Some Damn Good Mexican Food

Today after I looked at a house with my two friends, one of them and I decided to go out to eat.  Obviously the first thing that came into my mind was Mexican.  I am literally obsessed.  I don't know what it is, because I have never really enjoyed or even like the taste of it, but then all of the sudden, bam, I can't get enough.  I think I go maybe 1-2 times a week really.  Tonight I went to Los Aztecas on good old Bardstown Road, but normally there is a place I love and would go to everyday if I could; El Torasco.  I normally get a Taco Salad with no meat and rice and beans instead, but I finally decided to switch it up and now my new obsession is the Mushroom Quesadilla with green peppers and cheese.  It literally is amazing and next time you go to an awesome Mexican place, you should really try it.  I forgot to take a picture of the mouth watering goodness, and tried to find a good picture of it online so here is something that looks somewhat like it.

Trust me it taste a lot better than this picture does justice

What's your favorite type of food?  Do you have anything that you cannot get enough of?

Also since I ate like a king today, I went running after.  I didn't really have a set number of miles in mind, so just decided to run this new route I like with a little extra roads.  For some reason lately I like sprint my first mile.  I think I am just so pumped to be getting out and running that I am to eager and just run.  So then my pace is like all over the place.  I really want to work on getting a stead, good pace, that would be awesome.  I ended up running about 4.5 miles and felt really good.  I decided to sprint the hills which sucked but felt so great after I reached the top.  I didn't feel as good as I did last night, but I still had a great run.  I wish there were some good runs coming up in KY, but there really aren't any until the fall.  I guess I will just keep having to train and get ready.  I wish some of my friends here would run with me!  I need to learn how to be more persuasive to get them to come!

A Beautiful Night

I have trouble keeping up with this thing, but I am motivated to keep this thing going and to update it more than I have been doing.  This blog helps me get my thoughts out and it somewhat helps me to keep running.

This weekend was crazy.  One of the best things I think Louisville has to offer happens during the summer, Downs after Dark.  I know I am lame.  It's night racing at Churchill Downs and they have dancing and just all around fun.  I love it because a great time to just cut loose and have fun with some friends and see some crazy things happen.  I love Churchill Downs and love that I get to live in Louisville, home of the Kentucky Derby, woo woo!

That's my cousin Brandy and me before we went in.  Some say were pretty crazy together and say we somehow always get in trouble, hmmmm




I also have been continuing to work at Macy's.  My feet kill after work and I think I have set the record for most blisters on someone's feet.  I have a total of 6.  Since I work like 9 hours a day I have been slacking on the running which sucks.  But today I was dedicated to get a run in.  I waited till it cooled off more and went for a run around the neighborhood.  I ran 4 miles and felt really good.  Like I have no clue what came over me, I like ran like a cheetah.  Mk maybe not that fast, but I just felt great and wish every run was like that.  Especially running on a beautiful night like this just feels amazing.  I think I have decided I like running more at night because it's so calming and I feel better and feel like I could run forever.  I like night's like these because it keeps me motivated to run because I want every run to feel like this.  I know I have bad days, but those bad days are worth days like tonight.


Also I should mention I finally checked out the local Fro-Yo in Louisville.  I have never been and there was one that just opened on Bardstown road so I decided to check it out with some friends.

This is me with my scrumptious yogurt.  I literally piled on the toppings and yogurt and ate it all!  It ended up being 7 dollars!  But here in KY it cost 49 cents an ounce, what a bummer

Although it wasn't better than Yogurtland in Utah, it was definitely still good and hit the spot.  I think I am obsessed and already planning another trip this week.  There is another yogurt place opening in a couple days or weeks and I will for sure be there opening day.

This One's for Julia

So supposedly I am slacking on my blogging according to someone, but I wont name any names.  I have been so busy busy lately.  Literally right when I get back from Utah I am right at it again.  I would think that I would get like a couple days to rest and relax from my vacation, but then I realized this is real life.  My boss called me less then 24 hours after I was back and had me scheduled basically every single day this week with 9 hour shifts each day, hmmm.  But the bright side, which I always like to look at, I will be making some bank.  So now I can support my shopping addiction.  I work at Macy's so if you are ever in the Louisville area, come and visit, I am 99.2 percent positive I will be there.

Yepp this is what one of the tornadoes looked like

JKKK - that would suck, they were pretty small, but I couldn't find a good picture of them, also I am just glad that no one was hurt in any of this.  Even though it was small, you never know what could happen.  I'm thankful my friends and family were okay and everyone else in my community.

Other than working non stop - so much excitement occurred last night!  Can you say tornado party!?  Jk - I was stuck at work for an extra 2 hours, and not only did 1 tornado touch down, but yes 5 tornado's, it was thrilling.  At least everyone is safe and there wasn't much damage except for Churchill Downs, but don't fret, night racing is still on for tomorrow, my life is complete, ha.

With running I am still staying on my schedule, or trying.  I am supposed to run 4 miles today, but I don't know if my legs will let me, it's going to be interesting.  I will attempt it, but I'm sure it is not going to be pretty.  Like my wise sister said; "why can't I run and sleep at the same time, I am so tire."  TRUE THAT HOMES!!!!  I wish things came that easy, but it's life and you have to strive and fight for what you want, and I want to become more in shape and PR on my next marathon, SOOO LEGGOO!  I'm pretty out of it right now, so I apologize if this blog post was a hassle to get through and or terrible.

My Ole Kentucky Home

Today I finally came back to the great state of Kentucky.  It was a long, tiring trip back, but I was a lot more happier than I though I would to be back.  I was used to Utah's sun shiny weather, but of course when I return this is what I see

It was pouring.  Like horrible.  My friend picked me up from the airport and we were driving home and we could not see the road.  It was awful, not like the Utah weather I was used to at all.  Oh well I guess I need to get used to the unpredictability, since that's what Kentucky is all about.

It was great though to see some familiar faces, although it was quite weird.  Even though I was gone for only 2 weeks everyone seemed different.  My dogs were like huge sausages, although I don't think that's a difference, I think I am just used to Riley and her unnatural skinniness.

But after eating a meal and updating my mom, I decided I needed a run.  I was a little skeptical and nervous about doing this, because the last time I ran I tweaked my knee pretty bad.  I am on a new training schedule for the Half-marathon I am doing in November so today's workout was just a 3 mile run, not to bad.  I geared up and headed out.  It felt great!  It was perfect weather and not to humid like KY is known for.  My knee felt fine, except a little pain.  I ran my 3 miles at a great pace and felt amazing after.  I sweated sooo much though.  More extreme then in Utah.  

  This is just my front, my entire back is covered...ew

I am pretty tired and feel alright for being back in KY, but i know things will get back to normal in no time.  I have a busy week ahead so I know I will soon get back into the swing of my daily routine while continuing to work on my running schedule to kick butt on my next Half!

Last Day in Utah

Soo today just happens to be my last and final day in Utah.  It was a pretty chill day, just what I needed after a crazy weekend.  I'm sad to leave but will not forget the many memories and amazing experiences that took place here.  I love it here and would love to stay for another month, but Kentucky and the real world calls my name.  I miss my friends and family, so I will be really happy to see them.

Utah was so relaxing and something that I needed.  My life is pretty hectic, so taking these 2 weeks to just chill out and have fun was amazing.  I never get the chance to take a vacation, so I was pretty pumped when I got the chance.  Although I feel like I ran and hiked a lot during my stay, I could not have asked for anything better.  The chance to be out in the open air and be in this beautiful scenery was astounding.  This state and this time I have spent here will be forever with me.  Hopefully I will get the chance to visit again.  I have many memories that happened here and I would like to list all the great, amazing, funny, and emotional things that have happened!

1. Walking for 3 hours the first day I got here just to get in the scenery and explore the city
2. Running up the canyon with my sis
3. Buying a plethora of new running gear
4. YOGURTLAND
5. Cafe rio - forever changed me
6. The hot sauce store
7. Utah Valley Half Marathon - my first!
8. Tuscanos - to much food!
9. Hiking to the hot springs
10. Arches National Park
11. Movies
12. Cooking with Julia
13. Eating soooo many pretzel m&m's
14. Olympic Park
15. Buying the new Nike running watch on a whim
16. Ragnar Relay Wasatch Back
17. The many friends I made here
18. The great times I spent with my sister
19. The time I got to spend with my brother and dad
20. the memories I will never forget
21. Ohhhh and did I mention Yogurtland!?

 The first run in Utah - up the Canyon

 YOGURTLAND - I'm obsessed

 The epic Hot Sauce Store

 Finishers of the Utah Valley Half and full Marathon!

 The Hot Springs

 Arches National Park

Finishers of Ragnar Wasatch Back!

I have so many memories and stories that I could share forever, but these are ones that stand out.  I had a blast and wouldn't trade these days for anything.  I love Utah and all it has to offer, and can't wait to visit again.

The best shower I have ever taken

The past 2 days have been soooo crazy!  Last week I did my first ever marathon, and then this weekend I decided to do my first ever Ragnar, crazy!  I was nervous, but I was excited for this.  I have heard so many good things about Ragnar that I just couldn't wait to start.  Our starting time was at 5 a.m., but luckily it got switched to 11.  I was runner number 4 so I only had to run 13.1 miles, which was great ha.  Getting there was amazing.  Seeing all the cars and the people and the energy between everything.  With all this happening, I just couldn't wait to start.  I knew no one on my team, except my sister, but after this whole experience, I loved getting to meet everyone!

The start

So I finally got to begin my first leg, which was 5.1 miles.  It was my hardest one of the day, with many small hills.  The thing that made it horrible was the heat, I had to run it at 3 p.m. right when it was the hottest.  I stayed strong and ran, but half way through I definitely needed some refueling so I took some sports beans, not the best idea.  They didn't sit well and I ended up throwing up twice.  Even though I threw up, I felt great finishing, I was 1/3 of the way done.

My second leg was at about 2 in the morning.  At first I didn't like the fact that I had to run in the dark, but this was my best leg.  It was 4.2 miles of flat road, awesome.  One of our runners got sick, so I ended up running with my sis.  I'm the type of runner who is like really OCD about running.  I have to listen to music and I have to especially run by myself.  My sister caught up to me with about .6 mile left.  She thought I would want to run by myself, but her there by my side ending my second leg was awesome!  It definitely gave me the boost I needed.

My last and final leg was a short 3.8 miles.  The thing was it was all downhill.  I love downhill, but I have been having major knee problems.  I was nervous, but sooo ready to finish.  I felt really great running the first 3 miles, but as I neared the end of the hill, something just didn't feel right.  My knee was in so much pain to where I could not run.  I ran farther, but had to walk.  After awhile I ran again, but there was no way I could do it.  I felt horrible, I felt like I was letting my team down by limping to the finish (i'm really paranoid about things like that too).  I wanted to quit so bad, but I pushed myself.  There was no way after all this hard work and it being the last leg, the last 1 mile, I was going to quit.  So even though I was slow jogging/limping/walking, I continued on.  I was determined.  I was soon going up this big hill, sweat and sunscreen in my eyes, when I look up and there's my sis.  I just starting crying.  I was in so much pain, I could barely run.  She stayed with me and got me through that last leg, I really don't know what I would have done without her.  She asked me if she just wanted the van to come pick me up, but I couldn't, I had to finish.  With a deep breath and the finish in sight, I slowly limped/ran to the finish line.  People I didn't even know were cheering me on.  It was the greatest feeling.  I cried for finishing, for staying strong, for all that had happened in the past 28 or so hours, for the pain, and for the amazing support I had on that leg and throughout the whole race.

My sis and I finishing out my last leg

Even though I wanted to do better during this Ragnar, I still loved it, and am so proud of myself.  I couldn't have done it without the support of my sister and of my amazing team. Crossing the finish line was great.  Even though I was hobbling and had to limp there with everyone else, it was a great feeling.  People clapped us on that didn't even know us, and that was an amazing feeling.  Meeting these people and doing this amazing race, was such a great experience.  I would do it all over again, even though there were a lot of ups and downs.  I want to continue to push and challenge myself in running and only get better.  I know I have it in me, but I just have to keep trying and keep training and stay healthy.  There are a lot of bumps along the road, like getting injured, but you can rest and get healthy and continue on.  Learn from the experiences you have.  My sister mentioned that this WAS my first Ragnar so to not get down on myself, because I will learn from this.  I definitely want to try and do another Ragnar, and from this first one, I have learned a lot, and know I can only go up from here.

 My amazing team which I could not have done anything without their incredible support

My sis and I after crossing the finish!

There's a first for everything

There is a first for everything.  After long thought, like long thought and consideration, I decided to start my own blog.  I think this will be good for me.  A good way to get my thoughts out, and a good way for me to keep up and stick with running.  I'm excited.  So with all that said, this is my first ever blog post.

I have been in Utah now for about 8 days, and love it!  I'm not ready to leave and it sucks that the days are winding down.  It is one of the best experiences I have had in my life.  The first thing that hit me hard and made this something great, was running my first ever half-marathon!  It sucked, because I have never really ran that far in my life, so at like mile 11, I thought I might crawl to the finish line.  Yea that sounds lame and ridiculous, but that's me.  I loved every minute of the race, the scenery, the people, the energy, my family being there, my sister running, and crossing that finish line that seemed like every step I took, it seemed to get farther away.  The emotion I felt was great after I crossed that line, I wanted to cry, I wanted to collapse, but most of all I felt sooo happy.  I was on an energy that lasted all day, until bed when I literally fell right asleep (getting up at 3.30 a.m. doesn't suit me well).  I think the best part of the race wasn't even about me, it was my sister.  After my half, I met with my brother and dad and we went to Julia's 22 mile marker.  We waited for her and were spread out among the mile to cheer her on and take fabulous photos.  I was the last in line and one of Julia's friends warned me she was coming and I was prepared.  She came into sight and a rush of emotions came over me, I don't know what it was.  When she was passing me I ran up to her and gave her the biggest hug and encouragement I could.  I cried.  I didn't cry for being sad or something terrible happening, but for my sister.  I don't think I have been that proud, happy, excited in my life.  My sister was running a marathon, her first, and was doing it.  She just recently got back from an injury, and she was going strong!  She is my role model.  I love her and am so proud of all her accomplishments.
The finish line was the best thing to cross.  I have done a decent amount of races, but this finish line was different.  It was like reaching a goal, making a change.  It was an awesome feeling to cross this new stage in my life.  Now I can only go up in my life after finishing this half marathon.  I'm new to running and know I have a lot ahead of me.  I'm excited to reach new levels, goals, and to continue running for a long time.

My sis and I before her full marathon and my half

My sis and I after, we made it!!!

I have my first ever Ragnar Relay tomorrow and am sooo nervous.  I have been having trouble with my knees so I hope everything goes well tomorrow.  I'm going to try and run my best, and just have fun with it.  That's what running is to me.  I don't think I could ever race, because I am not that great of a runner, but I want to at least have fun with it, and make a better lifestyle for myself.  I am really excited to see what's to come.

So this is my journey.  This is the start, this is my blog.  I hope you enjoy it, and reach your own goals that you set, just like I want to do so myself.
I found this quote and thought it was great, and something I want to remember through everything, especially the hard times and the times I want to give up...

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, I'm Possible"
- Audrey Hepburn-