Sprinting Downhill and Labor Day Adventures

I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. I went camping near Yakima and went white water rafting on the Tieton River. This was us ;) just kidding

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But the whole experience was extremely fun. The Tieton River is only open to white water rafting in September due to irrigation needs farther down the river (they open up a dam). At this time, this river is considered a class III/IV. No one fell out, everyone survived and we all had a blast.

After river rafting we took a hike to Twin Sisters Lake. This hike is relatively flat and a pretty short hike, but the lakes are beautiful. The only bummer was it was over an hour drive from our camp site, but we still enjoyed the scenery.

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I recently heard someone mention that to increase speed you should sprint downhill. Has anyone heard of this? Sprinting uphill helps with muscular and cardiovascular strength, but what can running downhill do? So naturally, I looked it up…

As we all know, whether we are sprinting or running long distance, running requires strength, but running also requires coordination and balance. When we walk, we are going from being on 2 feet to 1 foot. Being on 1 foot requires balance. If you have ever worked with people who have had a stroke or decrease strength/proprioception in 1 leg, you would see how important balance is during walking. Running is jumping from 1 foot to the next with air time in between foot strikes. This requires a lot of coordination and balance.

My studies have taught me that walking (or running) downhill requires increase eccentric control. If you think about it, when you walk down a hill or stairs, you are breaking your movement. Well, this requires more strength from your muscles than walking up stairs (or a hill). Think about a time you were really sore. What was harder? Walking up the stairs or down the stairs?  You should have answered down the stairs because you are slowing yourself down.

Upon further research, sprinting downhill as fast as you can for approximately 40m helps increase your coordination, balance and strength and allows you to run faster. According to Livestrong.com (which did back up this article with legitimate sources) "Sprinting downhill develops your coordination by forcing your legs to learn how to handle high speed travel. At first you'll have difficulty keeping your balance, but over time your coordination will improve in response to the increased stride rate."

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So go out there and run hill repeats, both down and up a hill. But remember, like with any exercise, ease into it.

Back to the Daily Grind

My month off is over and now I am back in So Cal working hard! Right now I am at a clinic full time. My schedule is MWF 7am-7pm & Tuesday 9-1pm. Long days, but so far so good. I just have to tell myself "fake it till I make it." I had a patient that I worked on all by myself today and I wouldn't say I made stuff up out of the blue, but I definitely tried to sound more confident that I really am. I think she bought it ;)

My December was relaxing and fun. I may or may not have spent the first 2 weeks waking up late, sitting on the couch, and watching TV. I think my brain and body were exhausted. After recovering from finals (2 weeks later), Chris and I headed to Portland to meet up with some friends and meet a new (little) friend, Jayden.

This is Chelsea and her little baby boy Jayden. I was so excited to meet him. He was excited too, because as soon as I picked him up, he threw up all over me. For some reason, baby vomit is not as bad a adult vomit.

We headed out to the Zoo to see animals and lights. The night was chilly, but it was fun to see all the decorations and even some furry animals.

The group at the Zoo

All of us have a little animal in us

A few days later, back in Seattle, it was CHRISTMAS. I got my first stocking ever!

Christmas was fun! This was my second Christmas ever and I am excited to start this new tradition

Christmas Eve games with Marilee

Permanent Red Solo Cup (notice the stem)

Colonel Sanders?

White Elephant gifts galore

Avery and I

Chris being goofy

The Pilkey Brothers with Grandma Lol

After Christmas I managed to go skiing twice and hiking as well.

 Here is a lovely picture of me skiing at Crystal Mtn

 The magnificent Mt Rainier as our back drop

 What a beautiful blue bird day at Crystal!

Mt Rainier from a hike that Shelly and I took! - Poo Poo Point

Skiing at Alpental. Not as sunny as Crystal, but still fun!

Lastly, NYE! I was lucky enough to get invited to a friend's "cabin" a little south of Seattle. 20 of us drove down, brought alcohol and food and packed into a 3 bedroom house. It was perfect. I did not want to spend NYE at a bar and I was able to fall asleep at 12:30am on 1/1/2013. Yes I am a total dork, but at least I made it to midnight.

That was my break! Now I am going from sleeping 12 hours a day to working 12 hours a day (1st world problems - I know).

Here is a picture to leave you with:

Mickey and George love sitting in these boxes. It is just too cute.

Did you have any fun Holiday plans or trips?

Sleeping in Never Felt so Good

2 weeks into my break with 1 week left and I could live like this forever.

I have managed to keep myself busy, but only with fun activities. Although my brain is still on overdrive from my first semester of school, hopefully the next week will be enough time to but my brain into coast.

I haven't done much over break. I am still catching up on sleep and exercise. I bought a 10 pass to my yoga studio (Yoga Bliss) and I hope that I use them all up, if not, I will just have to come back home before the pass expires. I have also been running. Let me tell you that if you don't run for a while how quickly you get out of shape. I took a slightly hilly 3 mile run (3.27 to be exact) and my last mile was torturous. I have never huffed and puffed so much while doing a 10 minute mile. But it felt really good to get out there. Endorphin Rush.

I got the opportunity to stay at Victoria's cabin at Crystal Mtn. with Rebecca and ski on a beautifully sunny day. We had an amazing time!

Me, Victoria and Rebecca skiing at Crystal. Beautiful day. Beautiful view of Mt Rainer in the back ground!

After my wonderful time at Crystal Mtn. Chris and I headed south to Portland to chill with Nichole, Trevor and Chelsea. It was great to be able to see them over break.

My dad Steven took my brother Ben, Chris and I to a Seahawks game on Christmas eve. We didn't win :(, but I still had a great time. Who knew that I would love to watch football?

At the bus stop heading to Clink Field

Ben and Chris decked out in Seahawk's gear, excited about the game

I spent Christmas eve and day with Chris's family. Right after the Seahawks game, we headed to the Pilkey's residence for amazing food and a fun time with his family.

Chris scoring over 1,000,000 points on Xbox's dance kinect game!

White elephant gift: Stashes. We look hot

It has been amazing seeing friends. I miss everyone so much and I have had a great time catching up.

I have 3 weeks off with literally NOTHING to do. AMAZING!

So far I have had a wonderful break.

My break started off with a holiday (ugly sweater) party with my classmates. We all needed this!

DPT Class of 2014 and others

The next day, a few of us jetted (drove) to Vegas. This was my first time to Vegas, so I was extremely excited and kind of nervous. I survived and I am still recovering, but it was so worth it.

Me, Jenny, Jenna and Lauren drinking our alcohol slushies in the Venetian

Outside the Palazzo

At Bank in the Bellagio

Now for my goals over the next 3 weeks of mental relaxation:

1.) Catch up on my TV shows. Such as Dexter, Real Housewives of BH and House. (oh wait, I already did this)

2.) Read non-school related books. The Hunger Games and Stiff

3.) Get back in shape. So far I have done yoga twice and I am already so sore that I don't know if I can keep this up, but I will because come January 4th, exercise will be much harder to come by.

and most important...

4.) See lots of friends. Hit me up people. I am available, it is you who has the busy schedule.

Maybe I should come home to Seattle more often

My first trip back to Seatown since mid August will forever be memorable. Although I fully planned on studying every single day that didn’t quite happen…

Saturday Christopher and I went to our good friends Shawn and Ana’s wedding. It was beautiful. Good food, dancing, and everyone got a little slithered. The bride threw the bouquet directly at me for some reason.

The Isle at Shawn and Ana's wedding

First kiss as a married couple 

I caught the bouquet, look at how happy Chris is. 

Some one has to get a pie in the face at every wedding. Sorry Mike, it was you instead of James this time. 

The guys having a good time

In the morning Christopher requested that I enter in an address to my GPS. Low and behold we ended up at Boeing field where he had chartered a helicopter flight over Seattle!!!!!

It was amazing; we saw Lake Washington, UW, Green Lake, the Space Needle and the glorious Seattle skyline all from 1000 feet in the air.

Chris and I on our impromptu helicopter ride 

Beautiful Seattle

Upon landing I was told to pack a swimsuit, a nice evening gown, and my passport  for our next adventure. I was intrigued to say the least.

I packed a few more items like my toothbrush and contacts and we were off for Canada I supposed.

As we approached the boarder, my anticipation was growing.

After checking in to our hotel, we dined at a fabulous German restaurant. The food was absolutely exquisite; schnitzel, mushroom caps, escargot, spatzel and good German beer.

We were upgraded to a suite! 

How handsome?

Enjoying our beer

Our delicious dinner 

After dinner we soaked in hot springs. It was a lovely evening.

Right before heading down to the hot springs for a dip

The next morning I was surprised with snow on the ground (a big difference from the warm So Cal weather) and most importantly, a massage. Actually a couples massage with my romantic man right beside me.  It was so relaxing.

Later in the day we enjoyed afternoon tea, an English/Canadian tradition. Christopher only had one cookie, so I knew something was up.

We took a walk in the snow and found a dock with a picturesque view of Lake Harrision and the surrounding mountains. He got down on one knee and proposed. I was so happy yet puzzled because he used the ring he had already given me. (THE DECOY RING)

The location of the proposal

Several hours later, discussing our life together over a couple of martinis, he pulled out the (ROCK).  I was speechless. The ring is STUNNING! 

Christopher wore a handsome grey suit and I slipped on a sexy black dress and we dined in a fancy restaurant named the Copper Room. We drank champagne, ate a three-course dinner and danced to a live band. What a weekend!!!!

Maybe I SHOULD come home more often ;)