workout wednesday

This treadmill interval workout has been my jam lately. Thanks to FitSugar for this article on Barry's Bootcamp.

Try it - you'll like it. Be sure to max out when it gives you a range of speed (if you can) and hold onto the sides if you feel like your feet might slip out from under you. I usually tack on another minute at the end to make it a nice, even 35 minutes. I am my father's daughter.

new swan stone (neuschwanstein)

Still pink from our day in the Salzburg sunshine on Friday, we woke up Sunday morning to a whole new world. A snow covered one. I guess there is truth to the Austria saying, "Spring, Spring, it does what it wants." Unwilling to fall victim to the sudden change in weather, we gobbled up some of Andy's from-scratch cinnamon rolls and headed for Neuschwanstein.

with love + support all around the world...

… it's no surprise the gentlemen of Hypo Tirol Volleyballteam swept the semis and secured themselves a spot in the finals beginning next month. Yahoo!

salzburg: dad + lenny

For those of you who didn't understand exactly what was happening in the most recent installment of "Wordless Wednesday", look a little closer and notice the tiny puppy nose peeking out the top of the suitcase. Said suitcase belongs my dad and said puppy was none other than Harry Winston breaking into their hotel upon their arrival to Innsbruck.

wordless wednesday

an old irish blessing

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

monday musings

1. We tend to church hop during our summers in Orange County. Though we've most recently found an incredible community and home at Viewpoint, we're thankful that other mega-churches broadcast their weekly sermons. We might not have a church family here in Europe, but having the ability to connect with friends and family via recent messages is the biggest blessing. Lately, we've been loving Mariners' "Beautiful Mess" series, specifically the series-within-the-series "What Kids Really Need From Caring Parents." Doug Fields is a genius and while we're not parents to a human yet, it's also meant for grandparents, godparents, coaches, mentors, teachers, etc.

2. In two months, from right now, we will be home. Athletes Abroad recently asked what our first meal(s) on American soil will be: lunch at Tacubaya, dinner Wasabi + Ginger followed by dessert at Loving Cup.

3. The boys travel to Verona, Italy this week for a friendly match. Forza Hypo!

4. The forecast for the week is all sunshine and temps in the 60s. We have a sun deck on the roof of our gym and I'm contemplating spending a whole heck of a lot of time up there. I wonder if the same "no clothes allowed" rules apply…

5. Andy and I have been working hard on a fitness plan for our last few months here. As I head into a summer of triathlon training, I think we've settled on the following: lift, interval/HIIT, recovery cardio, repeat, with a day of rest as needed (likely Sundays, especially after a home match Saturday night). What are your favorite treadmill workouts? How are you preparing for summer time?

sun daze in sölden

Today we took a team field trip to Sölden, Austria. We spent the day sitting at 3000 meters with blue skies and the warmest sunshine. Gorgeous is an understatement. The guys were sure to charge their batteries in preparation for this weekend's start of the semi-finals.

toned up thursday

I've never been one to especially enjoy the weight room. The free weights and machines area at our gym is always packed with Raiders, Haie players, and Hypo guys. Adding to the already enjoyable ambiance of professional athletes, is the occasional meathead or power-lifter on steroids. Unsurprisingly, I've done all I can to avoid the lower level at Body + Soul for the past 6 months. I'm much more comfortable on the treadmill instead.

monday musings

1. It's officially March, which means we head back to the states in just over two months. Where have the last six months gone? I feel like it was yesterday we were saying "So long. Farewell. Auf Wiedersehen. Goodbye." to America.

2. On this day, last year, my darling friend Clare and I were running through the streets of Paris for the Semi-Marathon. Again I ask, where has the time gone?

3. March 3rd also marks opening day for registration for the 2014 Nautica Malibu Triathlon. I remember sitting in the living room of our apartment last year as I pressed the "confirm registration" button, sweating and wondering what on earth had I gotten myself into. Last year's race was a blast and I'm proud to report that I've successfully recruited my sister, brother-in-law, niece (she'll tackle the Tot Trot), step-dad, and hopefully step-brother and future-brother-in-law to participate. Three cheers for family and fitness!

4. Today was Monday (obviously) but after back-to-back matches this weekend, it felt strangely like Sunday. We slept in, took Harry to the park where he had an impromptu play date with the cutest little Frenchie gal (see above), and strolled Old Town with friends. Adding to the "I thought it was Sunday" confusion, everything was open (because it was Monday)... #abroadproblems

5. Andy made a delicious "Winter Herb Pasta with Roasted Vegetables" for dinner tonight. It was healthy and comfort food-y and will hopefully be making an appearance on Kate vs. Kitchen very soon. After the first run-through, we have a few adaptations to make before we'll deem it worthy.

P.S. Hypo clinched their trip to the semis with a convincing win last night - hooray!

sweep sweep

With a win tonight, the gentlemen of Hypo Tirol Volleyball will sweep the opposition and be off to the next round of playoffs. Let's go HYPO!