currently: 06.20.2014

06/20/2014

The past month has been pretty good; it’s been filled with swimbikerun, settling into the ‘burbs, grilling for dinner, spending time with my niece (she called me auntie for the first time!) and really wishing the rain would stop (so much flooding!). 

Here’s what’s been up… 

loving

My family. Lucky me, I got to babysit this little girl all afternoon last Saturday. So worth finishing a 10-mile run at 10:30p 🙂 And, Happy Father’s Day to my wonderful Dad AND happy 60th birthday to my amazing Mom! #60isthenew40

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reading

I just finished Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns). An easy summer reads that’s witty and entertaining – and, I particularly loved the chapter about how men need to almost nothing to look great… defend your girlfriend’s family and friends, just start helping in the kitchen, and wait until all women have gotten on or off the elevator before you do. Spot on! Currently, I’m about a third of the way through rereading The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte. Exactly what I need to help me through this third-life crisis 😉 

dreaming about

Racing my bike. Watching the North Star Bike Fest race through MSP every year makes me only want to race my bike. Because wheels mere inches from wheels and the whir of the peloton! There’s no bigger adrenaline rush. 

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brainstorming

A little project with my sista. Can’t say much yet, but we’re both pretty pumped about it. 

watching 

This Janine Shepherd TED talk. Crazy inspiring and a good reminder to ask yourself: Why not me?  

recovering from

The flu. After a 77-mile ride on Saturday with Nick – the last 20 miles in a torrential downpour – I was slammed with the flu (who gets the flu in June?!). For close to 48 hours, I couldn’t even keep water down. Nothing like 30 hours of sleep to zap it! 

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adjusting to 

Meter pools. We finally said see ya to the sauna-esque LA Fitness pool and are now swimming at an outdoor 25-meter pool super close to our house (there’s an indoor pool option available, too). Swimming doesn’t get any better than under blue skies and sunshine! But, meters vs. yards is definitely an adjustment. There goes my 1:30 per 100 pace 😉

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The first open water swim of the season is also in the books. Prior Lake temps were perfect, and my ROKA maverick elite wetsuit was as awesome as I remember (speaking of… anyone interested? I’ve only worn it five times and am planning to upgrade. Message me for details!). 

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planting 

Succulents. Cannot get enough of these plants! Way back in my early 20s (my other, pre-triathlon life… when I quilted!), I had a green thumb. Then, almost over night, all my plants died (they got a bug, I swear!), and I’ve barely kept a plant alive since. Fingers crossed the succulents continue to thrive! 

running in

Hoka One One Conquests. I love my Newton Gravitys, but dang, the Hokas sure make for happy legs. Nearly 100 miles logged in them so far, and I think I’m a convert. Watch for a review soon.

favorite quote of the week 

Two for you…  

It’s there if you want it. Thank you, Kal Barteski. (I’m hoping she’ll #kbscript this!)

I believe the most important thing, beyond discipline and creativity, is daring to dare. Wise woman, that Maya Angelou.

Have a great weekend, friends.

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10 Comments

  • Reply Emily Dingmann (@nutritionisteat) 06/20/2014 at 12:10 pm

    So many things to comment on! I love that first quote, so true. I can’t believe you biked 77 miles. (I mean, I can, but still….) and SO excited to hear about what you and your sister are scheming! I know it will be great.

  • Reply Kecia 06/20/2014 at 1:36 pm

    Family time is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!! I saw Janine Shepherd’s TED Talk about 2 weeks ago and was very inspired and moved by her perseverance, determination and positive spirit…LOVE her!! The bike race would have been AWESOME to watch…I’m sure it was 🙂 I’m glad you are feeling better…being sick in the summer is the worst!! I must admit that transitioning from a yardage pool to a meter pool is a bit difficult. I always try to compare my times for 100 yards to 100 meters and obviously don’t end up with the same results, so it is a mental game 😉 I am very curious and excited to hear about what you and your sister are crafting!!

  • Reply Danielle @ I Eat Therefore I Run 06/20/2014 at 2:17 pm

    That’s so precious about your niece calling you auntie!

    And the flu: YUCK! You’re lucky you only got it for 2 days.

    I’ve been grilling a lot lately too.

    Love this post, I was thinking of doing something similar soon.

  • Reply hyedi 06/20/2014 at 6:02 pm

    Finley is THE cutest! And I’m really glad you’re feeling better!

  • Reply Luv What You Do 06/20/2014 at 8:50 pm

    I loved this post! So great to catch up!

  • Reply Kathy Howe 06/21/2014 at 7:50 am

    Love the pictures. Your niece is adorable! Hope you are feeling better 🙂

  • Reply Leslie @ TriathleteTreats 06/21/2014 at 4:45 pm

    Love hearing about everything fun you are doing!! Your niece is so cute!! I love meter pools so much better than yards and outside!! That is what I dream of!!
    I am glad that you are feeling better!! Being sick is the worst!!!
    I can’t wait to hear about your “new” project! A career change perhaps??!!!

  • Reply Kristen @ Glitter and Dust 06/24/2014 at 9:13 am

    Such a cool picture of all the bike racers! Erin, do you bike race? We have a lot of great races around here and I’ve considered it, but it’s definitely intimidating riding that fast in a big group. I hope you do share the outcome of your brainstorming idea and don’t leave us all hanging for too long 😉 By the way, that TED talk is pretty amazing (I hadn’t seen it before), thank you for sharing. Hope the rain has stopped and that you are feeling 100% again.

  • Reply Kristen L 06/24/2014 at 10:42 pm

    That is definitely a great TED talk. My husband’s boss said he watches one everyday at the beginning of work, so now my husband does now too. He sends on his favorites. Seems like a nice way to start the day — inspiring!

    Love that you are swimming outside. That is my favorite. Our poll has outdoor hours, but not early in the morning when I usually go. Might have to do so,e afternoon swim days just to enjoy it though. 🙂

    Hope to hear more soon about your secret project! 🙂

  • Reply Change of Pace 07/02/2014 at 7:00 am

    Love that you used to quilt- you certainly are multi-talented!
    I also love how much you love to bike! Do you ever contemplate just bike racing? It scares the daylights out of me 🙂
    I watched that TED talk and was swallowing back tears the whole time. Pretty inspiring!
    Your niece is just precious, and it’s so special you have such a great relationship with her!
    Excited to hear about the new project in the works!!

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