The Count Down Is On!

If you’ve had the chance to see Doreen around town then you’ve probably caught a glimpse of the same, beaming from head-to-toe, woman as I have.   She is about 2 weeks away from the grand opening of her store, Mountain Daisy, which is still on track to open it’s doors on Thursday, September 1, 2011, and her excitement is obvious.

Doreen’s hard work, bound determination, and overwhelming support from various friends and family members is making everything come together.  The paint has dried, the accessories are complete, and now the final touches are being added.

Doreen should be proud.  I peeked inside and found Mountain Daisy’s color scheme and rustic decor – cool, yet chic.  Her buddies, Heather and Kim, have offered her thrifty and unique ideas to make her store attractive and hip.  She’s also added some familiar and fun brands of clothing to her collection, like Patagonia.  I think you’ll find that Doreen’s got something to complement every kind of woman in her store.

Oh Doreen…If you build it, they will come.

Congrats!

Written by Nora Alby

Before pics of store

Dreams Can Come True!

As long as I have known my dear friend Doreen she has expressed a desire to open her own women’s active wear store.  Over the years we’ve chatted, while on our long training runs, about making this dream come to fruition.  With 3 busy children, a volunteer in the classroom and community, and a very full lifestyle – the dream, for Doreen, often seemed far from possible.

Well, today her dream is coming true.  Doreen, who has strong will and determination, has taken a giant leap of faith to open her store “Mountain Daisy.”  She found a quaint space, in an ideal location in the heart of north Evergreen located inside Bergen Village Shopping Center at 1254 Bergen Pkwy, D-108, Evergreen, CO.  She hopes to open her front doors for business on September 1, 2011.

You can follow her progress and final days counting down to the grand opening on her blog, Facebook and Twitter.  She will post pictures of this exciting journey so you can share in the experience.  Please help celebrate this dream come true and post well wishes for her as she races to yet another finish line.  Go Doreen you are inspiring all of us!

Written by Nora Alby

Skirt Sports Skirt Chaser 5K

Mark your calendars!

October 1, 2011 – 3:00 p.m.

Invesco Field @ Mile Hi 

Skirt Sports Skirt Chaser 5K

I lost a bet and I’m not particularly happy.  As a result, my dear friend David gets to choose my outfit for the Skirt Sports Skirt Chaser 5K in Denver.  I assure you it will be nothing short of humiliating, but a bet is a bet and I will not back down.  My only hope is that he is kind to me.   Rumors are already circulating, however, that I will be top and bottom heavy – complete with wig and tights.  Good stuff, right?

So to lessen the blow, it sure would be nice if I had some friends cheering me on.  This annual event has become so popular that they had to move locations to Invesco Field to accommodate the large masses.

The gist of the race is simple.  The ladies, dressed in their skirts they get for registering, start 3 minutes prior to the men.  If you’re a couple, you do not want to get passed by your man.  If you’re single, well it’s up to you if you want to be caught or not.

After the race the fun continues with music, food and beer.  It’s one giant party!    You can find out more information and register at www.skirtsports.com/skirtchaser5k/denver/.  Come on down and join the fun!  And don’t forget to look for me on the Jumbatron!

Written by Nora Alby

Skirts for Every Occasion

Ladies, have you looked around you lately?  Skirts are not only reserved for tennis courts and golf courses anymore.  These hot fashion items have found their way to sports like; running, cycling and even triathlons.  They’re everywhere!  I’ve not only seen gals on bikes, but at the grocery store, farmers market and even Nordstroms wearing this latest trend.

I, personally, like that these skirts have become so popular.  With more brands, like Skirt Sports and Running Skirts, there’re more choices.  You can find a skirt that fits your personality.

I am thankful that I have another option when I want to go for my run besides my Nike shorts.  Its not that I’m a vain person but, rather that I like to multi-task.  I can feel good about my appearance on and off the trail as I grab a bite with a friend.

Extra time is something we don’t have a lot of these days, so why not make each minute count?   Just put on a skirt, throw on sneakers, and don’t forget to leave an extra stick of deodorant in your car.

Written by Nora Alby

 cycling skirt

Pool Ready!

Summer is finally here!  It’s time to stretch my toes and relax at the pool.  This Summer I think it’s pertinent to have my pool essentials ready to go!  In Colorado the weather can change quickly, so I need to maximize the sunshine as long as possible.   Here’s my list of items to be pool ready:  a good book, sunglasses, Sugar Toes flip flops, towel, sunscreen, swim suit, Lole Adriana or Prana dress, bottle of H2O, and OLM tote.

Now one more thing.  If you see me at the pool and I don’t jump up to say hello, don’t take it personally.  I might be taking a cat nap.  Just be a good friend – wipe off any potential drool – and leave me alone.

Written by Nora Alby

Don’t forget your Graduate!

Another school year has almost come to an end, and celebrations are just beginning for Graduates.  I have a niece who is going off to college this Fall.  It seems like yesterday I was holding her for the first time in the hospital – another bitter reminder how quickly time passes.

Hannah and I have a special bond and I’ve been stumped what to get her to celebrate her accomplishment.  I know cash is the old standby, but I’d like to give her something more personal that will remind her of me from time to time.

Hannah’s an amazing dancer!  I think she’ll love a couple of cute, sweaty bands for her hair.   These attractive bands are unique in that they actually keep your sweat off your face as you’re working out.  I could throw in a comfy hoody and she’s all set for an early morning class.

Graduation is a major milestone in one’s life.  Don’t forget to acknowledge the Graduate in your life and encourage them to keep reaching for the stars!

Written by Nora Alby

Schools Out For Summer

With less than one week officially left in the kiddos school calendar I feel myself panicked – so much to get done and so little time.  This Summer, however, I hope to be more organized.  I say that every Summer, but maybe this time it will stick.

As I drop my youngest off to school I see a friend on her bike.  It’s gorgeous today and I, myself, hope to find myself on a trail running.  It’s there where I can sort my thoughts and figure out my plan of action for the next few months.

My children, thankfully, are getting to an age where we can do things together.  I’m going to plan family bike rides, hikes and trail runs.  We live in such a cool setting that all of these activities are accessible right out our backdoor.  No excuses!

The Bolder Boulder 10K is fast approaching on Memorial Day and it’s another great way to kick off the Summer fitness plan.  If that race is too ambitious, then try the Evergreen 4th of July 5K Freedom Run.  It’s a perfect fit for families.  Sign up with a friend, or with one of your children, and get moving.

With the end of yet another school year, we shouldn’t feel deflated.  We should should continue to set goals to keep us motivated and healthy as a family.  So turn off that t.v., put the video game down and go discover what’s in your own backyard.

Written by Nora Alby

Spring is in the Air!

I love that in Colorado we have 4 distinct seasons.   They signal the changes in the year and highlight some of our favorite holidays like Christmas and Easter.   As much as I enjoy each season and welcome the various changes that they bring – Spring is definitely my favorite.    Spring, to me, is a time of new beginnings – flowers bloom and babies are born.   The long, cold days of Winter become a distant memory and friends start thinking of bike rides and barbecues.

As I look forward to longer days of sunlight and warmer weather, I also get excited about Spring clothing.  Fashion, like the seasons, is cyclical.  I can’t wait to grab the latest In Style magazine and see what the hottest trends are in Hollywood.  Finally, it’s time to slip on flip flops and sun dresses and I definitely don’t want to be left behind.

This season it appears color is a “must” to have in your closet.    A few of my favorite brands, like Lole, are sporting bold, fun styles.  Their bright tops are perfect to complement my cheery disposition, or at least remind me to have one.   Black, the color I normally drift towards, is my safe zone.  But this Spring, with the buzz of butterflies, maybe it’s time I step out of the box and throw on something that screams risk taker and confident.

Spring is here fashionistas!  Find the latest trend that fits your personality and dive in and hopefully, it brightens your day!

Written by Nora Alby

 

The Final Push

The holidays are behind me, and my steady routine of packing lunches, laundry, kids basketball games, and car pools sets in.  I’ve been caught up in this daily grind that training for the Boston Marathon has been completely off my radar.  A friend kindly reminds me that Boston is a mere 48 days away.  My head is spinning.  I wonder if I should back out?  I’m afraid I won’t finish.  I’m afraid I’ll have tummy issues.  I’m afraid I’ll get hurt.  I’m afraid that my time, however much I say doesn’t matter, WILL matter.  Fear, I tell myself, is not acceptable and I decide to push on.

My husband reminds me how great it will be to have a weekend away, just the two of us, no children crawling into our bed at 3:00 a.m.  He tells me that it’s going to be such an amazing experience and to enjoy it.   Yes, the time together sounds absolutely marvelous, BUT, I scream at him him, I still have to run 26.2 miles

I feel myself making excuses.  It’s cold outside, I’m tired, I don’t have the time. I try to remind myself it’s all about balance.  Let’s face it, I’m not the only mother out there who runs marathons.  It’s about carefully piecing the hours in the day together like a puzzle.  It’s about using time wisely and making good choices.  I can pop dinner in the crock pot, volunteer in the classroom, go for a run, grocery shop, throw a load of laundry in, and still be home by the time the bus arrives.  Women, after all, gave birth for thousands of years without any medication – this, too, is manageable.

I tell myself to relax.  Running has always been fun for me, it’s not my job.  I mean, let’s be perfectly clear, I’m not Kara Goucher.  I’m not planning on winning the marathon.  My only goal is to finish.

So….maybe my husband is right.  Maybe I need to focus more on the time we get to spend together and try enjoying the whole experience.  I can put in the hard work, juggle a few extra things on my plate, and remain sane all at the same time.  Who would’ve guessed that maybe he’s right?  Shhhh!  If you see him just don’t tell him I said so.

By Nora Alby