No running …

I was all geared up to run the Thin Mint Sprint on December 5, but ended up not going. The winter weather advisory we were in followed through with freezing drizzle and snow on top of that. I would have loved to do the 5K, but I did not love fishtailing just a couple of blocks from home and the fear of not being able to make it back home a couple of hours later. So … I stayed in and baked, which I think is a fair alternative.

However, I did have my outfit put together — another reason I was so disappointed about not going. You can tell that Gus, the cat, was thoroughly perplexed by my running back and forth to the camera to set the self-timer.

We walked 2 miles.

This past weekend, my mom and I participated in a 2 mile walk (and run – but we walked) that was to raise funds for a walking trail being put in here in town. It felt a little cool (it is November, after all), but it wasn’t bad at all once we started moving.

Aren’t we cute?

It was a nice quick walk, and it felt good to give something for a good cause. I think the walking trail will be a nice addition to the west side of town.

While we were walking, Mom mentioned wanting to start running a little bit, so we decided that we would start doing the Couch to 5K program. I did this when I started running, and it is a great help. It works out great for me because I can do a longer run on the weekend, but a couple of times during the week get out and move for a bit without totally overdoing it — not to mention I have great company and it gives Mom and me a chance to catch up.

If you want to add running to your current workouts, or even if you’re a total couch potato, Couch to 5K is the best way I’ve seen to get started. It’s doable, and you can go at your own pace if you need to. Not ready to move onto the plan for Week 4? Do Week 3 again and don’t worry about it — you’re still getting out and moving!

So Mom — I’m proud of you! You will kick butt in that 5K I know you are going to sign up for …

Mud, Fire, and … More Mud

So a few weeks ago, I ran the Warrior Dash in Kansas City, a 3.5-ish mile race that involved a number of obstacles like running through water, climbing walls and hay bales and cargo nets, and, of course, jumping over fire!

Here’s a few “before” shots, featuring my little sis (who is bound and determined to run a Warrior Dash when she is 14, the minimum age) and my friend Dani …

The race started out a bit slow – there weren’t any obstacles until about half a mile into it. We stuck together as a group, which made the race even more fun – when I started to doubt my ability to get past a particular obstacle, I knew there would be people next to me cheering me on!

This is the photo I bought from the website … Oh, and everyone who’s been looking for Waldo? I found him.

The last obstacle was a huge mud pit with barbed wire above it, so … I had no choice but to get a little dirty.

I had a giant dirt clod in my hair all day and dirt coming out of my ears for a week. What did I get for running this ridiculous course? A sweet medal, a furry warrior helmet, and a crazy day that proved that my workouts have been paying off by making me stronger. Sure, I had a few bumps and bruises too – but it was worth it!

What was the most exciting thing you guys have done this summer?