Racing Weekend(s)

This has been a good summer for running. I always feel so much better when I can run on a regular basis and participate in some fun events. Last year my friend, Dana, and I both had babies and she convinced me to train with her for the Freedom Run; a 15k on July 4th. I had done this run once before and it was a good one, tough but good. This spring was quite the challenge getting ready for that race. I didn't think I'd make it. Thankfully, I kept going and Dana, Marisa and I were able to run together. In the process of training for this event, Marisa mentioned that she was training for the Top of Utah half. So, of course Dana and I thought that was a great idea, but sadly, the race was full. We found a half marathon down in Bountiful for Handcart Days and we all signed up. Marisa was sick so we missed her on the run, but hopefully we'll get another chance to run together again. Dana and I drove down to WX on Friday and went shopping for matching running outfits. You can't believe how difficult that task was! We finally got something close enough and I loved it! (except my pants ended up one size too big and were falling off during the run!)

We had great weather the next morning and the course was great. I felt kinda bad for pressuring Dana into doing the run, but she did GREAT! It was so fun to do it together. Louis and my sister-in-law, Heather brought Caleb and met up with us a few times during the run. It's always nice to have a cheering section. My favorite moment of the run was passing Dana's family and hearing her daughter say, "Can't you run any faster, mom?" Priceless. I would LOVE to do that race again next year. It was small and the course was great and the shirts were awesome, plus everyone got a finisher's medal and free breakfast! Yummy!!! The most hilarious part was that I last minute decided to race in the Athena category (yes, I can prove that I am in that category) and because there was such a small number of racers, I took first in my division! Ha Ha Ha!!! My kids were totally impressed! Gotta love technicalities!



Then on Monday, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law ran the Desert News marathon in Salt Lake City. Louis, Caleb and I spent the morning chasing around the route to catch some pictures and cheer on the herd of runners. I just LOVE marathon events! So much energy and excitement. It is so cool to watch people doing hard things. Totally inspiring and now I'm really pumped for my own marathon in September! Here's hoping that all goes well in training!