Running and Hiking

Courtney and I have been running partners ever since it became warm enough to run this year. We even did two races together with the babies and have loved getting to be outside with our girls and getting a little adult interaction in at the same time. The poor girl has even put up with me being on a completely opposite running ability than her. She is post baby and well I obviously have been growing another one.

Our first race was the Main Street Mile. Some how we talked Teisha into doing it with us and we ended up running it in 7 minutes which is pretty good when you have stroller and have to make your way through a crowd of other runners.

Our second run together was very last minute and a cross country 5k. We both arrived literally as the race started and i was not prepared for it being cross country. We survived it though even at 32 weeks pregnant and pushing the stroller. Leighton was so happy when the race was over, she hopped out of the stroller sat in middle of the road and ate her grapes like it had been hard for her too. 

Once it wasn't too hot during the day we thought it would be fun to take a break from just running and start doing a few hikes. So far we have only made it to two new places but both were really great to do with the babies and fun for us.

Our first hike was at Red Cliffs which is the nicest little hike randomly off the freeway between Cedar and Saint George. It takes you back to a few little pools and when theres run off a waterfall, obviously no waterfall at the end of summer though. Leighton was amazing, she hiked all by herself until the very end when she made me carry her and she fell asleep. I love taking her outside and letting her explore. I honestly believe its one of the best ways for a child to learn and grow. I hope she will always love being active and will realize how lucky she is that she gets to experience so many beautiful places. I know i am glad i've been able to explore Southern Utah so much this year before we say goodbye.

I am sure this pictures look a little familiar. Leighton and I had already visited Zion National Park with my family back in July but now that the weather was perfect and the government was no longer shut down we just had to go back. I seriously wish i would have taken way more advantage of all the beautiful trails Zion has to offer in the past couple of years. We had so much fun visiting the other day that I hope we will go back before it gets too cold. So at 38 1/2 weeks pregnant i hiked my way around the park and this time Leighton would not hike on her own. Yes, i carried not only one but two babies the entire time. Luckily one of them made a good seat for the other. The leaves haven't changed yet in Zion but it sure felt like fall. The weather could not have been more perfect. We did the river walk hike that leads to the narrows and the weeping rock. Leighton was not thrilled when we almost got attacked by a squirrel on our first hike, but she absolutely loved getting to play in the water at weeping rock. She was so excited afterwards that she wanted to run down the trail almost giving me a heart attack. It was a good day for Courtney and I to get out and spend together before baby girl number 2 arrives. I am in need of getting all the adult interaction stored up as i can and the physical activity too. I am so nervous for the aftermath of birth when i will have to start completely over on getting into shape and feeling this good. Yes, now at 39 weeks i am still feeling great. Very pregnant, but great. Even though Leighton is so young, i hope one day she can see how much time i tried to spend with her and love her and play with her before her world was turned upside down. I kind of expect nothing to change and that all these things i do with Leighton i will just do with two now. I guess i will see how that goes but for now that is my plan. It really is crazy to think that this time next year our adventures won't be in Utah anymore we will be across the country and exploring completely new places. I am sooo excited but i know i will miss days like these as well.