I can tell that I worked hard tonight! My back is exhausted and I know my butt and lats are going to be super sore in the morning.

We'll see how I last at the dog park tomorrow!!

To fit pit or not to fit pit?

So, I'm thinking about doing Fit Pit. And I'm a little nervous about it. I've heard its a total kick in the ass, but it sounds really fun and like I'd really get my butt in gear! Any thoughts from any of you who go?

I'm also looking for some good swimming drills. Please give me ideas!