GTW Editorial: Forced Acquisitions

So it came to be, that I finally couldn't make do with my layout software any longer. The pressure was too great, my casual but constant requests for others to "save down" too much for any woman to bear.

And as dominoes are known to do, it turned into the Month of Upgrades. First it was the software. But when Creative Suite 5 (braggity, brag) choked my ancient computer, I realized I was on the threshold of a Forced Acquisition.

This didn't fall upon me in horror. Oh no, this was a delightful turn of events. My hands were tied. A new computer had to be had. I had no choice. And the hunt began.

Overkill in one sport? The power of cross training

For the last few years I’ve biked nearly every day of the summer. But my progress has ground to a halt. Each summer it happens because a) I get comfortable doing the same routine, b) I like comfortable and I like routine, and c) my body grows accustomed to my biking and therefore is unimpressed with it.

This season I'm tuned into the huge benefits of cross training. I like to think that cross training will activate some superhuman powers and relieve me of this winter thickening.

I'm thinking it will go something like this: Biking up and down Crystal Mountain until the gears give out. Running up and down the road until I keel over. Then some strength training with my friends until someone gets hurt. I think it's gonna be the best summer ever.

The pros say cross training is the way to go: it keeps your body guessing, keeps boredom at bay and keeps you in need of the latest garb and gadgets for a bunch of new sports. What's not to love?

1. Pick 3 sports. Try to do cardio, strength training and something that sounds credible but is really a treat, like Pilates. Let’s face it - you aren't ever going to be in a Pilates race and therefore it's a luxury, what you make of it is all that matters, your time, your pleasure. Make sure to carve this time out and protect it fiercely from any naysayers who only wish they, too, could cross train.

Head over wheels for running

I had the treat of guest blogging at Michigan Runner Girl, check it out!

Here's a blurb:

I’m a mountain biker. I’m a skier. I’m a writer, a mother, a cat lover. Oh, and I might, when pressed by a polite friend, be called a runner too. But… I’m slow. And I don’t go far. And I hate it.

So, why do I do it? Because it gets me from ski season to bike season. Sure, I could spin like all my other biker friends and avoid all the grief of running, but I don’t. And here’s why: Read more at http://michiganrunnergirl.com/falling-head-over-wheels-for-running/