Incredibly Quiet Here

Happy 4th of July! There is a very strict ban on all things fireworks in Colorado, so it’s been eerily quiet all day.

Why I love running in Colorado: You get to see some beautiful wildlife, if you’re lucky. I saw these guys a few days ago. Today one ran across the path, just 10 or 15 feet in front of me! I was in awe, so I was quick enough to get a picture today.

I did have a great run this morning. I ran for a total of 45 minutes. Not very noteworthy, other than I hit a PR!

I think I was able to run so well this morning for a few reasons:

1. No kids. I usually take my 9 year old son with me, and sometimes my 7 year old daughter. The 9 year old does really good, but my daughter is even less of an athlete than I am.
2. No dogs. If the kids don’t come with me, many times I will take one of my dogs. Both are crazy spaz cases when it comes to other people or animals. Not to mention, when I run, their energy level is like times a billion, so they’re just hyper and weird. I spend a lot of time trying to get them to quit pulling (something they don’t do while on a regular walk) or to not be so scared when a biker rides by.
3. It was gorgeous! Not too hot. I think it was only in the 70’s when I got out this morning. It’s been incredibly hot and very rare for me to be able to run when it’s less than 80, even early in the am. Our days have been over 100 for quite a while now, without much relief at night.
4. I found an awesome interval timer for FREE on iTunes!! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. I was able to run without having to stare at the timer on RunKeeper to make sure I was running my intervals correctly. The app is by Gymboss. It was incredibly freeing to be able to just run and listen for the beeps. I actually had a fall a week ago from watching the timer on my phone. Ouch!

I’m actually incredibly proud of this scrape on my knee. It’s my 1st running injury. Sort of. My Aunt was quick to point out that I had a similar accident about 15 years ago, when I was learning how to run so I could join the US Army. Only I gouged a hole in my chin, rather than a scrape on my palms or knees.

Yes, I am incredibly talented.

365 Day Photo Challenge ~Day 1~

So, the other day I came across this website called Day Zero. The goal there is to create a list of 101 things you would like to accomplish. The only catch? You have to get your list done in 1001 days.

I’m working on my list. It only has 28 things. I think this link will take you there. If you decide to join, or if you’re already a member, please follow me! I’d love to follow you back.

Really. it’s taken me almost a week to put 28 things on my list. Obviously, I need some inspiration.

Anyway, back to the main point of this post.

I’ve wanted to do a 365 day photo challenge for a long time. The project just seemed too daunting.

I finally said fuck it. I’m doing it.

I started the day before yesterday.

But then I forgot to take one yesterday.

Soooo…I started again today.

I might have to start again next week. And maybe next month.

But I will eventually get it done.

I hope you follow along.

I hope you join me.

I’ve been told that even iPhone pictures count.

So have at it. If you show me yours, I’ll show you mine.

Oh yeah, and read the saying on the clock. It’s kinda neat.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

This is a picture of the top part of Bishop's Castle located in San Isabel, CO. This entire castle was built by ONE man. Jim Bishop has been working on this castle for 37 years, by hand. He has never had any help from anyone. You can google "Bishop's Castle" and get quite a bit of information now. When we "discovered" this tourist spot 3 years ago, there was hardly any information on the internet about it. This is another "must see" spot if you plan on taking a trip to Colorado.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

This picture was taken at the Cliff Dwellings in Manitou Springs, CO at the base of Pike's Peak. It's just east of Colorado Springs. It's a great little tourist trap, but one of our favorite places to go.

During the summer you can see some really awesome dances by Native Americans. I am not sure what this dance is called, but it's obviously something about a flying eagle. At the end, they even had the kids come up to do a friendship dance. My daughter Madison, 3 years old at the time, was the only one to go up there. It was so cute!

If you ever take a vacation in Colorado, you will have to be sure to visit the Cliff Dwellings. They are amazing.