Susette, Robert Merriman, London and Monte, and Janet met us at the race. We got our bibs and handwarmers and decided to start the race. It wasn't an officially timed event (which was kind of lame), so it didn't really matter when we started. We knew this was going to more of a training run for all of us than a "race" race. Although, Monte is awesome and creamed us all, as usual. He even ran an extra 3 miles since the course wasn't well marked.
The first 2.5 miles were all uphill. A long, slow ascent heading north. We stayed together, and about halfway up the hill, Cindy joined us from the other direction. She wasn't officially running the race, but she came out to join us for a few miles. It was such a great group! Poor Robert wasn't feeling too good, but he did awesome. He's the coolest.
Finally the course leveled out a bit and gave us a break! Like I mentioned, it was NOT a very well-marked course. Luckily we could just follow the line of runners ahead of us, but the front runners (like Monte) did get lost. We had to cross a lot of streets, too, which was kind of annoying. I wasn't very impressed with the course. But that's okay. I try not to be a complainer. I'm just always happy to be out running!
Around Mile 5 or so, I started to feel really good. Janet and I were running together, and she was my buddy for the rest of the run. I felt GREAT during Miles 5 thru 10. But then as usual (just like the Thankful 13), I crashed at Mile 10. I took a few walking breaks and tried to keep running. Mile 10 was rough. But I ate a chocolate Gu and got a kick of energy. There was a short, but steep hill right next to the Mt. Timpanogos temple that was NOT cool. After that hill, I was determined not to stop. When we got to the finish, we were at 12.6 miles. I told Janet we had to get to 13.1, so we kept running down the street for a little bit and circled the parking lot a few times to reach it. We finished in 2:39. Not great. BUT that's the same time I got at the Thankful 13, and this was a MUCH tougher course, so I'm actually pretty pleased with that.
Afterwards, we sat together as a group and visited while we ate chili and rice. And I drank about a gallon of chocolate milk. Yum! Food is so amazing after running for so long!
Are you sick of hearing about how much I LOVE these people? Too bad.
Susette: She is our Mama Duck. We look to her for support, advice, motherly love. She has been running for about 3 years and is a complete workhorse. She is training for her first 100-miler next month. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. My goal in life is to be like her someday.
London & Monte: This couple ROCKS. Both are fairly new runners, but have already completed a marathon. Monte is FAST. We kind of want to hate him for being so fast, but we can't because he's just too awesome! London is the cutest lady ever, and the two of them are a complete riot.
Josh: Where do I start with Joshua? One of my favorite friends I've ever made. He's so happy and hilarious. I could write a book about Josh and our hilarious ideas and conversations. But he's actually going to write a book about Josh, so I'll let him do that.
Janet: I love Janet! She is so much fun to talk to and very sweet and funny. I can't thank her enough for getting me through this run. I hope everyone has a friend like Janet in their lives.
Robert Merriman: Where do I start with Robert, also? I LOVE Robert Merriman!! He is so so nice. I honestly can't even explain what is so great about him. He has an awesome Canadian accent. He is HILARIOUS. He comes to running events just because we beg him to. A race or run is NOT the same without our awesome Robert there. He's just cool. The coolest. The Man.
L-R: Susette, me, London, Josh, Monte, Janet, Robert
This pic makes us laugh.
Josh! Stop kissing Monte's wife! That's Jonathan's job!
3 comments:
Oh what a darling write-up and such a fun day!! You did amazing, especially with all you've been through lately! Way to be strong little lady!!
I'm so glad that the Hip and Stella didn't hold you back. You really did awesome! And, I love your descriptions of everyone else. ACCURATE TO A T!
I am so glad that Robert Merriman was able to make it despite being sick the night before. What a trooper! Just shows you how much he loves us! HAHAHA!
I can't wait until next week! Lots warmer and more conversational. Should be a great time.
You amaze me!!!!!!!
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