March 19, 2011 was the Canyonlands Half Marathon in Moab, Utah. I registered in December for this race, with my friend Michelle. So after Christmas, the training finally began. I wasn't giving myself much training time, but I wanted to do the race, and NEEDED to do it. Needed it physically, and more important mentally. I didn't want to fail or give up. I did a half marathon in 2008. I wanted to feel that good about myself again and have a more positive self image of myself. Most of my time was spent on the treadmill training. Two days a week I went to aerobics/strength training at the church. Going to the church for a FREE exercise group helped me feel I was doing more besides running to get ready for the race.
The plans for the weekend changed when Jimmy's nephew got his mission call and was to report to the MTC March 23rd, just days before my race. So instead of making this a fun-family weekend with new adventures, it was panic mode-how little time can I be away while family is coming in from out of town.
So it worked out for me to ride down with Michelle and her husband Mike. Michelle was to run the race, but an injury prevented her from doing it. :( boo-hoo. Mike was running the race, and I met their friend, Jace, who also registered for the race. So Friday afternoon, we left! I was leaving town without my husband or kids! I survived! But it was kinda different......But I would see Jimmy after the race on Saturday.
Friday night we went to a spaghetti dinner. Yum! Then walked on Main Street in Moab. Fun to look at stores in the small, tourist town, then headed back to the hotel room to get ready for the next day & watch Utah gymnastics online!
Didn't sleep well, but got up and go ready for the race. We had to catch a bus to the start of the race. Here are my running buddies-Mike and Jace. 
Michelle & I before the race. EWW-I am looking scary! Why do I need to get ready to go sweat and run for 2 hours?
We had to wait and wait for the race to start. Buses brought people to the start of the race. We decided, like others, to climb the hill and find a seat on a rock as we waited 45-60 minutes for the race to start. There was music at the start & porta potty's. Finally, at 9:30 we could go to the actual starting line, and drop our bags off. We warmed up some-potty break again, then waited again for the race to start. There were a LOT of people! Weather-it was overcast and a WINDY day. There was wind almost the entire race. The few seconds there was not wind, I got hot. 
Jace & I ran together for about 6 miles. This was Jace's first race, and he had to slow down after 6 miles. The course was nice. Pretty scenery. Drink breaks were every two miles. Mile 10 had some drummers. It was AWESOME. One guy along the race course offered a drink to people-it was in a dark brown bottle-i assumed it was some beverage with alcohol! HA! There were campsites along the Colorado river, so it was fun to see that was we ran past. The entire race, I passed people, and people were passing me! It was crazy! I wanted to be under 2:30, but if I wasn't, I couldn't be too upset, cause of the wind. I finished in 2:28! 2 minutes to spare! I was so happy to see Jimmy about 0.10 from the finish-it was great to see him! I finished strong. I always hope to pass at least one person at the end, and I did. AHH!
My legs felt good and I was happy with my race. I was CRAZY and ran in NEW shoes-well I got them a week before, but surprisingly I did okay! I accomplished my goal! I ran another half marathon.
Here is our post race picture:
Mike finished in 1:48 or so. Jace was only 15 minutes behind me. So, I think we were all pleased with our times. 
It was exhausting, but I am still thrilled I did it. After the race, went back to the hotel room, showered, and Jimmy & I hit the road. We had to get home. Luckily family watched the kids Saturday so we could make the quick trip. Overall Rank: 2693
Class Rank: 338
Sex Rank: 1500
Pace: 11:18 mile
Miles ran for training: about 166
Goals: Ragnar Wasatch Back Relay-June 18th-19th
Improve speed & mile pace
Better diet
Log more miles
More uphill & downhill runs
Run outside more
PR on my 10K
Loose more inches & tone-up muscles on body (weight loss too)
Look and feel better in a swimming suit this summer!
(more pix to come-these pix were from Michelle from facebook)
We stopped at the clown for balloon animals at one of the games. 
After Charlie's balloon popped, we had to check out a book from the library about how to make balloon animals. We need to now get some balloons & make some balloon animals! 
