I don't do trail running...And then I did.

I've been running for somewhere around six years now. Not long after I picked it up I went to our local rail-trail for a run.  HATED.IT. I was flat out miserable.  It was too hard, everything hurt, just rotten all around.  So I decided that I hated trail running and would never again do it. Whenever I'd run some sort of obstacle 5k that would take me off of paved road I was pissed.  I would let it ocmpletely ruin my race.  Well...that all changed yesterday.

After being stuck in a boring business meeting (on a beautiful day in a room with no windows), I decided to go for a run.  The meeting was at an environmental preserve, so there was a lake right there and people told me there were "walking paths."  I was expecting nice paved paths around the lake...imagine my surprise when there was a teeny bit of pavement followed by some very rough trail.  I'm talking rocks, grass, tree roots, that kinda thing.  I got that familiar feeling of dread, but I was so tired of being cooped up indoors that I decided to go for it anyway.  Shockingly enough, I liked it!! I liked it so much that I went for another run today after we finished up!

See, I liked it! Look how happy!

See folks, this just goes to show that attitude--and positive thinking--is everything. Had I let my negative experiences and thoughts take over I would have missed out on two great runs!  Part of the trail I ran went across a dam. What a cool experience!  I saw some truly beautiful sights including lovely lake views and even some deer just chillin' in their natural habitat.  And I got some much needed sunshine and cardio while pushing my body--these were the longest runs I've done in 2014! I feel happy and refreshed and ready to take on the world. 

Let's all make a pact to never say never, and to always give things a second chance.  (Crap, I guess that means I have to try skiing again...) 

Gettin' Muddy With It!

Well, I made it through the mud run with no injuries, aside from a few small cuts and a few major blisters!  

So much mud!

Saturday I completed the Dirty Girl Mud Run in Schnecksville, PA with my favorite partner-in-crime (who just happens to be my sister-in-law) and a coworker.  We had an absolute blast!  There wasn’t much running to be had—that pretty much stopped once we got good and muddy.  Something about trying to run in squishy, muddy shoes just didn’t appeal.  The obstacles were a ton of fun and we were proud to say that we conquered them all, even the ones we found terrifying. (I was not a fan of climbing on the cargo nets). The course very much fit the old adage of “uphill both ways”—it seems like we were constantly going up steep hills and very rarely going down them.   This course was definitely a lot muddier than the one I did in April, and a whole lot more fun. I’d definitely return to be a “dirty girl” again!

Post-run beer was necessary and enjoyed!

I have to admit there was something pretty fun and inspiring about completing a women-only event.   There was no cattiness or competitiveness—everyone was just there to have a good time, cheer each other on, and help each other out if necessary (my feet got SERIOUSLY stuck in the mud at one point—if it weren't for a girl helping pick my legs up I’d still be there!) Plus there was none of that macho-male testosterone going on.  I love hanging with the guys, but it was nice to not have that added pressure and to really embrace the whole girl power thing.

I had three pretty big personal milestones at the event too.  #1: I completed all of the obstacles. I really, really wanted to go around the first cargo net. I went up and over instead.  WOO! #2: I allowed myself a corn dog after the race. I know how silly this sounds (and yes, how unhealthy they are!) but I haven’t had one of those since I joined WW in 2007. Allowing myself that indulgence and not feeling guilt over it was a big deal. And it was damn delicious.  #3: I stood in line for the rinse station in nothing but a sports bra and my muddy spandex pants. I know I still have work to do on my body, but I have learned to love myself and be confident regardless.  That was a big, BIG step for me.  I’m proud of myself (and the lovely ladies I ran with!) for taking on this challenge and rocking it!!  I can’t wait for the next adventure! 

My favorite picture of our group!