Rock 'n Roll Las Vegas Day 1/Expo Recap!

I landed in Las Vegas late on Thursday night (11:30pm!), so we slept in a bit on Friday then headed off to the expo. I wanted to get it done with as soon as possible because there is A LOT of walking involved whenever you go to a big race expo. 

I didn't do too much shopping there (got an amazing new backpack that will be used as my gym bag, sticker, and magnet), but it's always so fun to see everything they have! 

After the expo, we headed back to the hotel and relaxed a bit before getting ready to head over to dinner and Cher concert at the Monte Carlo!

We had a really late lunch (the best pizza ever at Paris), so weren't too hungry. We ended up grabbing hot dogs and a small deli in New York New York and they were really good (and BIG!). Excuse the rather unflattering photo of our dinner.

Cher was absolutely amazing and total highlight of the entire trip! I highly recommend going to see her if you can (I think her concert is only going for a month or so in Vegas). She does both old & new songs and does 11 costume changes!

Race expos- love 'em or hate 'em?

Cher- ever seen her perform live? If not, would you? Who was the best concert you've ever seen?

Making That First Step Towards Change

I wanted to share with you a few thoughts that I had when I took the plunge to move to the almost the other side of the country, away from family and friends and how it was both terrifying and exhilarating. While this is mainly focused on relocating, I honestly feel like the same feelings can be felt in regards to anything new and different. Maybe you're considering a lifestyle or diet change, an uneasy relationship, or just at a crossroads in your life. 

When I decided that I was going to leave Maine and go out to Colorado, I was at a point in my life where I was beginning many things again (job, relationship, home etc.) and everything came into place like it was planned from the very beginning. It became so clearly obvious that this was the perfect time for a move because everything else in my life had ceased. It had honestly felt like there was yellow brick road leading me to Colorado and there was no other path.

I had full trust in my choice and left everything behind me. 

I think this part was really key. I believed in my decision and never once questioned it. My ship was set for sail and I knew my target. It wasn't scary or intimidating that I knew no one where I was going (or had ever been there) because there were no other options that I left for myself. I saw it as next stepping stone. 

If it isn't the right time or you're not ready, you will find every excuse in the book. If it doesn't feel right and planned, it probably isn't meant to be. If you're questioning your decision, then maybe take that as a sign to look at your situation and re-assess. 

I believe that questioning is always necessary. It gives your life purpose and it's how we are able to improve. Question your decision, but look at every avenue (not just the reason why you're questioning it) and you'll likely find your answer and your yellow brick road. 

Yes, it's absolutely been challenging to be so far away from friends and family and a life that I once had, but I've NEVER regretted it. I feel like having regrets is a constant reminder of the mistakes that we have made in our past. Regrets, to me, is not even an option. We need to move on from our mistakes (learn from them) and accept them. 

Ever made a big decision and had an 'ah-ha' moment?

Ever moved across the country or thought about it? What's keeping you where you are?

Running & Traveling- mixing them together?

I've shared before a few tips that I have to fit in running while on a road trip, but I wanted to share with you a few tips that I learned how to fit in traveling when you're NOT training for anything in particular (also remember that it's always best to run where you either know your environment or run with a friend/ indoors)​.

1. Do some research on the most popular running routes and either know how far you want to run for or just "wing it" if you can!​

2. Pack for all weather conditions. You never know when it could turn to bad weather or get really cold! ​

3. Look up a running group where you're going. I've never done this, but have always wanted to! Report back if you do (or have done this)!​

4. Find a gym that has treadmills if the place you're staying doesn't have one. I did this when I was in Las Vegas for a conference and had a membership to Anytime Fitness , so I was able to go to another Anytime to get my run in safely!

5. Leave all expectations at the beginning of your run. You may be jet lagged/ exhausted/ eating different foods- just have fun and enjoy the experience!​

6. Find a great trail or nature path to explore while you're running​

7. Check to see if there are any local races going on and sign up for one! Bonus​ points if it's a half marathon! ;)

Any other tips you have to fellow runners when they travel?​

Anyone else wish there was an AirBnB type of platform where you can look up and meet new running friends when you're traveling?!?​

Travel Thursday-Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park was an impromptu visit that we made last year on our way to California. We visited in October and it was SO hot. I think the temperatures in my car got up to over 100 degrees and there were even road signs that advised drivers to limit their air-conditioning (so their car would not overheat). We also drove through several sandstorms, which is scary/exhilarating/crazy! I couldn't imagine hiking through the sand dunes (some people were doing) and also can never imagine visiting this park in the summer! I'm sure it could be pretty enjoyable in January and the camping spots looked amazing, but it was so hot and windy that there was no way we could envision ourselves camping there in October. It's a great park to drive-through with a dependable car (and lots of gas)!

Travel Thursday- Turquoise Lake

I wanted to share one of my favorite travel spots up on the blog here today! We went to Turquoise Lake in Leadville, Colorado a few years ago (after a mis-hap with a reserved Yurt...long story...gist: it involved getting stuck on a dirt road and having to backdown the road for a good 1/2 mile...) and it is a beautiful spot with stunning views!

We ended up scoring a campsite at the last minute (because of the yurt mishap) and enjoyed a fantastic night in the high country. I was still in a boot from my PRP injection, so I couldn't do too much hiking/exploring, which was perfect to keep us relaxing with a good book by the lake (that is turquoise-looking). I can't remember exactly what campsite we stayed at, however I would recommend any spot that you come to! You really can't go wrong no matter where you set-up (but I would recommend reserving ahead and try to stay there for a few days, maybe even plan to hike a 14er while you are there!). The road that takes you to the lake continues throughout the entire lake, so it's also a great spot to run or visit various viewpoints (although the one where we set-up was my favorite since you get a good view of Mt. Elbert and others in the background).