Party Prep Workout

My friends Melissa and Carl and a couple of others had grand plans this morning to hike the hill that is across the street from their house in Breckenridge.  Well wind gusts of 50mph plus starting at midnight lasting through 10am this morning, including peak gusts of 100-126mph 5-6am and whiteout conditions 7:30-9am put an end to that hike outing.  We'd all had no sleep and power went out for about 6 hours.

So instead I got my workout today doing party preps that consisted of putting together an outdoor heater, carrying chairs down stairs, and carrying ice bags, bottled waters, and other party necessities up stairs.

Wasn't exactly the workout I'd planned but oh well blame it on the weather!

That hike will have to wait for another day.  I'm almost 6 months in to my year long blog (Jan 3 is halfway mark).  Cheers to 2012 being a year of getting in shape, eating better, enjoying better health and most of all just keep moving!  Happy New Year!

Cross Country Skiing In Breck

On Friday my friends Melissa and Austyn and I headed out to do a little cross country skiing at Breckenridge Nordic Center.  Melissa had gone a couple of times.  I'd been once with my cousins when I was in college but I think I was in regular skis when we skied in to a mining camp.  Austyn is a snowboarder and had never cross country skied.  So we headed out on a beautiful afternoon to try an activity that's new to us.

We had a ball.  I laughed the entire time and of course fell once.  I decided I needed to take a lesson.  But for a fun workout outing with friends it was a great adventure!  Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are definitely on my workout regime in the New Year.

White Knuckle Drive

Thursday was a travel day for me and with the gusty winds on I-70 it was a white knuckle drive!  Guess that's counts as a workout trying to keep the SUV going forward with gusty winds coming from the side.

Skate The Lake

Wednesday was ice skating at Evergreen Lake.  Such a great workout!  It was the first time I'd ever skated on a lake and one of only a handful of times ever.  I went with some of my cousins and friends.  What a great workout on a beautiful winter day.  It's definitely something I want to do again.  On the lake you do have to deal with more bumps than on an ice rink but that's part of the fun.

If you haven't tried it, do!  What I found is it doesn't matter what your ability, you'll have fun.  We had a group from newbies to advance skaters and everyone had a great time during this fun workout.

Stretch It Out

Tuesday was an easy day.  Just did some stretches.

Where Was Everybody?

So I headed out for an easy 30 minute run about 3 this afternoon.  It was a beautiful day in Denver - sunshine and temps in the low 40s.  Yes there's still snow on the ground but there was some melting today.  I hit the bike path and after about 15 minutes I realized I was the only soul other there.  Little odd...actually a lot odd especially in such an active city on a beautiful day. The entire time during my run I saw three people - one runner and a couple walking. So I had to wonder where is everybody?  Figured the malls would be busy in the morning and perhaps folks would get the workout done on a beautiful afternoon.  But I guess folks were out shopping, traveling or just enjoying a lazy afternoon at home or at the movies.  Oh well I love the solitude I found in the sun starting to go down and the snow lining the path.

When I got home I decided to do some abs and stretching.  I've been keeping my friend Melody's dog over the weekend.  Well as soon as I laid down to do abs he plopped down on my stomach and wouldn't stop licking my face.  So Ike became my ab weight.  Definitely made me laugh doing abs with Ike staring back at me!

Ike sitting on my stomach as my weight for crunches!

Christmas Run In The Sunshine

With snow on the ground and the sun shining it was the perfect Christmas Day for a run.  With temperatures getting above freezing it was nice to not have to bundle up from head to toe.  I was able to head out in capri running tights, short sleeve tshirt, and pull over.  I love getting out on one of the bath paths.  There are still some icy spots but for the most part they are pretty good.  The best part of all was just simply moving outside on a quiet beautiful early afternoon.  Didn't go for a super long time just about 30 minutes but got the Christmas workout done before heading over to my cousin's to take in the calories at dinner that I'd burned off.

My goal this week is to start getting back in some running. I've got to add back in some great cardio.  So my goal this week (with hopefully the cough going away!) is to get in two 30 minute runs and one 1 hour run/walk.  I think pretty realistic.  Oh and there's some ice skating and perhaps skiing and snowshoeing later this week too!

Slacker Saturday

So I'm a slacker but probably best just to rest so I can kick the cough.  Did do some stretching and easy walking, well more like strolling around.  For Christmas I would like to feel better since at the halfway mark Jan. 3rd I'm taking the workout plan to high gear!

Finally Go To Doctor Friday

Well I finally gave in and went to doctor for this cough that won't go away and has now taken my voice.  Diagnosis - major inflammation from coughing so much for over a month.  Lesson learned - next time I get a cough I'm going in!  So I'm on steroids for a few days to kick this thing.  Hope they kick in quickly!

Pilates on a Snow Day

I took a snow day Thursday!  Woke up extra early - 1:45am to go on air at 4am for snow coverage.  Worked late then had a pilates session with Erin at Pura Vida and haircut and highlights.  Even with loosing my voice because of coughing I decided not to cancel my pilates.  I really needed it plus it would be the last session I'd get in until after the new year.  Erin did a renewal/rejuvenate pilates session that involved a lot of stretching.  Just perfect for what I needed!

Feeling Puny Wednesday

With snow on the way I worked late Wednesday, had a ton of stuff to get done, and just wasn't feeling 100%.  Decided to take a rest day.  This nagging cough just wants to hang around.

Slow moving Tuesday

It's a slow moving Tuesday for me.  Woke up not feeling so great.  Guess it's this nagging cough.  Just took an easy walk to do something!

Reverse Lunge With A Twist

Yes I feel these today!  It's probably because I did the reverse lunge with a twist along with jumps and other lunges in my hour and a half Kinesis and Pilates session with Erin at Pura Vida Club.  January 3rd will be 6 months to my 40th.  Erin decided to kick it up a notch a little early!

These lunges are great to do with or without a medicine ball.  I did mine with an 11 pound ball.  These will help get you in ski or board shape in no time.

No Go Sunday

I had all intentions of getting in a run Sunday morning while in Estes Park but woke up late and had to head back to Denver to drop someone at the airport then head to Broncos watch party for work.  Was bummed the Broncos lost and that I didn't get to take advantage of the great weather (high of 56 in Denver) with a long run.

Off To An Event Saturday

Saturday I emceed an event in Estes Park and had to pick up someone in the morning at DIA then head to the Stanley Hotel for the evening's event of "The First Grader" screening to benefit End Malaria Now.  I did get in a nice post lunch stroll on Elkhorn (Main Street in Estes Park) but couldn't get in anything else.

First Ski Day of the Season for Me

Thursday I got in my first ski day of the season as I explored Echo Mountain for one of my Explore Colorado segments.  It was pretty entertaining to me that I took off to tackle the mountain with three very advanced skiers.

My friend and co-anchor Melody has been skiing since she was about 4 or 5.  Kelley is a heliskiing lover.  That's downhill skiing that's only accessible by helicopter. Catrina has been a coach for Team Summit, a competitive ski club for a couple of years.  Catrina was my coach on the mountain for the afternoon.

I was definitely VERY slow and timid on the first run but got more and more comfortable, even skiing my way through a couple of terrain park areas with jumps.  Notice I said through and not over.

We skied for about an hour and half then headed in for cocoa (yes with a few marshmallows) since it was getting really cold.  Skiing is such a great workout plus you burn more calories in the cold.  That's why it's okay to splurge on nachos and fries afterwards.  Of course splitting with everyone.  You worked for it!  

Push It Cardio

Today I hit the gym to do some cardio.  A little tired I decided to do cardio where I had to watch the clock so I would push it.  First on the elliptical I did two miles on a random course in 18 minutes with an incline of 13 (out of 25).  Next it was over to the treadmill.  I jumped on and ran at 6mph for 3 minutes then to sprints of 30 second spring then 30 second rest.

I started the 30 second sprints at incline of 8% (out of 15) and speed of 6.5mph. Took it up to 9% at 6.8mph. At 10% upped speed to 7mph and then to 7.5mph for 11%.  Then I did the sequence in reverse.  Walked for 1 minute at 4mph.  Then dropped speed to 1.5mph with no incline walk sideways on treadmill for two minutes, then backward for two minutes, the sideways on the other side for two minutes.

I finished out the treadmill workout with a fast mile at a pace of 7-7.3mph.  I did have to take two quick 10 second breaks on that one.

I'm going to feel this workout tomorrow!

Frog Lifts & Backward Step Down

Tuesday I found out the benefits of a Pilates session right after travel.  Two hours after landing back in Denver I was working out with Erin at Pura Vida.  It just really helped to stretch out the travel kinks!

Two exercises you can easily add to your at home routine, or in my case my exercise while traveling routine, are frog lifts and backward step down.  Frog lifts are killer for your abs.  The backward step down is a great exercise to get you in shape for winter sports or to just help you look great in those leggings!  Erin walks you through both exercises.

Zumba With Mom

I took my first Zumba class with my mom.  Actually hard for me to believe I haven't tried a Zumba class before but I haven't.  My soon-to-be 73 year old Mom gets her dancing shoes on several times a week and takes a Zumba class at the Life Center in my hometown, Greenville, SC.  Keep in mind that on her 69th birthday she took me to the hip hop class she was in to at that time.  My mom is a pianist so she gets the beat, but she's not a dancer.  It doesn't matter.  What does matter is she gets in there with women well less have her age and the shakes it like the rest of them!  She loves her Monday night instructor Amy and I can see why. Amy is vivacious, motivating and fun.

My mom was so in to trying the follow the moves she didn't even notice I was filming for a few seconds.  Of course I jumped right back in with her and Zumba-ed away.  In the words of my mom as we were heading to the class, "This ought to be a riot."  Yes mom it was and yes I laughed more than once but when I'm almost 73 I hope I can still get my groove on!

Here's a quick clip of my mom moving to the beat.

On The Go Sunday

Some how our Sunday turned in to an on the go day.  Church, walk to and from brunch, quick stop at someone's house for a visit, then movie.  Before my mom and I knew it the day was gone.  But we had a great time despite not getting in a good workout!  But we did get in a great walk to and from brunch in downtown Greenville.

Take Off Saturday

I decided to take off Saturday and just enjoy a fun day with my mom.  It was nice to have a relaxing morning then head off to a concert matinee then dinner.  We laughed a lot so I guess that counts since laughing does work your abs!

Walking Through the Airport

Friday was a travel day and I was flying Denver to South Carolina.  I do love getting in long walks in airports.  My flight getting in to Atlanta was late so I missed my connection but it gave me time to walk two terminals over - yes I walked instead of taking the tram!  Sometimes are travel days that the only exercise you get.

Stretch Thursday

Thursday was a crazy day trying to wrap up some projects before taking a few days off to spend an early Christmas with my mom.  I did get a little stretching but that it.  Definitely a hustle and bustle kind of day!

Walkin' Wednesday

Just had time to sneak in a couple of miles walking including two miles in heels walking downtown to meet two groups of friends!

Cold Jog

With this never ending cough I haven't been running but today with the temperatures in the upper 20s late afternoon I decided to venture out for a short easy jog.  It was definitely slow but great to be outside with snow on the ground (bike paths are cleared for the most part).  But seeing the snow on the grass made me decide I want a pair of snowshoes.  It was a great way to easy back in to some cardio and I'm so glad I braved the cold!

Reverse Lunge With A Reach & Pyramid Push Ups

In my Monday Pilates and Kinesis workout at Pura Vida Club, Erin had me do two moves that are great to help get in shape or stay in shape for skiing, boarding, and winter sports.  The first one is a reverse lunge with a reach.  The key to this one is staying up on your toes the entire time.  It's a great leg and balance workout.

The second is pyramid push ups that are a great variation from regular one.  The closer in the hands the harder it is so start with your arms out wide.

Have fun with these two new exercises!

Sleep In Sunday

It rained in San Antonio early Sunday morning.  Certainly a welcomed sight and gave me a good excuse to sleep in.  Something I don't get to do too often.  Since I'm still dealing with a cough probably a good thing.

Slacker Saturday

Okay so I was a slacker on Saturday.  One of my friends and I said the night before if we got up in time we'd go walk the golf course.  We'll neither of us got up to walk course.  Oh well!

The Power of Four 10s

Friday I got to get in a workout with my long time trainer, Gregg Bell, while I was visiting San Antonio.  He introduced me to a workout inspired by TRX.  Gregg knows I'm always short on time but maximum results.  Think I'm ordering the TRX straps after this workout of 10-10-10-10.  It's four moves and you do each 10 times.  You go from one straight into the next with no rest.

The moves are:  Superman, Push ups with feet suspended, Running Man, and Jackknife.  These are going to get your heart rate pumping.  After one workout, I couldn't believe how sore I was.

Click on link if you want to order the straps:  TRX

They're offering free shipping and 20% off! Guess that's going to be a Christmas present to myself.

Check out Gregg's 10-10-10-10 workout.  It's one that works!

Lunges & Push Ups....Not Your Ordinary Ones!

Not feeling 100% but tired of not working out because of this cough.  So I went on to my Kinesis and Pilates session with Erin at Pura Vida.  It was nice to sweat a little.  She had a couple of new moves for me today.

So it's a two exercise day - 3 way lunge with straight leg lift and push ups with a fly.  These are AWESOME and easy to do at home.  And yes the day after you will feel them!

On The Mend

Finally got about 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep.  Hopefully I'm turning the corner and on the way to get over this cough.

Give In & Go To Doctor

So after coughing all night long I finally gave in and went to an urgent care clinic.  Doctor said it's a viral thing that last 2-3 weeks....so I'm about halfway through.  Oh joy!  So ready to get back in my workout groove.  I did get in about 3 miles walking to doctor then pharmacy then home on a chilly windy Saturday.

Taking It Easy

Still taking it easy since the cough just doesn't seem to want to go away.  It's really wearing me down.  I did an easy stroll of about a mile and a half.

Thankful For Great Weather

On this thanksgiving we're blessed with incredible weather in Denver.  Still coughing, well more like hacking away, and not feeling up to a run.  So ready for this to go away!  I did take Peeka and a friend's dog for a nice long walk.  In fact they are both fast asleep as I'm typing this.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Off To The North Pole

It was day two of shoots and I was off to the North Pole, near Pike's Peak.  Running around the amusement park was a fun workout in a magical place.

Hitting The Magic Carpet At Loveland

After the newscast I headed to Loveland Ski Area to shoot a child's first ski lesson.  It was definitely a workout trying to get the shots.  Once I got home at 3:30pm I was wiped out.

Coughing Continues

My hacking cough just won't go away!  With the cough just not feeling good and knowing I have two 12+ hour days ahead of me with two shoots decided to take another rest day.  So ready to even be 80%!

Clean Out Sunday

Woke up early and walked over the Starbucks.  Even though it was cold, it was nice to get out before the rest of the world woke up.  From there I started in to clean out mode at home.  I had a ton of piles to get through then started in on some drawers and closets.  Guess it was a clean out Sunday.  It's a least a start and I gathered up some good stuff to take to Goodwill on Monday.  There's something about cleaning out and going through stuff that's a stress reliever.  Loved getting organized...well at least semi-organized!

Downtown Stroll

Coughed a lot Saturday night so decided another easy cardio day and walked downtown.  It was sunny and chilly.  I loved wandering around and getting in almost three miles.  Still on the mend.

Dog Walk Friday

My nagging cough seems to be getting work so I decided an easy dog walk was all I was up for.  Gosh it's been a long time since I've been sick like this!  But Peeka sure enjoyed walking around in the sunshine and mid 60s temperatures.

Stretching It Out At Pilates

Finally a workout!  But it was a very easy one.  Still not feeling great and with no appetite and little to no food for a couple of days, stretching was all I felt up to doing with Erin in my Pilates sessions.  I was thrilled just to make it!  It was exactly what I needed.

Back To Work But Not Workout

Wednesday I made it back to work but came home and went straight to bed.  This bug has thrown me for a loop and now I have a nagging cough that seems like it came out of nowhere, just like the stomach bug.

Sick....Again!

It's day number 3 of this stomach bug.  It's also the reason I'm behind on blog entries.  It's my second day out of work and third day of no workout.

Monday Blues - Sick

That pretty much sums it up.  I didn't even get out of the bed Monday.  Workout wasn't even in the realm of possibility.

Sunday Sick Day

Woke up not feeling great then went down with a stomach bug.  Little did I know it would wipe me out for days!  Initially I just thought it was food poisoning or a 24 hour thing.

Working Out With A Chat

When I'm in San Antonio, I love it when I get the opportunity to workout on the Salado Creek Greenway, especially when I get to do a workout with one of my best friends and workout buddies, Christy.  We had a great workout and chat session.  Those are so fun!

Travel Day Friday

Friday (Nov. 11) was a travel day for (of course!).  But this one was special.  I was traveling to surprise one of my best friends for her 40th birthday.  Boy was she surprised that I flew in to celebrate her!

Cat Stretch

I had an awesome Pilates session on Thursday, November 10th with Erin at Pura Vida.  Okay all my sessions are great but this one was just what I needed.  We did a lot of work on the reformer including some new moves for me.  I just seemed to be really focused and in the zone today.  It was one of those days that my legs were wobbly after the workout.  That's a good thing!

One move I do regularly in sessions is the cat stretch.  Here's a modified way to do it at home using a fitness ball.

Kinesis and Pilates on a Wednesday

Even though I wasn't feeling great I went ahead and did my Kinesis and Pilates session with Erin.  Instead of doing fast pace in Kinesis, we did slow count where you do a move on a 5 count, counting to five for the push movement and then five second count for pull movement.  In Pilates she kept pace slow but really focused on stretching.  I almost canceled since I wasn't feeling good but so glad I went.  Sometimes going slow and easy with lots of stretching is just what the doctor ordered!

Tasks Tuesday

It's been such a crazy day - work, haircut and highlights, errands and phone calls.  Didn't even get home until after 3pm (yes been up since 2:45am - actually 2am because I got up early to check the weather) and didn't have lunch until 4pm!  Then I went straight in to working on blogs and articles.  Needless to say the workout didn't happen.  I can't wait for my hour and a half session with Erin tomorrow - after today I need it!

Precor Resistance

Monday is normally Kinesis and Pilates but Erin wasn't feeling well so I hit the gym to get some resistance training on the Precor machine.  I did the random course with resistance in the range of 8-11 (out of 15) for a 30 minute workout including seven minutes of pedaling backward.  Then I did some ab work and finished out with jumping rope for one minute, thirty second rest, then two minutes.  Add in some stretching and workout was done!

Cave Workout

Sunday I worked out in a cave....seriously!  I headed to Cave of the Winds for shoot.  This wasn't just the walk through tour.  Instead I headed in with geologists, cavers, and a historian.  That meant full out caving including pulling myself on stomach through mud, climbing through tight spaces, and crawling through others.  In some ways it felt like I was going through a basic training course!  We actually spent three hours working our way through the cave.

Mental Workout Saturday

Saturday I used the day to log video, go through a TON of emails, and write.  I told myself I'd get in at least a walk once I made headway in my computer work but the front moved it and I decided watching late afternoon and evening football was way better than being out in the chilly rain.  Plus still not feeling great.  Guess it's the change of season wreaking havoc on my sinus and just simply being exhausted from lack of sleep on my crazy schedule.

Lazy Friday

I'm usually traveling by car or airplane on Fridays but not this Friday.  After spending a little time wandering around the Ski Expo and getting a couple deals of ski clothes I came home and vegged out for the afternoon on the couch.

Start of Slug Bug Days

So Thursday started my three day stretch of being a slug, sloth, a no workout couch potato....well not really a couch potato but workouts didn't get done.  Just hit a stretch of not feeling so great and decided to be proactive and take a couple of days of rest.

Stretch It Out

After a crazy day covering the second snow storm of the season for Denver, I just did some stretching.  I'm totally wiped out!

Elliptical Quickie

With snow moving in tonight and tomorrow, I had to get the workout done today.  I did a quick workout since I'm getting up extra early about 1:45am to go on air at 4am.  It was definitely one of those days that getting to the gym is the hardest challenge.

So I did a 30 elliptical cardio workout then some ab work and push-ups on the Bosa ball then some stretches.

Here's the 30 elliptical workout I did.

0-10 min - level 12 (out of 25).
10-13 min - level 14
13-14 min - level 13
14-17 min - level 16
17-18 min - level 13
18-20 min - level 18
20-22 min - level 13
22-28 min - 30 second sprints, 30 second easy level 12
28-30 min - kept pace above 8mph at level 14
30-33 min - cool down

Mileage wise I did 3.1 miles in 30 minutes.

It's a great quick cardio workout with resistance.  Guess with the snow coming I'm thinking I need to get in shape for ski season.  It's here!

Spooktacular Kinesis and Pilates

Happy Halloween!  I got my workout in with my usual Monday Kinesis and Pilates session with Erin.  It was another great session.  Did a move called the snake on the reformer in Pilates.  It's definitely a more challenging move.

Sunday Ranch Walk

Sunday morning I got up early and headed off a walk with friends.  It was a chilly morning at the ranch in Paonia with temperatures in the upper 20s.

It was a beautiful walk down the ranch's main gravel road.  Plus we ventured into the pasture where two draft horses, Crissy and Missy, were grazing.  Soon this pasture will be covered in snow.

Hikin' The Ranch

Saturday morning I woke up before everyone else (of course on my early AM schedule).  Since I was at a fabulous ranch in Paonia, CO I headed off for a nice walk and talk.  I had a great phone chat with my mom while watching the sun rise on a chilly morning.  Peeka, my dog, and I did a little exploring around the barn too.

After breakfast we all, including 3 dogs, went on a hike around the ranch for about an hour.  It was a great adventure and exercise.

Driving Day

Friday was a driving day to a ranch in Paonia, CO.  It's about a 5.5 hour drive so I didn't get a workout in.

Elevated Side Plank

This move is a toughie!  The elevated side plank is a great core move Erin at Pura Vida Club did with me in my Pilates session Thursday.

It's an advance move on the side plank.  Don't be surprised if you shake a little on this one.  It's a great move and great variation on a core move.

Snow Day Wednesday

Wednesday was a snow work day for me.  We went on at 4am which meant getting up at about 1:45am and working until after noon.  So needless to say with 6-8" of snow in Denver along with an extra long on-air shift I didn't get a workout in.

Pilates Tuesday

Tuesday was a pilates session with Erin at Pura Vida.  She was able to get me in for an hour session.  I so need it and was thankful she could get me in!

Travel Delay Monday

Monday was a travel day but because of delays I missed my usual Pilates and Kinesis with Erin.  I squeezed them in later in the week.  Just did a nice dog walk on a beautiful 80 degree October day!

Sunday Run Day Fun Day

Got in a great run with my friend Christy this morning.  We hit the Salado Creek Greenway in San Antonio.  I tested my Motion X GPS app against the mile markers on the greenway and found my app is off.  Actually made me feel better about my run last Sunday.  The app is underestimating mileage.  So I'm going on the hunt for a new running app.  We got in over 4 miles on a warm sunny Sunday morning.

Power Walk

Saturday morning I got to do a power walk with my friend Christy.  It's so nice to take advantage of the Salado Creek Greenway in San Antonio.  There were quite a few clouds and a nice breeze so it was a great 4+ mile workout.

Travel Day Friday

As usual Friday was a travel day.  Went from station to airport to San Antonio.  Then straight to a birthday gathering for a friend.  No time for workout!

Long & Lean

Thursday was pilates session with Erin at Pura Vida.  It was a great workout as usual.  Did a lot of work on the reformer working on increasing my flexibility.

Walkin' The Dog

Wednesday was just a walkin' the dog day.  Didn't have a lot of time to get a workout in but did take advantage of a beautiful day and took my dog for a nice stroll.

Run Time Got Eaten Up By Phone Time

UGH!  I had plan to run Tuesday but with multiple calls my time to run was gone.  So I had to settle for a few stretches.  Bummer.

Mountain Climbers With Split Rotation

Today was Kinesis and Pilates with Erin at Pura Vida.  In my hour and a half killer workout today we focused on legs in Kinesis with a lot of squats and lunges and then more upper body in Pilates.

Erin has had me do this move before and it's a tough one.  Mountain climbers are hard enough but add in this rotation she has me do and it's extreme!  Biggest time is make sure to keep your abs tight and keep the flat back, no arch.

This is one of those moves you do as many as you can....which won't be many!

Tracking The Run

So today I decided to take my phone with me on my run and use the MotionX-GPS app I put it on about a month ago.  Boy did I get a shocker!  I know I was a little sluggish but I've got some serious cardio to do.  As I tracked my time I found out I was slow, but it gives me a baseline to work from.

So here's my breakdown:
At 2 miles in 20:43 minutes at a pace of 5.8mph.
At 3 miles in 30:42 minutes at a pace of 5.9mph.
At 3.5 miles in 35:55 minutes at a pace of 5.9mph.
(Got stopped by a couple for directions about 3.75 miles)
At 4 miles in 40:55 minutes at a pace of 5.9mph.

So a slow Sunday run on the Cherry Creek Bike Path.  I've got some speed work in my future!

Game Day Saturday

Yesterday I headed up to Fort Collins for the day.  I shot the ghost tour, which was a nice mile stroll.  After that it was off to watch the CSU-Boise State game.  The weather was perfect for walking through tailgating and the stadium.  The game didn't turn out in the Rams' favor but I really enjoyed walking around Fort Collins.

Wiped Out Friday

After walking in high heels for two miles Thursday evening for two events, being on air 5am-9am, then rushing over to speak on a panel at Colorado Technology Association's DEMOgala I was wiped out when I got home about 1:30pm Friday afternoon.  Plus my feet needed a break from being in heels for hours!  It was actually the first Friday in ages that I was driving or flying somewhere so I advantage of a veg-out afternoon and evening.

Doing The Bridge

Thursday was a great pilates session with Erin at Pura Vida.  It was one of those sessions that I walked out and tweeted how awesome my session was.  Erin is really helping me to work more on my flexibility.  None of my sessions are ever easy and this one certainly lived up to not being a cake walk.

There are some moves like the bridge that I find very challenging.  This moves requires keeping your abs tight, hips lifted, and moving your leg.  It's one that's easy to cheat with so make sure you are not dropping your hips.  If you do it right, it's super tough.  So here's how to do it and good luck!

Walkin' Wednesday

Took it easy today and just took a nice easy walk.   That's it short and simple.

Interesting Run on the Cherry Creek

A year ago on October 11th I left a home of ten years for a new home in Colorado.  So my run was suppose to be one of reflection.   Instead it turned into a different run on the Cherry Creek Bike Path.  I'm used to seeing a lot of homeless people on the path but Tuesday it was more than normal.  Most likely because of the beautiful weather.  As I'm running along around 4pm, I have to go past a group of three getting high off what looked like a crack pipe.  I often do see folks smoking pot on the path.  Not once have I seen a police officer on the path.  Keep in mind I usually run the very popular part of the path in downtown.  To top it off on my run back I look up and see a guy peeing on a ledge.

Instead of a run of reflection guess this run taught me to expect the unexpected!

Stretched It Out

I went in exhausted to my Pilates and Kinesis session with Erin at Pura Vida Club on Monday.  So we went hard in Kinesis then in my Pilates hour, instead of just demostrating and coaching me through the moves, Erin did the hour of Pilates with me.  The last 15 minutes was really focused on stretching.  I ended up getting the best night sleep I'd had in awhile.  Guess I stretched it out and in return got great sleep!

Chilly Sunday Run

I love crispy chilly fall mornings.  Today is one of those.  Just finished a short Sunday morning run in the sunshine and temperatures around 40.  Great way to gear up for the Broncos game today.  Heading to my first one!

Snowy Saturday

Saturday I woke up to snow outside my window at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park.  It was a beautiful sight so I took off for a short walk to check out the elk rutting on the golf course.  It's really cool to see and hear them bugling.  After that we drove back to Denver and I took a much needed lazy rest day and night at home.

Travel Day Friday...As Usual

Friday was another travel day as I went straight from Fox 31 Denver to Estes Park for my shoot at The Stanley Hotel.  I did some walking throughout the hotel as we went ghost hunting!

Filming Fitness Segments

On Thursday, instead of my normal Pilates session with Erin we filmed some segments for the Everyday show that airs at 10am on Fox 31 Denver.  It was still a workout as she walked through the moves with me for the segments.  Love being able to share her fitness knowledge, moves and tips!

Walking Wednesday

I've have a couple of crazy weeks so on a beautiful day I relished in taking a little time to go on a nice long dog walk with my pooch Peeka.  He certainly loved it!  Always fun to walk around the park and go to the dog park with him.

Take It Easy Tuesday

Tuesdays are always the hardest day of the week for me to workout.  It seems to be my tired, not motivated day.  I took a rest day.

Sideline Leg Series

Monday means Pilates and Kinesis with Erin at Pura Vida Club.  It was mega lunge day for me in Kinesis as we did a series of moves involving lunges.  Talk about my heart rate soaring and my glutes and legs going all out to point of fatigue!  In Pilates Erin had me do the more advance positions of moves I've been doing.  You have to get form first then can progress.

In the full out leg workout one of the series she has me do is the sideline leg series.  You definitely "feel the burn" with this series of moves.  With this move it's really important to keep your hips stacked and flat against the wall with a little space between you oblique (side) and floor.  I love this series because it's so tough!

Running The Ranch

Sunday morning I actually got a little downtime with myself, nature and the sunrise.  Running early on a Sunday morning is one of my favorite things, especially when I get a chance to enjoy a beautiful place like the Smith Fork Ranch.

I took off on a trail run first down the Old Ferrier Ditch Trail.  We rode horses on the trail Saturday and I ran along the cliff by the river, through the Cottonwoods back to the ranch's breakfast ride spot and to the river where we crossed on horses the day before.

As I was running back the sun was rising above the mountains and it felt like it was chasing me down the trail.  I raced it back to the road.

From there I ran by the cabins and main building.  As I was passing the barn and where a couple of folks were practicing roping, Gus the ranch dog, ran with me.  We headed back to the cattle guard at the entrance to the ranch.  It was a great view of Needle Rock.

From there I ran back for a well earned breakfast.  That's a way to the start the day!

Giddy Up & Go At Smith Fork Ranch

Saturday I had a jammed packed day of activity at Smith Fork Ranch.  I started with what I can exploration workout.  It was a combination of hiking, running and just plain ole exploring.  I was off on this adventure that including hiking straight up a hill from the ponds to capture to sun rising over the mountains.

After breakfast we headed out on a trail ride.  It was the perfect morning to ride through the fall foliage and enjoy a gorgeous warm fall day.  We rode for about an hour and a half.

After lunch it was a fly fishing clinic the fishing in the ponds for about an hour and a half.

We topped off the afternoon with archery on the range and then on the course.  It's a great arm workout.

Just a great day on the ranch!

On The Road Again

Friday was a travel day with an over five hour drive to Smith Fork Ranch in Crawford, CO.  If laughing on a road trip counts as a workout then I got a good one in!

Mental Workout

I've been so slammed with meetings, computer work, and more meetings today the workout is a no go.  Guess I got a mental workout day!

Got the Run Done at Wash Park

Today I had to squeeze in a run in between work and haircut.  I actually love the squeeze factor on runs because it pushes me a little more.  I did a 3 mile run at Wash Park - one of my favorite parks in Denver.  They were doing construction on the trail so I felt like I'd gone back to my high school days of cross country running.

I so needed that run today since I was literally on the run all day!

Tuesday A No Go

Tuesday was a no go on workout for me.  Got tied up with a project in the afternoon that wore me out mentally that I was too pooped to move!

Swan On A Mat

Monday was Pilates and Kinesis with Erin at Pura Vida Club and boy did she push me hard!  So hard that I barely got through my mountain climbers series.  We did a lot of shoulder work, which is good for me since I have issues with my right one.  What I love about my Pilates/Kinesis combo is that it is a full body workout that I get pushed to the max in.  We ended the session with a great series of stretches for the legs.

With all of the shoulder and upper body work Erin had me do a move called swan on the mat.  It's a to strengthen your back.  We did it using a foam roller.

Walk in the Park

Sunday morning was beautiful in San Antonio.  So my friend Christy and I hit the Salado Creek Greenway and got in 4 miles.  Usually we run it but this time we were both really tired from running so hard for days that we just power walked.   It was really nice to chat and walk.  Always great to workout with friends!

Couldn't Pay Me To Workout Day

Saturday I hit shear exhaustion so I didn't workout.  I was so tired that I was in bed at 9pm on a Saturday and slept off and on for 9 hours.  When I start loosing my voice and I'm so exhausted I can't sleep it's time to call it.  It was one of those days that I wouldn't have worked out even if you paid me too!

Butt By Bell!

While in San Antonio I got a chance to workout with my long time trainer Gregg Bell.  I knew I was in for a hard workout when it began with a warm up run then immediately into assisted pull ups (stepping up on a bench, doing pull up with a leg kick back and then down).  From there it was mega arm and back work then abs and glutes.

In my session we did several great moves including the kettle ball squat and what's called the butt blaster.  The key to the kettle ball squat is to keep a flat back (don't arch) and don't swing the ball, use your abs.  The butt blaster is just a plain ole killer for your booty!

Travel Day Thursday

Thursday was a travel day for me so wasn't able to get a workout in with a packed work and and travel schedule.

Side Over With Rotation

I'm a little behind on blogs and trying to catch up.  Wednesday I did my Kinesis and Pilates session with Erin at Pura Vida Club.  One of the exercises we did was side over with rotation.  You do it on a ball.

It's a great exercise for the core and a good stability and balance exercise.  Focus on form and do these slow.  It's one of the exercises that Erin has me focusing on stretching my head out going for length from toe to head instead of just up or down.  If you do that you'll feel the difference and extra benefit in the move!  One other tip - place the ball closer to your hips instead of shoulders.

Take Off Tuesday

Still feeling puny and overloaded with work stuff so something had to give.  Unfortunately it was the workout.  But when you're tired and not feeling so great, rest is the best thing!

Stroll in the Gardens

On Monday I wasn't feeling so great - really feeling run down so scaled back the workout but wanted to do an easy workout.  So I met a friend and strolled through the Denver Botanical Gardens for the first time.  It was a gorgeous afternoon so we took advantage of a great day.

It was so fun getting lost in the gardens and wandering through the conservatory.   One of my favorite spots was in the conservatory.  In the pond there are ring neck teal ducks from Argentina and koi fish.

We spent about an hour just strolling through the gardens in the sunshine.

Do Nothing Sunday

With traveling back to Denver and immediately going to to family baby shower, I had a do nothing Sunday.  By the time I got home and got a few things done the workout time was gone.  But a rest day after a long run is a good thing!

Sweaty Saturday Run Through The Park

Saturday I got a chance to get out for a nice long run on a humid, cloudy morning in San Antonio.  Got the run done before the welcomed rain moved in.  I headed out from Huebner Road start point of the Salado Creek Greenbelt.  Close to the mile marker the creek was backed up so there was some swampy flooding on the path, and I headed on a trail instead of path to continue on.  After 2.6 miles I headed into the the Phil Hardberger Park to get some extra distance.  Loved running on the dirt trails and in the shade in the park.  By the time I got back to my start point it was at least 6 miles if not closer to 6.5 miles.  Great sweaty Saturday morning run!

Push Those Push Ups

Friday I got to workout with my longtime trainer in San Antonio, Gregg Bell.  It was a jam packed session of strength moves focusing especially on abs and chest.  That means push ups at some point in one of those sessions!  Instead of just doing military style push ups, Gregg through in some new variations.  When you hit the floor tighten your abs to help you back up.  These are tough.

Hoping I can make it back to San Antonio for his obstacle challenge on November 12th that will include plyometrics, running, spinning, and an obstacle course.   Looking forward to my workout with Gregg Friday when I'm back in SA to emcee another gala!

Travel Thursday

It's a travel Thursday and jammed schedule for me.  So it's a no workout day.

Walking Wash Park

With the cloudy, cool, with sprinkles weather Wednesday I headed over for a great power walk at Wash Park.  It's one of my favorites.  Didn't have a lot of time for a workout but loved getting it done with temperatures in mid 50s and a few sprinkles.  Got the workout done before the real rain moved in!

Got The Run Done

During a busy Tuesday I managed to squeeze in a quick run on the bike path.  Just a couple of miles in a 30 minute easy run.  So I got the run done!

Sliding Into the Side Splits

Monday means Pilates and Kinesis normally for me.  In my session with Erin at Pura Vida Club we hit it all from arms to abs to legs.  Like most women I'd love to slim down the thighs so we focused on inner thighs for several exercises today including the slide splits on the reformer.

They are tough and you definitely want someone there to spot you.  It takes a lot of focus to get through this intense movement.  They're hard!  I can only do six on each side and struggle on the second side.

Post Breakfast Stroll

Sunday morning was another beautiful morning in Estes Park so after a wonderful breakfast at Notchtop Bakery & Cafe I headed up Prospect Mountain with some friends for a nice walk to check out beautiful homes and great views before getting in the car and heading back to Denver.

It was such a great way to end a wonderful weekend in Estes Park for Scots Fest.

Taking The Lake Estes Trail

On Saturday morning I got up early with plans to run.  My hamstrings were still super sore from Pilates and Kinesis and then hiking up to Gem Lake Friday so I decided power walking would be a better option.  It was a chilly morning so the elk were out.  In fact I got charged my a bull shortly into my workout!  Yes I did a sprint away.

Lake Estes was gorgeous with the steam coming off the lake in the sunshine.  I thoroughly enjoyed the 3.75 miles trail.

A Gem Of A Lake

On Friday I headed up to Estes Park.  After a great late lunch at Nepal's Cafe, I headed out on a late afternoon hike to Gem Lake.  It's a easy to moderate hike with pretty good incline including numerous wooded and stone steps on the trail.

Once we got to Gem Lake we were the only ones there.  The 1.8 million year old granite has been formed by wind and chemical erosion.  It's an unusual lake surrounded by interested trees with roots exposed.

Round trip it was 3.4 miles.  It started cooling off quickly as the sun was going down over the mountains so we did a quick jaunt down the the trail.

There are some great views along the way!

Triple Lunge Threat

I had an awesome Kinesis and Pilates session with Erin at Pura Vida today.  You know it's a good session when your trainer says "Yeah, you are going to be sore tomorrow."  We did a lot of leg work with lunges and squats in Kinesis then that spilled over into Pilates.  No worries arms and core weren't left out but it was definitely a legs day.

One of the series we did is triple lunges to the side, back and curtsy.  These are killers!

Blame it on the Weather

Wednesday was a blame it on the weather day.  Worked late, had so much computer work to do, and just plain ole tired that I didn't get a workout done.  Those days happen!

Major Abs in Pilates

Did a lot of core/ab work in my hour Pilates session with Erin today.  I'm going to be sore tomorrow!  Love doing full body movements that engage multiple muscles with primary focus on the abs.  Looking forward to Kinesis and Pilates session on Thursday!

Easy Hike On Lily Pad Trail

It was a beautiful chilly Labor Day morning with temperatures around 31 degrees in Keystone.  After it warmed up a little, my cousin Susan and I took our dogs to hike Lily Pad Trail in Silverthorne before heading back to Denver.  It's a great trail for kids and dogs.  It's easy with plenty of forest cover for most of the hike.  There are three small ponds, each getting bigger than the last.  The Lower Lily Pad Lake has a ton of lily pads and the Upper Lily Pad lake is bigger with a great view of Buffalo Mountain.  It's 3.2 miles round trip.

Nice Jog on the Rio Grande Trail

It was a chilly Sunday morning in Aspen.  I headed out on the Rio Grande Trail with temperatures in the upper 30s.  After my mega hike day, I just wanted an easy out and back to get in a couple of miles.  So off I went on the trail, through the John Denver Sanctuary, and along the trail then back.  Got in about 3-3.5 miles before heading off the Main Street Bakery to warm up with coffee and an oatmeal raisin scone post-workout treat.

Mega Hike Day In Aspen

Saturday was a mega hike day in Aspen for me.  I did two hikes.  The first one was the Ute Trail.  It's dubbed nature's stairmaster.  It's a short and steep trail with an elevation gain of 1,165 feet.  It's .9 miles each way.  It's a tight trail of switchbacks and steep inclines.  But the view from Ute Rock is worth it!

My second hike of the day was the Hunter Creek Trail to an abandoned settlement.  Several structures are still standing including the saloon, outhouse, what looks like a barn or lodging building, and a house.  One house has collapsed.  It's a great trail that has some good climbs through rocks in the beginning then the train widens out to a more dirt and small rock trail then eventually to the Hunter Valley meadow.  Round trip it was about 5-6 miles.