Tag: lifelessons

challenges, fitness and nutrition

Journey of Sorts

2chicksandapen

Wise words: focus on the journey not on the destination. This is a choice we can all make. These are words to live by. No matter what the task or where you are physically going, the choice is there. My words of wisdom will always be choose wisely. Enjoy the process of the start, the middle and the end. That’s the journey. All of it. 

For me, I completed a goal of 100,000 meters last December in an online challenge. I said I should up the goal in 2024 since I attained it. This year, I set the goal of 1 million meters. I started out strong in January 2023, with over 100k. I stayed somewhat consistent with 90k, 92k and then some travel hit that kept me away from the machines that gave me my meters (with my manpower of course).

Fast forward to November and I was away again. I moved my body. I pedaled on a bike and I walked a ton, none of which counted to my meter goals. I could have given up. That would have been easy. Had I focused on the can’t attitude that’s what would have been the result. 

I took those can’ts and made the “I can” to do list. I can finish my meters and I can also do complete the 100,000 challenge in December again. Although they may sound redundant they really aren’t. The 1 million meters are really only accumulated on a bike erg, a ski erg or a row erg. That’s it. That’s all I can count.

On the 100,000 challenge, I can count walking, running, rowing, and cycling. That means I have to turn up my volume of work to balance it all. Add in the weather variables and that can make the walks and run outside a little tricky. Holiday parties and other events taking up extra time makes the goal even trickier. But I am here to say it can be done.

I’m focusing on the journey not the destination. If it was easy everyone would do it. The bumps in the road are part of the process. They are in place to test one’s mental toughness. As I write this blog I am pedaling away on my bike erg on a rainy Sunday. 

It’s not a pretty sight.  I’m in a sweat shack of sorts. It’s got the essentials: music, heat, air and an erg to pedal. That’s all that matters on the rainy day. It’s my tool box for the hour.

Other days I’m adding 10-15 minutes before or after my workout to increase my meters any way I can. Sometimes that’s alone. Sometimes it’s with friends. My runs are short when I am getting in .50 miles for my 100k challenge. Every bit counts I tell myself. The quiet of the run is so peaceful. A great time for me to settle into my thoughts and before you know it I’m no longer thinking about running.

As I close out this blog, I am not done with December but my conclusion is I will be over the finish line before Christmas. My attitude will get me there without a doubt. I hope this post makes you think about the journeys you have in life. Embrace the start the middle and the end. The ride is part of the beauty whether you are taking in sights and sounds or climbing your own mountain to achieve what’s at the top.

adventure

Unplanned

2chicksandapen

I had breakfast today in West Yellowstone, Montana. Opted to hit the road to visit the famous Grand Tetons in Wyoming. Due to road closures this time of year I took the path less traveled. That meant I had lunch in Idaho and dinner in Wyoming! How much fun is that for a day? I also tried some new snacks: bison jerky and elk sticks. Pretty adventurous for me.

The ride out of Yellowstone put me in the forest so to speak. Trees, wildlife and wide open spaces. I loved it. Before I knew it I was in Idaho. Never been to Idaho so I was looking forward to the brief experience.

As the morning progressed the scenery did not disappoint. From the vacant roadway with the sun shining perfectly to accent to the sky to the view of the Tetons in the distance. This drive I would definitely recommend on a clear day like I had. Farmland galore. Oh all the potatoes hail from Idaho.

The time seemed to pass as I snapped a million photos and made pit stops along the way to enjoy the prestigious views all around. Before I knew it, Wyoming was in sight. A little climb over a mountain but what a spectacular view at the top. It’s hard to read the song in the photo but it stays Howdy Stranger, yonder is Jackson Hole, the last of the old west. Pretty cool sign in my opinion.

The down hill descent was steep. Not going to lie. I would not want to do that downhill trek in inclement weather! As I dumped into the town of Jackson I met some swans by the elk refuge center. No elk today but the swans were entertaining enough. The land reserved for the elk was huge to say the least.

Just a short drive beyond the town was the entrance to the Grand Tetons. What a special place to visit. Every camera angle captured a unique view of the scenic landscape. Words and photos don’t do any justice to the lived experience but I will share a few of my favorite shots.

The reflection of the trees and the peaks were simply amazing. The water was clear as can be. The air was fresh and crisp as it was in the 30 degree temps range on this day. It wasn’t super busy on this day therefore there was peaceful quiet at each viewing point. It seemed like I had the entire wilderness to myself. The trip back was a little hurried as snowfall was on the horizon. I had to beat the snow and ice conditions as the sun went down. And believe it or not the sun is down by around 5 pm and the darkness creeps in just before 6 pm. 

I sincerely hope you enjoyed this clip from my travel journal. I would definitely encourage a trip to see the Tetons, if you can.

Off to continue living my best life on the road.

adventure

Yellowstone

2chicksandapen

It’s November and I am on the road for an adventure trip out west. Wyoming, Idaho and Montana to be specific. The vast open land of the United States was the destination to explore.

Snow had made a little presence in the area before I arrived and some was on the forecast horizon. However, not enough to say it’s time to ski and not enough to fuss about. With that in mind I assumed business would be as usual in the areas. Little did I know.

Yellstone National Park for instance closed all but its north gate from November through December 15th for vehicle traffic. On 12/15 the only vehicles allowed are snow-equipped vehicles that mostly do tours of the park. Oddly enough you need nature to provide the snow too. I am sure there are many reasons for the closure of the gates to the south and the west, etc. Safety. Limited resources for plowing and sanding miles of roadways. The list could go on.

The downside of this is mountain towns are ghost towns. Shops, eateries, service businesses, etc. are closed for the season. As in until spring of 2024. I had a million questions about how businesses survived, where the proprietors go during these shutdowns. Just overall crazy to me.

But I did meet some cool workers at the few places who stay open year round. The fishing store guy. He was a wealth of information. He stays open to take calls and reservations for the busy season. Smart! The coffee barista who is also the ski rental girl and the bike rental girl and the retail store attendant. A jack of all trades. A free spirit who willingly shared her adventurous spirit and knowledge of the area.

This led me to a remarkable quest. Bike riding into the west entrance of Yellowstone National park in chilly 30 degree temperatures. An amazing experience that I will cherish in my memory bank. Picturesque scenery. Desolated roads made it seem like the park was just mine for a day. The quiet of the day allowing me to hear all of the sounds of nature. The anticipation of seeing a bison cross my path. All of it.

Snow under my tires. Ice at times. Thicker in spots but then sunny and dry pavement in other areas. The fresh air was clean and crisp. A little cold at times but then warmth hit in the break of the trees when the sun shined through. Mile after mile of peace and tranquility. I pedaled and enjoyed the ambiance in the air.

About 8 miles from the bike shop to the 7 mile bridge. About 1.5 hours with pit stops for absolutely stunning photos. Rolling alongside a river for a few of those miles was another level of awesome. Hearing the current hit rocks or logs showed the power of the flow. Seeing the fresh and clear mountain water was a reminder of how precious our land is. Observing nature. Being present in the environment. It was a great way to exercise.

From paw prints in the snow to animal droppings on the road. Suspense was lurking around each bend. A wolf? A bear? A deer? A bison? An elk? The options of wildlife were abundant. An experience worth my time. Unplanned yet unprecedented. While many may shy away from a non-peak travel time, I actually enjoyed the emptiness. It felt like my own private playground for miles and miles.

This particular trek had me starting in Montana while working my way into Wyoming. Two more states added to my biking list. I enjoyed it so much I’m planning my next ride to Idaho in a few days on a rail trail should the weather permit my excursion.

So many views of the mountains. Just above the tall pines. Between breaks in trees the white caps of the mountains shined bright. Pictures don’t even come close to magnifying the beauty of the lived experience. However sharing these photos may spark an interest for you to travel or learn about Yellowstone: the national park not the television series.

Enjoy. 

fitness and nutrition, health, hustle

The Hamster Wheel

2chicksandapen

2024 is around the corner. I’ve been thinking. I’ve been looking for the right target. I’ve been thinking about how to hit the target. I put the pen to paper. The idea was hatched.

The hamster wheel. My idiotic quest. My target. My stretch goal. My to do list item on repeat. The few I’ve shared this goal with asked why? Well, I was motivated by a friend who chose run every day in 2023. She has just 40 days left. She ran with stitches in her foot. She ran on cold days. She ran when she didn’t want to. She ran on the treadmill. She ran races. She ran alone. She ran with friends. She overcame so much adversity.

I looked at that success in awe. I also knew I was not as dedicated to running daily. Thus I had to find a broader way to hit a similar milestone. 1 mile a day may last me a week. I can’t do the same thing so many times. I’m just not wired that way.

I will have to manage my miles my way. Adding a mile here and there at lunch. Running a 5k here and there to build the mileage. I’m looking for variety. Maybe a 10k, 15k or half marathon. Maybe some new destinations to entice me. Maybe become friends with the air runner at my gym. Who knows.

All I know is I have a goal. I bought a journal to track my progress. I wrote this blog to have a placeholder in time. Now it’s up to me to mentally prepare for January 1, 2024. For that is when I begin my hamster wheel activities. Round and round I will go.

How many pairs of shoes will I use?

How many states will I run in?

Will I run in another country?

Will I do my mileage alone or with friends?

How many races will I register for?

Will my time improve with consistency?

Will my body change any?

Will I motivate anyone to run/jog/walk?

Is it possible for me to end up liking running?

We shall see. Look for updates in 2024 or maybe it will be a memo of defeat? Anyone want to make a wager?

Until next time.

healthy hacks

Daylist

2chicksandapen

I am a creature of habit. As an elementary school teacher, my schedule is pretty rigid. My official work day is Monday – Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Unofficially, I go in early for meetings 3 days a week. These schedules dictate my workout routines. Gym on Monday and Wednesday, which usually means a WOD and a bonus endurance block. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, I workout at home using Street Parking as my guidebook.

I listen to Spotify for hours each day. Music during all my own workouts. Podcasts on my drive. Music at work. Podcasts and music on the weekends. Lots of different flavors and blends, depending on my activity and mood.

I was intrigued when I saw “Daylist” in my Spotify favorites. I clicked the link and to my surprise, it’s a customizable playlist based on my habits and the time of day. The list refreshes every few hours. So I get instrumental jazz during work hours. Low key yacht rock in my early morning workouts on my home days. Upbeat 80s and 90s when I do my long cardio rides on the bike at the gym. It’s kind of uncanny how well it predicted what I would want to hear. I grabbed a few songs I had forgotten about and put them on my official playlists. It made me reflect on my patterns and habits.

And it made me a giggle a few times. When it classified some of my favorite songs as being from the 1900s (?!?!?) I laughed. When it gave me a melancholic playlist for Sunday afternoon, I knew too well that the “Sunday Scaries” has a soundtrack. A couple of times I’ve been surprised by what Spotify served up. Country on Monday afternoon? Why? Still trying to figure that one out. But it’s fun to wonder about.

Does all this make me predictable? Maybe. It’s one less button for me to push or thing to look up when I need to get out the door in the wee hours. Just a little technology that makes me smile and adds a little amusement to my life.