4.59 mi run

I finally got to that 4.5 mark (and then some!). I ran basically the same route today with a few bigger loops in there.  I think it's a bit hillier going this way! This time my other knee gave me a bit of trouble, but only for a few seconds.

We had a huge storm in Grinnell earlier today, so I was dodging quite a few fallen branches and some fallen trees. One small tree was completely torn out of the ground! Please keep Grinnell in your prayers!

DIY: Dyed sweater

Confession: I'm slightly obsessive about clothes. This weekend was the perfect opportunity for a DIY that gave me a bit of peace of mind. I had this adorable white cardigan from American Eagle that I absolutely loved! However, in an attempt to get ketchup stains out of the sleeve (long story), my naive self tried soaking it along with my pink cami which also had ketchup stains. Needless to say, this did not end well. My cardigan was now left with pink streaks that I just COULD NOT get out. So my mom and I came up with an idea to dye the sweater (otherwise I would never, ever wear it). I chose pink because I love the color and the stains were pink to begin with. I bought the dye at Walmart for under $3. We dyed the sweater in our kitchen sink. As a head's up, you'll need salt (I think 1/4 cup) to mix in with the steaming hot water and dye. I was nervous at first, but as soon as I put the weather in the dye I feel in love with the color. Mom and I took turns stirring continuously for the first 15 minutes, then I stirred it every now and again for the last 45 minutes. After putting the sweater through a quick cycle in the washer, I laid it out to dry. I was so happy with the way it turned out! I can't wait to wear my lovely pink sweater this fall!

4.48 mi run

I just finished a nice jog.  I haven't been running nearly as much as I'd like, so I was proud of the 4+ miles I hit today.  I didn't "map my run" until after I ran... I was SO CLOSE to the 4.5 mark!  It got really hard for me shortly after I finished the second mile.  My knee started hurting, so I was a bit worried, but by the end of the third mile, I was fine.  I think I just needed to get my stride; I could have jogged longer but I wanted to practice my piccolo for community band (I'm playing the Stars and Stripes solo on Thursday).  

I also found a deal on Groupon for this 5K Kosama Warrior Water Run in Des Moines on July 14th.  I haven't registered yet, but I may have convinced two of my besties to participate with me!  I think it will be challenging but super fun as well.  I can't wait to get all muddy (I can't believe I just said that...).  Here's info about the race if you are interested.

Welcome!

I got the idea for this blog when I read somewhere that runners should write about their running experiences. It suggested a blog, so I thought, "I'll do that!"  I want to take it one step further, though, from simply writing down my running schedule.  I want to write about all my decisions to be a healthier (and consequently happier) person.  Exercising is obviously a huge part of that, but there are so many other things that affect a person's health, whether it be physical or mental.  So for me, this is going to be a bit of both.  Yes, there will be posts about running this far and running here and running there, but there will also be posts about what I do to make myself happier!  So while this is mostly for me to track my progress (and hold myself accountable), I appreciate you following along/joining in as I work towards a healthy happiness!