33 Before 33

I'm borrowing this idea from Sonja Wieck who always posts a list of things she wants to accomplish before her next birthday.  One item for each year of life.  It's like a bucket list for your life, but on a much smaller scale and in a much tighter time frame.  Last year on my birthday, I was on a Florida-bound plane, destined to complete my first full Ironman distance triathlon.  It's amazing how much (or how little) can be accomplished in a year.  I'm hoping this list will give me some structure and that I'll have tons of fun checking things off my list!

 This Friday I turn 32.  So with no further adieu, here it is... 

33 Things to Do Before 33 (in no particular order) 

1. Grow some sprouts.
2. Go flyfishing with my dad.
3. Paint some pottery.
4. Launch Fusion Nutrition's website.
5. Attend a yoga retreat.
6. Compose a song on my keyboard.
7. Run an ultra 50K.
8. Figure out my strengths using Strengths Finder 2.0.
9. Write a note to an old teacher/mentor and thank them for positively influencing my life.
10. Hire an Ironman coach.
11. Change a flat tire in under 8 minutes.
12. Do something completely outside of my comfort zone.
13. Be a volunteer for once at a running/tri event. Pass out water cups. Cheer loudly. 
14. Meditate consistently for one week.
15. Discover a beer that I actually like.
16. Read 3 books.
17. Run a race with my mom.
18. Go on a mini weekend getaway and stay at a B&B.
19. Go vegan for a week.
20. Learn about massage pressure points.
21. Back up all the stuff on my computer.
22. Make a vision board.
23. Make a handmade card for someone who could use some encouragement.
24. Volunteer.  Somewhere meaningful.
25. Write 5 nutrition-related articles.
26. Rock Ironman Lake Tahoe and give 110% of myself in the best possible way.
27. Bake something from scratch.
28. Present a sports nutrition lecture to a team or a group of athletes.
29. Watercolor.  Remember the joy in adding more water to 'fix' a mistake.  Blend, blend, blend!
30. Try maca powder.
31. Creatively organize my race bibs/medals instead of throwing them into a drawer.
32. Support a child in some way.  Even if it's just buying some lemonade for 10 cents.
33. Make a 34 Before 34 list before 11/2/13.

 Just looking at this list makes me excited!

Halfway Through...

Today was my 15th run, marking the halfway point of my 30 runs in 30 days adventure.  Although the running hasn't exactly felt easier, I've noticed that I am becoming accustomed to scheduling the runs into my day better.

This 30 Day adventure so far has taught me to value EACH DAY-  To creatively find the beauty in each run, regardless if it's done in the pouring rain, in the dark, or on the treadmill.  I've learned to enjoy the process and celebrate the daily accomplishment, rather than focus solely on the end goal.  So often we are so fixated on the finished product that we forget to recognize the small joys that occur throughout the journey.

Exploring Eagle Ridge with Dana, who had the magic entrance pass (a Pleasanton ID).

Witnessed the illuminated raindrops via my headlamp soon evaporate into a beautiful crisp fall morning.

Climbing up Lake Chabot; surprisingly, this was much easier to tackle the second time I ran this. 

Half of the fun is exploring new trails with new running partners.

Still managing to throw a bit 'o swim and bike into this hot mix of running.

A year ago from yesterday marked the day that I experienced a myriad of drastic changes in my personal life.  While this past year's journey has had its highs and lows, I've learned to appreciate the process of growth and change.  While some turn to drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms, I am not ashamed to admit that swimbikerun served as my coping mechanism to sort through my thoughts and emotions for hours on end.

But now, I'm more interested in discovering new terrain, in both the physical and mental sense.  Sport is now less about relieving stress and more about goal-setting.  I remember how the Ironman distance seemed impossible at first.  To me, ultrarunning gives me those same excited butterflies.  I know that it will be difficult and hard, but I also trust that it will be completely unforgettable and incredible.  

My PIC and I have our sights set on the American Canyon 50K in February.

30 Runs in 30 Days

I've been definitely enjoying the unstructured off-season of triathlon, but I was hungry for a new challenge.  For months it has been about hitting certain target heartrate zones and time specifications for all things swimbikerun.  I was burnt out.

Over the years my running has improved, but it has continually been the weakest link for me out of the three sports.  I read about the 30 Runs in 30 Days challenge from the boys over at Endurance Corner, and when a friend told me that he was taking this on, well, I invited myself along in the journey.  Accountability is always a good thing.  Especially when there are bets and consequences involved if you break your 30 days.

It sounds easy in theory, you just run 30 minutes minimum a day.  There was a freedom that drew me into this challenge; there were no specific target heartrates to hit, no tempo runs, no intervals, no set distance....you just run.  For me, it was a welcomed relief from 'structured' training and an opportunity to rediscover the joy of running and uncover new trails and roads I would have never thought to traverse.

We are documenting our daily runs and it has provided me an opportunity to see the beauty of my environment.  I completed Day 9 today, and am excited to see the progress my body will make by Day 30.

Lesson #1: Don't go too long on one given day.  Or you will pay the next day.  There are no rest days!

Some days are definitely easier than others.  Late nights after dinner are more difficult, but if there's a will, there's a way...

Following the red lights seemed to be the theme of Friday evening.

I've been lucky to still squeeze in some swimming for active recovery.

 Having to back up these runs day after day without full rest days has made me pay attention to everything I am fueling my body with.  It's only been a little over a week, but I can feel a difference in my energy when I feed the machine with quality and clean foods.

Grilled cod, arugula, tri-color quinoa, spicy sprouts, red onion, red bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and avo

Broiled black cod, roasted veggies with sweet potatoes in coconut oil

 I look at each day as a new opportunity.  Already this has kick-started my running motivation and has allowed me to open my mind up to bigger opportunities and challenges.  I've already recruited a partner in crime to do a 50K trail run with me in the upcoming months.  This past year has been amazing with all the people I've met who have inspired me personally and professionally, and it has been refreshing to just do what I love and see things fall into place.  Live wide, my friends.