Halloween Half.

This past Saturday was the Halloween Half Marathon.
My first Half Marathon; I trained for this race for 6 weeks.

The run started at Aspen Grove, just above Sundance Ski Resort.
From there, we all ran down Provo Canyon, past Bridal Veil Falls, where we finished just south of the Riverwoods Shopping Mall.
Once the sun presented itself, the temperatures were perfect, and the fall colors were amazing.
It was such a beautiful run. I'll definitely do it again next year.

Blake was waiting for me at the finish line and welcomed me with a hug.
It was so nice to have his support.
I just love him.

I finished in 2 hours and 9 minutes. 

So close to my goal, but not quite there. 

However, I honestly feel like I couldn't have pushed myself any harder than what I did, so I'm satisfied with the outcome.

-Jess.

26.

I turned 26 on Saturday. 

I don't really feel like a 26 year old.
But then again, I'm not really sure what a 26 year old is supposed to feel like.

Is there a handbook somewhere?
~~~

I slept in for my birthday. 

Got my hair done. It's not quite finished yet, but I will post pictures once it gets there.
Lounged.
Played Frisbee with Blake and Indiana in the afternoon.
Lounged.
Ate raspberry cheesecake ice cream in a waffle cone.
Lounged.
Went to dinner at India Palace.
Ate some more ice cream...Mango Ice Cream to be specific, which is absolutely exquisite.
And opened gifts.
Blake gave me a new running outfit for my birthday. A dri-fit hat, dri-fit hoodie, and dri-fit running pants.
They're Perfect. Just what I need.
It was a good day.
-Jess.

10 Days and Counting...

I'm running in the Provo Halloween Half Marathon on the 29th of October. 

My first half marathon. The countdown begins.

My goal is to finish 13.1 miles in 2 hours.

Right now, my average mile when done on my own isn't fast enough to finish in my goal time. However, my speed increases by about 1.5 minutes/mile when I'm surrounded by others, so I'm feeling pretty confident in being able to reach my goal. 

I REALLY want to reach my goal, but more importantly, I've been seriously training for about 6 weeks now, and I feel REALLY good about the changes I've definitely made in my body and overall health. 

This running thing has been good to me. (= 

And I love it. 

I look forward to it. On my rest days, I'm restless. I just want to RUN! 

I'm so excited for this race. 

Not quite feeling nervous yet, but I'm sure that will come in good time.

-Jess.