Old Rag Who???

It was an amazing day!

I was originally scheduled to head back to Cambridge, MD to do a ride with Diane and Mary Elizabeth (and someone else too but she had to work on her new basement). But, I just could not talk myself into hot/flat/windy riding - again. For the one hundred thousandth time. So Diane and Mary Elizabeth let me off so I didn't have to ride in hot/flat/windy again.

Instead, I went hiking. It was the most beautiful (and windy!!) day and it had been awhile since I went for a hike. And the last time I went on a real hike (not the stuff Molly took me on in Colorado or Sarah took me in Atlanta) in the area, I took a bit of a tumble. So, I was ready to go again.

Here is the 'problem'. I went with a bunch of triathletes. I think they thought the first part up the mountain was a race. Seriously - this was no casual hike. I have never passed so many groups, and never NOT been passed before the rock scramble. It got to the point where I just let everyone go and figured I would make it to the top eventually. When I made that decision, I started to enjoy the hike a bit more. There were a few moments when I was completely alone - my friends where too far in front, and the group we passed was too far behind. It was very peaceful.

Eventually, we hit the rocks and everyone was waiting for me - and the fun really started. Here is Sandy crawling up rock.
We had a mini break and checked out this beautiful views, had a Snickers, and had a random puppy come visit from nowhere. We hope he belonged to someone...

Then there was more fun. And by fun, I mean rocks to climb up. And when I say climb up, I mean get a push from Ty. I think some of us would still be stuck on the mountain if Ty wasn't there. And Julia didn't seem to mind (he he he).

Anyway - there was only one point in time where I missed Egypt road. The top of Old Rag never seemed to get any closer.

But, we finally made it to the top, and we sure do know how to celebrate.After a lovely lunch on a mountain, and it was pretty windy up there, we started to make our way back down the mountain. I can't believe I am going to admit this, but at times, we actually all ran down parts of the road. It was actually easier on the knees and quads. Yes, I know that does sound crazy - but it was true.

And of course, because we like to pose for pictures, there was another beautiful opportunity. Notice how we are all standing... Taste the rainbow?

Even though we raced up the first part, and I needed a few pushes up some of the rocks, it was a really great time. Thanks to Ty, Julia, Alejandro, Christian, Carolina and Sandy for a great day.

Oh, and according to my Garmin, which did stop a few times, it was close to 9 miles in 4 and a half hours. All the notes say it closer to a 5 and a half hour hike... Sill fast people!

What a week!

And it has nothing to do with training.

I have been in Atlanta since Monday afternoon. I pushed off a meeting until Friday so I could sign up for Ironman Wisconsin and immediately flew down to the ATL. So, after I tried to get a few more friends in (aka I was running very VERY late) I headed down south. Luckily, I was at a great hotel with a fantastic roof top bar :-)

On Tuesday, I realized I only received 1 conformation, not 2 as Adam S received, and proceeded to panic that I didn't get in and was going to have to figure something out for Wednesday - when they were re-opening the registration. After multiple emails to Ironman dot com, a few phone calls to active dot com, and a check in my spam folder (thanks again Adam S!!!) I confirmed I was in!

So on Wednesday after lunch, I spent the afternoon of the conference quickly using up my iPhone battery as I check if my friends were getting in. Sandy, Lindsey, Tammy, Jenny, Emily, and Mimi (and I am sure a few more, but can't remember right now) all got in. My poor co-workers kept having to "Shh" me everything I got an e-mail or text that someone else was in, I did a little cheer. Of course, I had to celebrate (almost) everyone getting in. And some great news about my mom.

My presentation was Thursday, and it could have gone worse - so of course there were celebratory drinks after. Another meeting on Friday, and I was picked up my Sarah and Jason to spend the weekend.

So basically what I am saying is that I haven't worked out since my failed attempt on Saturday. And yes, please don't remind me that I have a little 114.2 mile 'race' on Saturday. I am very much aware, thank you very much.

I did mange to talk Sarah into going on a hike with me today. Where can you hike in Atlanta might you ask? Well, Stone Mountain Park!

And no, we didn't take tram, we hiked up. All 825+ feet. Starting at 1:15 pm. When it was 92 degrees. Yup, that was smart. Bike 90+ miles, sure. Hike straight up a granite mountain, not so much. Good times! At least it was some type of activity that didn't involve sitting in a conference, getting yelled at by people in a conference, eating out with other people at a conference, or drinking trying to forget you were at a conference.

And do I get to go home tomorrow? Nope. I am off to Alabama for 2 days.

Yup - I am really good at planning things before events...

Not Quite Like Yesterday

Molly and I tired, but not so successfully.

We got a slow start to the morning and tried to go hiking. After a quick trip to Boulder falls, we were off for a more challenging hike. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had a different idea. It never rained where we were, but there were a ton of black clouds all around us and wasn't the best idea to go hiking. So, we drove around for more beautiful views of the mountains.

Molly was a bit tired so as she napped, I headed to Boulder Beer. To my unpleasant surprise, they were not serving alcohol or beer because they lost their license for 3 days. Figures. Get rained out on my hike without rain and went to a beer tour without being able to sample beer.

After those not-so-great moments today, Molly and I decided on a small bike tour and to try 1 more brewery, Twisted Pine Brewing. They were open, serving beer, and it was happy hour - so the sampler we went. All 15.
Might I remind you all that we biked there...
And eventually did make it back to Molly's...

(Dad, I hope you are proud :-)

Tomorrow I head back to DC. I am hoping to get in a good hike before I head to the airport. Hopefully Mother Nature will allow it this time.

Last Full Day In Colorado!

It's sad because I am just starting to get used to the elevation and time change.

Yesterday I managed to sleep until 7, which was awesome. Molly and I took our time getting ready in the morning and finally started the day by returning Sapphire. He did a great job getting me though the 17.2 miles of Boulder with an average of 16 mph. I am slowly staring to look a road bikes and Giant maybe an option...

Before I knew it, Molly and I were in the mountains. We stopped for a few pictures and the decided to go for a short hike. Only about a mile (and I forgot my Garmin, but I think it would have been awesome to GPS the route) but it was really nice. Molly went nice and slow so my lungs wouldn't explode on some of the switch backs but I fully understand why people in Boulder are so in shape.

The rest of the day was spent at a brewery, 2 shows from the fringe festival, and some sushi. Overall, yesterday was a great day and I can only hope for the same today.

Another Weekend, Another Hike, a first...

This was another pretty good weekend. My volunteering event was cancelled on Saturday morning which lead to a lazy morning and brunch. This was followed by errands and a night of Wii. And Wii cow racing - totally cardio!!

Sunday was great because I finally got to use my new toy (yes, another one - no judgement). I am one of those few people who actually uses her espresso machine. Something I used to do almost every weekend and multiple times a week - except I just didn't have much time this past year. It is wonderful!!

Anyway, my wonderful latte kick started off my day to another hike - back to the Billy Goat Trail. My plan was to go on my own, but my friend Adam wanted to give it a try so we headed out early afternoon. Now just as I finish saying how difficult this trail actually is, we see this. I mean really, the gold purse is one thing, but the shoes!?!?! Wow.

So we start, do a few side trips off the trail to get to the water and some extra rock scrambling. We are getting close to the end and I don't know what happened but I missed a 'jump', slipped, fell on my right side, had momentum that sort of flipped my legs over my head, rolled down a few rocks, and finally stopped before going much further down the side of the 'cliffs'. I stabled myself, got up (with the help of Adam and some other guy who was right behind me) and kept going - just a bit slower. A bit on the scary side, but all is okay and I knew I was very lucky it wasn't worse. And I don't think I will be hiking on my own any time soon - even though it is so pretty!!

Today I am extremely sore down my entire right side. My ankle, knee, hip, elbow, wrist and shoulder are all scrapped up/scabby/swollen and soon to be very black and blue. Not sure how this will affect my belly dancing tonight - that might not be a good idea :-(

Oh, and how do yo get blood out of a white dry fit???

Fun Hike!!

2 years ago I went on my first "real" hike to Old Rag. I fell in love quickly. It was challenging, beautiful country and very peaceful. This past year I had the opportunity to go a few times, but was too afraid to go (didn't want to twist an ankle, fall, etc.) so I passed. After some schedule adjustments, a big group (8, which is a lot for hiking) met up to re-tackle the hike.

So beautiful!!

Great day, perfect weather, wonderful people to hike with. It was a bit crowded, but I did run into Sara - who I found out is moving to Boston :-(

Anyway, now I am very sleepy and hoping I will finally get a good nights sleep since I have been back from Ireland.