Marathon and on and on and on....

What do Forrest Gump (with leg braces), the Tinman and myself after a race all have in common? We walk with straight legs and look completely ridiculous.

A couple weeks ago I ran my second marathon. I had a fun time training and I was excited to be able to run down Provo canyon again....one minor detail....I basically live in KS and had ZERO hill training. I didn't do as well as I was hoping but I did better than expected, considering the hills and taking 3 weeks off from injuries. There were a lot of "tender mercies" if you will, during the race.

#1. I met up with a friend from Highlands Ranch at the start line. How in the world we found each other is beyond me-there were hundreds of runners! We ran the first 13 together and she was awesome at keeping my mind off running. She left me in the dust at mile 14 and I must have left my motivation at that aid station as well:(

#2. The weather was beautiful

#3. My body (besides my poor lil' knees) held up for the most part and allowed me to run the whole time...although the professional pictures look more like a shuffle rather than a run!

#4. Just as I was about to give up and start walking a little girl on the side of the road stuck her hand out for me to "high five" and that was the biggest boost I could have had. I know she really didn't believe in me but I felt like she did! 

It was fun to have my family there and to ride up the canyon and start the race with my brother. We also saw the Pothiers in the hotel parking lot which was way random but fun! And lastly, I can't write about a race and not mention David. He's been picking up the slack for me as a mom and I couldn't have completed this without his support and encouragement!