Here We Are

I was pretty excited to find out, on my first morning here, that Lindsey (our host sister) is part of a running team, and she immediately told me where to find a track close by. Before flying here, I really had no idea what to expect of the work-out situation in Costa Rica. I have since discovered that more people exercise outside in this country than anywhere else I have lived! Jake and I have been amazed by the number of cyclists and runners that line the highways, eerily close to the traffic.  Starting line Lindsey told me that she had a race coming up in a few weeks, on that first morning. I was interested but quickly realized that it was on the last day of our 2 week vacation. I did not intend to be in good shape during vacation, so I sadly dismissed the idea. Running a race in another country is interesting to me; a unique way to experience the culture. My first (real) race, I ran in Turkey with Lacey. It was an extremely motivating experience, and I want to continua...

After we returned from Manuel Antonio, Jake had two solid days to work on his TPA. That meant a lot of reading for me...with an occasional run. I am certainly not complaining! Then we left again for the coast. This time we headed west of San Jose, a bit north of Manuel Antonio, to Tamarindo, which is in Guanacaste. This region seems to be known for its beaches, tourists, and sunsets.  Tamarindo beach was across the street from our hotel We had planned on meeting up with Tiffany and her friend Lee once we arrived, but we did not expect to pass them walking on the street the second we pulled into town! They were heading to the beach, so we went and checked into our hotel and joined them. We were hoping for a good sunset but it was very cloudy our first two nights there. Tamarindo was much more developed than Manuel Antonio, full of tourists shops, restaurants, and adventure companies. It even had a church with services every Sunday in English.  The bar at Tif...

Eleven days after I arrived, we welcomed our first visitors! Jeanne and Emily flew to Costa Rica for a long weekend, and Jake and I got to get out of Tres Rios. They booked a place in Manuel Antonio, which is on the southwest side of Costa Rica (Pacific Ocean). It was gorgeous!  View from Costa Verde Hotel We did a whole lot of relaxing, which was absolutely perfect! This trip wins for the most peaceful and rejuvenating vacation I have ever been on. We ate, slept, read, swam, and enjoyed being together. Seriously, I want to go back!  Driving down the coast with Jeanne & Emily Emily loved the room! (We all did) Limonatas Mom & twins! :)   These pictures are from the beaches inside Manuel Antonio National Park. To get there we had to find our way past a number of false "guides," and then walk about 20 minutes through the park. We got to see a sloth, which was a pretty fabulous experience. I am now obsessed. The beautiful beach!...