Banish the blahs

Here in the Pacific Northwest, our winters are relatively mild.  But what sometimes gets me down are the gray skies and longer hours of darkness. It doesn't help that I've reverted back to the grays and blacks that are so popular around here.  So I'm dredging up my loudest prints and hoping a splash of color will help me snap out of it!

Do I really need another challenge, and from an old friend too

Skiing is one of my passions and I have been practicing at Crystal Mountain for about 28 years.  Just when I'm feeling confident about skiing anywhere on the mountain, today I meet a narrow, icy, tree stump pitted chute. Did I mention that it was steep and like an ice wall?!  I guess it's a reminder that lif continues to be exciting when faced with challenges.

All set for Work and Play

Alison looking sporty AND professional in her versatile Wahine Sport cap sleeve top!

Adventures in a Penal Colony

I'm going off the beaten path to the steamy jungle discovering all kinds of cool flora and fauna.  Destination:  French Guiana.  Located next to Brazil and the setting for the book/movie Papillon and location of the French space agency where satellites are launched.  The limited extent of what I know about the place.  It will truly be an adventure of discovery. 

Marathon Expo Joy

I've worked so many expos selling activewear and accessories. Finally, I got to experience an expo as a civilian.  Walking around and seeing other booths and businesses, made me evaluate my own expo setup and strategy.  Sometimes we need to look through a different lens.  In my case, it was experiencing the event as a customer and not a vendor.  Very different perspective indeed!  It's fun on both sides and I missed not being a vendor.  Being a vendor and running a marathon the next day isn't usually talked about in training schedules :) 

Run Walk Run = No Pain Marathon

I'm an official believer in Jeff Galloway's run walk marathon plan.  Put it to the test last Saturday and completed the Santa Barbara marathon with a big smile on my face and walking away pain free!  So now I am totally addicted to marathons.  My goal is to enjoy the next marathon as much as the last one!

Cool Crisp Morning Runs in Arm Sleeves

Fall in Seattle has one of the best climates for running.  Cool and crisp, not frigid and frightening.  Of course, it helps that it has been relatively dry so far.  I've been perfecting my layering techniques and I think I've found the combination.  Short sleeve top with arm sleeves through October.  Long sleeve top over arm sleeves starting in November.  Give it a try.