Have you ever had a day that just felt like it was a breath of fresh air. Just EXACTLY what you needed?
For me, that day was today.
I have been training since about March of this year, between the Steamboat and Saint Louis halves. I have been very disciplined, trained hard, planned a wedding and got married, all while working full time and living everyday life. I feel like in some way crossing the finish line yesterday was also crossing the finish line in an insanely busy year. 2013 has been an amazing year, probably the best, but the finish line yesterday felt like crossing through the crazy to the calm.
What’s different for the time being?
- I can run for fun — Garmin or not.
- I can run with my pup, not worried about pace.
- I can have a glass of wine with friends if I want, without guilt of fear.
- I can integrate much more strength training, yoga, and cross training.
- I can switch up work outs, without guilt.
- I have Saturday mornings for brunch and sleeping in again, if I want it (lord knows I’ll still run or ski most days)
- I can enjoy ski season.
- I can LET GO.
Today has kind of been all of this, mixed into one day.
Gus and I have gone on three walks, about 2 miles each
Cold, Fall walks
Stretching my legs, and Gus’s nose 😉
Beautiful.
I also did something that I have been wanting to do for almost two months.
I am officially Mrs. Ashley Jara. In 24 hours, it will be processed and I can go about finalizing all the other minor details. I know this seems minor, but this means a lot to me and made me SO happy to finally see it through.
And lots and lots of YOGA . LOTS.
Really — I feel like a happier, healthier, and more relaxed version of myself. And I am liking this. I am so optimistic and excited about the final months of 2013.
Final benefit to my amazing day today?
This boy won’t be moving for a long time.
Chocolate Covered Race Medals 
That’s awesome that 2013 was your best year! You have done so much- you should be proud of your accomplishments 🙂 Also, I love that you mentioned living without guilt or fear. I am hoping to get to that point…I’m just not sure how to kick this unhealthy mindset!! Ugh. Congrats again on a fabulous year!
I can’t make any guarantees, but not having the wedding a race or any huge life moments on the horizon is a good way to start for me!
How were your outdoor activities gorgeous fall days today and mine were mud caked messes? We don’t live that far apart!
Oh the pup was definitely a bit muddy – but for the most part we stayed away from the mud. It was wet but not raining.
Yay congrats on changing your name.
I feel like I am going to feel happy and sad when that time comes for me. It is just odd to go from calling yourself one thing to change it to something else.
I have my old last name as my middle name now. I wanted to hold on to it 🙂
oh ok so you aren’t fully parting ways with it 🙂
HAHA no, I’m not. But I will sign and be, Ashley Jara.
Good for you lady (I mean, Mrs.Jara)! Enjoy some training-free time and do some fun stuff! So jealous that you can go skiing (prob way more than I can)!
Feel free to come to Denver anytime! We’ll take you to the mountain 🙂
Zach is probably going to Seattle in the Winter to ski with one of his friends this Winter — I’ll tell him to stop by and bring you and the boy along 🙂
Ahhhhh that would be awesome! To make this more feasible, I’ll squeeze into a carry-on so we only have to pay for Kyle’s plane ticket 😉
I approve of this. MaybeI should just squeeze in Zach’s carry on as well. This could work.
Oh duh! This makes our plan much easier/cheaper.
P.S. I hope none of your readers work for airports/airlines as this is quite incriminating…
All FSA or potential air line employees, please turn away from the comment strand of this particular blog post. Please and thank you.
Love the positivity in this post. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much! I appreciate it!
you look great! you must feel incredible! the leaves look amazing in denver!!! and let me know if you ever ski aspen 😉
We want to get back to Aspen! It’s Zach’s favorite place to ski!
You’ve reached your goals, so it’s good to take time to recharge and reassess! Keep it up!
Thanks so much! Time to charge these batteries so I’m up and ready for the next one…whenever that is!
Way to go girlfriend, you deserve a break and some time for YOU away from being a slave to that Garmin 😉 Have fun, and breathe!
Thanks so much! And same to you. lady!
I love this post Ashley, it is so inspirational! You’re so determinant, I admire you for that! I absolutely love your fall pictures, the color of the leaves are amazing! You know I miss fall so much in California, so your pictures made me happy this morning!
Awwe I’m glad they made you happy! We’re really losing the color here in Colorado, so I wanted to capture it while we still have it!
I had to wait for the government shutdown to change my name and am going to get a new driver’s license next week, so excited! Also I love love love fall and with no training schedule it’s super nice to be able to do whatever mileage you feel like!
I had to wait for the shut down too! I was so frustrated!