This was written on August 25, 2012. It is an important enough memory that I want to make sure it gets recorded:
Today I finished the Top Of Utah Half Marathon. It was my second half marathon. I did it in 3:04 which was 5 minutes faster than my Ogden Half Marathon time. And I was thrilled! This is a SLOW time. The fastest runners run in about 1:05-1:15. So, sometimes I wonder why I even bother... I know other people wonder the same thing. I've been thinking a lot about this, why do I run?
Running has brought me so much more than just physical benefits. There have been those. I've lost almost 50 pounds since Oct. but really that didn't start happening until after I changed my eating, running just assisted. I've got muscly legs- and I'm loving that they are becoming much more defined- one day they might be "shapely". But those, surprisingly, aren't the real reasons I run.
I run (and race) for the relationships. They are amazing! I love my sisters dearly. They are so important to me. But never have they felt as close as the times we've run together. Whether it was our first real race when Alesa was here running with me and Holly was doing one the same day in California, just to support me. Or as I crossed my first half marathon and there was Alesa waiting and all we could do was throw ourselves into each other's arms and cry. Or when we ran a midnight 10k and Alesa and Holly came back and ran the last little bit with me encouraging and cheering for me.
I feel closer to my in-laws. I love my in-laws, but often wonder what we have in common but it has been so fun to find this running thing. I loved doing Ragnar with them and feeling closer as we endured those experiences. I was so excited to see Leslie and Jamie come back and finish the last 3/4 mile or so of the Freedom Run- even though Leslie had been sick the whole day before.
I have friends who have started running to support me. Our relationships have grown as we've set goals and worked hard and run together to accomplish those goals. We pulled each other along on our strong days and been pulled on the days we aren't so strong and sometimes run step by step together just enjoying each other. I was so excited today as I saw Tori at the top of the canyon waiting to cheer for me and then as she drove past. I will never forget her face as I approached her at the finish line- pride and as much excitement as I feel. She gets it! And I can't wait 'til our next one when she'll be there with us!
I have met absolutely an AMAZING group of people through Face Book. It's a weird story how I become acquainted but I am grateful everyday that I am! I was part of the group and slowly got to know them. Ran into Lori at the Santa Run (still amazing I even recognized her). I did a group run with them once. Then at Ogden we were (amazingly) on the same bus. We knew it was fated to be a good day! The best ever though was a couple of months ago when they suggested they come out here to run (almost all are from the other end of the valley). This was such a turning point for me! I was struggling at the time, Doug was working out of town (normal lately) and I was discouraged with my running and feeling very alone. I was so touched that they would come all the way out here just to run. They fell in love with the run down the canyon as much as I am so it's turned into an almost weekly event. These people have become so important in my life right now. They support me and encourage and we can confide in each other. We know what happens on the road stays on the road...
Today I had the opportunity to run with Lisa, she is normally much faster than me but because she is nursing an injury she decided it would be safer for her to go slower. So, she slowed down by about 45 minutes and talked me through the whole race.
All along our route today there were signs that said "NERC" (Northern Exposure Running Club) and then had fun things written. Lori had taken the time last night to go hang these for us. It was so fun to watch for them when we were so discouraged!
Lori put together darling shirts that say "supporting each other one step at a time" and that's exactly what we do! I love these girls (and 2 guys)!
There are many other people who have become so much more important in my life because of running. Miriam who ran (a much slower race than she was capable of) to stay with me during Ogden half. Mindy who has done many long runs with me- she runs in circles while I run straight so we can stay together.
Two of my biggest cheerleaders/supporters have been Holly and Maika. Wow! These two are amazing. These guys enter races to actually win (unlike most of us who enter to beat ourselves) And they do, they win. Last October I went to Holly and asked her for some help. Some tips and some accountability in both weight loss and running. She's been a constant support and friend since then. She also knew that Maika could be a huge help for me (she does this kind of stuff professionally). Maika has become a dear friend and a wonderful cheerleader.
My family, Doug and the kids and my mom. I have the best cheering section EVER. They run from mile post to mile post dragging the kids so that they can cheer for me all along the way. That's hard work! And the runners that are around me are always so jealous!
I'm so grateful I found running and I'm glad it's a major part of my life!
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