My First Marathon

So a couple years ago after Colbie was born, I started up my old running routine. I ran a few 5k's and 10k's and attempted my first 1/2 marathon. Last Summer a group of friends invited me to run the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay Race with them and I figured it would be a lot of fun and a good challenge. I started training and was then asked by my friend Mir to run our first marathon together!? We both were doing Wasatch Back and figured if we ever wanted to run a marathon, this would be the year since we were already committed to training for the relay. She was pregnant at the time and still had a couple months to go, so I figured I couldnt use the, I just had a baby excuse this time! Damn. So there you have it, I ran my first marathon on May 21, 2011. I ran the Ogden Marathon in 4 hours and 25 minutes. I have a definate love/hate relationship with running and I learned a thousand things I truly do love about running. Its funny, because a weekor two without running and you can convince yourself you hate it again. I felt really good about the race, the training was one of the most challenging things I've done, along with nursing school of course. And the actual race was great, and horrible at the same time...weird, I know. I loved parts of it so much I almost teared up, and hated parts so much I almost teared up. Mile 24 was my killer mile. My ipod stopped working, i felt sick all of the sudden and my family was waiting for me right after the water station. I had to keep running and leave them behind and all I wanted to do was collapse next to them. I never ever thought in a million years I could run a marathon, and realized after doing it, that you truly can do anything you want. It made me even contemplate going back to school this year for my BSN and then onto getting my NP....who knows, gotta do one thing at a time these days and I just crossed 2 majors off my bucket list this year, so I'm contentto take a break for now and plan my next move slowly!

Mile 11..feeling good, happy to see my family for a split second!

Mile 12, still feeling good, but was absolutely blown away when the 105 year old looking man right behind me cruised past me with the strangest shuffle type run....yeah I was humbled several times on this course.

My brother was so cute...he kept driving up ahead, hopping out of his car and whipping out his camera to get the perfect shot!

Laughing with a friend I made along the way.

Mile 24...The look on my face says it all. I was desperate here...This was a rough moment for me and as I came around a corner, Brad surprised me and caught it on film. I am so glad I have this picture...I'll never forget these last 2 miles.

My hubby congratulating me at the finish line

I can still feel the relief, accomplishment, and excitement I felt right here. Everyone should run at least one marathon in their life, just to feel this moment.

a few quick pics of Colbie and GMA at lunch right after the race

I love this one.