Runners on the Road!!!

Runners on the road was quite literally the story this morning. My friend Anna picked me up bright and early at 4:15. The goal was to be in Mapleton by 5:15 to board the bus that would drop us off at the Half-Marathon start. Everything started out swell. Anna and I carried on some sort of conversation as we tried to revive ourselves from the slumber land we both wished we were still a part of. As we headed up I-15 we saw a large caravan of school buses. We commented on how they were empty, and imagined all sorts of places they might be destined for. It was that point that we realized they were the buses hired out to meet us in Mapleton and head to the start. It was also at that point that Anna's car completely lost power. We coasted over to the side of the freeway and quickly decided on a plan. The plan first was this-maybe the buses would see us running and stop for us and get us where we needed to be. We got out of the car about the same time the last bus drove off. The second plan- call my mom and run for the nearest exit. So we did. Just as we started heading down the off ramp a SUV(or some sort of shining knights in armor) pulled over and a gentleman waved out the window asking if we needed a ride to the race. Yes, please!!!!! Anna and I both looked at each other and said, "is that weird that we are hopping in some strangers car?" Yes it was, but as he replied"hey, were all runners, were all friends, right?" And yes, he was exactly right. We reached our destination unharmed and in pristine condition. We even got a warm up in with our freeway run. Some other time I will tell you about the nightmares I've had after running on the side of the freeway over overpasses in the dark. Our bus dropped us off at the start at 5:45. We walked 3/4 of a mile to the start where we then waited. And waited. And waited. Waited some more. And some more. And even more. The race was suppose to start at 7:15(which really is a late start in itself considering the time of year)The gun, or I mean some cheap little horn that we couldn't even hear, sounded off at 7:45. I was completely frustrated. I knew a late start meant more time in the heat, as it was forecast to be 100 degrees. Oh well, there wasn't a thing I could do except RUN! The course was beautiful, as promised. Things were going great despite the earlier frustrations. I was right on time where I wanted to be, and then I hit mile 9. The sun was out and it was already blazing hot. I just kept pushing but I felt myself get slower and slower. My splits went from 7:50's, climbing to 8:30's, and then reaching a 9:40. I hung in there though and managed to keep running. I was so thirsty!!! I wished I had hydrated better earlier in the week. I have never really ran in the heat. I like to go and be done before the sun even fully arises. The end was finally in sight. I was so excited to see family and friends. My running pal, Kim, picked up my kiddos early in the morning and brought them up to the finish to meet me. I couldn't wait to see them all. I felt so supported, and I needed it! I spotted them just before I crossed the finish. They were waving and cheering. It was so good to see their faces. My time was 1:52.50, almost 10 minutes quicker than my last race. I felt good about my time, but then was a little frustrated knowing I could have done better had this race started on time. However, it supports the fact that every race is different(weather, courses, crappy day, injuries, energy), you never really know what you'll be up against. This is how we learn, grow, and hopefully become better runners. I have set some new goals. My plan as of now is to do a 16 miler (on my own)in the next couple weeks. Then a couple weeks later I will do a 13.1 and try to beat my time. Then I will keep running like I have as long as the weather will let me. Through the harsh of winter I will maintain my training and then do the Salt Lake Half again(I'm determined to master this Half). Then a group of us will do a relay race, and then end the season out with a full marathon(St. George or Top of Utah, I haven't decided yet). So, that's my plan. I'm excited about it. Wish me luck!

My Sis-in -law and brother made my boys these killer shirts!

They have been waiting and begging to wear them

Many questionable forms of entertainment were happening while my fans were waiting.

Lucas, Isaac, Kieyera, Hillary, and Maddie.

They are having too much fun! Wish I could have joined them!

Kim, Me, and Hillary

Hillary is Kim's daughter. She runs with us, I mean , flies past us at lightning speed.

We decided to run Anna into the finish line. She did so awesome! Lucas was thrilled to join in. When I get home from my run in the morning he is all dressed and ready to go out. He has been begging to do a race. I signed him up for a 1 mile fun run for Saturday. We can't wait!

Anna and I with our totally awesome purple and grey tech shirts. They screwed up on the order and no one really got the sizes they wanted(chalk up another glitch in this race). And, apparently the print wasn't suppose to be purple. I'm sure the guys were upset, but I wasn't! I actually think it's a pretty sweet little shirt, and it's one you will most definitely see me in.