Climb on

A full and fun weekend. One of those weekends where I really count my  blessings. I love living in Portland, I have great friends, etc..

Stepping back a bit- last week I had some really great runs in the beautiful fall weather. I did the waterfront run with Alisa, I did a fast-ish run with Zach, and we also did a trail run together – probably the last time we’ll get out after work (with the time change coming) and also the last time we’ll run without getting a lower-body mud bath. It was great. I officially like running again.

So this weekend- Saturday Zach and I went to the Portland Rock Gym for an Intro to Climbing class. He’s been going for about a month (plus, he used to go all the time as a kid), but I’d never been. Turns out, I LOVE it! I had a blast. It was a little scary, and definitely tough, but I caught right on. I think all the yoga has given me good upper body strength and great balance, so I did good my first time out. It was awesome. Pics below! We spent the evening over at our friends’ house playing Pictionary and drinking beer and laughing our asses off.

Today we went out to the eastern end of the Springwater trail for a run. It was pouring rain and cold and windy. Booooo! I kept it really easy and managed to finish feeling strong, although thoroughly soaked. I ran 11 miles which is the farthest I’ve run in like 2 months I think. Yay!

We went out to brunch at Besaw’s and then cleaned up and headed back to the climbing gym. I tried some harder stuff and just practiced really  basic movements and tried to get a feel for it. Zach did some really hard routes and I got to test my belaying skills as he fell several times, ha! Good stuff.

Just now got back from yoga, but it was an easy stretching and meditation class- just what I needed.

I’m feeling very versatile. I love it.

Photos!

Last dry trail run of the year:

   

Climbing – my first belay:

My first climb:

“Take!”

Bouldering:

After the climbing lesson, Bunk Sandwiches!

 

Finishing long run today in rainy fall weather:

Have a great week gang!

Autumn in Oregon

Another spectacular fall weekend, this time back home. The weather has cooled off quite a bit- down to 40 overnight and only barely getting above 60 at the warmest, but SO sunny and gorgeous. The leaves are changing and the sky is so blue; it’s a beautiful combination. We spent as much time outside this weekend as possible, because we know the rain will start soon.

Friday night I had a great run- I think I got my mojo back! I ran 6 miles at a 9:00 pace and it felt great. Saturday I got up early and went to power yoga, and then Zach and I did a 20 mile mountain bike ride up in Forest Park. We had lunch and beers at Rouge and then soaked away the rest of the crisp afternoon in the hot tub on the roof. I took a nap and then we got ready for a fun night out- we saw Doug Benson at the Helium Comedy Club. I love him! (Doug Loves Movies is part of my regular and extensive podcast regimen) Great show. Finished the night out walking like 4 miles home in my awesome new/vintage boots… a rookie mistake but I was insistently cheap cab-wise.

Today we slept in and then drove out to Hood River, our favorite spot in the Gorge (possibly the world). We started off with a long run of 9 miles on the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail, which is breathtakingly scenic and a great run. It’s pretty hilly, but both Zach and I noticed the hills weren’t so bad this time- all that trail running must be paying off! I felt great and ran an 8:50 average pace.

After the run, we had lunch in Hood River at our favorite cafe. (Veggie panini and a peanut butter cookie). We drove up Highway 35 to the Draper’s Farm and spent the afternoon picking several pounds of perfect apples. Actually, before the perfect-apple-picking began, I made friends with a bee! He stung my finger. Meanie. I have had bad bug luck this year! I sucked it up and continued on the apple quest like a hero. So fun. After visiting the petting zoo and the pumpkin patch, we drove home. I just went to Yin yoga and Zach is simmering a stew, and an episode of the Wire awaits.

Life is good.

Proof:

 

Thanks for reading. :)

Autumn in Montana

We just returned from a long weekend road trip to Montana. It was a perfect visit, although too short as always. We had great weather- nothing beats a beautiful fall day in Montana. We also had great company on the drive – Deana and Dana, we had a blast talking and playing travel bingo. At home we spent time with so many friends and relatives and just enjoyed every second of it. My mom is doing great and everyone was in such a great mood, it was awesome to be around. :)

My foot and attitude continue to improve and I had a couple amazing runs there. The elevation and dry air kind of kill me but I still loved it.

Here are a few pictures. First, the landscape and a few family photos, and then a ton of running pictures. Enjoy! 

 

 

 

In between all that sight-seeing and visiting, we ran:

First, on Saturday, we ran up Mount Helena. We gained about 1000 feet of elevation in 1.75 miles, peaking at about 5,400 feet elevation. It HURT!

 

Second run on Sunday- 7 miles through Helena. We ran up along the base of the mountain and back to the house.

Thanks so much for stopping by. :)