A Trip Down Memory Lane... 26.2 Miles to be exact.

So, today was the Top of Utah Marathon. Wow. I had sort of felt a stirring of desire to run this year in June. After I ran seven miles and couldn't walk for two days, I decided to wimp out. I just didn't have that "eye of the tiger." Today, I got my desire back!

My dear friend, Tiffany and her two amazing sisters came to stay last night. They ran the marathon together this morning. I want to say it was the first time for all three of them, but this might be incorrect.... (Chelise is basically Iron Woman and has done several races including placing first in her division in a half iron man, yeah, I know. I was jealously proud.)

Anyway, I had planned to drive them down to the bus this morning, but slept in and woke to the sound of their car starting and pulling away. What a goober I am! It worked out good, though so they didn't have to walk so far once it was all over. I had the time of my life today! The kids love marathons and want to run so badly in one. Hopefully someday...

We went down to mile 17 and cheered and cheered! It was so amazing to watch. I saw a lot of neighbors and friends, and my cousin! Hey Stephanie, way to go!!! It is amazing the people you find at a marathon! The next stop was mile 22.5. That is a tough mile. The canyon is pretty easy being all down hill, really quiet, and just gorgeous! It's a great distraction. Getting into town and running through the cities was a bit trickier for me. Lots of twists and turns, and some "hills." Having people there, even strangers, cheering me on really gave me such a boost when I ran this two years ago. I hope I was able to help some of the runners there today. It was all I could do to contain my emotions and not just bawl my eyes out. Especially when someone would be running along with a look like, "I'm pretty sure I am going to die." The memories would rush back into my mind and I would cheer as hard as I could. Then they'd look up with a faint smile, mouth a "thank you" or pick their feet up a little higher. It was so neat to see. I really was pretty emotional. Good thing I had sunglasses! I was so proud of Tiffany, Chelise, and Kara! How awesome to run with your sisters! Way to go ladies!!!! I'm planning big for next year and looking for a training partner.... all interested parties leave me a note! ;0)

I thought about just posting some pictures, but that just wouldn't do it justice. So of course, I had to put together a montage. I love this song! It is just perfect for a marathon, and life. My favorite line is, "Focus on the prize, dreams will be realized. No matter what people say, just keep going anyway!" That is so very true!!! Hope you don't mind the three pictures of me from two years ago. I put the pictures in to correspond with the same place/time that the ones from today were taken. It took a lot of courage for me to post those after looking at the pictures from today of my friends. I mean! How is it possible to look so cute after running your guts out? Never mind, I don't want to know.

Congrats again to all the amazing runners from today! See you next year, I hope!!!

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