currently: november 2014

11/07/2014

Autumn in Minnesota… it doesn’t get much better than it did this year (payback for last year’s polar vortex?). Trees were in all their splendor for September and nearly all of October; and, Mother Nature graced us with many ditch-work-early-to-ride-bikes days. Certainly can’t complain about that! 

But, winter is knocking on the door with highs in the 30s this weekend and… a chance of snow. Time to bust out the knee-length down parka!

Here’s what’s been up the past month… 

reading

So many books! My fab cousin Margaret started a book club, and our first read: Moloka’i by Alan Brennert. The fictional story (based on historical events) centers on Rachel, a young girl who’s diagnosed with Hansen’s disease and sent to a quarantine settlement on the Hawaiian island of Moloka’i. I couldn’t put it down! And, now there are two islands I must visit 😉 Next up: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. I’m about 100 pages into this read about Louis Zamperini, superstar runner turned airman in World War II, and it’s incredible. A must-read. 

A couple other good articles I recently read: Does childbirth improve athletic ability? by David Cox in The Guardian and The disease of being busy by Omid Safi. In the latter, I love this question: How is your heart doing at this very moment, at this breath? And, I love how he further clarifies: Tell me your heart is joyous, tell me your heart is aching, tell me your heart is sad, tell me your heart craves a human touch. Examine your own heart, explore your soul, and then tell me something about your heart and your soul. BECAUSE I DON’T WANT TO HEAR HOW BUSY YOU ARE.

daydreaming

I was lucky to score a Coeur trucker hat (and a couple other goodies) straight from Kona, thanks to my friend Liz who volunteers in the med tent every year (thank you, Liz!). Other than at work, I’ve barely taken it off. Can you say… inspiration for 2015? 🙂

IMG_0368

resting 

Rest and recovery used to drive me CRAZY. During my CrossFit days, I rarely took a day off, which resulted in a really unhappy body (think: rhabdo) and really tight jeans. But, thanks to my wise triathlon coach, I’ve learned to embrace my rest (and active recovery) days. I was even ok with the six-week running break after Ironman Wisconsin. I got to sleep in all of October! 

training

It’s started again! As nice as off-season was, seeing workouts in TrainingPeaks for the first time in two months is refreshing. Returning to the pool after close to five weeks off? Not so much. I was *almost* glad the aquafit instructor kicked me out because my arms were toast after 1,200m (seriously). 

IMG_0546

experimenting

With my diet. Other than the occasional cookie (this ginger molasses cookie!), I’ve been gluten-free for about four years. However, my upset GI has continued. So, after more research about a month ago, I gave up my beloved eggs. And, voila… instantly happier GI (the occasional cookie hasn’t bothered me, though). They’re a trigger food for gallbladder issues (nearly everyone in my family has had theirs removed), and both my grandma and an aunt can’t eat them either (even without their gallbladders). I miss the fast lunch factor and weekend brunch! Next up: allergy testing. 

bike loving 

Thanks to Daylight Saving Time, there’s not enough light left to bike after work. Sad. But, Nick and I did get out for one last spin of the season on Sunday. It was glorious, and I’m already counting the days until spring… though there may be a cycling trip or two to warmer locales over the winter…

DCIM103GOPRO

creating 

Nick and I are currently revamping our lower level bike room for a long winter of spinning. Hello, new paint, framed ARTCRANK posters and rubber floor tiles. Who wants to come over for Saturday spins?!

halloweening

It was on Friday this year, so of course we dressed up. I got my tight pants on! I ♥ Jimmy Fallon. Bonus: The white denim will get some winter wear… because white after Labor Day obviously. 

IMG_0465

You Might Also Like

16 Comments

  • Reply Alyssa 11/07/2014 at 12:20 pm

    Wow thanks for sharing the “The Disease of Being Busy” article!! Definitely something i needed to read and such a great question in it! Gives me something to really think about and hopefully apply more regularly!

  • Reply Kecia 11/07/2014 at 12:38 pm

    You’ve had a GREAT off-season 🙂 I’ve heard “Unbroken” is a fabulous read and I definitely need to read it. We have a copy at home that my Grandfather signed for us before he died since he flew bombers in WWII. I love your 2015 mojo 😉

  • Reply Leslie @ TriathleteTreats 11/07/2014 at 1:00 pm

    Sounds like an amazing off-season!! That is my one regret/not regret about the marathon. I couldn’t defer it again i had to do it. It was such an amazing day but i know my body would have done better with more rest!!
    I have only swam about 5 times since Whister. It is hard getting back to swimming! But in December i will start going again regularly(as my “off-season” is from now to the beginning of December)!!
    We just had our ArtCrank a couple of months ago and bought 2 prints. I just got them framed! Love them!! Your lower level “cycling studio” sounds awesome!!!

  • Reply amikoch 11/07/2014 at 1:55 pm

    So good, Sis! And, Does Childbirth Improve Athletic Ability!? Maybe that’s why I can run 2.5 miles without walking now?! lol 😉

  • Reply Kristen 11/07/2014 at 3:48 pm

    Love the Coeur trucker hat. Great colors and very cute on you. I see a trip to Kona in your future. 😉 That’s great that you took some time to rest and enjoyed the down time. It’s not always easy, but sure makes getting back into training mode that much better. I have a feeling that after my next marathon, I will need lots of rest in December. At least, that is the plan. Great Halloween costume! You wear white jeans well!!!

  • Reply Allison 11/07/2014 at 4:01 pm

    Definitely read Honolulu, also by Alan Brennert. I picked it up as soon as I finished Molokai. And Unbroken is incredible. Unfortunately it doesn’t look like the movie will do it justice, but we shall see. Any trips to Cali to bike this winter???

    • Reply erin 11/07/2014 at 4:52 pm

      The coast ride is penciled in! So excited! Adding Honolulu to my list… thanks for the rec! How was your trip?!

  • Reply Danielle @ Eat Primal, Run Hard 11/08/2014 at 7:51 am

    That article on the Disease of Being Busy is amazing! And too true. The majority of our busy-ness comes down to active choices we make; we’re bogging ourselves down on purpose.

    Good luck with the gallbladder and allergy testing stuff, hope it’s not too bad.

    And to show how long I’ve been out of the North American loop: while I thought your Halloween costumes were funny and cute, I had NO idea what they were about. I had to watch the youtube video to find out…. :/

  • Reply De 11/08/2014 at 10:33 am

    A. I stand by my tweet best costume ever 🙂 and B. Thank you for sharing the Omid Safi article and introducing me to On Being! I can always count on you to share something really unique when I need it most. Thanks Erin!!

  • Reply Jason Ellis 11/09/2014 at 8:48 am

    I like biking. It really gives me a great sweat and exercise. After this activity, I feel so refresh.

  • Reply Candice 11/09/2014 at 10:10 am

    Erin! I am doing some allergy testing over christmas. I have had it with eggs as well. What test do you plan to do? I am considering the one from lifetime. I think it costs about $300 but its worth it for a lifetime 🙂

  • Reply Luv What You Do 11/09/2014 at 4:45 pm

    Those halloween costumes are the BEST!
    So interesting about the eggs. When I gave up dairy my stomach and skin got so much better! But I’d still love me some fro yo sometimes : ) Great to catch up!

  • Reply Kristina 11/09/2014 at 8:17 pm

    I just started Unbroken – a colleague loaned it to me (always nice to have a loaner), and it’s already amazing!
    Sounds like you’ve enjoyed your off-season. I’ve enjoyed mine too, although I’ve had an extended off-season, since July! At some point, I need to get back to work!

  • Reply Change of Pace 11/09/2014 at 9:31 pm

    Love your currently posts! I was also going to recommend Honolulu by the same author. I actually liked it even better than Molokai!
    I must say- we could all learn from your off-season. Although it seems like you still did a lot (love all the #bikelove photos!), the break from running must’ve done your body a world of good! I truly can’t wait to follow along with your training and racing this year. I see amazing things!
    Yes please to the David Cox article!!! (That is if my hips don’t break before I reap the benefits 🙂 )
    Happy November!! It snowed here this weekend, and I’m sure it’ll be here to stay with below freezing temps all week long!

  • Reply Beth 11/10/2014 at 11:39 am

    So many thoughts for this post! I loved Unbroken. I’m adding your other books and articles to my list. I hate the glorification of busy. I still haven’t gotten on my bike but I am running. I wish I loved cycling like you. Oh well, not my gig. I suppose I can’t force it. The hat is so pretty in those colors. Halloween costume was a major win. Ok, I think I got them all. LOL! Happy back to training and enjoy your upgraded spin room. 😀

  • Reply hyedi 11/10/2014 at 3:30 pm

    I’m reading Unbroken next! Also, your halloween costumes were the best I had seen this year! Finally, I’m excited to see what your spin room looks like when it’s finished 🙂

  • your thoughts…

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.