I did it!

I made it through my third marathon! I ran the Utah Valley Marathon through Provo Canyon and finishing at the Provo Town Center. I'm in much pain, but glad I did it. The weather was perfect. We got rained on a bit, but not too much. I so do not run well in the heat, so I was very grateful for the cool weather.

Other than my aching body, it was a great experience. I got to meet some great people and push myself to my limits. Overall I felt pretty good, but those last 6 miles are always so hard. I didn't walk at all other than at aid stations, but I have to admit that the only thing that kept me going the last few miles was that I just wanted to get it over with and not prolong the agony. I finished at about 3:47. I was hoping for a little faster, but that was the best I could do today. I'm ok with that.

Jake was a trooper and dragged all three kids out in the rain to watch their mom run. It was good to see them a couple times during the race. My dad and sisters also drove all the way down just to watch me finish. I'm feelin' the love. Thanks!

In the post-race picture if it looks like I'm at deaths door, that's because I was. Not really, but I was definitely hurting. Immediately following the race I told my sister never to let me run a marathon again. However, now I'm thinking more clearly and, let's face it, it will probably happen again. Yes it hurts, but there's something to be said for working so hard towards a goal, and then pushing yourself to accomplish it. Definitely something I feel good about.

Special shout out to Linz, who was definitely on my mind today. The last marathon I did was with her. I'm hoping they do celestial marathons so we can run together again. Love you Linz!