Run Like You Stole Something

Motivation is easy to experience when working or volunteering at an event where one witnesses many others accomplishing their long time goals. After working this year’s 35^th annual Kiawah Island Marathon, I found this same motivation, and chose to start training for a half marathon myself.

 My first race I would love to run is the one located at my work place, and favorite Island; the Kiawah Marathon! Being given the responsibility of being a course manager for this race, I have come to terms with the fact that working and running the same event, is not a feasible option. Because of this I am choosing to run the St. Jude Country Music ½ Marathon located in the country music capital, Nashville, TN.

Having trained for a half marathon previously, but then stereotypically not following through and signing up for the race, I thought going through the training process again and actually crossing the finish line would be a great goal to accomplish in 2013.  While training, running on Kiawah provides a surreal experience.   During the winter months vacationers tend to shy away from Kiawah, so while on long runs, it’s as if I am the only one for miles.  With Kiawah having over 30 miles of bike paths and 11 miles of packed sand beaches, finding a different route to run everyday is simple. Also, the abundance of wildlife I experience on runs is mystical. Pelicans diving for fish, dolphin’s jumping through waves, bucks and fawns grazing on grass a couple feet away along with alligators and turtles sunbathing, the entertainment is endless. There is also the sense of smell which is used when smelling the marshes or seasonal vegetation that is in bloom, something definitely unique to our ecological island.  Add all of these factors to a blissful 50-60 degrees, with no humidity and let’s face it, there isn’t much more a runner could as for…. except one thing. Hills!

I should have known from the line in Lee Greenwood’s song, “…from the hills of Tennessee” what I was getting myself into when I signed up for this race. However this didn’t become a reality until I drove the course myself this weekend and witnessed the hilly terrain I was going to tackle in what now seems like a very short 3 months away.

Pushing myself to my physical limits, gives me the sense of accomplishment and motivation that is needed for me to reach other goals in other area of my life. I’m sure not everyone feels this way while running, but for me it’s what works. Currently, I am on track with my training, since running on Kiawah is so enjoyable. I just hope when I encounter downtown Broadway around mile 3 I hope I choose to hydrate at a water station, and not a bar =] 

Just keep Running, 

Chelsey

Things I've learned while running

1) Pelicans ALWAYS dive to the left, in order to protect their vital organs on the right side of their body.

2) United States of Pop 2012 by DJ Earworm is the best song to run to... ever

3 ) Contrary to popular belief, running in the rain is actually refreshing 

Back to Reality...

Aspen exceeded all my expectations and then some. Not only that, but all 4 flights we took were on time, and when I travel that is a rare occurrence.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday my life was very routine, just like many vacations tend to be. The day started off by waking up around 7:30AM enjoying some classic cartoons thanks to Hank, the 9 year old, and then layering on snowboarding gear in order to be the first ones on the slopes by 8:30AM.  From 8:30AM until the ski lifts closed at 3:30PM the only break we took  was to stop somewhere for lunch. Which included places such as Sam's Smokehouse and Cafe Suzanne. After making our exhausting last run for the day, all of us would stumble back to our condo, almost too tired to walk. We then would have about an hour and a half to relax and freshen up, before we needed to be on the 5PM bus into Aspen in order to arrive to our dinner reservations on time.  The free bus ride into Aspen from Snowmass Village took around 30 minutes, stopping at various places along the way such as Buttermilk (where the x games take place) and the Aspen airport. After dinner we took the 8:45PM bus  back to Snowmass, which would give us just enough time to run back to the condo, make a rum and Coke and hit the hot tub before it closed at 10PM =] I am not embarrassed to  say I was in bed by 10:30PM every night; with that kind of schedule it was impossible to fight of sleep much longer.

Now of course all of this didn't happen without some entertaining stories along the way.  The first taking place on Tuesday morning during our first run of the day. Myself, Tom, Cooper (age 14) and Hank( age 9) were flying down a run because we were the only ones on the mountain that early in the morning. The thought of "I haven't boarded this fast in my life" was exactly what I was thinking milliseconds before the collision happened. That's right collision. Cooper, flying down the mountain as well, skied directly over my path, and clipped the front end of my snowboard. As you can imagine I flew head over heels multiple times until my fall was eventually broken, and Cooper was launched across the mountain; skis unattached.  Luckily for us, a bloody nose, a small black eye and a couple scratches on my face were the only evidence of the crash. It could have been much worse! 

There also was the time when I was coerced into going down a black diamond. (The above photo was taken moments before this story took place)  When I examined the hill before attempting to conquer it, it looked manageable... who was I kidding!?  Before I knew it I was thigh deep in powder, surrounded by pine trees and very steep ravines. Seeing the only way out was to take off my snowboard, I did so and started walking in the direction where I knew there was an easier trail. Keep in mind the rest of my party somehow ended up way ahead of me and are nowhere to be found. After reaching an opening in the trees, and a side of the mountain I could conquer, I sat down and started strapping on my board. Can things get worse? Of course. Being tired from the day since this happened around 3pm, and shaky, since I was just lost in the woods, before I knew it my board was riding down the hill without myself attached to it. My board final comes to a halt about 250 feet away from me, so as a result I have to scoot down on my butt until I reach it. Humiliating is an understatement. FINALLY reaching my board, and securing my feet this time, I am off the Sheer Bliss lift, where we all were planning on meeting.  Reunited with the rest of my party, I was frustrated because they left me, but realizing they were scared about my whereabouts,  I was just glad to see them.  From this we learned 2 things:

1) Always have me be in the front of the pack

2) No more double blacks. 

Looking back on this adventure at dinner, we all laughed. I mean these stories would only happen to me and you need some adventure in order to make the trip memorable  =]

Memories were also made off the mountain as well when we traveled into Aspen for our nights. The places we dined at were exquisite. From the posh decor,  unique menu's and the unbelievable customer service we received,these restaurants were the nicest dinners I have ever enjoyed. The list includes Brexi's Brasserie, BB's Kitchen and the most elegant of them all Montagna, which is located inside the 5 star Hotel The Little Nell located at the base of Ajax Mountain. (Ajax Mountain is home to Aspen Mountain) Brexi's Brasserie was a french cuisine and enjoying a drink in this establishment would be an excellent idea if you are in the neighborhood. Their bar area is complete with dim lighting and comfortable couches. Their bar area is also secluded from the rest of the restaurant making it much more private and comfortable than the normal dinning area.

BB's Kitchen was casual, family oriented but  yet still offered unique delicacies such as octopus, and calf's liver. They are planning on opening a porch seating area this upcoming spring which will over look a courtyard and will be complete with deck heaters in order to stay warm once the sun disappears. In order to wrap up the entire casual atmosphere waiters and waitress sport jeans, button downs and ties, along with converse shoes; the color of their choice.

When it comes to The Little Nell and dining at Montagna, our table was treated like royalty. My experience was comparable to the one Leonardo Dicaprio had, when he was dining in the first class of the historic Titanic. From the luscious sofa we sat on, the 68 page wine list (over 20,000 different bottles), the breathtaking view of Ajax Mountain and their home-made pastas, I couldn't as for much more. Our meal consisted of a 4 courses and with Montagna having a prix fixe dinner menu, it was too easy to ignore the prices.  Because on Montagna's well executed portions, along with the timing between when each course was served, guests leave feeling perfectly satisfied and are able to ignore the huge hole that formed in their wallet while they were enjoying =]

 Returning to college life after such an amazing trip has not been enjoyable or easy.  I have had to adjust back to my late night bedtimes, instant mashed potatoes and box macaroni and cheese dinners, along with attending classes I have skipped for an entire week. However, with spring break and Fort Lauderdale only 10 days away I think I will be able to handle the challenge =] 

Wish I saw a moose,

The Travelista

P.S. More things I learned on my trip out west...

1) Timberline Condominiums have heated roads and sidewalks!

2) Indianapolis International Airport does not have free Wifi and their long term parking is $12/day!

3) Although Denver International Airport does have free Wifi, one cannot watch shows off hulu.com or abc.com

4) Fat Tire is only distributed to 26 U.S. States

5) Sandwiches with Cole Slaw on them are delicious, even if you don't like cole slaw

6) The 5 Snow Cats that groom the ski slopes at Snowmass have 2 shifts: 4pm-12am and 12am-8am

7) opentable.com is a website where you can see available dinner reservations in your location and book right then and there

8) The term "Apres Ski" refers to the time after the ski lifts close and guests visit restaurants for a  quick drink and appetizers. Is comparable to Happy Hour.  Apres Ski takes place around 3pm and ends around 7pm.

Elevation: 8,606 feet

As I am writing this post I am in a location I have never been to, but have wanted to go; Aspen, Colorado. Since I learned how to ski at the ripe age of 7, I have been to many different mountains, or lack there of, but nothing compares to where I currently am. Aside from the "5-run hills" I have visited in Ohio and Indiana, I have also been to Boyne Mountain in northern Michigan, Peak N' Peek  and Holiday Valley in New York, and Okemo Mountain located in Vermont. Okemo currently holds the record for the most challenging and longest runs I have been on, but I know they are nothing compared to Snowmass. Okemo also was where I was when I witnessed 3 feet of snow fall in one night, and the wind chill reach a bitter -50 degrees.  Not only too cold to ski and board, but when my dad and I rode the chair lift, by the time we reached the top our breathe on our neck warmers had turned into frost forcing us to warm up in a warming hut before riding down the mountain. We did this once, and called it a day. Don't get me wrong I love an adventure, but worrying about frostbite and my fingers freezing off, is not for me.

Ever since this experience to Okemo Mountain, Vermont in 2005 we not only have never been back, but I haven't been snowboarding since.  Unless you count the hill in Southern Indiana, Paoli Peaks. We decided if we were going to spend the money on another ski trip, it was going to be out West, where the powder is endless and the temperature stays at a comfortable 30 degrees.

So here I am, staying at Timberline Resort, in a ski-in ski-out condo on Snowmass Mountain.  Ironically enough, I am not with my family, but with my boyfriend's dad, step-mom and 2 younger step-brothers. Seeing that  both my boyfriend, Tom and I  are seniors in college, the fact that our stay will be from Sunday until Thursday resulting in us having to skip an entire week of class ( second semester seniors don't have class on Fridays) does not pose as an issue. We had no tests, quizzes, presentations, or papers due this week, so we emailed our professors explaining we had interviews, or family reunions we had to attend. Of course leaving out the exact location we were going, just that will be "out of the state for the week of 2.21."

Tom, being out West many times before resulted in the fact that ever since we bought our plane tickets in January, I have been hearing what Snowmass and Snowmass Village are like. I have googled imaged, and just plain googled, however when we landed in Aspen this afternoon, it was unlike anything I have seen before.  I braced myself for a bumpy ride from Denver to Aspen, however it was rather smooth. Especially since when boarding we were told we may be returning to Denver if when approaching Aspen the visibility would be too poor to land. 30 minutes after we took off in Denver, we touched down in Aspen, however I thought I was in a different country. I am unaware how such a beautiful place tucked away in the Rocky Mountain has been so close to my home my entire life, yet it took me 22 years to finally get here.

 The airport resembled the airport in the classic Disney movie "The Rescuers" when the mice, climb onto the back of a seagull to get them to their final destination. It was more of a house in the middle of a runway then an airport. We even had to walk off the airplane "Beatles Style" onto the runway before we reached the building itself. When we located our shuttle to take us to Timberline, our driver Henderson was one rad dude. If it wasn't for the snowy mountains surrounding me, I would have sworn we just landed in Hawaii. He had a laid back, no problem life style which know I know can be exchanged with a surfer lifestyle as well. I guess if you ride a mountain or if you ride a wave, you have a relaxed, fun lifestyle. Something I do not mind surrounding myself with.

The customer service at Timberline hasn't left me with much to complain about, however I don't have anything great to say about it yet either. The condo we are staying in is very stereotypical to a mountain log cabin, complete with wood cabinets, a winding staircase leading up to a loft and the color of hunter green being prevalent throughout. You also can't forget the fireplace, however it was a let down that to light it all you have to do is hit a button on the side of the wall =(

After checking in we ventured down to Snowmass Village mall for something to eat, and some shopping. Again, this was a mall unlike anything I have ever seen. It was an outdoor mall, with walk up food counters where skiers and boarders alike can grab food before hitting the slopes again. Walking around in jeans, I felt out of place because I was not sporting Snowpants and board boots.  We ended up eating at Venga Venga, a mexican restaurant that could have been the best Mexican food I have ever had. Not only that, but what could be better then drinking a margarita and snacking on some chips and guac. outside around a fire pit for a quick break from the slopes? COUNT ME IN, WHY HAS IT TAKEN ME THIS LONG TO DISCOVER SUCH A WONDERFUL PLACE.

I would try to summarize what the views look like, but that would be impossible. All this to say and we haven't even hit the slopes!

Ride on,
The Travelista

P.S things I have learned this trip
1) When you switch time zones on your computer, ical switches the days of your events.
2) Mailing ski/board equipment is cheaper then flying with it.
3) Walking up a set of stairs at 8,600 feet, feels like you just ran 3 miles... at a 7:30min/mile pace.

Timberline Condominiums on Dwellable

Bachelor Tourism?

ABC's hit reality TV show "The Bachelor" is now on it's 15th dramatic season. Being an avid watcher of  all 15 of these seasons, the show becomes someone predictable. Viewers  know the girls that will most likely stay and what ones will most likely go. This of course being the result of  the strategic editing of who the camera pays more attention to throughout an episode. Also, if viewers are desperate enough to know how the season ends,they are only one quick google search away from their answer.

As the season is narrowed down to less girls, the destinations they travel to become more exotic and more elaborate.  Two weeks ago the girls were taken to the fabulous Las Vegas, last week they had jungle fever in the luscious Costa Rica, and this week they will be soaking up the sun in Anguilla.

While the girls were in Las Vegas, they resided in the new Aria Resort & Casino, located right in the middle of the Las Vegas strip. Their trip was complete with one lucky girl landing a shopping spree at City Center, along with a romantic rooftop dinner at Crystal with fireworks in the background. The trip also included a showing of Viva Elvis by Cirque Du Soleil, which happens to be the current show being performed at Aria.  Bachelor Brad and the girls make their Vegas experience complete when venturing to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in order to test drive some race cars for fun. When the episode is over, if viewers were considering going to Las Vegas in the near future for a romantic getaway, they would need no more convincing.  Also, since viewers have seen all the great amenities for Aria Resort & Casino, why would they consider staying anywhere else? With Las Vegas recently having to lower hotel costs, just to get tourists out there, this episode couldn't have been aired at a more appropriate time.

Jungle fever in Costa Rica took place at The Springs Resort and Spa in Arenal, Costa Rica. Although this resort is not on the ocean, the views of the Arenal Volcano were breath taking. While Brad and the girls vacationed they took part in some Costa Rica zip lining, along with some more adventurous repelling down a natural waterfall. There also was an excursion into a 40 million year old bat cave. I think I'll pass on that one.  The episode did a great job of highlighting all of Costa Rica's great tourism hot spots, and if viewers were unaware of what Costa Rica had to offer them, they were fully informed by the end of the episodes 2 hours. Not only that but it looks like The Springs Resort and Spa did some revamping of their website once ABC was done filming. Who knows maybe their occupancy rates will increase in the next couple of months.

This weeks romantic trip to Anguilla looks nothing sort of amazing. The previews show some boat riding along with some cliff jumping into crystal clear water. It also will be interesting to see the resort they choose to reside in. Will it be one who needs the extra advertising, or one that is luxurious enough that they don't need ABC's help?

With  6 girls remaining this means there is 6 more weeks of lucky locations to be visited.  Which is plenty of  time for tourism locations to get their 2 hour ABC advertising in for the year. But, who will be the lucky locations?

Travel on Bachlorettes,
The Travelista

College Senior, Travel Fanatic

On my list of things I have to accomplish before I graduate I listed "start a blog".  However blogging about my stereotypical college life, would not be entertaining. So I'm blogging about travel, which is something I am passionate about. Being a Tourism Management Major and landing a full time job with a highly accredited resort post graduation, I  figured I might as well share my travel insight with  my fellow travel fans.  In my 22 years of life I have found that travel fans are rare to come across, so maybe I will find more with creating this blog. Besides I need someone to talk to about  the latest cruise ships, insane airfare up-charges, and resorts of the year. I also read once that blogging makes you smarter =]

Peace, Love and hotels,
The Travelista