Moab and My First 1/2

Finally I am getting around to posting about my Moab adventure. I have a lot of other things on my mind lately, so blogging lost its priority. Not to mention I have to share a computer with Brody at home (and for anyone who knows Brody that means that I never get to use it) Someday I hope to get another computer (my poor laptop has finally met its maker. it was sad to see it go)

Well last weekend, after months of trying to train but not really trying that hard, Brody and I journeyed down to Moab so I could run my first and maybe last half marathon. I was really worried about my knees the entire time during my training, but thankfully on the day of the race they didn't even bother me. Instead I experienced pain that I have never had before. I am still suffering from serious pain in my feet. I don't know how that happened, especially since I've ran more than 13 miles in my life before and my feet have NEVER hurt afterwards. I am limping around in sandals all this week, because they are the least painful shoes :( Sad day.

I had no real goals when it came to finishing time, I originally hoped that I could finish in less than 2 hours, but then when I slacked the entire time of training I figured that there was no way I could finish that fast.

The day of the race was freezing and I started out with my crazy fast, new running friends Margaret and Theresa. These women can run, and they put me to shame! They got me started out running a 8:40 minute mile pace! I couldn't keep up with them, but I didn't finish too far behind. I was super proud of my 1:54 finish time!

This is me dying and praying that 13.1 miles will be over soon! The race acutually wasnt' bad at all until I got to mile 10. The last 3.1 miles was torturous for sure!
Yay! am almost done!

After the completion of the race, I excitedly munched on all the post running food. Yummy oranges, chocolate milk, lots of read and chocolate! We then went home and got ready to hike to the Arches. I know! I couldn't believe I hiked that after I had ran all morning long. Pictures after the race were so hideous that they could not be seen by anyone. Sadly I don't look that hot after 13 miles.

Our marvelous hosts, Margaret and Matt drove us out to the Arches National Park. The hike wasn't too awful and it was fun for me to finally see the famous arch. I've lived in Utah long enough. It was about time to see our license plate in real life!

Arches National Park

The famous arch!
Trying to be all artistic with this shot

After climbing the arches we were exhausted, but not too tired to eat. All the people we stayed with went to dinner at a Moab specialty, The Branding Iron. It was a lot of fun. That night, I had the intentions of walking around the mall Moab downtown and look at the shops, but by 9 p.m. I was done for and we decided to be super, lame stayed home and made it to bed by 10:30. The next morning we had to be out of the condo by 11, so we woke up attended church in the little ward there and came home and packed up. We then drove to the other must-see place in Moab, Dead Horse Point. This is like a mini Grand Canyon, or so I was told. It was really cool, but the weather was not too warm so I didnt really want to walk around and explore much.



After admiring the red rock we got back into the rollerskate aka Brody's FJ and made the treck home. On the way we stopped at a town called Helper and had an almost Twilight exeperience in the gas station. All I can say is that some small towns really do have the most interesting people.

So that was my trip. I don't konw if I want to keep running and training for such huge races anymore. For the moment, I am binging on junk food and taking some time off running. Happy Thrusday!

Winter is Over! Well Almost...

Life has been a bit happier lately...the sun is staying up later (which means I have some sunlight to come home to at the end of the day) and the weather has finally warmed up a bit. With the exception of a quick freakish snow storm last Thursday, I have been able to enjoy some warmer days.

It has been kinda crazy with the family visiting and all. My brother and his kids (all 5 of them) came down to Utah for a super quick visit. We attempted to spend some quality time with the kids, but most of them don't remember who I am and had never met Brody before. Sad- I know. My brother made the older ones (who do remember me) ask me random questions about myself..the intention was unknown. Maybe he thought we would have a sufficient visit if they learned my favorite color and whether I like apple or orange juice better.

Also this weekend we were able to hang out with Brody's mom and brother (who we don't see often enough either) we spent a day eating and shopping and movie watching. The best kinds of days.

Cute blurry shot of Brody laughing at something

At Brody's favorite restaurant- Spicy Korea (We have been there thousands of times, but somehow this was our first picture there)

Even with all this craziness and family bonding, we have still found time to fit in skiing. The weather/snow has been less than ideal, but we are still sticking it out and trying to get the most out of the season. I often bring my camera with me but always forget or find it too much of a hassle to pull it out when we are actually skiing. So once again, I only have a picture of after skiing. At least I am wearing my cute new coat!