Hey there!
It has been a very good 2 weeks.
Last week was my birthday, as you know, I'm now 25. I must say, I'm feeling pretty good about it. (Or maybe, I just don't feel any differently about it.)
My mom and Gracie came down for my birthday weekend, and we did lots of fun things. Saturday, we went to the farmer's market, then went up to Brian Head for the afternoon. They were having the country music festival and it was the most beautiful day. I love going up there-- it's such a short drive from Cedar, but it's a change of scenery and it's usually a lot cooler up there.
Sunday, we hiked Observation Point. I was super worried it would be busy, but we got there early enough that the trail was mostly empty. Once we got to the top, it wasn't overly crowded, but there were definitely people up there. It was seriously such a good time. The view from the top is always worth that hike. It's a brutal 4 miles uphill.
When we got home, we all crashed on the couches for a very long nap.
I was so glad they came down. Even though they only live a state away, I don't get to see them nearly as often as I would like. Gracie's a senior this year and I hate that I'm missing out on all of that. My family is some of my favorite people to hang out with.
This weekend was the Cedar City Half Marathon. Like I said last time, I was very worried about it and the closer it got, the less I wanted to do it. I was dreading it so much. I was dreading it all the way up to the start line. The thing is though, once you're up there, the only way down is to run. So I ran it. And it actually wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
I ended up running it a little faster than I did last year, but finishing is always the most important thing to me. I'm definitely not running to be fast, or to beat anyone. Mentally and physically, running that far is really, really hard, so going out there and doing it is success to me.
I'm so relieved it's over (except that I have another long run in October). I'm trying really hard not to leave the couch because I'm so ridiculously sore, but I have things planned and things to do, so I have to keep getting up. My knee and hip are very much in pain. My calves and shins, thighs, abs, shoulders and back are sore. I have blisters on both feet. But hey, I ran another half and survived!
I think I mentioned that two of my friends are moving from Cedar soon. I'm so sad about it. It's frustrating because I was really intentional about these relationships. You know how some friendships happen because you're in the same stage of life, or in the same place or job or whatever? Like they're born more out of convenience than anything else? These friendships weren't like that. I met one of them because I work with her husband. When we met, I instantly knew that I wanted to be around her more-- she's just that great.
The other friend just happens to be her sister-in-law and she's absolutely the best. (I also worked with her, but I'd like to think we'd have become friends even if we hadn't.) I cannot say enough how great I think these girls are. It's fun to have friends who will push you to do things you wouldn't usually do. That's what these two were for me and I'm so upset they're leaving. One is gone this week, and the other at the end of the month.
Anyway, that's all.
What a life we live.
