Run Day

If you've looked at my Facebook page at all you can probably tell that I've been running a lot lately.  In all fairness, I have to admit that my runs are one of the few times I'm actually motivated to post things to Facebook, so my feed tends to get a little clogged with running times.  I apologize!  What is not obvious from my newsfeed is that me and running have never mixed well.  Up until last winter, I would have told you I hated running, and that I would much prefer lifting weights… or watching a movie!  Haha.

At risk of sounding like a cliche, this January I called up my local Gold's Gym, and got in on a New Year's membership deal.  Also, in March I decided to start into a personal training program through the gym.  From the second week of January 2014, I haven't missed a single week of getting in some kind of workout.  I hate to brag, but I started out strong going to the gym six days a week (mostly because I was sure if I missed even a single day, I'd just give up).  Since then, I've tapered off a bit, but I still either make it to the gym, or go for a 45 minute run 4-5 times a week.  I can't really say why exactly I made such a one-eighty, but I do have to say I'm loving this new obsession of mine!

I've decided that the only way I ever got myself into running is because of my love for movies!  Sound strange?  Well it started out with this awesome cardio theater that Gold's had, which allowed me to focus on a movie while I forced myself to stay on the treadmill for more than ten minutes.  After that, I started using fun runs to get myself motivated.  Prior to July, I couldn't even tell you what the distance for a 5k was (it's 3.1 miles).  All I knew was that I was going to participate in a Harry Potter themed race!  (See, movies!)  I also happened to stumble across a fantastic group of people in my ward that also enjoy doing 5ks on the weekend.  With their encouragement, I have now completed five 5ks, and I'm currently registered for two more.  As you will see, I also do these because I love to dress up!

•  Potter Run: A Harry Potter themed race on Harry's birthday, July 31st.  Liberty Park.

Potter Run.

Potter run with my Gryffindor robe and bow tie!

• Kiss Me Dirty: A mud run with obstacles, mud pits, and colorful foam.  State fair grounds, August 16th.  Team name was Batman and Robinhood!

Pink and muddy, just the way I like it!

My running companions, Kami and Christina.

• Run or Dye: a color run through downtown Salt Lake, and the Energy Solutions center.  A fabulous riot of colored chalk (that I'm still finding in odd places), and currently my best run time.  October 4.

Don't mind my blue 'stache and teeth!

Running ladies from the ward!

I had pink stain in my elbows, and I had permanent staining for the next 24 hours on my forehead, ears, scalp, and fingernails.  Fabulous!

• Haunted Half: a Halloween-themed costume run around the State Capitol, and down emigration canyon.  Beautiful fall run.  I went as Ariel.  October 18th.  Despite a late start due to parking difficulties, this is my favorite run so far.

At the finish line.  My Ariel would've been more convincing
if I hadn't had so many wardrobe malfunctions!

Note my awesome "scales"!

Just running.  The last 0.5 miles were decorated, and even had a haunted tent thingy!

• Hero Dash: this run was unplanned.  It was supposed to happen in July, but was rescheduled several times before being combined with Comic Con's Zombie Run.  This made my third 5k in a month, and I wasn't too thrilled to give up another Saturday.  However, I finally got to utilize all my Batman swag!  October 25th, Liberty Park.

I had a cape, and knee-hight Batman socks.  Also, I don't know how the real Batman wears a cowl, because it turned into a disgusting sweat funnel.  (Sorry, that may have been tmi?)

Being completely honest, I'm still not running the entire race, but I can consistently finish in 45 minutes or less.  It's been an excellent journey, and some of my favorite memories of this summer have been the rainy days when I've been out running around the lake watching the lightning in the distance.  I feel the need to go ahead and put this out there, I've officially lost 25 pounds since January.  Seriously, what a difference!  I eat healthier, I feel more confident about myself, finding clothes is much easier (and more fun), and I have the ability to do things I know I couldn't have done a year ago.

My usual running haunt, Ocqhirh Mountain lake.  (Seriously, how do you spell that?!)