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Finally, Our BIG News

Last Updated on by Amanda Brooks

It’s a big day around the Brooks-McLatchie household, not only are we celebrating David’s birthday with a few more gray hairs, but as this post goes live we are being launched into the skies with our stomachs full of butterflies to find our NEXT home.

Scrapping ice off my windshield in Kansas City, I vividly remember my frozen breathe as I grumbled “Someday I’ll live somewhere warm year round.”

It wasn’t the first time I thought about living somewhere else.

I’d always been fascinated with what was out there, applying to tons of jobs my Senior year of college that were far, far away from Missouri. It didn’t have anything against Missouri (except winter), I just had an idea that seeing other places would inevitably change me. KCThen I fell in love with a quiet, professional man from Iowa who at first told me he didn’t have much interest in travel. Of course, I merely saw this as a challenge, not an obstacle. Thus within our first year of dating we’d tested the waters with a weekend in San Fransisco and then obliterated his comfort zone by leaving the country for…Mexico.

Since then he’s become every bit as enthralled with seeing new places as me and our passports have begun filling (in fact they expire soon, it’s been so long!) quite nicely. We even toyed with an international move at one point!! But nope not this time.

Anyhow back to the move…but first let’s talk about our FIRST move…it’s called suspense…unless you just scroll to the bottom.

FLORIDA
After all my Kansas City winters of bemoaning iced streets, Miami sounded like heaven when David’s company told us that was to be our next location.

I envisioned days spent on the beach, by the pool and of course sunshine year round!!WE loved living in Miami for awhileI wasn’t totally wrong!

We met some amazing people, whom I still call close friends, and we spent a lot of time exploring everything that South Florida had to offer. But it wasn’t quite the right fit for us…it’s a late night, flash your money kind of city and well…I think you know I’m asleep by 10 to get up for an early run!

It always amused me to be starting my run and find that people were still out partying from the night before. It did not amuse me that even in January at 5AM it was 85 degrees and 90% humidity. Maybe I’m a weenie, but I just didn’t enjoy that.

After four years of fun, his company put us on the road again, but this time just 4 hours North to Orlando. Again I met some lovely people, we found a place in this cool neighborhood you see below…but it was always a temporary home.
We moved to OrlandoWe knew we weren’t staying.
We enjoyed it, but weren’t totally invested in life there
We have been waiting for 6 months now for his company to give us some news.

Which leads me to what you all want to know….

WHERE ARE WE GOING NOW?!

We are officially trading in our flip flops for snow boots.We're moving from Florida to Colorado

COLORADO
YUP after years of saying I was going to figure out how to make a happen to somewhere that I thought would fit us better, it’s happening. And fast!

As noted we’re just on our way there now to find a place, so I can’t answer all your burning questions! But here is what I do know:

Where: Denver metro area for now
When: Our Orlando condo will be empty before Thanksgiving…then we’ll be homeless for a bit.
How: David decided to look for a new job in a place we really wanted to live!
Why: We think Colorado fits the outdoor, laid back lifestyle we want.

And yes having made this decision we are simultaneously thrilled and terrified!  We haven’t been through a real winter since 2009, we don’t even remember what it’s like to need to warm up the car or shovel or OMG not wear shorts year round!

Amanda (aka @runtothefinish) is moving to #Denver and needs #running buddies! Know someone?? Say hello! Share on X

Have you ever made a big move?

Know anyone I need to meet in Colorado??

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Category: About ME, Colorado

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Allie

    Congratulations!!!! Colorado is amazing and, after being in Miami for just one weekend, I have no idea how you survived there as a runner for so many years. I'm betting you will both absolutely love Colorado and I cannot wait to follow your journey! Good luck with the move and I have plenty of winter tips for you :-)
    My recent post Why Every Runner Needs to Know About RAS #TheRunnersBrain

  2. Susie @ SuzLyfe

    First, I have to say that I love you in that dress–GORGEOUS, Amanda! Secondly, I know several people in Denver (not major runners, sorry), and they love it. When my husband was interviewing for residencies, Denver was far and away his favorite city, he just didn’t like the program as much. We would totally consider it long term, but I’ve never been able to handle altitude well (my family went to Vail every year). Plus, if we though it was hard to get people to come and see us in Chicago…

    But enough about me! CONGRATS! That is so exciting and I just know that you will love it.

  6. Erica @ erica finds

    Ooh! I have several runner/hiker/just cool friends in Denver that you should meet!! Let me know when you are ready to meet folks! How exciting! Good luck!!

  8. Amy

    I just moved for the first time from northern Minnesota to Maryland over the summer,what a change!!! Thankfully the running community can be found anywhere and my MRTT group has been a lifesaver! I've never ran with others before! Good luck,Amanda! There's a large piece of my heart in Colorado,it's easy to fall in love with!

  9. RunMaryRun

    Congrats! If i could move anywhere in the world, it would definitely be Colorado! So so thrilled for you!

  12. margaretmolteni

    I spent a summer living and working in Aspen and LOVED it! You are definitely going to love the summers, but you might need to invest in a treadmill for the winter! I'm very excited for you and your husband and loved watching your airport announcement yesterday afternoon!
    My recent post First TOLT- You Don’t Have to Eat That

  14. 50by25laura

    Oh my goodness, YAY!!!! I am SO excited you are coming to Colorado!! I am headed home tonight and will be there for the weekend – will email you to meet up and hopefully try to help with housing and such :) And once you move, I can DEFINITELY help you meet people!

  18. Sarah

    So excited and happy for you! You guys will fit right into the active lifestyle Denver has to offer!

    I know lots of runners out there, will definitely 'introduce' you!! What area are you guys looking into?

  19. Angela

    Super exciting! Growing up I wanted to be far away from cold and snow. When I moved to a less snowy and cold place, I actually missed it!. Who knew? I always say I'm not done moving I just don't know where to next. Colorado has always been on my list but not Ron's. Maybe I can visit you and convince him???? Congrats!
    My recent post On My Yoga Mat

  20. whostardis

    how exciting!!! I hear great things about Denver, my sister is moving there in December. Big change though from Orlando to Denver weather wise. But if you are an outdoors person that is the place to be!!good luck with your new adventure!!

  21. Jill

    Exciting news! I have moved a lot in the past 1.5 years and I've learned it would be a lot more fun if I had someone moving along with me each time. It can be lonely moving to new places by myself, especially if don't plan to stay long. My sister-in-law's sister lives in Denver. She moved there for her first traveling nurses placement and never left!
    My recent post Sweet Potato Mini Muffins Recipe

  22. Sarah Jane @ The Fit Cookie

    Congratulations! I love Colorado, we make it down quite a bit since it's not too far :) Good luck on your move!

  27. thisrunnersrecipes

    Congratulations to you both! Colorado sounds amazing! I grew up in Missouri also and spent years thinking about how I wanted to move somewhere where there wasn't snow – after living in Indiana and Ohio, my husband and I finally moved to Seattle and the laidback, outdoor lifestyle is so great. You're going to love all the outdoor activities and mountains in Colorado! My brother-in-law just moved to Colorado and loves it. Good luck with the move!
    My recent post Pacific Crest Trail Hiking and Exploring Leavenworth

  28. Kathy McElhaney

    Congrats to you both! We lived on Oahu for a year and I realized that I don't mind the adventure of moving as much as I thought I would! But I don't know if this native Californian could live in the snow. Look forward to following your next adventure!

  29. Lisa @ RunWiki

    Congratulations! I lived in Colorado for 13 years.. you’re going to love it! The only reason I left was a job move. My sister has lived in Boulder for over 20 years– so I am out there every now and then to visit. I consider CO my home away from home, so this girl is thrilled — you’re closer and I visit there, so the chances of “running” into you are much higher. Have fun finding a new place- and yes, I’ve moved more times than I can count! It’s fun to be unattached and mobile! Sending you best wishes as you venture into this next chapter. xo

  30. Whitney

    you are going to love it here in CO… The winters in the Denver metro are very comparable to Atlanta (seriously) except there is snow instead of rain. Today is 42 but feels like mid 50s in the sun. Our snow yesterday only lasted in the sun about 3 hours. It’s not the arctic like people think.. We have lots of mid 60s-70s in January and February.

  31. kristinlongacre

    Wow that is awesome! Congrats!! That is a huge difference.

    I loved Vail and Colorado Springs when we visited.

  32. Susan

    Great news! I think you will love Colorado (I have lived in Loveland since I was 5). You cannot beat our summers and falls! Seriously early morning running is the best–crisp, clear & never humid! Our springs bring a lot of snow but also a lot of sunshine! As in, snow 4 feet one day and back in shorts the next. It's crazy and fun. I am not a fan of winter but after living in SD for a year and enduring an actual winter, I have come to appreciate Colorado has a great winter. Yes snow and cold and sometimes wind but LOTS of sun! You are going to thrive. If you would like to hook up and meet a Colorado friend, you can send me an email. Boulder is a great meeting spot with tons of good restaurants and people watching! Congrats. Susan

  35. Irene

    Amanda- I've followed your blog for awhile…love it!
    I live in Colorado (Denver!) and I am a runner…so if you need partners, email me!! It's cold in winter, but get moving and it's so great! It's sunny almost everyday, even after a big snow:)

  37. Kayde

    Congrats on your big news! You will absolutely LOVE Colorado!!
    We moved her about 18 months ago and cannot get enough of the hiking, trail running, skiing and anything and everything outdoors. We have several favorite hiking and running locations — so when you get her and get settled in, please email me and I can share with you the greatest of the greats!
    Also, be sure to put many 14ers on your bucket list of must-do activities.
    And don't forget to get your Epic Local pass for skiing this winter!
    Oh, and I hope you enjoy craft brews, because we have 100s of breweries to choose from.
    Cheers and best wishes on your move!

  39. Get Your Nutrition On

    My boyfriend and I are considering the same move!! Going from shorts on the beaches of LA to beautiful fall days mountainside in Colorado!

  46. Jesica @rUnladylike

    Congrats on the big news! I would love to live in Colorado! My husband and I moved to Florida this year from Atlanta and I am really struggling with the weather here as it relates to running. I keep waiting for the cool temps I've become so accustomed to in Atlanta fall and winter and it still is just what you said. Ugh. Excited for your new adventure and I hope you will love living in Denver!

  47. cpalentri

    There' is SO much going on in Denver area with running and triathlon-but it's not so laid back. Very busy in metro area but there is a ton of open space for running/mountain biking. I moved from midwest to Az. almost 40 yrs ago and never regretted it at all! Happy moving!

  50. Talk Less, Say More

    Congrats!! How exciting! And I totally get it, as someone who just made a move to Grand Rapids for a brand new job. I swear the last couple weeks just zoomed by and now I'm suddenly staring at the fact that TOMORROW I start my new job….
    My recent post Fitness Friday 46

  51. Shannon

    So, I saw you post this on fb…well, the link to this blog and kept meaning to come over. But, just now finally read the full news. I am so happy for you, but you will be missed in Orlando! Colorado is going to be quite different for sure from Florida living! :)

    My recent post The ABCs of This Girl’s Got Sole

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