Vacation Run Big Island Hawaii

Sorry for the long break. I just got back from nine days on the big island of Hawaii. We stayed just 25 minutes North of Kona. My goal for the trip was to get in quite a few runs. I packed a ton of work out clothes. It did not happen like I thought it would. Either running in Hawaii is hard, or running while pregnant in Hawaii is really hard. I think both is probably true. I ended up only doing two runs, a three mile run and a two mile run. I also did some lap swimming in the pool and a few short walks. I decided that was more than good enough for a vacation week.

Unlike my Maui trip, this time I made sure to get up right away and get going on my runs before the sun got too intense. I knew if I waiting until the afternoon I would never make it. The first run I did was along the coast line. It stretched from the house we were staying in to the Fairmont Orchid Hotel. The run was flat, but pretty difficult due to having to run through several sandy beach trails. Besides my normal slowness, I had to stop to walk quite a few times. I just got too tired. The run is posted at the bottom of this post.



View of one of the beaches I ran through

 The second run I did ran along the road inside the resort area. The view consisted mostly of lava rocks and the golf course. The miles of lava rocks reminded me of when I watch the Iron Man race in Hawaii and everyone looks hot and near death during the marathon portion. I ran a mile before I decided to just turn around. The baby was just too uncomfortable. I decided her or she was right about the run needing to end.

I will miss Hawaii. This time I do not know when I will be back. I know I will be though. Until then, I will dream of being able to run there again and getting a good nap in by the pool afterward. Here is to a warm Seattle summer. Fingers crossed.

Vacation Run Hawaii

This past week I was in Maui, Hawaii for my little sister's wedding. I think it is physically impossible for me to go for a whole week without a work out, so I usually plan to get a couple runs in. Usually we do some hiking in Hawaii, but with H's injury that wasn't going to happen this time.

I ended up getting two three mile runs in. My body really had a tough time adjusting to the 80 degree weather from the 40 degree Seattle weather. We stayed just off the Ocean, so I chose to run along South Kihei Road. It is a flat road that goes for miles and runs along the Ocean and our condo. My favorite of the two runs was when I decided to run towards Wailea vs. North Kihei. There was more shade in the other direction and I just felt safer.



Above is the details of my run. My pace was really slow. The heat really was a problem for me, so I just took it easy. A slow run is better than no run. Getting out also helped me explore the area we were staying, so I knew some restaurants and cafes we might was to try out during our trip. I tried to look for ones with lines or a lot of people were eating at to see what might be good. It is a good vacation tip if you are staying in a town. By getting out it also helped me enjoy the view. Not too shabby. I get to go to the big island in two months. I cannot wait.

Kamaole Beach I, Kihei, Maui Hawaii

Vacation Run Colorado

I spent this past weekend in Colorado Springs visiting a friend from high school. I really learned to love Colorado while I was over there. It is so cool to have so many trails and parks. The idea of just taking off every weekend to climb a mountain or mountain bike is just so romantic. By Sunday of this past week I was itching to go for a run, after three days off. My friend took us up to a park that has 360 degree views of Colorado Springs. You can see downtown, Garden of the Gods, and of course all the mountains. Below is video of the view and a picture.

By Sunday, I was feeling pretty used to the altitude. (Colorado Springs is at an elevation of 6,035 feet above sea level). My three mile run felt great. I got a little tired towards the end. I attribute that more to the trail running rather than the thin air. I wish I could run here again. I guess I will have to wait for my next visit.