Utah Valley Half Marathon

I was originally supposed to be running the Utah Valley Marathon....26.2 miles.  However, about a month ago we found out that we are moving to San Diego...and "my live got twistered upside-down"  (please tell me you know where that quote is from).  Let me just point out that I am a planner---big time.  This is a big move for me, since I've been living here for 8 years.  In late April I actually got up to 18 miles in my training (this was prior to knowing we were going to move).  It felt good, but around the same time I started feeling somewhat guilty.  I was feeling like I was putting off some of the important things.  Training for a marathon takes a lot of time.  And I felt like I was neglecting some of the important things I needed to do, so I opted for the Half Marathon.  Plus, I just felt like I needed to lose some extra pounds before I got too serious with marathon training.

So, anyways.....I was excited for this race because my sister was going to be running her very first half marathon!  I always get really excited when someone decides to do the challenge....I just know how great I felt about my body after I ran my first long, daunting half marathon.  It took a lot of will-power and mental toughness, but ultimately I felt so proud of my body--excess pounds and all--for making it through the race.  I felt gratitude for what my body can do rather than focusing on what I lacked.  (or...didn't lack--aka--extra curves)

We tried to get to bed by 10pm...which didn't happen.  More like 11pm...which was late, considering we needed to get up at 3am (yes, 3am) to get ready in time to catch the first waves of buses to the starting line.  We got to the starting line area and used the rest rooms.  Then we sat on the side of this mountain while we waited for everyone to get there.  I was glad to have my sister with me so we could chat and help pass the time.  

We didn't want to run "together" because I wanted her to feel that sense of accomplishment of finishing all by herself, with no help.  My family is very competitive and we didn't want to feel like we were racing each other.  We each had different goals and the thing I love about running is you compete with yourself.  

Me and my seeestor--- pre race.  Nervous  tinkles were out of the way.

I look kind of stupid...what am I doing with my hand?  And my form is horrible...

Big ol' booty is bookin it to the finish line.  My husband says he likes my backside, which is why he takes these awful pictures.

My sister in the black to the right of the cone....such a great accomplishment!  She did awesome!

What a trooper!  She broke through the mental barriers and did a great job!

We did it!!!