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-