12 Miles and Arctic Mermaids

I ran 12 miles at 6:45am today with Jocelyn Petersen, Breanna ? (new to Bella Vista), Emily Sasine, Rachel McCann, and Isabella (Irlenborn) Spindler. 

A few more women joined after the run for a cold plunge. What? Crazy talk! 

I hate being cold so much. I am also easily swayed. Breanna announced that she has never done a cold plunge either, and before I knew it, I was in the COLD water of mckissick creek up to my shoulders. I got in cautiously. The others went right in, and that is definitely the way to go. Breanna called out “I am an arctic mermaid!” And went in full send. These women are all so strong and I feel blessed to have had 2 hours on the trails with them today to hear about the incredible things they’re experiencing and overcoming. Cheers to the strong runners and arctic mermaids out there to build each other up. 

And now, the hay is in the barn! Longest Half Marathon training run is complete. I’ll do my standard 3-4 mile runs twice a week and a couple 8-10 milers between now and April 4th but in 3 weeks I am crossing the 13.1 mile finish line one more time. This time, as an “arctic mermaid”.