Well folks, I survived my first week at altitude. There was a little bit of everything too…good running, bad running, swimming, spinning. In retrospect, it’s all kind of blurring together, and I’m actually a little surprised I was able to get it in. Not a humble-brag, but in hindsight I was super thrown off all week (an hour time change + daylight savings + moving + so many life changes), and it’s really no wonder I felt so tired and not myself all week. Not to mention the fact that we were up super late every night due to various unpacking and social reasons. I credit the fact that Boston is starting to nip at my heels pretty rapidly for my continued training, however not pretty it may have been.

Here’s a look:

Monday: Rest

I really wanted to do something on Monday after several days of moving madness and general blerchness, but I had zero energy whatsoever.

Tuesday: 2 mile swim

First trip to our new gym! It’s infinitely better than our old gym, although the pool is only three lanes. Also, as far as I can tell so far, people are way fitter here than they are in Seattle, and it’s both inspiring and intimidating. Case in point: I arrived at the gym at 5:15 am for my swim, and not only was it packed – people had obviously been there for a while.

Wednesday: 7.7 miles

This run. My energy and lungs and legs all felt so much better than they did on Sunday’s first at-altitude run, however I’m pretty sure it’s because I was so distracted by how terribly cold it was. It was 18 degrees, with a 13 degree real-feel, and I thought I had dressed appropriately. So, so wrong. I was frigid the entire time, and cursing myself for forgetting just what those temperatures can feel like. Such a rookie mistake. I tend to silently mock people for overdressing, however my under-dressing this time around bit me right in the frozen butt. So much respect for those of you who have been battling colder temperatures than this all winter.

Thursday: 6 miles

I had such good intentions of going to a BodyPump class and sandwiching it with some miles. However, my aforementioned fatigue took over, and my bed won the morning battle. Instead, I went for a 6 mile run at lunchtime in the sun. Did I mention the sun here? It’s…wondrous.

Friday: spin + stair-stepper + core

I’m always intimidated to go to a new spin class. There’s always the (strong) possibility that it will be harder than expected, and I don’t like not knowing one way or the other. It makes it hard to mentally prepare. Nevertheless, while the class was indeed tough, it was do-able and a really good class in fact. Despite my general lethargy, I did enjoy it and the instructor was good too. High fives 24-Hour Fitness.

Saturday: 4 miles + 5k race

Surprise, I ran a 5k this weekend. It was just a fun run with my family, which is really the only reason I agreed to do it. I’m too out of shape to race anything right now, and as we all know…I have a hard time not gutting it out if the opportunity is there. However, running a St. Patty’s 5k alongside family members sounded perfectly fun, so that’s what we did. The best part of the day (and actually of the week) was when I was instructed to “take off” during the last quarter mile or so of the 5k and finished with a 6:20 pace. It may have been short lived, but it lit me on fire for the rest of the day. After Boston, it’s time to rekindle that dormant speed.

Sunday: 16 miles

That’s a lie. I thought my long run was 16 miles (I had mapped it out so accurately!) but after re-mapping this morning (OCD much?) I discovered it was actually 15.86 miles. It’s a cutback week so it doesn’t really matter, but it irks my round-number-loving brain. And completely unsurprisingly, this was probably the worst I’ve felt on a long run this training cycle. Sure, altitude and fatigue were a factor, but I also need to stop being such a huge a-hole about nutrition and hydration. There is no excuse to not be hydrated, and not only did I go into the run completely dehydrated – I spent the majority of last week skimping on my water consumption. So lame, so needs to change the week. Also, no more Thai food the night before long runs. I’ve learned this before, and apparently forgot that lesson. Fool me twice, shame on me. I felt decent up until mile 10 or so, but then I just kind of imploded with fatigue and dehydration. Scarily, mile 15 felt like mile 23 of a marathon, which is not encouraging. Oh well. Live and learn (and let’s hope acclimation speeds up).

I spent the rest of Sunday on my feet (at Ikea nonetheless) and completing a variety of moving/unpacking tasks. By the time I hit the pillow at 11:30 last night, I was toasted. However, I think the extra time of my feet helped my legs recover from that dreadful long run, as they’re feeling just fine this morning.

Total= 36.6 miles

For a cutback week, I’d call this pretty successful. As stated at the beginning, I’m really starting to feel the pressure of Boston, which is coming up frighteningly fast. I’m a little in-my-head right now regarding preparedness and (admittedly) speed.

All along I’ve declared this training session to be about just getting to the start line and enjoying the race, which is still true. However, I really can’t help but get frustrated about how slowly my speed is returning (or not returning). It’s actually less about the race than it is about running in general. My average pace right now is slower than the pace I did for easy recovery runs 6 months ago, and I’m having a really hard time pushing beyond it. I know these things take time, however it has never taken me this long to regain fitness post-injury. I need to let it go a little, but it’s hard to not play the comparison game.

Nevertheless, this will almost definitely be my slowest marathon, and I need to be okay with that. As much as I like the progression of each marathon I’ve run being faster than the one before, I have to accept that this race isn’t going to be about the clock. And that’s okay. This mental preparation is all a part of the training.

And for the record…I am not sandbagging in any way whatsoever. I might do a little better than expected, but I’m truly preparing for a much slower marathon than I’ve run before.

Ultimately though, I’m just happy to be running. Every day I get to run I’m thankful for a working body, and while it might not be apparent amid my altitude and long-run whining, I am grateful for every day I get to run.

This week is 1 of 2 peak weeks, and I’m hoping for more of a positive attitude. Also, I should probably consider lifting a weight.

Have a great week everyone!

Life is super all-up-in-my-face right now. In a good way! But there have been so many changes in such a short period of time (as in, a few days), that I’m feeling a little off kilter. Kind of like I jumped into someone else’s life.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s all exciting, but it’s just a lot. Not to mention there’s this little race in 37 days that I’m not feeling very ready for, in any regard.

Nevertheless, I’m trying to keep training up and running (pun intended), despite the fact that I’d rather be sleeping and watching House of Cards in bed 99% of the time. Screw daylight savings time, too. Has it been worse this year?

Unrelated picture of BF and I in our Uhaul. The cat is in his cage under that pillow. He hated every minute. Also, Broncos.

Here’s how last week looked, which was my last week in Seattle. “Last” was the theme of the week…as you’ll be able to tell.

Monday: 8 miles + some core

This was my last day in the office at work, so a run was necessary. It was a pretty good one, and with no stops needed along the way, I was a happy camper.

Tuesday: ~80 minute swim

Last swim in my gym’s dirty, dirty pool. Not exactly sad to say goodbye.

Wednesday: 6 miles + Total Body Conditioning class

Considering the torrential downpour we were getting, I did my run on the treadmill, and (big surprise) it sucked. Not as bad as it did a few weeks ago, but I’m realizing more and more that my treadmill tolerance is really waning. The class was HARD also. Like, oddly harder than perhaps it’s ever been. This was my last time going though, and I tried to appreciate it through all my burpie-hating and dead lift cursing. Seriously though, I have loved this class and it’s going to be hard to find a replacement.

Thursday: Spin class + stair stepper

Nothing special to report here. Trying to get in additional cardio other than running, which is much less fun.

Friday: 20 miles

First 20-miler of this training session and I felt great. Oh, and this was also the best run of my entire life 🙂

This was my view for the entire road trip. It did not suck. And please do not make fun of my special pinky.

Saturday: Rest

My legs were jacked after that long run followed by sitting in the car all day. One of my calves felt like a brick, and it took a lot of stretching to get that bad boy back into working condition. My diet of girl scout cookies, gas station coffee, and Bugles probably didn’t do much to aid recovery. #fitfluential

The only time I thought to stretch my legs out the entire trip. Wyoming is boring. And windy.

Sunday: 6 miles

First run in Denver! Also the sloggiest run I’ve had in a while. Not like I’m surprised. Altitude + sore legs + sitting in a car for two straight days= struggle. And I struggled. But it was nice to see the new neighborhood.

Total= 40 miles

I’m happy about that number. I’d rather be effortlessly logging closer to 50-55 (duh), but this is suitable for now. This week has been a cutback week, and the next two weeks will be focused on logging quality miles before tapering. And…WTF? How are we already talking about tapering? So scared.

I’ve almost always done a three week taper, but I’m considering cutting it to two given my lack of training. What do you think? Part of me thinks I shouldn’t mess with a good thing, but another part of me knows that I’ve always in better marathon shape than I will be this time around. Thoughts?

Also, thanks to everyone for your wonderful comments and responses to my special announcement on Wednesday 🙂 It’s been one crazy week, but I’m still tickled whenever I remember that there’s a WEDDING in our future.

Denver residents!

Not many people know this, but Adam (BF) and I have known each other since we were 14 years old and freshman in high school. Over the next 4 years, a special bond was formed; a bond that was built on trust, laughter, support, and a genuine understanding of the other person. We were the very best of friends and saw each other through all the highs and lows that come with a high school experience. I can so clearly remember, on the eve of my first real heartbreak,  how Adam showed up immediately at my doorstep to comfort me.

While the relationship stayed strictly platonic during those years (yes, really), things took a turn later on and we found ourselves changing the relationship status from best friends to boyfriend and girlfriend. It was a fast, infatuated, passionate relationship that followed us through through junior year of college. When I went to study abroad in the spring of that year, we decided to take a break and let each other be free for a while. Hard as it was, it was the easily the best decision we could have made for our relationship. 

Things were rekindled  just before graduating college, and we knew that it was a real-deal commitment. This was in 2010, and over these past 4 years, I’ve fallen more in love with my best friend than I ever could have imagined. It sounds so cliche, but it’s the truth. Our relationship has grown into something that I treasure so dearly, and building a life with him has been one of my greatest joys.

Seattle was and will always be the place that fostered this beautiful life together, and as most of you know by now…we recently decided to transition that life to Denver, CO.

After all our packing was done and all the goodbyes had been said, I only had one final thing to do in the Pacific Northwest: a cathartic, send-off run on the water.

The timing was actually quite perfect. We were set to leave last Friday morning, and since I’m currently training for the Boston Marathon, Adam suggested I do my prescribed 20 mile run before we left. It would get the run out of the way of our travels but also give me a way to say goodbye to Seattle in my truest form. Even better, Adam – a runner himself – wanted to join me for the last 5 miles.

I have a strange fondness for the 20-milers of marathon training. My first 20 mile run before my first marathon was one of my proudest running moments at the time, and ever since these beastly training runs hold a special place in my crazy-runner heart. So, it should come as no surprise that doing this run the morning we were leaving was really symbolic to me.

As expected, the run went by pretty quickly, as I was soaking in all the final memories of the running route I’ve taken so many times. Mental snapshots of the Sound and the city distracted me from the fatigue of such a long run, and I tried my best to appreciate every minute. I was looking forward the whole time, as well, to meeting up with Adam and sharing those final miles together.

Right on schedule, there he was around mile 15 waiting on Alki Beach. I was giddy with endorphins and excited to finish up and start our journey across the country. We started running, and after a few minutes he pulled over on the sand and said he wanted to take a picture of the water. Of course, right? Our last run should be documented! At least, those were my thoughts. I’m guessing you’re catching on faster than I did at that point though…

As we stood there, him not really moving and me a little confused, he turned to me and within saying just a few words…I knew exactly what was happening.

I’m keeping the actual speech private, but in the most serendipitous and appropriate moment, my best friend in the world and the ultimate love of my life asked me to marry him.

Between the tears and excitement and the sheer joy, I couldn’t believe just how right it felt. The timing, the setting, the running; all of it so very representative of our relationship and the transitional time of our lives. It was beautifully poetic, simple, and perfect.

I cannot wait to be married to Adam, and I couldn’t have asked for a better proposal and start to our new lives together in a new city. And let’s just say that the 24 hour road trip was made infinitely easier with such fun news to share with all our family and friends.

This new chapter feels so fresh and exciting, and while it is a little scary, I have the absolute best partner to share it with.

He did get that picture after all 🙂

So a big life change is coming up in TWO weeks. In fact, in two weeks we will (pending any casualties) be well on our way into the road trip from Seattle to Denver. I will hopefully have a bag of gas station candy in my lap and control over the iPod (that’s cool for the whole trip, right BF? Taylor Swift and the Frozen soundtrack for everyone!).

Part of me is freaking out, part of me is in denial, and part of me is so super excited. I have a feeling most of the intense emotions won’t really hit me until right before and right after the move, but until then all I can really do is (try to) prepare. Preparation for a move typically includes sending the post office your change of address, packing, and deep cleaning…but I haven’t really done any of those things.

My preparations have included much more people-seeing and enjoying the city while I can. Ultimately, that’s how I’d rather spend my final time here, and I know I would regret not seeing all my Seattle friends a lot more than I would not getting a jump start on packing. Right? That’s what I’m telling myself.

Regardless, I know that once the time comes, I will have gotten everything in order. But man, there is a LOT to figure out. Not only is there just the packing and cleaning and saying goodbye to people, but there’s also vet trips, oil changes, membership cancellations, and probably way more that I’m currently forgetting/blocking out of my head. It’s all a little overwhelming to try and process, but ultimately I know it will work out.

Since I announced the move, I realized I never gave much insight as to why we’re choosing to leave Seattle. So, I thought I’d give a little more background on what feels like – and what is – a relatively quick and huge life decision.

As you may or may not know, BF and I are both from Colorado originally. He was born and raised, and I spent about 13 years of my childhood there. Needless to say, it’s familiar territory. The idea for the move had been on our minds for a while, but the proactive attempts didn’t really start until the end of 2013. We were expecting a long search and “wait for the right moment” process, and wouldn’t you know it…bada boom, bada bing, BF got an offer he couldn’t refuse. Isn’t life sneaky sometimes?

So, why go back? Well, our families are both still there, which obviously was a huge incentive to return. While weekend trips and holidays are all well and good, nothing really beats having your parents an hour away. Unfortunately (for me) I’ll be leaving some family in Seattle too (sorry Scott!) but that’s all the more reason to come back and visit 🙂

Colorado is also, let’s face it, a great state to live in. It totally suits both BF and my preferred lifestyle, and Denver is generally a great place to be a young person. I continually hear from friends of mine that, essentially, everyone in Denver is around our age, and all of them are active, enthusiastic, and adventurous. Check, check, and check.

Seattle definitely has a lot of these types of people too, don’t get me wrong, but from what I’ve heard…I’m thinking I’m going to feel right at home pretty immediately in Denver. Also, did I mention the perhaps most important thing?

SUN.

300 days per year of sun. Gimme all of it!

And here’s some real talk: While we’ve been hypothesizing about this move for a while, it didn’t really feel like it could be a reality until, well, it was. Because honestly, I am very happy in Seattle. It’s been my home over the past 8 years, and neither of us were really anxious to leave.

Needless to say, when things first became official, I was a bit of a mess.

But, I began to realize that a move is kind of exactly what I need right now. While nothing is “wrong” necessarily, I’ve been feeling an itch over the past year or so that I haven’t been able to scratch. While I didn’t want to admit it, that itch was the desire to get a little uncomfortable; to jolt my system that had otherwise become very routine-oriented and settled. Again, there’s nothing wrong with this. But for better or for worse, I have an inherent need to step outside of my comfort zone (marathon runner…duh).

I first realized this when I studied abroad as a student; I was scared to death at first, completely out of my element, but ultimately I learned more about myself than I ever had before (and had the time of my life doing so).

I learned then that the best things in life all have an element of fear involved in them. And while our instinct is to resist them and hold onto our security blankets, it’s only by embracing the unknown that we’re able to grow.

So cheesy, I know.

But it really is the truth. And while I am still scared and apprehensive and feeling a little out of control, I am already starting to feel like that starry-eyed study-abroad girl again; lit up with the possibility for a great adventure to happen.

And it feels very, very good.

Of course, certain expectations won’t live up to my imagination (um, I’m looking at you feet of snow and ice), and I’ll certainly miss a lot about Seattle. But I’m a big believer in taking control of my own happiness, and I intend to try with all my might to make this move the best possible decision for BF and me.

Two more weeks, folks.

Beautiful Seattle, give me all of your rain-soaked, fish-throwing, coffee breathing wonderfulness. I’ll miss every last bit of you.

I have two other posts drafted that I intended on using between these weekly “training” posts. Alas, they aren’t quite ready yet, so here’s another training update coming yer way.

Last week was…fine. Nothing special, nothing terrible. This whole not wearing a watch thing has moved from freeing to frustrating.

While I’m certainly not interested in scrutinizing numbers for the time being, I’m the type of runner who is more motivated by speed versus time on my feet, mileage, etc. Achieving certain speeds in key workouts, typically, is what whets my training appetite; it keeps me coming back for more, and it makes the rest of the humdrum miles much more enjoyable/tolerable. Without much fitness, I’ve resolved that this will be a training session more about getting to the start line rather than how fast I can get to the finish line.

And that’s okay, because I have a very strong feeling the reward will be worth the compromise.

But, I’m realizing more and more that speed is perhaps my greatest motivator as a runner (which, I know, does not make me unusual in any way). Of course, I love running for running’s sake, don’t get me wrong. But when it comes to training and getting out the door in the dark when it’s raining, speed dreams keep me all pumped up. While some are inspired by imagining going longer distances, I am inspired by faster times.

What was my point again? Oh ya, it’s been tough to let go of my speed-centric tendencies. But, I’m sure it’s a good experience/experiment for me to go through, and it’s helping kindle the fire for when I can move my legs faster than a slog once again.

Enough though, here’s last week:

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 7 easy miles

I was running late at the end of this run, meaning I needed to turn over my legs a bit more during the last ~1/2 mile. It felt so good to run a little closer to my normal speed.

Wednesday: 6 treadmill miles + Total Body Conditioning class

I really hate the treadmill nowadays. Once upon a time when I was in better shape, I tolerated the ‘mill and actually enjoyed using it for some speed work. Recently though, it’s been hell. The combination of heat and boredom zaps all motivation from my body, which already didn’t have much motivation to begin with. Not to mention that I needed to take multiple bathroom stops during this run, so it didn’t even feel like a complete 6 miles.

And the class, which is ordinarily all kinds of greatness, sucked big time this day. I suppose I should have expected a certain lack-lusterness after the shit storm that was my run, but alas — I just whined internally most of the time. Whatever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger…blah, blah, blah.

Thursday: Spin + ~15 min core

Fun fact: I broke up with spinning last October-ish. I wasn’t enjoying it anymore, it required too much equipment (oh the horror…bike shoes AND a water bottle), and generally I just preferred to run or do nothing. But now that I’m in need of a little more cross-training, I decided to buck up and get back, literally, in the saddle. And it was…good! The class featured four, 8-minute segments of just-below threshold effort, which was just what I wanted; an endurance challenge, but not an all-out effort.

Friday: ~50 min elliptical + Total Body Conditioning class

Class was so much better on Friday. Hard, per usual, but a much more tolerable level. We did a lot of new-to-me moves, and everything we did felt effective and constructive.

Still hate the elliptical. But, this week, it was more pleasant than the treadmill.

Saturday: 16 miles

Someone decided it would be an effective training idea to make the last 1.5 miles of this run up the steepest hill in the neighborhood. What a jerk. But, overall I was happy with this run. Legs worked, energy was fine, and generally I loved feeling the “marathon training” aura of this run. I finally used my Garmin too for the first time since I got hurt in November, and it wasn’t too terrible. Even some miles back in the 8s. Slowly but surely.

Sunday: 6 recovery miles

I managed to run this during the single hour of sunlight Seattle had this weekend, and it was lovely. While nothing was too special about this run, I became a little overcome with the feeling that I was training for Boston. While this might sound a little obvious, I suppose I hadn’t really internalized it too much until recently. Pretty cool.

Total= 35 miles

All in all, good things. Mentally and physically, I’m trying to master the yin and yang of the give and takes of training. Run some, rest some, repeat. It seems simple, but it’s definitely a trial and error process. I’m just happy to be able to participate in all of it.

This guy was stuffed in a delivery box waiting for me on V-Day. The best. I’m thinking Theodore for his name.

Hopefully I’ll be dropping in sooner than next week. I hope everyone had a wonderful (and hopefully long) weekend!

I can’t lie…it feels really, really good to be able to post a training update post!

While I was a little late to start official Boston Marathon training (relative to others), I’m feeling confident in my decision to make the delay and build back some strength and endurance over the month of January.

Running wise, there’s still some improvement to be made in terms of getting back to regular consistency and speed, but I’m otherwise starting to feel in a groove again. My leg has been steadily feeling better every run (almost no IT band aches at all!), I’ve been loving my new trainer shoes, and I’ve recently started even zoning out a little on my runs, which is always my indicator that I’m in an actual rhythm.

The whole needing a bathroom (or three…) along my running routes thing is another issue, but it’s just the way it is right now. I’m not in pain at all stomach-wise anymore, but as we all know, running doesn’t exactly have a backing-up effect. Oh well, things could be much worse.

This first week of training was a little messed up because I had to do my long run for the previous week last Monday due to travel. I prefer to do a Monday-Sunday weekly cycle, so while I’ll list Monday on this week’s breakdown, technically it was included in last week. I’m also not counting it in the mileage total for this week, FYI. Back to normal for week 2. 🙂

Monday: 12.2 (!) mile long run

I was really happy about this run. It was hard, slow, and filled with stops, but my leg felt the most normal it’s felt since I got hurt last November. So encouraging, and this mileage was by far the longest I’d run in a long time.

Tuesday: Rest

Beautiful, glorious rest. I’m trying to be very strategic about my long runs being sandwiched by easy days/rest days. More than likely, all my rest days will follow the weekend or the long run day in the coming weeks.

Wednesday: 7 miles + Total Body Conditioning class

Ran 2.5 to my gym, 2 on the treadmill, took the class, then ran back home. This is the class I’ve taken for over a year and a half and although it was tough to get back into after my lapse in exercise, my strength finally seems to have come back. I was able to lift the same weights I was doing pre-flare up, which was a confidence booster. The running on both ends of the class was very pleasant too. All around a good day.

Thursday: 1 hour swim

Again, coupling the harder days with recovery/low-impact days. I really love swimming for its restorative power, but it’s also a great workout. Pairing swimming with running for me has always been a good combination, and I want to keep integrating it throughout training.

Friday: ~50 minutes elliptical + Total Body Conditioning class

Woof, elliptical. But, I was planning on two days of running in a row for the weekend so I wanted to front load the cross-training. Plus, I had an Outdoor Magazine to read that featured tons of Sochi athletes, which made the time go by quickly. The class was great, and my arms were quivering through half of it. Sorry triceps, time to learn how to work again.

Saturday: 14.2 mile long run

Hallelujah! I was nervous for this run. It would be the furthest I’ve run since the end of September and there were all kinds of unknowns. Luckily, it went great. Lots of runners out too, and everyone was smiling – which is contagious and inevitably gets me to wave and greet everyone I see. The last three miles were tough, and I had to gut it out in the end, but overall I felt good and like a real runner again. My legs were barking afterwards, but in that satisfying long-run fatigue way, which I happily welcomed back into my life.

S: 6 recovery miles + yoga

I ran in the snow/slush after having to bail on a friend-filled Greenlake run. Boo. But, everything felt fine on this run, although running in the snow was harder than I remembered. I was happy to log 20 miles for the weekend, though. And it may have been like pulling teeth, but I managed to get myself to a 75 minute yoga class (which, by the way, is way too long for this yoga-resistant girl). I was doing everything I could to convince myself I didn’t need to go, but ultimately I had to admit that I’m not in the business of being rash with my recovery. Yoga is only going to keep me safe and could prevent any injury relapses. Per usual, I was glad I went.

Total: 27.4 miles  (+12 on Monday)

Currently, I’ve been around 30 miles a week which has felt super comfortable. I’ll probably be aiming for ~35 next week, pending everything feeling good.

I haven’t worn my Garmin since the day I got hurt in November, and I only wear my stop watch when I want to do an out-and-back run based on time. Essentially, speed is the least of my concerns right now, and that’s totally fine with me (notice the complete lack of pace or time above). This training cycle is about getting to Boston healthy and happy and enjoying the race for what it is. I’ll admit, the beckoning call of a marathon goal-time is ringing in my ear, but I’ll be saving that for the fall.

Overall, I’m glad I’ve logged an official week of training, and I feel like I’ve got a great grasp on what’s working in terms of getting my base back while still staying safe and healthy.

This upcoming week will include more of the same, and hopefully a 16 mile long run at the end of it.

The road to Boston has begun! I know it’s not going to be the easiest ride, but more than anything…I’m really just so happy to be able to say that I’m training for a marathon again.

Guys, I’ve decided I need to take things to the next level.

Since I’m currently on the mend from both a Crohn’s flare up and an IT band injury, I figured now was the time to really shock my system and gain a training edge.

So while Seattle provides me with endless hills, beautiful scenery, and a wonderful group of running friends, there’s one key thing it’s missing…

altitude

As we all know, training at high elevations is the quickest way to get in your best shape, so I’ve decided to forego my life here for the sake of increasing my strength, endurance, and speed in the thin air of the Rockies.

Peace out Seattle, hello elite runner status.

At the beginning of March, BF and I will be packing up and moving to Denver. It’s a big change, a bittersweet move, but I absolutely cannot wait.

And just to be clear, I am completely joking and not one bit of it has to do with gaining a running edge 🙂

In fact, I’m dreading the whole “altitude acclimation” thing. Lucky me, my first weekend in town will be my first 20 mile run of Boston training.

(…crying a little inside)

The real truth is that we’re moving because —don’t know if you’ve heard yet—but there was a huge jinx that occurred on Superbowl Sunday. You see, since BF and I weren’t in Denver at the time of the game, a curse was put on Peyton and my beloved Broncos which caused them to play the complete opposite of their capabilities.

We need to set the universe back in order, and really…I’d do anything for Peyton.

Okay still kidding (and no…I still can’t talk about the game).

And while I can guarantee that my depression far exceeds the excitement of some Seahawk fans (cough 12th manwagoners cough), I am truly very happy for this city and the team.

Honest.

But Peyton still needs me guys. And truly, despite my sadness (which there’s a lot of) for leaving the water, the city, and the people…I’m getting more and more excited for this big adventure to come. It was time to step outside of our comfort zones, and I’m pretty psyched to get a little uncomfortable.

This next month will be about spending as much time as possible with the people who make this such a great place, as well as enjoying all my favorite restaurants, running routes, cafes, and special spots while I can. Seattle has been home for nearly 8 years, and I’m so thankful for all that it’s given me.

But times, man, they are a changin’. I can’t wait to be back in the sunshine…and to explore a whole new realm of opportunities.

And let’s get real…the altitude may help the whole running thing a little 🙂

Now…who wants to be my friend in Denver??