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. 
Then 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!!
I 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 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.
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 XHave you ever made a big move?
Know anyone I need to meet in Colorado??
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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 :-)
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Thank you so much…and yes Miami running is a whole new ballgame!!
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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.
We haven't had hardly anyone visit in FL, so fingers crossed more make it to Denver ha!!
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I'm a D.C. native and love this area, but when my daughter went to school in CO I realized it is another place I could love to live! The Denver area is great – close to Boulder, Estes Park, etc.
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So fun!!! I am no stranger to moving, having moved from Michigan to California to Indiana to Maryland all within 5 years. It’s a blast getting out to explore new regions, people, and FOOD.
YES! The new is fun and like a big fresh start!
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Congratulations! And don't they have sun almost year-round? As much as I love the warm weather down in FL, I think the sun makes me the happiest.
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I agree, what sold me is 300 days of sunshine! that's more than we get in Orlando for sure!
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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!!
OHHH yes please and thank you!!!! I'll be out there in December and begging for friends.
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Um, YOU DIDN"T TELL ME!!!! haha.
I was busy planning the guest room to make sure there was room for a bike :)
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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!
Congrats! If i could move anywhere in the world, it would definitely be Colorado! So so thrilled for you!
Thanks Mary and seriously I'm sad I didn't make it over to Tampa more to see you ladies.
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This is so exciting! My husband would LOVE to live in Colorado! Look forward to reading about this next adventure for you all!
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So exciting!!!! I am sure are going to love it! I can't wait to hear more ❤️
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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!
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I do indeed have a treadmill, it was my savior in the Florida summers :)
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That's fantastic news! Sounds so exciting. I've never really moved anywhere different but I would love to.
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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!
How exciting, Amanda!! I remember this last move that you felt like it wasn't a good long term fit… I'm thrilled for you. Colorado seems like an awesome fit for sure!!
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omg stop it. We might be neighbors soon…
REALLY????? Keep me posted!!!
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That's so exciting!!! I've always wanted to live in Colorado. :)
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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?
PS- we're working on moving out there sooner than later too!
Make it happen!
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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!
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I know it cracks me up that i wanted away from it so bad and then was like ughh it's hot all the time. Let's hope i like this, ha!
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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!!
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!
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It is definitely a lot easier to know my best friend is moving with me!
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Congratulations! I love Colorado, we make it down quite a bit since it's not too far :) Good luck on your move!
How very exciting! Colorado is definitely a place we would consider moving! So much wonderful outdoors to explore! Congratulations
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Congrats! So incredibly exciting for you guys! I would move to Colorado if I didn't already live in Arizona. I think the lifestyle is very similar in both places. Good luck with the move!
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Very exciting! Congrats on the new job for DH and the move. Hope it all goes very well!
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Colorado sounds pretty exciting! I used to spend some time every winter out west skiing so think I would be okay with a relocation there. Although altitude would make for some running adjustments! Good luck with it.
I have that same dress in blue! it's one of my favorites – never seen anyone else with it :)
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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!
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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!
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
Wait, you did?? How did I not know this, you are a woman of many mysteries :)
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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.
Wow that is awesome! Congrats!! That is a huge difference.
I loved Vail and Colorado Springs when we visited.
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
yes, yes, yes – you'll be seeing me reach out once I get my feet planted!!
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Holy crap! Congrats! I can't believe you are leaving us so soon. You will be missed, but it sounds like a great move for you guys :)
heard so many good things about CO, that's awesome, congrats!
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:)
YEAHHHHHH i would love to have a running buddy!!! We are going to be in Stapleton for the first year, not sure if that's near you.
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How awesome! Selfishly, of course, I wish you were still going to be in Florida since I have that half in March…
Best of luck on the move. What a great place to live!
PS I LOVE that red dress!
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I know I'm bummed about not being here for races to meet up, but who knows where more racecations might take us!
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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!
I'm beyond jealous! Colorado is only a bit behind Bend, Oregon on my places to live after retirement (with only 5-8 years to go, it's nearly on the horizon…) Enjoy!
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My boyfriend and I are considering the same move!! Going from shorts on the beaches of LA to beautiful fall days mountainside in Colorado!
Welcome to Colorado! We love it here! The cold mornings are so refreshing for runs and I think the elevation makes us stronger. Congrats, I hope you love it here!
How exciting! Congrats! I love the mountains! (we live in UT)
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check out beth from shut up and run…. she is hilarious!
Yup I've been a long time reader of hers and know we'll meet up to swap poo stories
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Well you know I call my blog "A Lady Goes West" because I moved from Orlando to San Francisco — so I've been there. Adventures awaits!! Good luck to you, Amanda! :)
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That's very exciting. I have loved Colorado every time I have been out there. There's a huge community of people who love fitness and adventure in all forms.
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First, the site update looks awesome! Second, congratulations on the big move!! My husband and I have been waffling about Colorado for quite some time now, but have yet to commit. I have no doubt you will find TONS of running buddies there.
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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!
I can't say I ever really got used to the humidity and the lack of winter in Miami!
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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!
Congrats! I only hear good things about Colorado and am dying to visit!
so excited for you guys!!! Colorado is the best!!!
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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….
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Good luck!!!!! So exciting and a little nerve wracking
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! :)
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