Fitness, Friends & Family

One thing that I love about fitness is the fact that you can include your friends and family. There are so many organized runs and walks that are so fun to do with friends and family. Everyone is different when it comes to training for a big race though. Some people like to do it independently and others like to do it with someone else so they are held accountable for not missing training runs or sessions. I personally like both. Sometimes I love just working out or training for a race by myself, and other times I like to have a friend or family member alongside. Recently I have had a really nice variety of training and working out both alone and with people. My most recent race with people was Hoosiers Outrun Cancer in Bloomington. I have done this race for many, many years and it is very near and dear to me being in my home town and supporting a cause I am passionate about. My mom, dad, sister, nieces and Jake did Hoosiers Outrun Cancer this year, along with lots and lots of Bloomington friends. It was extra special this year because Jake ran the 1 mile race with my niece, Sonoma who is 4. They ran the whole time except for a very short period of time when Jake said Sonoma got a cramp. I ran the 5k which ended up being a little longer than a 5k. Overall it was a beautiful and fun day with friends, family and fitness.
 
 
 In the past I have done half marathons with a lot of different friends and family. I have done tri-athlons and train runs with family, and many 5ks and fun runs with friends. It is so awesome to share these times with important people in your life. Some of my best memories are doing these races with my family and friends. It definitely takes your friendship to a new level when you are training with someone. You have to learn to push each other and hold each other accountable for the goals you have set. You see different sides of people as well. Training can break people and can also provide a happiness that is indescribable. I really recommend finding a local run or walk or even a bigger race if you want a challenge, and finding someone to do it with you! You don't even have to do an organized race, just get out and walk, run, or bike with a friend or family member- it is really wonderful!
Here are some pictures of some of the races and workouts I have done with people- like I said, some of my best memories!
                        Jake and I love to bike
 
                                              
 
 
     Ruby has been my running buddy for a long time!
 
This was right before a DINO trail run with my uncle and cousins- such a  great event!
 
 My fastest 5k in IL with my sister and Marcus on Easter
 
    Katherine and I after the Geist half marathon
 
   Me and Leeanna after the Mini Marathon
 
 
  Me and my sister after the Aurora Half Marathon (yes we both had dark hair)
 
 
 
 
 
     With my active parents during different events
 
 
   Delta Gamma Little 50 Team two different years
 
Me and my babe before the Mini Marathon this year
                       
 Happy weekend everyone!! Sounds like the weather is going to be gorgeous this weekend. I am shooting for a couple long runs and maybe a cycle class! It is also my Grandpa’s birthday so a trip to Bloomington is going to happen.

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