Each Day Is a Gift

Went to bed past midnight. Did not sleep a wink! Got out of bed at 2am., dressed, hubby gave me a blessing. Went outside at 3am and waited in the stillness of the night for Becca to drive me to the park-n-ride where we met up with RAD and Marcie Wood. (Last year I drove seven runner friends to the start of the marathon, then cheered all morning in my boot. It was both fun and painful). SO nice to have RAD drive us to the bus ride, no stress, just lots of fun laughs and giggles and catch up with how everyone's been doing!

We waited for Lowell who had gone to McDonald to pick up breakfast, then just as we're ready to board the bus, Susan Roundy showed up so the six of us got to sit together for the bus ride. It was one of the funnest bus ride with Lowell eating his sausage and eggs and everyone looked on with disbelief.

Got to the start with an hour to spare. RAD went to the pacer gathering while we lined up at the p-o-p. Then she joined us and we did the pop thing twice. Saw McKensie and other FRBs. Then it was time to drop off our bags and head to the start. I found Lowell at the designate piece of grass by the clothing truck and we walked to the start where we saw the fast guys toeing the line and cheered them on. We jumped in with the 4:45 pacer when we didn't see the 4:30 group. Lowell thought may be he would try to break the record of the 80 age group of 4:37.

Temp was probably in the low 50s, clear blue sky, calm, perfect morning for a nice long run. We ran with Maria from Columbia, Marissa from Argentina, Heather, Chad, and vibram5 fingers guy. A young fellow with bright green singlet and matching shoes asked me where the bathrooms are located. We were a bit annoyed that there was not a single pop at the aid stations as promised. We passed by one construction pop that was roped up. At the Ashton Barn, just before mile 7, a long line of runners have formed in front of three pops. Now that I think about it, those pops were not set up by or for the runners. They were there for the group of people camping on the grounds of the Ashton Barn. Anyhow, other than that inconvenience, I thoroughly enjoyed every single moment of the race.

This being my last marathon, #47, for the next three years, I wanted to savor every minute, soaked in the scenery and enjoyed the journey with wonderful company. Every passing mile represent each month (25 months) that my son has served in the Taiwan Taipei Mission...the last mile will be dedicated to the 200+ missionaries that my husband and I will get to know, love and nurture in Australia.

Lowell and I chatted with everyone we passed or leapfrogged. He has a tendency to go out a bit fast, so I reminded him that we needed to not go faster than 10mm and he was very good at waiting for me. Saw hubby and Bryan on the westbound side of the road by the dam (mile 9+). We ran across the road to them and took pictures. He asked us if we needed anything. I said: "yes, I need to pee badly.". They couldn't help me as there were no bathroom to be found. We ran back across the road and realized that the entire eastbound lanes were blocked off just for the runners! SO much better and safer than in years past!!! :)

I was so happy to see the lines of pops at the half...so was my bladder! We took our time and felt refreshed as we began the second half of the race. It actually got a bit cool in the shady part of the canyon, not complaining as the temp quickly soared. We stopped to take picture with the anglers along the river, at Bridal Veil Falls and other scenic locations! I am really going to miss my Utah mountains and rivers! Sure, there will be beautiful beaches in Sydney Australia.

My lack of training, especially on hills, started to show with the undulating downhill and my shins started to complain. I took two salt caps (I carried 4 but gave 2 away to this guy who was having Charlie horse at mile 7) at mile 17 aid station where a girl put a mardigra necklace on me. Within 15 min the shin cramp went away. However, Lowell started to slow as in many previous marathons we ran together.

As mile 19 approaches, I looked over to the left shoulder and saw Luz waiting for me! I waved and.yelled her name. We ran towards each other with exuberant joy!!! BOY!!! Was I excited to see her! It meant the world to me to have her run with me every single step for the next 7 miles! She kept me going with positive chats and inspiring stories. She was my eyes, ears, extra strength and umph, prepared me for every aid station, we savored every patch of shades (made possible this year as they moved the course to the east side of the road, BEST change they've ever made) and cooling water mister. My chins started to cramp again at mile 24+ and wish I had not given away the two salt caps. If it weren't for Luz's reassuring company right by my side, I would probably succumb to Charlie horse. I am so so so grateful to have Luz there to run with me. She is a wonderful friend to sacrifice her Sat to run me to the finish.

At mile 25 they were passing out otter pops. I wanted an orange one and missed it.,..have no fear...Luz ran back to get me one. She even took care of the trash for me! Her positive encouragement kept me moving! Soon the shin cramps disappear. Hubby and Bryan were there cheering as Luz and I sprinted to the finish, chicking a guy in the process. We held hands and crossed the finish like champions! :). My last marathon is now finished!

Luz stayed with me till I got all the recovery drinks I cared to take. We saw Becca and I got super excited and so so so happy when she told me she ran 3:16!!! Wow!!! She did beyond AWESOME!!!! She worked so hard and really deserved this huge PR!!!! :). Her excellent race just made my day even better!!! :) :) :)

I wish I could go over to soak my feet and chat with RAD and others at the spa but I had to boogie out of there. After a quick lunch and drop Luz off to her home, we rushed back home. Took a quick shower, then Bryan and I put up the welcome home sign and tied yellow ribbons on the house lamps and trees!

We (hubby, Bryan, Jeff, Jen, Skylar, Chris, Alex) made it to the airport before 4pm for my youngest son, Steven's return from his mission in the Taiwan Taipei Mission. Lowell came too and was the first one to greet Steven at the top of the escalator while we waited anxiously at the bottom of the escalator. After nearly 25 months, I finally embraced my baby with happy tears. He looks wonderful, a bit skinnier and taller! His shoes were so tattered and worn!!! :). We took him to Red Maple for a multi course seafood Chinese dinner. We then took him to the Stake Center at 7:45 to be released. Whole bunch of his buddies came over to see him. I was too tired and sleepy to visit with the boys. Went to bed at 11 with a permanent smile on my face! :)