Blast from the past ~ Spring 2015

Hello All,

So I decided I would post pictures from my 5k's throughout the spring of 2015. 

Chasing Cupid was my first one! While the first 1/2-3/4 mile was all up hill, it was still a great course and the down hill at the end made up for it...Plus, as you'll see in the pictures, the scenery wasn't too shabby either! ;) 

My second 5k was the Think Pink 5k. Although the photographers location was NOT ideal (at the top of a hill on the last .25 of the race) it was a decent course and for a great cause! All proceeds were donated to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. 

Finally, I signed up for the Salt Lake City Marathon's 5k race. I happened to get sick the week of the race and had a difficult time with my knee, but it was probably one of my favorite courses so far! 

I still have a few more 5k's this summer planned and will post those pictures and a review of the race once they have happened, but they are for great causes so I cannot wait!  

My FIRST 5K!

Jessi is amazing and so kind to help me

through my first 5k! Thank you Jessi!

After having to stop for a crossing donkey... yes, I'm serious...

We finally were able to continue running for the finish line.

Because of hurt knees and a crossing donkey, we crossed at about

49 minutes from what I remember. My PR for my worst time.

(you have to celebrate the good and the bad!) 

Lets just say the scenery of the race wasn't too shabby! 

Race #2. I got my momma in on the action! 

She was a champ and finished with a good time! 

I donated bras for those who need them. 

I know I sure don't need these particular ones anymore!

 To this day, this is still my favorite medal! 

My new PR. 39 minutes. For my second race EVER, 

I think it's not TOO bad! I was happy with it because 

I took 10 minutes off my time! Baby steps...

Race #3. I was SO excited to have my friends join me on this one!

It was Sadie and Heidi's first 5k and they ROCKED IT! 

Waiting for the race to start! We had to be there at 6am... 

it was an early morning! 

Thank you Alaska Airlines for giving us free pictures!! 

Shout out to Tropical Sno. It was the very first day being open

and they were so excited to have their first customer (Heidi)! 

WE DID IT!!! 

Up Next:
Because of finals and needing a couple days to rest after the let down, I have not done any exercising so..... Training officially starts tomorrow!!! I have made a calendar with what is to be done each day and I am excited to officially start this journey! My calendar includes swimming, running for distance, running up local hills, the bike, and weights. Let this crazy year begin!

I hope you all stay tuned!

~Natalie

The Beginning/Introduction

Hello Friends! 
This is my first attempt at a blog. PLEASE be patient with me! :) I think I can probably only get better!

First things first. Introduction time! 
I am 22 years old and new to the running community. After doing marching band for 8 years (4 years in high school and 4 years in college), I have decided to try running as a new way to challenge myself. I LOVE the mental aspect of running and that is why I chose running over other sports. 
I've done multiple 5k events (3.1 miles) throughout this spring and will continue participating in events throughout the summer/fall/winter (I also have a strong belief in cross training). For those who know or don't know, running in these events becomes addicting (addictive?) and so I have decided to sign up for a 1/2 marathon. Yes... a half marathon... 13.1 miles... Yes, at this point, I think I'm crazy too!!! 
I am creating this blog as a way to have one location to gather all my pictures, statistics, and thoughts without overloading my Facebook page/friends. Plus, with a public post like this, I feel like I am more likely to be accountable for my training as well as tracking my mileage. With that said, I hope that you, my readers and old/new friends will keep me motivated and accountable!  
My 1/2 marathon is approximately 1 year away. Although I do not have the exact date, it is estimated to be the 2nd weekend of April 2016. With the experience I gain from this 1/2 marathon, I would love to use my training to travel to the Tinkerbell 1/2 Marathon in Disneyland. I am a Disney fanatic (as you will see in my posts) and this would be an amazing experience and something to cross off my bucket list! 

With all of this said.....

WELCOME TO MY YEAR LONG JOURNEY! 

~Natalie