Completed my 3rd trail half marathon!

As of last Tuesday, I have completed my half marathon goal for this year!!!

I started the run by weaving through the Bradshaw mountains here in Prescott and finished the last three miles by summitting a large hill at the end. I just cranked up "Rise" (by Katy Perry) in my headphones and dug in for the long climb. It was the BEST feeling to reach the top without stopping - I love the high that comes from being out in nature!

It's funny because I'm not a runner and I certainly don't have the build to be a runner, but I have completely fallen in love with trail running! I didn't even know what trail running was until early last year, but I'm hooked.

In 2014 I started running road races. I started with a night run because I didn't want people to see me running. I got more in shape by signing up one to two races in advance so I would never lose momentum. I hated running but I loved the feeling of crossing the finish line. My goal was to run a marathon that year but I was only at half marathon level (barely) by the time October came along. I practically crawled over that finish line and only made it because of my uncle and roommate who were helping. I was glad I finished but bummed that I couldn't just check the marathon goal off my buck list and just have it 'over with' for the remainder of my life. :D

Last year, many of you read about my Moab Trail Half Marathon experience. Still, hands down, the best running experience of my life. Beautiful country and fun, challenging course that needed both lower and upper body strength to complete. The entire year was training for trail running - a new concept for me.

This is three years in a row I've been able to train up to a trail half. I'm not a fast runner (I'm incredibly slow), but I've learned that my body is built to climb. Other racers pass me on the downhill parts but I slowly pass them on the uphill parts. :) More than anything, though, I just love being out in a nature. I've only run with music once (during the climb on Tuesday) because I just love being disconnected from everything technology for hours in the forest. Trail running keeps me healthy AND sane! ;)

Nothing better in the world!

Safe travels, friends!

Destiny