We did it...we ran the Salt Lake Marathon!

Yesterday was a day that Loren and I will NEVER forget. I am so glad that we got to share that special moment together. Nothing compares to the feeling you get after you have just completed a Marathon! It was definitely worth all the early mornings runs, crazy Saturdays with long runs, sore body parts and all the hard work and sacrifice that came with the training. It was such a wonderful sense of accomplishment and it helped me grasp the fact that I CAN do anything I set my mind too.....even difficult things that at times seem unattainable.

The weather couldnt have been more beautiful and perfect for a Marathon. It was a little chilly at the starting line but I wore a skort and tank top anyway. There is nothing worse than running and feeling hot because you dressed too warm. I knew that it would pay off later and it did. I wasn't at all cold...it was perfect.

A highlight from the race was seeing Dane and Blaine from the Biggest Loser. That was a highlight for me because I love the show! If I wasn't feeling so rushed getting to the starting line, I think I would have tried to get their picture. I found out later that they were running as part of their marathon training. They are going to be running a marathon in a few weeks. Dane needs to definitely redeem himself for the Marathon controversy he got himself into. I hope they do well.

After we got to the starting line we headed off on our run. We only had a few minutes before the race started. I couldn't believe how many runners there were. There were over 4,000 half marathoners and over 1,000 Marathoners. It was crazy! All the runners ran together for part of it and then split off for the rest. I was feeling awesome and was running a bit faster than goal pace. I was feeling like I could beat my ultimate goal of 4:30. Then at mile 6.... I started feeling funky. My tummy was a mess and I ended up stopping about 6-7 times to use the potty. I knew that it was slowing me down but there was nothing I could do. I knew that it could happen and was very prepared mentally for everything that could go wrong. Besides the issues..... the route was beautiful and I loved everyone who cheered us on the whole way and for all the bands and signs on every street. Lorens parents were at mile 5-6. Jen and Marianne were around mile 12 and then again at 20. I cant even tell you how that helped me mentally. Jen was so sweet and ran with me for a bit telling me that I looked great and that I was doing great. That gave me the boost that I needed to finish. I really loved running through Salt Lake. I loved the route and I felt good. Then..... I hit mile 20. Once I went into uncharted territory... it got HARD...really hard. It seemed like time slowed down. I had to fight with my mind and that voice that tells you to stop and walk. Before the race, I told myself that I would only stop to pee or drink and that was it. I have found that it is so important to make those goals before you run. I think it helps you when times get tough. All though by mile 23 I started to really feel alot of pain I didn't stop. Running from 900 South up State to South Temple was AWFUL. It took all that I had to keep going. I kept praying and asking Heavenly Father to help me. I know without a doubt, that he did. At one point...I started getting sharp pains in my back and I know he took them away. I knew all I could do was pray. I also got a blessing before the race and I know that also helped me. As I got closer.... I felt like my knees were just going to give. I definitely slowed down and was running around 12-13 min miles. Those last few miles up hile definitely affected my time. It was the hardest thing besides labor that Ive ever done. Once I caught view of The Rio Grande Station I was soooooo happy. I was proud of myself for what I was about to accomplish. As I ran down the middle of Gateway I saw all my family and all there beautiful faces. They were cheering me on and it made me cry. They were all so supportive during this journey. My Mom and Dad watched the kids many times so we could run a race or go on a long run, Jen ran with me and kept me sane during long runs and Lorens parents came and cheered us on during our Half Marathon. We really love them and appreciate everyones love and support.

Running to the finish line was amazing! I crossed feeling like I conquered the world and was happy with my time. I knew I couldve had a better time but my tummy problems held me back. I think I couldve ran a 4:20-4:25 but oh well. Maybe next time. Loren had an amazing time and came in at 3:19. Eight minutes away from qualifying for the Boston. He will make in next time, I just know it. Just another reason for us to run another one. He came in 16 in his age group and 72nd place in the whole Marathon. That is in the top 10%! I was so proud of him!

After the race we headed to Chuckarama to eat and to chat. It was nice to spend the day with family. Today we went to church and subbed for Nursery and are really really sore. It is going to take a while to feel normal again. We are side stepping all the stairs and it hurts so bad to just move around. We are pretty crippled.

I just want to thank everyone who came and supported us. It really meant alot. We love all of you! We hope that you were inspired. We know that not everyone likes running but I hope you all realized that difficult things are possible if you put in effort. You can do anything and you are stronger than you think you are. Don't let fear or pain stop you from accomplishing great things both physically or spiritually. The hardest things are full of GREAT reward. Make a goal and do something you have always wanted to do. You will be happy you did. The sign I remember the most while running said.... YES YOU CAN! It is true...YOU and I... can do anything!