One Year

One year ago, today, I started running. I ran 9/10 of a mile in 15 minutes and thought I was going to pass out. I almost did. It took me a good hour to recover enough to stand up and make dinner for my family. No kidding.

Today I got up at 6AM and ran 5.65 miles in about 4 inches of snow; I was dodging snowplows, slipping down the hills, wishing I had windshield wipers for my face, and enjoying my morning at a leisurely pace. I got home, cleared off Dallas' car and switched the car seats around so he could take my jeep down to school. I made a scrambled egg and toast breakfast for my babies, ate, and then hopped in the shower to start my day.

I'm not even the same person anymore, and in so many more ways than just being able to run without fainting. I'm stronger mentally, more driven and ambitious. I set goals, and I accomplish them. I enjoy quiet moments by myself and I don't need anyone else by my side encouraging me because I've learned how to be my own cheerleader. I can do hard things.

Running has made me a better person. I'm so grateful.

Thank you, Katie Nelson, for suckering me into running the Wasatch Back Ragnar one year ago.

Have you ever wondered what I would look like with a mustache?

Well, now you know.

You might have one too if you ran a 5K in -18 degrees at midnight!

Did I mention that I bought some hair wax at the store today?

In 79 days...

With 11 other nuts, I will be running this...

In terrain that looks like this....

Which means that between now and then, I'm going to spend approximately 60 hours in the next 10 weeks doing a whole bunch of this...

What did I ever do before I took up running?

Turkey Trot 2010

I started my Thanksgiving morning at the Turkey Trot in Midway. When we raced it was below zero- FREEZING is totally an understatement. When the runners crossed the finish line they were covered in frost because your sweat would just instantly freeze. I wish I had my camera to capture Dallas' brother Austin- he won an award for best frozen beard.

I raced well and was able to take 2nd place overall in women. I had a PR with a 21:47 5K- a 7:20 avg/mile. I had to push hard to beat my little neighbor boy, Zak Kohler. The kid is 10 and is a machine! I came in a minute or so after Austin which means I have a new goal- beat my bearded brother-in-law.

Zak and Mindy Kohler, Katie Nelson, Me

Hard Core

Hard Core (adjective)- Running 5.25 miles in a blizzard.
Crazy (adjective)- Running 5.25 miles in a blizzard.
The winter running had to begin sometime.