Key West or Bust!

 

This past week, Craig and I ventured with some friends to the Florida Keys for the Keys 100 Ultramarathon. 

A few months ago, Craig got this crazy idea to run 50 miles through the heat of Florida from Marathon Key to Key West.  Craig completed several training runs, some breaking personal records in speed and distance.  Not only were were excited about the race, but also about an awesome vacation with great friends. 

 

The night of arrival, we stayed in Key Largo, where we went to Wahoo's Restaurant with the APG crew.  The place had a great view of the ocean and some amazing key lime pie. 

 

Wahoos, Key Largo

The next day, we took a snorkeling excursion into Molasses Reef.  Here, we were able to get up close and person with fish, coral, and all kinds of sea creatures!  Needless to say, it was a great time, besides the bout of sea sickness after about 45 minutes in the water! 

Saturday was the big race!  Craig and a few other APG members started in Marathon, FL on their 50 mile adventure.  To make a long story short, they did amazing and pushed through every challenge they encountered! Craig even placed first in his age group! 

Finisher!

That evening, we checked into La Te Da, a quaint hotel in Key West on Duvall St.  Since we were all exhausted, we ate a nice meal, and went to bed early. 

 

The next day, we enjoyed an early breakfast, and went to the awards ceremony to celebrate all of the APG crew's accomplishments, then headed to the beach for some R & R.  The beaches in Key West are small, but beautiful.  The water is clear, the waves are mild, and the sun is hot.  We were in paradise. 

That evening, we headed to Duvall St. and Mallory Square, where we cut loose, enjoyed lots of laughter and fun. If you have the opportunity to go to Key West, there are two locations I would recommend checking out:

- Sunset at Mallory Square (be sure to watch the "cat man" performance!)

- Flying Monkey Bar, here they have the best frozen drinks! 

 

Mallory Square Sunset

After such a great week, I have never been so proud of both Craig (my hero!) and my awesome friends.  Each of them are such an inspiration to the type of person I am striving to be.  They say, you are the company you keep, and I keep awesome company! 

 

On Monday, we headed back to Ft. Lauderdale and enjoyed sometime with an old friend.  Now, we are back in the groove of our routine.  Next up, Sunday's Half Marathon! Updates to come!

 

Cheers,

 

Samantha

 

 

 

Your Daily Dose of Stillness

 

 

 

 

I am constantly on the go. Wake up, work, volunteer, workout, dinner, friends, family, boyfriend, dog, and life in general each have their own demands. Typically, by Wednesday or Thursday of each week, I am on overload and need some sort of rejuvination.

 

A usual week night wind down would include talking with Craig, eating dinner, watching TV, and social networking.  Most would consider each of these things "relaxing".  What I have realized is that what I actually needed was to quiet my mind.  Each of these activities involve some type of stimulation, when in reality I needed stillness. 

Whether it be sitting on the patio with my eye closed listening to the birds, laying in the bathtub, stretching after a workout, or driving down the road with no music and the windows down, these activities are now becoming part of my daily routine.  I am finding that these few moments of stillness allow me to become more in tune with my needs and perspective.  My mind doesn't seem so scattered, and I am embracing each day (not just the weekend). 

This aspect of mental health is just as valuable as any physical activity.  As I continue training, I am learning more about mental strength.  Physical changes are those you can see and feel, while mental toughness can be more of an ebb and flow.  These moments of stillness serve as reminders to both my physical and mental abilities. 

I am in love with the person I am becoming, mentally and physically.  As I continue to evolve, I am learning more about my inner stregth and capability.  My daily dose of stillness is one way to appreciate myself and share this gratitute with those around me. 

Cheers to Continued Evolution,

Samantha