Part 1: Hiking, skiing, running, oh my! By Carissa K.
These past few weeks have been an incredibly busy blur and I had to take a hiatus from the blog. During those past couple weeks, despite working over 20 hours of overtime and racking up 40 overtime for the month (that’s what happens when 6 deadlines coincide), I still managed to squeeze in my circuit training and yoga as well as some bike rides, final runs (ski and ‘run’ runs) at Red Lodge and hikes. Plus, during the past couple weekends, I had a blast volunteering and cheering on friends at the Grizzly Adventure Race and Grizzly Triathlon (note: I’m not a triathlete and while I was totally inspired and motivated to get out there and race, I have a long way to go before I tackle that sport. So, instead, I cheered my lungs out, took photos and enjoyed some hikes up to the M instead.)
The weather has been amazingly beautiful, which only added insult to injury when I was stuck inside working. The wind has died down, the temperatures continue to rise and the sun has been shining; and when it isn’t, the stormy skies make for spectacular views!
I did, however, schedule a whirlwind, two day photo taking session (accompanied by my wooly layers) which took me on a 1500+ mile trip since Wednesday from Billings to Bozeman and back, then onto Hardin, Crow, Edgar, Joliet, Red Lodge, Laurel, Columbus, Big Timber and back to Bozeman before heading onto Helena and Missoula, finally returning to Billings yesterday. I.am.tired. But, I’m still smiling. Having stopped into so many small towns, I am reminded of the hospitality and the authenticity of Montanans as hardworking, self-sufficient but fun loving people. What’s more, Montana is a truly beautiful place with so many miles I’ve yet to explore and Spring is an especially lovely time to soak it all up.
Despite not being able to write much, I was able to take some photos over the past few weeks:
(Early April and we’re already hiking (and taking a river break on Rock Creek) at 6000ft)
(We had a visitor for the weekend who was a trooper! Three years old and loving the outdoors!)
(Last weekend of the season. Perfect bluebird day.)
(Rinsing off my shoes after a muddy run down the mountain after skiing.)
(Early morning drive to the mountains for the Grizzly Adventure Race in Red Lodge: a Ski, Mountain Bike, Run, followed by beers at Red Lodge Ales.)
(An icy, muddy mountain bike transition area.)
(Nash, sporting my old downhill suit, before his heat.)
(Did I mention that the race included a costume contest?)
(Red Lodge Mountain CEO Jeff Schmidt manning the starting line with his bullhorn while I track race numbers and racers get ready to run to their skis.)
(Nash ready to race.)
Continue reading Part 2 and Part 3 to see more pictures and snippets….
Carissa K. - SmartWool Athlete Ambassador
Originally posted April 30, 2012 in livingtheactivelife.com
