The run of my summer! The payday for my early morning and Saturday runs...The reason I took running shoes on vacation and went to bed slightly early on Friday nights. The reason I was overjoyed at receiving a GPS for Mothers Day! (So I could track my pace and distance.) You'd think I was training for something serious and super competitive--nope-- just my first 1/2 marathon...and I LOVED it. It was the Hobble Creek 1/2 Marathon in Mapleton--and I think it was a good run to introduce myself to the half's. The first 8 miles were a slight down hill and then some nice ups and downs for the remainder of the course. The scenery was beautiful, and I really enjoyed (almost) every minute of it.
The best part was so many of my friends did the run as well. My sister-in-law Robyn amazed me with this being her first big race EVER. She has never ran so many miles in her life, and I think I have addicted her to the sport. (I became addicted when I went head first and ran a marathon without ever running any other races before....) I have to say that I am a fan of the 1/2's. The training wasn't as strenuous and I felt enthused the entire race.
What a beautiful day for a run! The day began when my alarm went off at 3:45 a.m. (I have to mentally prepare myself for things like this...I don't like to be rushed...so I wanted time to get dressed and eat my breakfast and take care of business.....ha!) We drove to Mapleton where we boarded a bus for a 13 mile ride up the mountain to where the race began. Luck have it...our bus was the one that kept over heating! It was actually a good thing, because we were able to stay sitting on the warm bus, instead of standing at the top of the cold mountain waiting for the race to begin. We got to the top just in time to stand in a really long line to use the fresh-smelling Honey Buckets! (Can you say absolutely disgusting.)
Let the race begin! There were hundreds of us making our way down the mountainside. It was slightly chaotic in the beginning, because there were so many people and not a whole lot of room to get move'n. It finally cleared out and I became engrossed in my run.
My awesome friends (Marcy and Alicia) made the drive (with some fancy posters) to cheer us all on. And of course..who can forget to mention an amazing husband (who originally signed up to run the race with me...and then decided not to.) I don't think it would've worked too well to have both of us training...so I'm glad he decided to let me do it:) He really has been a trooper putting up with me being gone on Saturday mornings doing the lengthier runs (Oh wait, I get back before he and the kids even wake up!) Truly though..what a sweet guy to support whatever I love to do!
And a big shout out to Kelly for watching my kids so Chad could be there to cheer me on without having to chase Myka out of the road. (I'm sure you had better things to do with your Saturday morning...but thanks for being so willing.)
The only memory I have of the run are some tight quads and great pictures!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
13.2 and I am Through!
Posted by Keysha at 7:24 PM
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27 comments:
Fun stuff...what do you mean by "take care of some business" before the race? Ha Good race Keysha! (she smoked it...)
Good work! I don't even dream of such a feat!
Nice work Keysh. Next year I want to run a race with you. I love the running outfit. Bring your kids over anytime-they are super cute. By the way, I think Myka has the cutest belly button on the planet.
Oh, it sounds wonderful to be addicted to running. A half marathon seems so much more realistic to me than a marathon. Hmmmmm.....some day. And you'll be the first to know when I do finally get the courage.
Good Job!! You are inspiring me!!!
WAY TO GO! Keep up the good work!
Looks like you guys had a great time, count me in next year when prego can actually run :)
What a great accomplishment! You totally ROCKED the race and got such an impressive time. I think maybe it’s time for me to stop being your fan and join in on the fun (did I just call running 13 miles fun??). That sounds like a good ½ to start with. You look so great in all the pictures in your cute running skirt! Nice work Keysha!!!
Keysha, you seriously are one tough chica! I am so proud of you. You ROCKED that run like it was nothing. I told Jason you came across the finish looking all fresh, not sweating or anything. You are truly an inspiration. I downloaded the training information. I am IN for sure (no backing out now) for the 1/2 in St. George in January!!
I am sooooo glad I have such great friends that will support and push you to accomplish great things!! I won't ever run quite as FAST as you, but to be able to say I did it will be enough for me!
Love ya!
keysha, you rock!...and inspire me. Way to go!
You did so well! It was an awesome race, I actually loved every minute. (Did I just say that?) I am really sore but that's to be expected. I love Hobblecreek and I plan on running it every year that I can. Are you going to do Painter's half in January?
Go Keysha! You seriously did so great, like I knew you would. You are one fast chickita! Your endurance and speed amazes me.
Looking forward to next year...so we can get disqualifed for using headphones...lame-o! And looking forward to running many more training runs and fun runs with you...your one fab running partner.
Yep, you've got me addicted. Glad to hear someone else has some tight quads. Thanks Keysha for getting me on the band wagon.
Yep, you've got me addicted. Glad to hear someone else has some tight quads. Thanks Keysha for getting me on the band wagon.
You and Robyn are amazing! I wish you were closer so that you could get me addicted to running- then I wouldn't be packing around this extra 50 pounds! Congrats again- you are amazing!
Go Kesh!
You Rock you're always inspiring me, half marathon would be so fun. I am training with my sister in-law, shes runnin St. George. We did 12 last week and I am running ouy of motivation to run any farther, especially for fun! Maybe I should look into a half thats coming up. Great time by the way!
Like I said yesterday, you girls are amazing!! So proud of all of you!! (I had to make sure I commented..don't want ot be accused of lurking - lol)
NICE JOB! I'm so proud of you guys! You should come run the 1/2 marathon in Las Vegas one time. Your mom can even watch your kids! :) I'm doing it this year, it's in December.
I happened upon your blog from Nat's. i agree that the 1/2 marathon is a good distance to train for... not too overwhelming, but challenging. Important elements when you have young kiddos at home. Great job! I'm still so impressed that you ran it so fast...
You are one FAST mamma! You should be so proud of yourself - a big accomplishment in an amazingly short amount of time.
Maybe next year the boys will actually run the race too! We should have them start training now :)
Great job!
So glad it was a fun race for you. You did an amazing job, as usual!! I think you deserve to sleep in a little longer in the mornings now!
Way to go Keysh! That is so awesome! I really want to do a half, I am working my way up there! That sounds a lot more realistic than a marathon! Way to go!
you are amazing, my idea of racing these days is racing a go cart on mario cart. congrat's on the race and keeping going!!!
How exactly do you become addicted to running? I think you guys are amazing. Good job!
I am totally inspired! You are AMAZING! I wish I was addicted to running, but sadly I'm not sure how to become addicted to such a thing! Micah keeps trying to convince me to sign up for races with her, but I always find an excuse not to! Maybe....just maybe, I will next time! Good Job on your race!
I am impressed- I guess thats when getting up at 5:30 in the morning pays off. I wish that was my addiction- instead of chocolate! :-)
You're so awesome!! Maybe I'll get inspried by you to actually go for the half. I did 6 miles this spring and for the first time thought, hmmmm... maybe I could do another 6. Nice job!
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