We Did It! My first goal of the year accomplished!

We did it! My friend Sarah, and I made a goal to train for the London's run Half Marathon and yesterday we both completed it. We also made our goal times!
BUT I could not have completed it without my husbands support, Sarah pushing me to do it and everyone else who babysat while I went and trained. (Hayley more specifically:)) Aaron sacrificed A LOT of sleep on my behalf so that I could do my long runs on the weekend. And he never complained once about me training. Thanks babe, I love you!

And my sister Kimberlee also made it so much easier for me on the race day. She lives near by where it was being held and so I dropped Ezra off at about 6:30 after a quick nurse and then headed over. I was pretty nervous leaving Ezra because he had been so cranky the past few days and I had never left him that long before. But Kimber was a pro and he slept most the time and was good in between. Thanks Kim and Ethan!

This is before the race. Me, Sarah and our friend Kara. We found out later that Kara was running it too. It was pretty chilly and we were so nervous. I could hardly talk because I was so cold and nervous.

The race went REALLY good. There were 406 people running so it wasn't too crowded and you basically ran through farms fields which was flat and full of cotton bails. The weather warmed up quick and it was so beautiful and peaceful out there. Each mile was marked and I ran with all these people who were trying to complete the same goal as me. Being my first half and not knowing what to expect I had a goal of running 9 min miles or at least getting under 2hours. As I ran I wished I had bought some of those glucose packs that you eat while you run and they give you instant energy. But lo and behold they were handing out these things called, "Gu" and I was so grateful! I swallowed them down and had instant energy! It's like I got a second wind every time I ate one. They also had water and gatorade along the way and all of these encouraging signs and pictures of kids who have or had cancer. I felt better and better with each mile and I almost cried when I saw the 13 mile marker. Just 100 meters to go and I kicked it in! What a great feeling! (I know, I'm so corny). My time was 1:53:50 and my pace was 8:42/mile. I was 111th overall and about 20th for my age group.

I more than completed my goal.

This probably isn't a big deal to most people but I am pretty happy to complete this goal.

Right after I finished my race I was staggering around wondering where some water was and I ran into one of my really good friends from high school. It was so good to see him. He had taken up running in the last few years and was running the 10K there. This was only a few minutes after I crossed the finish line so I must have looked pretty scary. So as I was talking to him I was nonchalantly trying to wipe the crusty boogers and sweat from off my face with my shirt. And I had total cotton mouth since I hadn't taken a drink of water yet. He was probably pretty grossed out but hey I was excited to see him. It was a plus after my race!


Right before we started the race I get jumped on by my friend Menolly! If I let myself I totally could've cried seeing her. She moved away from Coolidge about a year or so ago and I have really missed this girl. She was my amazing first counselor in young womens and one of my really good friends. I was so sad to see her go. She has taken up running too and she did the 10 K as well. I got to see her sweet family and we got to chat for a while after the race. Miss you already Menolly!

Well, I can hardly walk today and don't ask me to crouch down to pick anything up ( I won't be able to get back up), but I am grateful for the chance I had to run it. Thank you Sarah for motivating me to do this. It was a big accomplishment for us and I couldn't have done it without you!

Up Next.....warriordash.com Are you a Warrior?




(Don't worry, it's in Florence and I'm just going for the thrill of the race! Then us mormon girls will high tail it out of there.)