This might sound mad but...

I want to run another marathon next year. Yes you heard me correctly another marathon. As much as I bitched about training for it...I actually miss it. For the last 2 months I've woken up everyday...not hurting. It's  weird. Yes I know it should be weird to wake up everyday hurting but I can't explain it. I've been hitting the gym but it's not the same. Call me a masochist I guess, but I love that feeling of every muscle in your body and every force in the universe telling you to quit at mile 16 of 18 and powering through. Running is more of a mental game than a physical one for me and I just can't get the same thing out of the gym. I sound like someone on crack. Hello my name is Marisa and I'm an addict.

My only hesitation is, as I'm sure you haven't forgotten, I'm getting married next year. I want to run the Minneapolis marathon which is June 2nd so in all reality it shouldn't be a problem. What I'm afraid of is injury. I can't afford to be injured. I won't have time for it. Also it is a very big time commitment and I don't want to half ass my training, but I also don't want half ass my wedding either. I need to make a decision and fast because I will need to start training beginning of February if I do decide to do it. 

My other option is to do 2 half marathons instead of a full. The Minneapolis Half in June and then the Twin Cities Half in October. Honestly I don't know what to do. I really really want to do the full in June but I'm thinking it might be selfish to devote so much time to training again and leave Drew to deal with the wedding for 5 months all on his own. 

Thoughts? Anyone else run a marathon before their wedding? 

Speaking of weddings....MY DRESS IS HERE!!!! I go pick it up next Thursday :)

Cheers!

Marisa

Marathon Recap

Well it came and went. I didn't die, and more importantly I finished. I've been talking about running a marathon for YEARS and now I finally have. To be honest it still hasn't sunk in. I kind of feel like I just went out for a long run on Sunday, NBD, nothing to see here. However, my body is a constant reminder that indeed it was no ordinary long run on Sunday but a marathon. Here's how it went down.

(Be advised this is LONG)

Saturday:

Got up rather lazily and putzed around the house for a while, then went into cleaning mode as Jeni was arriving that afternoon. Once she got here we hit up Mall of America for lunch and some shopping. I bought my first pair of sweat pants in about 5 years. This may have been a bad choice.

That night Drew made us all dinner and I angrily pounded on my laptop cursing Spotify, iTunes and all other MP3 technology for being so complicated that NO ONE (me) can understand it. Finally got the little shuffle programmed and charged, watched some tv, took my hippie magic sleeping pills (valerian root) and was asleep by 10pm.

Sunday:

Up on my own at 5:10am ready to rock and even ahead of my alarm. I slept like a rock for a solid 7 hours and I was sooooo grateful I did. First things first, grabbed my water bottle and a Clif Bar. I hopped in the shower which probably seems odd but it helped wake me up even more and get moving. Regretfully I did not have a checklist written out and as a result I forgot one major thing that morning: body glide. I will never ever ever go to sleep without writting out a morning checklist again.

Besides that little slip up, I was fueled, caffinated and bundled up ready to head to The Dome at 7am. Starting temperature: 28 degrees. So you might say it was a bit chilly. I refused to run in anything but my shorts though. It was all I had trained in and the idea of switching up my gear even the week of gave me panic attacks. I opted for a very light weight, moisture wicking long sleeve shirt though so you know that basically kept me toasty warm.

So! After handing off my sweats and saying my goodbyes I headed to my corral with my adrenaline pumping, which did actually keep me quite warm.

Now, I don't know about the rest of you but I get super emotional when I run races. If I don't cry at least once on the course something is wrong. I wasted no time then at the starting line as I was starting with the soldier in his fatigues, boots and all, full pack carrying the flag. I might be sniffling right now too.

Finally it was our corral's turn to go and we were off. I honestly felt great, maybe because the enormity of what I was embarking on hadn't quite hit me yet. Either way I made it out of the city with ease and continued on my merry way enjoying all of the clever signs people had. My favorite being around mile 10 or 11. It said "Don't stop. People are watching".

At mile 9.5 I had to go to the bathroom and sadly so did a lot of other people. I lost a lot of time there but my alternative was peeing my pants so I opted for the lost time. During this time the soldier had caught up to me so we conmenced with tears on the marathon course part 2. I managed to sqeak out a "good job, sir." as I passed then scurried off so no one could hear my sniffling....again.

HALF WAY POINT!!!

(me about to raise the roof at the halfway point)

Before I knew it I was at the half way point and was feeling fantastic. I couldn't believe it. Drew, Jeni and his parents were there to cheer me on and at that point I was like wow. I'm actually going to finish this thing. If you had asked me 2 weeks ago if I was going to finish the marathon, I would have said no. I felt in no way prepared for it. But here I was, half way done and not defeated!

Things got a little boring after that, but I was then on my own turf where I had run 5 million times over the summer and knew the course really well. Also at mile 16 there were bananas. They were glorious. Then at mile 18.5 a little girl was handing out homemade chocolate chip cookies. That little girl was my savior.

At mile 19.5 my little cheering crowd was there again and I couldn't believe I was about to hit the 20 mile mark. I had run 20 miles and was still going.

When I hit mile 22 though, the marathon bitch slapped me into last Tuesday. I physically felt the toll the previous 22 miles took on my body and good lord was I hurting. My IT band especially and my feet because of my idiocy. (No body glide) Not gonna lie the last 4.2 miles were tough. Incredibely tough, basically the hardest thing I've ever demanded of myself. I'd already gone 22 miles and needed to go another 4.2 and my body was all hellllll nahhhh.

But I did. I kept going. I don't even know how. I did have to walk almost a mile while I choked down an energy gel. I knew I needed it but man was it hard to force down. When I hit mile 24.5, Eye of the Tiger was on repeat and there was no looking back.

The beautiful thing about the Twin Cities course is that the last half mile is downhill. And you get this amazing view of the capital and the finish line. When I came over that hill to see that, commence tears on the marathon course part 3.

I think I ran faster? Maybe I didn't but it felt like I was running my heart out to get across the finish line. Stomping on those chip timing mats felt so amazing, like I"M HERE I FINISHED!!!! I was a wreck at that point trying to navigate my way through the finish tunnel through my tears, when a volunteer saw me, put his arm around me and said "congratulations, this is an amazing accomplishment." I lost my shit then. Just found a little grassy area sat down to stretch and eat my banana between sobs.

While I am super proud that I finished, I know I could have done better. I slacked a lot in the last month of training which I know hurt me. It's hard to know what to expect if you've never run a marathon before, even if you read all the information that is out there the distance is just not something you can comprehend until you do it. Now that I have done one, I undestand the distance, I understand what it demands and I respect it. I know I said I wouldn't do another marathon again, but I will. I know I will. Despite the pain and the exhaustion and the mental beat down it was absolutely amazing. I want to try again and I want to do better.

9 Mile Run Day!

So when I last left you, I was suffering from some shin splints DREADING my long run day this weekend. I ended up not running Thursday, Friday AND Saturday opting to strength train Thursday and Friday and kept on icing. Also? I invested in perhaps the greatest invention ever. Seriously

(Yes I got the pink one)

OMG!!!!! It's so....it's incredible. It's amazing. My legs have never felt better. I have no idea why I waited so long to buy one. I combined this amazing yoga sequence for runners from Fitsugar with using the roller and have never felt better. So needless to say my 9 mile run went awesome today! 9.02 miles in 1:26:40. If you're curious and feel like stalking me you can check out my Nike+ page! 

Alright last thing that I think helped me out keeping me pumped today was my new/rearranged playlist. So here it is in case you're looking for some new tunes to keep you going:

Naughty Girl- Beyonce

Starships- Nicki Minaj

Yeah!- Usher ft. Lil John & Ludacris

Stronger- Kanye West

Dirt Off Your Shoulder- Jay-Z

Lose Yourself- Eminem

Glad You Came- The Wanted

Dynamite- Taio Cruz

When I Grow Up- Pussycat Dolls

Give Me Everything- Pitbull ft. Neyo

Shake That- Eminem ft. Nate Dogg

Sexy And I Know It- LMFAO

Gonna Fly Now (Rocky Theme)- Bill Conti

Sorry For Party Rocking- LMFAO

River Deep, Mountain High- Celine Dion

Rocketeer- Far East Movement ft. Ryan Tedder

Hello- Martin Solveig ft. Dragonette

Party Rock Anthem- LMFAO

I definitely need something that I can either 1.) Picture myself dancing to, or 2.) Something that makes me picture myself as a total badass (see Eminem, Rocky Theme)

Can't believe I'm in my 8th week of training! Only 5 weeks left until race day!!!!

Cheers!

Marisa

My worst enemy is back....

That's right I'm talking about shin splints. They are back, ruining my life as usual. I was supposed to run 5 miles tonight but by 3 miles I was hurting and by 4 I had to call it quits. Sooooo frustrating but better to take care of it before anything worse happens. (re: stress fracture) So I'm sitting here with my ice pack hoping that I can get this taken care of asap. 9 mile long run this weekend and I reallllly can't afford to miss it . I've been working so hard, I really would hate to see all my training go out the window. Anyone have advice for shin splints? I've been icing and ibuprofen-ing. Tomorrow is 3 mile run day, should I go through with it or skip and strength train instead? Those wiser and more experienced in marathon training I desperately need your advice! I'll update you all tomorrow on my "condition". Until then I leave you with this.

Cheers!

Marisa

Oh hey this blog is still here....

Okay no excuses this time. I really just didn't feel like blogging. I had no motivation, nothing to write about. I was just completely uninspired and rather than bore you with the mundane activities that consume my life ( I had oatmeal for breakfast!) I just decided to stop all together.

But that ends now because I once again have purpose.

I have joined the Under Armor's What's Beautiful Challenge. Real simple, I declared my goal and have 9 weeks to see it through. Under Armor has a series of challenges that need to be completed in those 9 weeks and I plan on document them here as well as on my page along with all the other things that happen with training. I really hope to make it to the finally three and be the new face of Under Armor, but am looking forward to this journey no matter what the outcome. So check it out! Sign up yourself! It's already been so much fun and inspiring seeing other women making a commitment to fitness and bettering themselves all around.

You can find my page here

Under Armor's What's Beautiful Challenge

Cheers!

Marisa

Sentimental Holiday Stuff & Things

I am not sentimental, romantic or overly emotional. It's just not in my makeup. So here I am, listening to Celine Dion (No joke) to help me get in the mood to write about some sentimental emotional stuff.

So it was Thanksgiving last week, if you hadn't noticed. I'm sure everyones pants did. Anyways, I'm always a thankful person. Whenever I catch myself being sad about not having the latest gadget, or not being able to buy a new handbag when I want I remind myself of those who have so much less than I do. I remind myself to be thankful that I can afford food everyday, health care whenever I need it, and that I have a wonderful apartment to go home to every single night. I hope that I will never get on the bandwagon of "I need more money so I can have better things than everyone else". Truly all that I ever want and need are the three things I've already mentioned...and just 1 more.

This year, I was thankful for a new addition in my life. I think you know who it is. He's kind of hard to miss at 6'4". I've written a lot about how stressful trying to relocate is, but I think I make it hard on myself. I have this mentality that I have to do this by myself because I've always had to do things by myself. I don't have the luxury of a supportive family as most do. I know that I could call, but I also know the answer would be the same as always "oh thats too bad, best of luck." And then there is Drew. He actually wants to help me. Has offered more than once to help me out, to which I always reply no I can do this on my own. It's like a built in automatic response. Here is someone who is offering to help me out without me even asking, because he wants nothing more than for us to be together and is willing to do whatever he can to make it happen. And then there is me, being an idiot making my life harder because I don't want to feel like a failure or lesser person for not handling things on my own. Sometimes, I suck. And so, I am thankful for Drew. Not only for loving me unconditionally despite my stubborn tendencies but also for wanting to be there for me because he loves me. Now I'm crying. Fuck you Titanic theme.

Let's change tunes.

Here is my only Holiday shopping score.

(CamelBak Annadel Running Hydration Pack)

Kind of excited. Adds about 3.5lbs of weight but it really doesn't feel that bad. It's sits higher up on your back so you barely notice it.

Hope everyone has a great week! It's so tough coming back from a holiday...

Cheers!

Marisa

Some Fail Mixed With Some Win

Okay, so obviously totally failed on Motivate Me Monday....AGAIN! Only this time worse because I didn't even post about my fail. EPIC FAIL. Unfortunately I was at work until 11:30 Sunday night and by the time I got home and in bed it was after midnight. Needless to say Monday I was anything but motivated. However, I did drink more water last week. Perhaps not 8 glasses a day but definitely an improvement from my usual. This week the challenge is to BE GOOD during Thanksgiving. It's so easy to over indulge during the holidays, but lets stay focused and help eachother out!

Okay onto some winning. Sooooo excited for this :) The fabulous Summer and her best blog pal Melina are hosting a blogger secret santa! I can't wait. If you would like to participate (And you know you do) click on the cute little owl button on the left and get started! Who knows, maybe I'll get your name and you will then be the proud owner of some awesome Des Moines things. Which I know you're all dying to have. So get a clickin' on that owl!

In other news, Friday is not just any Friday...it's Black Friday. I work Midnight to 7am, this is my 5th Black Friday and for some reason, I'm dreading it a little this year. Maybe because I closed last year and the insanity had died down by the time I got there. Better stock up on some Redbull!

How about you guys? Anyone braving the Black Friday madness? If so please be kind to the sales associates, we're truly doing the best we can.

Cheers!

Marisa

Motivate Me Monday

Okay so I totally failed this week. This weeks challenge was to try a new class at the gym or new workout video at home. On Friday before I left for Minneapolis, I ran into a friend at the gym who suggested I come to spin class Monday morning. I thought, perfect! I've never done a spin class before and it would be perfect for MMM. Then I had a little problem on the way home from Minnesota and did not get home until late and knew there was no way I'd be dragging myself out of bed for spin class. (I got to Medford and realized that my work laptop was sitting on Drew's kitchen table.) So next week will be a double MMM as I fully intend on still attending the spin class next week and taking on the new weeks challenge. (Successfully this time)

As a cop out, let me offer you this.

Friday I drove straight to Drew's work to meet with one of his co-workers who has ran the Pikes Peak Marathon.  Yes it is exactly what it sounds like. A marathon up and down Pikes Peak in Colorado, one of the Colorado 14ers. ( A mountain 14,000ft or over) I want to do the Pikes Peak Ascent in 2012, which is just a half marathon to the top of Pike's Peak and then someone drives you down. It was inspiring to talk to him about it, as I was terrified I would die on the mountain due to the altitude and not being acclimated. However he told me I"d be fine as long as I train well, the altitude should not be a problem. So excited to start training in January for it. It's going to be a crazy adventure but such a great accomplishment when I'm done. I can't wait :)

(yes I hope to run to the top of this.)

(Aaaanndd I hope it doesn't look like this )

This weeks challenge is to drink 8 glasses of water a day. I am really going to need motivation for this one. I'm so bad at drinking water. Thanks to Ashley, Amanda and Whitney, they're so kind and patient because I'm pretty sure I did the link up wrong....again. I swear girls next week I will get it right!

Motivation Cheers!

Marisa

Perception vs. Reality

For you long time readers, you know this is something I struggle with constantly. Usually because I panic about everything (and I mean everything) blowing it out of proportion. I put such enormous pressure on myself that my concept of reality gets skewed and I end up in a state of anxiety for a week, walking on eggshells. So it shouldn't be surprising that this skewed perception transfers to other aspects of my life. Like oh say, weight and body image. As I've said before I've been blessed with athleticism and good genetics and have never been overweight a day in my life, nor have I ever had terrible eating habits. Well, terrible as in all I ate was junk food.  I definitely have had terrible eating (or lack thereof) habits in the past.

(welcome to my college life)

 So how does this happen? I wish I knew. But I can honestly tell you, when I look in the mirror at home what I see, does not match reality. How do I know this? When I look in the mirror at home, I see someone who is out of shape, flabby and needs to lose probably 20lbs. It's such a strange feeling because I know that what I'm seeing isn't right but it's still there. Like a hallucination. It's frustrating to someone who takes pride in being rational and logical, that no matter how much I tell myself I am in shape and don't need to (can't even afford to!) lose 20lbs I just don't see it.  However, every once and a while, I will be out somewhere: the mall, on a run, out at the bars, and I will catch a glimpse of my reflection and think...omg I'm skinny! At that moment what I'm seeing IS reality. I see the girl who ran a 20K this summer, goes to the gym 4-5 days a week and eats a balanced diet (daily!).  I see myself and that is what I hold onto and remember everyday. I don't spend time in front of mirrors, I don't own a scale and I don't allow myself to compare myself to others. It's a slippery slope for me.

Example:

My friend and co-worker has worked so hard to get healthy and in shape and lost over 30lbs since January. She shared her weight with me a couple weeks ago and it was the same as mine. She is 3 inches taller than me. My brains immediate response was: You need to lose 10lbs. Because I'm shorter I should weigh less. I mentally slapped myself in the face after that.

(via)

 I'm far better off than I was in high school and college. I live a happy and healthy life now. But to say that it's not a daily struggle would be a lie. It is not a big struggle now, but it's always there in the back of my mind and sometimes just the right thing can trigger those thoughts. Luckily I'm surrounded by people that love me for exactly who I am, and most importantly I love exactly who I am.

Body dismorphic disorder and EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified) do not get discussed or publicized as much as anorexia and bulimia, but they are very real and just as harmful. If you have ever felt like this, please talk to someone and seek help. And if you know someone like this, talk to them and help them.

Happy and Healthy Cheers

Marisa

*this is the 3rd rendition that I've done of this post. I've never had the guts to post until now. 

Motivate Me Monday

Hello! Welcome new followers and thank you to new commentors! I appreciate you stopping by. Today is the start of something new and I'm very excited to be a part of it: Motivate Me Monday. It is a link up hosted by Ashley , Amanda , and Whitney to help keep us motivated, support each other and trade tips, tricks, recipes and the like. This weeks question for the link up was what area or muscle of your body is your favorite to work out, why, and what work outs do you do? Without a doubt my favorite area to work out is my upper body. I love it all, weight machines, free weights, "dance arms" exercises. I was always teased because of my tiny arms growing up and now I love working them out, building muscle and seeing that beautiful definition. Take that every one who made fun of my puny arms! If I had to pick a favorite muscle in my arms that I love working it would definitely be the deltoids. I love my shoulders so much, they've never looked better! I love doing lateral raises in front of the mirrors (whatev don't judge me, I enjoy looking at my muscles!) so I can make sure that I'm doing it correctly and avoid injury. Physical therapy for a bum knee and a stress fracture are quite enough for one year. So what about you guys? What do you love working out the most? Or better yet, what do you hate working out? (Abs for me!)  Post any questions you may have on fitness/working out etc... and I will gladly answer them. And of course, join the link up and get motivated!

I Swear I'll Never Give In, I Refuse

Holy hell. This week is never ending. And what's worse? I am in a rut. A workout rut. I worked out today for the first time since Saturday and it was a pretty pathetic attempt. Half assed at best. I don't know what my problem is, but I just cannot get back in the swing of things coming back from this past weekend. Normally it takes me a day or two to get caught up on laundry, cleaning ect...but come Tuesday this week I still wasn't ready to face the gym. I have a bunch of things going on in my head that are driving me mad, and usually working out helps with that. However now, my immediate response to stress is to sit on the couch and knit. Which I mean it could be worse, it could be to sit on the couch and stuff my face. Still, I have worked too hard to just say oh well it's winter, and the days are shorter and it's cold out. More importantly it is just not me. I go to the gym, I run. It's who I am. So tomorrow morning, we're hitting the gym...hard. I don't care how many excuses my brain comes up with to go back to bed, my ass will be at that gym at 5am. I don't care if I cry about it the entire way there. Because I refuse to walk out my door staring at this and feeling guilty anymore.

I refuse to give into my excuses again. 

Anyways! On a happier prettier note, Jessica over at The Embellished Life is having a fabulous giveaway! One lucky reader will get a product line from Paul Labrecque ! Go scope out her blog and enter to win, your hair will thank you ;)

Cheers!

Marisa

title lyrics: Foo Fighters-Best of You

30 Day Challenge

Here is a topic that I rarely ever talk about or discuss: diet and exercise. I'm not a subscriber to any sort of plan or method, and not because I don't believe that they work. (Although if I'm going to be completely honest I do think some of it is brainwashing) Luckily, I've been blessed with two things that have aided in not ever having to go on a diet : good genetics and athleticism. I've been an athlete since I was 6. I played softball until I was 12 then switched to soccer, started basketball, volleyball, dropped volleyball and basketball and took up tennis and kept soccer in HS and in college kept playing tennis and took up running. I also grew up with a health nut of a mom and did not experience Taco Bell until junior high. So while I have never been on Atkins or South Beach or Weight Watchers, I understand that some people need the structure, guidance and knowledge of others to help them get in shape and learn better nutrition. So where am I going with all this?

As you all know I've been traveling a lot, and with traveling comes more meals out and less exercise. I do my best to keep it healthy when I'm on the road but sometimes you just don't have a whole lot of options. So after many weekends on the go I've been feeling a little out of sorts and out of shape with my traveling diet and lack of exercise. Enter my very own 30 Day Challenge. I came up with a workout schedule for 30 days that includes a combination of running, strength training, cross training and rest days. So far I'm right on track and it hasn't been too terrible, although at the start of my 4 mile run yesterday I thought I was doomed. In true runners fashion though the endorphins kicked in eventually and my runners high carried me through. Also I'm hoping this challenge will get me to the gym more often. Since, you know, I pay for a membership and all but rarely ever go there.

So join me in a 30 Day Challenge and really test yourself. I promise you can do it, and it doesn't even have to involve running if you're not a runner! Substitute it for cycling, dance, power walking whatever suits you as long as you're moving. I've decided to start doing twitter updates to hold myself accountable so I'm less likely to fall off the wagon.

Parting questions: Have any of you tried and program or method before? What ones worked and what ones didn't? Also does anyone have any tips for eating healthy while traveling? I'll take them :)

Cheers!

Marisa

Where Did My Weekend Go?

That's what I'd like to know. Seriously I had a 3 day weekend and I'm pretty sure I didn't accomplish anything. Other than a long run on Saturday in which I wore pants and it was the worst idea ever as it was humid as heck out. Anyways more about my Colorado trip. So when I first got to Denver we ventured out into the mountains...by car though. It was absolutely crazy. It was sunny and warm in Broomfield, then we drove through rain, and then snow. Yeah thats right I said snow. Also I saw signs that said icy roads. And plenty of these.

Yeah apparently people lose their brakes all the time because the grades are so steep and the roads so curvy that they burn them up going downhill. 

So after the fun of envisioning every semi around us losing control and running us over, we stopped in Dillon where I got out of the car to a temperature of about 35 degrees. Was not prepared for it. Had amazing views though.

After that we drove and drove some more back through the stupid snow, runaway trucks and icy roads back to the land of warm and non snow and stopped outside of Boulder at Boulder Falls where I saw my first real life waterfall. Apparently I don't get out much. F you Zoli. 

I thoroughly enjoyed driving through the mountains everyday. The views never get old. Anyways we ate dinner in Boulder at  a microbrewery where I learned my fate for that night as the delish microbrews and their high alcohol content combined with the altitude would  kick my ass. And they did. However I loved having so many awesome brews on tap. I kinda miss that. Here are some pics for that night.

(My wonderful hosts for the weekend)

  (Yay mini high school reunion...too bad I barely remember asking someone to take this pic)

To go along with the theme of not remembering anything apparently when we got home I got into the biggest argument with Zoli about the move and book Into The Wild. Because I kept demanding to know why there was a grown man on the cover when it's about a little kid. Obviously he had no idea what I was talking about but I kept insisting Into The Wild is about a kid and the giant puppet friends that he has. Finally it clicked...except that I was talking about Where The Wild Things Are. Not Into The Wild. Then I guess I fell asleep/passed out. Still, I woke up like a champion and went hiking in the morning. 

Post hiking Sunday, we decided to stay in as we were both tired and I was being a whiny baby about my sore shoulders from my stupid back pack and watched Leprechaun 5: In The Hood. Don't act like you're not jealous. I discovered that night if you mix vodka with Gatorade you can't taste the vodka. Zoli discovered that while drinking a whole bottle of Jameson is an admiral ambition, it will destroy you in the end. 

This is a little of my amazing last dinner in Colorado. Fish and chips at this place called Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub in Idaho Springs. Oh it was the most glorious thing I've ever had the pleasure of eating. And yes I ate the whole thing...and paid for it. It was well worth it though :)

All in all Colorado rocks and I can't wait to go back. It has inspired to me to take up mountain biking....we'll see how that goes. I haven't ridden a bike in....well I'm pretty sure it's been over a decade. First investment should be a helmet. Haha.

Have a good week everyone! Dam to Dam is this Saturday!

Cheers!


Marisa

I'm Back From Colorado!

Hello everyone! Oh how I've missed you all and this blog! It's been a crazy week, and stressful getting back into the swing of things. (I think I need a vacation from my vacation!) But it's Friday, it's a 3 day weekend and I'm soooo looking forward to relaxing. :) I will write a proper post this weekend with details but for now I'm going to share with you my hike up Bear Peak.

Bear Peak is located near Boulder, CO by the Flatirons. It has an elevation of 8,461ft, the trail is 4 miles one way and the elevation gain is 2,829ft. That may not seem to crazy, but 2400ft of the elevation gain is in the last 1.8 miles. Thats right it basically starts going straight up. I was pretty proud of myself during the hike as we made pretty decent time and I wasn't dying. However once we reached that point it became climb 10ft, stop. Climb another 10ft, stop. And so on and so on. Luckily I wasn't alone as most hikers seemed to be following the same strategy. It was all worth it in the end when we reached the summit and I got to see for miles :)

 The beginning of the trail and the task that lies ahead....Please note that there is a trail to the trail head on which I almost died. I really was worried that I wouldn't make it after that.

 First elevation shot. See those ants..I mean people down there? That was us at one point!

 I started feeling a little defeated after I was told that was where we were headed. It looked soooooooo far away.

Second elevation shot. This lifted my spirits a little as I could finally see all the progress we've made.

 Thennnnnn came the hard part. And by hard part I mean death part. AKA the climb to the top.

 Somehow I made it up this shit. I don't know how either. Obviously I didn't look down the entire time because if I had a lot of crying would have ensued.

 And success!!!!!!! A very tired, triumphant me sitting on a boulder at the summit.

 A view from the top.

I'm on a mountain bitches!!!!!

And there you have it. Obviously we came back down...which was even harder than going up. I took no pictures on the way down as it was super rocky, steap and my only focus was successfully steeping rock to rock without slipping and breaking my neck. We made it down okay save for a killer bee that was after me most of the way down. (Thats right Zoli I said KILLER BEE. And it really was after me.)

Can't wait to catch up with everyone! Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!!!!

Cheers,

Marisa

Flora & Fauna

So this Sunday I went on one last practice hike before Colorado. Also turns out my digital camera just had crappy batteries and it is indeed NOT broken. So I got to take lots of pictures at Ledges State Park. I spent 3 hours out there and was exhausted afterward but it was a really amazing day and it felt good to get back to nature.

(pretty flowers)

( a view from the sort of top)

(Tested the waterproofness of my hiking boots. They work well.)

(probably more what you think Iowa looks like)

I also saw a few herds of deer.

I was totally racking up the outdoors man points all day. Climbing through mud, traipsing through/across creeks (and apparently a field of poison oak...don't worry I'm magically totally fine) hiking in the rain. So just as I feel like I finally earned my outdoor cred and would arrive in Colorado a true outdoors man (woman?) thennnn......Well there was a HUGE bumble bee after me and I was not paying attention to the ground and then I looked and almost stepped on a snake, screamed and ran away. Adios outdoors man points. I suppose I'll always be a pink dress wearing, pageant loving, fashion obsessed, make up loving girl at heart. But hey I can brave it with the rest of them. So long as bugs spiders and snakes stay away. Like far far away. In case you were curious this is what the snake looked like.

(Yeah Black Mamba. I know I don't know how it got lost in Iowa either..)

Cheers!

Marisa

P.S. okay this reallllly what the snake looked like.

(Common Garter Snake....In my defense it was the biggest one I've ever seen)

WTF?!?!?!

So I'm sorry guys. I totally had a post for yesterday but due to bloggers ridiculous shenannigans, I couldn't post it. And now it's totally irrelevant, because it was about me going to play volleyball. Which I did and let's just say, I'm out of practice ;)

(Okay so it wasn't thaaattt bad)

In other news I leave for Colorado one week from tomorrow! I'm so excited...and not prepared. I've been working on a packing list but I got through my wardrobe and was overwhelemed because it didn't include the wardrobe I'd need for my hike. I'm doomed. Please bear with me as I will most likely be a complete basket case the next couple of weeks. Colorado, maybe a law school graduation back home, Dam to Dam June 4th.....Ughhhhhh I need a beer now after just typing it all. Hope everyone has a great weekend! I look forward to catching up with everyone. I tried yesterday but well....we all know how that went.

Cheers!

Marisa

So Little To Do, So Much Time

Strike that. Reverse it. First off wow! Hello to all the new readers...or old readers who've said hello recently. So nice to meet you! I love your comments, they make me smile :) 

So I'm starting to feel the pressure of my upcoming travels and race. Mostly the race. In June I will be running the Dam to Dam.

 

I'm excited and nervous. It's the farthest race I've ever done, and I know that there is no way to predict how your body will preform on the day of a race no matter how hard you've trained. Still, after working sooooo hard it's difficult to not be disappointed if things don't go as well as expected. I suppose I will just keep training hard and hope for the best!

Although I will admit the training comes at a great time as sigh....we're approaching swimsuit season again. I got a new one even though I wear a swimsuit about 3 times a summer. I don't tan (Skin cancer/wrinkles...no thanks) and well, I hate hot and don't like sweating. That said, I do loooove the retro swimsuits that are insanely popular right now. 

(Shan Spring/Summer 2011 via )

(Kenneth Cole Swimdress via google )

(Betsey Johnson via google)

What swimsuit trends are you loving this year?  

Cheers!

Marisa