I like to give people nicknames.. mainly people I really like..(well- or dislike, because I give those people interesting nicksnames too..) But for people I like, it’s just a way for me to show affection. I mean, really if you know someone better than most people do, then the world deserves to know that you gave that person a legit nickname. Take Jen Vogel, for instance: Jen and I started to grow close last year. Then, seeing as Jen plucked herself out of the redneck infiltrated state of Georgia to move to the beachy Florida, God only knows why, our blossoming friendship was whittled down to lengthy phone calls. It was during these phone calls that I began to notice a reoccurring theme in our chats- I’d call and ask Jen about a question of life, and Jen would respond with some kind of Yoda-ish answer that could have been complete bull for all I knew, but it would always sound prophetic.
Seeking Out Inspiration in Death Valley
Let me be straight with you guys…ahh geez this is gonna get ugly- I can feel it.
I lost interest in ultrarunning earlier this year…
Yeah I kind of hinted around at it in a few posts, and, if you follow any of the ridiculous stuff I write on twitter with Jen.. You most definitely would have picked up on it.
Sedona – Moving Forward
After we finished our canyon run, Amber and I hopped in the jeep and headed south for yet another run through the enchanted red rocks of Sedona. During our road trip- filled with more music, laughter, and sharing- I realized at that moment, I had never before felt so free. Continue reading “Sedona – Moving Forward”
Blooming in the Desert: The Decision (Ch. 4)
(Please read Chapters 1, 2, & 3 before this post!)
The Sign
“So whad’ya think, Ambs?”
Amber and I were going back and forth- taking turns between Devil’s Advocate and Gutsy Adventurer- trying to decide exactly what we should do at this point.
Do we finish out our adventure of a lifetime?
Do we play it safe and turn around?
Our guts were telling us to turn around, but ironically- our guts were propelling us forward. We simply didn’t know which “guts” to listen to:
“It’s 1:18.” I said, “Think we can tackle the rest of that climb, then run 13 back to phantom ranch before they close at 4 to get more food?”
“I mean… Probably.. If we push it? But do we chance that? That’s a really big chance to take, ya know? I mean, Ash..we don’t get any food and we’re toast. We’ve got kids and husbands waiting by the phone to make sure we are okay. One wrong move out here and we could be dead.” Continue reading “Blooming in the Desert: The Decision (Ch. 4)”
Blooming in the Desert: The Adventure (Ch.3)
(Please read Blooming in the Desert Chapters 1 & 2 before continuing.)
Let’s Do This.
Trying to contain an overwhelming excitement, one that has been growing and building for months, is like trying to keep a juicy secret from your best friend.
You just can’t do it…
You always cave.
Continue reading “Blooming in the Desert: The Adventure (Ch.3)”
Blooming in the Desert: The Intrigue (Ch.2)
(Please read Blooming in the Desert: The Buildup (Ch.1) before reading this post. )
We couldn’t wait any longer, Amber and I had to see this giant piece of Earth we had traveled so far to see. So we hopped in the jeep and set out to find the best view of the South Rim. We drove around, still unable to catch that first glimpse, until we found the sign for Bright Angel Trailhead. Ahh the starting point of our Rim to Rim to Rim run. There must be a view here!… Continue reading “Blooming in the Desert: The Intrigue (Ch.2)”
Blooming in the Desert: The Buildup (Ch.1)
This will be a long one, so I’m breaking it up into a few posts. This way, you can take your time sharing each moment as it happened with us- the good, the bad, the sad, the beautiful. Follow along, and add your thoughts if you want! Enjoy!:)
Continue reading “Blooming in the Desert: The Buildup (Ch.1)”
A Quest for What’s Real
Today, as I was getting my hair done, ...rare, I know... my hair dresser, a close friend of mine, asked if I had heard from a certain old mutual acquaintance of ours that had lost touch with me. I told her I hadn’t, “I don’t keep up with anyone any more unless they’re a genuine close friend of mine.”
How to Be Ultra Cool
I’ve never met a truly elite ultra athlete that I didn’t like. Ever. I know several, too. All of them have talent just oozing from their pores, world championship titles and records on their legs, and the most humble sense of self to top it all off.
But if you move a step lower than the ultra talented, sub 13 hour 100 miler dudes, to just a fraction lower…No. Lower…Okay..Just a little lower than that….STOP! BINGO!!! Right there at the almost-almost-not quite-elite-but-still-talented runners, you will find the hidden gems of serious ultra coolness. You can usually spot these shining stars decked out in their favorite brand errr their sponsor’s gear, and no doubt at the very very front of the pack, taking life-and all things running-very very seriously.
Taking the Biking World By Storm- One Fall At a Time
You know, after that impromptu century, I never really thought I could destroy my body via bike more than I already had. I was wrong……
Continue reading “Taking the Biking World By Storm- One Fall At a Time”
ASHRUNS100s 