Jacqueline "Jax" Mariash

MOVING TO A NEW SITE

2011-07-11T22:32:00.003-06:00

I am moving my site to tumblr and making it more interactive with photos, quotes, videos, and so on of my journey to attempt to run 365 days in a row. It will be more interactive and fun!

follow me at http://run365daysnarow.tumblr.com/ // initially (http://365runmission.blogspot.com/)

Cheers!

New Direction for 2011

2011-01-04T22:04:00.002-07:00

Alright folks:

So here is the scoop...

From a little inspiration from my sister Elexis, and Tim DeFrisco, I have decided to re-route my blog over to a new gig!

For 2011 I am going to just tell my life story through a photo roll out each day. Whether it is something directly related to me or something totally random, I will roll it out and share.

So here is the link...

http://jaxmswartz.tumblr.com/

Enjoy and cheers!

Jax

Severe Back Spazzz!

2010-12-12T17:38:00.005-07:00

"If you have ever experienced a back spasm, you know how painful it can be and all you want to do is lay curled up in a fetal position with your spine pushed out. That is because a spasm is when the muscles close to or next to the spinal cord or the nerve endings contract and it is quite excruciating.

Most of the time a person can continue to move, twist, turn, pull or push or exercise, but after a while the pain will be too severe to move. [this was me] The pain increases after a couple of hours because of bleeding in the torn tendons and muscles causing them to stretch. These types of injuries can be common in sports like weight lifting, golf, basketball, football, and baseball or any sport where pushing, pulling or twisting of the back occurs."

And so it began... the story of Tuesday am...spazzz attack to the max...

It was excruciating to say the least. I couldn't move on my own and felt helpless. As a independent person and do it yourself attitude most of the time this was extremely hard.

On Day one, 10 hours in and 4 doctors visits later, we finally had some muscle relaxants and pain killers. Sad part...pain killers did diddly.

And so the set back begins. Yet, like my coach said, a set back is way better to happen now in mid December than later in March or April.

And so now we go from 18+ hours of training a week to almost nada. It was hard to sit there and think that I felt great and training was settling fine and now I need assistance to do anything what so ever. Poor Kyle.

Good thing is 5 days out I can almost stand up straight and went on the elliptical for 30' with no pain.

Thanks to people like Heather North at In Motion Rehabilitation I should be back at it in no time. Here is a pic of me getting dry needle therapy.

So what is on deck now: massage, heat, stretching, walking, elliptical, pool time, and recovery. Hopefully a week of this and I will be back at 100%

Cross your fingers as I have some big goals to catch next year and I am not letting this get me down.

Jax

Question of the day: will it come back???

2010-12-01T14:49:00.018-07:00

So I am sure I am not the only one in this boat but a month in the contemplation does hit quite often of:

CAN
I
MAKE A COME BACK??

Although many sources say YES...It is hard on the psyche through the process at times to have the confidence that those looking in on you have. The questions keep zooming through of can my body get that fast again? How long will it take? Is it really possibly? can I fit the training in? Will my body be able to handle it? Will I be able to build the speed back up? And this can keep a person tossing and turning at night trying to believe.

It is hard when you are running in the 8 and 9 and seldom 7 minute mile range at the moment and barely surviving the insane swim sets that used to be cake walk and you are just trying to get your legs back to the feeling of biking again to believe that by mid April you will be able to crank out some race splits with the ladies and keep up like you used to.

It is hard when people keep saying "it will come back" or "give it time" or things of this matter to not feel like you do in the last 2 minutes of a 5k when someone is pacing you and yelling at you to keep pushing and go go go. You just want to tell them to zip it (to put it nicely) but when you finish you thank them and are so appreciative. So hopefully in a few months I can do that. The support is genuine, the feedback is probably true but in the moment when you are slogging along and out of shape and the hours upon hours that are adding together and (while the daylight keeps getting shorter and shorter) make you tired it is very hard to believe that you will bounce back...

So on a positive note, the good thing is this happens to many whether it is a baby, family emergencies, injury, job situation or what have you they have to take time off. And time and time again they bounce back.

So here are my positive vibes I am giving myself:

Bar Method :
Since March 19th of 2010, I have ventured into the land of Bar Method. Going 4-5 times a week for 90% of the past 8.5 months has made my body a ton stronger in areas I was always extremely week. It has transformed me in ways which I am sure will help not only my confidence but my speed. It is a great full body workout on my calves, seat, hips, thighs, arms, core, and also helps me to stretch a ton. I plan to continue this and use this as a tool to make me stronger than I have ever been.

Yoga - Bikram :
On my recent trip to Phoenix I ventured into the land of Bikram Yoga. It is a very interesting experience that quite frankly is slightly uncomfortable during the 90 min but upon finishing is a pure blessing. For me this is a great detox and helps me to keep my mind and body at peace and cleansed. I plan to use this to cleanse 2x a month.

Coach GP :
Even though I came from a running background and it was my strength all through high school and my first years in triathlon, it has soon become my weakest. My swim and bike are steady and then the run I tend to hang on for dear life. So to change this, I hired my previous running coach from my marathon days to help take me a step further.

James :
James is one of my great friends and one bad-ass cyclist to say the least. He just slaughters peeps in the bike segment of multi-sport races due to his extensive experience and history with his pro cycling days. He will be my cycling guide to help take me to the next level.

Good 'Ol Wolfgang :
Although only 2 times a week so far and once on my own and quickly moving to 3 times a week already next week Wolfgang is the guide I will lean on at masters swimming to get me back in swimming shape. His comical remarks aside and fun ways to kick your ass are part of the fun and I am ready to take it all in.

My husband :
Kyle may not be out there training countless hours but he has been one all-star cheer leader. He has been so supportive of me and this transition back into sport again and I cannot thank him enough. And, this time around now he will even get to jog with me at times and ride with me which we are both very excited about.

My friends and family :
Those key individuals (you know who you are), that have been there 100% for me during my time in the sport and my time out of the sport the past two years. They are already all helping so much to keep me at it when I am tired or having trouble getting used to all of the hours.

Consistency :
For whatever reason this was a trait that looking back at times was simply challenging for me. In these two years I have really fixed this somehow and I plan to keep the trend going. We have been good thus far with this first month so that in itself will help it all come back into action.

So in the end I will focus on all of those things to answer my above question and plug away each day to my goal at hand and see where it ends up.

I hope this makes others that may be in my spot also have confidence that they will gain it back too. Or if you are on your way out know that there are people just like you when you decided to come back into the racing circle.

Cheers!

4th Annual AZ weekend

2010-11-19T13:35:00.014-07:00

Yo Yo,

So last week we had our 4th annual trip to AZ. It was a blast as usual and here is the low down...

We just had to start the fun early with a drop into Gordon Biersch before heading to the airport.Then it was off to a late flight into PHX which of course began with IN-N-OUT the second we landed.Note: the first portion of this trip tends to look like we have a junk food problem...haha

So might as well continue with the next part and just get it all out...we woke up and went straight on a mission to find krispy kreme. We finally found one but it wasn't your typical one with all of the bells and whistles of watching the doughnuts come out or the "hot now" button but it was still pretty dang sweet and delicious.We ventured on to see our friend Ryan for lunch (yes more food), and then I dropped the boys off at Nate's house for some guy time and gaming...I am just so bummed I missed out on this portion of the trip! hahaThey had a blast! It is always fun when they can all play in the same room vs. online against each other. I spent the evening with my brother and had amazing sushi and passed out pretty early.

And meet Dex (Emily's dog). This made me want a puppy very very badly.So Emily and Ryan took me to my very first Bikram Yoga class. It was a bit overwhelming at times during the class but afterwords the detox was totally worth it. I felt great. I am actually looking up a studio in Denver to go a couple times a month to just let it all out. It is very rejuvenating. I was very nervous going into the class but in the end with Ryan and Emily's support I really enjoyed it. And they even gave me a present...The rest of the day was spent catching up with my friend Crystal and then hanging with the crew at Nate and Michelle's. We had a pre race dinner at Gordon Biersch (go figure) again and it was amazing as usual.

Sunday was Irongirl day. I have been a part of this race every year for the 4 years that we have gone. First year I got 4th place, second I got 1000th or something (haha), last year I was a spectator and this year it was used as a launch pad for beginning my Triathlon journey again. It has always been a perfect gauge of where I am with my athletic career which has been spot on each year.

For the boys, they have grown to have a different mission for this race. I wont go into much detail beyond there are 4 boys with cameras and I have this one photo of me and they each take hundreds of photos. It is a photo scavenger hunt...end of story.

So here is my one photo coming to the finish shute from not my husband but Ryan Parker's camera...For myself, I was pleased with coming off of a horrible IT issue and the sickest I had ever been in my life to deciding to train again for triathlon officially on November 1st and finishing in a decent time for where my fitness is about now. We strategically did the race on HR caps for the first 7 miles (8:17 pace) and the last 3 miles (7:39 pace) and finished up with a 1:20.57. 12th in my age and 46th overall. Not as splendid as 4th but I will actually be excited to finally loop back around in year 5 and really give it my all next November. The Photographers: Kyle, Nate, Mario and Ryan Parker (not present)

Might as well take an opportunity to get my photo taken. haha

After the race, there was the judging portion of the scavenger hunt, time well spent with good friends and then we were already back off to the airport.

Once again, it was a really fun trip to AZ. I really enjoyed seeing everyone.

And yes, the boys made it to IN-N-OUT 2 of the 4 days. haha

Cheers!

Jax

Introducing "Rocket Ship"

2010-11-08T12:26:00.005-07:00

Hey folks....

I am sure you haven't been chomping at the bit that much to know what possibly happened with my bike situation, yet I am here for anyone that may have been to give you the update.

Long story short...KESTREL saved the day!!!!

Meet "Rocket Ship"

This frame is the 4000 SL... Steven Harad and the Kestrel team spent countless hours in the A2 wind tunnels perfecting everything they could think of to make it extremely aerodynamic.

It is a rock star to say the least. They even have specifically designed cantilever brakes that are even strategically placed on the front and back to keep it as aerodynamic as possible.

Thanks to Jacob who has been my rock star technician for over 4 years for making this possible so fast by even coming in on his off hours.

I am so thrilled to ride it and in fact this weekend already placed 55 miles on it.

Kevin and Sharon came along with me on Saturday to break in the first 40 miles on a perfect fall day. It was such a blast!

Cheers to many more rides and hopefully many victories starting next season.

Jax

Halloween Weekend in a Nut Shell

2010-11-05T11:57:00.010-06:00

Hey there folks

Last weekend was a fun filled weekend.

Not only did I work all Saturday on a very exciting project with work of opening up a Mountain Bike Park in Golden, yet I was also roped into experiencing Halloween on Pearl Street.

First up was the park opening. We have been working on this project ever since we brought Marketing to life for Native in 2008. I am not the biggest about posting about work items on my blog but this has been a project that I am very passionate about.

Here are a few photos from the day:

Our Native Pro Rider came into town to ride with everyone

Riders of all ages took to the flow trails and pump tracks

The Mayor of Golden even cut the ribbon on his bike!

And lastly, Native was everywhere!

It was a really neat day of city festivites and watching over 300 individuals of all ages enjoy the park. We also are creating a documentary of Urban Mountain Bike Parks where we have focused on 3 different parks around the country to create inspiration for others to create parks in their cities and to help grow communities. Please click here to see a trailer we made of the video. We are very excited to launch the video later this year.

So after a fun filled day of that, I was roped into setting foot on Pearl street to see all of the Halloween craze. My current plans were cut short and Blake did not want me to just sit at home while there was so much action I would be missing out on so I bit the bullet and said I would go. If you are wondering where my husband was...oh he was busy on a ride along with our friend Reggie who is a cop so he had one fun night from the cop car. Anyway, I quickly became a cow girl and took to the streets. Pearl street is covered in every costume you can imagine. If you like to people watch...this is the best night ever!

Blake had one heck of a costume brought back from his time in Kuwait. It was amazing how many people stopped him to tell their stories, where they were from, get a picture from him or fix his costume to the correct way to wear it...
Here are some classics of the night:
I hope everyone had a fun Holiday!

Cheers!

Jax

My poor Baby!

2010-10-22T17:42:00.011-06:00

Hey there folks,

I have some good news and some bad news...

Good first: I am proud to share that I have begun my journey back to being a competitive triathlete / duathlete. After two years of this and that that ran into my life, I finally am ready to take it on again. See what I can brew up and see how fast I can go. It has been an extremely heartfelt journey to take these two years to go through some of this and that. And now, I am hopping back on the band wagon.

It truly is amazing how much happens in two years just to name a few things:

We got married!!!
We unfortunately lost some of our family members to cancer and some of our very closest friends.
I have been working my tail off at Native Eyewear and it is the best journey ever.
I drummed it up on the track and raced some 800's and miles
I ran the most epic marathon ever in Leadville which was nutso
I ran the Chicago Marathon for a cause with Team Livestrong
I grew a new passion for vino
I grew a new passion for The Bar Method and now can't wait to see how it can bring on some speed!
and on and on...

So the bad news is this:
Not sure about y'all but some name their cars and some in the tri world take it as far as naming their bikes. My sweet Limited Edition Airfiol Pro SL from Kestrel was named "Zoom Zoom."

With only 3 rides on my bike so far plus the Native Photo Shoot (one a year and a half ago, one last weekend, and one up in Breckenridge prior to our Native National Sales meeting), I drove home and accidentally drove into the garage with Zoom Zoom still on top of my car. I keep hearing the sound still of when the frame cracked in half.
Zoom Zoom was still such an infant and just getting her stride.

She has ended her life abruptly and has literally cracked in half.

It is just tragic and sad.

My poor baby barely had a life at all.

So now it is on to the spin bike until I figure out the next steps.

Miss you already Zoom Zoom.

Jax

ZOOM ZOOM
Born January of 2009, Died October 22, 2010
Known as one bad A$$ Mo Fo

10-10-10! A day to remember!

2010-10-11T10:51:00.044-06:00

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE
YOU CAN DONATE UNTIL: 11/10/2010
So here we go...

For the record: This was the slowest and most challenging marathon of my life by over two hours, yet the most emotional and memorable one!

As you all know from my previous post, I entered this event extremely under-trained, partially sick still, and with sore joints and lack of energy and lung power.

I had no idea if I would even be able to enter the start line. A week out it would have been impossible but each day with the help of friends, rest, anti-biotics, nausea meds, and Sunfood I was able to get my body to a point to at least get on the plane.

Sunfood sent over Oxygen, Maqui berries, Macca powder, Silver and Camu Camu

It was weird to be in a position that even making it to the airport to get to Chicago was an "event" and a step forward. It is so weird that our bodies can become so weak that simple things become challenging and mile stones.
Luckily I had a special guest (My sister) to accompany me to the airport. Although, I was a bit jealous when I sent her off to Mexico to vacation :(

The flight was easy breezy and we even made it in early and I was doing a great job of totally blocking out that I was physically weak and on meds.

Once I landed in CHI town I was anxious to get over to the expo and live the 10-10-10 experience. I wanted to soak in every moment and really embrace why I was here. I have never done an event in honor of others so this was extremely emotional for me. I am a pretty sappy/sentimental girl to even begin with but even just walking off of the metra and into the convention center to the largest expo I have ever been to was a bit emotional.

This tid bit is mostly for Marleen but I first reached out and got my fun marathon T-shirt (and maybe arm warmers, gloves and a zip up!!! haha...) What do you expect when Kyle wasn't watching over me and what I was purchasing! haha. I felt like a first time marathoner that wanted to buy everything that said Chicago Marathon 10-10-10 on it. I was a first time Marathoner with a cause!!
My favorite booth besides seeing the LIVESTRONG team was the lululemmon booth. It was neat to see them at a running event and also to check out their photo booth.
I even got all emotional about seeing my name up on the wall of marathoners...I was shocked that 45,000 people were tackling this challenge tomorrow. That is literally a SEA OF RUNNERS for 26.2 miles. And...this was my first run officially as a SWARTZ :)
This was cool too...I took the pic of total strangers but had to capture it...
And might as well get a shot of the big course map while I am at it...
After exhausting every section of the expo, on my way to go put my feet up, I had to go and visit my favorite sculpture in Millennium Park...

On my walk back to the hotel I spotted these rock stars on the street...this kiddo was uber talented!
Then it was time to put my legs up and slap on some SALONPAS patches! Ok I just discovered these little miracle patches and now I live by them! I will mention them throughout this post as I used them before, during and after and even today to help ease my joints and aches and pains. The medicine in the patches goes right to your achy joints, muscles, and pains and you can literally feel it working! It is actually really soothing. Especially today. I think I am actually a bit addicted...
So moving on to the preparations. Next on the list was being a little hermit in my hotel room. I kept up with my sunfood and rest to help make the miracle of finishing this race happen. I felt confident and calm which was good. Thanks to my iPad I was full of afternoon and evening entertainment with movies, facebook, words with friends, napping with SALONPAS, and highly ADDICTED to refreshing my ironmanlive.com site as I watched every update of the Ironman Hawaii (Congrats to all of my friends out there that raced !!).

Next up was preparation. I got my personalized LIVESTRONG bracelets out and bib number and got ready for the day. My biggest goal was to get these bracelets across the finish line and at times was what drove me on race day. Now I am proud to get to ship them off to everyone that I ran for or their family members or friends.

Personalized for Elexis Mariash, Eddie Hall, Marla Swartz, John Holland, Anne Holland, Nathan Long, Samantha Minnis, Les Mitton, Gene DeWitt, and Lance Armstrong!

Then at 3:46am the first set back! I woke up rushing to the bathroom to throw up. I called Kyle immediately crying and afraid I was getting sick again. I considered dropping out and being ok with just being there. I just was so set on getting these bracelets across the finish line for those that I was running for. I told myself that if I felt good when I woke up that I would still give it a shot.

I woke up and felt good. I had massive digestive issues but figured I could keep replenishing electrolytes and be ok. I threw on some more SALONPAS patches to keep my leg less bothered. The sun was out, conditions looked good and I was in the starting line of 45,000 people, ready to give it a shot. I was emotional, nervous and excited all at once.

Here is how the day rolled out:

Miles 1-4 // 61-65deg: smooth and steady at 8:45 pace. Felt very easy and comfortable. My lungs and breathing were different and short but at this pace it was manageable and I knew I could sit here for 26.2 miles and be fine.

Mile 4: First sign of bad luck...bathroom issues

Mile 4-13 // 70deg: I just blocked it all out and continued to click off the miles at 8:46-8:55. Due to the stopping point at mile 4 I rolled in at 2:08 vs. 1:55.

Mile 13.3: My IT band decided it had had enough and BAM!!! Pain to the utmost! It was unreal and felt like it was pulling on my knee and was going to pop. I could walk but not run. I saw a medical tent and stopped. 20 minutes later, vitals and nutrition still looking good, I decided to walk the rest of the way and try to finish.

Mile 14: Saw Tom and the rest of the LIVESTRONG team and chatted with them about what to do. I contemplated dropping out and just cheering with them but I decided to just keep trying to walk. One of the gals called up ahead to the next medical tent to let them know I was on my way for another rub down. Her friend was a massage therapist up there at mile 16.5

Mile 14-16.5 // mid 70's : A mixture of tears and pain as I tried over and over again for a miracle to happen for the excruciating pain to leave my IT band and side of my knee.

Mile 16.5: pit stop of the medical tent where I was told immediately by the gate keeper that if I wasn't dropping out, I was not allowed to get a rub down and to figure it out myself. Mass tears at this point and then I wiped them off and just put my head up and kept walking. Re apply SALONPAS patches even if at this point it was mentally to "do-it-myself" and as an attempt to make the pain go away.

Mile 16.5-18: more walking and tears of frustration. Here I thought I would be fighting coughing and breathing issues and nutrition problems and I was dealing with a leg of excruciating pain.

Mile 18-26.2 // 80-83 deg: I was beyond frustrated with walking and also started to do the math and was paranoid that I would be cleaned up by the race officials and kicked off the course if I didn't pick it up a little. So I started to jog 5' and walk 5' over and over. Then I began to jog 7 and walk 3 so I could avg around 12-13' miles and just get in a rythum. By this point we were fighting high alert levels for weather and it was so dang hot. Stations were running out of sponges and it was just ridiculously hot for me. For the most part I didn't notice though because my leg was so painful. I couldn't believe I was using who I was running for and a method of timing for running and walking to ignore the pain. Sort of crazy looking back now.

Mile 26.2 at 5:14.35 // TOO hot!! : I crossed the finish line. It was a huge relief, and emotionally overwhelming. I will just tell you right now that finishing for a cause and other people is drastically different than finishing with a PR. Both are remarkable experiences but very different.
Post race: For the first time ever I was refreshed to have a brewsky at the finish area and sat down for a while to take it all in. In the end, my dedication that my pops speaks of as a strength for me came in handy. I fought for those I was running for and am so pleased to have finished. I went on to shower at the hotel and try to get on an earlier flight which lead to napping at the airport for 6 hours with my legs up and MORE patches, and my Under Armour recharge compression outfit in full effect! :)

All in all, this is a race and cause that I will cherish forever. I am truly honored to have run for all of those on my list and also for all those beyond.

Oh and did I mention that there were fans at literally every single inch of 26.2 miles!!! It was unreal to see the sea of cheers and signs and support out there. It was amazing!

And next on the list, to ship the bracelets off to those 10 individuals.

And next after that....well cant tell ya just yet!!

Cheers!

Jax

P.S. MEGA CONGRATS to my young friend (25 years old) who qualified for Olympic Trials A standard at the Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:37.39!! AMAZING! This will be her 2nd Olympic Trials!

10-10-10 Road Block :(

2010-10-04T18:02:00.009-06:00

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE

... NOT!!!!!

So Just like that we are days away from the big 10-10-10!!

With that I bear good news and bad news. The bad news is that in these past two weeks I have been on a travel schedule that was insane and bound to ware me out and on Sunday (8 DAYS ago) my body decided it had had enough!

For the past 8 days I have gone from a cold to a severe cough to more and more complications. I feel like I have had multiple medications in my body and it is exhausting. I haven't slept more than an hour a night since I was in Vegas on September 23rd. At this point we are still leaving it up to more and more testing after a two hour Doc appointment today but for the purpose of this post I am trying my darnest to at least be able to fly to Chicago and cheer. Big thanks to my husband for being by my side during it all.

It did make me think about about cancer patients and how you never can predict how days are going to go and you have to fight through and roll with the punches.

In my case from a running perspective, not running since September 21st may prevent me from actually running the race but the good news is at least so far the doctors are clearing me to travel to Chicago to be a part of the festivities.

During the lapse from this post to the last one LIVESTRONG DAY also came and went. I unfortunately spent the day sick in bed but did wear some LIVESTRONG gear to celebrate. 28 million people are fighting through cancer at this point. This is a great day to help support that and fight for a day that we have a cure! Below is a little about the day.

10/2 is LIVESTRONG DAY: It is a day of global action that happens annually on Oct. 2nd to commemorate the anniversary of Lance Armstrong's Cancer Diagnosis (14 years ago). It is a celebration of life and possibilities. Today people gather at sites around the world to celebrate survivorship and to commit to working towards a world without cancer.
Radio Shack did a neat promotion via facebook and twitter where they would donate $1 up to $100,000 to LIVESTRONG for every time someone changed their profile picture to the one above.

Lets hope for some progressive improvements in the health department so I can do more than just cheer from the sidelines on Sunday.

Positive thinking!

Cheers!

Jax

10-10-10! The training continues 3 weeks out.

2010-09-21T17:45:00.006-06:00

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE
Thanks to Joni Fournier for your donation!
Thanks to Nita Baranowski for your donation!

Hey there Readers,

So Just like that we are 3 weeks away from the big 10-10-10!!

So as much as I like to be a tough cookie, I have to admit to myself every now and again that I am just a human being and my superhuman lifestyle I tend to try to live comes to bite me in the rear sometimes.

This week is a perfect example of just that. Between working like a crazy woman, trying to meet up with folks, trying to do things for others, trying to get my life regulated, trying to recover from traveling every other weekend, recovering from 14 days of being super sick, I am still suffering from some fatigue.

So I had to listen to my body. As much as it pained my confidence and psyche I had to simmer back on my running still and just keep cross training and do what I could do to keep it up.

Although this post feels like a weekend warrior is on the prow, I am hoping that life will settle a little bit more for the next 3 weeks to allow for me to get to a point of confidence to be able to easily succeed. Although I am writing from a hotel room where I am out of town for a whole week and will be in 5 different cities and 4 different events...hmmmm. All you can do is try right!?!?

To boost the positive vibes and confidence some I planned to run my 22 mile run this weekend. I had a restless night on Friday night about conquering my 22 mile run on Saturday and around 4am decided to just get up and go bang it out. I had one rule...never feel like you are breathing past a very comfortable and conversational level. The point of this marathon is just to succeed and be out there for those that I have been running for. I wanted to pick a pace that was easy and fun. I did just that and luckily had perfect weather and it was a very peaceful run. Mile 21 to 22 was the only time I felt a bit of tension in my IT band and otherwise it was very good. I immediately got a massage that afternoon to prevent injury and am going to break up my runs for the next few days to be extra careful. This course was a lot more difficult and hilly than my run will be in Chicago, which is super flat, so that gives me confidence also knowing I took it super easy and on a hilly course and felt good the whole way.

So now for the next 3 weeks the focus in the athletic department of my life will be primarily on this race and making sure to stay healthy.

Cheers!

MONDAY: Rest
TUESDAY: Rest
WEDNESDAY: Swimming Masters - 3000 meters // Rest // Climbing with Kynan 60'
THURSDAY:Rest // Bar Method Boulder
FRIDAY: Swimming Masters - 3250 meters // Rest // Bar Method Boulder
SATURDAY: Run 3:29.15, 22 miles, 4:50am, To Eldorado Springs and Up and back, 9:31/mi pace, super foggy and drizzles // Bar Method Boulder
SUNDAY: Run 28:11, 3 miles, 6:47am, Superior out and back, 9:23/mi pace // Run 25:40, 3 miles, 2:00pm, Treadmill at home, 8:33/mi pace
TOTAL: 28 miles partial recovery week

10-10-10! The training continues 4 weeks out.

2010-09-14T10:37:00.009-06:00

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE
Thanks to Taylor Woodard, Matt Statman and the MOTIVE Agency for your donation!

Hey Folks,

This was yet another special week on the training books.

We traveled to Chicago this weekend to visit our great friend Marleen and run the Chicago Half Marathon with her. Well Kyle was the photographer.

Beyond that and a 4 mile run I took a mass and well deserved recovery week. I pushed it hard right from the get go and did it to allow myself to fully recover from being sick the week before and to give my legs a breather. In addition, with health warnings all over the news and the Boulder Fires, I was not in the mood to risk breathing in ash air. It is just not worth the internal consequences and I just couldn't get myself to run on the treddy after so many beautiful runs outside so I mixed it up a bit.

I ventured to the pool for the first time in 1.5 years and although I am totally out of shape, I enjoyed it and hope to put it back into my exercise regimen each week from hereon out.
I even found another Bar Method Studio nestled in about a mile away from our hotel. It was a rainy walk but well worth it.

We even made some time for some tourist walking to Navy Pier, and Millennium Park, and ate "wicked good" pizza from Giordano's for our pre-race meal...

Of course, I had to stop in for a LIVESTRONG moment...
And on race morning, after an adventurous cab ride to the start, Marleen PR'd in her Half Marathon. She was a total rock star and PR'd even with me making us stop for a bathroom break.
It was a great week and fun weekend. I feel refreshed and recovered to go back at it now...

4 weeks to go!!

MONDAY: Run 34:42.70, Superior out and back, 8:41 pace // Bar Method Boulder
TUESDAY: Rest
WEDNESDAY: Rest // Bar Method Boulder
THURSDAY:Swimming with Julie - 2750 meters // Rest // Bar Method Boulder
FRIDAY: Swimming Masters - 2800 meters // Rest // Bar Method Boulder
SATURDAY: Rest // Bar Method Chicago Loop // lots and lots of walking :)
SUNDAY: Run 2:07.03, 13.1 miles, Chicago Half Marathon with Marleen :) , 9:41 pace
TOTAL: 17 miles recovery week

10-10-10! The training continues 5 weeks out.

2010-09-07T08:04:00.004-06:00

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE
Thanks to Eric Schwartz for your donation this week!
Thanks to Bob and Dianne Mariash for your donation this week!

Hey Folks,

So the training continues for 10-10-10! for TEAM LIVESTRONG at the Chicago Marathon. I am so excited to partake in this race and run for something that means so much to me. So like always I will post a recap of this week's training. Please take the time to click on the link above and learn more about LIVESTRONG.

This week was a bit hard for me because I was continuing to fight a super stomach bug. By Sunday it had settled to a point that was manageable. For the most part just like through 10-10, I just fought through it. I always kept thinking it was nothing compared to what someone fighting this disease is experiencing.

I still managed to get in a solid 42 miles which was good. I bailed on the Labor Day camping festivities to get a lot of sleep and other than running bum around the house and eat good meals with friends.

This coming weekend, we are off to visit our great friend Marleen McCormick in Chicago at the Chicago Half Marathon so I will get to run with a great friend on the turf that 10-10 will be on.

5 weeks to go!!

MONDAY: Rest // Bar Method Boulder with Joni
TUESDAY: Run 1:26.40, 10 miles, Louisville, 8:40 pace //Bar Method Boulder
WEDNESDAY: Rest // Bar Method Boulder
THURSDAY:Rest
FRIDAY: Run 33.24.88, 4 miles, Louisville, 8:22 pace
SATURDAY: Run 2:43.24, 18 miles, Bobolink Trail 2 loops, 9:05 pace //Bar Method Boulder
SUNDAY: Run 1:24.41, 10 miles, Bobolink Trail 1 loop, 8:28 pace // Bar Method Boulder

TOTAL: 42 miles

10-10!! 10 miles a day / 10 days for those affected by cancer... LIVESTRONG!!

2010-08-30T15:07:00.008-06:00

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE

Hey there readers,

So just like that 10-10 has come to a close. As a recap for those just tuning in, I have been running 10 miles a day for 10 days in honor of those that have passed, are still fighting or conquered cancer.

Each day I ran in honor of someone. There is a brief recap below of each day yet to read more about each, please click on their names below or just scroll down in my blog.

This was a way for me to kick off my fundraising campaingn for TEAM LIVESTRONG which I will be a part of during the Chicago Marathon on 10-10-10.

10-10 came from making a connection to the actual race date of the marathon. I started this journey on August 20th (10+10). Each day I also had a hydration goal of 100 ounces of water a day to make sure to nourish well through the entire process.

Overall this entire experience was truly uplifting, emotional and a joy for me. Below is a recap of the 10 days. I have added in a few extra elements as these were along for the ride as well...
DAY #1: Eugene A. DeWitt (my step-father), Pancreatic Cancer, Run 1:37.06, 10 miles
DAY #2: Leslie Wayne Mitton (amazing friend to me, father, husband), Prostate Cancer, Run 1:35.13, 10 miles // run 4 miles, Bar Method Boulder
DAY #3: Anne Holland (my grandma), Breast Cancer, Run 1:34.14, 10 miles // Bar Method Boulder
DAY: #4: John Holland (my uncle), Stomach Cancer, Run 1:37.44, 10 miles // Bar Method Boulder
DAY #5: Samantha Minnis (our friend), Non-hodgkins Lymphoma, Run 1:35.40, 10 miles // Climbing with Kynan
DAY #6: Elexis Mariash (my sister), MALT Lymphoma, Run 1:34.03, 10 miles // Bar Method Boulder
DAY #7: Nathan Long (our friends friend), Brain Cancer, Run 1:31.19, 10 miles
DAY #8: Eddie Hall, (our friends friend), Esophageal Cancer, Run 1:25.09, 10 miles // Bar Method Downtown SF
DAY #9: Marla Swartz, (my mother-in-law), Breast Cancer, Run 1:24.00, 10 miles // Bar Method Marina
DAY #10: Lance Armstrong (athlete and founder of LAF), Testicular Cancer, Run 1:27.04, 10 miles

TOTAL: 100 miles // 10 days // 15 hours, 21 minutes, 32 seconds // 1,000 ounces of H2O

All in all I am extremely glad that I did this extra effort for those in my life. It was an extremely emotional experience at times. Through the process you learn about even more individuals who are fighting, conquered or lost someone due to Cancer. At times I am not sure how I physically could keep running and really feel like some higher energy helped me along.

Next up is the CHICAGO MARATHON where I will run the final 26.2 miles for TEAM LIVESTRONG. I cannot wait until this day. I will continue to recap each week on here as the training continues for the big day.

In closing I have purchased 10 livestrong bracelets that are individually stamped with the individuals names above. At the Marathon, I will run with all 10 on my wrists and then once I finish, I will ship the braceletes off to the person I ran for or a family member or friend that is close to that person that passed away.

Cheers and please donate to LAF at the link below to help to "provide support and to guide people through the cancer experience, bring them together to fight cancer - and work for a world in which our fight is no longer necessary."

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE

Day 10 for 10-10! In honor of cancer survivor and LAF + LIVESTRONG founder Lance Armstrong

2010-08-30T13:03:00.008-06:00

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE

DAY 10 OF 10-10: In honor of cancer SURVIVOR and founder of LAF and LIVESTRONG Lance Armstrong!!!
(Testicular Cancer)

10 mile run -Louisville, CO. (1:27.05, high 80's sunny and breezy, Davidson Mesa Trail, 8:42/mi, 8:37, 8:35, 8:35, 8:19, 8:34, 8:52, 8:32, 8:58, 9:13, 8:44)

"Despite the odds, Armstrong survived his battle with cancer and, with a new found dedication, he won three races in 1998 and the Tour de France in 1999. If the story ended here it would be the greatest comeback story of all time.

But, Armstrong went on to win seven Tour de France races an impossible feat even for someone healthy their whole life." Here is Lance's Story from LIVESTRONG.ORG

"At age 25, Lance Armstrong was one of the world's best cyclists. He proved it by winning the World Championships, the Tour Du Pont and multiple Tour de France stages. Lance Armstrong seemed invincible and his future was bright.

Then they told him he had cancer.

Next to the challenge he now faced, bike racing seemed insignificant. The diagnosis was testicular cancer, the most common cancer in men aged 15–35. If detected early, its cure rate is a promising 90 percent. Like most young, healthy men, Lance ignored the warning signs, and he never imagined the seriousness of his condition. Going untreated, the cancer had spread to Lance's abdomen, lungs and brain. His chances dimmed.

Then a combination of physical conditioning, a strong support system and competitive spirit took over. He declared himself not a cancer victim but a cancer survivor. He took an active role in educating himself about his disease and the treatment. Armed with knowledge and confidence in medicine, he underwent aggressive treatment and beat the disease.

During his treatment, before his recovery, before he even knew his own fate, he created the Lance Armstrong Foundation. This marked the beginning of Lance's life as an advocate for people living with cancer and a world representative for the cancer community.

Lance Armstrong's victories in the 1999–2005 Tours de France are awe-inspiring, but the battle against cancer has just begun—not just for him, but for all cancer survivors and people just like him who think cancer could not affect them. He plans to lead this fight, and he hopes that you join him. This is a life he owes to cancer. This is his choice to LIVESTRONG."

Today's run was a bit emotional and challenging. I was exhausted physically and a bit mentally. The build up of miles and emotion start to get to you if that makes any sense. I chose to run this run at Davidson Mesa Trail head. I ran 1 mile around the lake and then crossed the street and ran 3 of the same big loops to finish up. I was worried about my fatigue and exhaustion so this way I could be in loops and stop and break up the run into sections if I needed. I ran with two watches to allow if I broke it up to have one with mile splits and the other with total time running. It started off impressively easy but as the miles came and the sun was affecting me I was starting to struggle near the end. I kept thinking of those that have to fight every day against the disease and that I could push through. I was dehydrated and beginning to bonk. Then the last mile came and it all went away and I found myself reflecting on the whole journey the last 10 days and the super early runs, and fighting through at times. I found myself crying at the finish of the last mile in joy, accomplishment and for those that I ran for. It was a lot more emotional than I ever imagined it would be.

In close Lance has always been amazing at pushing through the limits and having a very strong mind. It is also amazing that he has been such a great help to this foundation and to those that are still fighting today. I have admired this for years and am proud to run for him on this day.

With heart,
Jax

Day 9 for 10-10! In honor of Marla Swartz who conquered Breast Cancer

2010-08-28T12:28:00.005-06:00

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE
Thank you Nate Patrick for your donation Today!

DAY 9 OF 10-10: In honor of my mother-in-law Marla Swartz
(Breast Cancer survivor!)

10 mile run -San Francisco along the water (1:24, high 50's clear and very windy. 5:22am - my watch is out of battery so I ran the same route as yesterday and only know start and stop time)

Hello there readers,

Today's run is in honor of my Mother-in-law, Marla Swartz.

Marla was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago after she found a small lump in her breast. It was a big shock since there isn't a family history of breast cancer. Luckily, she caught it in time and was able to avoid having to go through chemotherapy. She had several small surgeries to remove the tumor and her lymph-nodes. She also underwent radiation treatment for several weeks and in the end she conquered it! :)

My husband Kyle shared this quote to explain her strength:

"My mom was the strong one in the family when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Everyone around her was very upset and emotional after we heard the news. She was able to be strong and positive and reassured everyone that everything would be ok. I am still amazed that knowing what she was about to go through and how scary that it is that she was the one that showed no fear."

Marla is a true fighter and we are all so very lucky to have her in our lives. She is a remarkable mother, grandmother and wife to Tim.

My run today was very special. My watch died last night so I will be running the same route day 8-10 since I am in San Fran and I know it is exactly 10 miles. It actually is a bit of a soothing experience to not have a watch on and see the time or mile splits so it made the morning even more peaceful. I started in the moonlight and ended with a jaw-dropping sunrise. The sun was rising and the light was pushing through the fog. It made the fog and clouds a wonderful pink color which was so neat considering the color for breast cancer is pink. It was a super windy morning so on the way out it was very challenging and in my face, but I reaped the benefits on the way back with a huge tailwind which again made me think of those fighting through and when they survive life becomes easier again.

Love you so much Marla!

Jax

Day 8 for 10-10! In memory of Edwin (Eddie) Hall

2010-08-27T11:36:00.007-06:00

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE

DAY 8 OF 10-10: In celebration of the life of Edwin (Eddie) Hall.
(Esophageal Cancer)
10 mile run -San Francisco along the water (1:25.09, 62 deg and foggy. 7:41am, 8:31/mi - (8:29, 8:17, 8:22, 8:32, 8:29, 8:26, 8:24, 8:33, 8:15, 9:18)

Hello there readers.

So today my run was in celebration of the life of Eddie Hall for my great friend Joni Fournier. This is a special day for her to celebrate someone that was a wonderful friend, and a wonderful husband and father to Allison Hall. Joni is one of the reasons why I am doing this each day as it was partly her idea. It is very special to run today for her friend. Here are a few words from Joni about Eddie:

"Eddie was an incredible, loving, caring and attentive husband, father & friend. He was a passionate sports fan and had a thirst for always learning something and challenging himself. He was very talented and well rounded in everything he put his mind to.

Eddie made an impact on everyone that he touched in his life and was one of the most amazing people I have ever met. I couldn't ask for someone to love one of my best friends more than he loved her, nor ask for someone to adore her and his daughter Katie more than he did."

Today's run was really uplifting and I even ran into one of my close friends who is an Olympic trailist marathoner. Again, I felt like I was being lifted along today as I am not quite sure how my legs are still feeling fresh at mile 80 in 8 days, yet they feel great today. I also am getting a little bit of my fitness back in my pacing when I thought I would be trashed. It just doesn't make sense except to thing that some higher energy is helping me.

Cheers to Eddie and his friends and family that miss him dearly and also love and adore him each and every day now and forever!

Day 7 for 10-10! In memory of Nathan Long

2010-08-26T22:43:00.006-06:00

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE

DAY 7 OF 10-10: In memory of Nathan Long for spinal cancer survivor Ted Wenninger.
(Brain Cancer)
10 mile run - Bobolink Trail // Superior out and back (53:06.05, 84 deg and clear. 7:07pm, 8:50/mi - (9:33, 8:55, 9:17, 8:28, 8:26, 8:19)// (38:12.75, 50's clear and full moon, 3:11am, 9:33/mi (9:51, 9:33, 9:11, 9:33)

Hello there readers.

So today my run was in memory of Nathan Long. This is a special day for a close friend of ours Ted that conquered his own battle with spinal cancer when he was 21. Ted and Nathan were very close friends. Here are a few words Ted used to explain Nathan:

"Nathan was a great friend from college who lost the battle with brain cancer a few years back. He was a true friend. Someone who could always be counted on to be there in a moment of need. he was an avid golfer who enjoyed the outdoors and was passionate about music. True to form as his friends and family gathered at his funeral the music of Phish was played as his last request."

This particular run was broken into two for scheduling reasons. The first section, I enjoyed a wonderful sunset where the rays were booming up off of the mountains. I also felt like somehow through my physical fatigue I was being lifted along somehow and it was so easy to run. The next section was spent over a full moon. It was so bright it lit up the road for me. I also kept having thoughts of dragonflies which I am not sure what that meaning may be. Personally, dragonflies are very special to me for some reasons but maybe there is more behind it.

Both sections of the 10 miles were very peaceful and harmonious. It was an honor to run for Ted's friend.

Ted, you are such a strong person to this day and it is an honor to see your strength as a survivor and your passion and honor for your friend.

With heart,
Jax

DAY 6 for 10-10... In honor of Cancer Fighter and survivor Elexis Mariash

2010-08-25T08:40:00.008-06:00

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE
Thank you Elexis Mariash for your donation today!

DAY 6 of 10-10: In honor of Cancer fighter and survivor my soul sister, best friend and so much more: Elexis Mariash
(MALT Lymphoma)
10 mile run - Louisville round and a bout (1:34.03, 62 deg and full moon at first, then sunny. 5:11am, 9:24/mi -(9:29, 9:25, 9:18, 9:55, 9:23, 9:42, 9:22, 9:27, 8:57, 8:57)

Hello there readers.

So today my run was for my sister Elexis Mariash. She is my bestest friend and soul sister. We have been through it all together and have held each others hand every step of the way.

Back in 2005, when Elexis lived in New York, she discovered a lump in her cheek. After having it removed by an oral surgeon and sent out for a biopsy, she shockingly learned it was diagnosed as Mucosa-Associated Lymphatic Tissue Lymphoma or MALT Lymphoma. Luckily, after an intense work up at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, it was determined that no immediate treatment was necessary due to the slow growth of the cells and low margins of pick-up around her body shown in scans.

After learning of this diagnosis, Elexis had a choice to make about how to live her life. She decided to move back to Colorado to reduce stress and has since eaten a strongly organic and natural diet and tries to stay active. She also actively focuses positive energy and mindset on keeping her body free of cancer. Miraculously, the areas that previously had shown pick up - her stomach, throat, lungs and tongue - have increasingly been clear in her CT/PET scans. Elexis' story is a true testament to the power of positive thinking and efforts to living a healthy life and how it can affect your inner body.

Elexis has also taken an initiative to be involved with her family and friends each year in the Light the Night Walk in Colorado. Click here to go to our team page. Please join us and walk on September 30th at Washington Park.

Today on my run I was joined for 6.5 miles of it by my good friend Jenni. The last mile she did something special. In honor of Elexis, we had a fun Q+A of Elexis and I. I will leave you with some of them that I remember:

What color represents Elexis? Orange for high energy, and she reminds me of sunlight with her positive and uplifting attitude. This is why the text today is Orange as per Jenni's suggestion.
If you could eat anywhere in the world with her where would it be? Sushi Sasa because it is our date place.
What is your favorite memory of you two together so far? Us staying up late and jumping around in our room as kids.
What is her favorite food? Sweets; all kinds.
What is the biggest thing so far that she has helped you through? My last year was huge helping with my wedding as my maid of honor and helping me through a tough time in High School in Denver.
Where would you go for dessert? well this is a hard one because we like sweets but probably frozen yogurt.
What car would represent her? From a personality stand point, a cute mini cooper with pink accents because she is sassy and has zoom but for real her dream car is a Subaru Tribecca.

Lex, I love you with all of my heart.

Jacqueline

DAY 5 for 10-10... In honor of Cancer Survivor Samantha Minnis

2010-08-24T14:12:00.010-06:00

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE
Thank you David Mitton for your donation today!
Thank you Bruce Seeley for your donation today!

DAY 5 OF 10-10: In honor of Cancer SURVIVOR Samantha Minnis
(Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma)
10 mile run - Superior down to Rock Creek Trail by Marshall Road (1:35.40, 54 deg and raining. 5:18am, 9:34/mi - (9:27, 9:47, 10:06, 9:04, 9:55, 9:08, 10:22, 9:13, 8:54, 9:39)

Hello there readers.

So today my run was in honor of a friend of ours Samantha Minnis. A few years back she suffered from cancer. With pure strength and such a wonderful mindset, she fought it! I remember meeting her when she was in the very last few treatments and she was a pure light and joy to be around. She would light up any room with her positive attitude, warm spirit and strong outlook on the challenge she was enduring. She was so tough during that time and true admiration to us all.

Today she continues to be an amazing mom and true inspiration to us all.

My run today was in the rain. Funny thing is it is pure sun and clear sky out now later in the day. It was almost as if the universe gave a shower of celebration during my run for Samantha.

With heart,
Jax

DAY 4 for 10-10... In Memory of John Holland

2010-08-23T11:39:00.004-06:00

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE
Thank you Chris Ochs for your donation today!
Thank you Karen Tumbach for your donation today!
Thank you Shauna Kane for your donation today!

DAY 4 OF 10-10: In memory of my Uncle John Holland
(Stomach Cancer)
10 mile run - Up Superior Wall and down Coalton Trail (ugh that was hilly!)
(1:37.44, 75 deg and sunny and clear, 5:33am, 9:46/mi - (9:52, 10:18, 111:11, 9:51, 9:52, 10:08, 9:04, 8:56, 9:00, 9:27)

Hello there readers.

So today my run was in honor of my Uncle John Holland. John was one lucky guy to have 3 sisters and 4 brothers. My Uncle passed when I was still fairly young yet I do remember some days with him in Canada. I also think that him and my other three Uncles are the reason why I am quite taller than everyone in my immediate family.

Today there was an immaculate and jaw dropping sunrise that I am so glad is in his honor.

With heart,
Jax

DAY 3 for 10-10... In Memory of Anne Holland

2010-08-22T22:13:00.002-06:00

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE
Thank you Mandy Smackowdy for your donation today!

DAY 3 OF 10-10: In memory of my Grandmother Anne Holland
(Breast Cancer)
10 mile run - Superior, Louisville, Broomfield loop.
(1:34.14, 62 deg and sunny and clear, 5:56am, 9:25/mi - (9:43, 9:39, 10:01, 9:18, 9:25, 9:03, 9:17, 9:18, 9:14, 9:10)

Hello there readers.

So today my run was in honor of my Grandma Anne Holland.

A mother to 8 amazing children she was a true trooper and a super strong woman.

I remember being a kiddo and going to Canada to visit my family and family friends and she would keep us going and busy all day long.

I would have to say that some of my motivation, dedication and determination had to have come from her.

In heart and love from all your kiddos, grand kiddos and great grand kiddos.

xoxo

DAY 2 for 10-10... In Memory of Leslie Wayne Mitton

2010-08-21T17:28:00.011-06:00

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE
Thank you Marleen McCormick for your donation today!

DAY 2 OF 10-10: In memory of Leslie Wayne Mitton
(Prostate Cancer)
10 mile run - Bobolink Trail system, Boulder CO.
(1:35.13, 62 deg and sunny and clear, 5:55am, 9:31/mi - 9:35, 9:43, 10:12, 10:21, 9:21, 9:04, 9:01, 9:14, 9:13, 9:23)
+4 extra miles for my long run of the week for TEAM LIVESTRONG: 7:44pm, Superior out and back, 38.14.94, 9:34 pace (9:36, 9:52, 9:27, 9:18)

Les was an extremely special family friend of ours that has known me with his wife Mandy since I was a wee one. Les was a huge support system for me and mentor with my racing in Triathlon and Duathlon. Mandy and Les were additionally a huge financial and emotional support for me during my World Championships in Duathlon in 2008 and beyond. Les was a true jewel and touches my heart still every day.

A Better Place
(A saying from the memorial of Les Mitton)

There's a place
I've never seen
beyond this world we know,
A place I've only heard of
but someday hope to go-
It's not any map,
there are no roads
to take me there,
But it's a place of perfect peace
where hearts are free from care.
And though I understand
some may be addened
when I leave,
One day, we all will meet again -
that's what I believe...
When it's time to travel there,
I think I'll wear a smile,
I'll say good-bye to those I love,
but only for a while,
Knowing there are others
who have traveled there alone,
Who cannot wait to greet me
and whisper "Welcome home."

DAY 1 for 10-10... In Memory of Eugene DeWitt

2010-08-20T11:08:00.007-06:00

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE
Thank you Marla Swartz for your donation today!

DAY 1 OF 10-10: In memory of Eugene DeWitt
(Pancreatic Cancer)
10 mile run - Coalton Trail, Superior, CO.
(1:37.06, 90 deg and super sunny and hot, 4:38pm, 9:43/mi - 9:02, 9:10, 10:55, 10:42, 10:29, 9:27, 9:03, 9:05, 9:24, 9:44 )

Gene was my step father. He was a brilliant and strong man who treated us girls as his own. He is deeply missed yet remembered often in our hearts. Here is a little bit more about Gene below.

Eugene A. (Gene) Dewitt

DeWITT--Eugene (Gene) A., passed away after a four-year battle with cancer. Gene was a graduate of Tufts University, and for more than 40 years built a well-respected career in marketing advertising and media strategy advising some of the worlds largest and smartest advertisers on how to develop and implement breakthrough communications strategies. Along the way, Gene worked with AT&T, BMW, British Airways, Coca-Cola, Chrysler, Discovery Channels, DuPont, General Electric, General Motors, Johnson & Johnson, L'Oreal, McDonald's, Pepsi Cola, Sears and The Wall Street Journal. Gene was also an avid supporter and contributor to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Manhattan Theater Club, The Metropolitan Opera and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.Gene's loss will be deeply felt. With all our love.

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."

- Albert Schweitzer

"Death is not the end
Death can never be the end.

Death is the road.
Life is the traveler.
The Soul is the Guide"

- Sri Chinmoy

LIVESTRONG :) 10-10-10

2010-08-18T08:03:00.008-06:00

In two days I will be kicking off a fundrainsing program called "10-10" for my race at the Chicago Marathon with Team Livestrong to help raise funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation to try to help find a cure for cancer. Please help me by donating to the cause at this link. My fundraising goal for the Chicago Marathon on 10-10-10 with Team Livestrong is $1,500. To learn more about LAF please click on this link.

To kick it off, I will be running 10 miles every day for 10 days. Each day I will run in memory of someone we have lost that was close to us to the disease. Please follow along my journey each day.

"We fight to improve the lives of those affected by cancer."
- LAF

"Together we can beat this disease."
-Lance Armstrong

Thank you Dianne DeWitt, Tom and Nita Baranowski, Deborah Roth and Anonymous for your donations to LAF!

Thank you Bar Method!!

2010-07-27T10:00:00.007-06:00

Hello there readers.

So before I post anything about the wedding or the honeymoon this post was half written prior to that so it goes first.

Right before I left to get hitched and spend a week in paradise, I hit my 50th "official" bar method session. I also had some extra sessions that I took to help my friends to work on teacher training. This was my goal to do around 5 times a week up until my wedding day to gain confidence in my wedding dress and hopefully some physical benefits too for the honeymoon :)

As my friends would say, I signed up for a 10 pack and from the first day committed HARD CORE. Some friends even worried I was going a tad overboard but a goal of 5 times a week seemed perfectly reasonable to me to see what could really happen in 3 months.

Long story short it was just AMAZING how the results made me feel on wedding day and my honeymoon and this post is primarily because I have to give out some major kudos to The Boulder Bar Method studio, all of the instructors and all of the great friends I have met.

So some may ask...what the heck is The Bar Method?

My version, 60 minutes of entering in and out of the pain cave to work on all of those hard to get to areas to work on having a rockin' bod. And fact is, it will transform you. Or at least I can't believe how certain areas of my bod have changed and it just makes me feel good.

Ok for real...I snagged this explanation and photos from The REAL Bar Method site so that you really know what it is.

The Bar Method™ workout creates a uniquely lean, firm, sculpted body by combining the muscle-shaping principles of isometrics, the body-elongating practice of dance conditioning, the science of physical therapy and the intense pace of interval training into a powerful exercise format that quickly and safely reshapes and elongates muscles.

The result is a noticeable “Bar Method” sculpted body featuring:

Firm, elongated muscles
Reduced body fat
High muscle definition in the chest, upper arms and upper legs
Improved posture
Long, narrow thighs
A lifted seat and defined hamstrings
Strong, flat abdominals
Increased stamina and energy
Extended youthfulness

About The Bar Method, Inc.

Burr Leonard, a former journalist, has been practicing and improving on the exercises that now make up The Bar Method exercise system since 1991.

Lotte Berk

Burr had been an avid Lotte Berk Method student since 1981 and had been teaching since 1991 when she was The Lotte Berk Method's sole licensee.

See more about Lotte Berk origins>

In 1991 Burr and Carl Diehl, a lawyer, opened their first exercise studio in Greenwich, Connecticut. In 2000 they founded The Bar Method, Inc. and the next year opened their flagship studio in San Francisco. Since then they have built and franchised many Bar Method studios around the country and have produced two exercise dvds, the first in an ongoing series.

They currently co-own The Bar Method™, Inc., The Bar Method™ Franchising Company, Inc., and with Beth DiMicco, The Bar Method™ Media, Inc.

Thank you Bar Method for all that you have done so far to my body.

As most women after planning a wedding are relieved to never have to plan all of that again and get their free time back...this is one piece I have decided to keep a BIG part of my life.

Cheers!

Jax

LEADVILLE MARATHON!!

2010-07-06T13:26:00.014-06:00

RACE WEEK!!
Week 15 of 15:

Monday: The Bar Method 6:45-7:45pm
Tuesday: The Bar Method 6:45-7:45pm
Wednesday: OFF
Thursday: Run 3 miles easy// The Bar Method 7-8am
Friday: OFF - Travel Day
Saturday: LEADVILLE MARATHON: RACE DAY!! 6:04.06 // 28th Female out of 101. 140th individual and 12th in my division. Splits coming soon...not that they are something to write home about but I have written them the whole way so why not. NOTE: This is twice my goal time in a typical marathon as a reality check of the difficulty of this course. haha! (6:06.17 - 14.10 avg mile pace - 10:09.06, 13:54.08, 13:11.40, 17:38.62, 13:33.92, 15:14.90, 9:18.11, 9:33.25, 9:21.20, 12:43.00, 18:57.21, 25:14.70, 23:32.36, 13:27.81, 12:32.16, 11:16.29, 15:09.42, 15:30.73, 16:20.66, 17:03.51, 11:39.59, 16:34.71, 13:20.44, 12:45.98, 8:55.58, 7:07.40, 2:57.63).
Sunday: Easy Bike Ride with Kyle to shake the legs out.

Alright folks...so here is the recap:

On Day 113 of being back on the exercise band wagon and back to running again..I embarked on a journey that was the absolute hardest thing I have ever done in my lifetime!!

The purpose for doing the Leadville Marathon was to do a challenge to help me to get back in shape. I had to take 6 months off from running due to my ankle sprain so I needed something to get me pumped back up from being at rock bottom with my fitness. I also did it because I figured it would be a way to get in "wedding shape" and not really notice because it was a different goal that I had in mind. The last reason for doing it was to spend a couple days by myself. I wanted this time to be alone before embarking on the journey ahead called marriage. I wanted to have time to be with me and write my vows and also to just reflect back on my 30 years of life and look forward to the new steps ahead with Kyle. I wanted to run at 80% perceived effort as a means to make sure I survived and to enjoy it more. I was not there to race but to just run and finish and that was my mentality the whole day.

On Friday (day before the race), I ended up at work a lot later than planned and felt a bit like I was starting off on the wrong foot with massive traffic and ending up in Vail hours later than expected. I still ended up having plenty of time to relax, sit by the river, fuel up and write my vows which was my biggest goal for Friday. Thank you to my buds in Vail that gave me a room at the Cascade! It is such a peaceful hotel and nestled right along the river. A HUGE thank you to Joni that helped me stay positive in the days leading up as my body was feeling like crum. Thank you also for the constant texts to remind me to drink water!!

Saturday morning came super fast and I was off to Leadville. This town is super small and nestled at a cozy 10,600 feet (the lowest altitude of the day...).

I was a little out of sorts before starting and forgot my sunglasses, then forgot my safety pins and lastly with 1 minute to go and no time to go back to my car for the 3rd time, I forgot my ipod. I realized that this was probably a sign from the higher ups that I need to stick to my solo trip and embrace the peace along the way to really be one within myself for this journey so I chocked it up and started on my way.

Right off the bat you are going straight uphill. I remembered back to Chris Grauch letting me know that I would be walking A LOT and just got comfortable with it right away. At 4.5 miles, I hit an hour on my watch. This was my FIRST of many WTF moments. I began doing the math and realized I would most likely be out there for 6 hours. The first 4 miles were just up and up on loose road with rocks. The whole marathon is on jeep 4x4 roads, single track and 2 miles of road at the very beginning. When you hit mosquito pass you are literally up in the sky with rocky paths. This makes for interesting downhills as well since you are slipping on loose rock the whole time.

The aid stations were plentiful as promised...m&m's, chips, pb&j sandwiches, coke, bananas, oranges, etc. I also consumed 2 huge camlebacks of liquid and 4 packages of powerbar energy chews (can't say I want to see one of those anytime soon). They also checked your number at about 20 spots on the race. I would LOVE to believe that this was to make sure you were not skipping sections of the course but it was most likely to make sure you were still alive!!

I could go on and on about the MASS difficulty of the race and all of that but I can just sum it up by saying it was the hardest F'ing thing I have ever done in my lifetime and leave you with 25 thoughts of about 1,000 that I literally thought of along the way that show where your mind may go along the journey. To be REALISTIC and honest with myself...I properly trained the MINIMUM level to do a FLAT city marathon. To properly train for this bad boy, I probably should have gone speed hiking up 14'ers every weekend all spring. This is a whole different ballgame than your typical marathon. I am extremely impressed with those that RAN mostly the whole way! You are rock stars and I would like to know if you are really human beings!

So here you have my 25 random thoughts along the way that I will share:

1. Mile 2: Hmm...I wonder if this ever goes back down hill and what exactly did I just get myself into??
2. What exactly am I doing this for? I could have just picked an easy destination marathon...but that wouldn't really be the Jax thing to do now would it??
3. WTF is this!!! are we all crazy?
4. These views really are AMAZING!!
5. OMG it has been an hour and I have done 4.5 miles. I seriously am going to be running/hiking/what have you all dang day!!
6. Thank gawd I have been going to the Bar Method because this is a PROJECT for my thighs, rear and quads.
7. So I wonder how exactly they handle it if you want to drop out when we are in the middle of nowhere at 13,000 feet. (Yes, I thought about it 4 or so times)
8. Then I thought about how I would disappoint those that are following me and myself when I had to tell them I didn't make it and I kept on truckin' and switchted to positive thoughts.
9. Um....is there ANY oxygen up here?? Why dont they have an oxygen bar at the aid stations??
10. These energy chews are starting to taste disgusting!
11. When I was thinking about alone time and running in the mountains in a marathon...not sure I was thinking about 6 hours of time!
12. Challenges and struggles in this race make me think about how in a marriage you will have the same and how you get through them will show the strength of your marriage...
13. Where is the next aid station so I can have more m&m's
14. How exactly do I take this conservative when the whole thing just hurts!!
15. How exactly do you really train for a beast like this?
16. How are people seriously running any portion of this monster?
17. I am slowing down for wedding day purposes so I don't slip and fall and have bruises and cuts all over myself. Yes, this would look hard core and the typical Jax but No, of all days this is not the look I am going for on my wedding day.
18. I wonder if my sunscreen wore off 4 hours ago? More tan lines for Patty to alert me about but at least it may get rid of my watch tan.
19. I want a cupcake!!
20. I want a beer!!
21. Did that guy really just say I should do the Leadville 100 and spend 28 hours out there in this terrain. Um...NO THANK YOU!
22. This finishers medal better look really awesome...haha
23. Wow it is SUPER cold and windy at 13,185 feet!!
23. Last aid station, last bathroom break, last cup of m&m's and let's finish this bad boy
25. Holy crap I finished! (Tear drop or two or five or ten)

Here are some pics. I will be frank...I stole them off of the internet but just to give you an idea of the course. If I would have known I was going to be going around 13+ min miles...I would have probably brought my camera along and captured the journey but these will do.

Course Map

Example of the AMAZING views that you get rewarded with.

Up and around Ball Mountain

Up Mosquito Pass

The Top

First four miles of terrain...

I will also admit right here and now that The Bar Method saved me out there. The strength in my legs and rear literally helped carry me through. Especially with steep downhills on loose rock and my quads being able to handle it. I know I did the class for "Wedding dress" purposes but I am hooked now from an athletic standpoint as well. I have never had that power and endurance to keep on truckin' and be able to handle the hills like I can now. So The Bar Method pays off more than I thought!

I have now checked this off of my list...Cheers and Time to prepare to get married!!! 11 days to go!!! wahoo!!

With Heart,
Jax

Marathon Training: Week 14 of 15

2010-06-28T08:35:00.010-06:00

ONE WEEK TO GO!!!

Week 14 of 15:

Monday: The Bar Method 6:45-7:45pm
Tuesday: OFF
Wednesday: The Bar Method 6-7am // Run Solo, 4 miles, 35:05.98, 8:46 pace, progressive work (9:19, 8:57, 8:50, 7:58), Downtown Denver loop, super hot and sunny.
Thursday: Running solo, 10k, 49:37.15, 8:00 pace, progressive work (8:39, 8:14, 7:57, 7:52, 7:40, 7:40, 1:32), Downtown Denver Cherry Creek Bike Path out and back //The Bar Method 10-11 am // Climbing with Kynan 5:30-7:15pm
Friday: Bar Method 6-7am // The Bar Method 12-1pm
Saturday: Running Solo, 12 miles (LAST long run), 1:41.53, 8:29 pace, 9,600 feet elevation (8:19, 7:51, 7:52, 7:54, 8:00, 8:05, 8:27, 8:58, 9:10, 8:54, 9:09, 9:07), Breckenridge Bike Path (note: downhill on the way out and up on the way back just in case y'all were thinking I paced badly :) haha )
Sunday: Running solo, 3 miles super easy, 25:28.55, 8:30 pace (8:43, 8:20, 8:24), Superior mini loop.

Highlights of this week would be my bachelorette party! Wooohooo! I can't believe the wedding is only 3 weeks away now. I am SO excited yet feel there is a mass amount going on prior to that date including the 4th of July weekend, The Leadville Marathon, and ONLY 9 work days left before I am out until Junly 27th! AHHHH

My sister Elexis threw the MOST AMAZING bachelorette party for me up in the mountains. We had a full on blast filled with some fun nights, fun activities, coffee stops, brunch (my favorite meal), pizza, awesome gifts that will be very useful, mani and pedi's, shopping, hiking and great great friends that made this weekend so memorable and special!

For all pics...go to facebook as I am too busy at the moment to post a bunch so I am only posting a few...

First Off I was SO lucky to have Stephanie come into town to take part in all of the festivities and I am so excited for her to come back as a bridesmaid in less than 3 weeks.

The house we stayed at and the work that was put into the decorations etc was amazing! I feel very lucky.

And I even had a stand in boyfriend to keep me company. HAHA

Maybe I possibly made $23 dollars on our night on the town. Some details are for us girls to know and you to just wonder.

This would be me hung over from the best night and weekend ever! Thank God for this water bottle I had with me all weekend courtesy of Elexis.

All of the ladies that came minus Julie and Crytsal.

Best sister ever!!!

And we even found time for The Bar Method on our hike. haha

It was such an awesome weekend with such AMAZING people. I am so lucky!

So last up is the fact that my marathon is 5 days away. I am a bit nervous. They finally put the course map up which didn't exactly add any relief.

Thanks to VVF, I will be heading to VAIL (my favorite peaceful spot and comfort zone in the mountains) to spend the night and also take some time to write out my vows. I will travel in the morning to Leadville and hit the trails running. I am confident I can survive and finish so wish me luck.

Cheers and the next week recap will have the results. AHHH!

Jax

Marathon Training: Week 13 of 15

2010-06-23T10:31:00.005-06:00

Week 13 of 15:

Monday: Running with Joni, 40min, Downtown Denver, The Bar Method 6:45-8pm
Tuesday Running with Jenni, 7.0 miles, 1:03.54, 9:08 pace (9:36, 9:35, 8:54, 8:50, 8:57, 9:04, 8:53) Louisville and Superior : The Bar Method 5:45-6:45pm // Climbing with Kyle 7-9pm
Wednesday: The Bar Method 5:45-6:45pm
Thursday: The Bar Method 7-8am// Climbing with Kynan 5:30-7:00pm
Friday: OFF Travel to Canada
Saturday: Run solo in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, 8 miles, 1:08.49, 8:36 pace. Progressive running.
Sunday: Run solo in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, 11 miles, 1:31.49, 8:20 pace, Hilly Terrain ugh! (8:47, 8:57, 8:34, 8:12, 8:07, 8:46, 7:58, 8:04, 8:43, 7:44, 7:53)

Well all in all I guess I needed 2 weeks to recover from the TEVA whirlwind of activities. In addition, planning a wedding and working and marathon training possibly could be a bit too much. I am still surviving so hold those I told you so's.

My sister and I also traveled back to our birth town in Canada to see our cousin Shauna get married. It was a fun weekend visiting with family and friends and the wedding was gorgeous.

It was also really pretty running my longer run along the river in Edmonton. A bit hilly...

The Bar Method seems to be paying off so I am still sticking to it. Although, going the past 10 out of 11 days really kicked my butt. It was nice to take a 3 day break from it in the tail end of this week.

Other than that, just hoping that the minimal running I am doing is enough to survive this bad boy as there are only two more weeks to go before I hit the trails.

And I actually just noticed that this whole time I thought I had 16 weeks to run and it is really 15 so I made that little edit. Whoops! These are the things that happen when you train to FINISH vs. train to RACE. Good lesson to learn none the less...

And each week, I miss climbing a bit and get a little pouty so I am glad to implement that back in consistently in August.

Cheers!

Jax

20 fun facts

2010-06-14T08:16:00.003-06:00

YO...So first off check out the Mud Run hardware! So fun!

And next here is my fun post that is beyond all of the running updates...

Here are 20 fun facts about Ms. Jax

1. Favorite Food: Sushi
2. I am a makeup snob: Only use MAC products
3. I am a nail polish snob: Only use OPI and at this point it looks like I can start a nail salon from my house with all of the colors I have....whoops.
4. I love to exercise...that was a given.
5. Favorite charity...LAF...another given.
6. Biggest Pet Peeve: when someone says they are going to do something and don't follow through
7. Favorite Candy: PEZ
8. Typical outfit: Jeans, Tennies and a fun T-shirt
9. Favorite meal: breakfast of course
10. Favorite thing at the moment: The Bar Method
11. Favorite Day: Sunday
12. Favorite flower: Gerbera Daiseys
13. Favorite bev: Gordon Biersch Heff
14. Love the B.E.P.
15. Yes...I do love facebook and connecting with new and old friends.
16. My hero: Wonder Woman :)
17: Total Starbucks Junkie
18: Favorite color: Dark Fuschia (a bit of a made up color but who is checkin')
19: Favorite number: 22
20: I love Diet Coke...Not the best for the bod but so delish

There you have it :)

Marathon Training: Week 12 of 15

2010-06-13T19:17:00.007-06:00

This week we REST!!!!!

Week 12 of 15:

Monday: The Bar Method 6:45-8pm
Tuesday: Athletic Intervals 6:00-7:00am // The Bar Method 5:45-6:45pm
Wednesday: OFF
Thursday: The Bar Method 7-8am
Friday: The Bar Method 12-1pm
Saturday: The Bar Method 7:30-8:30am, LEVEL 2
Sunday: The Bar Method 8:30-9:30am

Last week really took me over the top so this week was about resting, recovering, sleeping and trying to get back on my feet. Running was not a word I even wanted to hear quite frankly. I was very exhausted from the weekend and from doing 4 races in 1 week. Then intensity of the races took me a bit over the top and I spent most of this week sleeping in every day and rolling into work and just trying to survive. Not to mention I got home from Teva Mountain Games at 2am on Monday morning which was my 4th night/morning of minimal sleep in a row.

I did manage to whip in some strength training and Bar Method and really miss climbing. It just cant fit in the agenda at this time. I am tapping on the line of being overwhelmed with everything at the moment so hopefully things start to calm down. Worst case, Kyle and I hang on until Jamaica and then cool our jets as we disconnect for a week. I do have to say that I think after almost 2 months of going to the Bar Method...my body is making some changes and I am really excited about it. Cheers to consistency and hard work in the pain cave!!

Wedding tasks are in full swing as well so pretty excited that we have 5 weeks to go so I can marry my soul mate and also so we can get back to a normal life.

This week also was very special because we had the opportunity to be at Sharon's big wedding day. It was a perfect day and Kyle took some great photos of the whole experience. It was a day we will treasure forever.

Tomorrow...back to running :)

With heart,
Jax

Marathon Training: Week 11 of 15

2010-06-13T19:16:00.023-06:00

Week 11 of 15:

Monday: Bolder Boulder 10k Road Race: Run with Jule, 6.33 miles, 46:55.13, 7:33 pace (7:29.01, 7:45.78, 7:44.60, 7:31.11, 7:20.41, 7:30.59) //The Bar Method Practice sesh 4:30-5:00pm
Tuesday: Run with Jenni, 6.71mi. 8:57 pace (9:52, 9:13, 8:58, 8:39, 8:42, 8:32, 6:06) // The Bar Method 7-8am
Wednesday: The Bar Method 6:00-7:00am
Thursday: Running Solo in Vail, 4.0 mi, 8:33 pace (9:08, 8:28, 8:29, 8:05)
Friday: OFF
Saturday: Vail Pass Half + Marathon!! 13.77 miles, 2:12.32, 9:37 pace (7:50, 7:49, 8:11, 8:24, 9:04, 9:39, 10:15, 10:30, 10:$5, 10:50, 11:33, 10:47, 9:43, 7:04) // TMG Mud Run, 3 or so miles.
Sunday: TMG 10K Spring Runoff, 6.52 miles, 1:10.30, 10:49 pace (13:08, 9:31, 11:24, 12:13, 12:33, 8:22, 3:26)

So in a nut shell this week was INSANE! The load I took on half voluntarily was enough for a few individuals instead of just ONE. Up first, I decided to go at it this week and put my body into overdrive by running not one but FOUR races. So here we go:

1ST up: BOLDER BOULDER 10K (Memorial Day)
GOAL: Survive since I did my 20 mile run up in Salida the day before. Julie hung back with me to keep me company and make it a bit more of a fun run. We ended up clipping off a very consistent race that had progressive splits through it which I was very excited about. The race starts off down so everyone's first mile is always fast and the last mile included the .33 extra so I was very pleased with the results. My legs were a bit trashed over but I definitely achieved my goal and had a lot of fun out there with friends and supporting NATIVE.

2ND: TEVA MOUNTAIN GAMES - Vail Pass Half + Marathon
GOAL: Survive and take it in a pace that I can survive the weekend. I call this Half + because you unfortunately pass a sign that says 13.1 miles and the finish is still not in sight. A major WTF crosses everyone's mind at this point if you were wondering. This half marathon is no cake walk. It eases in at first and then just goes up and up and up to the top of Vail Pass. It is no joke and was quite the adventure and there possibly may have been some cursing going on along the way...haha. I achieved my goal and felt good that I could cruise up and eventually make it to the top. I am so impressed by the all stars that fly up that bad boy.

3RD: TEVA MOUNTAIN GAMES - MUD RUN

GAOL: HAVE FUN. This race is a ton of fun each year. We gather a whole TEAM PINK crew for NATIVE and hit the course. I always like to haul out in front and avoid the rumble and last year it randomly got me a bronze medal. And this year, I was happy to be the first gal to surive the mud pit. I also found out a gold medal is being mailed to be. So fun!

4TH UP: 10K Spring Runoff.
GOAL: Well... really survive and without getting sick. At TEVA we work hard, run hard and well...party hard. I will get more into that below but to say the least...I got sick right before we started and somehow survived the whole race with a massive hang over. I ended up going a bit slower than last year but who was even paying attention right?? This race is such a gnarly piece of work. It just has screaming climbs and downhills and really takes a different kind of a runner to master. I am happy to just be out there and hauling through it. It is the hardest 10k I have ever done and I believe I will continue to say that each year.

5TH UP: Sponsor the following events at Teva for Native: World Cup Climbing Comp, Freeride Duel, Slopestyle Bike, Mud Run (above), 10k activation, Native Slo-Ride, Native Lounge, Native Booth, Parkour Demos and last but not least NATIVE GRAS! It was a killer weekend and I was lucky enough to have Kyle taking photos of us. Here are my fav's from all of the above.

Our Native Pro Climbing team representing Team USA (Alex Johnson, Daniel Woods and Paul Robinson)

1st Annual Native Slo-Ride at TMG. Congrats Tyler on winning a custom wrapped NATIVE beach cruiser bike.

Aaron Chase rippin' it on the Freeride Duel Presented By Native

Native Running Gals out for the 1st of 3 races over the weekend. Early comers were lucky to get a Native tumbler full of coffee and granola samples.

Proud Sponsor of TMG!!

Favorite climbing shot of Daniel Woods at the World Cup

Favorite Slopestyle shot
Favorite Mud Run shot

Our screenprinter Justin was off the roof making custom Native tees for all that visted the Native Lounge

Our kick a$$ parkour team who did demos all day every day and opened up the games with a routine at opening ceremonies.
Last but certainly the BEST...We threw a RAD party! It was off the roof amazing thanks to Matt and Taylor! 3 beer runs in and at 11:30pm we finally had to put the party to an end as we ran out of everything. Our condo was packed to the rim and we cannot wait for NATIVE GRAS 2011. If you want to see the whole group of pics visit my facebook page as there are too many fun ones to choose from :)

All in all, it was one heck of a week!! Thanks to our pro photographer and my fiance Kyle for shooting over 1200 photos to capture it all. And to top it all off my phone broke halfway through the weekend. Just try to turn your phone off for a day and let me know how it goes. It was awful!

Cheers and next week...we will rest!

Jax

Marathon Training: Week 10 of 15

2010-05-24T10:18:00.028-06:00

Week 10 of 15:

Monday: The Bar Method 5:45-6:45pm
Tuesday: The Bar Method 5:45-6:45pm // Climbing with Kyle 7-9pm
Wednesday: Running Solo, 9 miles, 1:20.43, 8:58 pace (9:15, 9:47, 10:46, 9:42, 9:08, 8:13, 7:54, 8:06, 7:48), Coalton Trail out and back //The Bar Method 5:45-6:45pm
Thursday: Climbing with Pete 7-9:45pm
Friday: Running with Jenni and Julie, 6.71 miles, 1:00.05, 8:57 pace (9:04, 9:04, 8:58, 8:38, 8:53, 8:38, 6:46), Superior-Louisville out and back //The Bar Method 9-10am
Saturday: The Bar Method 7:30-8:30am, LEVEL 2 with guest teacher Jennifer Hertsenberg // Athletic Intervals 4-5pm //Running solo, 30:01.43, 3.34 miles, 8:57 pace (lap failed - not enough memory on my watch), mini mini loop in Superior 82deg and super windy.
Sunday: Running solo at BoBo Link Trail, 18 miles, 2:20.08, 8:29 pace (8:49, 8:38, 8:23, 8:14, 8:34, 9:23, 9:45, 8:09, 7:58 // 8:06, 8:23, 8:14, 7:58, 8:14, 8:38, 9:21, 8:11, 7:31) Bo Bo Link trail 2 loops...I decided to color code the loops since my main goal was to neg split both loops and each mile from the loop prior // Climbing with Kyle 9:30-11:30am

Another week in the books!

These weeks really go by fast. I can't believe I only have 6 weeks of training left which also means we have 8 weeks until wedding bells are ringing!!! yeah!!

I got back on the band wagon for the most part. Mileage is a little low for my liking but overall we are getting somewhere and my confidence is still progressing that I can finish this race.

LIFE HAPPENED some more this week. We had another couple highlights and a massive low light to the week.

Might as well do the lowlight first. Last night, our poor CHI was put down and met MO in heaven. He was progressively getting better and in fact on Thursday when I spent time with him we was full or life, and energy. Here is a photo of him on that day with his tail wagging :) It is a moment and time with him I will treasure forever.Turns out that CHI had a tumor on his spine and it cut off the sensation in his legs for good yesterday. It was so sad to see him suffer so I do know that he is in a better place now and happy again. CHI and MO have been a massive light in my life and support system over the years. They have brought me so much love, support, friendship, laughter and on and on. They were true gifts to our family and were so darn special. I am so sad to see CHI go but also know he will be with us forever in our hearts and in spirit.

On the highlight side, we went to PROM!! It was so fun! Jenni's school that she teaches at had prom on Friday night. Kyle was hired to be the photographer and I was his date and a chaperon with Jenni and Jeff :) It was a blast and the kiddos had so much fun and we even snuck in some prom photos of our own :)

On the physical highlight side, I had the best long run yet. I went and banged it out super early on Sunday. This is my favorite way to get a long run in because that means I get to see the sunrise and that is one of my favorite things. I actually just unplugged from being so big about each mile and put my watch screen on total time and time of day and just went by feel and looked at laps after the fact. I was very excited to obtain my goal of neg splits for the 2nd loop vs the 1st loop and within the last loop had a strong finish. I was also keeping an avg pace of 15'' per mile faster than my 16 mile run on the same course a couple weeks ago. I had similar stomach issues in the first lap like I did two weeks ago so I need to figure that piece out still. Thanks to Jenni I have a fuel belt to run with now which was great to keep my nutrition going really well but I need to figure out how people make the belt stay still and not jump up and down my waist. I am also really excited about my climbing this week. It was stronger than ever. And to top it all off I went to Bar Method 5x again and even went to my very first Level 2 class. It was soooo hard but was a huge accomplishment after.

Have a great week and please give your pets a huge hug!

with heart,
Jax

Marathon Training: Week 9 of 15

2010-05-24T10:18:00.027-06:00

Week 9 of 15:

Monday: The Bar Method 5:45-6:45pm
Tuesday: The Bar Method 5:45-6:45pm
Wednesday: The Bar Method 6-7am
Thursday: Running solo @ lunch, 5.1 miles, 41:11.76, 8:05 pace (8:14, 8:09, 8:09, 7:59, 7:48, .50), Downtown mini loop // The Bar Method 5:45-6:45pm
Friday: The Bar Method 6-7am // Running solo on Treadmill at home, 4.0 miles, 33:35, 8:23 pace
Saturday: DICKS Sporting Goods Flat Out 5k, 21:37, 6:59 pace, (6:44, 6:55, 7:08), 3rd female in heat.
Sunday: Lets be real here.... OFF from running my long run and HUNGOVER...Whoops!! // Climbing with Kynan 3:30-4:45pm.

So this post is better late than never and this past week will follow right behind :) I wonder if part of the delay comes from..well the fact that 12 miles for the week is not so exciting to bring up...whoops.

To sum it up: LIFE HAPPENS. This week overall was what we call a "crap week" in training but quite frankly the other "happenings" were far too important and took precedence. It is a good reality check because a run here or there is far less important when it comes to a bridal shower and a sick doggie.

Running wise, the runs I did manage to do were solid. This week did give me time to recover from my half marathon which is ok also. I ended up running in the Dick's Flat out 5k and my goal was 7 min mile pace. Julie offered to pace me and although we didn't pace quite correctly as far as negative splits...we did hit the goal right on the dot at 6:59 pace and that was a great bench mark for progress with 9 weeks of running on my belt since my time off for injuries. Thank you Julie!

Life wise...I woke up Friday and decided to bang out The Bar Method first thing in the morning. I was feeling a big exhausted or possibly my intuition about CHI was also eating at my emotional energy and I opted to run later in the day. I am very proud to say I made my goal and went 5x this week. I am trying to go 5x up until wedding day and then we will see after that.

Unfortunately, I got a call from my Dad around 9am on Friday that CHI, our family dog was not eating for the past 2 days and it wasn't looking good. I rushed over and spent the morning with him in my arms. He began to pep up and get a second wind and after the vets appointment that night we thought maybe he was turning around. CHI is a few weeks away from being 13 and he has been a best friend to me over the years so everything stopped and he became priority. CHI is the one on the right in the photo below. We lost MO last year around Easter to a tumor that was on the wall of his heart. These two dogs have been a HUGE blessing for me over the years so it is very hard to see CHI sick but good to know that when the time comes MO will be there to be with him.
On another note, I had my bridal shower this weekend and it was nothing better than PERFECT. I had the time of my life and I am so excited to get married and so honored to have the friends and family that I have. Here are a few photos from the day.

First off, A HUGE thanks to Elexis and Taylor that made this day a dream come true. They threw a shower that was over the top amazing. I am so lucky to have you both in my life and I can't wait until you are both by my side in my wedding.

This was the moment that it all became REAL! So exciting and only a few weeks away until the big day!
Elexis, you are the best Maid of Honor, best friend, best sister, best everything. Love you so much!!!

I was extremely lucky to have a close friend that also is an expert at wedding cakes and cupcakes. Thank you Julie for this special treat on my special day!
I was super lucky to have James, my friend of 12 years, come into town and be our very own chef. Thank you so much for all of the delicious food!
And to point out the highlight gift of the day...Thanks Abbey!

Thank you everyone that came and shared this day with me. Thank you Mom, Crystal, Marla, Tina, Nita and to all of the family members and friends that came from far away to be there on this day. It was one I will treasure forever!

The shower was followed by dropping by a surprise party for a childhood friend of mine who turned 30. That was followed by coming home to one of Kyle's Halo Nights. This party of many men who gather at our house to play Halo against each other every few months had a early start time of 3pm and went until 1am. Kyle figured if the girls were getting to party, then he needed some guy time. So we hopped in for the tail end of it and us gals had a blast crashing their party.

So none the less the week wrapped up with amazing friends, amazing family, and an amazing hang over! Some times you just have to be ok with that! I wouldn't take it back for anything.

And back on the training wagon we will be :)

with heart,
Jax

Marathon Training: Week 8 of 15

2010-05-11T12:37:00.009-06:00

Week 8 of 15:

Monday: OFF
Tuesday: Running Hills with Jenni, 7.32 miles total, 1:12.08, 2.37 mile warm-up. 8 x 2' hills paces per hill sesh (7:52, 7:52, 7:52, 7:40, 7:49, 7:49, 7:52, 7:32, 7:35, 7:25), .87 mile cool down. Louisville Hill. // Athletic Intervals 4-5pm
Wednesday: The Bar Method 6-7am
Thursday: Running solo, 6.0 miles, 49:54.93, 8:19 pace (8:32, 8:39, 8:11, 9:07, 7:51, 7:32), Superior Mini Loop // The Bar Method 4:45-5:45pm
Friday: Running with Jenni, 7.5 miles, 1:07.49, 9:03 pace (9:31, 9:22, 9:54, 9:37, 8:25, 8:05, 8:36, 4:17), Superior Wall Loop.
Saturday: Running solo 40 min with pick ups // The Bar Method 10-11am
Sunday: Running with Jenni at the Colorado Half Marathon, 2 mile warm up... 17:?, Half Marathon Race: 13.2 miles,1:40.08, 7:35 pace (7:35, 7:31, 7:29, 7:37, 7:24, 7:49, 7:23, 7:33, 7:37, 7:40, 7:41, 7:39, 7:36, 1:23) Fort Collins, CO. 5th in my age division and 23rd female overall. Not too shabby for 8 weeks back of running after 5 months off.

All in all this was a fun week with lots of progress again. At 8 weeks in to running again, I feel like I am getting stronger still and keep moving up. I would have to say that the highlight of my week was the 1/2 marathon with Jenni.

I added in some hills also. We even had to do them in uber wind but we were tough and rocked it out. I was nervous to start but Jenni helped to calm my nerves quickly and just pick off each hill.

I can't thank Jenni enough for her help and support in pacing me through the half marathon. She was a rock star and helped me to cross some major barriers along the way. All I can say is that it is a enlightening an experience going through a race when you are switching your gears to race for enjoyment and fun as well as coming back to racing after so much time off from it all. It was a big lesson in being comfortable in being within myself and my own running which was neat.

Lastly, I bought myself a little gift.... these super sassy shoes to kick around in. I told myself that if I broke 2 hours in my half marathon I could reward myself for breaking the time goal and for being so committed to my goal in preparing to run my marathon. Goal achieved :)
Cheers!

Jax

Marathon Training: Week 7 of 15

2010-05-02T21:15:00.008-06:00

Week 7 of 15:

Monday: OFF - Travel Day from VA
Tuesday: Running solo, 6.0 miles, 51:17.05, 8:33 pace (8:07, 9:20, 8:58, 8:14, 8:22, 8:14), Superior Mini Loop // The Bar Method 5:45-6:45pm // Climbing with Kyle 7-8:30pm
Wednesday: The Bar Method 6-7am
Thursday: Athletic Intervals 6-7am // Climbing with Kynan 4-5:30pm // Running solo, 5.0 miles, 43:39.77, 8:44 pace (9:12, 9:15, 9:16, 8:02, 7:52), Superior Mini Loop
Friday: Running with Jenni, 9 miles, 1:27.36, 9:44 pace (9:55, 11:15, 10:27, 10:21, 10:15, 9:21, 8:43, 8:23, 8:49), Coalton Trail out and back
Saturday: Running with Christa and Chris, 4.5 miles, 43:38.04, 9:41 pace (9:22, 9:20, 9:46, 10:09, 4:57), Lakeshore out and back // The Bar Method 10-11am
Sunday: Running with Jenni and Julie, 16 miles, 2:20.08, 8:45 pace (9:00, 9:02, 8:27, 8:26, 8:49, 9:11, 9:25, 8:47, 8:32, 8:29, 8:36, 8:14, 8:34, 8:51, 9:13, 8:21) Bo Bo Link trail 2 loops.

Well what can I say....what a week may be an understatement.

The week went really well, yet it is a bit intimidating that I have to get comfortable with the above photo...haha. Well I laugh now, but come July I am serious!

All in, I felt really strong and comfortable and felt good with the progress.

This coming week I will add in a bit of speed and hill specific work. I have been picking some hilly runs to adapt as well from above which helps mentally.

I also feel very thankful to have Jenni and Julie as they really helped me get through my longer runs. You two rock!!!! And, although painful, I stuck with The Bar Method 3x again this week.

Cheers to another week in the books.

Jax

Marathon Training: Week 6 of 15

2010-04-27T14:52:00.009-06:00

Week 6 of 15: REST WEEK

Monday to Sunday - Athletic Intervals (1x), The Bar Method (3x), Climbing (1x), and a mixture of jogging and running intertwined within with only a chrono timer so I cant look at extensive pacing and splits.

This weeks training post is simple....relax, rest, work on my body strength and fitness and take a breather. I have been going strong for 5 weeks straight and constantly pushing the envelope and I could tell my mind and body needed a rest week. I usually follow the 3:1 ratio while training so the 5:1 caught up to me a bit. You have to listen to your body and know the limits. If you ignore them, you will suffer the consequences.

One thing that I did add to the regimen is The Bar Method. My good friend / and bridesmaid Stephanie and I are both preparing for our weddings this summer and she mentioned that she was going to start going to the class in San Francisco to get in wedding shape. I decided to check it out here in Boulder as my one specific thing to do to get in "Wedding and bikini/honeymoon" shape :) I am going to try to go 2-3x a week. It is a real ASS blaster (pardon my french). Here is what it is:

The Bar Method™workout creates a uniquely lean, firm, sculpted body by combining the muscle-shaping principles of isometrics, the body-elongating practice of dance conditioning, the science of physical therapy and the intense pace of interval training into a powerful exercise format that quickly and safely reshapes and elongates muscles.

The result is a noticeable “Bar Method” sculpted body featuring:

Firm, elongated muscles
Reduced body fat
High muscle definition in the chest, upper arms and upper legs
Improved posture
Long, narrow thighs
A lifted seat and defined hamstrings
Strong, flat abdominals
Increased stamina and energy
Extended youthfulness

Lets just say that these photos are painful to even look at. I had a slight idea of the difficulty of this class when I went to my first class on Monday, yet it was flat our HARD!!! I had to take extra breaks just to survive. I felt like my toosh and legs were shaking for hours after. And yes I experienced the "happy sore" feeling all week! I think there were about 50 times during the the class where I said to myself "WTF am I doing here?!?!" and "why are they so good about remembering your name...how can I leave now without them noticing where Jax went?!?!" HAHA. And who in their right mind thinks it is cool to be in a class where the instructor is giving you kudos for it hurting so bad that your legs are flat our shaking. And what do we do....we feel the rush of a killer workout and know it had to do something really good for our body and we come back again the next day! Haha

So bring it on Bar Method and lets look HOT in that wedding dress!

Other than that, the traveling saga continued and is now finally at a halt for a few weeks so I can get back to living a bit of a normal life and sleeping in my own bed more often than hotel beds. It has been an adventure finding running routes in various cities and near the end I just wanted to be home already and on my normal routes and lost my motivation. It is hard enough to run the miles.

Oh and this was a funny thing I just saw when I FINALLY looked at the Leadville Marathon website in more detail. Here is the course description: "The race course is out and back through the historic mining district on the east side of Leadville. Race start will be at 8:00 a.m. in front of the 6th Street Gym. The course is primarily on old mining roads and trails, topping out at 13,185 ft. Mosquito Pass. You may be crossing snow on the course. The courses will be well marked with fluorescent pink and black striped ribbon and chalk arrows. "

I think that was followed by another "WTF was I thinking?!?!" And not to mention that the women's winning time last year was a 4:27 (10:11 pace)!!! So are we looking at a 6 hour goal here or what!! shish!I am signed up though and not giving up so bring it on!!!

Cheers to rest and recovery and a fresh new week next week to building up some more.

Jax

Marathon Training: Week 5 of 15

2010-04-14T19:54:00.007-06:00

Week 5 of 15:

Monday: OFF
Tuesday: Climbing with Kynan from 8:30-10pm
Wednesday: Running with Julie, 4.73 miles, 42.55.22, 9:04 pace (9:04, 9:42, 9:04, 8:36, 6:25), Mini Superior Loop
Thursday: Running solo, 8.01 miles, 1:07.40, 8:27 pace (9:02, 8:27, 8:26, 8:36, 8:30, 8:17, 8:07, 8:09), Monterey Bike Path
Friday: Running Solo, 6 miles, 50:58.08, 8:29 pace (8:48, 8:46, 8:42, 8:15, 8:25, 7:57), Monterey Bike Path (opposite Direction)
Saturday: Running Solo, 3 miles, 26:39.48, 8:51 pace (9:22, 8:38, 8:31), Monterey Bike Path
Sunday: Running Solo, 15 miles, 2:04.53, 8:20 pace (9:00, 8:16, 8:21, 8:11, 8:13, 8:21, 8:36, 8:31, 8:19, 7:19, 7:58, 8:11, 8:06, 8:18, 8:12)

Just like that, another week flies by. I am still just trying to increase the miles and let my body adapt to the running. It is also a bit easier to do while being a jet setter lately. I am doing this longer than usual because in the end, my only goal is to cross the finish line. I have one more week of heavy travel left and then I can finally settle down at home for quite a bit, which will be so nice.

This week went really well. I decided to add mile splits that I had for all of my runs so far in previous posts so that I can see the improvements. My body is definitely getting a bit more used to the running and I am starting to feel a bit more comfortable out there.

This week a majority of the runs are in Monterey. I was there was the Sea Otter Classic. The days were really long and in the hot sun so I am happy that my running was still strong and consistent. Oh and did I mention that running at Sea Level is rewarding on the mind :) The views were also breath taking. The path goes right along the water.

My long run went really well this week. I felt very strong until the last 2 miles when my ankle was a bit exhausted. Otherwise it was probably one of the most gorgeous runs I have been on in my life. I was a bit nervous to start because my legs were a bit trashed from being on my feet and in the sun so much this week but once I started going I felt great. I feel like a lot of it is also mental and if you go in with a positive attitude, that is what you will get in return.

Cheers to another run in the books.

Jax

Marathon Training: Week 4 of 15

2010-04-07T06:47:00.013-06:00

Week 4 of 15:

Monday: Running solo - 6.11 miles, 1:00, 9:49 pace (10:04, 10:00, 10:05, 9:54, 9:34, 9:19, 1:05) , Summerville, SC. YMCA mini loop.
Tuesday: OFF travel day
Wednesday: OFF - long long long work day and wedding invites
Thursday: Climbing with Kynan - 4-6 pm
Friday: Running with Jenni and Julie - 6.25 miles, 54:32.25, 8:44 pace (8:58, 9:17, 8:31, 8:11, 8:26, 8:35) Superior - Coal Creek loop.
Saturday: Running solo - 6.01 miles, 52:26.98, 8:43 pace (8:48, 8:39, 8:34, 8:21, 8:47, 9:10), New York City - Central Park loop.
Sunday: Running with Julie - 13 miles, 2:08.27, 9:53 pace (week 4 long run mile splits: 9:03, 9:39, 11:26, 9:41, 9:57, 9:34, 10:12, 10:33, 10:42, 9:34, 9:26, 9:14, 9:17) Superior CO - Coalton Trail and Marshall Trail out and back.

Overall this week went well even with the juggle of being in 3 different states in one week which was a bit intense. All I can say is traveling is strenuous and knocks your energy out of you. In my case it lead to a major BONK on Sunday's run. I felt like I was going to black out, was mal-nurished, had cotton mouth and felt dizzy so I am actually surprised that on a trail run we kept the clip that we did. In the moment, I felt like I was going to pass out. Thankfully, Julie kept pushing me mentally and made me work on my mind and strength when it felt like my body was falling apart. Bonking is super scary and I would avoid it at any cost.

All week, I did not feel my ankle which is truly exciting and a very good sign that I am getting stronger even with the added mileage. I also can breath a lot better through my nose which is sweet!!

Funny story of the week was on Friday when Julie, Jenni and I went running from my house. I was home alone, which is rare when living with 3 other guys and it happened to be the one day that we just headed out and I locked us all out...whoops!!! Thankfully, we are pretty good at breaking in. We have decided to quit our day jobs and begin a new robbing biz. HAHA!! Just kidding, but we did inherit our new team name for us three from it... "J-Rob Trifecta"

All in all I am proud of my progress and mental accomplishment through a run that made me want to quit. I am glad I did not follow through with booting a biker off his bike and snatching it and his water bottle and riding home. Sadly, that is what crossed my mind for quite some time as they breezed by us.

Note to self: when traveling all morning, exhausted, lack of food and water and not adapted yet to running in the afternoon or in 70 degrees...SKIP the long run and do it the next day.

Thank you Julie for helping me push through mental barriers that I haven't visited in a couple years.

Jax

Marathon Training: Week 3 of 15

2010-04-07T06:38:00.005-06:00

Week 3 of 15:

Monday: Spin Class Super Easy 45' // Athletic Muscle Endurance Class 45' // Physical Therapy
Tuesday: Climbing with Kynan 2hrs - 20 routes in a row. Talk about endurance climbing. WOW! // massage
Wednesday: Running solo, - 3.19 miles, 30:02, 9:25 pace (9:07, 9:21, 9:32), Superior mini loop // Climbing 1.5 hrs with Pete Takeda and Mick.
Thursday: Running solo, 40', Summerville, SC
Friday: OFF yet TONS of walking to sight see so more of an active recovery day :)
Saturday: Running solo, 8 miles, 1:10, 8:45 pace, Summerville, SC out and back
Sunday: Running solo, 11 miles, 1:38.13, 8:56pace (week 3 long run mile splits: 9:56, 9:14, 9:18, 9:09, 9:05, 8:58, 8:45, 8:41, 8:36, 8:27, 7:56), Summerville, SC, YMCA bike path out and back.

Overall the week went from scary to good. On Monday, my ankle was not in good shape and it freaked me out. I went to Physical Therapy and scheduled a massage for Tuesday. PT is not always fun but it works and the massage topped it all off. By Wednesday I was 80% feeling better and by the end of the week I was in a better position than I have been all year with the discomfort and actually didn't even think about my ankle while running.

Progression is still aboard which is good. I am slowly just trying to get back in shape as the official schedule I picked out to cross the finish line does not officially start until 12 weeks out.

Climbing was fun this week yet as a matter of a suggestion, I do not recommend climbing the day after an endurance climbing day. I climbed the most routes I have ever climbed in a row and then the next day it was like climbing with jello arms. I couldn't hold anything and was slipping off of problems I usually can hit with ease.

Of course, it is a confidence booster to run at sea level :) but the reality is the paces will probably come right back up this week which is just fine. What I like to see is that the long run mile splits progress and don't regress :) One thing that is weird is how fast your mind loses the confidence in a long run. I have run 5 marathons yet a 11 mile run was scary for me and all the ones to follow. You just gotta go and give it a shot and pick the miles off.

I have gotten used to running with people so this week it was me and my ipod shuffle due to traveling. I better get used to it with traveling every weekend this month, yet I can't wait until this Friday when the triple J's hit the streets for a morning jaunt.

And lastly, does running around after kiddos all weekend count as extra training? Cutest kids ever but boy am I physically exhausted.

Cheers!

Jax

Marathon Training: Week 2 of 15

2010-03-22T12:49:00.011-06:00

Week 2 of 15:

Monday: OFF REST! YEAH!
Tuesday: Athletic Intervals with Ann Batelle
Wednesday: Climbing 4-5:30 with Kynan (Bouldering again, yet not as scary this round which is a good sign)
Thursday: Climbing with Pete Takeda 6-7 Climbing with Kyle 7-8:30
Friday: Running with Jenni and Julie, - 4.91 mi, 46:20.01, 9:26 pace (9:08, 8:2, 9:34, 9:54, 8:50), Louisville loop starting @ Monarch High
Saturday: Running with Christa, - 3.00mi, 30:09.59, 10:03 pace (9:53, 10:03, 10:10), Superior from Lakeshore // Athletic Intervals with Christa
Sunday: Running with BX gals, - 9.00 mi, 1:19.55, 8:54 pace (week 2 long run mile splits: 9:00, 9:18, 8:42, 8:41, 8:58, 8:43, 8:54, 9:24, 8:09), Boulder Rez out and back // 1.5 mi, 20:37, 13:45 pace, Cool down // Climbing with Kyle 1-2:30pm

Overall it was a progressive week from the last. My ankle was flaring a bit at the beginning half of the week so I backed off of running for 2 extra days. I just don't want to over do it or push it and get injured. Friday and Saturday my ankle was still a bit shaky but by Sunday morning it was back on track in time for my long run of the week.

The runs are still not so "fun" if you know what I mean. I am still REALLY out of shape and patience is a key term right now that I just have to keep drilling in my own head.

With time, it will all come back and coming back from an ankle injury, knee injury and nose surgery in the past 6 months, it is better to ALWAYS play it safe!

With heart,
Jax

The Training Begins

2010-03-15T14:15:00.012-06:00

Hey there folks,

Blog updates seem to be right back on track. For the time being anyway :)

I began my training for my Leadville Marathon on July 3rd, and I hope to have a weekly update as I roll along.

The whole plan is 16+ weeks long starting on Friday the 12th of March :)

This is how I currently feel when I run :)
Week 1+ training recap: you will notice I have been pretty strategic about having company on my runs so the following feeling above is ignored as much as possible :)

As far as logging on here, I will share overall a vague daily update and each week the long run I will put the mile splits down. More than anything, it is just a way to see the progress and see how it all goes. For some readers, it will be a way to relate as some weeks will be rough and some weeks will be great and puts training into reality at whatever level you may run at. Just to lay the land here, my only goal is to finish and not some stellar time so a lot of my goals are to make the distance and feel comfortable in the high altitude :)

Pre Days:

Friday March 12th: 20' easy (well sort of) jog with Julie Olsen. Super nice morning // Climbing 5-7pm with Kynan
Saturday March 12th: Run with Christa, 5 mile "long", 49:49.48, 9:57 pace (10:05, 9:47, 10:05, 9:32, 10:11), Gorgeous day and new terrain in Westminster // Climbing 3:30 - 5:30pm with Pete Takeda
Sunday: March 14th: Run with Jenni, Heather and Deanna, 4.5 miles, 44:05.30, 9:45 pace (10:47, 9:51, 9:05, 9:09, 5:12), sbux Louisville loop

Week 1 of 16:

Monday: OFF - rest
Tuesday: OFF // climbing 6-7:30 with Kyle
Wednesday: 30' easy run, Boulder from Movement Climbing and Fitness // Spin class 60' easy // Climbing with Kynan (Bouldering for the first time in 5 months - totally scary) from 4-6pm
Thursday: Run with JK1 and JK2, 3.01 miles, 30:16.30 -9:58 pace (10:!2, 9:57, 10:04), super windy and cold, Monarch Track
Friday: Run with JK2, Chris, 3.04 miles, 30:00 - 9:52 pace, Indoors @ Lakeshore
Saturday: 3.14 miles, 30:00 - 9:33 pace, Indoors @ home (broke in our treadmill - finally) // Climbing with Andrew 1:20-3:20pm
Sunday: Run partially with woman's group, 8.08 mile long run, 1:12.27 - 8:58 pace (week 1 long run mile splits: 9:10, 9:10, 9:24, 8:13, 8:32, 8:57, 9:20, 8:48), Bo-Bo link loop, sunny and 40 deg // Climbing with Kyle 11-12:30 // Climbing with Pete and Deann 2-5pm. (wow my hands are raw!!!)

Overall...it went really well. It felt SOOOO good to be outdoors again and going at it. And with company it is so much better. Julie will be my key partner through the months. She is an uber talented ultra running athlete and Triathlete so she is a good partner to help me plow through. Not to mention what a sweet girl she is and how excited I am to grow our friendship in the coming weeks, months, years :)

On top of all of that fun that has put me in a place of SORE SORE muscles...I hopped right back into climbing.

I went with Kynan on my first day back on the 12th and plowed through 15 routes. We basically just went until my body finally crapped out. The next day was SUPER exciting. I finally worked with Pete on how to lead climb and belay. I got certified and here is my 2nd route up. It is a whole new project for me now and I can't wait to get stronger in it. So now my forearms feel like Jello as well. I feel super lucky to have a legend like Pete help me to learn!

Cheers to being back on the training band wagon and to a sore body! Feels good!

On the wedding front: Found a hair stylist for the big day! Yeah!

Jax

PLEASE HELP ME FUNDRAISE FOR TEAM LIVESTRONG :)

2010-03-11T16:45:00.007-07:00

Hey all!

Please help me in my efforts to help to raise funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

I have my own personal page set up for TEAM LIVESTRONG 2010 for the Chicago Marathon :) Any bit helps and together we will make a difference.

To donate please click on this link: DONATE
To reiterate from below. I am doing this in honor of those so close to me in my family and friends that I have lost, that fight with it each and every day and for those that have gone into remission. LAF is a great organization that is doing everything it can to help with individuals in these regards and it is an honor to help.

About LIVESTRONG:
LIVESTRONG unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. LIVESTRONG focuses on cancer prevention, access to screening and care, research and quality of life for cancer survivors. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, our organization has raised more than $285 million for the fight against cancer. Join us at LIVESTRONG.org.

About Lance Armstrong Foundation:
"At the Lance Armstrong Foundation, we unite people to fight cancer believing that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything!" For more information on LAF: click here.

The Manifesto of the Lance Armstrong Foundation

We believe in life.
Your life.
We believe in living every minute of it with every ounce of your being.
And that you must not let cancer take control of it.
We believe in energy: channeled and fierce.
We believe in focus: getting smart and living strong.
Unity is strength. Knowledge is power. Attitude is everything.
This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

We kick in the moment you’re diagnosed.
We help you accept the tears. Acknowledge the rage.
We believe in your right to live without pain.
We believe in information. Not pity.
And in straight, open talk about cancer.
With husbands, wives and partners. With kids, friends and neighbors. And the people you live with, work with, cry and laugh with.
This is no time to pull punches.
You’re in the fight of your life.

We’re about the hard stuff.
Like finding the nerve to ask for a second opinion.
And a third, or a fourth, if that’s what it takes.
We’re about getting smart about clinical trials.
And if it comes to it, being in control of how your life ends.
It’s your life. You will have it your way.

We’re about the practical stuff.
Planning for surviving. Banking your sperm. Preserving your fertility. Organizing your finances. Dealing with hospitals, specialists, insurance companies and employers.
It’s knowing your rights.
It’s your life.
Take no prisoners.

We’re about the fight.
We’re your champion on Capitol Hill. Your advocate with the healthcare system. Your sponsor in the research labs.
And we know the fight never ends.
Cancer may leave your body, but it never leaves your life.
This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Founded and inspired by one of the toughest cancer survivors on the planet.

LIVESTRONG™

Grab a java and take a seat for some updates...

2010-03-10T11:13:00.053-07:00

WOWZA!

It's been over a month since I updated my blog. Being in the field of marketing, this is a big oops!

I bet my small amount of readers have been just chomping at the bit for an update eh! Well with no further ado, here you go... (Note: this will be like when you haven't emailed your best friend in months and you list everything in subjects to make sure to not miss anything! haha)

The big 30!
Well folks, as much as I tried to avoid it the big 30 creeped up on me and slam!!! To ring in the new decade in style, Kyle hosted a big 'ol party for me at Gordon Biersch. It was full of my closest friends and family and was WAY too much fun which killed the nerves of the shock of my old age :)

The best sis ever! Lex

Jules

Of course it could only be right if Cupcake #1 (me) and Cupcake #2 (Taylor) were in a photo eating cake :) HA!

The boys: Brandon, Chris, Kevin

Future In-laws

Team Keil :)

Great crew of Gals!

Andie and Christa

Kevin and Sharon

Erika and Eric

Crazy bunch :) Chris and Christa

Jenni and Kristen

Ewen and Heather

My Uncle Grant and cousins Richard and Jere

Kyle and Mom and Pops

Our house "family" shot. Well up until March 1. Tear Drop...Miss ya Aaron.

And the shock hits...

LIVESTRONG
As I mentioned below, I am extremely passionate about the LIVESTRONG foundation. Ever since their inception in June of 2004, I have contemplated evening out my tattoos and putting LIVESTRONG on my wrist in memory of those that I love so dearly that have passed from Cancer over the years, those that are fighting each day and those that have conquered the nasty spell. I contemplated it for 6 years so I figured that was long enough to know I wanted to stamp it on my bod and that, yes, it is permanent. This foundation has grown so much over the years and has done a wonderful job of helping to find a cure for cancer. I am so excited to support the cause and run with TEAM LIVESTRONG in the upcoming Chicago Marathon. You can also check them out on facebook. I hope to have my fund-raising site up very soon :)
BIG CRASH
Sadly, I had a huge crash skiing :(

Story goes like this...

Chris and I were having an EPIC ski trip to Vail and Beaver Creek. We went up to calm my nerves for my nose reconstructive surgery I had planned for Feb 15th.

With the help of our great friends at VVF, I had rock star perks that we are so thankful for. Our first day was EPIC. Made some turns, followed by some spa time and massages (thanks Chris), and fun brewsky and pizza at Vendettas. Next day we slept in for a bit and then hit the 3'' of fresh pow! First run in was so awesome down a run called Straight Shot in the Sun down bowl. The snow was better than expected and images of driving home sore out of our minds later that day from skiing so much were brewing in my head. And then BAM!!!! Smashed straight into the mountain straight on when my ski's slipped on some hidden ice. The impact split the skin open and that was the end of slayin' the pow!

Our epic and only run of the day. Look how happy Chris was too!

The gash. I won't show any more photos since I already grossed out all of my facebook friends two times already and some of the photos should be forbidden.
We were thankful to have a mountain full of snow to keep my knee iced until the ski patrol guys came. I was very bummed and in A LOT of shock so thankfully this helped alleviate the pain :)
Bummed Jax

My crazy Ride down the Mountain
Duncan + Ken + LAME goggles :)

I went on a great adventure down the toboggan and was raced off to the ER in a big black SUV. 3 layers of stitches (50 or so total)! I was fixed and we were heading down the mountain at the same time we would have been sloshed from skiing all day.

Well, at least the ski patrol boys were cute. Young but cute. Not as cute as my sweet Kyle though :) They do need to swap their goggles out for some Natives, so I am taking care of that immediately.

So this little venture put me into "sedentary" rules for 4 weeks which ends in two days! YEAH!!

NOSE SURGERY

As stated above, I had to go into nose surgery for the 3rd time. I hit 30 and all of this stuff just fell apart. My nostrils collapsed so I did not have airway at all and I had to have them reconstructed. That piled with my knee injury was a week of H%^^. So glad that is behind me now because in the moment I was wishing someone could just knock me out and wake me up in 7 days time. And the good news is I can breath through my nose now! So amazing! What a treat!

Not to worry...I don't look like Michael Jackson. They did a good job of making me look the same. HA! Here is proof!

ATHLETIC ENDEAVORS
Since crossing to the side of "exercising" I have spent a lot of time climbing and well, being injured. I am hungry for some time outside and to get in shape for my wedding so in addition to the LIVESTRONG race I am doing in Oct as well as a few halves here and there...I am running in the Leadville Marathon on July 3rd. Good thing I can begin running in two days because I will have exactly 16 weeks and 1 day to prepare for the most grueling marathon there is. Go hard or go home right? haha! I will begin my 16 week program on Friday with my running bud and friend Julie to prepare for the big day and thankfully the timing is perfect as I will only have to hold on for 2 more weeks to be in "wedding shape." HA. Then on the honeymoon, I can let it all go for a couple weeks until the next round of marathon training begins. My goal is to finish. The race course is epic enough. It will be fun to have adventurous long runs in the mountains and breath some thin air for a few weeks to get in shape for this bad boy. I am very excited for my new birthday gifts (LIVESTRONG Treadmill and Spin bike) to help me get in shape and have cross training capabilities. And I am excited for good weather to do all of my fun long runs. So, cheers to running becoming a big part of my life again. And of course, climbing will come right back in to the mix starting in two days because it is just TOO fun!

I hope you enjoyed my MEGA long update and Cheers!

Jax

2010 Team LIVESTRONG

2010-02-04T11:08:00.001-07:00

Chicago Marathon here i come!!

World Cancer Day

2010-02-04T11:02:00.005-07:00

February 4 is World Cancer Day—a global day of awareness created by the International Union Against Cancer. With cancer set to become the #1 killer in the world this year, the day brings us together to highlight the growing personal and economic impact of the disease. On this day it’s critical that each organization—and each individual—share responsibility for sending a powerful message about cancer prevention.

In memory of:
My step father - Eugene DeWitt
My grandma - Ann
My great Aunt - Edith
My mentor and great friend - Les
My uncle - John

And my thoughts go out to those that fight it each and every day!

In honor of those that I have lost, and those that are fighting and those that have survived, I am going to run with Team Livestrong in the Chicago Marathon on 10-10-10.

Please take a moment today to remember those you have lost, reach out to those that are fighting and be grateful for those that have survived.

Together we can make a difference!

With heart,
Jax

Bud Light | "Clothing Drive" commercial

2010-02-03T11:36:00.001-07:00

This is AWESOME!!! and SOOOO Funny!!!

Purple Ribbon: 1-22-09

2010-01-21T23:53:00.004-07:00

Purple Ribbon Meaning: This color is a symbol of pancreatic cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, domestic violence, ADD, alzheimer's, religious tolerance, animal abuse, the victims of 9/11 including the police and firefighters, Crohn's disease and colitis, cystic fibrosis, lupus, leimyosarcoma, and fibromyalgia

In memory of my Step-Father Gene DeWitt as today is the year anniversary of his passing from pancreatic cancer.

We love you Gene and may you rest in peace and we hope that you are dancing in heaven.

Love,
Jax

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."

- Albert Schweitzer

"Death is not the end
Death can never be the end.

Death is the road.
Life is the traveler.
The Soul is the Guide"

Food Choices

2010-01-07T14:59:00.008-07:00

For breakfast...

Eat This...

Not this...

For mid-morning snack...

Eat This...

Not this...

For Lunch...

Eat This...

Not This...

For mid afternoon snack...

Eat This...

Not This...

For Dinner

Eat This...

Not This...

Mid evening or dessert

Eat This...

Not This...

To drink...

Drink This...

Not This...

So there you have how our thinking was in 2009. With Kyle and I's 2010 pacts, we are doing a full reversal. Quite a shocker to think how our mindset worked when thinking of what to eat.

It will be interesting to see the results of all of this reversal. Maybe we should go get our blood extensively tested prior and see what happens...

Cheers to Health!

Jax

Year Reflection

2010-01-04T17:05:00.005-07:00

Common post but here you have it....

12 months seems like a flash when you look back, yet when you review all that happened, it is pretty amazing.

Here is the top 10:

1. My biggest awakening was having to accept death. This was a super hard one for me to wrap my emotions around but at some point we have to hit that road and understand it. May Gene, Les, Mo, Grandma Holland, my Great Aunt and others rest in peace and you are loved and missed.
2. Jumped into Track and Field and ... jumped out.
3. Got my first huge injury in my life (Sprained Ankle) and am still recovering from it.
4. Completed my first year as the Director of Marketing at Native Eyewear and love it.
5. Learned how to climb in the beginning of April and thanks to Kynan and others, I am a fan for life and now climb 3x a week.
6. Got engaged to Kyle and we are getting married on 7-17-2010.
7. Developed a new value and bond with my friends and family that I will treasure forever.
8. Gained new and special friends that I will treasure for a lifetime.
9. Finally kicked the Diet Coke habit after years of attempts.
10. Found out about a wonderful thing called cupcakes that a great friend and I enjoy once a month...when we are not too busy :(

This past year Kyle and I decided to make three resolutions together. They were all focused on a mental and psychological outlook and viewpoint on life. These pacts drastically changed our lives for the better and we stuck to them like glue. I think it is the first time in our lives that we really took a change into a New Year to make a benefit in our lives and we are very thankful that we did.

This coming year, we decided to make our resolutions together again. They are focused on our physical health and well being and we hope to be able to say in a years time that we accomplished these goals as well.

Cheers to a happy, healthy and fruitful 2010!

With love and peace,
Jax

Our PEZ collection grows :)

2009-12-31T16:28:00.001-07:00

Out with the old, in with a bit more scoot!

2009-12-20T13:33:00.005-07:00

So....

On December 28th of last year, Kyle and I turned my Jetta in for a compact SUV with 4 wheel drive and this and that. The one thing that we tossed and turned about was that the car Freddy got us was 4 cylinder and we really wanted a V6. Our house is 3 blocks from a Land Rover dealership and all of the sudden a little surprise landed in the lot. A silver Rav4 with a V6 and a lot of other bells and whistles that we didn't have. It was a really good deal and they offered a really good deal on my trade in which in the end made us consume very minimal costs for the swap and so we now have a new vehicle to grow old with and run into the ground. Now that it has every thing we could imagine and with marriage ahead, it is a car we can have for all of our future endeavors including kiddos (don't get too excited folks as this will be about 5 or so years away).

Since the Land Rover dealership is a couple blocks away from our house and more importantly shares a parking lot with Starbucks, Chris and I took a moment this morning to say goodbye since my car is sitting in the parking lot still :)

Cheers to a bit more scoot in the ol' family vehicle :) and Happy New Year!

A shared moment with both cars :)
Giving love to the new (which Chris has named B.B.P.) and a boot to the old :)Waving goodbye to my old car :)

Fun Photos

2009-12-15T12:08:00.007-07:00

Tim DeFrisco who will be our wedding photographer but also is our photographer for Native and is a good friend of ours took some really neat photos for our catalog shoot. I double dipped while creating our catalog for Native and dropped in as an athlete during our photo shoot in Seattle and figured I would share some of his work. Enjoy :)

Climbing Photo Shoot with our Photographer and Friend Kevin Davis

2009-12-06T20:38:00.023-07:00

Kevin Davis accompanied us to our climbing gym (Movement Climbing and Fitness) on Saturday afternoon. We were all charged up with our visit prior to Village Coffee House. He just got a few new pieces of camera gear for some of his upcoming photo shoots. To see some of his work, click here. Here are some of my favorites from the batch:

NATIVE SEATTLE PROJECT

2009-12-03T08:32:00.003-07:00

This is our highlight video from our Seattle trip that we took for work. It was an awesome adventure with some unbelievable athletes!

Jax

G-DOT Day!!!

2009-12-01T14:08:00.004-07:00

So Jenni stated it so well that I am posting her post from her blog:

"The 2nd annual G Dot is on the horizon. It is a day dedicated to girls and the gym. A day spent at the gym post Christmas trying new classes and enjoying old ones. The tentative date is December 28th starting at 5.45am until 1pm with a tentative schedule that includes:

5.45am-7.00am Masters Swim

7.15-8.00am Coffee Break/Cross train

8.15am-9.15am BodyVIVE

9.15-10.15am Spin Class

10.30-11.00am Chisel

11.30am-12.00pm Tred and Shed

12.00-1.00pm Hard Core Abs and Rock Hard Bottom

1.00 LUNCH

More details to following!

Rock On

JK2

So, If you want in, contact Jenni or I :) It was a mega blast in '07 (scheduling difficulties in '08) and we are prepped and ready for '09! What could be better prepping for the new year by earning a G-DOT!

Thanksgiving weekend!

2009-11-29T17:56:00.018-07:00

Just like that, Thanksgiving has come and gone.

5.5 days off of work flies by and within hours we are back to the grind for a few more weeks before the huge vacation!

This weekend was a fun one filled with many events and time with friends and family.

Thankfully, I had 1.5 days off to clean up our house before we had a bunch of guests over for our first Thanksgiving that we would host. Kyle and I cleaned like no other to make sure we made a good impression :)

We even finished up all of our Christmas shopping for all of our family members on both sides which was a HUGE relief. Half are even wrapped :) Unfortunately, I still hopped into some Black Friday shopping which you will see below.

Later we met up with Kyle's family for some grub and to see Blindside which was remarkable. Then, Kyle's sister and mom and I snuck into New Moon. Thankfully Nat caught me up to speed super fast so I knew what was going on. I watched the first movie yesterday so now I am all caught up to enjoy the madness for the next two that come around.

Thanksgiving began with Chris, Julie and I spinning for 1.5 hours in the Turkey Day Spin class. It seemed like forever but I had a whole roll of pez each 30 min to keep me going :)

Chris continued for another 2 hours to blast some additional calories to eat the rest of the afternoon! I thought 1.5 hours was a lot! hmmmmThen it was off to cooking for hours and setting my first Thanksgiving table in our home.
Kyle's pop cooked Fried Turkey which was AMAZING!
I cooked sweet potatoes for the first time in my life, which turned out great!! (may be a little bias here)It was a great meal with great friends and family and was truly a very Thankful experience!

Then it was off to the Broncos game with Tommy, Tom, Tim, Kevin and Kyle. It was super fun!! and we won!
After some Z's, it was off to the Black Friday Madness!! Goal was a new TV for Chris. We started at walmart (of course, after Starbucks)...It was pure craze in the electronics session. Chris made out on some good deals on DVD's and then we hit COSTCO with our coupon book. I got a deal on itunes gift cards and then the big purchase began.
New TV, Sound system and Blue ray player. Watch out Chris, we may never let you leave now. Kyle, of course, is a bit jealous that the TV in our room is only 52'' compared to the 55'' that Chris has in our living room. Of course, the TV we had in the living room has now moved to the front room to be a "gaming" TV.

Then my Mom came in town and a we had a jam packed weekend. It started with seeing Fantastic Mr. Fox which was pretty neat. We saw it at the mall which lead to the 20th annual Tree lighting and...well...Seeing Santa!! It made my Mom's day to get photos with Santa :)

Yesterday, we caught up on life a bit and then we went to show my mom my office, ate at The Corner Office and then saw Riverdance. They have 1 show left of their tour. It was amazing! We also took care of a couple more wedding tasks which felt good.

Today, I unveiled my dress for my mom (Sorry Kyle, NO PHOTOS). It was really special.

We spent some time with my Uncle and cousin and sis too which was fun.

Now it is catch up time and preparing to get back to reality and loads of work.

I hope everyone's Holiday's were wonderful and I am very Thankful for everyone in my life.

Jax

Broncos vs. Chargers

2009-11-23T12:34:00.014-07:00

Yo

For an early x-mas present, I took one of my besties to the Chargers vs. Broncos game. Chris decided to turn it into an entire day project.

We started the adventure at Spin class where we spun along with Julie and 45 others to Christa's rockin' tunes. Small injury update: In week 3 to 4 of recovery, I am able to half a%^ spinn now and half a$^ climb which is super exciting. Last week I hit the spin studio 3 times and climbing twice. The first climbing adventure was with Pete Takeda (climbing all-star) and we gimped up the wall with my busted ankle and his busted MCL. It was a night to remember to say the least.

We grabbed a sbux which is no surprise with Julie.

Then it was time to get ready. After grabbing our color coordinated Oakelys (Sorry Native!!) we headed off to the game.

We were quite early so we took advantage of watching warm ups and making our signs. We realized what great fans we were of opposing teams as through the day Chris heard some amazing comments from broncos fans. Are people seriously that angry with life that they will take it out on a football game??
Jumpers! So cool!
Our buddy Jeff Hanson dropped over from another section to hang with us for the tail end of the game.
Q4 when all fans gave up on the horrible loss that the Donkeys were having. We just soaked it all in from our sky high seats.
Chris, gloating in his Chargers glory!
The long walk back to my office and the long wait for the train to go by.
Fun times! Looking forward to the Giants vs. Broncos on Turkey Day with future in-laws and great friends.

Cheers!

Jax