9 Weeks in Asheville

When everything starting shutting down in mid March we had to make a quick decision, stay on the road or find a place to stay and evaluate the situation as it played out. It was not an easy decision, where do we go to stay safe and healthy and not go completely stir crazy? We considered our options and ultimately decided to go to Asheville, NC. Our friend Coral knew a family with an empty Air B and B, we connected with them and it just fell into place. We arrived to our “home” on March 20th and at that time we had no idea how long we would stay there.

We had always wanted to visit Asheville. We had heard so often what a cool mountain town it is, great trails, great restaurants, cool people, sort of a mini Seattle. Since we had no idea how long we would be there, we wanted to make sure we were in a place that we could enjoy the outdoors, and we did just that.

We tried to get outside every day, whether it was in the neighborhood walking Mira, running loops or stairs, driving out to the Blue Ridge Parkway to hike or run trails, we felt anything but cooped up. We did spend more time watching TV than we have in the past 6 years but it made us realize that we don’t miss having one at all. We watched some really good movies/documentaries and some really bad ones. We cooked more elaborate meals than we would in the van (having an oven is really nice). We participated in and created virtual races/challenges to keep us motivated to train. I channeled my inner artist and created a mug as a token of our stay. We made new friends, our “landlords”, Ann and Sandy (Batton Clay Works). Overall, we had a wonderful experience in Asheville. Our accommodations were beautiful, comfortable, clean and felt like home but we both really missed the van, our comfortable bed, all of our belongings in one place and the freedom to travel where and when we want.

As more and more places started to open and the weather started to warm up in NC, we decided it was time to move on. We are fortunate enough to have the ability and freedom to go just about anywhere. Although, I do work remotely so I do need decent cell phone service during the week. As most people know, we spent the entire Summer 2019 in and around Leadville, Colorado and knew the weather there is perfect for mountain adventures, the camping is easy, we are familiar with the area and know some folks there and the pool would be opening up for swimming and showers (or so we thought). Just prior to our departure we heard the pool was not opening until late June/early July so we reached out to some folks and found a place to stay in Leadville for the month of June.

On our way we made a stop in Emporia, Kansas. Emporia holds a special place in our hearts. We spent a month there back in 2018 and made some lifelong friends. We were able to visit with friends (outside and socially distanced, of course), go for a run and visit our favorite coffee shop (pick up coffee and say hello). It was a short visit but it was such a great feeling to be socializing and enjoying the company of others, while still feeling safe.

We left the heat and humidity of Emporia and headed to Colorado, arriving into Breckenridge to cool, crisp mountain air and 30 degrees!! We would spend 2 days in and around Breckenridge before heading to Leadville to check into our accommodations for the month of June.

We left the heat and humidity of Emporia and headed to Colorado, arriving into Breckenridge to cool, crisp mountain air and 30 degrees!! We would spend 2 days in and around Breckenridge before heading to Leadville to check into our accommodations for the month of June. Lets just say they were not what we were expecting and you get what you pay for, more on that in my next blog!!!

Virtual Races/Challenges

David Goggins 4 x 4 x 48

Goofy Challenge (Based off Dopey Challenge)

2 separate 100 mile weeks

Orange Mud Ambassador R.A.T.S race (Race Across the States)

7 Day 5K Ladder (start with a 5k and add 5K a day)

Cinco de Mayo 5K

Dedication Distance Run-#irunwithmaud

Hyland’s Quaran-Team Challenges (various challenges changing weekly)