Hurricane Utah Half Marathon

I must be crazy, running another half marathon only 3 months after the last one. This one was tough because of the wind. I ran directly into it for the first 8 miles, but at least I wasn't sick, it wasn't 30 degrees, and it wasn't raining. Big difference from my last race.

My awesome family (minus Bryce) that came out to cheer me on (or just barely make it in time to see me cross the finish line:) Just glad they at least made it for that!

Beautiful sunrise over the lake.

This hill was insane. The elevation climbed 400ft in 3/4 mile. The picture doesn't do it justice at all. It was huge!

St George Half Marathon 2012

This year's race was...horrible! I can't really think of any other words to describe it! Sad, I know. After the training and preparation, those are not the words that I wanted to use to describe this race. The kids and I had gotten sick the week we were supposed to leave. I was finally feeling better on Friday, but still had a sore throat. So, we packed up and headed for St. George on Friday night. I woke up Saturday morning, feeling pretty good...until I looked outside. It was downpouring rain! I checked the weather and it was 32 degrees. This was not looking good, but I wasn't going to turn back now. I bundled up, and Bryce drove me down to the start, with the rain coming down in buckets.

As I waited there at the starting line, with the rain pouring down, I decided I didn't want to do this. Ha- a little late to make that decision. I had no other choice but to start running, so that is what I did. The first few miles I realized this was going to be a long race, and it was confirmed to me as we started climbing hills. Sadly, this Vegas girl doesn't really do hills, or rain. We live in a pretty much flat desert, where it very rarely rains. This, along with being sick, was NOT a good combination. By about mile 9, my throat was literally on fire! It was hard to breathe! But, what else could I do? I had to finish the race. So I pushed through, and I don't think I've ever been so happy to see a finish line! Sadly, I just walked past all of the vendors yummy finish line treats and celebrations - and straight to the car. After eating Subway, it was straight to the shower for about 40 minutes to get my body temp back to normal.

We came home Sunday, and I felt awful. Finally by Tuesday I went to the doctor. He thought I had pneumonia, but after chest x-rays, it turned out to be a severe case of bronchitis. It took me weeks to recover, and about a month to start running again. I am still a little winded when I run, but hopefully my lungs don't have any permanant damage!

I have another half marathon coming up in St George again on April 28th. I keep telling myself this one will be better. I am looking forward to running in the heat... even though this course is challenging, I can handle it as long there is no rain:)

St George Runners Series

For the past 2 years, a friend of mine has tried to get me to sign up for the Runners Series. Each year I have had excuses, but this year I decided to go for it. There are 850 spots, and they filled up in 5 minutes after the registration opened. Believe it or not, I am one of the 850!!!!! So what does this mean? Lots and lots of Running! I have to run 2 races in St. George before next October. I am going to do the St George Half marathon in January. I ran it last year and LOVED it. Can't wait to do it again this year. I am also planning to run the Hurrican Half in April. Those two races qualify me for an automatic spot in the St George Marathon (which is not easy to get into. They do a lottery every year because they have so many applicants). I still can't believe I am guaranteed a spot. 26.2 miles... 13 is the farthest I have ever run at one time in the last 3 1/2 years I have been running. It is going to be a huge challenge, but I think I am up for it:)

Once I am done with that, I am going to run Ragnar. It is usually the end of October here. I have also had my running friends try to convince me, but this year we were going to Disneyland. I have agreed to do it next year, because I figure with all of these races I will definitely be conditioned for a 2 day relay race... at least I hope I will be!

The more I think about it.. the more I wonder ' what have I gotten myself into -lol' Keep me in your prayers... I think I am going to need them:)

St George Half Marathon

Just after I crossed the finish line.. my favorite people were there for me:)

Then we grabbed some lunch and went to the park to play. Brock and Evan played football.

The rest of the kids went exploring down by the river (or what was left of a river)

Then it was back to the condo for some swimming. This is exactly what you are supposed to do in January right?

I am so glad all of my family, along with Bryce's parents could come down for this quick getaway for the weekend. We had a blast, and thanks to our families for watching our kids so Bryce and I could go out. You guys are the best!

The lazy days of summer are here!

We started off Memorial day with a 5k run. Cade took 3rd place in his age group (boys up to 12 years old) He did great!

The rest of the day, we spent lounging (and splashing, of course) in the pools at my parents condo with our friends Steve, Alisha and their kids. We were there the week before with my parents, but the kids were all sick with strep throat, and the weather was bad. We had promised the kids once they were better we would go back. Monday the weather was perfect, and the kids were all healthy again, so we invited some friends to come with us. We all had so much fun!

Love the mis-matched floaties:)

In CELEBRATION of...

my beautiful mother-in-law Renee!
Last Saturday, a group of nurses from the Birthplace at work got together to Race for a Cure. Most of the group walked, but there were a few of us that ran the 5k. Our group-as a whole- went in celebration of Susan, one of our L&D nurses who is a survivor.



The group of runners right before we started





It was packed! I didn't know how we would ever actually run with a crowd like this, but it spaced out pretty quick.

We ended the run with this group of fire fighters that caught up to us.

Lisa (an L&D nurse) and I stayed together the entire time. Our finish time was 33 minutes.

The runners back together after the race. I never did get a picture on my camera with our entire group of nurses. It was huge!

I ran in celebration of Bryce's mom, who has had both chemo and radiation. There were way too many people running in memory of someone else. I am so thankful I was running in celebration! We love her so much and I was so glad I could do this for her!