For the love of the run

Like most students, I too enjoy the summertime. I often spend my long afternoons at the beach, with family, or making memories on special trips. This summer, my hiking boots and running shoes brought me to two incredible places: Iceland and Massachusetts.

Iceland has been a "bucket list" destination for myself for quite some time. Hiking? Waterfalls? Count me in! I booked a ticket earlier this year, packed my suitcase after school ended, and couldn't wait to lace up my hiking boots. 

To say Iceland was beautiful would be an understatement. While I felt as though I was in Europe, there were quite a few times when I also felt as if I were on an entirely different planet. 

Skógafoss

Vík, black sand beach

Walking behind Seljalandsfoss 

Gullfoss

Moab, is that you?!

Kerið krater

 Þríhnúkagígur Volcano 

Inside Þríhnúkagígur volcano. Incredible!

What does one do while planning a trip? Why look for a race, of course! During June, Iceland experiences its summer solstice, and endless sunlight. While some days are grey, others rainy and some sunny, the sun doesn't quite set. When it does, it isn't until very late.

Reykjavík, 12:30am

One of Reykjavík's bigger road races is called the Suzuki Midnight Sun Run. The idea of running a half marathon in a foreign country late at night seemed appealing, and the perfect way to end an unforgettable trip. 

(photo courtesy of the Miðnæturhlaup Suzuki - Suzuki Midnight Sun Run)

While I am often excited at the start of a race, I must also be honest and note that not every race is an easy one. I sometimes get tired. I sometimes groan and complain. I feel proud to wear my TCS t-shirt, but do remind myself that in order to get past the challenging miles, I must keep moving my feet forward. 

Later in the summer I participated in a trail race, called Ragnar. Alongside seven friends, I spent 24 hours in Massachusetts, camping and running. Each group member ran three trail races: 3 miles, 4.9 miles and 7.3 miles, totaling over 120 miles. Before my first run, the longest and hardest of the three, the song "Enter Sandman" started playing, and I was instantly reminded of van rides in Moab. I set off with a smile on my face, but soon found that the steep elevation sometimes made me feel as if I was hiking, and not running. I constantly looked at my Garmin watch and wondered, when would I be back at camp? Again, I felt challenged physically, mentally and emotionally as a runner. 

While the hills and elevation were quite an adventure, Ragnar was an incredible experience for many others reasons. I loved camping and running with friends and being a part of a team. I got to run my five mile leg at midnight, a unique experience. When I encountered other runners on the trail in the dark of the night, I was comforted in knowing that there were other people traversing the same path. 

This summer reminded me that there are days when you feel more motivated than others to lace up your sneakers. I promise though, that the run will always be worth it. 

*Thank you Meghan D. & Mike S. for the Ragnar photos.