Well I'm so happy to share my experience running the Salt Lake 1/2 Marathon! I wish we would have gotten more pictures, but we were just so nervous and excited about getting to the starting line that I completely forgot! Friday night I barely slept for the same reason. Saturday morning I got up at 4:50 a.m. and jumped in the shower--that helped me wake up a little bit and the adrenaline was already kicking in as well. I got ready and Brett helped me with the baby and we went upstairs to make sure Andy was getting ready too. I asked her several months ago if she would run the last couple miles with me and motivate me to get to the finish line and she willingly said yes and slept over at my moms so we could all go in together. We had to pick Allison up at 5:45 so we ran out the door to discover a chalk finish line on the ground and signs of encouragement all over the jeep haha! Hilerie had delivered marathon goodie bags and decorated the car! She's so great. Anyway...we had to clear the signs so we could see and we were on our way to Allison's.
We got into Salt Lake with no problems. We drove right up to the University of Utah institute building and then just walked to the starting line from there. I fed the baby for a few minutes and wished Brett good luck on his longest baby care experience ever and we went over to the olympic legacy bridge where the race would start. There were 12,000 people and I think most of them were waiting in line to use the porta potties! It was crazy! There was also a gospel choir singing on top of the bridge so Allison and I made up some of our own lyrics like "I'm runnin all the way to Georgia," I loved it! It was so fun.
After the national anthem, they started the race and we were off! Allison and I ran together for seven miles and I think we averaged about 10 minute miles or a little less during that first half. After that we hit a water station, and I knew I needed to slow down a little and run my own race. I was so happy that we had been together that long though! I loved the race even though it was hard. It was really neat to look around me and see all these people that had the same goal as I did--to finish the race! I thought of my training, and how it was really paying off to be at such a cool event. Also, by mile 10 my legs and my feet were tired and I was really looking forward to seeing Andrea. When I came around the corner and saw her with camera phone ready to take my picture I breathed a sigh of relief! I had just run up state street which was UP HILL and I was hurting! She grabbed my arm and told me I was doing great and it gave me the extra mental boost that I needed!
We rounded a couple more corners and then I saw the gateway! I could hear the crowd cheering and it really pushes you to the finish line. I gave my last burst of energy and flew down the street toward the finish line and crossed with a huge sense of accomplishment. I got a finishers medal an aluminum foil blanket, and Andrea helped me hobble to the refreshment area haha! I immediately scarfed down a whole banana in hopes that it would help the lactic acid I could feel building in my legs to disperse! Andy and I got some other treats and went to find everyone so we could share.
Brett did great with Jolie, Andy helped out a little too by feeding her some fruit and cereal so she wouldn't miss me too much! Brett was sad that he missed me crossing finish line. He said he only looked away a couple times to check on the baby. I said he probably just missed me because I was running so fast haha!! (I really wasn't at the end of 13.1 miles). No picture though! Allison was ahead of me by about 3 minutes, and I was so glad that we found her in the masses so we could celebrate and go home together!
Anyway, it was a great experience and I highly recommend and challenge anyone who is interested to give it a try! I started with a 5k, then a 10k and here I am a 1/2 marathoner. It's changed my life, and I think it's a little addicting :) I'm not sure that I want to ever run a full marathon or not--we'll have to see. Right now I'm ready to focus on a couple more half's this summer and a couple 5 or 10k's to work on my speed and just stay in shape.
This was right after we found everyone, Jolie needed some food and attention from her momma! I'm glad I have this picture so I can remember that I ran a half marathon when Jolie was 5 1/2 months old!
Hilerie and my mom came with Colby and Andy's kids to support us. Allison's mom Lana was there too. Thanks for coming guys!
Here's a picture of Allison and I with our medals. We did it! I'm so happy and satisfied with the whole event. My overall time was 2:20:46. I averaged 10:44 miles! It was awesome.
Here's a picture of just one of the blisters that Allison got! I got one on the bottom of my left foot, but it wasn't as picture worthy as Allison's! That's all for now, I need to break in my new running shoes and put in 4-5 miles today. The next race is May 24th!
