Looking out the window...

So i'm back at work and instead of really doing anything, i'm looking out the window. While watching a mysterious gray/silver cat (with bright yellow eyes) pounce on an unseen mouse is pretty entertaining, coming back to work after a 2 week vacation is never a good time...

My vacation...1.5 weeks spent in aspen colorado, sounds perfect and most years it is, but this one was an exceptionly painful trip. Why do you ask? Well, 1) the car accident that happened on the 2nd day of the trip and 2) the slam into the catwalk on the 2nd to last day of the trip.

The car accident left the jeep wrecked and undrivable...we hit black ice on the way to taking the dog to the "doggie hotel" and started a 4 car pile up that caused traffic way back in the city...enough that the lodge people were talking about "some accident near the airport"...(we're famous!) Except for some bruises and soreness, everyone is ok and things could have been a lot worse. Later than nite, Cooper also fell into the swimming pool but thanks do his many outings at Montrose Beach, he swam to safety.

So, i played it safe after the accident...afterall, i've got a cycling season to think about...and stayed away from the terrain park and the picnic table i crashed into last year in order to keep myself as injury-free as possible. i even got myself a helmet and new boots this year! Coming down part of the mountain, there's this flat section, a steep downhill, a small uphill and then another downhill leading to a catwalk. Normally, i LOVE catwalks! there's nothing to them, just keep your balance centered and you'll make it across easy. I love to go fast there! This time, i was feeling rather adventurous and didn't slow on the downhills b/c i wanted to go really fast. And this was the one time (in about 4 years, i think) that i lost my balance on the catwalk. A split second loss caused me to slam into the flat ground. I did hit my head and i know i would've had a concussion if not for the helmet (it paid for itself right then and there). I believe i strained my sternum and i have various other strained muscles, on top of the colorful bruising from the accident.

All that aside, the snow was awesome. it was a bit chillier than last year at this time, but with the record snowfalls, it didn't keep many people away. My sis and i also hit the Highlands this year, which in my opinion was scary, but she loved it. Maybe b/c it was a new terrain and there were tons of people that day, i dunno. But we'll definitely head back there next year. I had some good workouts at the gym too, but i also flushed the key to my locker lock down the toilet...good thing they had an extra! Anyway, Aspen/Colorado was awesome as usual, the food (even the Whole Foods in Ft Collins!), the shopping and of course, the terrain...til next year, Colorado!

Up next? My first real outdoor race in the Women's Open cat. oooh!!!