Zion National Park

Fall? Leaves are falling and I have pulled my coat out of the closet, but I am still having a hard time adjusting to the idea that it is no longer summer here in the PNW.

It is pretty much my own fault though; I just got back from an amazing weekend hiking in the sun at Zion National Park in southern Utah. The sunshine, and lingering scent of sunscreen, is leaving me longing for just a few more weeks of summer. :)

Zion though? It was amazing. I spent much of the trip in awe of the landscape around me, feeling like I had traveled to another country with scenery and hiking terrain dramatically different than the mountains near Seattle. Heather and I trekked up to Angle's Landing, waded through the Narrows, and lived to tell tales of the Subway. Though we had read summaries of each hike, watched YouTube videos, and seen pictures, I don't know that any of the hikes were what we expected. We are in good shape!  She just hiked a mountain in one day, and I just ran a half marathon, but 5 miles really did take 5 hours and 9 miles really did take 9 hours.  Every hike seemed more extreme than I expected… Zion challenged me, taught me to boulder and certainly made me more confident in my balance! :)

Race for the cure 5k

Yesterday we hiked up a mountain, David's first hike with me and .... well,  we got to the top just in time for a downpour!!!  Lol.... I could only laugh, I so wanted him to fall in love with hiking just like I have, but Rattlesnake Ledge let me down!  Lol....

Anyway, this was another weekend of hiking and racing, today I ran
the Race for the Cure 5k - and was pretty happy with my time!
Location: Seattle, WA
Overall place: 263 out of 353

Time: 36:44

Pace: 11:50

All and all I loved this race, and felt like it was really well supported.  They had the streets closed off for us, and there were tons of people cheering along the sidelines!

I ran this one for my Mom (who is an amazing survivor!!!), and for myself, every mile makes me healthier!  But I have to tell you, running along and seeing all of the girls 'running for Mommy' was really moving. 

This race challenged me, but I made it without crying!  :)

Hiking - Twin Falls

Hiking is maybe my favorite form of exercise (tied I think with boxing, yoga and running tied for second place lol....).  Sunday morning I hiked the short and sweet Twin Falls trail with some friends from work.  We had a few sprinkles, but the pack of bernese mountain dogs (and their owners) hiking just ahead of us kept us going.  Busy weekend!

Peru and Machu Picchu!

Before I head off on my next adventure I wanted to post a bit about Peru, becuase well... I loved it there.  I have been a few places in the world, done a little traveling, and while this was maybe the hardest trip I have ever taken, it was by far my favorite.  There were times I questioned myself, my relationships, and my determination, but in the end Peru reminded me how far a smile can get you, how nice it is to travel with one of my very best friends, and how strong I really am.  It seems a surreal experiance in retrospect, and has only increased my desire to travel everywhere.  lol.....  Thank you Peru, you were beautiful in both landscape and spirit. 

Accomplishing some 2010 goals!

I've been running!  And hiking!  I actually think the hiking has really helped the running, but I am excited to report on both fronts.  :)
I have always wanted to be this cool:

Heather and I have completed three hikes toward my goal of five this year, and I have been running for 30 minutes on the treadmill several days a week (lunchtime gym runs!).  I am feeling pretty fit and accomplished!

Snow Lake

Snow Lake made for a beautiful hike, even with the fog, but it was a very rocky trail making the way home seem never-ending - Heather and I were both wishing for hiking boots!  The grade was easy, and I would do it again for a better glimpse of the lake.

Next weekend we are off to Kendall Katwalk, and the following week we are going to do Blanca Lake - these are going to be a challenge, but I can't wait!

Twin Falls Trail

A day off work to take a hike?  Yes please!  :) 

Twin Falls Trail
Beautiful waterfalls, tons of trees, a great afternoon.  :)

I've taken up hiking...

Every weekend?  Sure why not.  It is way more fun than going to the gym, and the view!  That makes all the hard work getting up the mountain worth it.  :)

Rattlesnake Ledge