It was a beautiful gathering in Boulder for the Fitness and Health Bloggers Conference. And fitting with a healthy meeting, there was lots of activities scheduled throughout the weekend.
Yoga with Kia (Bodhi Bear)
I know this may shock you, but I’m a little squirrely. I made sure to get up early enough to have ample coffee before the yoga session – probably not the best idea LOL. I have never really practiced yoga and certainly have never been instructed. Kia was AMAZING! She totally set the mood to relax and breathe and offered kind and gentle corrections for many of the moves. I certainly can see the value in regular yoga practice, and by the end I felt so good! Kia was kind enough to share this breathing exercise with me after the class. THANK YOU!
Don’t you just feel more relaxed after watching this? She has an amazing way about her…
Running Clinic with Newton Running
So I know this is a bit ironic, but I was sort of looking forward to the Running Clinic with Newton Running (ironic because I don’t run – I BARELY wog). I was very nervous, but what the hell, right? We got a lot of information about posture – I was regularly corrected – and the concept behind the Newton shoes. They basically don’t have a heel lift in order to facilitate a strike more on the ball of the foot. We did little marching drills in place and then slowly moved forward. It was interesting to see how people’s “plant” changed when traveling forward. I of course was at the back of the pack as we traveled around the parking lot. I was immediately instructed to speed up my cadence. Say what? I’m all about SLOW, but I really do think it made a difference. I was WAY out of my comfort zone with this one and was quite grateful when we got to the pushup, plank, lunge part of the clinic. I can totally do that! Ian was VERY easy on the eyes though and it turns out we cross paths in the same county occasionally. I’m SO hoping to get a mini clinic with him next time he’s in town.
Our VERY Knowlegable Instructor - Ian Adamson - Check Out Those Legs!
The Bike Ride
For those of you that know me, you know I’m learning how to ride a bike. I just got a pretty bike and have been learning with my BF+ as a VERY patient coach <View Embarrassing Video of My Stellar Steering Skills>. So when I heard about the bike ride, I was stoked! I mean, I’ve practiced, I know how to brake and shift, and I’m a LOT more comfortable on my bike now.
The program advertised the bike ride as the Switzerland Trail above Boulder. When I first saw this, I thought, “No Way!” But I read on, and it described the ride as beginner, 95% downhill, and 19 miles. I was so excited that it was downhill, that I completely forgot about the fact that I am COMPLETELY uncomfortable with any kind of speed. I was also in denial about the 19 mile part. But the mood was hopeful, and I was happy to join the A-Team on this little trek (Beth @ Shut Up and Run; Clair @ Own Your Backbone ; Casey @ Hippie Health Nut; Alicia @ Honestly Alicia)
The A Team - Ready for the 19 Mile "Downhill"
And the girls are looking pretty hot – check out Alicia’s gloves and camel back (provided by her BF). She is SO ready for this ride!
Alicia is Looking Pretty Hawt - AND - She Looked Exactly the Same AFTER the Ride <how does she do it?>
Considering This Was Hard For Me, I Sure Am Happy!
The first part was pretty bumpy <understatement>, and since I did promise embarrassing video for the BF+, here it is. Notice the SPEED! I affectionately refer to this piece as Bumpy, Bumpy, Bumpy. God I suck – BUT – I am VERY pleased with myself. <Notice the “that was awesome” bit at the end.>
Then, our lovely guide decided to film from behind without my knowledge. If it weren’t for the scenery, I wouldn’t show it (cuz I’m not really fond of filming my arse). But this is actually pretty cool cuz I can actually see the scenery in the video (I didn’t really notice much during the ride LOL). I LOVED our caboose man – he was super nice and supportive. Again – please notice my VERY GOOD STEERING around this treacherous turn.
Casey and I hung out towards the back of the group (thank you to the others for your patience) – by this point – we’re pretty happy to be by the trees, river, and outcroppings. So beautiful!
Casey and Me - Down By the River
And the VICTORY photo after the 19 miles!
Post Ride Victory!
I have to admit, this was hard for me. But I’m super glad I did it! And even though it was all down hill, I’m totally counting it! I’m happy to say that I’m not even that saddle-sore <no small miracle>.
A HUGE shout out to the Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides guys – THEY WERE AMAZING! They all were very knowledgeable, supportive, and helpful. (We did have one little mishap and they were top notch in assisting the team.) And considering how out-of-my-comfort-zone I was, I always felt very safe. I would highly recommend them for tours and treks of all skill levels.
So this is how we ended our little weekend – a perfect final chapter to the Fitness and Health Bloggers Conference in beautiful Colorado.
Check out the Part 1 to see the Family, Food, and Fun post.
Have you been to conferences where fitness and activity is part of the program?
Looks SO beautiful! Makes me want to get out there. And sigh… I CAN since I live here . Good job to ALL of you for taking a risk and coming out alive :D
Suzanne @WorkoutNirvana recently posted..The Fitness & Health Bloggers Conference: It’s All About the People
You should! It was pretty darn fun – I saw lots of “meadow” like rides around your place – it had me thinking.
And yes – YAY for us for surviving!
I am so proud of you, my friend!! your smile in that photo of you + bike, so perfectly awesome. you DO look so happy! what a beautiful trail and empowering experience for you.
I love the video – I did the breathing technique as I watched, and I will remember and use again… it did have a calming effect.
XXO!
Kristina @ spabettie recently posted..mint & chocolate chickpea cookie balls
LOL I actually tried the breathing thing last night – I felt better too! And yes – surviving my terror ( MY GAWD how did I become such a scaredy cat???) is VERY empowering – YAY!
Wow, certainly is gorgeous there. It’s the perfect place to exercise outdoors until the nasty cold snow comes in. then it will be time to hit the indoor exercise equipment, unless of course your really brave or just a hard core exerciser. Sounds like you had fun.
Ray @ fitnesstips recently posted..Great Workout Fitness Apps
It was super fun! And yes – I would have no idea how to live in the snow. I would probably get lost and die somehow.
Oh my goodness I am in awe of your bike ride! Fellow newbie cyclist here, I don’t think I would have been able to do that. You are one tough cookie :) Sounds like a fab conference!
Oh sunshine – if you saw me you would NOT be in awe – ha! It was super fun, but I was kinda missing you and your accent :)