Big Hilly Race!

I have very appropriately named this race the big hilly race.  Why?  Because you were either running straight up a hill or straight down a hill.

My friend Heather told me a few months ago that she wanted to do a Half Marathon with me.  She said that she had found one and I checked it out online.  I agreed, and then when I later realized what the course was like I realized that I was crazy.  This race is a canyon race.  The first four miles takes you up a four mile canyon.  It is steep and very unforgiving.  There are no ups and downs.  Just up.  Then once you reach the top you run straight down a big hill for two miles, and then continue down a winding canyon with a little more uphill at the end.  Heather wanted to go and try to run some of it last week.  I didn't want to in a way because I didn't even want to see it.  I knew it was bad.  But, I went, and WOW, my concerns were valid.

Race day came quickly, and of course I was slightly injured so I was a little nervous.  But, I had to do it.  I have a hard time quitting, no matter how stupid I may be.

The air was very brisk as I stretched out while in line for the toilet.  The smell was bad, and some soft music was playing in the background.  My stomach was nervous and I could see concern in Steve's eyes as he stretched out next to me.  He  was looking at the hill in front of us and was very calm yet sure.  I am sure that he was wondering why I make him do these things, as he has made it very clear that he does not enjoy running.  I knew he would do well.

We found Heather and made our way to the start line.  I love the intensity of the people at the start line of the race.  It is quiet, and people are in a zone all their own.  I was talking to Heather telling her not to expect much of me, and the gun went off (Well actually they just said to go for it).

We started up the four mile stretch of hill that I had been dreading.  My leg felt OK, which was great and Heather and I moved to the left of the crowd and starting passing people.  I LOVE THAT!  My favorite is passing men and women who look like they are in great shape.  We ran strong and cruised up the first hill.  At the top of the hill you reach a fork in the road.  If you go straight, it appears that the road heads down, and if you turn left, you go up another huge hill.  We turned left.  As we were doing our turn around I saw Steve reaching the top of the hill.  I couldn't believe it.  I was so proud of him and how hard he had worked.  

My throat was so dry from my head cold and I was so sad that they didn't have water for us at the top of that hill, but I got over it and went for the next two mile hill.  We started up and I was so cold and tired.  My arms were numb from the cold and my muscles were sore.  I kept seeing people walk and I thought of how great it would feel to walk for a minute, but I couldn't. 

Heather did a great job at keeping us cruising and passing people, and after what seemed like forever we finally made it to the top.

The first thing I saw at the top was Makenna waiting for me with a very intent look on her face.  Her job was to give me my GU energy gel, and she had taken it very seriously.  I grabbed the GU and ran to the water.  I felt so much better after a drink.

Next was the downhill that I had been dreading.  I have bad knees and so I was nervous that they would kill me.  I have been training on hills, but this hill was nine miles long.  We talked, and talked, and ran, and ran.  Each mile we would check our time.  I think that we were both shocked at how fast we had made it up that canyon.

I was pretty impressed!  We were making great time.  Occasionally the paparazzi would pass us and take photos (thanks Steve) and we would get cheered on a little bit.

Soon we reached the last 4 miles of the race.  We were running at a great pace and I knew that soon Makenna wou

ld be running.  I started to pay attention to the road and realized that Makenna's leg was not quite as simple as I thought it would be.  It had some uphill in it, but I knew she could make it.  I thought she would have to walk some, but I knew she would do alright.  Luckily the cops were doing a great job with traffic, which was my big concern, so I was very relieved.

I think that there were a few times either Heather or I said that we might slow down (mostly me) but we NEVER did.  I guess that is why I am so sore today.

We were almost to the finish line and that last mile seemed like

 forever.  I think that part of the problem is that we weren't sure where the finish line actually was.  We saw it ahead and I was SO happy.  I looked at the clock and I was shocked to see our time.  We had done a great job and I had far exceeded my time goal.  I wondered if I would make it, and when we finally crossed I was so relieved.  Somehow my Mom and Dad didn't see my cross, which was probably my fault because I changed my outfit last minute and they were looking for the orange shirt I had told them to watch for.  Steve and Emily missed me also, but we all found each other and waited for the star of the race to appear.  Makenna.

When I first looked into this race I read that they were doing it both as a Half Marathon or a Relay Half Marathon.  Makenna had been wanting to run a race and so I thought that this would be perfect.  I suckered Steve into doing it and our awesome friend Emily.  Those tw

o aren't really runners but they agreed with some minor coaxing.

Makenna had been very excited but didn't train as much as I wanted her to.  It made me nervous, but I figure that anyone can walk 3 miles.

Steve got the first leg, the big nasty four mile hill.  His goal was not to walk, and he far exceed that.  Emily had the five and a half mile down hill leg which she ran like a champ, and Makenna finished it off.  

They were so amazing.  Not only did none of them walk, but they cruised!

Makenna crossed the finish line in two hours.  When I saw her coming I almost started to cry.  She had worked so hard, and I was happy that she had amazed not only herself, but so many other people.

Team "In it to win it" crossed the finish line together.

They were very proud of their accomplishments and Steve announced that he wished that he would have ran the whole thing.  He has agreed to run the Salt Lake Half with me next April.  He will do great.  Honestly that race is SO SO SO much easier than this one.  Makenna's self confidence was through the roof which accomplished one of my goals.  She was number one.

Me and Heather stumbled across the finish line at 1 hour 47 minutes.  I placed 5th in my category and she placed 7th in her category (I guess being old does benefit you sometimes).  Considering that hill, I think we did an amazing job.  I am so glad that Heather ran with me.  Our talking kept my mind off the pain, and we had tons of fun.  

I am so glad that my parents came to support us.  I am so glad that my husband, daughter, and BFF (who does so much for me, I need to take it easy on her for a while or she might find a new friend) agreed to run with me.  It was a great day!

Football game.

Sunday evening Steve decided that the kids needed to learn how to play tackle football.  They were so into it and they were all pretty good.

I had fun watching them and laughing at them.  It was a miracle that no one got hurt!

After the game.

After an intense game of tackle football, the kids were hot and thirsty.  And then they were off to bed!

FIRE!!!

We walked outside the other day and the mountain was on fire.  It was crazy and you could just watch it spreading.

Makenna was really concerned and wanted me to call the fire department.  I told her that I was sure that they knew about it, but she didn't believe me.

Luckily they got the fire out, but it was pretty crazy to watch.

Now our mountain is black.  Sad!

This sounds familiar.

I am not sure why this backpacking trip seems so familiar...

Two men.

One Mountain.

A private weekend away from the wives.

Naked men.

True love.

Relaxing your broke(n) back.

But wait, a mysterious third guy.  Could this be the sequel?

SCARY!!!

Steve went out on his yearly brokeback adventure this weekend.  Just kidding Steve!  I am sure there was no funny business.  They backpacked up to Kamas Lake in the Uintas and had a great time.  If it wasn't for the 60 pound pack, I might have even been tempted to go.

A little about the movie:  I watched Brokeback mountain with my friend Tasha because the guys REFUSED to watch it.  We happened to watch it when they were at a Scout Camp together, which made it a little strange.  We did not expect it to be so... graphic (is that they word you would use Tasha?) and we struggled to get through it.  We kept screaming the whole time.  It was bad.  So with that being said, I do NOT recommend this movie.

END SLAVERY!

This is me (on the ground).  Well, this is how my kids see me.  The title of this picture is 'The exhausted slave' and that says it so well.  The man whipping in the picture reminds me of my kids, all of my kids who are constantly ordering me around.  I think I say, "I am not your slave!!!" at least 20 times a day.  I am not sure when they decided to abuse me this way but seriously, it SUCKS!  

7 more days until school starts... but who is counting... I am not excited or anything.

I've been shot!

When I think of funny, yet sad things that I have seen in my life, this one tops my list.  I never want to forget this, so I think that I need to write it down.  Don't get mad Brooke, it's funny now, you have to admit!

It happened about 6 years ago at my parents house.  We were all over for Sunday dinner.  It must have been winter because my sister was warming some water in the microwave for tea or something.  

She put the mug of water in the microwave and was standing with her face next the microwave door.  I guess she was just watching it to see when it was ready.  All of the sudden, the water exploded (I don't know how) and the force was so strong that the door of the microwave flew open.  When it flew open it made a huge noise and the door hit her in the face.

All of the sudden she screams, "I've been shot!"

She then covers her eyes and says, "Am I blind?  Can I see?  Am I blind???!!!???"

                       She then starts to run, scream, and cry.

I remember wondering, "Who would have shot her, what is she thinking?"  I wanted to laugh, but I also felt so bad for her.  I am sure that she was embarrassed.  It was just one of those moments.  One that I cannot think about without laughing out loud.

RuNnInG... natures laxative.

Attention all constipated people out there.

             I have a CURE for you!

When you are all clogged up... Go for a run!

It works.  Even when you don't want it to.

It works fast. Especially when you don't want it to.

Watch out.  Running gives you the runs!

*** This post inspired by a series of unfortunate events ***

Lately, I find myself driven by inspiration.  As I realize more and more what we as people are capable of and the many opportunities that are available to us, I find myself wondering why we are not doing more, experiencing more, and being more.

My inspiration started a few moths ago when I purchased a tee-shirt that reads, "Protect the forest".  I have to admit that I bought the shirt because it was cute and it was on sale for $5, and that I almost threw the shirt away when I saw it on someone else who's body did not do the shirt justice (OK, rude I know, but this is an honest blog).  However, my deep love for the bargain shirt kept it in my closet, and on my back, and it has since been a surprising source of inspiration and change.

While wearing this shirt I get many comments.  Most of which are people asking me if I am "green" now.  Guilt set in, and well, let's just say that it inspired me to buy some energy efficient light bulbs. OK, so it may not seem like much, but it was HUGE for me.  Let me explain.  I H-A-T-E these bulbs.  I am pretty picky about light (weird I know) and these bulbs let off that nasty florescent light.  I don't like how it makes things look, and I certainly do not like how they make me look.

Do you know that my couches totally clash with my paint when you use a florescent light bulb, but they look great with regular light bulbs... are you seeing the problem yet?  But, back to the subject, inspiration.  Since this green movement at my house I have also been careful to put more in the usually empty recycle bin, and I am proud to say that it is full this week.  Yes, we have forgotten to take it out for a few weeks, but still it is full, and I am proud.  It is a start.

The Olympics has been a huge source of inspiration for me these last few weeks, and yes, like the rest of the world I am addicted.  It is amazing to me to watch what these young people have been able to do with hard work and complete dedication.

Friday night I stayed up glued to the T.V watching Gymnastics.  I knew that I had to get up early to run and that I needed rest, but I couldn't quit watching.  I ended up getting less than 5 hours of sleep when my alarm went off.  I drug myself out of bed and began my run.  I felt slow.  I had it in me to push myself harder, but I didn't.  I was thinking as I ran that if I was an Olympic Athlete, and I trained like I was training right then, that I would not win a medal.  It made me realize that in order to be the best you have to push yourself and give your all each and every time you train.  I ran harder.

My next run was on the treadmill while watching the Track and Field competition.  I was watching these runners, and I noticed that their legs were moving way faster than mine.  I started to run harder, and even try to move my body like they did, hoping that I would suddenly be running a 5 minute mile.  It didn't work out because I was on a treadmill and I had forgotten to move to a faster speed, so I just crashed into the top of the treadmill, but for a moment I was fast, and it inspired me to run harder and faster.

Tragedy and trails in life though unavoidable can inspire us to live a better life.  Every day we hear of illness, death, abuse, war, and hunger in our world.  The life that we live today could be gone tomorrow.  We need to enjoy each day like it is our last.  I have tried to do this lately.  We all should do this.

Lastly, is stupidity.  Yes, stupid people inspire me.  I am not sure if I am just really smart, or if there are just a lot of stupid people out there.  I keep hearing of and seeing all of these dumb people and the crazy choices and moves they make.  I wonder how they could be so senseless or so careless and mostly I wonder what happened to their common sense.  Some things just seem so obvious!

It is nice to know that as dumb as I may be at times, there are a lot of people dumber than me, and that I can learn from their mistakes. Maybe it is true what they say about getting wiser as we get older.

Be inspired.  Inspire. 

         That is what I will try to do.

Lava Hot Springs

This weekend we went to Lava Hot Springs to camp with my parents and Zak.  We had a ton of fun and the kids went non-stop.  It was nice to just hang out and relax (well relax some) while the kids played and got really dirty!

We did so much on the trip that the kids barely moved on the way home.  Coren decided to just kick back, and enjoy the ride (miracle) and when we were almost home he asked, "Dad, is our journey almost over?"

As soon as we arrived the kids found the nearest dirt hill and started to climb and play in it.  Within just a few minutes they were covered in dirt!

Every once and a while they would sit down and relax, but it was rare.  And, it usually involved doing something cool, like sitting on a log.

My Grandparents have this great property up there.  A big yellow slide goes down the hill, and it is super fast.  We have had many injuries on that slide.  This year they made a rope to climb up the slide.

Coren was dying to mountain bike, so he gave it a try.  It was a little harder then he had expected, but he loved it.

Carson on the other hand was scared to death.  The look on his face was one of terror.  He didn't dare to put on the breaks, so he was peddling really fast and screaming.  It was sad, but funny all at the same time.  Poor Carson.  

This is why we do not have a minivan.  Why men need to park on three tires is beyond me!

Makenna spent most of her time either on her 4 wheeler, or on the zip line.  This year all of the kids did the zip line by themselves.  It gave me a heart attack, but they loved it.  Makenna loves taking people for rides.  Here she is with Grandma.

And here she is with Carson.

And with Coren.

She also braved the stairs.  She is crazy!

We had a lot of fun.  I didn't take pictures of the zip line, motorcycle rides with Zak, Grandpa riding up the big hill on the 4 wheeler, Steve and I on our really hard bike ride, Zak and his friend Whit doing crazy stuff on the motorcycles, me and my Mom soaking in the hot pots (OK, so our feet were in there), or all of the other fun stuff like the kids watching movies in the tent... but we did a lot, and we can't wait to go back next year.

Frightening!

It is not un-common to hear Coren being sassy!  He is always telling Carson things to try to make him mad or make him feel bad.  For a three year old, he thinks that he is HOT STUFF!  Today while we were driving in the car I heard Carson start to get mad at Coren.  When I asked what was wrong Coren started to sass me and tell me that he had a trick that only HE could do because our fingers wouldn't do it.  He said that Jesus "told it to him."  I turned around and he had his usual 'I told you so' face on .

I said, "OK let's see what you can do!"  Up went his middle finger.  Yes, my three year old was flipping me off.
In the meantime Carson was crying because Coren wouldn't teach him to do it.  Makenna was freaking out because it was a bad word, and she wanted me to tell him what it meant.  So to try and calm the situation (while trying to hide my laughter) I said, "Coren, that is something that you do that means I hate you, so you shouldn't do it."  

Makenna pipes up, "Tell him what it REALLY means!!!" 

 "It means F-U Coren," I said wondering why these things always happen to me. 

 Makenna still not satisfied says, "Mom, you need to tell him the whole word, that's what parents do!"

"OK kids, don't use that finger and don't say bad words.  Now let's move on with our lives."

 And then I got the camera.

I know that it is a little white trash to have a picture of your kid flipping the bird, but I had to fully capture the moment.  Sorry!