Twins RUN in the Family

Cara and Hollie have been part of the RCs for a long time and I love hearing about how closely they work together to acheive their goals. For anyone looking for a little inspiration in the coming year, here's something to help keep you going. Thanks Hollie and Cara, Jessie

 Cara: I was not always a runner. In fact, I used to hate running. When I started law school about 5 years ago, I stopped teaching group exercise classes. I had to find something else to keep me fit, something I could squeeze into my crazy new schedule, and my life as a runner began. I didn’t know how to get started, so I printed off a schedule from the Hal Higdon website (Hal rocks!). I suppose I was thinking ‘go big or go home,’ because the schedule I decided to follow was the half-marathon training program. When I was a few days into my new training, my twin sister, Hollie, from whom I lived over 500 miles away, decided to join me on my running endeavor. Training partners from afar!

Hollie: I was not always a runner, either. I had established some fitness lifting weights (which I still love) and using the elliptical machine and stair mill for cardiovascular activity. In 2005 I was motivated to begin running by a runner friend (hi, Tori!) who was not very fast (she is now!), but had a wonderful love of running. It was contagious! I began to walk/run, and eventually worked up to running 10, 20, then 30 minutes at a time. I completed my first 5k in 2005 with my friend, and got the fever! My first road race was so much fun, and I couldn’t wait to do more. When Cara told me she was going to train for a half marathon I was very excited to participate using the training plan as well, especially when we committed to actually doing a race at the end!

Cara: After some discussion, we decided that we’d follow the training program to the letter and that we’d actually run a half marathon on the last day of our training. Hollie found out that the Omaha Half Marathon actually was on the EXACT day we were supposed to run 13.1 miles! I guess my random start-day was a good day to start. Our mom said we HAD to sign up for it, and we all thought it was meant to be. Hollie and I were thrilled to complete our first half marathon, and my first race ever, in September of 2006. We have since run the Omaha Half twice more—once in 2008, and most recently, this past September 2010. Training for my third half was not as much fun as training for the first two, because I got side-tracked a couple of times. First, I had such bad allergy symptoms I went to the doctor only to be diagnosed with “non-allergic rhinitis”, and next, I had my wisdom teeth removed two weeks before the race. I underestimated the pain involved and overestimated the speed at which I would recover—oops. So, on race-day, I hit the pavement with my non-allergies and my paresthesia, and did the best I could.

Hollie: I have had fun training for the three half’s Cara and I have run together! The most recent training was probably my best. Having completed it twice before, I knew what I was getting into, and knew a little bit more about what my body needed regarding mileage, fuel and rest. I think back to the beginning, when Cara and I started training for our first half, and remember how long four miles seemed (and how impossible 13.1 seemed!) Now I know that it is possible, with training. The ‘mantra’ I frequently think, and apply to goals such a long race, is ‘trust the process.’ I can’t set out to run 13.1 miles on a random given day. But after weeks of consistent training I can. I gain more confidence with each long run.

Cara: The race itself was so much fun! I have learned: 1) That I am generally stronger than I think I am, and 2) Never to underestimate the power of a good running playlist. I knew my training wasn’t as good as it should have been, so we started off conservatively. The mile markers passed by. I told Hollie that I’d start feeling more confident once we made it 9 miles. Mile 9 came and went, and we were doing well. We talked occasionally, ate sport beans, drank from our hand-held water bottles, and just kept running. Crossing that finish line felt great, and it was fun to see my bro-in-law and my oldest niece, Gianna, cheering us on. However, the second we stopped running, we seemed to lose the use of our legs. Our walk to Starbucks was just funny.

Hollie: I had such a good time during the race! At four miles I was surprised at how fast the miles were going by. I felt strong. I have had two baby girls since my first half marathon in 2006, which makes getting out there and running even more special to me. When I had my c-sections, I felt like I would never run again! But after recovering, starting slow, building back up and ‘trusting the process’ I have been able to keep going, and each half marathon has been better than the last. During the race I thought of all I love about running. Running keeps my body healthy, as well as my mind! It is my ‘me’ time. I love playlists, sport beans, running tights, timing chips, Smartwool socks, the post-run smoothie, seeing little improvements. I love running with Cara and creating memories, stories and, most importantly, lots of laughs when we run together. I hope to be an example to my girls (future Chicks!) to follow their passions, and that a person does not have to be the best at something to love it and call it their own. Close to the finish I saw my husband and three year old daughter who yelled “there’s my mommy!” when we ran by. Crossing the finish line after our third half marathon was an amazing feeling.

Cara: Although Hollie and I aren’t the fastest and don’t run the farthest, we are proof that anyone can become a runner and can experience the joys we’ve felt because we run. We love running. We love being RUNNERS. We love training runs with each other, pushing ourselves further than we thought possible, crunching along through fresh snow when no one else is outside braving the cold, and all of the funny and crazy memories we’ve created while on those long runs together. We appreciate waving or giving a nod to other runners who do the same as we pass, because we are all part of the same special community, and they get it, too. You don’t have to have a Garmin or expensive shoes to be a runner, and you don’t have to be fast or run far—all you have to do is get out there and run.

The Alchemist Is For (outdoor) Lovers

 For those of you who haven't taken a few hours to read a book lately, check out The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo. It has been recommended to me several times over the years but it wasn't until RC Sara (who you will be hearing from in the next week or so) happened to mention it as the book that has been the most meaningful in her life, that my ears perked up enough to buy the book later that night.

 The story is billed as"a fable about following your dreams". It follows a Spanish shepherd through the process of figuring out how to become what he has always wanted to be, seek his "treasure" and overcome obstacles while receiving counsel along the way.

So, What does this have to do with hiking or Real Chicks?

 It has more to do with the RC philosophy than you might think. I have often heard you adventurous women describing how the thing that sets you apart from other women who aspire to be outdoorsy, is that you will actually go out and do it. This is the lesson The Alchemist reveals. In all realms of life, we make choices, we choose our own paths. Our protagonist learns that if you follow your dreams, all forces will conspire to help you achieve it.

 In reading this, I thought a lot about my journey to Kilimanjaro in 2006. I was just a broke nanny, looking for some adventure. I set my mind to doing it and I really did feel like the whole world conspired to make it happen. There were days when I didn't know how I was going to pay for my trek...and I would get a call to babysit later that night. There were times when my gear list overwhelmed me...and a family member would step in with a new Thermarest or hiking boots. I would weep to friends, unsure how I would make this trip work, and they would chime in with nothing but encouragement and love. When I shared my vision with others, they went out of their way to see that I accomplished my goal. I worked hard, sure. I believe that God (or the entity of your choice) helps those who help themselves and I was just as willing to step up and do what I needed to do. I worked a LOT of extra hours but when you are seeking opportunity for such things, they have a way of appearing (weird!).
  Anyone who knows me will know that my Kilimanjaro trip was by far the most life-shaping journey that I have taken to date. My life took a 180 degree turn after that trip. It was part of what Coehlo describes in this book as my "Personal Legend," which is still evolving.

 So our man, Santiago is a traveler, a man of the outdoors with an adventurous, industrious spirit. He is also a little bit me and a little bit you. I'm sure anyone, particularly with the mindset of personal growth, can relate to him and his seemingly unattainable goal. We all know about obstacles that force us to work harder to achieve the things we want in life. We all know about the people who come out of the woodwork to lift up and honor our dreams, sometimes more than we do ourselves.

I really feel this is a story about all of us and highly recommend it! It's a quick and worthwhile read (I finished in 3 hours while on a plane). It will encourage you to remember the dreams you have and to examine the importance they have in your life's journey.

Gone Fishin'

stock photo- picture it more wintery

 While in North Carolina, M and I joined his brothers and their wives for a family fly fishing excursion. I was pretty excited going into it as I have always wanted to learn to fly fish but the necessary skill (and expensive gear) have kept me away. Now that I'm living a stone's throw from the Colorado river, I really have no excuse for not picking up the rod and reel. Last winter, I went out ice fishing, which was new to me. I guess it's only fitting that this year, I take up the fly rod.

Jennifer, Sara and I

  I can't pretend that I really know much more about fly fishing today than I did a week ago. I can tell you that in Helton Creek, we fished for brookie, brown and rainbow trout and that my licence cost $20. I can tell you that neoprene waders SAVE your toes from falling off in the icy water and that I seem to be really good at catching rocks, logs, trees.

Which brother will catch the biggest fish?

 Between the 6 of us, we ended the day with 30+ fish, all of us catching at least 3. Not too shabby, eh? Let me just take a moment to brag about sister-in-law Jennifer's catch. This girl caught 7 fish in 15 minutes! She definitely beat us all out for quantity AND it was her first time fly fishing. Well done, Jen!

  I ended up with 3 for the day but walked away with the largest fish of the day, a rainbow trout at 22". Turns out I get a citation (the good kind) for that...sweeeeeet. I also won the award for most flies lost in the bottom of the creek/top of the tree as I had to have them replaced at least 5 times during the day. I'm a bit clumsy that way, as many can tell you.

Sara getting jiggy with it (HA!)

 If you're ever looking for a similar southern adventure, try Helton Creek. We didn't run into any other fishermen/women (although it is late December) and the area is interesting and beautiful. There are kajillions of Christmas tree farms out here, adding to the festive aesthetic. You should definitely check out the Creekside Cabins in the area. We stayed at one called The Homeplace and it was incredible...fireplace, full kitchen, hot tub (Virginia Creeper bike trail in summer) and fishing right outside your door. Does it get any better?

 My 22" Rainbow and with my goofy guy

 Helton Creek is all catch and release and we are law-abiding folk (we had a cop with us for extra encouragement) so I can't tell you how any of these fish tasted but in my dreams they were real tasty!

The Ferguson Fishers