My Summer of Races

One of my goals of 2014 was to run a half marathon. It had actually been one of my goals for a few years, but I have always been to nervous to actually sign up for one. I read some quote online and I'll paraphrase...Do something that scares you everyday. 

Well, I'm not sure if that is really how I want to live my life, but because I read that quote I decided to sign up for not one, but three half marathons! They were suppose to be spread out throughout the summer, but the 2nd race ended up being rescheduled, so I had two races back-to-back on consecutive Saturdays. 

This was actually really great for me because I felt like I learned so much from running my first race and I shaved about ten minutes off of my time on my second race! 

The three races I ran were

Kelly Canyon Half Marathon

Idaho Falls Half Marathon

and the Thirteen Point One

There was a photographer at each race, which was awesome to get some action shots (even if I was being kind of a dork in a lot of them)! One of the tips I read online the night before my first race was to just have fun on your first race and not to take it too seriously. Check!

The routes of some of these races were the same as I had done previous years where the race had only been 3 or 5 miles. While I was running I was just thinking about how far I had come and was kind of proud of myself (I know I sound like a goober)! There is a lot of time to think while running 13.1 miles. A few of the other things I thought about was the zip lining and para sailing in Cabo. Something about the smooth and carefree gliding feeling helped me make it through some rough patches of the race.

Kelly Canyon Half Marathon

 

I also thought a lot about these cuties I'd have waiting for me at the finish line. Emmy was SOOOO excited when I gave her my medal. I told Sadie she would get one next week.  I love that Brian had the girls make me a sign, and that he would go through the effort of getting three little girls ready, fed, and to the finish line so many mornings! I have such a supportive, cute, amazing husband!!

Idaho Falls Half Marathon

Thirteen Point One

This race was in September and was really really cold compared to the summer weather I was used to running in.

One Year Younger :) And Wiser Too!

 I always feel so spoiled on my birthdays! How did I get so lucky to be surrounded by such loving, wonderful people!?!

I've lucked out and the Towne's have been visiting the last two years right on my birthday. They decorate and join in the fun!

 

And there is no way we'd forget the pinata!