Update

Motivation
I don't know how you all do it--the intense training in the winter, the long runs in the 3 feet of powder, all the long rides and runs indoors, trying not to fall on the ice. I admire you. Admittedly, I am not doing so well in that department. I am still having difficulty finding a balance of all things in my life right now. It takes time to get into a solid routine. I am also having a hard time just going out and having fun too. Weird.

In the past I could do several 23 mile runs on a treadmill starting at 5:00 in the mornings. My longest run for Boston so far has only been 15.5 miles, but outside. The weather has been terrible--highs in the teens, strong winds, feet of snow at a time. I just can't wrap my head around running for 3 hours on a treadmill again. I need to figure this out, as Boston isn't going to run itself! What do people training for the olympics do?! Gotta draw upon that inspiration...

I do miss reading blogs. I wasn't so huge on the commenting, but they sure were fun to read. I'll have to do make time to do more of that--after working out, of course!

Project

I am in the midst of starting a running project. Ogden doesn't have a "formal" running club, but I hear there are clusters of runners and triathletes all over the place. It's been incredibly tough trying to find training partners here.

The project will entail:

-Running club at the Air Force base with a focus on fun and lifelong fitness

-Consolidating running resources in Ogden to help people connect

-A database of strength exercises, plyometrics, drills, flexibility exercises, etc

-Training plans for whoever wants them!

-Getting together at races, fostering camraderie

-A way to track progress, incentives for effort and performance

-Much more! This project is going to take some time...

Snowshoeing

The snowshoeing here is primo. I qualified for the National Snowshoe Championships this year, which I am totally stoked about. It will just be fun to race. The women who have qualified are super-athletes, and it will be fun to watch them compete. In my qualifying race, I did get an 8-minute PR in the 5K! Yikes!

Race Calendar

Holy moly, the number of races here in Utah is astonishing. There are at least 4 races every weekend within an hour of where I live. What is a girl to do?! It's going to be incredibly difficult to narrow down my choices--tons of mtn bike races, ultra marathons and marathons, tons of short races, century rides, more triathlons than anyone can do in one season. Just gotta bring it back to the goals.

Other things going on

-My sister's wedding is in March in Arizona, and the entire family's in a frenzy. The bridal shower was fun, and I'm going back in Feb to help out with some more planning.

-I started volunteering for Hospice for Utah, which I love. Sports and fitness are going to be crucial to my being able to relax and focus on the patients.

-My job is craziness! What happens when you ask for more work? They give it to you!

-I joined an orchestra, playing the double bass a few times a week. I really missed playing the bass.

-Studying for my board exam. Yikes!

-Making new friends in the area. Being a single 20-something (with a boyfriend who lives in Florida) is actually pretty tough.

-Fixing up my cute new townhouse in Ogden!

Snowshoeing on the golf course

Colin and Steph winter hiking in Utah

B and Steph with hardware from Miracle Match 1/2 Marathon

Turkey Day in Norfolk with Colin