Girl on Fire: Parties, running and more parties

[As seen in Creston News Advertiser, August 29, 2013]

Last week was my birthday, and I don’t feel any older. However, it hasn’t stopped me from having epic weekends.

I went to Des Moines and stayed with my sister Breezy Thursday and Friday nights. Thursday we went to a restaurant called Tally’s, where I had my first-ever barbeque nachos and burger made of half steak, half bacon. Three of my cousins and some close friends of theirs joined us for a great night of dinner and drinks.

Friday night I treated Breezy to dinner and a movie. We went to Joe’s Crab Shack, and I even got a yummy drink with a plastic shark toy that came with it, just so my 20-year-old sister could act like a kid again. After dinner we went to the movies and saw the scary movie “You’re Next.” I loved it; Breezy did not.

Saturday was the Warrior Dash in Earlham. Let me tell you, I was not in proper shape for it. However, it was still a blast! My cousin and his friend took off ahead of me, and I jogged when I could through the cow pasture where the dash was located.

Since the Warrior Dash, I decided I need to get back in shape. I started going to the YMCA again, and am loving my decision! A little cardio and strength training is exactly what I need after a day at the office.

I also decided to run a 10K in September. Centerville has a festival every year called Pancake Day, and they have free pancakes, parades and events all day the last Saturday in September. I’m signing up to run the 10K for the second year in a row. Having a goal will also help me stay on track. My training has started for the run, and I have a couple of 5K runs the weekends before Pancake Day.

Training for a 10K will also help me prepare for the 5K Creston Fire Department hosts each year. A date hasn’t been set yet, but when it is, I’m going to be signed up as soon as possible.

One thing I’m looking forward to is going for a jog in a different state. I haven’t done it yet, and Friday I’m going to Wisconsin with my family for a wedding. My cousin is getting married to a girl from Wisconsin, and the wedding will be in Withee. The reception is at the rodeo grounds after the ceremony, and I’m looking forward to a lot of dancing all night.

I have a feeling this wedding will be a three-day event, rather than just the one day, so I will have to be prepared for a weekend jam-packed with parties. Good thing I find nothing wrong with that.