Getting Going

The past week we've been experiencing a bit of a warm spell. The days are warming up to 40-50 degrees! Which makes for perfect running conditions. The past few weeks I have run 34 miles. Here's a snapshot of the "run"...

It starts at the Boiling River on the Wyoming side in Yellowstone

Passing the 45th Parallel and entering Montana

Darting wildlife like Elk

Exiting Yellowstone through the Roosevelt Arch

Running through Gardiner, Montana

Following the Yellowstone River

Gazing at the Gallatin Mountain Range

Resting in beautiful Emigrant in Paradise Valley

On top of the running I have been learning to skate ski. Which has been a fun, fantastic cross training day. Skate skiing is a style of cross country skiing. The skis are short and narrow, allowing you to go fast and "skate" over the snow. Below is a photo of my friend Jan skate skiing on the river (frozen) in Alaska with dogs in tote wearing an Amazing Cape designed by my talented friend Roxanne. 

Jan skate skiing

Here in Montana, we usually have groomed trails wide enough for skate skiing. Last weekend I visited friends at Lone Mountain Ranch to get an introduction and this weekend my friend Wendie and I took a class in Yellowstone up at the Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces.

It's me! Skate skiing the Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces

Stay tuned for some exciting events to come this winter in Montana! :)

Running Through Montana

Happy New Year! 2014! The year of the horse and the year of galloping onward....

I'm doing it again, running. More specifically training for a marathon (err again). Third time is the charm right?! This time I have a number of things motivating me:

1. FIRST training plan. I found a flexible training plan that I only have three days of intense runs, and then cross train two other days. That means skiing or hiking or gym classes! So much less tedious and more fun!
2. Hot Springs gym membership! Soaking after a run is pretty good motivation to get em done!
3. Fun races ahead: SnowJoke, Run to the Pub, Sage Leapers, and those are just the half marathons! Excited for the events and swag!

The race is the Ogden Marathon. Their motto is "Get Out and Live"! Which is ultimately the goal, trying to get outside more and being more active.

In an effort to track my progress, I'm going to "Run through Montana". Well figuratively. I'll be tracking my miles starting at the border of Montana and Wyoming in Yellowstone National Park heading through Paradise Valley, through Bozeman, Missoula, up through Glacier, and ending somewhere around the Canadian Border (I think?).

So here I go! Wish me luck!