Ogden Marathon - Part Deux

So, I made it, we all made it. The whole thing was a little chaotic, but a great time. The night before we had dinner at the Olive Garden. This is our somewhat pathetic attempt to show how many marathons we have run. No, I haven't done 41, I just couldn't figure out the whole number thing and which order put my fingers for the camera. This was progress though. Before Kristina helped me, I was trying to figure out if I had to take off both of my shoes to get enough digits.

I started the race really nervous but once I got going, as usual, I loosened up and started to enjoy the ride. I kept a pretty good pace for most of the race. As I began to slow down I just decided to not stress so much about my time, and instead, remember that I run these races because they are fun. I spent the rest of the race smiling, waving and singing along to my music. It still hurt - bad, but I really had so much fun. My time was respectable, I think about 4:20.
The great parts were that Merin, Tim, Aislinn and Susan all finished and I was so proud of all of them.

After the race is when it got crazy. We found out that my mom had crashed on her bike and hurt her knee. She had been watching a homeless guy and missed a lip on the sidewalk, flying and landing directly on her knee. The good news is that she doesn't appear to have done major damage and she is on the mend, but that day she was in a lot of pain and pretty incapacitated. It took a first aid guy, a wheelchair, and my dad and Tim to get her back to the hotel and on her way home.
Once she was settled, the hunt for Tim's kids began. His parents brought the kids to watch, support, and run the kids race. However, due to some communication errors, it was a long time before we all found each other. Instead of medals, the kids all got colored cowbells at the finish. Super fun idea but wow, someone should have thought about the noise before they made that decision.
We got back to the hotel, finally, and realized that we did not have any photos at all. My dad is showered and clean, and the hotel definitely not swanky, but, there is a record of the day.

Four months and we get to do it all again!

Pre-School Graduation

Miss Ada Berlynn is growing up way too fast. She may not be mine, but I felt just as proud and pleased watching her "graduate".

All of the babies are getting so big.

Ogden Marathon

Should I be concerned that I am totally out of breath after walking up a flight of stairs to my office? I am seriously concerned!!!
That's just one of the many things that has been running through my head today. You would think that after running numerous marathons, I wouldn't get so freaked out but yep, it is happening. This time I have several friends (go Aislinn, Susan and Merin) who are running their first marathon! I am so proud of them and their determination, but just thinking about running a first marathon makes me "pee your pants" nervous.
Currently, my knee hurts, my achilles hurts, my back hurts, things that never even normally hurt are hurting. They physical therapist said that I should stretch a lot this week. I have followed his instructions but this morning my muscles felt even tighter than normal.
I am starting to feel like a slug, I have been going to bed early and sleeping in late, barely working out and I have never felt so exhausted. I don't like to think that my Diet Coke gives me that much energy, besides, I just barely cut it out today. Tim and I went for a 2 mile run and 1 mile walk this morning. It should have felt easy breezy, right. Well, it didn't. I just kept thinking, "I have to do 13 of those on Saturday." It wasn't a really great thought.
There are, however, several bright spots. 1)I keep reminding myself that I signed up for this and actually think it is a good time one I get there. 2)It is so exciting to be running with such a supportive group, great girlfriends, my dad, and of course, Tim. 3)The high temperature is only supposed to be 75 degrees on Saturday, much better than the 89 predicted for Monday. 4)I read a thought from a professional runner - sorry, no idea who - this week that basically said that he tries to use a race as a celebration of all of his hard work and accomplishments, he tries to relax, have fun, and enjoy the moment. That is what I am aiming for on Saturday, fast or slow, I plan to enjoy the ride.

A Sneak Peek

Have I mentioned lately that Jami (my "professional photographer", or was that "professional sister in law", or something like that) is absolutely amazing! After trying on way too many dresses, I found one that I love!