2018 Highlights

I’m a little late on this, but given I wasn’t the best at keeping up with blogging this year, I wanted to do a quick roundup of some of the highlights of our 2018.  It was our first full year living in Geneva, Switzerland after moving here in September of 2017, and we finally started to feel settled in.  After back to back winters, moving from the Southern hemisphere at just the wrong time, the spring and summer felt magical as we took to exploring the nearby Alps, both on our own and with the help of friends and family that came and visited.  I could go on and on about all we did and learned this year, but I’ll do my best to keep it brief with the help of lots of photos. Continue reading “2018 Highlights”

I Ran an Ultramarathon (and I liked it)

This October I accomplished a goal that wasn’t even on my radar at the beginning of this summer (a prime example of why I don’t make bucket lists).  I ran 37 miles, climbing and descending 10,000 vertical feet to complete my first Ultramarathon, and my third ever trail race.  It took me 8 hours and 45 minutes, and I managed to sneak into the top 10 (7th place!) for women.  Perhaps the craziest part of all though, is that I crossed the finish line with a pep in my step and a smile on my face.  The pep didn’t take long to turn into a hobble, but my smile remained intact.  Why and how did I go from casual runs on the pavement to a trail ultramarathon?  I’m glad you asked. Continue reading “I Ran an Ultramarathon (and I liked it)”

4-day “fastpack” on the Tour du Mont Blanc

I still remember the first time I read about the Tour du Mont Blanc or TMB for short.  Inspired by our first through hiking adventure on the Inca Trail, I was down a rabbit hole, reading about other epic multi-day hikes.  Along with the “W” in Chilean Patagonia, the TMB shot right to the top of my list of day dream worthy destinations.  I knew we had to do it someday, but, given that it’s recommended as an 11 day hike, it would have to wait until we could dedicate an entire 2-week vacation to it.  Or so I thought… Continue reading “4-day “fastpack” on the Tour du Mont Blanc”