'The District'

I don't like tourist attractions. I have an undying love for traveling and exploring the world, but my idea of learning about different cultures, and what makes each country or city unique, is not by exploring the already most sought out sites and scenes. I want to know where the locals are, what they do and where they go on their days off. I want to be the most incognito tourist...except when I'm taking pictures of course. Why this soap box on covering unchartered territory and not succumbing to some of the most popular and well-known attractions in the world?? Because I folded. An opportunity came up for a last minute weekend trip to the nation's capital, and it would have been uncharacteristic of me to pass it up. So! Off to the city that is practically made up of tourist attractions...only missing a large camera hanging around my neck, a fanny pack at my waist, and a t-shirt doting the stars and stripes.

Washington D.C. is a nice little city. I say 'little' because it only covers 68.3 square miles, but sparse it is not. In fact, during the workweek 'The District' bulges to a population of over 1 million due to all of the federal workerbees having to commute in from surrounding areas. On the weekends, this number is more than cut in half, and from what I experienced, it's mainly made up of tourists! Monument-seeking gawkers shuffle in herds anywhere within a mile radius of the famed attractions. Not exactly my scene. That being said, however, the neighborhoods that surround this historical and politically charged area are all very charming. I can see why D.C. is named one of the Top 10 cities for young professionals to live in. Spot on!



As stated earlier, I was hardly chomping at the bit to cover every inch of every museum, or take in the history and beauty of, say, the Lincoln Memorial. Lucky for me, it was raining cats and dogs the day we arrived so there was no option other than to explore some artifacts indoors. Aside from feeling like I was in the middle of 50 school field trips, and sharing the personal space I would usually only share at a concert, the Smithsonian was a fascinating place. It could take a good three days to cover the whole thing, but being that I have the attention span of a gnat, I located the 4-5 prized possessions I wanted to see and called it a day. My favorite?? Why Julia Childs kitchen of course! The Holocaust museum is another must-see; even though we've all read about it, seen movies about it, and even visited concentration camps, the personal stories that are re-told with such vivid detail provide a very moving experience.

As far as the other major monuments and memorials go, they're almost all one in the same to me. In all honesty, the only scene I was truly looking forward to capturing was the view of the reflection pool and the Washington Monument from the Lincoln Memorial.
Vast dirtland and a handful of bulldozers, scattered about was all I got. As disappointment set in, my friend and I took some time to lounge on the grass surrounding the ever-so-erect Washington Monument, and people watch. Such an underrated activity, it's a shame. Before completely losing ourselves into the melting pot of cultures lingering around the monument, we decided to surge ahead towards the highly spoken-of neighborhood of Georgetown.

Georgetown, to me, felt like a lovely mix between England and Boston. The main drag, M Street, is lined with both locally owned as well as chain businesses, while the outlying neighborhood streets give off a very cozy, charming, colonial feel.
Normally I don't find chain stores or restaurants all that quaint, charming, or bursting with character, but Georgetown must have some kind of ordinance that each and every storefront must be disguised as the most adorable, one-of-a-kind business. Mission accomplished, I fell in love! Even the Anthropologie fooled me into thinking I was walking into a little blue farmhouse! Blocks and blocks of cafes, shops, bakeries, and little pubs, I wanted to eat everywhere! Alas, my appetite needed to be saved for a very special treat that was, in all honesty, a top priority on this trip to the nation's capital.

In search of a very popular cupcake joint, Georgetown Cupcake, my friend and I re-traced our steps several times, certain that we had missed it. One more block up, low and behold, we didn't need to find a small sign or even storefront. The line stretching the entire block assured us that we had found the mothership. A 2 hour wait....for cupcakes?? Again, having the attention span of a gnat, I couldn't imagine standing in line, for anything for 2 hours. That is how much I love cupcakes. It practically took the full 2 hours to read over the entire menu of cupcakes that they graciously hand out to the patient treat-seekers. Funny thing is, once we finally set foot into cupcake heaven, it was like the smells and the visual stimulation took over and all pre-planning on what to order was out the door.
It didn't matter. I am confident that every single cupcake in that little sugar shop would have sent me to the moon and back. Unfortunately, I had no reason to buy more than a couple of the little treasures, so I went with the basics and enjoyed every last sugar crystal. It was like biting into a fluffy, sugary cloud.

Recovering from a sugar hangover the next morning, the day of our departure, we had little time to meander around the Dupont Circle area and find some breakfast to balance out our glutenous choices from the day before. Could it have been fate that we stumbled upon a bustling farmers market that stretched for blocks around Dupont Circle?! Samples of fruits, vegetables, jams, honey, and breads left us satisfied but it sure was disappointing having to walk away from a farmers market empty-handed. Now we know where to start next time....hangin with the locals on their day off.

La La Land...

There are few guarantees in life. Mustard will always stain, it will always rain the day after you wash your car, and Minnesota winters will NEVER be too short, or too mild. The last guarantee I can definitely concur with. It's simply expected of Minnesotans to empty their last 12 months of savings to make sure they'll get that imperative tropical escape sometime between mid-January and mid-April. I'll be the first to admit, I usually go down faster than anyone I know. Once the Christmas cheer has finally dwindled away, and there aren't any sparkling lights or garland to accompany the snow resting on the window panes, I'm the first to yell 'Uncle' and buy the next flight out of this frozen tundra we sheepishly call home.

I made it to the end of January before escaping to L.A. It's probably my 10th time visiting the City of Angels, and really I could've just laid in the sun, on the sidewalk outside of LAX and been content, but I decided to be a bit more ambitious and cover some of my favorite spots.

Top of my list was naturally the first stop: Runyon Canyon! This somewhat hidden gem, tucked in the Hollywood Hills, behind Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood, is the perfect spot to capture some breathtaking snapshots of the L.A. area, take your furry friend for a challenging walk, and really truly sweat like you mean it! Water bottle and camera in hand, get as intense of a workout as you can handle...and unwind by practicing your downward facing dog in a yoga class on the grass at the bottom. After dominating Runyon Canyon, the last thing I wanted to do was crawl back into the parking lot that was the 405, so happy hour at The Den on Sunset Blvd with some old friends was the perfect opportunity to wait out rush hour. A small, easy to miss chalet-like bar with a cozy patio and fresh chocolate chip cookies on the menu. Fate? I think so.

Moving out of the crazy, star-studded glamour of West Hollywood and inching West towards Beverly Hills, Brentwood, and Santa Monica, it's fascinating to observe the gradual change in the scenery...and even the people. Personally, the further west I traveled, the more comfortable I felt. A quick drop in at Sprinkles for one of their famous gourmet cupcakes is about all I can personally stomach in the high brow, designer-labeled neighborhood of Beverly Hills. However, practice patience and head a bit further West and you will find yourself in the quite charming, (a little) less pretentious, neighborhood of Brentwood. Clean, quiet streets, cute shops and cafes, and still an abundance of fashionable restaurants and lounges for those who prefer to see and be seen. A major plus? Ten minute drive down Santa Monica Blvd to the beach!

Brentwood also gained some major points in my book with a couple of spots that simply made me feel at home. The Liverati Cafe is the type of cafe/coffeeshop you would find on a side street in a quiet, charming town in Italy. This cafe is bustling in the morning...a perfect place to grab a cappucino and a scone or biscotti, and either have a chat with one of the regulars, or snag a spot in the sun to welcome the day. By my second morning there, I felt like a regular! Another MUST do/visit/eat is Susie Cakes cupcake shop. Although I'm partial to any charming bakery, especially ones that have yet to be 'discovered', there is no bias when I say these cupcakes are absolutely unbelievable. Yes, they literally melt in your mouth; Yes you are thrown into a sugar coma for a good 15-20 minutes; and YES Susie Cakes puts Sprinkles cupcakes to shame. Well done, Susie Cakes, well done!

Of course, a trip to L.A. is never complete without some quality beach time. Santa Monica offers pretty much every piece that a 'fantasy day package' could offer. Wander the streets of the bustling 3rd st promenade, do some shopping and grab a bite to eat. Take a stroll along the beach as the waves crash and roll up to tickle your feet, or get a game of beach volleyball going. Enough activity for the day? Dish out 5 big ones and grab a spot on the Pacific Wheel on the Santa Monica Pier, and watch the sunset over the ocean. Best 5 dollars you'll spend in a long time, I promise! Top your Santa Monica day-0-fun with some ice cream as you meander back to reality. Cheesy?? Yes! Unforgettable day to end your California escape from frigid, gloomy Minnesota?? You betcha! ;)

C H I C A G O

How does one begin to write about the greatest city on the face of the earth?! Clearly this upcoming post has proven to be a daunting task for me (my extended absence from blogging is evidence alone), and I can only blame this writer's block on the amazingness that is.....Chicago. Well, that and it's not only a second home to me, it's a previous home of mine which places it in unchartered territory between cities I've visted that deserve recognition and cities I've lived in which don't technically make the cut. Rest assured and breathe that sigh of relief! I've come to my senses and decided that The Windy City not only deserves recognition, it deserves the spotlight!!

Shall we??

Except for the small town, country-road-loving people, who get enough stimulation from driving to the local general store, I am pretty confident that the reflection of the sparkling skyline off of Lake Michigan, the squeaky 'L' train weaving through the neighborhoods, or the tree-lined streets of Lincoln Park filled with boutiques and old walk-ups, will tickle the fancy of anyone! I see Chicago as being the perfect balance between the massive metropolis of New York City, and the charming urban scene that is Minneapolis/St Paul. The city is literally laid out on a grid, making navigation a breeze; sprawling Lake Michigan lines the city and offers up highlights along the shore including the Navy Pier, North Ave beach, and Belmont Harbor; the bustling streets of downtown are only a 5 minute train ride to the more intimate and quaint neighborhoods, each portraying different personalities and lifestyles. How can all of this glory be accessible within roughly 10 square miles?!

So, as I claimed above, this city doesn't hold a single indentity. Each neighborhood is smattered with character that gives it a personality...a uniqueness. Again, like a smaller, more clean version of the Big Apple. Start the tour bus!

The typical Chicago tourist rarely ventures outside of the heart of the city. Lucky for them, downtown Chicago is bulging with gems...literally something for everyone. Countless museums within a 3 mile radius, endless shopping down the infamous Michigan Avenue, trains meandering between the skyscrapers, Navy Pier jutting out into Lake Michigan offering up breathtaking views from the top of the ferris wheel...and for those who get claustrophobic being surrounded by high-rises and concrete, the shores of Lake Michigan and Millenium Park provide the calming effect you're looking for! After a long day of shopping, cruising the harbor, or playing in the park? Fill your belly with the authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza of your choice...might I suggest Giordano's or Gino's East? Cap off the night with a tasty cocktail and a final view of the city on the 95th floor of the Hancock at the Signature Room as you reminisce over the events of the day...

Lincoln Park

Old stone walk ups, wide tree-lined streets, boutiques, cafes, and small upscale restaurants every which way you turn, makes for an adorable bubble in a large city. It's no mystery that the most well-known neighborhood in Chicago is the most expensive to live in. This doesn't mean that some inexpensive dabbling shouldn't be on the agenda! From Saturday morning farmers markets in Lincoln Park and sprawling North Ave beach nearby, to the Lincoln Park Zoo & balmy Conservatory, there's no need to empty your piggy bank to have fun. However, if eating your way through a new city is more your taste (as it is mine), Lincoln Park has the variety of cuisines and dining styles that will fit the likes of anyone!

Looking for a cozy and romantic escape from the fierce wind? Head to Gejas for some heart-warming fondue over a dimly lit candle. Feeling adventurous enough to step outside the traditional Chicago deep-dish pizza?! Be selfish and get your own individual 'pizza bowl' at Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder....you just may re-think that trip to Giordano's or Gino's the next time you visit! Finally, the queen of all bees, the mother of all ships, the taker of all cakes. Sweet Mandy B's. Unless you are a cold-hearted, lifeless, sweet-hater, you will simply fall in love with this bakery. The aroma of cookies, cupcakes, and buttercream frosting starts to tickle your nose before you even enter the sugarland. The constant line wrapping along the bakery cases is evidence enough, that not only is this bakery charming, but they have perfected the cupcake. Descriptive adjectives would sell these treats short....JUST GO THERE!

Wicker Park/Bucktown

Switching gears to a neighborhood that resembles Uptown in Minneapolis or Greenwhich Village in NYC, Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhood has a bit more of an edge, compared to Lincoln Park. Sidewalks are covered with twenty-something hipsters instead of high-end strollers with matching diaper bags below, and the plethora of bars ranging from hole-in-the-wall to no-cell phones-allowed affirms the heterogeneous feel that this neighborhood gives out. While it may give off a feeling of a rather unkempt part of town, this neighborhood has some notable (foodie)highlights. Funky brunch spots seem to be a trend in the Chicago area and the Wicker Park/Bucktown area enables this craze to hold strong. Save your appetite and make some reservations to start your morning off with a stack of Lemon Ricotta Pancakes at the Bongo Room, a Chicago favorite. Run around the neighborhood, do some window shopping and work up your appetite again before settling into a booth with a locally brewed beer and a tasty thin-crust pizza at Piece pizzeria and brewery. No fluff, no flare, just damn good pizza! Now, if raw fish and miso are more your style, grab a bottle of wine or 6-pack of beer and scoot down Damen to Coast, and be prepared for the sushi to melt in your mouth like butta! Finally, for a hoity toity drink conjured up by a professional mixolegist, and a setting that makes you feel like you're on the set of Alice in Wonderland, end your night at the Violet Hour. The experience alone will leave you satisfied!

Roscoe Village/Lakeview/Wrigleyville

As these neighborhoods lack a clear dividing line between one another, and don't necessarily hold distinct personalities as Wicker Park and Lincoln Park seem to do, it makes sense to clump them together as a unified neighborhood that makes up a large chunk of the northern part of the city. College students and young professionals flock to Wrigleyville and Lakeview for the nightlife and tiny apartments conveniently smattered within the bar scene, while Roscoe Village is a more spacious, quaint little area that attracts younger families with cafes, coffeeshops, and stroller-friendly sidewalks. Of course it goes without saying that each of these little pockets hold gems that are note-worthy. Frasca pizzeria in Roscoe Village is an under-appreciated pizzeria and wine bar with specialty pizza and pasta that will make you feel like you're having lunch in Naples, Italy. Pair these authentic offerings with daily deals to boot, and you'll have yourself a new favorite neighborhood hangout!

Heading north with a pair of Cubs tickets in your hand, preparing to spend the afternoon sitting in the sun at the infamous Wrigley Field?? Bypass the packed bars full of pre-game boozers, and substitute the liquid calories for some sweet, sweet bliss at Ann Sathers on Belmont in Lakeview. No need to sit down and wait for a hearty breakfast to fill you up with energy to last through 9 innings, just order a fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon roll that will literally melt in your hand if you don't inhale it pronto. The shear amount of butter and sugar that you consume will spike your blood sugar just enough to get to the big game in time for the opening pitch. Whether or not you'll fall into a deep sugar coma once settled into the bleachers is purely up to your dedication to the world of outdoor baseball. GO CUBS GO!

No Sleep IN Brooklyn!

The Beastie Boys ALMOST had it right. The city that never sleeps holds true to their motto...and it's not only Manhattan that burns the midnight oil. All of the Big Apple's buroughs, including Brooklyn, seem to maintain this rep and I've got to say it's pretty impressive! Is it the fact that New Yorkers typically live in an apartment so small that they feel claustrophobic if they spend more than 7 hours sleeping there? Is it because the cost of living in NYC is so expensive, there's no other choice but to work 80 hr weeks?? Or is it simply because with roughly 8.4 million people and probably the same number of things to see and do, New Yorkers are too busy living it up, to sleep?! I'd like to think the last scenario is the case, but my logic tells me otherwise. Regardless, any time spent in this city-full-of-life is sure to be crazy and busy...exactly how I roll! So, my latest trip out there gave me another chance to get a feel for what drives these insomniacs to never stop.

The only agenda my friend Sara and I had was to A)make it on the Today Show (I'll gladly admit this touristy idea was all mine, and a little tradition I like to keep up every time I visit), and 2)get a taste of some highly recommended NYC foodie spots. Being that we were staying in Brooklyn, we decided to knock one of the hot spots off the list right away--practically stepping off the plane and into Grimaldi's Pizzeria in the Dumbo neighborhood in Brooklyn, right at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge. There we stood, in a line outside of the tiny pizzeria, with our suitcases, and about 12 people in line ahead of us. An Italian man that looked to play the part of the owner (my assumptions were confirmed by the pictures on the wall of him with various celebrities) was ushering people into tables that were barely big enough to fit an entire pizza. No fluff. Not even breadsticks on the menu! Just brick-oven pizza that is OUT OF THIS WORLD!! Throw in the view of Manhattan all lit up only steps from Grimaldi's, and you've got yourself a homerun!

We proceeded to get 4 hours of sleep...(hey, when in Rome, right?!)...and join the herd of tourists standing in the cold at 5:30am to watch the Today Show being filmed. Okay, the real goal was to get 2 seconds of airtime on national TV; I didn't tell everyone I know to watch for nothing! Luckily, we got our quick debut and were satisfied...ready to cover some major ground.

Magnolia Bakery was a point of interest (as are all bakeries for me). What usually has a line out the door and down the block, this bakery is perhaps one of the most charming bakeries I've ever stepped foot in. It's one of those places where you watch the employees frost hundreds of cupcakes and wonder, if you had that job, how you could possibly have a bad day at work. Colorful cupcakes that just scream 'happiness'....and proceed to give you a sugar high before crashing but those are just minor details. Go to Magnolia Bakery and Be Happy.

Levain's Bakery (yes, another bakery...and if you know me at all, this is not a surprise to you) was a top priority of the trip and all you have to do is walk by their storefront on the Upper West side and you'll know why it was a must-visit. Stepping down into the bakery is like walking into a sauna that blows the aroma of cookies at full speed. Fortunately, for the sea of bakers crammed into the tiny space, there's no place to sit so they avoid having to deal with loiterers basking in their cookie comas, unable to leave. 4, only FOUR kinds of cookies. That's it. Frankly that's all they need to do, and I hesitate to share this info because I'm not sure if I want the secret out! These are, by far, the BEST, most delicious, gooey in the middle crunchy on the outside, massive cookies I have EVER put in my mouth. And one is good to cover lunch so no need to plan to eat it as a 'snack'. Even the most descriptive culinary words wouldn't do this cookie justice. I can only leave you with a picture.

With pure,sweet,indulgence, comes some much needed activity; another beauty of this massive metropolis is the fact that you can walk miles and miles and be distracted the entire time. We took some time to meander through Central Park, as a trip to NYC is never complete without getting lost in the most visited urban park in the U.S. The size of Central Park, and the number of people wandering through it on any given day never ceases to amaze me. I have always thought that the hustle and bustle of the big city and lack of 'fresh air' would eat me alive if I lived there, but Central Park IS that breath of fresh air and wide open space that even the 'urbanist urbanites' need every once and awhile. Throw a splash of burnt reds, oranges, and golden yellows in the picture and you've got yourself a beautiful Fall afternoon!

To finish the trip off, in honor of making it across the river and staying in Brooklyn for the first time, we deemed it only necessary that we make the trek across the Brooklyn Bridge. I must admit, aside from expecting to catch a couple of cool views of the city from the bridge, I didn't have high expectations for this early afternoon walk. Again, shocked at how many people were out to literally walk the 1.14 miles across the river, we joined the line of people and slowly made our way from Manhattan to Brooklyn. This jaunt alone made me that much more excited to someday run the New York City marathon, so I can cross this bridge a second time! The views of the city weren't nearly as breathtaking as the bridge itself. It was the cherry on top of a delicious multi-flavored bowl of ice cream...a perfect ending to yet another adventure in the ever-changing, never-dull New York City!

Addicted

While my travel drought continues (NOT for much longer...there's a light at the end of the tunnel!), all of you will only have to endure one more 'life accomplishment' posting. Keep the cheering to a minimum, please. ;) Really, though, it is more of a realization that I'd like to share, as well as formal documentation of my future goals/plans so that I have expectations to uphold. Let's face it, if you know me at all, you know that I'm generally a very lazy, non-goal-driven individual ;)

On with it....

I'll never forget the day I went to watch my mom run one of her countless Twin Cities Marathons, because that Fall day in..oh..2002 is the reason I am officially addicted to running marathons. Jumping into the sea of shuffling, exhausted, barely coherent runners right around Mile 24, and running a few blocks with my mom was one of the most inspiring moments I can remember. 26.2 miles to RUN...at once! The feat seemed overwhelming at the time, which is why I tabled the idea for a handful of years, until my goal-oriented trait shined through and it was time!

I cannot go on without partially revealing some of the logic behind my decision to try a marathon. There are many goals one can work toward, many stars to shoot for. Some are realistically out of reach or unattainable, and while I've always been a strong advocate for 'going for the gold', nobody enjoys getting those denial letters from prospective schools or jobs, or finding out they didn't make the team. Trust me, I've experienced all of the above and that hasn't stopped me. Back to the point at hand--a marathon IS a realistic goal for many people, it's the training that's the hard part! So it was that logic, and the hefty registration fee that I knew I wouldn't give up without a fight, were the motivation I needed to give it the good ol' college try.

I have to admit that I do believe my experience training for my 1st marathon was through rose-colored glasses....and perfect conditions. A combination that I, unfortunately, will never see again! I was living in California at the time, working at a weight-loss camp; perfect weather EVERYDAY, paired with constant exercise made it feel effortless. The marathon itself back in Minneapolis was far from effortless, and although I was able to cross the finish line with a smile on my face and my mom at my side (!!), my plan was to save that $110 the following year and buy a delicious latte to drink from the sidelines.

Now, a year is a long time. 365 days. 52 weeks. Ample time to not only bury and repress my memories and plans of not doing another marathon ever again, but somehow sneak in a new goal! Run a marathon in a different city! It's amazing what I can talk myself into. The Chicago marathon it was, and I must admit, it was definitely a different experience. Running with 45,000 people, through downtown streets so packed you'd be convinced that the entire city was there, is an adrenaline rush that cannot be described, only experienced. The upside: you have constant support for 26.2 miles. C-O-N-S-T-A-N-T. The downside: there isn't a break in the sea of people long enough to 'justify' walking. I'm sure fellow runners would concur that we squeeze in those walking breaks when the least amount of people are there to witness it...as if we're trying to prove something more than just running a marathon! That was my downfall though. I succombed to the pressure of having hundreds of thousands of complete strangers see me walk, and I hit the Great Wall of China at Mile 21. My 20 minutes sitting on the ground outside of a porta potty debating whether that was going to be my final moment as a living and breathing being, luckily passed and I was able to s l o w l y make my way across the finish line. Now, if there were ever an 'a-ha' moment where I realized and decided that full marathons just weren't for me, THAT would've been it. Alas, it was more of a fleeting thought, followed up by the greatest idea ever: to CONQUER the Chicago Marathon 2010 and show everyone who's boss!

So. Between that moment, and the present, I have finished my 2nd Chicago marathon (sans the porta-potty detour) and have accepted my marathon addiction.
Until life gets too busy to carve out a few hours every weekend to run, or I start caring more about making it to Happy Hour than getting in 6 miles on a random weeknight, having that goal, that event to look forward to every year, and bring meaning to my workouts is something I won't be giving up without a fight. As long as my near future doesn't consist of weekly physical therapy recovering from knee surgery, or planters fasciitis, a couple of the marathons I see on the horizon include New York marathon, London marathon, and at least one weaving somewhere through California. Those should be able to feed the addiction for the time being...

Travel Drought...

Although my initial idea and intent of creating a blog was to document and share travels, adventures, and experiences...I got so caught up in the excitement of exploration, the actual title of my blog slipped my mind! As interesting (and abundant) as travel blogs are, I have failed to remind myself that TWO other (pretty major) passions of mine are LIVING and EATING! Granted, I'm not going to fill my blog with a plethora of stories about my life that could be better kept in a personal journal...and certainly won't dive into the world of food blogging and photography...but I will gladly share some of my favorite dishes and toot my own horn when necessary ;)

So during this economic recession and TEMPORARY travel drought I've been forced to accept, I am taking some time to check off a life goal, which I DO believe is worthy of documentation! (Sidenote in regards to my favorite dishes: Shawn and I have a list of restaurants to check out as often as our finances allow; so while I've got much to report from the 'foodie side' of this blog,that will remain on the back burner for now....

-August 15th, 2010. YWCA Women's Triathlon-

I think the first time I gave any kind of serious thought to dabbling in the exhilerating world of triathlons was when I was in the middle of running my first marathon and thinking to myself how absolutely crazy I was for signing up to run 26.2 miles, and that from that point on I would only do half marathons and give triathlons a try. Well, as most marathon runners can relate, when I crossed that finish line, I was already mentally signed up for a marathon the following year. However, the goal of completing a triathlon didn't diminish and with the motivation and excitement from my mom, to try one together, I decided it was time. Knowing full well that the measley 500 yrd swim would haunt me until 'the big day', I did my homework and swam laps at the gym weekly, for a good two months. It wasn't until I had to share a lane with someone, (looking like a novice swimmer on the verge of drowning due to the 'waves' the other swimmer created), did I realize that a pool was NOTHING like a lake. My back-up plan was to do the doggy paddle or side-stroke the entire 500 yards!

The big day came, and due to an injury my mom was out of commision so it was up to me to ride this challenge solo and give it my best shot. Beautiful day to swim, bike, and run...but as my nerves started to get the best of me, I would've happily bypassed the whole thing and go grab some coffee. My mom, Meg, and Shawn were all there to cheer me on, which was very encouraging...I just hoped they wouldn't be able to track me doggy paddling in the water!
The swim was, in fact, JUST as hard and scary as I imagined! After the initial run into the water, and swallowing a few liters of Lake Nokomis, I couldn't help but laugh at myself and how I ever thought training in a pool could resemble swimming in a lake surrounded by 50+ people! Needless to say, I used pretty much every stroke BUT the crawl to make my way around the buoys, trudge out of the water, and through the line up of loudly cheering strangers. What a rush!!


The bike was beautiful, but I was so happily distracted by the feelings of relief from completing the swim, it was more of a joyride than a leg of a race! Luckily my strongest point, running, was the final event and I made up for the lolligagging on the bike. It was an amazing feeling to finish my first triathlon, and I can say with the utmost certainty that it was the birth of yet another passion and hobby! I must also note the humbling feelings of 'awe' as women of all ages and sizes crossed that finish line. It sure is refreshing to see so many people taking on, and accomplishing a personal goal!

Traveling Bucket List

Anyone who knows me would probably agree that I am a pretty decent daydreamer. Most of my daydreaming revolves around traveling...a mere glance at a picture of a cityscape, or an exotic destination is enough for me to dream up an entire trip. I should almost turn it into a business, but the fine print would casually state that I'd be joining my clients on the excursions I dreamed up for them. It's only fair, right?

Regardless of whether or not I'll ever be able to get paid by going on adventures with complete strangers, I do know one thing. The daydreaming will never cease to excite me and I will always....ALWAYS have an on-going traveling bucket list. Some destinations will hold a life-long spot (i.e. New York City), because let's face it, you can never get enough of the Big Apple. Others may jump around the list, which is why I'll keep them in no particular order...jotted down just like they are in my travel journal. This list will probably never shrink in size, and I would imagine that's partly due to the fact that it's a bit easier to jot down 'Australia' in a notebook than to come up with the time and money to take the leap down under! Ah it all feeds the obsession....

Here goes..

Peru - (Lima and 4 day hike to Macchu Pichu)
Australia
New Zealand
Italy - Cinque Terre,Amalfi Coast, the Southern tip, Tuscany...i'll just take it all
Central France (wine country) and Southern France/French Riviera
Alaska
Prague
Hawaii
Colorado - skiing/snowboarding, hiking, white water rafting...any outdoor adventure
Vancouver
Banff & Calgary
Toronto
Great Smokey Mountains
New York (lifer)
New England in the fall
California (every last inch of it...another lifer)
Costa Rica
Tokyo, Japan
Beijing and the Great Wall
Washington D.C.
London during Christmas time
Stockholm, Sweden