Before getting into the bread and butter of this blog post, I would just like to take a moment to introduce myself as the newest face of our blog. My name is Ashley and I have been given the honor of helping run the Body N Sole blog. I am so looking forward to sharing useful information with all of you, whether it be product reviews, tips on the latest running trends or just general thoughts on the hottest health and fitness topics. I am interested in what YOU want to hear – so feel free to leave me a comment on here and let me know.
I think any good blogger shares little tidbits of herself with the reader. So here is “Ashley in a Nutshell:”
- I was born, raised and have never left Champaign, IL. Maybe someday…
- I am 24 years old and work in Marketing/Advertising
- Likes: Working out (running, group exercise classes, yoga – you name it, I like it), fresh peaches, watching Food Network, organizing things
- Dislikes: American cheese, having to sit still for an extended period of time, filling my car up with gas, wasting leftovers
If you are interested in anything else, just ask. 
Now – on to the fun run!!
What started out as a dreary and cool New Years Eve morning turned into an afternoon full of sunshine, a bit warmer weather – and a bit more wind. However, that didn’t stop more than 175 eager runners from coming out for the 13th Annual Body N Sole 5 K Fun Run.
I arrived at about 3:40 thinking I would be late (another thing you should know about me: I’m always on time/early). I was a bit skeptical at the small crowd that had formed at the front of the store. I figured people were either:
- Turned off by the wind gusts that had developed
- Starting their New Year’s Eve festivities early, or
- Stopped in Friar Tuck’s and lost track of time. Okay, maybe that was just me…
First thing I did was check out the snacks table. Now these snacks were clearly for post-race. I think everyone understood this except me and every kid under the age of 8 that walked in.
However, by 3:50, everyone seemed to have trickled in. There were people of all ages, some donning New Year’s garb, others still getting one last wear out of their Santa hat.
The expectation was for runners to either donate $5 or food for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank. I was so pleased to see the amount of food donated – ’tis the season of giving.
Just before 4, all the runners filed out the doors and into the parking lot. I couldn’t believe how within the mere 20 minutes since I’d been in the store, the sky had gone from full of gloomy gray clouds to a crystal blue. Mother Nature clearly knew about the Annual Body N Sole Fun Run…
And – they were off!
Now you may be asking, “Why didn’t YOU run Ashley?” And yes, I’m still asking myself that. My foot has been bothering me the past few days, probably from one too many group exercise classes this week. Didn’t think it would be a great idea, but as soon as I saw those runners go, I wanted to just run right after them – with my purse, Ugg boots and all. Trust me, I was tempted. Check out some of these great pictures from the run – compliments of Beth Scheid. Beth – it takes great skill to run AND take pictures!
First leg of the race and looking strong!
Thanks to Jed Bunyan for stopping traffic for us!
You know it's a perfect day for a run when you can wear shorts and a t-shirt or sweatpants and a jacket
Runners of all ages came out for the race
I knew I should have stuck around. Busting open the snacks post-run...
New Year's Eve baby?
From the sounds of it, all had a great time. What a great way to end 2011 on a healthy note with family, friends and fellow Champaign-Urbana-ians. Runners stayed around after the run for the snacks and drinks, as well as a raffle and some great giveaways, compliments of Body N Sole.
Here’s to a happy, healthy and safe 2012. On behalf of Body N Sole, thanks so all those who participated!
