With the last days of classes nipping at our heels, it's hard to not feel completely overwhelmed with schoolwork. Being a business major, I at least will be getting all my finals done by May 6th (business professors all seem to like being done and not having to wait for finals week). I'm not complaining.  I'm pretty darn excited to get all my finals done so I can have a nice relaxed birthday the next day..... Well besides running the approach.

I'm looking at that as my birthday present from the team. I mean who doesn't want to run up and down a GAZILLION stairs on their birthday!! All joking aside, I actually am kind of excited to do this.  Last year, I always loved the challenges Matt assigned us, like running the engineer mile or the stairs in front of ECAV. I've been known to get competitive when it comes to challenges, especially if it involves running.  When I run, I'm not actually competing with the people next to me, I see it as competing with my body.

Before becoming a diver I was a gymnast and would run for about 3 out of the 4 hours of practice. Sadly I got injured and was told by a doctor I couldn't run for 4 1/2 years. Now every time I run I do my best to enjoy it. I make it a goal for myself to push past the tired winded feeling (that happens after about 15 seconds of running... I'm bad at cardio), and run further than I thought I could.  If my thighs aren't burning, I didn't run hard enough. 

Running was something I didn't appreciate until I wasn't allowed to do it.  I think being able to celebrate my birthday by running the approach with the team will actually be pretty sweet!!  Hopefully everyone else will enjoy it too. 

ONE WEEK TIL THE APPROACH!!!! GET EXCITED!!!

Love, 
Maddie
p.s. 
Never take anything for granted because you never know when you wont be able to do it anymore.