My Story

A little bit about me, and why I’m starting this blog:

I am currently living in Madison, WI. I work full time as graphic designer, and still manage to keep up with the following: running, cooking, baking, photography, my doggie Bailey, my family, and my friends. This blog is intended to follow me throughout Madison, WI (and who knows where next) as I experience the ups and downs of life.

September 2007

I wasn’t always in shape however, and have had my ups and downs. I hit a low point in my life my sophomore year of college when I turned 20. I was in shape in high school and ran track and x-country, but due to school work and sheer laziness (and too much beer) I gained about 35 bls in one year! At this point I was VERY unhappy. My mental health was also begining to suffer. I knew I had to start excersizing again to get my life back.

April 2007

I started to run again, and boy, was it hard but I started gradually. I eventually got up to running 30 min without stopping. I began to eat healthier and began to loose weight. At the same time, I broke up with my boyfriend of 3 years whom was extremely abusive, and took control of my own life. Running not only helped me physically, but mentally. I could feel my depression floating away with every run.

I continued to run short distances for a year or so (combined with yoga and pilates) until I felt confident enough to sign up for a race. I signed up for a St. Patty’s day 10k, and ended up running 8:00 min mile pace. That was all the motivation I need to sign up for a half marathon, and eventually a full marathon in 2008.

I currently am at a healthy weight, and feel good about my body. I am currently training for a couple of half marathons.

I am currently signed up for the Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon in New Orleans, LA. I plan to run a full marathon sometime this spring. I’ve already ran 1 full marathon, and a handful of half marathons. I intend to keep traveling (and running) until I’ve run a race in every state. I ran Sept 21, 2008. I finished in 3:48. My goal is to eventually qualify for the Boston marathon

Marathon, Sept 2008

Jan, 2010

September 2009

I’m also going to try and incorporate motivational quotes and stories into my blog posts, for those days went you just don’t feel like running, or doing anything at all. I’ve struggled with depression throughout my life, and I’ve found that running has helped me to cope. Eventually, this blog may become more of a motivational tool, but for now, I’m just documenting life.  Feel free to join me on my journey.