Chamonix Ski Weekend

If you follow me on Instagram then you know that we spent the weekend skiing our hearts out in Chamonix, France this weekend with a group of our friends.

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We rented an incredible chalet via AirBnB which included a sauna, hot tub, huge kitchen, and roaring fireplace all brought together in a perfect mix of modern and rustic ski chalet. 

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We started the weekend off on Thursday night as I took Friday off to enjoy a day of skiing with Joel, Casey and Bo before the rest of the group arrived Friday evening.

We were blessed with perfect snow conditions and weather on the slopes each day as we skied above the clouds, surrounded by sunshine and blue skies! Our last run of the day reminded us that the slopes in France are VERY different than the US or Switzerland in that the grading system for slopes seem to make no sense at all. Our last run which was a red, or US black, ended up having moguls and taking us into deep powder.

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One of the nice things about Chamonix is that it is a large valley which means you can explore different ski areas each day. By the end of the weekend we explored Les Houches, Brevant and Flegere and Le Tour. Brevant and Flegere were the most challenging while Les Houches was the most pleasing to the eye, due to the mix of snow covered pines and pristine, snow covered slopes. Even though our group included skiers of all levels, we were able to meet up multiple times on the slopes for runs together.

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We tried four restaurants this weekend in Chamonix ranging from top of the slope grilled meats (L’Adret de la Flegere), gigantic burgers (MBC Mircrobrewery & Pub), Asian French fusion (Munchie), traditional ski in ski out French cuisine (Restaurant Les Vieilles Luges).

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Why do weekends like this have to end? At least I left the slopes with one final reminder, hair icicles!

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Your turn: Are you a skier? If so, what is your favorite slope?

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Giving My Mind & Muscles Some Love

While my main fitness focus until March 28th is training my ass off for the Publix Savannah Half Marathon, my mind and muscles need some love too.

There is a lot going on over here these days. Lord knows my tight shoulders and my constantly tight hips could use some relaxation and time on the mat. While I’d love to have a massage on a weekly basis to help work out the knots, money doesn’t grow on trees. Instead of weekly massages or a personal masseuse, for far less money, I’ve found that a daily yoga practice helps significantly.

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Luckily, I was inspired by many of my friends on Instagram to join the #TakeTheLeap yoga challenge, hosted by prAna and FitApproach. The challenge is one of the simpler ones I’ve seen which I absolutely love. There aren’t challenging, intimidating poses. Instead, it means finding the yoga move that is right for your body each day and committing to practicing daily. If you want daily inspiration, feel free to join the Facebook group and follow along on social media (#taketheleap #sweatpink #prana @prana @fitapproach)

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As you guys know, I’ve been consistently practicing yoga on an average of once per week since this Summer. I’m lucky to have a studio in Geneva that I love and friends who enjoy making Monday night yoga a social event. But, the rest of the nights, I have been melting into my mat for 5-10 minutes. Paired with a scented candle, some relaxing lavender oil and dimmed lights, it’s the perfect way to relax before bed.

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In fact, here are a few which I’ve done over the past few days before bed.

Yoga for Bed with Tara Stiles (3:13 seconds)

Routine for a Deep Sleep with Tara Stiles (11:04)

Yoga for Tight Hips (4:59 seconds)

10 Minute Pre-Bedtime Yoga Routine (10:00)

Yoga for Runners, Cyclists and Triathletes (5:14 seconds)

While I know it’s already two days into the challenge, which runs from February 2nd to March 8th, it is never too late to join!

Do you have a favorite yoga routine or YouTube video that you follow when you practice at home?

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Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon Training–Week 9

Before we get into the training recap for last week, I have to pause and share the #likeagirl campaign in case you haven’t seen it or heard of it yet.

Last night, my company Procter & Gamble, aired an Always ad which portrays young girls doing all the wonderful things that girls can and should do such as running, fight and throwing. The difference is that when asked, the young girls portrayed their strongest selves whereas their older female and male counterparts portrayed the old stereotype. If you haven’t watched it, check out the clip for yourself.

The ad has taken social media by storm with companies and women sharing what they proudly do #likeagirl.

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If you share you’re #likeagirl on Instagram, let me know so I can check it out! I shared mine earlier this morning upon watching the ad on YouTube!

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Even Deena Kastor and USATF joined the commentary on Instagram and Twitter! Here’s a great recap from Runner’s World!

Last week’s training made me feel almost as strong as all these social media posts! It didn’t start out on the strongest note but by the end of the week my legs were sore from strong runs and my glutes and abs were feeling the strength workouts!

Monday: I’m in love with the 60 minute restorative yoga class Kerrie and I are attending each Monday night. There is a different focus each week but every class leaves me feeling emotionally and physically lighter, more relaxed and ready to conquer the week! Last week’s class included lots of cooling inversions such as legs up the wall and supported wheel.

Tuesday: I had to be at work super early and ended up staying past 8pm which meant that this ended up being an unintended rest day.

Wednesday: I have a new favorite running workout known as PICK-UPS! This workout consisted of  10 minute warm-up run, 5 x 1:00 hard with 1:00 recovery jog between each, 10 minutes at easy pace followed by the 5 x 1:00 intervals repeated again. The cold weather made me push through this 50 minute workout faster than normal, clocking an average pace of 8:58!

Thursday: I did a strength workout #1 during lunch which included lots of body weight plyometric work THEN I did a 60 minute spin class with Kerrie after work. My legs were dead by the end of the day but it felt great to enjoy two sweaty workouts.

Friday: Mary and I met early Friday morning so we could get the long run done before work. I knew I wanted to focus on fun runs with friends in London so this 7 mile workout was the perfect thing to squeeze in before flying to London. I started with 3 mile tempo at a 9 minute pace then did 4 miles slower miles with Mary, keeping around a 9:45 pace. Even though my legs were tired from spin and strength workout the previous day, it was great to push through the “lead leg” feeling and a mentally strong run!

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Saturday: My girlfriend Casey just started running again after an 8 year break. I was SO thrilled to go on a 5k run with her through Notting Hill and Holland Park as part of her half marathon training. She’s running the Richmond Half Marathon in March so we included quite a few hills on Saturday’s run to help her prepare.

Sunday: My last run of the week was definitely the most fun as I had the opportunity to run the London Winter 10k with these lovely ladies! We PR’d in fun instead of pace and merely focused on keeping a steady, constant pace during the 10 kilometers.

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Your Turn – I’m looking to update my BlogLovin’ in search of running and workout inspiration. What is your favorite blog these days?

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