I left off at the mention of the sunrise. Man.

It was probably one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever experienced, no joke. We left at 4:15 to drive to (and up!) Cadillac Mountain to see the sun right as it poked out from the horizon. It was probably 40 degrees out, so we grabbed a sleeping bag and sweatshirts, and huddled on the rocks looking out into pure, pure beauty.

 When we left, we were in dire need of coffee. (We look zzzz.) At first, we decided to “treat” ourselves to some from a bakery, but it wasn’t even 6am, and nothing would be open. We figured we should boil our own water and use the coffee grounds we purchased, but realized our one pot still had leftover pasta in it from the night before. (We didn’t wash it out because we accidentally fell asleep super early, remember?). Luckily, and in quite Nicole and Laura fashion, we found a pot and two mugs on the side of the road for the taking. (Long story.) We headed back to camp, and decided to, once again, take a nap before getting our caffeine fill. Sensing a theme here? Next thing we knew, we had passed out for three hours, but this time were totalllly ready to take on the day, which was a filled one!

After finally drinking coffee, and showering at a convenience store down the street (don’t worry about it), we headed to the other side of the island and hiked up Beehive Mountain, a scramble up rocks that included a lot of metal rungs. It was awesome. Then we met up with Nicole’s friend Genny and hard-chilled at the ocean, and went on a walk down the coast to see some spectacular sites.  

After a day of hiking and swimming, we enjoyed popovers and cappuccinos out on a beautiful lawn overlooking the water, and then drove into Bar Harbor to explore the local tourist town. After some window shopping, we headed back to our lil campsite, made a fire for REAL this time, and were happily asleep soon after the sunset. 

And for your enjoyment, another video. This one is from the top of Beehive Mountain. Enjoy the view! And sorry that I turned the camera, you have to look sideways  

I’m not quite sure where to begin. Perhaps a photo. 

I started this blog almost two years ago, when Nicole and I hiked and camped around the country (hence the name of this blog!). Since then, both of our lives have significantly changed. So we were more than looking forward to peeking back into a world we both thrive in — a world where things are a bit more quiet, more simple. Where we can jump in a car and drive with no real plan, getting to see another piece of the states, experience another way people live.

And this time it was to Acadia National Park in Maine. 

The two of us left during the hailstorm in New York City, and made our train with (barely) five seconds to spare. On the ride out to Long Island we met the sweetest old men who were WWII vets. We exchanged life stories (there’s were a lot longer, and a lot more interesting) and then parted ways once we got to Northport. We quickly packed up my dads car, ate some pizza in record time (but seriously) and left for Boston right around sunset. We arrived a bit before 1am, crashed at Nic’s friends apartment, and basically “napped” for three hours before continuing our journey up to Acadia at the crack of dawn. (The reason we left so early was because campsites are first-come-first-serve, and we were afraid they would fill up if we arrived too late!)

As we neared the park, we reveled in the local surroundings: Barb’s best clams, the millions of Moose lodges, used books stores, Russell’s Marine, $3.99 lobster shacks, Rocky Ridge Hotel…it goes on and on. We rolled into the Seawall campgrounds a little before 11am, and crossed our fingers there would be an available site. Lucky for us, we snagged one of the last ones.  

We were both exhausted yet totally revved on adrenaline (and a huge bag of trail mix we ate at 6am, but that doesn’t count.) We decided to take things slow and do a small hike near our campground; we walked about a mile down the road and found a trailhead that led out to the ocean. We were pretty much immediately in heaven: We both fell asleep on the rocks. I think I met the Buddha and reached Nirvana.

After saying bye to Gautama we headed to the small town of Southwest harbor to pick up some groceries for dinner. We ended up going for the cheapest options (peppers are $6 a pound, really?!), and loaded up our basket with pasta, frozen spinach, baby carrots, kidney beans (only type that didn’t need a can opener, forgot that…), oatmeal, coffee, soy milk, and oil. We were back at camp by 4pm, but were STARVING and decided to eat an early dinner before going back out to get firewood.

Our dinner ended up being a bit sad (video below). We blamed the whole living in NYC thing for being a little rusty, but the meal waaas edible, which is most important, nutritious, which is second important, and cheap, third important. It was only 5:30 by the time we finished eating, so we decided to take a “little nap” before getting wood and starting a fire. I was in heaven laying in our tent listening to the birds and chipmunks meander about, and the next thing I knew, I was out….for the night.

Luckily, we were able to catch up on sleep, since our alarms were set incredibly early in order to see the sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain, the first place to view the sunrise in the United States. But more on that later…!

As my marathon date gets closer and closer, I’ve been running less and less.

But in a good way, I think. I’ve only dabbled with distance running since the winter, and quickly fell in love with running long. I started running with music for the first time, and became addicted to going for miles on end while listening to some of my favorite tunes. Yet recently, something’s changed. I hit the track a few months back to do a speed workout, and realized that I lost all my speed from high school. At one point in time I could run 400 meters in 59 seconds, and now I can barely do it in 70. 200m repeats in 35 seconds were no big deal, and now I’m breathing heavy just hitting under 40. At the same time, I started getting annoyed by my armband, by R Kelly singing his remix to ignition in my ear, by running for over an hour around the same park with the same hills with the same thick air and sirens.

So I went back to the track.

Lately I’ve been doing a lot of track workouts, from 200 meter cut-downs, to mile repeats, Yasso 800’s, and 100 meter sprints. I’ve also been going back to fartleks and tempo runs, circuits and supersets, yoga and lifting. Pretty much anything but distance running, the thing I should prooobably focus on since my marathon is less than 10 weeks away.

Or maybe not. A few weeks ago, Greatist headed over to CrossFit’s NYCEndurance, a running program with a motto “Intensity is Everything,” and a model that’s basically “run shorter, run faster” in order to see better fitness results, including endurance. Even when training for a marathon, they have their runners maxing out at 20 miles a week, with their longest run a mere 13 miles. And while I’m not exactly sure most people would want to go into a marathon knowing they’ve only completed half the distance (so much of it is mental!), I see NYC Endurance’s point. I remember my first 20-mile run, which doubled the farthest distance I had run prior. I credited my strength training and speed for keeping me alive for miles 15-20, but was also pretty positive if I ran one more step, I’d fall apart.

So with my first marathon creeping up ever so quickly, I’m beginning to wonder if I should switch up my training plans, or stick to what I’m doing: fast, hard, and home. Can I keep winging it, sneak in a few 18-20 runs in, and call it a day? Or should I do some serious remodeling on my training calendar?? Help. 

I just signed another year-long lease (!) in Brooklyn, which also means I wrote a bunch of checks and experienced several panic attacks. But then I reminded myself that I’m (usually) smart with my money, and have even been able to save a few bills while living in NYC.

I’ve decided to start being even more conscious of where my money’s headed, especially since rent is going up and I don’t want my lifestyle to change. Here are the rules I try to live by, along with some money-saving ideas I want to embrace more whole-heartedly: 

-treat yo self (wisely). Figure out what purchases matter most: a) $12 cocktail, b) $12 movie, or c) epic $12 sandwich. “None of the above” can’t always be an option!

-cook, cook, cook! Holy moly does this make a difference. It’s no secret that cooking will save you money, especially if you go after the foods that’ll last forever. I tend to make a ton of quinoa and throw random veggies and beans in the mix. I’ll fry up and egg or two and bam: dinner. For a week. 

-stop drinking so much. Alcohol is so expensive in nyc, and it makes me mad. The only solutions I can come up with are drinking less, having guys buy you drinks, or living off of 3buck chuck. Find a balance between the three. 

-take the subway. True statement: I think I’ve been in a cab twice since I moved here. Unless in a dire situation, cabs are pretty stupid. Just take the train! (Especially if you already pay for a monthly ride.)

-wash your own clothes. This one I’m pretty excited about. I tried allowing myself the luxury of dropping off my laundry this past year, but I don’t really think it was worth it. So once I move in to my new apartment, I’m going to stock up on detergent, a couple buckets, and a drying rack, and deem Sunday as laundry day. I’m stoked. 

-live with friends. Find a friend, split the bills.

-get off groupon. These sneaaaky daily deal sites make you believe you’re “saving” money by purchasing an 85% off Native American pottery class in soho. Lies! 

-take advantage of free shit. Coffee maker at work? Skip starbucks. Want to see live music? Find a free concert. Need to hard chill with a giraffe? See when the zoo has free admission day.

-carry (enough) cash. I find when I have cash with me, I spend it. (Hello, seltzer.) However, I also find that when I’m in a cash-only situation, I head to the nearest atm (Hello, withdrawal fee.) Try to figure out how much money you like to hold on to, and hold on tight!

Oh hello! A lot has been going on since I’m “sooOoo busy” or something… But here are the things that I’ve been thinking about a lot:

wedding. My brother got married! And I have a sister-in-law. Their wedding was wonderful, magical..perfect. We danced all night, and jim and kate were SO HAPPY. They’re SO IN LOVE. AHHhhhh

apartment hunting. Our lease ends August 1st, so Ali and I have been on a mad hunt for apartments. I was happy to experience the whole “first year in nyc suck it up and live in a shitty apartment” thing, but one year was enough. Our apartment really started affecting me (negatively), so I was eager for an upgrade. After a LOT of searching and a lot of disappointment and stress (which is like another full-time job), we are signing a lease on Monday for a place in South Williamsburg. And it has a living room! And exposed brick! And I’m promising myself to buy a real bed and a bike. I’m…an adult.

PS) Goodbye old apartment…you sucked..even if you’re trying to be better by putting a random sidewalk in the middle of the street:

Acadia. Me and Nicole, my camping partner-in-crime, are going up to Acadia National Park next week! I am so excited, and am really in need of a true disconnection from everything and everyone (no offense….)! As much as nyc has grown on me, I totally need to pencil out time to get away and be where I feel most content, which just so happens to be in a tent in the middle of the woods.

marathon training. Jocelyn so kindly reminded me that we’re running a marathon in 10 WEEKS. And…honestly, I haven’t really been training. But I’m not too nervous. I’ve still been working out 4-6 days a week, doing a lot of speed workouts and strength stuff. And I’ve been running with Danielle, so she has helped me pick up the pace on the roads. But as a result…. I’ve been a lot more tired and have felt kinda crappy on most of my alone- runs. Hm. I’ve been foam-rolling like a crazy person at least. Hurts so good.

subways. As much as a despise a majority of new yorkers (mainly on the subway) I’ve noticed something recently: Everyone is so incredibly nice when a pregnant woman steps on the train. Someone always gives up their seat immediately. The other day there must’ve been some post- prenatal yoga class party on the L train, as me and five other people automatically ran from our seats to let a bunch of verrrry pregnant ladies sit down.  Are we in New York City or Durham, NC? 

Today is the big wedding day! (My brother’s getting married, not me. Don’t worry.)

Last night, my parent’s held the rehearsal dinner at their house, transforming our backyard into a magical party venue. We “rehearsed” for about four minutes and then ate/drank for four hours, which was the perfect kick-off to what will be the perfect wedding. There was also the unveiling of the “Schwech-ale,” a beer Kate’s brother and dad have been brewing for months. Pure genius, right?

Off to get my hair done (whaaat!?) and do other fun things before the bridal party heads over to the Inn to put on dresses and makeup and all that. See you on the flip side!

I haven’t had a full weekend in Brooklyn in awhile, so I made the most of it. Despite the fact it was about 20 degrees hotter than I ever want it to be, I manned up and enjoyed every ounce of sunshine. And every ounce of tequila. 

Ali and I may also have found a new apartment! Which is super exciting, because I CAN’T WAIT to move to a place that’s larger than [insert anything very very small]. I may even buy myself a real bed, a can opener, and a bath mat. Moving up in the world.

Stay cool!

I am definitely a routine oriented person. That said, I can easily change my routine in the matter of a morning — sneaky spontaneity, if you will.

I used to love running at sunset. And now, I’ve recently rekindled my love with working out in the morning. I get up an hour earlier, make a quick cup of coffee, and then jump out the door. 

But how do I really do it? The motto that I learned in startup land, that I had unknowingly adopted long before: Just Fucking Do It. Sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason, no good enough way to “feel awake and ready to run!” in the AM. You just gotta bite the bullet and try. Surprise yourself.  

Usually I decide what workout I’m going to do the night before. I picture it, think about it. So when the alarm goes off, I’m excited to get moving. Sometimes I just want to kick-start my day with a mindless run, so will go out for 6-8 miles around Brooklyn, and maybe hop over the bridge. Other days, I head over to the track and do a workout, since I’m insanely sad that all of my speed from high school is gone. I started doing 200m cut-downs in an attempt to bring back some speed; I also randomly did mile repeats (who AM I?) and was pleasantly surprised that I could comfortably hold down 6:40 miles. 

So just try it! Wake up a little earlier and your whole day could feel radically different. Personally, it feels awesome getting to the office knowing I’ve already done a speed workout, read a portion of the newspaper, and had a quick caffeine blast.

It’s the litte things, I guess. 

Finally, Nuun HTC teams were announced! I can’t believe how time is flying…I’ll be stepping on a plane to Seattle before I know it! AHHH.

All the teams seem awesome, but I am especially excited about the team I’m on. (Because it would be really weird to say otherwise, no?) I’m SUPER stoked that Jocelyn is on my team (I hope she doesn’t get sick of me..good luck) and that we’re in Van 1…the van that starts right in the mountains!! My legs seem great, too: The first leg is an easy 3.93 miles, then a hilly 7.25 miles before closing with 5.79 miles of rolling hills.

So here’s Team Noon: AfterNuun Delight.  Drink up, see everyone kinda soon! 

Van 1

Kelly – According to Kelly 

Laura – Nuun Employee

Laura– Camping Out In America 

Jocelyn – Enthusiastic Runner

Sarah – Once Upon a (L)ime

Molly – Mollyberries’ Hodge Podge

Van 2

Tonia – Racing With Babes 

Kim – Nuun Employee

Tiffany – Heavy Medal

Zoe – Nuun Employee

Jessica – Pace of Me

Lindsay – Lindsay On The Go

Meet Danielle, one of my best friends.

We technically became friends in 7th grade over a music class project, but I think the friendship hit a rough patch soon after when she asked my boyfriend out. Luckily, we rekindled the fire in High School when I joined the track team, and to this day she is my running inspiration!

Not only is she crazy fast: She’s an amazing photographer, actor, artist, and friend. But what I didn’t know was how talented she was when it came to writing.

I recently read her post 24 things I’ve learned this past year and wanted to share it with you, while highlighting some of my favorite points! She’s one tough cookie and the post is pretty personal, but I think can relate to most of us. 

A lesson is only really learned when a person comes to terms with it themselves: You can’t force someone to understand: they either get it, or they don’t. 

Stop worrying so much about pleasing everybody, it is exhausting and unrealistic: Be the best you can be, the best person you can be with the best intensions you can have. That is all anybody can really ask for of a person. 

Getting shitfaced every weekend, fri & sat, isn’t as fun as I thought: In the words of kourtney kardashian, over it.

It is okay to be a “quitter” if for the right reasons.

If what you are most passionate about is not your job, if you are not 100% confident and in love with the person you have been in a relationship for a while, if you are are not ready to have kids, if you have not chased your dreams… then what the fuck are you doing. 

Tough love, and I love it.