Greetings from Colorado!
I arrived on Friday afternoon, grabbed my rental car, a brand spanking new Subaru Outback (love it), and hit the road to drive about 45 minutes to Chautauqua Park where BLEND is being held this weekend.
The drive was absolutely beautiful. I actually caught myself a couple of times staring off at the gorgeous mountains and not paying attention to the road ahead of me!
The closer I got to Chautauqua Park, the hungrier I got. It was well past lunchtime, especially since I was on East coast time, so I kept my eyes peeled for food options. About 5 minutes away from my destination, I stopped a Whole Foods. Hallelujah! Feed me.
I made myself a big salad and then also grabbed a M&M cookie and some carob bites since I planned to go for a run and knew I would want to eat something post-workout.
My view at lunch: Parking lot + MOUNTAINS!
My accommodations at Chautauqua Park were amazing and, oh, so adorable. I had a whole cabin to myself!
Look at this place! So cute, right?
It even had a small kitchen!
I was immediately in love and wished I was staying longer. I only spent one night at Chautauqua, but maybe next year we’ll make BLEND a family trip? I can see why everyone loves this retreat so much!
Once I got settled, I headed out for a run on the nearby trails. In my head, I had planned 5-ish miles, but once I started running, I knew it just wasn’t going to happen. Holy altitude. It really gets ya!
I ended up taking a lot of walking breaks during my run and then it eventually turned into more of a hike, but it was still an awesome workout with incredible views of Boulder.
My goodness, Colorado is breathtaking. Even though it was a tough workout, I loved every minute of it.
After my workout, I showered up and then headed to Lauren‘s house to help the BLEND organizers get ready for the retreat the next day. FYI: The swag bags are bomb this year!
The next morning, I met Lindsay at CrossFit Roots for a workout.
CrossFit Roots was a beautiful space– big, open, and bright.
And the workout and coaching were great too! But, man, that altitude really gets ya. The barbell stuff wasn’t bad at all, but the runs kicked my butt. I was huffing and puffing like crazy. Even still, I had such a fun time at CrossFit Roots!
More adventures to come!
25 Comments
I went to Chautauqua last August and it was one of the best vacations of my life. The cabins are adorable, the surrounding park is amazing and it close enough to downtown Boulder to explore. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your stay!
Oh my gosh, i really want to go to BLEND one day. I do I do I do!
YAY, welcome to my state! Right across from that Whole Foods is the Boulder Running Company, next time put that on your list to visit. The Mesa Trail that you ran is no joke and the perfect way to see Boulder. Thanks for posting about our amazing state!
Looks beautiful. Next year I plan to go and make it a family trip!
have fun! so sad i’m not that there this year!
Sounds like the beginning of a great BLEND weekend!
Welcome to Boulder!
So beautiful! I went to Colorado for a ski trip when I was younger and it’s definitely harder to breath (especially for this asthma girl!)
your little cottage is so cute!! looks like a great place to retreat at!
I wish you were meeting up to WOD with the GGW ladies!!
I went to college in Boulder š I used to live at the base of Flagstaff, the mtn next to Chautauqua and the flatirons. I ran/walked the mesa trail ALL THE TIME!!! I miss it so much.
Pinning that workout to try! Did you us 75/55 lb for all the exercises?
Yep!
Oh gosh I was DYING during bootcamp – so hard to breathe!
That cabin is super cute!
The altitude totally got me on this trip. Just walking up a hill gets me out of breath! It was so awesome meeting you on Friday, Tina!
You too!!
Looks amazing!!
So, I stop at that Whole Foods at least once a week on my way to work, and drive past Chautauqua on my way too. I love running the trails and stopping for breakfast at the dining hall after! I hope you were able to get to the WF’s on Pearl St – it has the most massive bulk section it’s almost overwhelming. Glad you’re enjoying your visit, it’s a pretty great place.
And I got a mini-van lol.
I keep seeing more and more mentions of CO, so I think I need to go there for a vacation! Looking forward to your retreat recap!
Isn’t Chataqua beautiful!! I was actually on the mesa trail this weekend as well, but outside of Chataqua over by Bear Peak–a hike I’d definitely recommend checking out if you return again! It’s more challenging–lots of scrambling up rocks–but the views at the top are well worth it.
So I love the quest bars, and am dying to try the mint chocolate one. Did you try the protein powder?
Not yet, but I got a few samples. I’ve heard great things about it!