Subway- top down with Sheri and Gordon

Ok, the Subway was a life changer.... and I'm not kidding. Especially writing this month's later, I can tell you, it's a life changer. Canyoneering set my soul on fire and I've felt an intense want to learn how to do this and be able to take other women on adventures like this. 

Sheri's my gym twin, we train, teach and even had a baby weeks apart. Her dad is pretty much my hero. He canyoneers, climbs, mountain bikes, surfs, travels the world doing cool things. He takes Sheri's kids on all types of fun outings. I just think he's the best! I'm so grateful for Gordon showing me "the ropes" and teaching me. It's hard as a woman to learn how to climb/canyoneer with the logistics of it all, but he's gone out of his way to help me. I'm SO grateful! 

Not long after this experience, and an intense desire to learn this, I got called in by the stake president. The counselor didn't know me at all, asked me how many kids, what I did, where I was from- literally didn't know me at all. He then went on to explain that they felt strongly like I was needed in the Young Women's as a camp director, specifically over a new program for the girls- HIGH ADVENTURE.  WHAT?! Have you been listening to my brain for the past few months or what?! Very real experience on the power of the Spirit. I felt a passion for this brewing before I was called to this, and I'm grateful for the experiences to put me on this path. It's been a struggle getting the culture changed and women to challenge themselves to step outside their comfort, but I hope the YW will have an amazing experience and in my small way I am helping develop stronger, more confident, capable women who know they can do hard things.

First day in Boston, April 13, 2018

Heading to Boston was surreal. Years of sweat, tears, work and effort and I was finally getting my Boston experience- the ultimate for a runner! The weather wasn't looking good for the race, but the days leading up were awesome. 

We took a red eye Thursday night and got in early Friday morning. Getting to our AirBNB away from town was eventful- subways, trains, buses and walking a mile to our place was entertaining. Our place was in a Haitian part of town and it was decorated interesting and the ceilings were entertaining for Aaron. I don't think I've heard Aaron swear more than hitting everything in that basement apartment.

 Friday we did the Freedom trail and checked in for the race. It fun exploring the trail! That was my favorite part.

Groups of kids were handing these out to show kindness. It was really sweet!

I felt on the verge of tears through the check in process. It's been awhile since I qualified and being there in Boston was such a flood of emotion! I made it! This was all the hard work and effort- I EARNED this spot in this race! I would have never thought I'd be experiencing Boston 5 years ago!

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Seeing Aaron totally nerd out over the TD Garden, where the Celtics play was priceless.

Visiting the finish line!

We walked by the family of this lady behind me. Her son was totally confused, "Mom, it's like the girl is YOU. She has the same coat, same clothes, same hair... she's YOU!" When I saw this picture, I totally got what he was saying!

The site of the bombings

Old historic church right by the finish line

First time on the Subway- bottom up

This trip rocked my world. 

I had an old friend from high school days message me about watching her dog while she went on a hike in Zion National Park. Lucky for me, they had 1 extra spot on their permit to do the Subway. I've wanted to do the Subway, but don't have the know how to use ropes and get the permits. I was SUPER excited to be able to do this and see a couple of my friends from SO long ago! 

The morning of, there was a slight chance of storms, so to be safe they decided to go bottom up- instead of the top down like we had originally planned (Top down you need ropes and it's more of a canyoneering experience vs bottom up is more just hiking). I was a bit bummed, but was still happy to go try out the bottom up plan.

On the way in- WOW!!!

You follow the river on the way up. It was perfect to cool us down! The water was COLD!

Dinosaur tracks!

I always took the harder route- which is always the most fun and rewarding. Climbing waterfalls is not something you do everyday!

We made it to the SUBWAY!

So SO SO happy I got to go. It really made me hungry to learn how to use ropes and feel comfortable to do these things on my own, instead of always having to rely on someone taking me. I can't believe this is in our back yard. I cant wait to be able to do this with my family one day! 10 miles of bliss!