Happy Fall!

Well if you look back it has once again been a while.  Writing this in my calendar, the goal once a week!!! Writing on here.

The caveat for all, I'm no English major, I know my grammar is not great, and I seldom reread this kind of stuff.  You can guarantee I will reread my work emails multiple times.  

With that said, going to share with you what Podcasts I'm listening to.  There are a lot.  I have 40 on the list, I don't keep up with them all.  I love learning new things and keeping up with the news.  It really depends also what I'm interested in.  At times I'm listening to all about sewing, or memory keeping, or fitness.  Currently a little bit of a mix!

First up is, "It Was Said"  Produced by History it covers some of the most important public speeches ever given.  I have listened to Martin Luther Kings "I Have a Dream" speech, President Regans Farewell Speech, and just recent Senator McCains Eulogy.  It has quite a few already and worth a listen.  It analyses the time in history the speech is given, and the tone of the speech.  

Next up on my Go to list is BBC's Global News Podcast.  They have a release daily covering global news, this is about all the news I can take these days.  They touch on high points of news in the U.S. but also what is going on around the world, that is often missed.  If you are looking for a place to get a short news episode to check it out.

The final one I will share today is "The Rachel Hollis Podcast"  I have followed Rachel Hollis for two years now, and she has had on her show some remarkable people.  The podcast features interviews in business, media, and lifestyle.  Her Podcast has lent me to countless others in the personal/professional Development Realm.  Some include Trent Shelton's "Straight Up", Jay Shetty's "On Purpose", Dave Hollis on "Rise Together", and many others. 

Thank you all for checking in on my blog.  Share below what podcasts are on your playlist!!

Until next week!

Jane

Long lost Blog

Yes, it is the long lost blog.  The last post in this blog was from March of 2015.  March 2015 Sam and I lived in Colorado Springs at the time.  Since that point, we have now moved twice and enjoying our new how just outside our nation's capital.

The time we have spent in Southern Texas was, rewarding, fun, and also a challenging place for work.  We have had many adventures that will share over time, but to get back into blogging I'm going to start with the current events. The current events may have brought me back to this blog, I do believe I had a thought in early January to start writing again, but what better time now when so many hours in the day have little planned.  Tomorrow starts week 6 of Teleworking and my works stay at home/social distancing order.  It was the first weeks that it was such an unbelievable thought that this was going to be happening, that this stay at home would still continue.  Little did I know this would become the new normal.  How life has changed, how our world has changed? It has not been an easy road, navigating working from home, the new routine of things.

With the new routine comes new challenges, but the time we are given gives us more time with family and to work on the project set aside and hobbies that haven't been visited or new hobbies.  Sam and I have finished one 1000 piece puzzle, I think it was more Sam finishing.  The second one has started.  We have been cooking at home even then we already had been.  We have started our very own bread starter, "Turbo".  We will see what can come of this, hoping all the fresh bread and biscuits.  Our lawn is growing and we are slowly getting through the list of yard work.  More to come.  Also house projects.  Our walls are now covered, well most of them, with family photos and pieces we have created or picked out along our journeys. Next up is finishing the closet doors, and painting my office!  I think with all the time I have spent in my office the time is now to get it painted and everything the way I want.

With all that is going on in the world, I am thankful for what I have, what my family has and for our health.  I hope you will join me as I begin to write more here and share what we are up to!

A good article that I recommend. 
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200330-covid-19-how-to-learn-a-new-skill-in-coronavirus-quarantine

Fav Running Applications

There are soooooo many running phone applications out there.  I've only recently started running with my phone for many reasons, and these applications are some of the reasons why I do.

I will discuss two of the ones I currently are using here.

The first is Charity Miles.  This is a great app (since latest update, some issues) to use those walk, bike, and run miles to help out a charity.  There are a number of charities that your miles can donate to.  Some include Team RWB, Habitat for Humanity, Wounded Warrior Project, and Stand up to Cancer, along with others.  This application is available on the Apple App Store and Google play store.  The application when turned on using phone GPS, will log your miles and after finishing a run/bike/walk the miles will be added to your total and to the charity.  The application is a fun way to have teams add up miles and compet to earn miles.

The second is RunSafe.  I use to notify a list of contacts on when I start and finish my runs.  This is used for safety while I run and so that it is easy to find where I may be.  There are two options with the app: either free or a 4.99/month option with additional features.  I'm using the free option and enjoy the features.  To include the notifications, it also features a Panic button if needed in Emergency's and also will track your weekly milage.  This application just like Charity Miles can be found on Apple App Store and Google play as well as the use of the phone GPS.

These applications are both free and are great tools to use for tracking miles and staying safe.

Let me know what you think of them!

Jane

Whole30

Hello All,

As March has begun, it marks many things! First off my Birthday!!  It was yesterday and it was great excited to continue celebrating this weekend.  In addition, the beginning of March, our completion of the Whole30.

The Whole30 is a program that was introduced to me by the iwill Fit Coaches!  It certainly seemed daunting and scary when I first read the Rules!  The Whole30 is a program that in short is a cleanse to your body.  You will cut out dairy, all grains, all added sugars, legumes, all processed foods,  and other items and restrictions.  Doesn't it sound Scary! Overwhelming!!  The program goes for 30 days, and is used to reset your body to eating healthy vegetables, fruits, and quality meats.  This is very similar to what many know as Paleo.  There are some additions to the program though.

Some of those additional restrictions included no Alcohol and no recreating treats with approved ingredients--such as banana pancakes!

In simplicity, meats and veggies! But......It was way more than that!  To start out the month, I found many resources on compliant dishes.  Recipes made with coconut milk, veggies galore, and a whole lot of flavor!  I had only one salad during the entire month of eating this way.

For all, don't doubt that you can't do this, it is 30 days, you get to eat and eat yummy flavorful foods.  Never did I feel hungry, but learned on how much I need to eat during the day to keep my energy levels up.

Results:

I did not lose weight, good thing, wasn't looking too.  What I did gain was clearer healthier skin, more energy, and more muscle tone!  In addition a bigger sense of understanding foods and what I need to have in my body and what I really don't need.  There are many foods out there that just don't give me any nutritional benefit.

Sam also had some good results, loosing 10+ lbs, and being adventurous with food choices and creations!  He wasn't as accepting to some of the items we cut out such as the pasta and rice, but I'm very happy to have had him on this journey to experiment with food.

During, we also continued our workout routine's.

Will I continue??

I do plan on continuing to eat Whole30 compliant for 90% of our meals.  Processed foods-Nope getting rid of the  Added Sugars-at our very best we will eliminate these entirely (check ingredients, sugar is in everything) Dairy- Mhh a Wisconsin girl cutting out dairy, is it possible?  This will be cut to a very minimum.  It will be very rare occasions that I will have cheese or even milk.

Very happy with the experience I had during this program, and for anyone looking for a jump start into eating healthy, changing lifestyle, consider The Whole30 Program.  Below I will link to some of the blogs where we found some amazing recipes!



The Clothes Make The Girl

Nom Nom Paleo

Just Jessie B

Pinterest  Of Course Pinterest, Just Search for Whole30!

Whole30 Recipes  On Instagram-Recipes are posted daily, with quest chefs!

iWill90

This week I was recognized as member of the week for iWill90 Challenge, and wanted to recognize the team of coach's and the program here on my blog.

iWill Fitness is a company committed to coaching people.  Incorporating fitness, nutrition, and your mind into lifestyle fitness coaching.  I have been a part of iWill90 from the beta round.  iWill90 is a 90 day lifestyle challenge, where teams work together meeting and breaking fitness/nutrition/mind challenges throughout the week.  The second round of iWill 90 started in mid January to kick off the new year.

I've learned a lot of things during the first round of iWill90.  To include, recognizing that i wasn't eating enough fruits and veggies each day.  Additionally, the abundance of artificial sweeteners and sugars that are added into many of the things we have daily.  Some things include flavored coffee, toothpaste, ketchup, all sorts of dressings, and many other things that were in our pantry.  This made me realize the importance of reading the ingredients on the foods we are eating.

The second round, I'm focusing my personal goals on getting rid of those artificial sweeteners, and knowing what I'm eating.  If I don't know an ingredient on a label and sounds like chemistry it is very likely not coming home with me.  The team of coach's of iWill brought up the Whole30 program (which I will have a post out in the coming weeks), without the encouragement, knowledge from the coach's and the community I don't think I would have gone through with the Whole30.  I have 4 days left to go to finish up the 30 days and am very happy with my results and the food dependence's I've gotten over!

The fitness/workouts I've been pretty good with myself, which includes running, cycling, and most recently more strength training.  The challenge has been a great way to stay accountable and keep up with my workouts.

The final area of coaching that is the mind.  This area I think is one of the most important areas in any goal setting/meeting.  The end of last year, I came out from running with an injury.  Doctors don't really know exactly what it was, but with a lot of rest and more strength training it has gone well in recovery and I'm back at running.  My mindset through the recovery and build up has changed, I'm listening to my body and enjoy the fact that I can keep moving.  It may not be my fastest or the best time, it may be snowing, but I am still moving and enjoying it.

With this, my running goals have changed for the year.  I have goal races, that are bucket list runs, I want to finish well and strong, the time yes will be important, but not the number one item.  Finishing and finishing healthy is what I am looking to achieve.  Of course having fun!

Thank you to all the coach's and the knowledge you have passed on to all of us!

For more questions about iWill or iWill90 let me know or check out the links below to get in contact with the iWill coach's!

iWill Facebook

iWill Fitness


Thanks for reading!!

Jane

SWEET Workout

Introducing SWEET Workout!

I've been recently chosen as an Ambassador for SWEET Workout!  Excited to be a apart of the program.  SWEET Workout was designed to encourage women and men to make positive lifestyle changes and find motivation to workout/run.  Through the use of social media the group has been growing.

What does SWEET Stand for??

SWEET is an acronym which stands for:

S • Stronger
W • Women through
E • Empowering
E • Education and
T • Training

As part of the program, I will be representing SWEET Workout and encouraging others through the many social media outlets.

To learn more checkout SWEET Workout Website!

SWEET Workout

-Other ways to follow SWEET Workout:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWEETWorkout

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sweet_workout/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sweetworkout

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SWEETWorkout/

Jane

Run Ranger Run

Hello All,

      Wanted to share with everyone an event that I'm participating in through the month of February!  The team I joined up with for this event is part of the Colorado Springs Team RWB.  This is an organization that has many chapters throughout the United States.  I haven't yet gotten to participate in any of there weekly events, but hope to once my work schedule changes.  Team RWB's mission is to enrich the lives of America's veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.  This comes from there website Team RWB, where you can find out more about this organization!

Back to Run Ranger Run!

The History
       In 2012 veteran US Army Corporal Cory Smith, following combat deployment, and the difficulties of the journey home, he decided to highlight this difficult journey by running 565 miles in 28 days.  To read more of the history of Corporal Smith's journey, check out this link.

The Event
       The team pledges to walk, run and/or bike a combined of 565 miles in the month of February raising funds for GallantFew while also increasing the awareness of the veteran transition issues. This is where my part comes in.  So far for this month our team has raised $220 of our $565 goal, and 94 of the 565 miles.  I have a total of 12 miles in for the group.

Event Numbers from 2014

• 634 Participants
• Participants represented in several countries
• 98 Teams
• 1545 Donors
• $123,921 pledged
• 46,857.4 miles logged

I don't do many fundraiser, but want to encourage all those who are reading to view the information and be educated about the transition that veterans have to make coming home from combat deployments and the military.  It is a different life that can take time to adjust to upon return.

If interested in making any donations, they can be done through Crowdrise.

Some information on GallentFew Inc.
      GallentFew is a Non-Profit mission to reduce US Army Ranger veteran unemployment, homelessness and eliminate Ranger veteran suicide by one-on-one mentoring.  To read more information on GallentFew check out the following links: Gallentfew  and The History.

Thank you all for checking out the post,  we are enjoying some great weather here in Colorado and ready to start the weekend.

Jane

The New Year

Over the last year and half, the blog has been neglected quite a bit.  A number of months between blog posts.  I am hoping to change that in the new year.  Maybe every other week to get something even if it is not much at all up on here.

The year has started out well, setting new goals, making new habits.  The laster part of 2014, I was limited to the amount of running I could do.  This was due to a persistent injury with my hip.  Not really sure what it was but doing much better now.  Seeing a chiropractor weekly, adding in strength training and starting to run now just to enjoy the run.

If I will race this year is unknown, I think it is going to be best for me to just build up the miles, not set an end date to be at a certain point but enjoy getting the miles in!  There are so many beautiful places in the area to run that I haven't yet.  The addition to strength training will also be a great benefit to prevent the stagnant routine of just getting the miles in.

I have set some new goals to make habits to eating healthier and cutting out sweets.  I'm not eliminating sweets, just more conscious of how much and how often I indulge in the yummy treats.  A lot of this started through the iwill90 challenge from this past fall and has rolled into the new year.  I want to continue working harding to make the better food choices, without eliminating some of those tasty treats!

There is very little planned for the year, as for travel, kinda going to see how the year rolls out and maybe take more short trips in Colorado!

I continue to scrapbook, keeping memories recording stories! At some point this year I'm going to venture into creating a t-shirt quilt.  I have sooooo many t-shirts that I don't wear, but all tell a story.  The quilt will be great for telling stories.

I have a few pictures below as of recent, but look for more blog posts in the future!

Jane

Brooklyn sleeping under my Study Material

Logan and I out on a short Run in COS

Molly and I running together.  One of the many snowy days, we were running at the gym!

Is August here yet?

Soo close to August! I'm ready, it will mean I will be back on Day shift schedules will be the same, and my summer will officially start.  Ready to spend some more time in the sun!

We haven't been up doing too much the last couple weeks.  We did attend the Pikes Peak or bust Rodeo once again this year.  It did rain the day of the rodeo just like last year when we went, but held out while at the rodeo.

Tonight we went to Margarita Fiesta! A great night, and a lot of laughs and delicious foods and of course Margarita's!!  Sam was awesome and cooked up the taco meat, as I accidentally slept in a lot (there was an alarm set, must have turned it off in my sleep).  One of the difficult things of working nights.  I did get ready in 20 mins and out the door we went!

Last weekend Sam took place in UpaDowna's ROAR in the city event.  This was a type of scavenger hunt that took place throughout downtown Colorado Springs.  All the hunting was done on bikes.  These pictures I pulled from the linked webpage from the event.

Some unfortunate news.  Our pups had there annual exams/shots on Tuesday.  Logan is healthy, good weight, clean teeth, and did well with the vet for his shot.  We found out that Brooklyn has a heart murmur, just developing over the past 10 months.  This we have known is common in her breed, we will be going in for an ultrasound/x-ray later August to find out if what the status is and the level she is at.

Brooklyn has no change in attitude, appetite, or activity level.  We will be watching her closely for any symptoms that may arise, but still enjoying all the time we can with her.

Happy 4th of July!

This year we actually celebrated our 4th of July on the 3rd.  Our small town we live in outside of Colorado Springs had an event on the 3rd.  What a great way to extend the celebration.  Here is a photo taken prior to us leaving to avoid the rain!

Like I said, we left before the fireworks actually started at the Golf Course.  Lucky for us, we were able to see them from our Front Porch Perfectly!!

The last couple months I have been working night shift, it has made for a different summer, defiantly less time spent out and about, and usually starting my day about 5 pm, not much time to get anything done if shopping is needed.  Not to much longer till I will be on days again!!

One thing we did get to do, was see a Lacrosse match in Denver at the Mile High Stadium.  I was fortunate enough to win tickets to this while at an expo in May.  We had a great time attending and watching!  We also discovered an awesome small place that served some great chicken wings!

In mid June we were able to make a quick trip to Texas to go to Sam's Family Cousin Reunion.  It was a great time, beautiful weather, and some beautiful views.  This was also the weekend of the Honey Moon.  Unfortunately I did not get a good picture of the moon coming up over the water, but it was a great site to see.  The humidity was a great welcome, really is a great thing after living in Colorado and having to invest in hand/body lotion all year long!

Unlike last summer here, this summer we have gotten soo much rain!  It has been pretty consistent raining every afternoon.  It has been great, our grass is now green, and the afternoon rains provides some great view for photos.  This one I snapped on the corner of our street.  A awesome double rainbow!

Some very exciting news for us! Sam is getting promoted this year!! It will be a few months till the new rank, but we are excited!  Like I said up top, we haven't really been doing too much this summer.  I have some days off for the holiday hope to catch up on some things, around the house trying to keep quite as the rest of the house sleeps.

I leave you with two pics of Brooklyn and Logan.  Brooklyn is now 3 years old and Logan is coming up on 2.  We haven't had Logan yet a year, despite his shyness, he has learned quite a bit in a short time!  This photo has him doing a high five, he hardly ever does this when new people are around, I have proof of it now!  Love the way he is looking at the camera in this one as well!  And we have sleeping Brooklyn!

Haven't Forgot!

Hello

I haven't forgotten that I do have a blog, just temporarily not looked at recently.  There has been a lot going on. A short recap with some photos.

Well I was about to start my Masters Program this month, unfortunately when I was accepted, to the Systems Engineering Program at Penn State, it wasn't noted that I hadn't had calculus which was highly encouraged for the program.  So starting the first course was a bit rough, and in the end I had to drop it and will have to rethink where I will be going with school.  Something that I feel I may be better at is project management, IA/cybersecurity, so looking into more programs available to continue with school! Sam has also recently started school at Ashford.





April (26) was an exciting month, My cousin Andrea was married, probably on the nicest day of the month in Wisconsin.  I was privileged to be a part of their wedding party.  Had a great time helping with decorating and wedding day.  To the right is a photo of Sam and I at the wedding. Looking snazzy!  Congrats Andrea and Jason!!

   A random photo of Logan and I. He has grown up a lot since first getting  him.  He has learned lie down, and he sure is quiet obedient when treats are involved.  He is still a bit hesitant around new people and sometimes around Sam.   He has become a better companion and fun to be around.  His  his second shedding season has started, so the vacuum and furminator are my friend with him.  Brooklyn and Logan, mhh I would say tolerate each other, they are not ones to lay together, which is fine.  Logan can be a bit more excited and playful when Brooklyn just wants to get away and relax.

A fun photo of Sam and I at the Air Force Appreciation night at the Sky Sox Game.  We are  big kids in this one! The Sky Sox is the Colorado Springs AAA team.  Hear is the Air Force Falcon from the Air Force Academy and Sox the Fox, the Sky Sox team mascot.





Sam probably didn't realize I took this photo.  This was taken at Phantom Canyon in downtown Colorado Springs.  A pretty fun place we don't go to often.  This was probably the best game of pool I ever played, I did though scratch on the 8 ball but soooo close to winning for once!  We stopped here this night after a friends birthday dinner.

SELFIE!!!  Our unit on 15 May, had a down day where we went to the incline in Manitou Springs.  This was my first trip up the incline, and WOW, I don't think I was ready.  I did get to try it out, who knows if I will ever be ready to climb the incline.  Check out the link of Manitou Incline to learn more and see what I'm talking about!  Sure was  a beautiful day and beautiful view looking down over Manitou and Colorado Springs!

Colfax Urban 10 Miler took place 18 May, only three days following my hike up the incline.  My first ever 10 mile race, not my longest race, but different goal distance.  It was a fun race, running through Mile High Stadium in Denver and through different parts of the city. Finishing time was 1:32, just over my goal of 1:30.  The day was beautiful, with temperatures at 9 in the morning I believe up in the 70's.  It was great.  My friend Molly wasn't able to run during this series, but she came along to support my run and see me at the finish line! A great girls weekend.

The last couple months I've started Scrapbooking.  All those photos from our travels throughout Europe are finally going into an album, I never realized how many I took!  It has been fun, and I'm happy to again be creative in this way.  I have noticed I spend less time in front of a television, which I'm happy with.  There are always those days that I do nothing and watch way to many HGTV House Hunters episodes but, hey why not!!

WELCOME Jackson!! We are excited to be Uncle Sam and Aunt Jane to our nephew Jackson!  At this date he is about a week old now and soo tiny, cute! Sam recently went to visit, while I stayed home with work and the pups! We are excited to welcome him to the family! Congrats Maggie and Jeremy on your addition!

That is what I got so far, I will probably do more of these summarizing posts during the summer, we are going to do as much stuff in the area this summer, despite our unique work schedules.  We are excited to be coming up on our 4 year wedding anniversary and our 1 year living here in Colorado Springs area!

Hobby has returned

Many know one of my most passionate hobbies is running.  Endurance running.  I have been more and less interested in the sport since I've began this Journey, really starting when I lived in Okinawa and continuing while in Korea.  The hobby always returns, and in new ways.

This past Sat I joined a team from a local running store.  This once again has started up my motivation for fitness and running.  Our first group run, wasn't with the best weather, but it was great to get out and participate with so many ladies in the area.  All at different levels, but joining for a common interest and motivation to live a healthy life.  The spring season of the team training has just started, I'm sure I will have a few more posts on it as well.

To check out more about the BRC Women's FIT Team Check out there Facebook link.

In addition to my running hobby, I have another hobby that has returned to my interest.  I started scrapbooking almost eight years ago prior to joining the Air Force.

It has been almost three and half years since I had done any scrapbooking.  It may be living in an apartment in Germany with not to much room to spread out and and be creative.  Possibly working on my Bachelors Degree.  And all the travel we did in Europe.

The interest has recent returned, and I'm having fun being creative and finally looking through all of our travel pictures from Europe.  I'm hoping that some point, I will be able to scrapbook in near real time to current events going on.

My blog has been very useful starting on my European pages.  I am able to go back look through dates and what we were doing.

I've attached some recent work, haven't mastered my photo skills of these pages, but to come.  I'm still perfecting my style and unique processes that work for me.  

Special Olympics Polar Plunge

February 1, I and my friend Molly took part in the Colorado Springs Special Olympic Polar Plunge. How Ironic, the previous week, and day were one of the coldest and snowy so far this winter.  The event went on.

Molly was the one that found out about the event and signed us up!  We were a bit late in signing up and raised about $300 for the Colorado Springs Special Olympics.

We were one of the last groups to plunge, and it was miserable waiting, as it was difficult just staying warm before the plunge.

We did have a blast despite the chilling temperatures of the water.  The after Plunge party was also a blast!

Unfortunately we did not get any personal photos of the event, but to pictures of us and the event check out the link below.

Photos from the Day

At the time, I said I wouldn't do the Polar Plunge again, but we had a great time, there may be another Polar Plunge in our future.

Facebook Link to Colorado Springs Polar Plunge

WebLink 


http://montowski.smugmug.com/SOCO/COS-Polar-Plunge-2014/i-zFVGRkh/A

Use the above link to reach the series of photos we are in, be sure to click the arrow to view all of them.

Locks of Love

Locks of Love is a Non-Profit Organization that provides hair pieces to financially disadvantages children throughout the United States.  These hair pieces are created from real human hair, all donations to the organization.

I have in the past donated my hair to Locks of Love twice.  First time while still in high school and the second while in Germany.  I just recently, January 24 donated my hair once again to Locks of Love.  I was going to wait till this summer but the opportunity arose to have it done now.  I donated about 10" of hair, and am loving my new do.

The opportunity came up through a base organized event, that brought in stylists from the Paul Mitchell School here in Colorado Springs.  Providing free cuts/styles to those that donated there hair.

The story has been posted on the Peterson AFB website.  Read about here Give a little, Give a lock.

I'm loving the new style, makes getting ready a whole lot faster,  not sure how long I will keep it short, we will see.  To find out more about Locks of Love, check out the link above, will bring you to a lot of information on the organization.

Jane

Phoenix We Run!

A few weeks ago, we made a trip to Phoenix.  While it was frigid temperatures here in Colorado Springs, were lucky enough to enjoy the beautiful warm weather of Arizona.

Planned this trip the beginning November following, the Denver Rock N' Roll Half Marathon.  My friend Molly and I decided to start the year off right and get a half-marathon in January.  This was the beginnings of planning for this trip.

Our guys also began a golf weekend in Phoenix as the season has slowed down quite a bit here in Colorado Springs.

Made it a long weekend trip, and were able to enjoy a good time with great friends.  Were able to see a few areas of Phoenix, some during our 1/2 marathon as well as a bit of exploring we did the day before the run!

My goal was to run the half marathon in 2 hours, had a great run finishing in 1:55.  Molly also meet and surpassed her goal.  This will be my 6th half marathon, the year is just about planned out on what will come next to include a 10 miler race here locally, a number of 5K's, and two potential half marathons in the fall!

Miles, Miles, and Miles

I have always enjoyed running, something I can do on my own can normally be inexpensive, and feel that I'm not to bad at it.

I started running long distance my senior year in High School.  Was my first time every running any kind of long distances.  Always had a great time, maybe not running hills, but the enjoyment and fun our team had.  This continued on when I went to Okinawa where I ran my first Half-Marathon.  While there ran two Half-Marathons, never trained properly for either one, max miles I ran prior to any race was eight miles.  Finishing times were about 2 hours, not to bad!!

Not until moving to Korea is when I became I would say a bit of fanatic.  Have to thank a great friend Sarah, who a marathoner herself, invited me on a long run.  Once again hadn't really built up to the 6 mile run, but wasn't so bad.  That was the beginning.  I started running non-stop in Korea same 6 mile loop about 5-6 times a week.  (learned now, not the best training strategy) Either way, lead me to my best 5K 21 and something minutes, 1.5 mi run in 10:23, and best so far Half-Marathon 1:46 min.

Moving to Germany, I slowed my running, running 5 miles occasionally and enjoying 5K's

Moving to Colorado Springs, we read of the high fitness level that the city/state held.  Can be seen with the large number of events taking place each weekend.

About a month after arriving in Colorado, I ran my first 5K here in our small town of Falcon.  I was in the top three female's to finish, and was a great start to running in Colorado.

Running here can be a bit more difficult due to the higher elevation, it is important to train slowly and adjust to the elevation.

Panera Run was a 10K which all proceeds went to help Care and Share Food Bank/Shelter.  This was a 10K ran in Colorado Springs on a combination of gravel and black-top trails.

The color in motion 5K was something I signed up for on a whim.  This is a not a run you want to run a PR at, but to have fun.  Seen in my picture, my shirt was colored following the run.

The Denver Rock N' Roll Half-Marathon is something that I signed up for prior to moving to Colorado. I started training in July for the Marathon in October.  I trained well up to 7-miles, at this time my work scheduled changed and the training I did not complete throughout the rest of the months.

Still decided to run the Half-Marathon with my friend Molly.  We had a great time completing this run, her first half-marathon, my fifth.




















The final run, this year was also on a whim.  I heard about this 5K on the radio, and the attempt to set a world record on the number of Waldos.  All dressed in costume!  The world record was not beat, but we had a great time running the Waldo Waldo 5K.  This was held at the America the Beautiful park in Colorado Springs.

Have a schedule of events to complete this coming year, the first starting in January.  Arizona here we come.  Running the Phoenix Rock N' Roll Half-Marathon.  I have never been to Arizona, so look forward to visiting a new city, and having a great run.  Only issue I for see is the snow and cold in Colorado keeping me from running my long runs!!  I have a great running partner in Logan, and a motivator, keeping me accountable in my friend Molly, who is also training for this Half Marathon.

Back Home Memories!

There were two distinctive things this past summer that brought myself to remembering home.  Those were the El Paso County Fair and Penrose Rodeo.

The El Paso County Fair was about 15 mins from where we live, outside of Colorado Springs.  A small county fair with 4-H animal barns, carnival rides, and fair food.

The highlight that Sam and I went to was the Demo Derby held on Saturday night.  Below are a few pictures from the event.  All were taken with my iPhone so not the best pics but can see some of the vehicles.

This Demo Derby was pretty entertaining, each heat had no more then 7 vehicles, allowing a lot of room for each vehicle to drive around and get some good smashes in.  One great one was that of one person who had there car rolled on it's side, and in a final heat came back being the 2nd to last to be done.  

The State fair was held in Pueblo, CO which we did not make it to, maybe next year.

The Rodeo took place in July in Colorado Springs, no rodeo I have ever been at, as it was huge.  Saw some great performers by all the competitors and riders. 

Like I mentioned these two things brought back memories from home, especially the state fair and the atmosphere!  I grew up in the small town of Medford where the fair and rodeo were events that the whole town would be going to or participating in, in some way.  I haven't had these opportunities in the past seven years, great to see and experience them again, maybe in a slightly different way and different place.

Concerts

Since arriving in the state we have been able to see a number of shows here in Colorado!

The first one we saw was of One Republic and Sara Bareilles in September, at the well known Red Rocks Venue.  Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is located about 1 hour 20 mins from our house, and is a site to see.

From Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater Website-  At 6,450 feet above sea level, Red Rocks Park is a unique transitional zone where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. The diverse environment allows visitors to see plants, birds and animals of both regions.  Red Rocks Amphitheater is a geological phenomenon – the only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world.

Built by the Civilian Conservation core, beginning in 1927 and finishing in 1941.  Musicians such as U2 and Sting have preformed here.  

It is a beautiful site to see here in Colorado.  I do believe we will be back there for more concerts.  

The show was great to see in the venue, I did not realize prior to going how many songs song by One Republic and Sara Bareilles that I knew.  Both were great performances.

The next show we went to was in Denver at the Fillmore Auditorium.  This show was on a whim and did not know about it till the day of.  we saw the Colorists and Naked & Famous.  A former co-worker of Sam's just arrived into Colorado Springs and found this show happening in Denver.  It was very convenient as Sam and I were on our way to Denver for the Weekend already. 

This was an awesome show, I know have found more music to listen to and am getting pretty good at picking out there music on the radio.  We both are enjoying the opportunities we have for some of the convinces here in the United States this being one of them.  Live music and concerts at all times for reasonable prices.

Oktoberfest Colorado Springs 2013

Our first Oktoberfest since living in Germany.  We both didn't have very high expectations for what we would expect for Oktoberfest.  Really can't get any better then the real deal in Munich or Stuttgart Germany.

We gave it a shot and had a good time!!

Oktoberfest in Colorado Springs was the last weekend of September and held in a parking lot of a mall in town.  There were carny games, food, booths, music, and of course Paulner Beer!!

Sam Photo Bombing a nice picture of our friends Molly and Marshall.

We heard of Oktoberfest by luck.  We have a trip planned with the local ITT for haunted houses in Denver Sat Oct 26.  While purchasing our tickets saw a sign for Oktoberfest, worked out well as we got these tickets for free.  Got to enjoy some good German beer, and German food (with an American twist to it).  Sam and I also got to get out the Lederhosen and Dirndl to wear!!

The frog is a win of one of the carny games, and we must thank it for Sam's luck in winning a beer mug!!