Beautiful Walk Around Portland

I've always vowed that I would never live in Portland.... but it's starting to win me over. With the day in front of us and no plans, Brian, Kelli and I set a foot to explore the town. All I have seen of the town really is what I have driven past in route to a destination (soccer games, Kelli's place, shopping, cross country races, ect.) but I really have taken an appreciation to this city. I love NW, I looooove the pearl district, and I love the vib. Turns out you can have fun with out spending money! It was a perfect day with the sun coming out and much to explore!

The walk ended in a jaunt back to the apartment when we heard the SDSU v. Temple was going into double overtime! Thank you SDSU for keeping my bracket alive! And sorry to Kelli who rolled her ankle 10 feet from her apartment.... (she's good and it was totally worth it!)

Pictures were taken in the Pearl District!

Who Says

Call me cheesy, but I'm kind of obsessed with her, this song and video right now....

Alter-G

I got an incredible opportunity to use a machine called an Alter-G. Basically it's an anti-gravity machine for the treadmill. Your bottom half is secluded in a camber where you can decide how much gravity is being used and then run on a treadmill. I got to run at 65% gravity. And getting out of the machine was a trip because my legs literally felt as though they weighed 50 pounds heavier than before I got it! It's an amazing resource and I'm so thankful for the people who made it possible for me to use and who opened their homes to me. Just one step closer into recovery and becoming stronger each day.

In this experience, I had the opportunity to meet the at one point American Record holder for the 5k, Dathan Ritzenhein who is currently injured as well. It was just so encouraging to see that it happens to everyone but as a running community we have an incredible understanding of what it takes mentally and physically to go after your goals. It was such a reminder that I need to take things slow and remember the goals that I have. Patience is key. I get so anxious and excited to be able to run that I want to push more than I should, which eventually does and has ended up in more injury. But with talking with Dathan, someone who has had a taste of greatness and now being held back from that, was exactly what I needed and so influencing. I have goals just like he has goals, and it's all about how we approach it. Thank you for opening up your home to me and giving me that much needed boost of energy!

I Want This.