currently: november 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? 🙂

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). 

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…

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.