Ogden 26.2: Week SIXTEEN (Provo Half Marathon)

Thirteen days until OGDEN!

This week was fun.  I was a little sluggish during the week because last week's 30K completely wiped me out.  On Wednesday, I ran Bonneville.  It was a gorgeous morning, and I'm trying to run up on the trails once a week, at least.

On Friday, I picked Christy up, and we drove to Provo.  We met up with Elvia and Meridith at the Days Inn.  We had split the cost of a room to be right be the race in the morning.  We didn't have too much time to hang out before going to bed, but it was still fun to be with some of my favorite ladies!  As we dragged ourselves out of bed at 4:30 the next morning (some of us more chipper than others.....), we joked about how we are not only doing this by choice, but how we PAY to do this!  But we LOVE IT!

We drove over to Center St and University Ave.  There was a big line of buses to pick us up.  We met up with the rest of the Run Away peeps and loaded the bus.  Other than the fact that our bus driver kept swerving and scaring the crap outta me, I always think that bus rides are one of the most fun part of races.  The energy is so great.

The weather was really nice in Provo, but it was FREEZING up the canyon where the start was.  We huddled together and waited in line for the Honey Buckets.  When I was finished, I saw Monte and Robert Merriman and the Massa's waving to me from across the road, so I ran over.  I LOVE these people!  After hanging out for awhile, it was finally time to start.

I was really hoping for a PR today.  I needed to beat my time at Nebo last Fall, which was 2:09:20.  I was pretty optimistic with this being a relatively downhill course.  As always, I decided to just do my best, which is all I could do, right?  Awesome Monnica was pacing the 2:10 group.  Here is a small handful of us waiting for the start.

So about a minute after this photo was taken, the MC did the countdown, and we took off.  The first two miles were the only REAL downhill miles of this course, so I think everyone was trying to bank some time!  I ran them both in 9:00, which I was thrilled about.  But starting at Mile 3, the downhill wasn't nearly as steep.  Right around then, Mark (the guy in the red shirt) and I fell into step together.  He was also going for a PR, which was a 2:08, so essentially, we were shooting for the same thing.  Perfect!  We ran together for several miles.  We didn't chit chat too much because keeping a pace under a 10:00 mile requires all of my energy (sadly).  But our steps were in sync, and it was easy to just stay right by him and forget about the effort.  If that makes sense.  He REALLY helped me!

There were a few slight rolling hills as we ran down the trail towards Provo.  It was a gorgeous run.  Mark and I got separated for a miles in the middle, but that was fine.  I pushed my hardest and tried to just run my best instead of stressing over a PR.  Some miles felt easier than others.  I always start to struggle around Mile 9, but luckily Mark and I ended up running together again from Miles 10-12.  When we got out of the canyon, we ran along University Ave. alllll the way down to Center Street.  We could see the Finish Line banner for like 3 miles.  It was tough!  I told Mark to take off and do his best.  I ran the last mile as fast as I could, and I finished in 2:07:51!!  That's a PR, baby!  I was really happy!  I'm getting closer and closer to a sub-2:00 half marathon.

Pushing hard to the finish.  I look gross, but I LOVE how high my feet are off the ground!! 

Afterwards we hung out for awhile.  I FINALLY got to hang out with Ty Hansen, in person!  We've had a joke now for awhile that he, Joshua and I are triplets because we're all born in 1981.  I LOVE my little brothers!  Ty is also crazy fast.  His PR is 1:20 for a half.  Stud.  Joshua also had an awesome race.  His goal was 2:20, and he came in at 2:19:59!!  And he brought us all lemon sugar cookie rice krispie treats.  Seriously yum.

SO many of us got PR's today.  It was a great morning.  Monte KILLED it with a 1:28.  Meridith got her first sub-2, and Christy also got a PR.  We went out for breakfast at Guru's afterwards.  One of my favorite places to eat!  If you're ever in Provo, be sure to go!

Three of my favorite people in the world.  Right here:  (Joshua, Robert Merriman, Mont-Lightning)

Some of the group....with a few people missing, and a few add-ins who I have no idea who they are.... :)

I'm kind of sad.  Next Saturday I just do a little 8-miler on my own, and then the next weekend it's Ogden.  I can't believe my training is over!  It has been an AMAZING four months, and I don't want it to end.  I'm not signed up for any races after Ogden since we don't know when/where we're moving.

Great....now I'm crying.  I love everyone in our group, but there are a handful of people who have come to mean SO SO much to me.  I love them dearly.  The thought of not getting to see them every few weekends makes me feel so sad.

****

Joshua.  Where do I begin with you?  You have been with me every step of this journey.  Almost literally!  We have laughed and cried and laughed some more.  We have single-handedly kept the Sears taco stand in business.  I have coached you through first dates.  You have drawn me hilarious pictures.  I took you to get measured for your first bra.  You make me RKs.  (This sounds like you're my 13 yr old daughter.....)  I love you so much.  Even though thanks to you, there are more pictures of me on the internet than I would ever approve of.  And you call me Becky.  But I can't even begin to thank you for your friendship.  My friend without benefits.  I have a zillion more things I could say to you, but we have ESPN, so you already know everything I'm thinking anyway.  So I'll stop there before this gets too long.  TWSS.

Christy.  We clicked so easily, and I absolutely adore every moment with you.  I hate saying goodbye to you after a run!  I haven't lived in the same state as my big sisters in 10 years!  You have filled that void for me.  I love that we can talk about anything.  You are so funny, too.  But for whatever reason, I feel like you completely have my back.  No matter what.  I appreciate you opening up to me about your own life.  It's all about "substance", right?  Even though we don't share the same taste in running fuel, I think we are stuck being bonded for life.  Love you!

Robert Merriman.  Oh, my dear Robert Merriman.  You are my favorite person in the whole wide world.  You make me laugh, and you put up with my dorkiness so well.  You are so kind and helpful, and I've told you this before, but when you're around, I feel like everything is going be alright.  I am so SO happy that you are in my life.  Thank you for everything.  For pulling me up the hills at Riverton.  For the sticker.  For the mountains of advice.  For putting up with me always wanting to stand next to you.  I love you to pieces.  And when in doubt, I will ALWAYS ask myself:  WWRMD?  The answer will come.  And if it doesn't, I'll look at that one photo of you for more inspiration.  Chandler face!  Keep practicing!

Janet.  My Mama J.  One of the cutest, funniest ladies ever.  MY Janet!  You make me feel so good about myself.  I love how we both light up when we see each other.  It always makes my day.  I will never forget your hilarious potty mouth and sarcasm.  I LOVE it!  Especially your description of the Run Revolution medal.  You helped me through the New Year's Half, and I appreciate that so much.  Thank you for always being there for me.  I love your sweet posts on my wall to motivate me for Ogden.

Meridith.  Where have you been all my life?  I have considered these past few weeks a complete TREAT getting to know you.  I'm so glad we discovered that we have the same brain!  :)  You are so beautiful and fun.  Thank you for being such a great example to me.  Another big sister for me!  I love you!!

Monte.  The absolute STUD!  I have really enjoyed your friendship, humor and amazing advice.  You are so genuine and sweet.  Hard to find real men these days, and I know I'm not the only one who thinks you are just that.  A quality guy.  Thank you for being awesome!  1:19.  SO happening.

Kasie.  I love running side by side with any and all of you, but YOU, Kasie, are my perfect running buddy match!  If eHarmony made running matches, you and I would have been placed together!  Perfect pace, perfect knowledge of when to chat and when to just run, you keep me going when I'm dying, and apparently I do the same for you.  I admire your positive attitude, and I CANNOT WAIT FOR OGDEN!!!  Love you!

Katheryn & Vince.  Awesome couple!  Katheryn, you have been such a huge rock for me while training for Ogden.  Knowing that we're in this together.  AND, if you remember, you are my original MF.  HA!  And Vince, you crack me up every single day, without fail.  I love your sense of humor so so much!  Your John Mayer/Apolo Ohno driving off a cliff joke was the funniest thing I think I've ever heard.

Ty.  Your nonstop support and cheering for my Ogden journey has been amazing.  Especially since we've really spent no real time together.  YOU are the perfect example of how runners can bond over nothing but how awesome running is.  Thank you so so much.  BEST little brother I could ever ask for.

Jarom.  My speedwork inspiration!  I shall be channeling my inner-Jarom much more often once Ogden is over.  Thank you for your constant support as well.  And for joining me on my last few birthday loops at Liberty Park.  I needed it!

Monnica.  Not only do you make the best "crack" ever, you have the best smile, and are so positive.  I'll NEVER forget you cheering me on at Mile 4 of the SL Half.  I truly feel like people are missing out in life if they don't get the chance to meet you.  Thank you for everything, love ya girl!!!

Elvia & Quesnel.  I feel like Riverton is when we cemented our friendship.  That was such a fantastic day!  Elvia, your testimony makes my day every time you share it.  I SO appreciate your words to me yesterday about how the Lord already knows where Nate and I will end up.  You are right.  He has a plan for us, and it's faithful people like you who help me remember that.  Q, you are hilarious.  You feel like family to me, and I'm always happy when I get to see you.  Heal up quickly!

Sonja.  I LOVE you so much!  I am so glad I have gotten to know you, even if we are super bummed that we didn't meet forever ago.  And I promise I really do love you more than I love your house!  Thank you so much for being so wonderful during the 30K.  I honestly don't think I'll ever be able to eat restaurant pizza again!  Please keep me posted on Emma's "situation", and call me when you're ready to go puppy shopping!  Or running clothes shopping.

Cindy HILLS.  I'll never run hills the same, thanks to you.  And that video that Joshua made.  I will also never forget our time together on the Little Cottonwood run.  Perfect conversation as we charged the hills.  I love you, and I really look up to you and your husband.  Great examples to me!

Cory.  Jumping Cory!  I know we haven't really run together much, but I feel like we are great pals.  You are so supportive of me, and your reports on which JM songs came on at which miles of your 100-milers make me smile every time!  Thanks for being awesome.  I really appreciate and look up to you, especially when you jump oh so high.

Mike Talbot, London, Shelley, Jonathan, Mark, Jill, Hilary, Terri, Susette, Shaylee, Brook, Camille, Marsha, Marisa.....I know I'm missing people!  I love you all so much.  I really, really do.  I could write pages and pages about everyone.  Thank you all for turning my first marathon from being one of the scariest things of my life to by far, one of the funnest things in my life.