Because I chose to do everything but study during the first few weeks of class, preparing for the first round of exams was anti-fun.

I spent last Saturday and Sunday filling out handy note cards for biochem. I wrote and rewrote the structures to amino acids and functional groups on a white board a gazillion times.

The test was at 7:30 Monday morning, but my study cram seesions were far from over as I still had a Psych test and a Organic Chemistry test on Friday morning. By Wednesday, having spent every available moment at the library with the O Chem book, I was feeling more than a little anxious. So I decided to finish what I was working on and head to UI's student recreation center.

If you didn't know, UI has a sweet SRC and it's one of my favorite places to go. One can lift free weights, use machines, circuit train, run on the indoor track and watch a slew of hot guys do the same. Sometimes, I get lucky and they will be playing hockey (my fave sport!)

I decided to run for a bit and then hit the circuit. Normally, I only run about half a mile to warm up before lifting, but I was feeling particularly energetic. I ended up setting a personal record (PR) for my one mile. WAHOO!

Now, I've read several articles that say there's no such thing as runner's high. I beg to differ. I felt SOOOO good after my quick run; an interesting combo of mellow and alert...like I could have ran a half marathon, easy. I bet I was one big mass of radiating endorphins. Don't stand too close; they're just pouring out of me.

To be fair, I've never done illegal drugs so I can't say if how I felt is comparable to a more well-known "high". But I will say it's seriosuly one of the best moods a person can have. Never tried running? You should!

When I'm in town, I make use of the junior high's track. I really like it for a few reasons: a.) it's nice and well-cared after (thank you!)and flat, and b.) I always see other people there. That means you won't have to run all by your lonesome.

A helpful site if this sounds like something you'd like to try:

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/...