I'm only HALF crazy! {13.1}

I ran my first ever half marathon on Saturday and I think I caught the running bug! I have never been a big
runner but one of my friends suggested I try a half marathon and I think I laughed at the idea. But that thought
stuck with me and I thought, "Why not, this is the healthiest I've ever been. Better now than later."
I started training in January because running was something I did about once a week and it would only be
for 3-4 miles tops! For my first half I am so glad I trained as early as I did because I got sick and did not run
for a week or two. We went to Hawaii and I only ran 3 mile runs, 3 times. Later, I got a small injury that prevented
me from running for a week. Just small setbacks but since I had 6 months I wasn't trying to cram in all this
training. With that being said, it was a lot more running than I was used to and I was anxious for my half marathon
to be over because I was so sick of running almost every single day!

I ran the American Fork Half Marathon Against Cancer and it surpassed my expectations!

The day started with waking up at 3AM and we were out the door by 3:40. Guys, I seriously have one of the best
husbands because he woke up with me and drove me to the race and he was not even running the thing! He walked
me to the bus and I was shuttled up to Tibble Fork. It was FREEZING! I'm talking about low 40's here with a
little wind chill. The weather this year is bizarre! I know it's  colder in the morning, and then it's up the canyon,
but why in the world is it so close to the freezing point in summer? And it got a little warmer as the sun got out
and as I started moving but it never got hot. (To prove my point, we had a BBQ later in the day and I was wrapped
up in blanket because I was so cold.)

The first 7 miles of the race were all downhill which was amazing! I have the app RunKeeper on my phone and
I have it set to tell me the miles I have covered and my average and current pace every 10 minutes and I
could not believe how fast the time and miles were going by! Thank you downhill! When I reached the mouth of
the canyon, Andrew, with my parents were there cheering me on and it was so fun to see them!

I was doing and feeling really well and ran 10 miles straight before I needed to walk! That is the longest I
have ever run before slowing down. From there I needed to walk more, not necessarily because I was tired (I was)
but more so out of the necessity because my calves were crying! I think it was all the downhills which I was not
used to because I trained mainly on flat ground with a slight uphill. It was a mix between walking and running
between miles 10 and 11 but when I got to mile 12 I told myself I was going to run the entire last mile no
matter how slow I went and that is exactly what I did!

I saw the finish line and I started to sprint hard. When I got there I realized that the finish line was not right in front
of me but around 2 more corners! You have got to be kidding me!!! I slowed down a bit because I can only sprint
for so long and when I turned that last corner I went hard! I saw the time ticking and when I saw where I was,
I was determined to make it before it turned into another a minute and I went faster. When I crossed that finish
line I was fighting the urge to not throw up and thank heavens it only lasted for about 10 seconds.

^Do you see my parents with in the observation area with their phones?^

I ran 13.1 miles in 1:57:58:55 and I am SO PROUD of myself! 

I did not expect to run it in under 2 hours but I just barley did it!

^My dad was my running buddy near the end of my training. He pushed me and kept me running when I was dying!^ 

 ^My parents came to cheer me on and kept popping up during the route.^

^My in-laws came to cheer me on at the end.^

I loved my first 1/2 marathon! I went into it thinking this would be my first and only half and doing it to cross
it off the list, but I absolutely loved it and would do it again! I think I'm still on this runners high!

If anyone wants to do it with me next year, let me know! I went solo this time but I think it would be so much
 fun to start the race with friends! I can't quite convince Andrew to run with me. haha. 

The Miracle Pageant

This weekend we went to the Manti Temple and attended the last season of the Miracle Pageant in Manti, Utah. 

Going to the pageant has been one of my favorite summer traditions and I am so sad that this was the last year. 

The pageant is an outdoor performance about the early days of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and reenacts 

scenes from the Book of Mormon. One of my favorite scenes is when Jesus Christ comes to the American continent 

shortly after his resurrection. I’ve been coming to the pageant ever since I can remember and can quote almost 

all the lines. When I read the scriptures I’ve recalled moments portrayed in the pageant. It has brought the 

scriptures to life and has given me so much joy to belong to the Church of Jesus Christ. ❤️ 

Since it was the last year I tried to get as many pictures as I could with the cast members. 

I am so grateful for the many years I was able to attend this pageant! It has been a wonderful time to be with family

and to deepen my love for my Savior. I hope that in future years I can still remember the lines, the music, and 

the strong spirit felt. Fingers crossed that someday they will bring this experience back!

3 Years!!!

I cannot believe it has been 3 years (at this very hour!) that we were married and 

then we walked out of the temple doors together as HUSBAND AND WIFE! 

Best moment ever! 

So a little tribute to my husband: 

I still think you're cute.

I still love your smile.

And thanks for making me laugh everyday. 

I love it when you call me just to tell me something real quick.

I love how you go out of your way to make me feel special. 

I still love your hugs and your kisses.

I still love the way you smell.

I love making memories with you.

Either out on the town or

a night inside our apartment. 

I have fun and enjoy my time with you either way.

I love how you are the first person I see in the morning and

the last person I see at night.

Thank you for being my everything.

Thank you for being such a wonderful example to me.

I will love you forever. 

Happy 3 Years my Love!!!   ❤︎  ❤︎  ❤︎ 

Here's to year 4 and the many to come after! 

The First Saturday of Summer

Friday night my friend Alyse texted me and asked if Andrew and I wanted to go to Lagoon on Saturday. 

She had extra tickets from her work and she wanted to give them to us. 

So Andrew and I went up for a day at Lagoon. Honestly I am blessed with some of the best of friends.

So glad we were freshman year roomies and we actually liked each other!  

Also glad she moved so close vs. being in Seattle. That was way too far. I'm pretty happy we get to see each 

other as often as we do. She is one amazing person! 

(and not just because of the Lagoon tickets, she really is as best as they come)

Later that night Andrew and I went to the Parachute concert with Amy and her roommate.

Andrew loves live music. He is singing and dancing to the music and loving every minute!

I'm so excited that summer is here! Can't wait for all the summer events to come!