bookends

This is my journey - Denver, CO.

[wildflowerhoneyy]

[kellyreece]

Yes,

[kellyreece]

Quandary in January (winter 14er climb - Jan 17)

Sheryl and I have had lots of fun adventures together this past year.  Even though I haven't felt 100% half the week, when she invited me up to her and her family's condo in Breck to attempt Quandary - I couldn't pass it up.  She invited along her daughters friend, Margaret as well.  The conditions were going to be cold, snowy, windy, and cold.  

We made it up to about 13,100ft before we turned.  Several other hikers, skiers, and snowboarders were out but the few who were hiking with us didn't summit either.  It was an eventful few hours out on the mountain and with the weather being unpredictable..we decided not to risk it.  Days like today make me appreciate a lot of things.  But it was a beautiful day to be in the mountains! 

[kellyreece]

St. Mary's to James Peak with Steve (Jan 9th weekend)

Steve and I have been dating long distance for a few months now.  I was very excited to have him come out and get to spend time together this weekend. Winter's here are a lot different than summers, but both are unpredictable because of the weather.  I was thankful we had a beautiful saturday to spend in the mountains.

I love showing people around and taking them to new places. There's a lot of reasons why Steve is wonderful, he's someone who not only is up for what I plan, but also a ton of fun to do things with.   I've been wanting to hike to James from St. Mary's but didn't have time to explore before Steve came.  The day ended up better than expected! We skipped out on hiking to the top of James due to wind. 

I was also thankful to have Steve meet so many of my close friends that are in my life since moving to Denver.  

Ended the day having dinner with the Gilmers.  (Thanks for the pic below, Nathan :) )

Weekends go by too fast.  It was sad to say goodbye but lots of fun trips are in our future. 

[kellyreece]

Snowshoeing - Green Mountain (Jan 3)

Tiffany, Sabrina, Amp and I went out for a snowshoe adventure.  It even snowed! 

[kellyreece]

New Years Eve/Day - 2015!

Rang in the new years with friends at my place and celebrated the next day running Green Mountain. 

[kellyreece]

North Table Mountain - Dec 26

This was a beautiful day to run in the snow with the sun shining.  

[kellyreece]

One Year in Colorado (Dec 21)

What an adventure this past year has been.  It's been a wild and eventful year.  I love how much i've learned and experienced.  Jesus is so sweet to me.  This year has truly shaped me more into the woman God's created me to be and knowing Him has been one of the greatest gifts.  Thank you everyone who has walked alongside me and supported me as I've pursued my dreams and the path God's laid before me.  

This day was a sweet day reflecting and spending time with Jesus as I hiked Mt. Morrison solo.  Such a special day.  

[kellyreece]

Sarah's Nursing Graduation (Dec 12) & Meghan and Colin's Wedding weekend! (Dec 14)

Sarah- I'm so proud of you and blessed to have you as one of my best friends.  I'm also very thankful to have been apart of your journey going back to school and seeing you graduate!! I love you!!

What an emotional weekend.  Meg's been one of my best friends and the day seeing her walk down the aisle was beautiful.  Meg and Colin - I truly believe that you two are so sweet and brighten up the world being together.  

[kellyreece]

Snowshoeing! (Dec 7th)

Snowshoeing in the front range with some of my trail running friends was a blast! 

[kellyreece]

Very thankful for my space. 

[kellyreece]

Annual Civic Center christmas lights - Nov 28th

Courtney and I headed downtown to see the lighting of the Denver Civic Center. 

[kellyreece]

South Mesa Trail - (Boulder, CO Nov 22)

I love finding new trails - there are so many great ones in the front range and within a hour radius of Denver.  Alex used to live in Boulder and we decided to go running this particular saturday.  Jason (her husband) was nice enough to drop us off and pick us up. 

I didn't take too many pictures this particular day - after I got back from Vegas I immediately was sick for the week, so this run was a bit more of a struggle for me :)

[kellyreece]

Birthday weekend + Vegas Marathon (Nov 15th)

What better way to turn 26 than to run a marathon with your brother and have his wife run the half marathon!  I love my family and so thankful they are up for adventures and experiences that are out of the ordinary :)  I had the best time getting to spend so much time with my nieces and quality time with everyone.  

[kellyreece]

Lynchburg: Mountain Masochist 50 miler + Meg's Bridal Shower (Oct 31- Nov 2)

This weekend was a fun and definitely packed weekend.  My first time back to Lynchburg since I moved and it was such a wonderful time to see so many people that are very dear to me. I was able to catch up with my mentor Kelly, spend time with Janine and Lu for lunch, and got to spend time with Bethany + Sarah who graciously hosted me, and was able to spend time with my sweet boyfriend.   

Here are some highlights:

I was able to catch up with my running buddies (NPRG girls)

Finally getting a picture with the legendary Dr. Horton with Sheryl (who also ran MMTR with me - she's a beast). 

MMTR 50 miler with so many loved ones! Also being in VA around one of the prettiest times of the year.  The course was amazing and challenging. 

Not to mention that one of my best girls, Sarah Wilson paced me over 12 miles..her longest distance to date AND pushing me. This was us at Mount Pleasant (highest point of the race). Willy you are a rock star!!!

Finished the race with Kathie

Ran 18-20 miles with my boyfriend who also did a stellar job that day on the trails- I pretty much chased him the first portion then couldn't keep up :).

We don't look too bad after a 12 hour day of running in the mountains :) He's so handsome. 

And of course finishing was such a proud moment!! It may have taken me over 11 hours, (11:40) but 50 miles is no joke and I couldn't have been happier to have so many people that I knew to join me in this accomplishment! 

My last day of the weekend we spent celebrating Meghan getting married!  It was such a sweet time together - Thanks Janine for taking these pictures!!!

Bethany was a great host :)

Meghan - we love you so much!! 

[kellyreece]

These two have been such a blessing to me this year.  Tiffany and I took Brandi out for her birthday.  Went to Uncle to celebrate and margaritas afterwards. Brandi - thankful to have you in my life!!  Tiffany, couldn't imagine this year with out ya!!

(Oct 28th)

[kellyreece]

Chasm Lake - (Oct 25th weekend)

One of my longest friends, Ann, (whom i've known since 2nd grade) came out to visit me.  I've been wanting to hike this since the summer (attempted, but had to turn because of a summer storm).  I knew Ann would be up for anything.  My friend Sabrina joined us and the three of us set out to the Longs Peak ranger station to start our 8.4 mile excursion.  Hands down one of my favorite hikes. 

[kellyreece]

Castlewood State Park (Oct 18th)

My good friend Alex and I wanted to explore some new trails out in South Denver.  We choose Castlewood State Park, which was very beautiful on a fall day. I think we did a 6-7 mile loop on dirt trails.  Definitely a place to come back to.