2018: The Year of Travel

When I was young, vacations weren't common. We didn't camp in any national parks, road trip to Mount Rushmore, or fly to New York City. I'm sure money was an issue, plus my dad didn't like to leave the state, let alone the neighborhood. My mom did manage to take us to Estes Park, CO in 4th grade and Cancun, Mexico in 7th grade. Those trips are seared into my memory. They involved taking planes and hiking in beauty and going to a water park and swimming with dolphins. It was so great to be gone, even if it was only for a few days. I even did a report on my trip to Colorado for my 4th grade class when we each had to talk about a state. I printed dozens of photos from that vacation and put them on a large poster board for all to see. It was magical. 

Oh Hawaii, you are something special 

Fast forward to my adult-ish years and I've clearly come along way (I am living in Scotland after all). I've found myself hiking in Acadia National Park in Maine, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay in Hawaii, skiing at Bridger Bowl in Montana, facing off with the giant void of the Grand Canyon, and walking the streets of Amsterdam. It's been quite the adventure to see and be apart of different cultures, whether it's in my own country, or across the pond. The earth is filled with stunning wonders that can only strengthen my belief in God. 

The problem with travel is that it costs money. I know, right? Who knew. Airfare in the U.S. in outrageous, plus transportation to get around, finding a hotel, and actually taking part in activities at your destination. It's overwhelming. That's why in college we took two major road trips: one eastbound and one westbound. And let me be the first to tell you that while they were unforgettable adventures, at 31 years old, I never need to do that again (until I have kids and flight prices make my eyes roll into my head). But there are ways these days to get around, see the world and travel your heart out without spending thousands of dollars. It's true, I do it all the time. 

Getting Around on the Cheap 

The world we live in has granted us with beautiful things such as Uber/Lyft, Airbnb, Turo and Skyscanner. Each of these devices help you plan a trip for a fraction of the cost. For instance, when my husband and I went to Hawaii last August from Minneapolis, flights were easily in the $700's. Hotels were hard to find under $100/night, and rental cars were through the roof. Before you blink, you've spent almost $2k. But because of Airbnb, we found a beautiful studio apartment for less than $80/night. With the help of Turo, we rented a car decently new car for $30/day. And while we didn't get the deal of the century for airfare, Skyscanner helped us find flights for under $500/person (You can do much better than this, just keep your eyes peeled!) 

Hiking in Acadia National Park

It's incredible that these services are available. And if researching all of this just to try to take a trip seems exhausting, it really isn't. You don't have to hunt for good deals for months at a time, maybe just a few different times. I don't think there is a "magic hour" for flights anymore (I searched for Hawaii tickets for almost a solid 6 months). If you see a price at a time you'd be willing to travel, then I say book it. Sure, you could stumble upon an outrageous mistake fare, but in reality, scoring those tickets takes flexibility and spontaneity. 

And I can be the first to say that sites like Turo and Airbnb, where people literally have you live in their house and borrow their cars, are trustworthy sites. For Airbnb, I highly suggest renting out entire place just to have it feel like your own space (We've stayed with some... interesting... folks) and Turo, try to stay away from the older cars that may not have heat or AC. But we've worked with these sites numerous times and have clearly survived. Plus, you usually get some sort of discount for signing up and trying it for the first time. 

Why 2018 is My Year

Out of all the years that I've been an adult, I would say this year is not the year we're flowing with money. If anything, last year should have been the year of travel. But while we're back to the good ole college days and not contributing to a savings or retirement account, we do have a major benefit: living in Europe. I can't tell you how mind-blowing it is to search for flights to Paris from Edinburgh and finding them for $24/person RT. I didn't book them but I should have. I've been checking Skyscanner every week for deals to different countries, and honestly most places I can find for under $40 RT. I've started a list of all the places I'd like to check out with my husband this year:

• Porto, Portugal
• Paris, France
• Valencia, Spain
• Rome, Italy
• Amsterdam, Netherlands (We were there for a 12 hour layover, so I'm throwing it on this list)
• Kefalonia, Greece

I'm also heading to Mexico for the third time in my life this week for my dear friend's wedding in Puerto Vallarta. While that trip is not a trip I can try to bargain with, I still found decent airfare and I'm so excited to soak up that wonderful, wonderful, glorious sun. 

  

However, it comes at a cost. Instead of going to the bars with people here, we stay in and make our own drinks. Instead of eating at fancy restaurants, we find the cheap eats on Trip Advisor and make our own delicious dishes. Instead of riding the bus, we walk. Everywhere. But we don't mind the small sacrifices because it's worth it in the end. It's what we love to do. Experience life. Enjoy the beauty the world has to offer. 

Our time in Scotland is short in the grand scheme of life. And when we have kids it'll cost that much more to get back over here. So we have decided that we have to travel while we're here. Seize the day! All that kind of stuff. 

Maybe we won't hit all these places on our list. Maybe we end up in Alaska visiting friends who are moving this summer instead of roaming around Greece. I can't predict the future, but I know I want to be intentional about taking time for ourselves and doing what we find joy in. 

Always,

A 

Conquering the Half Marathon

I've only run one half marathon in my life. I swore I'd never do that type of distance. It's long, painful, unnecessary. But I had run plenty of 5k's in my time and a handful of 10k's, and they all went relatively well. I'm not a fast runner, but I'm able to run most of the races without hating life. Before long I found myself staring at the website for the Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon. 

There were plenty of pros to the race. The race took place in early May, meaning it wouldn't be too hot or too cold -- very important for this picky female. It was also a course around Lake Minnetonka... so it'd be beautiful. Another bonus was that I was content running 6 or 7 miles as is, what was another 6 or 7 miles? What a naive thought.  

I signed up. I ran the race. I struggled. I was cold and then I was too hot. I thought I'd never finish. When I did, I cried. I sat the whole day afterward, could barely walk by the the evening -- forgetting to stretch was bad news -- and basically took 6 months to fully recover. I thought, "why would anyone ever do this to themselves?" 

Still smiling after a race

Yet, here I am, registered to run the half for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival come May. Gulp. Have I forgotten the pain, the stress, the feeling of the race never ending? Not even kind of. But the difference is that I know the mistakes that I made in the first race, and I am determined to fix them and run a faster race than the last time. Plus, when they say the race is "fast and flat and is great for personal bests" it's hard to say no. 

So if you find yourself with a New Year's Resolution to run a race (Whether you're starting with a 5k or feel that you want to conquer a half), here are just a few tips I have for you as you prepare. NOTE: I don't talk about full marathons because 1) I have never run one 2) I have no desire to put that amount of pressure on my body for that amount of time 3) I don't know the necessary steps to prepare for a race of that length. But I'm sure you could use a lot of this advice towards that distance. 

1. Train

This step is so so so important, not just for beginners, but professional runners as well. It's not like you wake up on race day and your body knows how to handle 10 miles. You have to work up to that pace. Most races I know of will say that after a certain amount of time, you have to quit the race. They have to re-open roads, let volunteers go home, etc. etc. So in order to actually run the race, training has to happen. 

Most of the races I've been apart of have provided training plans to help you reach your goals. Some plans will have you cross train to help your body grow stronger overall (think swimming and circuit training) while also scheduling runs based on time or distance. You can also start 8 weeks in advance, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and so forth. Nike+ RunClub also has a "coach" that will help you prepare for whatever length or run you desire to do. 

I didn't fall my plan to a T. I think it's hard to do that in a span of 3 months. The longer the run however, the better focused you should be. I never ran as far as I should of during my training, and I found that the last few miles of the Minnetonka Half was brutal. So make a point to find a plan and stick to it to the best of your ability. 

2. Hydrate 

Most races start earlier in the morning so life can carry on as usual for most people. And because I value sleep, I sleep in as late as possible before I have to drive to wherever the race is. All this adds up to the fact that I never give myself the adequate amount of water I should be drinking prior to the race. Because you will inevitably sweat during your race, you will lose ample amount of water. And without coming prepared, it'll be that much harder for your heart to deliver oxygen to the muscles. Essentially, you'll feel sluggish. Not the perfect feeling for race day. 

Love me some water. And some medals.

How much water do you need? Well, that is a little unclear. Everybody is a little different and will require different amounts of water. But make a point to drink some in the morning. 

During the race, especially as they get longer, you will be provided hydrating stations. Bless those volunteer's hearts. This can help you revitalize yourself and feel brand new. Also worth mentioning that at some of these stations they provide drinks like Gatorade or Powerade to help boost you even more. Now I'm not one to buy these drinks unless I've been ill and need a source of electrolytes, but during a race it's like manna from  heaven.

Finally, after the race is long gone, continuing drinking water. Really, just always drink water in everyday life. Your body will thank you. 

3. Create a Great Playlist 

I've written posts on this before and can't stress to you enough how important it is to have good music (or good podcasts if that's what you're in to). As I re-read that post, I saw songs that I wouldn't put on my list anymore (worn out) and thought of new songs that need to be their replacements. But many of those songs are still ones I would put on a longer race playlist. 

Nothing makes me more crazy than hearing myself breath during a race. Maybe it doesn't bother everyone, but for me it reminds me of how out of shape I sound. I sound like I'm going to die. Probably dramatic, but I like the idea of how I look and how I sound when I breathe than the reality of it all. If I have the image that I am a gazelle that could run all day, then I have a better chance of finishing the race strong. 

Running with a friend? I've done those races and I find myself still needing music to keep me going, even if I'm only listening with one earbud in. 

If you don't know where or how to begin to make a running playlist, you can probably find some by searching the internet, YouTube or through Apple Music and Pandora/Spotify. 

4. Wear Good Shoes 

My beautiful Brooks. You complete me.

Guys. This is a serious one. I should know, I seem to be more and more injury prone as the years go on. Running is hard on the body. Some say it's even bad for you (which I choose to ignore because it's my favorite way to work out.) It's one thing to be running every once in a while -- a mile here, a mile there -- but as soon as you decide to run regularly, you need to buy the right "equipment" to do so. That means dropping some $$$ on shoes that'll get you where you want to be. 

I would first suggest going to a running store that can help decide what type of shoe you will need. I tend to overpronate (I put more pressure on the insides of my feet, thus needing shoes that provide extra support there to balance me out) but you might have a reverse issue, high arches, etc. These people are professional runners typically and will know exactly what you need. 

As far as brands, I think it's users choice. I've used Nike and maybe Adidas once or twice, but I'm currently hooked on Brooks. They give me ample support for my running style and don't make my toes feel squished. 

Once you find your shoe, try finding it in cheaper places. Or places like Run n' Fun in Minneapolis and St. Paul, give you a discount if you are apart of a running club. It's worth signing up for a club just for the discount! 

Another thing to keep in mind is how much mileage you have put on your shoes. I was not aware of this, but your shoes break down after a certain distance. The support is less supportive and the soles get worn down. Most runner websites will say you can get 300-500 miles out of your shoes. That might mean you get new shoes every year, or even every six months. But if running is your thing, it's incredibly important to keep your feet as supported as possible. 

5. Have Fun 

At the end of the day, it's just a race. People you know may or may not come cheer for you. You'll pass runners and runners will pass you. You'll probably feel frustrated at some point. You may or may not make your goal for time. You might get injured. You might have to walk more than you thought. But you should be proud of the task you took on. Not many people can say they've run a half marathon (or a marathon). Heck, in 2016 only 17 million people in the US ran a 5k (meaning 306 million did not run). Be proud of that fact alone. 

Running with friends can be great

The beauty of a race is that there is always another one. Another one to get set a new PB (personal best). Another one to walk less. Another one to get through. Another one with beautiful scenery. Sign up for a race that you will love. I've done one by the ocean, one from Minneapolis to St. Paul, one around a lake, and soon, one in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Find the one that interests you most, and do that one. They even have 5ks where you get beer at the end, if that's your thing. Find one that feels right for you. 

I always think that I should never run a race again while I'm in the midst of one, but by the end of the race and the few weeks after, I have that high and am scrambling to find my next race, whatever the distance. The runner's high is real and very addictive. And I live off of it. No matter how I do in a race, I'm always proud of myself afterward. 

What a beautiful way to start a morning

I hope this helps you all! If you have any questions or want to know more, I'm happy to help! Good luck to you all this year! 

Always, 
A