Sunday, October 5, 2008

The Marathon I Almost Didn't Run

My little brother (Adam) and i posing with our medals!
Around April this year i thought it would be a great idea to run the STG marathon with my little brother. Unbenounced to him i signed both us up for it. He was still on his mission at the time so i conveniently waited until he got home and announced, "good news, i signed you up for the marathon, so start training."
Training wasn't easy, especially while living in Montana and not having a training buddy. Then one not so good day i hurt my knee. After that I took time off and completely stopped training. Next thing i knew, the big day was upon us. The night before, i still wasn't sure i was going to run. The next morning I decided not to run it, so Bob and i dropped my little brother off alone. As we drove around the block i said a few choice words (which Bob did not like) and asked her to take me back... I was going to run!
Running without an ipod, in the pouring rain, with a head wind the whole 26.2 miles was one of the funnest things i have done in a long time!... Seriously! I know that sounds crazy but i enjoyed ever step of the way! I ran with a smile on my face the entire time. I didn't once think


I didn't have any goal other than to just finish the race. HOWEVER, once i started to run (and found out how easy it was for me). I ran 8 1/2 minute miles for the first 21 miles. It wasn't until mile 22 that my hips started to hurt at that point i ran 10 minute miles. But, around mile 3 my ankles felt like they had an itch. But it wasn't until mile 21 that i realized my ankles were sliced open and bleeding everywhere...thankfully they were numb from the cold and didn't bother me. In the end i finished at 4:09:36! It was all worth it in the end to hug my brother at the finish line. I just want to thank my family for coming and supporting me and for my little brother for giving me the strength to do it.

Next year i plan i running it again (with Jessica). This time i will train and want to finish in under 3:30!