adventures IN RUNNING

On August 2, 2016August 3, 2016 By Sunsets and PuffysIn Adventures, National Parks, Running, Shop, Uncategorized3 Comments

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So…this past weekend was THE hardest run I’ve ever done in my life, ok that’s only a true statement if I exclude Speedgoat 2015 but anyways REALLY hard! Emotions grow strong the more miles you pound out during the day. My goal 34 miles, piece of cake right?! I had already run 42 miles and felt great a few weeks ago! At one point during the last 10 miles of my run, I sat on a rock and cried. I wanted to jump in the creek and meander my way downstream to Jenny’s Lake so I wouldn’t have to take another step.

I continued on because I had to. No one was going to come rescue me and my poor knee. I had to put one foot in front of the other. I did NOT get a sense of accomplishment as I ran across the bridge at String Lake. But what I did feel was gratitude. I can do hard things. I mentally can do hard things. I realize most people are not as stupid as me and sign up for a 100-mile trail run but really, we can push ourselves a lot further than what we think we can.

My dad was waiting there for me and I was never so happy to see someone. I’m blessed to have many people behind me, encouraging me to continue on and reach my goal. I’m slow. Really, SLOW. But I put one foot in front of the other and know my mom would have loved to be on top of Hurricane Pass that day and that’s what keeps me going.

Don’t give up. Challenges make us better human beings. Some of us sign up for races bringing on those struggles ourselves, but most people have challenges without asking or wanting them in their lives. Keep going, one foot in front of the other. I know I can do it and so can you. As Babe Ruth said: ‘It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.’

Teton Crest Trail | Grand Teton National Park | Trail Running

Shoes | Insoles | Food | Sunscreen | Keep Running | Shorts

don’t FORGET to MAKE a LIFE

On June 14, 2016June 14, 2016 By Sunsets and PuffysIn Adventures, Shop2 Comments

‘Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.’

Words I have needed to live by the past few weeks. It’s been crazy with work and obligations but somehow when things get overwhelming, I step into nature and all the craziness melts away. This sunset was amazing and mesmerizing all within the same second. I LOVED it!

So today or any day… stop and don’t forget to make a life. Because in the end, that’s what matters the most, being surrounded by friends and loved ones and the experiences you share with them will be cherished forever.

Last Minute Camping Trip Essentials: ALL ON SALE

How to Build a Fire by Smokey the Bear: Here

the WANDERING mind in NATURE

On June 5, 2016July 29, 2016 By Sunsets and PuffysIn Adventures, Hiking, Running, ShopLeave a comment

Today was a long trail running day…20 miles or longer. Happy #NationalTrailsDay! I’m not quite sure of the exact distance I ran. I was out on the trails for 6 1/2 hours. Some of you may wonder why I do it. 1) because I’m training & 2) the experiences I have along the way.

Disclaimer: Keep in mind I ran 20 miles over many hours. This is a selfie of me w/two hours left. Lake: Upper Palisades Lake, amazing colors. It’s worth the hike!

I do it because I love meeting people on the trail. In the final three mile stretch I passed a couple I had seen earlier on the trail up high. Turns out, they live down the road from the house I grew up in. Small world. I love chatting with strangers I meet along the way. It’s always so fun to hear their story. I also love the different experiences along the way. Today, intense heat! I had to eat three GU’s just to keep going. I found a hidden meadow on the trail. It was so far up a canyon with down trees and not a great trail, I’m sure many people don’t venture up that far. I love the solitude I’m exposed to. As I looked around, I witnessed the snow lined ridges up high, the sun shining down on a trail meandering through the meadow. It was just me and nature.

When I run, I let my mind wander and sometimes I’m surprised what my mind wanders to. Things are presented to me in ways I would never have thought of on my own. There are no obstacles stopping my mind and it becomes crystal clear high in the mountains or on a mountain top. When my physical body and abilities are struggling to keep going, it seems the fog lifts from my mind.

When I’m in nature I easily tap into my true self, my true feelings. Yes, there have been times I have cried like a baby and processed life and situations. No one is around to hear my sobs but as those alligator tear drops fall, I understand and my vision is unclouded and I can accept that situation. My discernment is clear.

You don’t have to run 20+ miles in nature to experience this. A walk at sunset as the rainbow reveals itself, a drive through nature, or a short hike away from the normalcy of life will do the trick. You’ll be refreshed and ready to tackle anything. Just get outside and see what mother nature has to offer you. That clouded mind will see the sunset or rainbow it’s been looking for.

Running Articles:

100 miles new marathons? | training ultras | beginners guide to trail running

Gear for Running REALLY far!

RUNNING: a TRIBUTE to my MOM

On June 2, 2016July 29, 2016 By Sunsets and PuffysIn Uncategorized4 Comments

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My mom is an inspiration to me. We’ve run marathons, half-marathons, 10K’s and 5K’s together over many years. We were training for a marathon when she found out she had pancreatic cancer. She’s a fighter and a tough lady, going into her 4th year with cancer she’s up to running a loop around the park. She’s the true hero and is awesome. There’s many hero’s out there like her. When I’m ready to quit and be done during a race or a training run, I think of her and know she’d do anything to be at mile 16 wanting to quit but she will never be there again and that’s what keeps me going.

Running is a funny thing, it’s therapy and craziness all in one. But we always come back for more. There’s a camaraderie not quite like any other athletic group. People of all shapes and sizes, fast or slow can be a part of the running community. We all feel the same as we cross the finish line regardless of how long it took us to get there.

So on those days, like today for me, when 16 miles took an extra hour, we have to tell ourselves…just keep running, one foot in front of the other.

Running Tips:

Push through the Pain | A Winner Runs Through It | When It’s OK to quit a Race

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MEMORIAL day: SALES for ADVENTURES

On May 30, 2016July 29, 2016 By Sunsets and PuffysIn Adventures, Backpacking, Hiking, Running, ShopLeave a comment

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This holiday weekend I have already put a few adventures in the books to remember. Today on my 15 mile trail run up to Palisade Upper Lake, it went from blue clear skies to a downpour in five seconds. Good thing I was prepared with Rain jacket, beanie, hat w/visor to keep rain off my face, capilene layer, buff to keep my neck warm with the cool wind. The downpour didn’t stop me. I was prepared.

Palisade Lower Lake, Post-run muddiness

The wildflowers on the ridge, Big Holes Idaho

Yesterday I needed a puffy! The ridge top winds were SOOO cold! I was prepared but I would have miserable had I not been. The wildflowers made me forget how cold it was. They are just starting to show off their colors. It was a beautiful day with sunshine (which we have been lacking). It’s been raining for over a week now! So the cold sunshine was a warm welcome!

There’s so many great deals out there. Tomorrow is the final day! Shop before it’s too late.

SHOP great MEMORIAL DAY SALES:

Patagonia Outlet :get additonal % off based on total amount dollar spent
Backcountry.com :get 20% off one full priced item or up to 50% on select items
Alltrec.com : get 20% off select gear
Campsaver.com : 20% off full priced items and 20% off outlet items

path TO a MAGICAL forest

On May 25, 2016July 29, 2016 By Sunsets and PuffysIn Adventures, National Parks, Shop, TravelLeave a comment

‘Once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary day, nature gives us a MAGICAL FOREST.’

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A rainy day called for a weekend adventure to Yellowstone National Park. I wanted a week or two more to explore all the nooks and crannies of the park. There’s so much vastness and so many cool things to see in the park. As I started down the mile loop to Artists’ Paintpots it started snowing and I felt like I was on a path in a Magical Forest. I was a kid again exploring my make believe play land. Only now, I’m an adult playing in my grown up play land.

In 1988 a fire burned a majority of Yellowstone Park. I remember driving up to Island Park and into Yellowstone and watching the fires burn. It was crazy and so much smoke. Over 9,000 firefighters were brought in to fight the fire. It’s healthy for a forest ecosystem to burn and naturally regenerate itself.

Lodgepole Pines affected by the fire of 1988.

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Fires approaching the Old Faithful complex Sept 7, 1988.

Weekend adventure necessities and they’re on SALE! (Click on Links)

PANTS | SHIRT | DRESS | JACKET |SHIRT | PUFFY | SHORTS | BAG | SCARF

JERRY visits YELLOWSTONE national PARK

On May 17, 2016 By Sunsets and PuffysIn Adventures, Backpacking, Hiking, National Parks, Shop, TravelLeave a comment

West entrance of Yellowstone Park, Madison River

Jerry in the park. @jerryoftheday is one of my favorite Instagram feeds. No, not because they’re making fun of people, I don’t like that, but because it’s a feed about people trying to be AWESOME at something: skiing, a trick, a jump, anything but failing miserably. I couldn’t help but comment on the Yellowstone National Park tourists that recently put a bison calf in their car. To their credit they were sincerely worried about the small bisons’ safety. Full article HERE

I feel bad for: 1) The little bison, it had to be put down because it never reunited with it’s herd 2) the concerned visitors. They thought they were doing a good deed but were fined. The name of the game: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. Check out the park rules HERE Wildlife are not domesticated animals, they are WILD. Take caution and don’t try to pet the moose or get a close up of the bear you see just off the trail.

North Entrance, Mammoth Hot Springs

I’ve witnessed too many times myself, tourist wanting to get that great shot with the wildlife. Take caution, wildlife in National Parks are not furry friendly animals. Look from a distance and get a tele-photo lens so you can enjoy the National Parks!

NATIONAL PARK SITE SEEING MUST HAVES: and they are on SALE

CROSS training: a PEDAL in the PARK

On May 5, 2016May 14, 2016 By Sunsets and PuffysIn Adventures, National Parks, Running, Shop, Tetons Corner, TravelLeave a comment

I was too tired to run today, so I decided on a cross-training day. Teton and I decided to bike through Grand Teton National Park. I personally KNOW how important cross-training is for your running training, whether it’s a 5K or a 50K, it’s important! The races I didn’t do any cross-training, I could tell. Check out this great article on why cross-training is important: HERE My cross-training is fun and casual, biking, water-skiing, hiking. I keep it light since my training days are more intense.

It’s early season in the park so not too many people. There’s still snow in mountains so we biked from Taggart Lake parking lot to Jenny Lake. A must do! The views were splendid. And Teton LOVED it! Fitting don’t you think?!

Grand Teton National Park: Trail/Bike Map: HERE

Safety While Biking in Park: HERE

A Pedal in the Park Essentials: ON SALE!

Casual Shorts : Patagonia Button Down : Day Pack for Buddy : Sunglasses

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