On the Ranch

I love this bit on creating new habits by Leo Babauta at Zenhabits. Leo encourages us to forget the resolutions, which, for most people, are broken by March. Instead, create lasting habits that have the capacity to truly change your life for the better, for the rest of your life.

For those of you needing some extra encouragement to start and stick with a fitness program, please join us for a once-a-week morning run here in Truckee! Contact me if you are insterested : kim@dudegirl.com. All levels welcome.

Bicycle Flash Mob! (you have to see this!) Will bring a huge smile to your face! Click here!

Here in the mountains, fall is upon us. We’ve had our first snow storm and with it, persistent chilled temperatures that are quickly ushering in winter. Today it’s raining. I adore the warmth of summer, but the autumnal sights and sounds have always held a special place in my heart. The dampened trails are punctuated at first, and then blanketed, with golds and oranges and lichen green. Each step in the forest cushioned with pine needles. The air carries the smell of wood fires. Leaves rustle in the wind, as if they are calling to the creatures of the forest to “Hurry! Collect your winter stores!” The whispering pines begin practicing their winter shrill. There is a certain romance this season offers us — a firelit room; softer, slower conversation; the blanket-wrapped comfort of a good book. Slow-cooked food. Soupy aromas. Simplicity.

I think it’s easier here in the mountains to find time for the forest and to meld your pace with nature. But even in a place that is firing on urban electricity, it is important to notice. It may take more of an effort, but I wonder what you will find if you slow down a little and let the season touch your heart.

Ever been to Truckee Thursdays? Join us in downtown Truckee every Thursday through end of August 5 – 9 PM. A fun street scene with local merchants, artists, music, great food, drinks and friends. We’ll be offering new items each Thursday, select t-shirts for $22.00, along with details for upcoming runs and rides. Come see us and introduce yourselves and join the fun!

I ran and helped mark the race course on Sunday morning before The Dirty Dude Girl Trail 5k and 10k races. I stood course-side and watched and cheered as all the runners passed through the 5 k mark. To be sure, there were some accomplished runners and impressive performances! But I am moved by those who who battle with the state of their health, weight, ability and self-confidence, and who are brave enough to first, sign up, and then to wake up early on a Sunday and get to the start line. And then take off down the trail, cross creeks, climb the hills and sweat it out for 3.1 long, dirty miles to the finish line.

You are all heroes.

Each year I witness a Up and Running cater to the needs of its community and help fulfill what may be, at first, a secret desire of someone overweight or lacking self-confidence to get healthy, to overcome a lifelong battle, or make a fresh start when “life just overtook me, and suddenly I looked in the mirror, and…”

Make your fresh start, wherever you are, right now. And find a store like Up & Running who will support you when your typical local environment won’t. You deserve it. Your body deserves it. Your mind and spirit deserve it. If you are lucky enough to be in Dayton, OH, make a stop to meet Susie and her crew at Up and Running.

Jockey Eddie Arcaro lost his first 45 races. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. You will not be remembered for the number of times you failed in the beginning, but for the number of times you succeeded in the end. — Dan Zadra

Eddie Arcaro was an AmericanThoroughbred horse racing Hall of Fame jockey who won more American Classic Races than any other jockey in history and is the only rider to have won the U.S. Triple Crown twice. He is widely regarded as the greatest jockey in the history of American Thoroughbred horse racing.

If you missed our Sale in Truckee, we’re on our way to Seattle with a truckload of Holiday discounts and awesome gear for you runners, yoginis, cyclists. Don’t miss this!

Thanks to Blase Design for sheer amazingness every time. Light it up out there girls! Click here to learn more about our latest Hot Rod.

Past season items 10-90% OFF! Now. ‘Nuf said.

You shop ‘n save. We clear the barn for new Fall Items arriving next week!

GiddyUp!

Seattle Dude Girls and those visiting Seattle: Don’t miss this HUGE Warehouse Sale! Starts this Friday and runs all weekend! GiddyUp! Tell your friends! More info here!