Journey to Boston: Your Glory Surrounds Me

So this year's end goal is to qualify for Boston.  Basically what that means is that triathloning is going to take a bit of a back seat while running is going to be put right back up there in the drivers seat.  I LOVE being a triathlete, but I REALLY LOVE running.  Its just may jam.  

In order to qualify for Boston, I have to slowly and methodically get my speed back up.  Its actually going to be quite the challenge because I spent all last year bringing my speed down to increase my efficiency.  Don't get me wrong, its not that I am painfully slow, but 9:20/mile pace, although respectable, isn't going to get me my Boston qualifying time!  

And speed is HARD.  In addition to the speed, Coach wants me to start working on building the stability muscles in my legs.  Enter trail running!

Arizona is just perfect for trail running and the desert is absolutely gorgeous this time of year.  I met on of my fellow RACELAB teammates Johann for a gorgeous 12 mile trail run last weekend and I cannot even begin to tell you how wonderful it was.  My heart was so happy.

The trail we ran was very challenging and technical, but the views were breathtaking.  Several times during the run I would just stop myself for a minute and let it all soak in.  How thankful I am to have a body that can go run 12 miles on trail.  How grateful I am to be able to look out and recognize how beautiful creation is.  

I cannot wait to do it again!

Gymnastics Gems

Lily and Evie have been doing gymnastics now for a few months and they are loving it.  I remember taking gymnastics when I was a little girl and had really fond memories.  I refrained from diving in and getting them proper leotards until I knew that they were loving it.  The other day I broke down and let the girls  pic their official practice digs.

Lily loves all things purple and sparkly.  She picked out the most expensive one on the rack for her size at first and I had to let her down slowly that it was too many papers.  Then her eyes caught this little number and she was hooked.  

Evie on the other hand just wanted something pink and fun.  Unfortunately, she is such a peanut that there were not many outfits to choose from, but I think she did a bang up job falling in love with this sassy number.

Both of the girls are fearless when it comes to physical things and getting more so as they become more comfortable with their bodies.  I am seriously waiting for the day when I hear an intense scream and race outside to find some kind of broken bone.  They have become more ambitious on the playset and are constantly pushing the "safe" boundaries.

Plus, they like to climb on anything.  Even taking this picture, Evie just had to be up on that rock in our front yard practicing her balancing!

Lily is currently in the Diamonds class and they are beginning to really teach the fundamentals of all the basic gymnastics skills including arm, leg and feet position.  Lily loves it and was only too happy to show me one of her stances.

Meanwhile this kid is popping a 'tude and playing miss Sassy pants with the other littles in the Silly Snakes division.  Their coach just trying to get them to kind of listen while jumping on stuff.  I swear some days I watch the coaches and giggle, its really like herding cats.

My girls love, love, LOVE their gymnastics day and I hope it continues to be a confidence and physical building exercise.  Plus, its just too cute to see them in their little outfits.