How to spend your Saturdays.

This weekend I got to run a 1/2 Marathon. We were up in Logan for a last minute thing and since most of my family (mom & dad, sister & brother-in-law, sister-in-law) were all doing it, it being the Top of Utah 1/2 Marathon, Shayne and I decided to join in. It was a lot of fun. Yes, running a 1/2 marathon CAN be fun, though mostly it is just good when it is over. It was during the race that I learned what shin splints are the hard way...hell. They are hell. But because of them I persevered, learned how to be mentally tough and ended up finishing strong (because they didn't hurt as much on the flat or uphill parts). 1:42 was my time. This was a personal best, so that is good. Everyone had a super race. My mom who hasn't run a 1/2 marathon in her life also persevered, she walked the last two miles with a broken foot. Well the verdict is still out on that but definitely a stress fracture. Only my mom would continue with pain like that. It made my measly shin splints seem more like a bothersome blisters. My mom is incredible. I unfortunately did not get this amazing attitude, maybe it skips a generation...which I actually hope is true...with 4 daughters...hummm. Anyways, I myself am a complainer. My mom IS NOT. I should be more like my mom.

Since so many of us were running in the race and the few of my family members that weren't, were watching all the children (that in itself worth a first place medal), we did not get pictures of the event. I will however post some from the Spudman Triathlon that a number of us did a month ago. That also was a great race. If any one is thinking of doing a triathlon (Olympic distance) this is the one to do. It is a FAST one. The mile swim is downstream. The 25 mile bike and 6 mile run are both very flat courses. It was a lot of fun. I did this race before I was married, and got a time of 2:29. 11 years and 4 kids later I got 2:32 . I didn't think I would even come close to my old time, so I was pleasantly surprised. Hopefully I will feel the same way about my St. George Marathon race this year. Fingers crossed for a personal best and no hellish shin splints.

Elise (sister-in-law), Isaac(brother), Christian (brother-in-law), Sadie (sister),
Baby CJ (nephew-did not race), Steve (dad), Me

Me

Here's one from the TOU 1/2 Marathon:
(My sister Sadie just sent this to me. Thanks Sadie.)

Shayne, Maggie (did not race), Me

Me (racing to the finish)

Thanks Liz or rather her husband Jared for taking this keeper.