MARATHON

ok. It's time to do this.

I will admit, I have been putting this off for sometime, mostly because of some internal struggles on the outcome of the marathon. For the last week I've been saying, "At least I finished!" but truthfully, I felt like a loser inside. For two years I have

been training and hurting over this run and because of my silly pride I ended up finishing with mostly older folks, that were just cruising by me.

But I've come to realization that I DID IT! Yes, maybe not the speed I wanted but I DID IT!

So now, I'll just toot my little horn.

Toot, toot, toot, toot.....

The run itself was gorgeous. When I was able to focus on what was around me, the view was incredible. To pass by actual volcanoes is a very humbling thing. Yes, they are inactive, but still humbling.

When it comes to marathons, I've decided the commrodory is what it's all about. To be up at 4 o'clock in the morning with thousands of other people just as crazy as you, if not crazier (one guy was doing his 20th st. george run!), and to instantly have something in common with everyone surrounding you. Noone was rude or grumpy from the cold. To see so many strangers huddled around campfires, enjoying one another's company...it was great. It gave me the sense of belonging...even if it was my first time.

I'm not going to go into mile by mile details, but just to inform those that are curious, St. George Marathon is NOT all down hill. I've decided this is some cruel joke that people like to tell first runners...maybe it's just to give us hope.?? Luckily, the biggest hill is near the beginning, so it's over with fairly quick.

Some of the things I learned along the run:

• Gu is still the top gag-inducing product one can take for supplements on runs (yes, this is a comparison to the jelly beans, gel balls, and power bars)














• Orange slices are literally little slices of heaven


• Peeing in the brush really doesn't cover anything. (at that point I really didn't even care)


• running backwards intimidates those behind you, even if you reassure them it makes the knees feel better














• You can scream out any random word and people will cheer along with you



• wrapping a knee that already hurts will do nothing



• 26.2 miles is a LONG way
  

I am so overwhelmingly grateful that I was able to do this. That despite my pride, my Heavenly Father answered my prayer and sent me a little running buddy (thankyou Neshelle, wherever you are!). I am so lucky for all of the love and support of my family. I can't believe that they would drive all the way to St. George to cheer me on. It meant so much to me and I probably really didn't convey that, that day. I love you, my family. Look at all of the beautiful people that came to cheer me on.

Thankyou also to everyone that wanted to be there but couldn't. I am so grateful for just how many people were cheering me on. Thankyou so much for your support and love.

And thankyou, Papa Jones.