Minneapolis Taste Buds

I’m sitting on the plane reflecting on an amazing trip with friends. It all started with a late-night text. I hadn’t seen my college roommates in years. We’d never done a girls trip. It was a cold November night, when on a whim I texted, “Ladies, is this the winter we finally take a warm weather trip together?” We quickly picked a weekend and made plans. This trip was exactly what I craved. I desperately needed to slow down my life, get away, think, reflect and laugh. It was timed pretty well with a snowstorm and the polar vortex taking over our three Midwestern states. We arrived in Phoenix and within hours we were hiking Camelback Mountain. After I decided I’d gone high enough, we found a new trail with a different landscape that didn’t make our heart rates skyrocket. We hiked many different places, all with spectacular views. We had a couple of breathtaking sunsets. I saw sun dogs twice, an amazing sight that I thought you could only see on frigid winter days up north. I always...

Traveling alone certainly has its benefits. Getting away from day-to-day responsibilities. Flying far from sub-zero temps. Stepping away from the regular schedule of rushing place to place, meeting to meeting. Having time to think alone on a plane. I’ve gotten so many ideas out of my head and into OneNote - challenge group posts, new bathroom and kitchen remodel must-have lists, food journal and gratitude journal entries. I’ve listened to podcasts, taken notes, and set action steps for my coaching business. I’ve even watched home improvement shows I rarely take a break to watch. My loving hubby got himself and our daughter up crazy early to take me to the airport, knowing it would give us a little time to hold hands and hug goodbye. My daughter was in tears when I hugged her. This would normally shred me, but I need this trip. I’ll return a better mom, refreshed and energized. I held her little face and kissed her goodbye and told her I’d miss her. I took a deep breath and shut t...

Here I am at the finish line of my 10th marathon last May. The Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon is beautiful, flat and fast. I've been on a break from races, mainly heading out with my dog for short runs, or when I really need to think and sweat off some stress. The other day I saw an email about one of my favorite spring races. I signed up on the spot. I almost always opt for the half-marathon, but I wanted the 10K this year. It's the perfect distance for spring. I'll have time to build my mileage up slowly, test out the hamstrings, and get some hills in. Since May, I've dialed in my nutrition and completely switched gears to focus on building strength, healing aches and pains, and toning up. Even though I just put an April race on the calendar, I’ll keep doing workout programs at home leading up to it. I know the strength I have now is what I was lacking as a runner in the past - both physically and mentally. Along this new route to fitness, I've found a team...

On work-from-home-Fridays, I focus on writing projects, cleaning up unfinished tasks from the week, and setting myself up for an organized Monday. To fuel the afternoon, I need a quick, healthy and filling lunch, with very little clean up. This salad takes about 5-10 minutes. I made a second serving to enjoy another day. Salmon Avocado Salad 1/2 can salmon (I used Wild Planet Wild Sockeye Salmon - skinless, boneless) 1/4 avocado, diced Small apple, diced Juice from 1/2 lime Drizzle olive oil Pepper

There are so many ways we can create a healthier life, and this is the week a lot of people begin. Many of us will hit the reset button after peak treats and party season - pretty much Halloween through New Year's. Maybe you're an athlete who needs a break to focus on strength and healing, so you can hit your next PR. Maybe you've had a life change and can't get to the gym anymore. Some will start exercising for the first time, and don't know where to begin. A lot of us will clear out the treats, drink more water, and focus on our veggies. Wherever you are, you can do this and make it sustainable. Get comfortable starting small. As you begin making changes, think about what you want to achieve this week, this month, this year. Write it all down . How do you want to show up for yourself? What do you want to feel proud of at the end of 2019? Consider what would work best for your life right now, and who will support you. Accountability and inspiration can ma...

We're almost to the finish line. Just a few days left in 2018. This month, I've spent a lot of time reflecting back on all the good stuff, and all of the challenges of the year. And I've been cleaning. A lot. Partly because the cold germs have hit our house, and partly as a way to let go of the past. I want to welcome 2019 with a fresh start and clear goals. I've cleaned out years of old notebooks from a job I loved long ago, but needed to move on from. I've cleaned out baby clothes and gear I'd held onto, fully accepting that life is perfect as it is. I've donated old clothes of mine that are too big, because I'm only moving forward. I've scrubbed surfaces because eeewww, and unsubscribed from email lists that clutter my inbox daily. Yesterday, we let go of a decade-old laptop. Next to it on a post-it note, I'd written two things in the morning: Backup - laptop and phone Stuff I need - New laptop The laptop officially died before the b...

You’ve seen parts of my life, mainly through cute kid and dog pics. But, I haven’t shared that I officially have a side business. As a virtual coach, I help people reach their fitness and nutrition goals. Until now, I've only talked about this on  Instagram  and my blog, afraid of what people who actually know me might think. That’s kept me from helping others, and prevented me from sharing what’s brought me a lot of joy this year. I've wanted to do something in this arena since I can remember, but didn't think I could. Impostor syndrome is real, people, and it’s time for me to get over it. My husband and his sister inspired me to tell everyone what I’m up to, because they were among the first to join me. I've been dedicated to exercise for most of my life. I've tried a lot of things and reached a lot of goals. My meal planning and prepping keeps our household organized and healthy. My morning routine is solid, filled with activities that make me a better mo...

Yesterday was my last day of work for the year at my full-time job. I rarely take more than a day off at a time, so this is major. Now a different kind of work begins. I'll look back at the gratitude journal I kept as part of the #last90dayschallenge. By the end of the year, I'll have 900+ things to look through! This is one practice I'll definitely stick with next year. I'll also look back at accomplishments I've written down throughout the year. I track everything in OneNote, so it syncs on my laptop, tablet and phone. 2018 brought new challenges and opportunities I never saw coming. I need to process what it all means, and use the info to shape my 2019 goals. Instead of focusing on tasks to cross off a list, I'm looking at what brings me joy and a sense of purpose. It's time to pull some dreams down from the attic and make them a reality. Have you taken time to write down all that you've accomplished this year? What are your goals for 2019? ...