She Is Beautiful! {Race Review}

Last year, I developed a slight obsession with races. I ran 5Ks, 10Ks, a 15K, half marathons, a color run, a bubble run, aaand you catch my drift. I just really fell in love with that runner's high that enhances when surrounded by hundreds of other runners. 

There was one race that really stood out from the others, and it wasn't just because of the stunning beach-side course (see above picture). It was because of the entirely contagious positive and encouraging atmosphere.

She Is Beautiful had their 3rd annual Santa Barbara run this past weekend, and as soon as the race was announced, I knew I had to run it again. 

The event did not disappoint, and I think the pictures prove it. 

Shout out to Tabitha, who designed our amazinggg shirts!

My family was in town helping my brother move to Santa Barbara (Reeds are just drawn here), so it was great to have my mom and sister at the finish line. 

Running never fails to make me feel strong, capable, and amazed at what this body can do. I can't help but reflect each race on the fact that not too long ago, I hated running. Like, legit hated it. The thought of a 10K used to intimidate the heck out of me, and now, it's my favorite distance. 

She Is Beautiful takes that "you are strong, capable, and your body can do anything" message and puts it on blast alllll through out the course. There are signs everywhere encouraging you every step of the way. Whether you're doing the 5K or 10K, you're going to cross that finish line feeling accomplished, empowered and inspired, no doubt. 

I already can't wait until next year!

Breaking a Sweat

This post is sponsored by She.Is.Beautiful The Pinkest 10K & 5K

If you've been around for a while, you'll probably notice that this is my first sponsored post. And I could not be more happy to be writing for She.Is.Beautiful, an organization that represents so much of what I am passionate about. 

Not only do they put on races (which I love), but they promote so much more than just running. 

"Because we believe creating a stronger self physically manifests into a better self in all areas of your life. Here's to strong legs, smart girls, and celebrating yourself and just how awesome you are!"

Excerpt taken from their website.

A race to promote loving yourself? Heck yes, count me in!

So today, I write about how sweating makes me feel.

My freshman year of college, I was hoping to avoid the freshman 15. It was a pretty poor effort, considering I probably made it to the gym about 10 times max and went on maybe equally as many runs, but you know, it was an effort. 

I met my friend Kristi that year, and she had been big on running. So one day, I sucked up my fears of being a terrible runner, and asked if I could join her. We may have only gone a mile or two, and I might have asked if we could stop and walk a handful of times, but I did it. Successfully went on a run. 

When we were a short distance away from our dorm, I asked it we could stop. She gladly obliged, but you could tell that she wanted to finish out strong. I explained my reasoning for wanting to end our run early by saying that I wanted time to cool off before getting back to our dorm. I didn't want to be seen all sweaty, and red faced. 

Kind of like this:

Kristi and I laugh now when we think back to this run, because oh how times have changed. 

Last year was when my passion for fitness took its root, and I remember distinctly noticing myself change. I went from being ashamed of being "gross and sweaty," to feeling the most confident whenever I was in work out clothes. 

No make up, hair pulled back, your typical work out clothes on, and often drenched in sweat.

And I felt beautiful. 

I felt strong. I felt dedicated. I felt powerful. And no amount of make up or pretty clothes can top that. 

That's Kristi and I a few weeks ago, right after finishing our first half marathon. 

You bet your buns that we sprinted across that finish line. 

Which I'll be doing again at the She.Is.Beautiful 10K here in Santa Barbara in September! I'm so happy that there is an organization dedicated to helping women realize how beautiful they are when they break a sweat.