Quick Trip to Phoenix

Earlier this month, we all loaded up in a United plane and traveled off to the land of warmth, sunshine and no snow. While I do love my town, it is always a nice break to get away from the cold and see how the other half of the U.S. lives.

The best part of this trip was seeing how much the new generation of "cousins" enjoyed themselves. We spent an afternoon at miniature golf. I started out doing really well with a couple hole-in-one efforts, but I peaked too early, and it was all downhill after that! The kids enjoyed themselves and, fortunately, no one kept score! *phew*

During one afternoon, we wandered around the downtown campus area of Arizona State University. Meg found herself a nice top, we enjoyed some really yummy tacos, and Bridget piled up on candy at the Candy Addict. But the best part was stumbling across a wonderful independent coffee house - the Cartel. Seriously. Best. Latte. Foam. Ever!

One wall was nothing but bicycle spokes/tires. Great looking art. The music was inviting and Meg and I commented on how we could easily kick back, drink coffee, read and waste away an afternoon in this joint.

The most fun, I think, was when the kids just got to hang out at Aunt Kim's house and be kids. We heard lots of giggling, they ran around like banshees, and tried beating each other and Uncle Greg at Mario Kart. Great fun!

Christmas in the Desert

Phew - what a whirlwind of a trip! We landed in Vegas in the middle of the night...and would you believe, we got a room upgrade! Of course, when we're completely exhausted. But we rallied! Come on, it's Vegas, Baby! We stayed at Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower and Bellagio fountain. Vegas lit up at night really is quite spectacular.


Rise and shine so we could belly up to the buffet. Megan can't pass up a Vegas buffet. After tackling a buffet, what else would make sense than to head out for our long 5-hour drive to Phoenix. Hoover Dam and Lake Mead were pretty cool and must-sees. Stopped for the obligatory Del Tacos. I wouldn't step foot in a Taco Bell (sober), but Del Taco takes cheap taco making to a whole new level. Love the fish tacos - they could be made up of Mrs. Paul's fishsticks for all I know, but I love them.

Christmas Eve morning began with a Zumba class with Sharon and Megan while the kids went to one of those bouncy places. I couldn't believe how awesome and energetic this class was. I had been putting off getting on the Zumba bandwagon, but how can you pass up latin dance music with hot instructors. One of the Zumba instructors was dressed in a white running skirt with knee-hi red/white stripe socks with fur at the top of the socks. I will be stealing this outfit idea for Christmas 2011 races.


Christmas Eve also included a mondo gift wrapping session while visiting with the family. Santa came Christmas morning with Bridget getting "just what she wanted" and Megan loving her new Ugg boots.





Enjoying the newest addition, Quinn.

Breakfast strata, too many cookies, and a Shiner Bock every time I turned around resulted in a definite need for a Christmas Day run (an annual gift to myself). In 68 degree weather and a sleeveless tank, I tackled an exhausting 4.5 miles. How did I get so out of shape? And how did 4.5 miles become a long run?! Whatevs, it was the best present ever :)


Christmas Night we enjoyed a nice evening walk around the Phoenix Zoo for Zoo lights. The kids loved it and the adults enjoyed the peace and quiet. And a nice walk helped burn off the additional Shiner Bock (hello, my new favorite friend, Shiner Bock).



Next morning the girls went for a little light shopping at Nordstrom Rack while the guys took the kids to a bar to watch the Browns game. Progressive parenting, eh? Win-win situation for everyone.

Next up, Sedona, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon!

Phoenix, Camelback Mountain & Family Time

This past weekend, we visited husband's family in Phoenix, Arizona and had a wonderful time. It was great seeing Megan and Bridget connect with her cousins Ben and Maeve. We got to catch up with Kim and George while spending time with Greg's parents. Saturday, the group (including the kids) hiked Camelback Mountain. I am still laughing about George's comment. We were going down quite slow with the kids. There were rocks and it was technical at times. And this comes from a trail runner (keep that in mind). Anyway, we were slow going and someone had asked George to slow down. He responded, "Are you kidding me, I just saw Steven Hawking pass us. We can't go any slower." I am still laughing as I write this! The family time was great, the hiking was wonderful, and we enjoyed catching up!


Megan and Greg doing their "Captain Morgan" pose.

Hiking up Camelback Mountain, Scottsdale, Arizona 3/13/2010.

At the base of Camelback Mountain after hiking with the Carlin/Corcoran Family.

Week in Review: 3/7-3/14

This week I eased back a bit, partly to prevent injury and partly to avoid burnout. And it was the best thing I could have done (after the initial guilt wore off!).

Monday - 3 mile recovery run at 5.8mph (10:20 pace). Strength training of 50 squats, 50 overhead lifts with medicine ball, and the elevens.

Tuesday - weight lifting and 1600m row during lunch. A 4-mile run with Bridget in the jogging stroller and Meg on her bike (yep, Mitchell's afterwards!).

Wednesday - rest.

Thursday - 4.5 mile outdoor tempo run maintaining a 10:00 pace during lunch. One hour Hot Powerful Yoga with Tammy at Inner Bliss. This was my 1 hour "Robin" time that Meg gave me. It. Was. Pure. Bliss.

Friday - Phoenix.

Saturday - 3 mile early morning run with Greg in 60+ degree sunshine. Afterwards, the Carlin clan hiked Camelback Mountain. I'll post pictures tomorrow. What an amazing view of Scottsdale. 

Sunday - due to plane travel, the loss of 2 time zones, and moving the clock forward, I couldn't squeeze in my long run. But that's ok. I felt stronger this week and the body always benefits from rest!