Race Day - SLC Half Marathon 2012

I signed up for the 2012 half marathon last year after having run the 2011 one. But, life has been pretty crazy lately and I hadn't trained as religiously as I did for the 2011 one. But my awesome younger sister called me two weeks ago and said, yes, we were going to do it. Even if our only goal was to just finish. So, with that attitude I decided to do it. Last year I was a basket case, being my first half marathon ever, but still did pretty good (2hrs, 31 min, 55 secs). Just over my goal of 2 1/2 hours. This year however, I wasn't stressed or worried about my time. I just knew it would be what it would be. I think that made a big difference for me. I felt great the first part of the race. And up until about mile 9 I was feeling awesome. After that, it got harder, but I still felt good. I even finished FASTER than I did last year!!! Maybe it was because I was less stressed, maybe it was because my training was more well- rounded and not just running (I have been doing weights, strength training, step, zumba, and body combat classes in the mornings along with running), maybe it's because I had 15lbs less of body weight pounding the pavement. Whatever it was, I had a great time running it this year despite the warmer temps. So glad my amazingly awesome sister talked me into it. She is great! Here are pics from our day...

Here we are at 6:15am waiting for the trax to take us to the start line. Gettin' pumped up to rock the road! Thanks to Ryan for dropping us off. It was an early morning for him too!

 

Yes, that's me with my granny phanny running belt. I didn't wear it last year, but am so glad I did this year.

Here we are after the match - what hotties we are. After these photos we headed over to the massage booth so Val could partake of some healing hands. Me? No thanks, I don't like people touching me. I hate massages. 

Val's final time: 02:26:55       My final time: 02:27:45

Here's to running in 2013. Third times a charm right?

After the race we headed up to Finley's soccer game. Here are some fun pics of him in action. They had a very good game today which made playing in the heat of the day worth it.

After the soccer game we had to rush home, shower, and head out to Chuck-a-rama for a family lunch with my dad's family. My parents came up from California for the weekend (My mom is awesome. All pics from the race, soccer game, and lunch are from her camera) and my grandparents, aunts & uncles, cousins, all came too which made for a fun mini-reunion. 

My sweet grandparents and totally awesome sister!

Today was just a wonderful day. This is what it's all about.