Snapshots of Joy: 1/1/14

Friday, January 24, 2014

Looking Forward...

Sometimes you don't realize how much you need a re-charge until after you return from said re-charge. I was out of the office for 13 days...and unlike this past summer...the work interruptions were not as bothersome. I have been easing back into my regular routine, but in all honesty, my time away revealed that I need a new routine. I'm trying to hold on to my 'vacation bliss' so that it lasts until the next one. There is a definite theme building for 2014 already...travel. The next trip will be in April...to Ireland. It is a lifelong dream finally coming true. 2013 was all about getting miles...working toward 13.1 and then toward 26.2. In 2014, my plan is continue to get miles but in different places!! I don't think I will do any half or full marathons...but I have registered for an Indoor Triathlon on March 23. My training starts on Sunday (eight weeks - swim, bike, run). I'm excited to shake things up a bit. I miss my weekly training blog updates. I miss my training plans too. I miss my Nike+ Sportband pictures. It will be good to have something new to work towards and write about. I know the training will help me to set a new routine...it is just the kick start I need. Ready, Set, Go!!!

Saturday, January 4, 2014

2013 Rewind (December): Philly...

It was the perfect December weekend...soccer watching, morning run by the water, snow, shopping, and more soccer watching. As I have written before, following my first favorite soccer team, takes me to new and interesting places. The Terps made it again to the semi-finals of the NCAA championship, which this year was held at PPL Park in Chester, PA. I have been there several times to see the Philly Union, but had never ventured into the city. I had a few things on my list...watching the Terps win, a morning run by the water, walking to Starbucks for coffee, and running up the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Modern Art. I'm good with lists. We are very lucky soccer fans actually, most of time we end up at the right place at the right time. What we didn't realize was that we booked the same hotel that was hosting the College Cup...so imagine our surprise when we walked in the lobby to check-in and the entire Maryland Team and Coaching Staff were there. No big deal. Coach Sasho chatting with Taylor Twellman. As a soccer fan, it was pretty much amazing and awkward. We are the random fans of Maryland who make no sense...and someday I will figure out how to explain how following this sport and this team changed everything for my family and I.

The Terps beat University of Virginia on Friday night...and we were elated. We were in the stands with several PA youth soccer coaches and I was distilling all my knowledge about which players played with which MLS academy teams. It is scary how many factoids I am starting to retain. They were also cheering on several terps who are from PA. We were on to the next round...which was further than last year...we would play Notre Dame on Sunday afternoon. That Friday night at the hotel bar, Coach Sasho and a few of his crew ended up sitting at a table next to us. It was crazy...I offered him our extra chair. I had the pleasure of working out in the gym with the Notre Dame Coach Bobby Clark on Sunday AM. Both Clark and Sasho have ties to Sir Alex Ferguson. I was in awe. Clark was calm and focused walking on the treadmill...I think I had a feeling then. Our terps lost later that afternoon...but I was so proud. Of their character, of their growth during the season, of everything. There is a reason why they are my first favorite.

My pictorial list of fun in Philly...