wahoo

In January I started a blog with my sisters and sister-in-laws to help us reach different goals. We have been sharing tips, recipes, and frustrations. It has been so very helpful to have that support. In February we ran our first 5k. It was a little disappointing because they apparently didn't measure the distance because it was WAY short of a 5k. In March I talked my mom into doing another race with me. Once again, it was a 5k, and was for cancer research. My best friend's family happened to be there. They were running in memory of a cousin that had recently passed away. On Saturday I finished my first half marathon. It was so great. I was so nervous and excited that I couldn't sleep. I woke up before 4 and just laid there until my alarm went off. When we got to the starting line the weather was crispy, but it was so beautiful. There was an enormous sea of people, and the energy was amazing. There was a local church's gospel choir singing, and helicopters circling in the sky. It was awesome to run through some of the main streets of Salt Lake. The local residents had parties on their front lawns to watch the runners come by. There was a man trying to lure runners out of the race with a free beer and an empty lawn chair. There was another group of people cooking bacon in their yard, and would try to hand it to runners as they passed. My favorite was the people who brought instruments and would play on random street corners. It was absolutely amazing how much that music helped to keep me going. There were drums, guitars, and even flutes. The first 11 miles went by faster than I ever could have imagined, but the last two miles were quite a bit harder for me. I hadn't stuck to my training schedule the last two weeks before the race, so it wasn't a big surprise that it was more difficult. The race ended at the Gateway, so before we ended we had the opportunity to run past the SLC temple. It was so beautiful, and nice to have in view for my most difficult part of the race. Crossing the finish line didn't even seem real. To be honest, it was a little easier than I thought it would be. I expected to be bleeding and limping as a crawled across because of my lack of training. I am so excited to have to have finished it, even though my time is nothing to brag about :) I am excited to work on getting faster for the next races. There are a few that I am eagerly anticipating and would love some more company if anyone is up for it. The next one I'm going to do is in June and is a night time run (in Ogden), and will be a lot of fun. August 1st there is a 10k in Fairview, which is up by our cabin. The altitude will probably make it more difficult to run, but the scenery will be worth it. A week after that is the Provo River Trail half marathon. And finally, I put in the lottery for the St. George Marathon. If anyone is interested there is still time to register, and you have 165 days to get ready for it! Thanks for running the half marathon with me Circle and Kambree!