The Half Marathon

I did it. I finally ran the half marathon I have been training for since January. It was a great experience. These were some of the highlights.

1. Seeing Adam and the kids at mile 11. The first 10 1/2 miles are through a canyon. It is beautiful, and the huge cliffs provided ample shade. But after that, I was running on highway and smaller roads through town. The last miles were hot and miserable. Seeing my family was far more of an energy boost than any pack of GU. I was so thrilled to see them, I about knocked them down. This was a very short trip and Adam had to carry most of the burden alone. I will always be grateful that they all came happily to cheer me on.

2. Seeing all the children spectators. Maybe it is from the years of taking our family to the Boston Marathon and the memories of my own kids giving high fives, passing out water, etc. If I saw a kid on the side lane, it didn't mater what lane I was in, I ran and gave them a high five. Or if I saw them watching on the cliffs, I always smiled and waved. I loved it. I loved seeing every one of the kids. They were definitely a highlight.

3. Accomplishing my goal. It always feels good to accomplish something you set out to do. I never walked and I came in 7 minutes faster than my goal. (don't let this fool you, I was still slow). And I finished - alive.

4. Doing this with friends. I trained alone and ran alone but it was nice to have comrades doing the same thing. We began at the start line together and they were there to cheer me on as I crossed the finish line. Thanks gals.




This is me with most of the gals from my ward that ran. When I look at this picture, that Sesame Street song pops into my mind "One of these things doesn't belong here. One of these things just isn't the same." I am clearly the running impostor. But here's to more training and at least one more half marathon this year.