Pick up the Pace--I'm Not Talkin' Salsa

What is on my mind today?  Running.  As much as I complain about it, I know it is good for me.  Sometimes I find myself literally counting down the minutes until a run is over--hoping and praying it will come to an end sooner than later.  Even then, I'm still happy that I did it once it is over.

Well, the love / hate relationship continues.  In an effort to get in shape for Maui and to keep up with some traditions, I'm starting to plan my 2011 race schedule.  Here are a few I have my eye on:

• The 33rd Annual Spring Runoff--This race is in Pueblo and I hope I get to run it with my family.  Both my parents expressed interest in running a 5K in 2011, maybe this will be it.  They also offer a 2 Mile Walk, 10K Run and 10 Mile Run.  It will be held on March 6th, so we will all probably need to bundle-up.  Early registration ends February 18th!
• The 2011 Runnin' of the Green Lucky 7K--I LOVE this race.  Even though it is a little bit longer than I like to run, I love the course, the energy, the food and the beer!!  I also like dressing up.  The race is on March 13th.  There is a discount if you register before Valentine's Day, so get on it!!
• The Colfax Marathon Relay--Yes, Relay.  I have no intention of ever running a marathon.  This race is a little different every year, but it is always fun.  The best part about doing the relay is getting to hang out with your friends.  Josh and I usually do two teams.  If you are interested in running with us, get in touch!  The race is May 15th.
• Warrior Dash--The Warrior Dash is coming back in 2011--hooray!  I ran this last year with Josh and my sister.  It rocked even though I was totally out of shape.  It would be even more fun with a bigger group.  The race is August 20th and 21st at Copper Mountain.  Registration is open and half the waves for the first day are already full, so lets make a plan and register asap!  The room we rented last year slept about 6 people and was awesome.  We would love to share with a group.
• Hot to Trot 5K--There isn't a lot of info up about this race yet, but I do know it will be held on Sunday September 25th in conjunction with the Chile & Frijole Festival.  I might have a wedding to go to that weekend, but we'll have to wait and see.  My favorite thing about this race is the size.  It is fairly small.  The organizers usually serve breakfast to all of the participants after the race.

Wish Josh and I luck and let me know if you want to join us for any of the races!

I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough. . .

And Doggone It, People Like Me!

Since so many people use January as a time to reflect on themselves and they typically focus on the negative things they want to fix, I just wanted to remind everyone to celebrate all of the things they do well too.  Give yourself a pat on the back today and take a tip from this little girl.  Happy Friday.  Get out there and have fun!

Now excuse me, I need to go stand in front of a mirror in my underpants.

3rd Jannual Pub Crawl

This past weekend we held the 3rd Jannual Balls to the Wall Pub Crawl. Since we didn't eat as much as in the 1st and 2nd Jannuals, we didn't think it should be deemed "international." However, to keep with tradition,we hit up Tennyson Street again.

We kicked off the festivities at our house with a little flip cup and the traditional act of saberage.  The bottle wasn't cooperating very well, but after a few attempts we were successful and poured a few roadies to aid us on our journey.  We followed the same basic path as in years past, but added a few new locations.  Here is a break-down of our stops:

1.  Elitch Lanes: A few people actually bowled, but we really only stopped here for bowling pin shaped beers.  Josh ordered a "strike" at the bar.

2.  the Hole: This was a new stop, but who can resist a place that boasts Beer - Doughnuts - Coffee.  A simple and delicious trifecta.

3.  Hops & Pie:   Another new stop for our crawl.  We basically packed the joint, but no one seemed to mind too much.  Pizza and beer makes people happy.

4.  Big Hoss:  Sadly, they just closed the kitchen when we arrived.  I was really looking forward to some BBQ--instead we all had more beer. . .and some bourbon.  When life gives you lemons, make lemonade--or a yummy cocktail.

5.  Patrick Carrolls:  An oldy, but a goody.  Big Buck Hunter, Shuffle Board, Beers, Snacks, and lots of friends.  What more can I say.

6.  Tastes Wine Bar:  Personally, I had to sit this one out.  Luckily, the rest of the crowd carried on and tackled martinis, wine and even a little absinthe.

7.  Music Bar:  Yes!  We finally made it to Music Bar.  We have lived in the neighborhood for nearly five years and had yet to experience karaoke at Music Bar.  Well, Saturday was the night.  We came, we sang, we embarrassed ourselves--but, damn was it fun!  Dan and Grant sang Ice Ice Baby, while Mariyah, Anna and I tried to conquer What I Like About You.  Let's just say we will leave it up to the Romantics next time.

All in all, it was a successful crawl.  We had more people than ever before.  At one point I counted around 40!  Wow.  Thanks to all who joined us.  You can see all of the pictures in our gallery.  Cheers!!

Happy Friday!!

This song was one of my favorites last year. . .well even now.  Plus I can't resist cute dads.  I love how the little girl yawns at the end. Adorable.

Happy Friday everyone.  Enjoy the weekend at home or wherever your travels might take you.  I'll be spending it with lots of friends and some family.  This is the weekend of the 3rd Jannual Pub Crawl!!  Look for pictures and a post soon.  Cheers!!

The Worst of Three Evils

In last weeks post Aloha, Fitness! I rambled a little bit about cutting back on my drinking habits in an effort to drop a few extra pounds.  It has only been a few days, but I've already been trying to make better choices.  To help myself out, I finally researched the nutrition information on my favorite drinks.  Here is what I found:

12 oz. Pepsi:  150 Calories and 41g of Sugar/Carbs.

12 oz. Miller Lite:  96 Calories and 3.2g of Carbs.

4 oz. Red Wine:  85 Calories and 2g of Carbs.  (However, if you have 12 oz., the Calories jump up to 255, yikes!)

Today I have stuck to water, Honey Vanilla Chamomile tea, and key lime sparkling water.  All three are 0 calories, 0 suger, and 0 Carbs.  Plus, they all taste good. 

I haven't had a soda since January 1st.  I had one 100 calorie can of pepsi in the fridge, so I knocked it off on New Year's Day.  Hopefully, I can hold out for at least a week before I have another.  I'll try to go longer.

I have a racquetball date tonight with my husband followed by 75 cent tacos.  I might splurge and have one beer, but I'm going to try and stick to water.  We'll see how that goes.  Good luck with your New Year Resolutions!!