Snowshoe Race Results

Well today was my race day. I have been battling a cold for a few days now so I asked the friendly people at the race to switch me from the 25K to the 5K division. I was determined to run, but I knew my hacking cough and throbbing head couldn't handle the 15.5 miles today. So I braved the 3 degree weather and finished in the same time as my last snowshoe 5K. I am slightly frustrated things didn't pan out as I had hoped, but I am more relieved that I can stop running for a few days and try to kick this cold. With my upcoming trips, I don't believe I will have any more chances to run snowshoe races, but I look forward to participating in these events again next year.  I think I like snowshoe running more than regular running!

**3 days until Troy's Birthday**

**4 days until California**

**27 days until Hawaii**

Sundance Volunteer Conclusion

As I'm sure many of you read, I decided to volunteer four days during the Sundance Film Festival with the Park City Library. The volunteer experience started out rocky after I started receiving daily emails directing me to a variety of locations around Park City and Salt Lake for different trainings and events. I was sent to SLC for a new volunteer orientation, to the Library for a job-specific training, to the high school to select dates and to the Marriott to sign in. I was beginning to fear the hassle would not be worth the pay off. Luckily, I was wrong.

The festival was amazing and I quickly forgot the headache of the pre-event bussle. My volunteer work consisted of ushering, taking tickets and directing patrons before each screening. Once the movies began, all the volunteers got to sit back and enjoy the shows. By the end of the festival, I had seen 12 movies and met some wonderful people. I am thoroughly excited to participate again next year.

The only downside of the event is the parking. If you are volunteering with a downtown venue like the Library, Eccles or the Egyptian, you have to plan to park in a designated lot and shuttle to your location. This could potential add two hours for a round-trip ride. Luckily, I arrived at my venue by 6:45 a.m. so parking spots were still available, but this will definitely be a factor affecting when and where I volunteer next year.

More Pics of Buster

Of course, here are more pics of my little brother. Can you tell I'm proud of my missionary?

Yeah, we're not sure why there is a boxing crocodile either.

Resolutions

Though January is almost over, I am still going to post my resolutions for the year. I am not really a believer in new year resolutions; honestly I find it slightly silly. I always think if you're not going to take the initiative to change during the other 364 days, why do you think things will be different come January 1st? But anyway...

 My resolutions are simple: I am going to do at least one thing a month that physically challenges me (beyond my regular exercise routine, of course). This month I ran a snowshoe 5K and will be running a snowshoe 25K next week. I am going to push my limits in all aspects of my physical routine. I have mentioned my running goal for 2009, but haven't share it yet. I have a long term goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon before I am 30. I believe this is doable.

I am also going to volunteer with three new organizations. I am currently working with the Sundance Film Festival and will be working with Best Friends over my birthday. I'm still deciding which organization will be my third choice, but there is plenty of time to figure it out.

2009 is going to be an amazing year!

Happy B-Day Danielle!

Tomorrow is one of my best friend's birthday. I can't believe it's been 9 years since we met. I've had the pleasure of working and attending school with her and tomorrow she's going to turn the big 2-3. Jeez, she's all grown up! :)

Certification

Well today was my big test and... (drumroll please)... I passed! I now hold my group certification with the American Council of Exercise and can finally teach... legally. :)  Wow, it's only mid January and I feel like I'm just plowing through all my goals!

**next week I start my volunteer gig with Sundance**

**16 days until my snowshoe 25K**

**3 weeks until California**

**less than 6 weeks until Hawaii**

Playlist

Well after the success of my 5K, I am motivated to run a snowshoe 25K. Nothing rejuvenates an exercise program more than a revamped playlist so here are twenty more of my favorite running tunes:

"Shut Up And Let Me Go" - The Ting Tings

"Filthy/Gorgeous" - Scissor Sisters

"Here I Come" - Fergie

"Walking With A Ghost" - Tegan and Sara

"Gotta Get Thru This" - Daniel Bedingfield

"Bruises" - Chairlift

"When I Grow Up" - Pussycat Dolls

"Just A Girl" - No Doubt

"The Mating Game" - Bitter:Sweet

"Let It Rock" - Kevin Rudolf

"Great DJ" - The Ting Tings

"It's Me Snitches" - Swizz Beatz (obviously an edited version)

"Bad Reputation" - Joan Jett

"Belleville Rendez-Vous" - Ben Charest

"Laura" - Scissor Sisters

"Shine" - Collective Soul

"Do Somethin'" - Britney Spears

"Wake Up Call" - Maroon 5

"Jessie's Girl" - Rick Springfield

"Sway" - Michael Buble

5K Update

I just saw the results on the website and I took first place in the 20-29 age snowshoe division. Woohoo! Now onto a bigger snowshoe race!

Snowshoe 5K Results

Well today was the snowshoe race. It began this morning at 10:00 and with a brisk temperature of 7 degrees. The course led us runners just over 1.5 miles downhill then turned us around to run uphill. The uphill wasn't too steep, but steep enough to make snowshoe running exhausting. I'm not sure where I stand in my age division, but I finished in 48 minutes. That may seem like a long time for a 5K, but the extra weight of the shoes, snow and abnormal running stride obviously puts a damper on speed. Would I do it again? Sure! Though cold, it was a beautiful run and how often do you get to race on snowshoes? There is another snowshoe event in two weeks, which has every category from a 5K-50K. I'm so invigorated from this race, I want to run the snowshoe 25K!

I will hit my 2009 running goal in no time!