Provo River Half Mara-what?

My sisters Julie, and Stacy, and sister in-laws Kalisa, and Lorena had this GREAT idea a couple months ago to sign up for the Provo River Half Marathon together. We all thought this would be a great excuse to get in shape. The next day, I researched, and printed out a training schedule on-line, and started to train. That lasted about two weeks. After that, I would go run MAYBE once a week, for 3 miles at the most! The furthest distance I had run was 5 miles about 4 weeks before the race. I didn't run at all during the 2 weeks before. I was a little less than enthusiastic to run the race, but since we were staying the night in a hotel, going to dinner, hot tubbing, etc., I decided there was no way I'd miss out on all the fun. We went to Macaroni Grill to carb load (I know, why bother, right?)

Since there were 5 of us, and only beds for four, I slept on the floor (since I was the one most likely to walk the whole time!) The next morning, we got up at 4:15 to get ready. It was sooooo cold. That was really the worst part about the whole thing. We had a blast together, then the race started. My goal was to try my best, but NOT kill myself. If I needed to walk, I was going to walk. The trail was beautiful, the weather was perfect, the music was AWESOME (thanks Julie). I felt so great that I actually RAN THE ENTIRE DANG THING! It felt so good. At about mile 4 I could tell that the arches of my feet were rubbing against my socks - I was pretty sure I was getting blisters - but I ran anyway. Here's the damage...

My mom brought Carly and Chase to the finish. I thought about my family a lot while I was running, especially when I was listening to songs that reminded me of them. I don't know why the finish line is so emotional. It was the last time a ran the half in Boise too. I guess it just feels good to accomplish something with so many other people.

When I got home I showered, tended to my wounds, and went to sleep. I woke up when Frank told my that Carly needed me, she just threw up. I guess Carly and Chase caught the flu at grandma's house. I spent the rest of the day cleaning beds, carpet, tile, clothes, and every other imaginable surface. To reward me for all my hard work, Frank went to Iceberg to get me a juicy hamburger, fries (and fry sauce), and a huge raspberry shake. I spent that night in the kids room so I wouldn't have to deal with the stairs all night (by now, my muscles were killing me). They managed to keep me movin' all night, so by 7am, I put Frank on puke duty, and went to sleep. I slept practically all day, and luckily Frank cleaned EVERYTHING! I think the kids are on the mend, and so am I.

Thanks again girls!