The Marathon!

The past weeks have been pretty busy for our little family. Macie has started up our neighborhood preschool again, Reid discovered that he loves bowling (and makes Mommy spend hours setting up the pins for him), I've had a couple of Republican party meetings (everyone is gearing up for November elections), and Danny was made 1st counselor in the Young Men's organization in our ward. My brother, John, also left the MTC for Portugal this week, and we had a chance to talk to him for a while when he was in the airport. He's going to be a great missionary. Congrats to my brother Brian, as well, who had his Eagle Court of Honor last night. But the most exciting event we've had lately is the Top of Utah Marathon I ran on Saturday!
I'm happy to report that Saturday was a success -- 26.2 miles ran, and I am still alive to tell the tale. Of course, I'm gimping around today, but I am still alive. And I'm thinking that it will be several years before I try to run another marathon.
It all started on Friday night, when, after 5 months of training we drove up to Logan to get ready for the race. We had some hotel shuffles (our first hotel wouldn't allow our kids to stay!!), but finally got settled into a room and enjoyed a yummy pasta dinner with the other marathoners. We chatted with my Uncle George and his running buddy from Las Vegas, asking advice and getting psyched for the run.
The next morning I awoke at 4:30 am to catch a bus to the top of the mountain. At the drop-off it was pitch black, except for the stars in the sky and an array of glowsticks lighting port-a-potties and a trail down to a huge heated tent we huddled in for the hour before the race. Finally, the shots rang out and we started down the mountain. It was below freezing, but beautiful. The trees were changing colors and there was a little stream along the road. Very picturesque.
After 14 miles of running, we were through the canyon and suddenly had spectators. I anxiously scanned the crowd for Danny and the kids, but they were nowhere to be found. I was afraid that they were lost or had slept in! Each mile further I became more and more concerned. Luckily, I noticed them at mile 17, banging pots and pans and cheering me on! They inspired me to keep on running! Apparantly, someone had misinformed Danny as to what mile marker he was at -- they'd been waiting there for over an hour, and thought maybe they'd missed me!
Every other mile from then on, I saw Danny, Macie, and Reid with their pots and spoons, cheering me on. Danny probably ran a mile himself, trying to get a picture of me in action! Around mile 20, they were joined by Mike and Elizabeth, who had come to support me as well. It was awesome to have them there!
When I hit mile 21, I felt like my feet were broken, but I still kept on running. I wasn't tired, so much as achy. Finally, after 4 1/2 hours of running, mile 26 came along and Macie presented me with a homemade medal, which she and Daddy had made. It says "#1 Mom!" -- and I think I like it even more than my moose medal for finishing the race. I am so grateful for the support of Danny, Macie and Reid -- and to everyone who called to wish me luck and let me know of your support! Special thanks to the Baird family, too -- Angela's awesome marathon sweatshirts and Mike's driving up to Logan really meant a lot to me! I couldn't have done it without all of you! Thanks!
Well, after the run we waited for a little while to try and gather the clothes I'd left behind at the start, but finally gave up and just left so that we could catch the BYU game in Provo. We made it there by half-time and had lots of fun sitting next to our old friends, Chris and Misty Jackson. Later that night Macie and I enjoyed the Relief Society Broadcast.
I know that this update is getting long, but I have one more story to tell before I finish. Yesterday (the DAY AFTER THE MARATHON), I was sooooooo sore. Yep. I was limping around church and all around our house. Well, after dinner Brad and Cass and Melissa and Danny all wanted to go on a walk. I thought they were crazy if they wanted me to walk -- I was in too much pain. So we borrowed a wheelchair (yes, I was that much of a gimp to need a wheelchair), and went on a family walk. Julienne Vance joined us, and it was fairly enjoyable riding along. Well, when we were almost home we encountered a llama at the farm. All of the adults and the older kids were afraid that it would spit at us, so we were backing away from the fence, but Reid was so excited. He kept on calling it "Mama! Mama!" instead of "Llama!" (I hope he doesn't think I look like a llama!). Anyway, he really loved that llama. Suddenly, the llama dove down and tried to get Reid's head. It was so funny. Reid went from shouting "Mama!" to screaming, and Danny hit the llama and saved our boy from being sniffed or having his hair eaten. As soon as he was safe, Reid was calling to the "Mama" llama once more. What a fun night!
Well, we love you all and hope that all is well! We are excited to see Brian and Mel (and family) and Stephanie and Will this week, while they are here recruiting at BYU! If any of the rest of you happen to come to Provo, please give us a call! Take care!