Ok, here is my song that I love right now. And, I feel like it sets a good tone for how I view life. I am only here for the cake, because cake, it freaking amazing.
Enjoy.
Cake
Well, July proved to be another epic month of crossing things off #AnnaBucketList17. It's been great seeing people get involved with this is helping me crossing things off or seeing my adventures in Montana, that it inspires and creates a vision of their own bucket list. Remember, the word "later" is a killer and turns into never. I had this vision last year training for Ironman. I was going to spend a year traveling and doing everything I was missing out on. And, I even inspired myself to continue this every year. In fact, I have already set up some pretty rad trips in 2018.
In the beginning of July, I decided to do a bike ride with some badass chicks. Two (Jess and Amy) were training for Ironman Whistler and two other's (Lauren and Christie) just wanted to ride just like me. We chose the 60 mile ride, the IM racers chose the 120. We set our sights on going to Hot Springs, Montana. We would stay at Symes Hotel, which upon rolling up to, you feel like you have seen this movie. You know, the one where he still talks to his dead mother-Bates Motel. Ok, it wasn't that bad and it was full of characters, of course. It had one cooler pool, one hotter and one really hot. The people watching here is worth the trip.
We rolled into Symes and headed out to ride around 10 am. In like 85 degrees to start. It may not have been the smartest to start then. It only got hotter as the say went on. It was a pretty ride. We did the Perma Loop. You will see on the maps in the link that there is one section that goes straight up and that would be correct. As I was slowly making my climb up, there was a car that pulled over to read the historical sign (probably naming everyone who died on this climb) and he said "you are awesome!" I mustered a "thank you" Then, thought to myself-I can't quit now! At the top, I didn't even know my name. Christie nicely fed me sport beans and all I could think about was the cold Gatorade at the next stop with the gas station. I was becoming dehydrated fast. Leading up to this mountain was a fall flat as well (with lawn ornaments of skulls). But, at the end of the day, we did it, ate all the food and soaked. Then Jess and Amy showed up and we ended up having a great girls weekend. The next morning Amy and I soaked with our Americanos and then we headed out. On the way home, I crossed off another item-a donut at Windmill Village Bakery! These notorious donuts did not disappoint and you can watch them make them and they are worth every bit of consumption! This married couple is bringing joy into the world and it's our duty to support every last glazed drop.
Upon my return home for a couple days, I packed my bags and headed to Missoula again. I was running the Missoula Half, but I have always wanted to hike the M with Jeff Galloway. I think about it every year and never can. But, this year I did! It was also his last year doing this with the Missoula Marathon. He has definitely been a game changer in my runner and I feel a kinship with anyone who uses his method! My friend Amy joined me and her dog little bean. Little bean was an inspiration to everyone to keep going no matter how short your legs are! Ha! #LittleBeanTheInspiration
The Missoula Half was not my best, but I enjoyed the day and thanked volunteers! And these sunrises are not bad either!
Then I stayed in Missoula for a work trip around Missoula. We went to the ribbon cutting for the Kettlehouse Amphitheater, tour/tasting at Western Cider, wine tasting at Ten Spoon Vineyard & Winery, the remodeled Wilma, Top Hat, a cool coffee shop (Dog & Bicycle), rode the carousel, dinner at Rumour, dinner at Scotty's Table, lunch at Trough Deli, visited the Osprey Stadium, Big Sky Brewing, Fort Missoula and the Smoke Jumper center! Whew~my work is never done (as my dad would say). I already loved Missoula and this tour just made me love it more! It was cool going to the smoke jumper facility. My dad used to fight wild land fires and I had another relative that was a smoke jumper. These jobs are so important in our state.
On July 15, I decided to cross off another item. The Missouri River Scenic Century with the Helena Bicycle Club. I wanted to do this last year when I was training for Ironman Arizona, but didn't feel ready. I had originally signed up for the 100 miles and started up the 9% climb to round it out and said to myself "This isn't what I wanted out of today. I wanted to ride with people and get to know people and have fun. To stop at the all the stops and eat all the food." And with that, I turned my bike, Fuego, around and zoomed back to catch up with my friend Kelly, Todd and my new friend-Mike. I gave him the nickname Dallas since that is where he is from and brought his bike up here to ride for the month for vacation. We had a great time and I was so glad I made new friends, laughed and ate rice crispy treats. On my 100 ride for Arizona I couldn't do this and I vowed next year would be different. I did 80 miles that day. I love my bike again. I love doing 80 miles because I want to do 80 miles and of course, like any long ride or run, the last few miles (10 in this case) were hot and brutal and as I always say to myself "This is bullshit." Then I finished, drank more water and gatorade, settled my stomach, then ate my salmon burger and vowed to do it again. And in true Sibyl and Anna fashion, we got lost and I forgot something-ha! It was beautiful.
Not a bucket list item, but any year I can, I always volunteer at the Montana Women's Triathlon! This was the next day after the ride.
The following weekend I headed up to cross off the Whitefish Triathlon off #AnnaBucketList17. I did have some anxiety since this was only my second race of the season and the first for wetsuit/open water. My races have been canceled this year due to low numbers. I didn't know what to expect and I just wanted to be out there and racing. I did get a little panicky with my wetsuit on, but then I started swimming. Showed me some things to work on, you know, like training-HA! Plus, I was able to spend time with my favorite Whitefish people-Jim and Kim! He is training for Ironman Arizona this year as well! They are a hoot. And I won something I wanted to put on my birthday list, Tevas! Now, I can have river sandals to float in! And I met a new friend who loved all my Betty and she won our age division!
Another item that has been on my list for several years as well was the Red Ants Pants Music Festival. I was able to attend this year for work. It was awesome to be there and of course, to talk to Sara Calhoun. She has created this epic music festival on a field in Montana and it has been so great for the community. She also mentors women and supports many community projects around the state. And another highlight was spending time with Bill and Nancy Wells. They are amazing and epic themselves. I hope to go and camp next year as well.
I have lived in Helena for almost 7 years and I have never been to the fair. Now, you know I don't care about the rides, but I have always wanted to see the animals. I am usually out of town this weekend and so busy during the week of the fair that I never make it over, even though it is literally right behind my house. Like I can open my window and hear the concerts! I love how some of these animals, like the rooster, looked crazy and the other one with two rabbits, the white one in the back could give two sheeeettttsss!
I almost bought a bunny. I would have bought this special one. He/She acts like she can smell food, then gives kisses and then bounces around like it's on Red Bull. #MySpiritAnimal
Well, that is a wrap on July! Always go out and explore new things, places and meet new people. Always eat cake and as always, #YouDoYou
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