We DID IT!

A couple months ago, my good friend, Kristy, and I decided it would be fun to train for and run a 1/2 marathon. Well, the day finally came, and even though the past two weeks have averaged in the 60's and 70's, the night before the temperature dropped and even with both of our prayers, it began to snow. The temperature the following morning was supposed to be in the upper 20's lower 30's. The race was supposed to be challenging, was to go on rain, snow, or shine and was in the foothills. Well, we decided we had to finish what we started, so we got up early Saturday, I waved goodbye to my supportive family (Dallin asked if he could watch the race on TV, and the night before Talie asked if I would come in 1st place=), as they wished me good luck & promised to meet me at the finish line.
The race started, (luckily it only snowed about 1 inch) and after each long uphill climb, we thought, we've got to be to the top! When are we going to start going down!?! Finally we did start to go down hill, but it was steep, muddy, and the worst part was, that those who were ahead of us had gone all the way down and were on their way back, so we knew that what we were going down, we would have to come back up - yuck! Luckily at the bottom of the - can I say- ravine, there was a water/energy gel station. Now I don't know if you've ever had energy gel before, but I would have to describe it as drinking thick, strawberry flavored toothpaste. I tried to choke it down with gator aid, but no matter how nasty it was, it worked! Miles 10-12 were the hardest part of the run, muddy and uphill. But we made it, and as we neared the end, we found ourselves on a paved, down hill path and were running at a 6minute 30second speed - we were ready to be done!
The best part of the race was when we rounded a corner near the finish line (which of course was straight up hill), and saw our children - who had just spotted us- run down the grass hill to meet us and finish the race with us. Waiting at the finish line were our cute little families, our good friend Dina- the photographer- who unfortunately didn't make it in any of the pictures, my sister-in-law Kim, and my two little nieces. What a support system! I have to admit that there were a few moments in race that just knowing they were going to be there to greet me, helped me keep on running.

My cute husband waiting at the end to record the crossing of the finish line. He was so supportive and excited for me throughout the whole thing - I'm still such a lucky girl!

My cute family!

The kiddos running to meet us.

Morgan & Peyton bundled up waiting in the cold.

Kim & Whitney also trying to keep warm

By the way, Heavenly Father did hear and answer our prayers. After the race, at about 2:30, it began to snow and didn't stop until the ground was covered with 18 inches of snow - church was even canceled.

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