Days 220-222: Half-Marathon, Full Joy

Day 220:  One hour walk around Washington Park and in Cherry Creek.

Day 221:  One hour of some home-made yoga flowing in my living room to help loosen me up for the half-marathon today.

Day 222:  Today I got up at 4:15 a.m. to make it to the starting line for the Colfax Half-Marathon at City Park.  It was only 43 degrees when I approached the starting line, but with so much going on around me I was able to quickly forget about the chilled air.

The race started at 6:00 a.m. and within three minutes of running my IT band started getting sore.  Luckily, it stayed only semi-sore the whole race and did not worsen as the miles added up.  The first six miles were on Colfax Avenue and to say that it was amusing is an understatement.  Awesome signs, great people watching, slightly scary abandoned buildings, odd smells and hilarious things being yelled by the spectators.   At mile seven the runners ran through a firehouse and the firemen were lined up to give us all high-fives.  A girls dream, right?  After that, I had a small epiphany that running is such a solitary sport, that it felt great to have some human contact along the way.  After the firemen, I decided to give every spectator with their hand out an overwhelming high-five.  Looking back, it might have added on a little time by zigzagging across the course to hit hands, but it was worth it for the amount excess energy it game me.

Throughout the race, I ran into a few different friends that were also running, which made me feel a sense of community and connection.  My favorite part of the race was at mile 12 when I turned a corner in City Park to see my fiance waiting with his camera.  It roused up the past bit of strength that I needed to finish the race.  I did not hit my goal time of under two hours, however, I am still proud that I finished with my knee feeling so weak.  I am already so excited to complete this race again next year with Mike, to train properly so that my knee feels better and to reach a new time goal.  Thanks to everyone who supported me throughout the racing season and I am sending you lots of running love as I am sure, you are about to head into your own summer running season.  May your knees stay strong and your body healthy!

Days 65 & 66: Inspirational Beauty

Day 65: Yesterday it was sunny and 50 degrees; just the way winter weather in Denver should be.  I took advantage of the day by running four miles in City Park.  It truly has some of the best views in the whole city.  If you go to the South side of the park you have a full view of downtown and the mountains in the background.  I tried taking a picture on my camera phone, but it did not do justice to the view.  Hint: if you’re still in need of a Christmas present for me, I would love a real camera!

Day 66:  Today I went to Karma Yoga for an all levels flow class with my friend Sangeeta and her friend from out-of-town.  When the instructor asked us to set our intention for the class, she asked us to be so specific for our intentions that it should only be one word.  I settled on the name of a person in my life who needs lots of strength, courage and love.  My entire practice I imagined lightning bolts of powerful healing being sent to her, I hope more than anything she could feel them.

Guest Blogger:  For a little extra holiday motivation, my darling friend Jenny Darga has decided to do two workouts a day leading up to Christmas.  Help cheer her on here or on her facebook page (which will be tagged):

365 days of working out?  WHAT?!  Consecutively?  This girl is either on crack or my new inspirational guru!  It took me one day into her blog to realize it was the latter.

I am in awe and perplexed by this self-inflicted challenge.  Approximately 0.15% of the world population can say they have run a marathon but how many can say they are a 365 Alum?  I know of only one who will be wearing that crown.

In tribute to Betsy, I decided to take on a mini (well really a blip comparatively) 10-day challenge; two-a-day workouts for the next 10 days.  My thought behind this was to get a small understanding of Betsy’s journey and work on offsetting the cookie and candy pushers that are lurking everywhere during this time of year (you know who you are!).

Upon vocalizing my idea in a conversation with Betsy, I immediately started to back track until she invited me to be a guest blogger.  I have NEVER blogged and actually (to be up front) find it kind of arrogant unless used for marketing purposes.  Reading Betsy’s blog has changed my mind and made me realize that there is power behind blogging about experiences and life aspirations.  Blogs can hold you accountable and give us the tools to connect and communicate our passions, goals and experiences.  So this is my intro, I will be back in 10 days to summarize my experience.  Let’s get this party started . . .

Hello.  My name is Jenny.  I set my spin bike to H, 7, 4.5, I like pizza with green olives, love the feeling I get AFTER a workout and adore my inspirational friend Betsy!  Let the challenge commence!!