Top of Utah Marathon

For those of you who are not on Facebook, here are a bunch of pictures from our trip to Utah last weekend where I ran the Top of Utah Marathon.  Aaron bought a Canon Rebel two days before we left so he could take good pics of the race.  The kids were SO excited to go to Utah to visit Grandparents and cousins.  Mom and Owen took them to their house from the airport so Aaron and I could go straight to Logan to stay with my friend Holly Haguewood along with Aaron’s sister, Ashley, who also ran the race.  Then they met us at the finish line as I came in with a huge personal best and set a course record of 2:44:10!  That time is fast enough to qualify me to run in the Olympic Trials in 2012, but the qualifying window does not open until 1/1/10, so I just need to stay healthy, keep training, and go do it again sometime next year.  This past weekend was an awesome confidence builder and very fun race and I am SO grateful for the faith and support of family and friends throughout the race and training process.  Mostly, I am SO grateful for Aaron’s encouragement, support, and faith in me.  I could not do the weekly mileage and all the other lifestyle commitments that it requires (proper rest, healthy eating, strength training, positive mental imagery and belief) AND take care of the kids and meet all their needs without his 100% support and assistance.  He is my rock and my best friend.   Thanks, hun!

Breanne Excited to go to Utah earlier in the day.

Riding in the train in the Denver Airport. The kids LOVE flying.

Abe and Breanne greeting Grandma Aly at the airport.

Modeling the race tees. Orange. Nice. Maybe I should take up hunting.

Ashley was SO gitty at the race packet pickup the night before. She wanted to keep telling everyone that I was going to win. I had to keep reminding her that its not very polite to shout that from the rooftops, and also its not over until the fat lady sings, so to speak.

Long porta-pot lines at the start.

Waiting in line in the porta-pots with Holly and Ashley.

Around mile 7. Still felt very fresh. Loving the beautiful, downhill canyon.

Around mile 15 somewhere. Feeling pretty good still, but knowing the final 11 miles are going to be a lot of work.

Finishing stretch. Pretty much MAXED OUT at this point.

2:44:10 and I’m SO GLAD to be finished. I was about to fall over from delirium at that point.

Post-race massage. Ahhhhhhhhhh.

Dedicated fan club.

Nephew, Scott, Neice, Lexi, and Sister, Emily running with Ash in the final mile.

Ashley getting a lift from Dawn after the race.

I think I must have been in mild shock after the race because my body wouldn’t stop shaking. So I was glad Mom had that huge blanket to warm me up.

Gotta love post-race food. My kids sure do.

Dave, Christina, Lily, and us after the race.

Mom, Owen, and us after the race.

Top 3 women finishers. Allie Scott, 3rd place, Me, and Julie Esplin, 2nd place.