Changing up the routine...

One of the worst things that could ever happen to me, would be being out of shape.
I got to that point about 2 and half years ago, when I just had finished my second winter here in Aspen.
Since the company I work for closes in the spring for about 5 weeks, there is lots of time for traveling and exploring, but possibly also boredom.
Ending the ski season being kinda overweight and feeling fatigue all the time, I decided something had to change for the better. After I returned from my trips that off-season I had the biggest urge ever to get back in shape, and get back to where i used to be when I was still playing soccer back in Germany.
Simultaneously with the reopening of the Hotel, there was also a new Front Desk Manager hired when I returned.
First impression??? Tall, skinny guy, big smile, and one of the most positive attitudes that I have come across since I moved here.
May I introduce you to Mr. Dylan Bowman. (dylanbowman.com - if you are interested...)
I usually wouldn't write much about someone else on my personal blog, but "DBO" has definitely earned his spot.
First of all, I'm always a little skeptical when it comes to new hires within the company, I'm not sure why that is, but it might just be that I tend to be a little overprotective. Anyhow, there didn't seem to be space for that with this guy.
Which brings me to what this blog is mostly about. Running...
So when I first met Dylan, I wasn't aware of his amazing performances on the trails, and how he had come a long way to get to the point where he is at right now.
To me it was astonishing with how much passion and dedication he approached the sport of ultra running. Being constantly exposed to the attitude and can do power of an individual like him, makes such a huge difference in your own life. Of course you have to be open for this, and it takes a lot of observing, before you actually see what the reason for this passion is. Ultimately I have found, that it's not just being in shape, but furthermore and even more importantly the connection one builds with nature, and all it beauty it has to offer. Every single time time I get out there and explore the trails in and around Aspen, I would almost describe it as a rejuvenating feeling. Every run is different, but not just in length and intensity, but also different weather patterns and trial conditions. One of my most enjoyable runs was this April, when I went from sun-to hail-to snow within 30 minutes...

Mount Sopris View

Inspiration

June 28th 2008

Highland(s) Bowl

I believe that writing a Blog doesn't necessarily mean, that you have to tell the world what's going on in your life, but surely it makes you reflect on things that play an important role for you as an individual.

For some it might be family, for others sports or just any random topic or trend you are following.

When I moved from "The Big City" (Berlin, Germany) to the little town of Aspen, Colorado, things started to change...

I remember leaving a lot of personal things and relationships behind me, to go explore and find the adventure I was looking for. Not just friends and family, but also a long relationship which ultimately wasn't meant to be. But the excitement about starting all over again, and throwing myself out there, looking for anything that's more fulfilling as well as challenging, was the main reason for moving.

YES!!! Aspen is one of those tiny little spots on planet earth, that somehow never gets old. A lot of people say, that you come for the winter and stay for the summer... That's not really true in my case though, since I had different reasons to move to Colorado, specifically the great 10 months i had here when I was an exchange student at Aspen High back in 2001. i can't believe that was 11 years ago. Time flies...
When I arrived in Aspen in June 2008, I was starting a new job, finding myself surrounded by fellow coworkers from all over the world, my perspective towards this little mountain town totally changed. Realizing how transient this place can be, and seeing friends come and go, makes you grow a shell, which only grows stronger over the years, developing a very selfish? maybe "I'm on my own" attitude.
It's hard to explain, but I keep seeing myself taken care of things just on my own. That doesn't mean there is no friendship out here, there is actually a lot of people out here that kind of are in the same boat with you, and that actually creates some bonding. I have never been part of such a small community, but I enjoy "running" into someone you know almost every time you go "Downtown"! As my friend and Co-worker Dylan would say "You went to Snowmass for Skiing??? Gross!!!"
So passing the roundabout to go down valley for errands etc. is referred to as a scary experience. You expose yourself to the real world, people are a little less friendly, and you immediately start missing "The Bubble".

To be continued...