Hermes' Heels

This last year took up running and it has been very rewarding. I randomly decided to run a 5k at USU during the school year thanks to some urging from my friend, Laura. 

From here I was hooked! A few months later, I jumped at an opportunity to run another 5k with my sister-in-law, Dana. It was called "Color Me Rad" and the object was to see how colorful you could become by the end of the race. At the beginning of the race, you look like this:

And by the end of the race you look like this:

This was a total blast and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a race to run in the future. After this other race, I was really hooked on running! I made the decision to train and run in my first ever half marathon. I trained all summer with my friend, Stephanie. Let me tell you...thank goodness for Stephanie! I could not have trained without her. We trained faithfully and fervently. On August 25, was the Mesa Falls Half Marathon. On August 23, I got the flu! The morning of the race, I was still terribly sick and not to mention nervous. However, I decided to still go through with it since I had trained too long and hard to not to. (Plus I had already paid my $60!) Here is me and Steph at the beginning:

The race started off smooth enough, but with each mile came more and more pain. My sickness soon overcame me and the remainder of the race was slow, long, and agonizing. I did finish, but I finished the last of my age group. Although I was disappointed, I am even more motivated to compete in another one next year. Maybe I'll actually have a good experience next time! =) Who knows, maybe John will run with me...At least I got a medal for finishing though:

Since my half-marathon wasn't so satisfying, I ran the 10k at Old Bill's Fun Run in Jackson Hole last weekend just for fun. My faithful partner, Stephanie, was there as well. Our other friend, SaraLee, joined us and ran the 5k. It was particularly fun because we got to run on the Elk Refuge, I got a free shirt, and the local pastry shop provided refreshments at the end of the race.

If anyone is looking to get in shape, lose a little weight, or just feel better about themselves, I strongly recommend taking up running. It is a challenging, yet extremely satisfying hobby. It may start off slow and disheartening, but trust me that you will progress at a faster rate than you think. Happy September!