LUSH! LUSH! LUSH!

No other way to describe how beautiful Boulder is right now... best told posting pictures of the hike Jess and I did this afternoon around 5pm... Good climb up, at one point we realized we were really pushing hard and slowed the pace down a little so we could appreciate the beauty around us a little more :-)

Just so beautiful!!

Carter & I

Another gorgeous view looking South

Jess & Carter at the top

My best attempt to get us with beautiful background :-)

UFC 99 - Vacation Wrap Up

Where to begin?

Last Tuesday (09JUN) was the travel day, with a morning arrival in Amsterdam on Wednesday (10JUN)

Must start by saying Lindsey is awesome, she came over Monday night and helped me come up with fun trendy outfits to take with me, that would have me fitting right in with those Europians :-) it was really fun to actually go thru my closet and find new ways to wear some of my stuff for when I get back, I have been pre-warned by Lindsey that I better not show up for an outing with her again wearing jeans and a tshirt, now that she knows what hangs in my closet, ha ha

Day One - Amsterdam - We made our way to our hotel, luckily Nicole had been there many times before so she navigated us thru the city and we made it to our quaint hotel. Rested a bit, showered, then went out in search of dinner and beer. Not a big drinker by any means, but all that traveling made me crave a beer, I think it has been about 15yrs since I have craved a beer :-)

We were walking along in the rain and I said out loud "I was just picturing us eating in a hole in the wall" and I am not kidding you, about 20sec later we look up and there was a pub called "Hole in the Wall" so we took it as a sign and enjoyed a yummy dinner and some Old Speckled Hen beers.

From there we set out for another walk, which landed us in a dance type bar, where I made my way to the stage with a pole and earned myself an american dollar, just like the good ol' days, ha ha... we had a blast then called it a night.

Day Two - Started day in Amsterdam, walked around looked into shops etc. then did the tourist thing and went to Anne Franks house, which was really really amazing. Wild to be so close to history like that, makes you speechless from time to time. After our day out and about, we got our luggage and headed to catch our train to Cologne. We got there 6min before our train took off so we definitely got our workout in that day sprinting thru the train station :-)

Train ride went to Cologne via Brussels, beautiful country side, and we watched a movie on the computer, so it made the 4hrs go by quickly. I started to get more and more nervous on the train as we made our way to Cologne, knowing I would see Marcus soon, and remembering that we were going there to watch him fight against Dan Hardy.

Into Cologne safely we made our way to our hotel and then had a nice casual dinner, with more excitement building up, knowing we were getting closer to seeing Marcus.

Day Three - we got a good workout in in the morning then we did a little shopping before getting ready for the weigh-in. When we got to the weigh-in we had no idea what to expect, nor how to get in touch with Marcus. So Nicole did some smooth talking and got one of the security guards to ecort us behind the scenes so we could maybe find out how to get our tickets, the lasts thing I wanted was to distract Marcus from prepping and all that jazz going on back there, but he turned our way, I waved and within moments he was running over and gave me a great big hug. It was so good to see him after 6 months!!

We chatted until weigh-in time, then went and watched the weigh-in. When the weigh-in was complete we said our goodbyes and said that we would touch base with him that night or Saturday morning. I opted for Saturday morning, as I didn't want to interrupt his routine or anything, I know how I feel before an Ironman, so can only imagine what he was feeling before something much bigger...

We had a great local dinner that night and met some friendly German men who helped us with the menu, and made sure we tried the local brewed Cologne beer. Had a beautiful stroll thru the City that night, and met Rich Franklin and wished him luck. He was very down to earth and have to admit, even cuter in person :-)

Day Four - Saturday 13JUN09 - Fight Night

We got in another good workout, Nicole headed to the gym and I headed out on the streets of Cologne for a nice run. Ran along the Rhein and thru the City streets, I really love to run in new places, it gives you a whole different perspective of the trip and a special memory. I did it during my trip to Italy and again when I drove across the country with Rob, and will continue to do it for future travels to come.

We called Marcus in the morning and he was resting, we decided that if he were to leave the hotel he would leave the tickets at the front desk, but luckily when we got to the hotel, he was still chilling in his room. He gave us our tickets, and we hung out for a little bit, got another picture with Marcus, and we headed back into City for lunch/touring/shopping.

Then it was fight time, we got ready and headed over to the arena... I can't put into words how nervous I was, I have a hard time watching him on the tele, so had no idea what it would be like to watch it live. I became quiet for some time, and made friends with Mark's Polish friends sitting next to us.

Watching a UFC event live was pretty intense, I'm glad I was there to experience this part of Marcus's life again. The last time I saw him live was when he was still boxing and it was at the Roxy in Boston. I am so proud of him, so proud of the man he has grown into and am grateful for all the memories that I have with him and for him. It sucked to see him with a loss and left me wondering if I should bother him after the fight.

We had agreed earlier that we would meet him back at the hotel, but I think we all just assumed this was going to be a win, it never even crossed my mind that there was any other outcome possible, guess that is just a sign of the strength of my belief in him :-) Nicole and I went back to our hotel and changed, then walked over.

I was having lots of mixed feelings, trying to think of how he would be feeling, if he would rather just be alone or just get a phone call to say goodbye. But luckily, I was able to see him and tell him I was proud of him. Doubt it changed how he was feeling much, but I do believe he trusts me and our friendship, so hopefully he could sense some of the pride and love!

I hope I get to see another fight, especially if they get to fight in Boston this year!!

Proud of you as always MPD and I will forever be on your side!

Day Five - Last Full Day - off to Frankfurt Germany

In as few words as possible, our last day was an adventure to remember, but will leave that to Nicole and I. It was full of driving with foreign signs, a 3hr search for a calling card in a City that is closed down on Sunday's, and ended with a fantastic meal and some red wine for me and white wine for Nicole during a thunder storm :-)

And just like that it was time to head back. Flights all went smoothly and got back on time, Jason was a saint and picked me up from the airport. Then I got to see Carter Marshall who was more than excited to see me!!

It's good to be home, but always a downer to finish a vacation, especially one that included seeing Marcus, someone who is very very special to me!!

Here are a few pics from the trip:

The Dom - Cologne Germany


Nicole Enjoying an American Breakfast in Cologne


Cologne


Cologne


Side Street in Amsterdam

Wondering how many times I will promise myself to continue with blogging :-) I just really don't have a good idea how to float thru blogging, so one post can take me a long time to insert pics and move them to where they belong in the post... time for a "Blogging for Dummies" book I think!

I wanted to blog about our marathon journey a couple of weeks ago, but here it is nearly 2 weeks later and I am faced with a summary account of the weekend.

Due to a pending storm hitting Denver, and warnings of delays and cancellations, Allison & I agreed it was best to fly out early... that ended up being such a great decision, I got to spend a beautiful day with Katie & Allison. Katie was her usual charming self... here she is giving both Laura then Ryan a nice back massage:

After some fun in the sun on a beautiful Boston Spring Day, Allison and I headed to the Expo and got our numbers and met up with Tania:

The rest of the weekend was filled with lots of hydrating, spending time with Allison, Katie and friends. Sunday John gave us a nice good luck gathering at his studio in Winthrop. A good amount of Eddie's family and Allison's family came out to show their support for us as did some of our friends. It was a sure reminder of what our mission was the next day! Allison came up with a wonderful idea of how to show our thanks to our fundraising supporters by using our Dana-Farber banners! After that gathering, Allison & I headed into Boston to join a good number of the other 562 Dana-Farber runners at a pasta party. It was emotional and inspiring and it was nice to spend some alone time with Allison. Here are a few pictures to capture Sunday:

Having some technical difficulties so going to post this for now, so that the entire time it has taken me to do this small bit isn't for nothing :-) More later....

Marathon Time

Tomorrow will be my 15th stand alone marathon, 18th time covering the distance and my 6th Boston... But it will be my first time running the entire distance step by step with friends and for a charity that has sadly impacted the lives of people that I love very very much!!!

Every marathon always feels like the first one way or another, and you never quite know what to expect, or what the day will bring, but this one is so special and close to my heart!

I will be documenting the journey with my camera and plan to have a great blog afterwards!!

STAY TUNED

Cheers to Someone I Love to Pieces...

This weekend I was reminded of what it means to have a dream and to continue to strive towards it no matter what it takes or how long.

Marcus has been pushing himself for years to reach a level higher each time he steps into the octagon (formerly ring), and continues to find the next hardest fight/challenge and takes his fitness to the next level (which if you know how fit Marcus is, seems impossible to do...)

He has an incredible means for discipline, all the way from his routine, eating habits and most importantly the daily sacrafices he makes to get there. I wish I had an ounce of his discipline.

He has renewed my spirit at a time when I have let a current work situation take away something very important to me, and that I have allowed to be an excuse for the past few months, as always Marcus finds a way to impact my life positively, without even knowing... well okay I make sure I tell him!!

I love you to pieces MPD!!

I often get so wrapped up in my own sport that I forget to look oustide of it for role models and for people to look up to or to use as inspiration. Luckily, I have someone like Marcus in my life that reminds me every 3 or 4 months that anything is possible!!

Now just hoping that Natalie and I can carry that with us into our challenge in 2009 to complete the Triple Bypass Bike Ride... I'll have to make sure the UFC schedules Marcus for another fight this spring, ha! ha!

New Motivation Ideas

So with every new year, you read articles about how to stick to a new plan, or you see postings at the gym enticing old and new members to join the latest trend that will ensure they stick to their workout resolutions this year...

Well this year I am trying to come up with my own....

1. The more time I spend trying to understand what Marcus does to prepare for his fights, the more it makes me want to become a UFC Fighter myself... okay, kidding, but the discipline it takes to be in that type of shape is inspiring... so Motivation Idea #1 is to take a boxing/kickboxing class again after many many years being away that type of workout... Does anyone remember Boxer Joey DeGrandis from Boston? I took a class with him at the Boston Athletic Club for about 9 months and I was in sick shape then... I LOVED that stuff!!!

2&3. As I wrap up this project and am quickly reminded of two more Motivational Ideas #2 & #3 - The 4mo of gym fees gone to waste and the exercise Carter has been robbed of. When I get back to Boulder in a month, my gym will be happy to see me every day again and Carter will be happy to be reaquainted with his leash.

4. Last but not least, my favorite number 4, so this has to be a good one... Motivation Idea #4 is travel, this seems like a good year to visit friends I haven't seen in a while and find races near them to have motivation to keep in shape and see special friends at the same time... Running and Triathlons have always given me a reason to continue my jet setting, so now I'm pairing it up with dear friends.... perfect mixture!!

Would love to hear what your Motivation Ideas are for 2009!!

Cheers

Joni

3yr Hiatus Comes to an End - Time to Blog

Well with friends getting into being clever bloggers, I remembered that I had this blog out there and since it is the start of a new year and some new challenges, I thought this would be a great time to start back up!

I have officially withdrawn from Ironman Canada, I signed up knowing I had a couple of months to make up my mind, and with the project that I have been assigned to for the past few months and the diminishing time available to workout, I realized that I would be starting from scratch training again, rather than building on Ironman Wisconsin as I had hoped to. As much as it tugged at my heart to withdraw, I knew that it was the right thing to do for me right now.

The project will hopefully be wrapping up the end of January and I can get back into the swing of things. I am not a happy camper when I am not working out, and to add to that sitting in my car at a freezing cold job site for about 10hrs a day, this chiquita gets cranky... I guess that makes it a good thing I'm not around my friends during the week, ha ha!!

Regardless, I am excited for the new year, I am excited for the new challenges that I have decided to take on! And more importantly the challenges that some of my closest friends have opted in for... First Marathons, First Triathlons, soooo Exciting!!!

Personally, the first challenge is the Boston Marathon in April.

As most of you know Allison & I have been given the opportunity to give back to Dana Farber in memory of Eddie and to help bring awareness to and raise funds for the Fight against Cancer.
To date I am happy to announce that we are more than 2/3 to our fundraising goal, with our training just starting we will focus on completing the final fundraising efforts and hopefully shoot right past our goal set of $3000ea for a Grand Total of $6000.

For donations go to www.rundfmc.org/jonif2009

I am also starting the year with a nasty cold, but as I start to feel a little better today, it makes me feel brand new and craving that great feeling of being out in the fresh crisp air for a nice run. Hopefully I can keep that loving feeling as I get 100%

I am guessing that hanging out with Amy this weekend in Florida will spark that last bit of energy I need to get back on track. She always has such a positive impact on my mental health and my passion for being fit!! If I want her to continue to use me as a reference for www.bodiesbybadger.com I better fit the part :-)

Cheers and I look forward to getting back up to speed... I won't try to bore you with all that has happened the past 3yrs since my last blog... since you all know anyways...

Joni