The "Beauty" behind Personal Development

Whoa, it's been way too long since I last posted a story. That's not to say I have a million and one people reading my blog, however I have had some adventures lately in cooking that are worthy of a few paragraphs. I have spent the better half of this winter launching The Cyclist's Menu, the cycling and multi sport training destination company Heidi Rentz and I started, together. Its really exciting to see our true passions in life come together and blend such extravagant moments on this earth. The best riding, incredible foods, all shared together with the best people in the world.... Does it get any better?! 

Well, that covers the last however many months for me... I love to cook, and if you're reading this, you probably already know that. It just so happens that my adventure in food, in the kitchen continues to bring me to amazing places, where I meet incredible people. Last week I had the opportunity to work with a group of woman from Denver, CO; a company called "Women In Balance LLC." Let me tell you about my experience as their private chef. 

Co-Founded by Sarah Dunn and Nikki Dority, Women In Balance LLC offers a truly unique experience; one where woman of all ages can join together for 5 days, embrace a yoga ethic, educate themselves on the strength and power of the female body, discuss the importance of developing "one's self" in the work and social "place," and find time to discover something new about the "woman," who you are... I watched this be accomplished in a natural state of motion. 11 woman came together, from many different backgrounds and through physical exercise, group discussions, family style meals, even a "cha cha" dancing class, transformed themselves into a cohesive unit of female growth. The "beauty" behind personal development is not just a group of woman discussing how to relate more to each other and their lives, rather choosing to celebrate the time they have chosen to take away from the confines of everyday, the routine; so as to make change, actively, towards a new perspective.

The meals that unfolded were some of my favorites. I absolutely loved sharing them with these woman from around the Country. Beside me, working hand in hand, was my better half, Heidi Rentz. A gifted endurance athlete and coach, the Woman In Balance crew saw leadership and a certain level of, well... "balance" in Heidi that evened out the path towards success last week. From street style rice bowls to Italian farmhouse grilled squash and Colorado skirt steak, the stories shared around the table were an added bonus to the conversations that exploded during afternoon and evening sessions with Sarah and Nikki. Did I mention sun rise Yoga class and evening meditation? Meet Ranada Erickson, a talented Yoga instructor and Massage Therapist. Yes, an in house masseuse! The week rounded our quite nicely as the ladies had access to all the fine amenities of the best vacations on the planet! Many thanks to a few sponsors for making the week even better: HotBox Roasters, WB Kitchen, and Healthy Skoop!!

For me, this was a new experience. As I look back on it, I am so proud to have been asked to be a part of it. I was the only male in the group for 5 days, and was accepted right away. This was something I was unsure of as I arrived on Wednesday May 11th, 2016. Who knew, It could have gone either way, however these ladies allowed me into the club, not only as their chef, but a friend and member of the larger discussion on personal growth and how our impact on ourselves and each other plays a larger role in day to day life than we typically think about. It was a magical moment to part take in and I am so excited about the dates this wonderful group has planned for 2016/2017. Keep your eyes out for this Woman's Retreat, you will not be disappointed!!  www.womeninbalance.us for more information!!