Monday, April 21, 2008

Winners All Around

Back in December, my cute friend Christy convinced me to register for the Salt Lake Half Marathon, and I, in turn, convinced my family members to do the same. I trained pretty well during January and most of February, but "morning" (read: all day long) sickness set in and I allowed myself to give up. Well, the big race was on Saturday, so Chris and I took the boys to the Gateway in Salt Lake to cheer on the people who actually ran. I have to admit, I felt really emotional watching those runners complete their race, partly because I wondered if I had given up a little too easily and wished I was out there, too, but also because seeing people cross a finish line is just plain inspiring. The coolest moment (aside from cheering on our friends and family) was seeing the three marathon finishers booking it to the finish line. They finished in just over 2 hours and 20 minutes-- that is INSANE! And it was so cool to see-- again, I was all choked up. Next year, I'll be there!

The winners of the day: Jake, Cait, Ann-Michelle and Mom, who all completed their first half marathons! Congrats to them!



After the race, we met Grammuh at Hire's Big H for a yummy lunch, then went up to Rice Eccles Stadium for the Red and White Game. We only stayed for the first half, as we have two punky brewsters who are not as interested in Utah football as their dad, but we still had a great time. The team looks pretty good-- and hey, the Utes won!

8 comments:

Sherrie said...

I'm glad I had a super busy Saturday or else I would have been jealous that you were within spitting distance of my house and didn't visit. We must get together someday soon.

Elena said...

Please excuse my marathon ignorance, but what exactly does a "half marathon" consist of? I'm thinking maybe I could get 2 miles done in 2 hours. You're crazy fit family puts me to shame. So cool for them! And when I see these insane marathon people I just want to do it SO badly. Then I get on the oliptical and after 20 minutes remember how much I REALLY hate running.

Holly said...

Well, at least you have an excuse for not running in it! Christy keeps telling me to go for the Top of Utah. We'll see.

Esther Ogden said...

Congrats to the runners! That is a big feat to undertake and finish! Woo-hoo! Don't worry about not being able to compete this year, Elise, next year will be here sooner that you think and those early morning 20 below runs will seem all toooo soon! (By the way, I LOVE Punky Brewster!)

Marilyn said...

Nice face, Tommer!

becky ward said...

it's so awesome that you have a family of runners! i hate running! and that is a great picture of you and your little family in red.

Elise said...

Elena-- a half marathon is 13.1 miles and it took them about 3 hours to complete. I have to admit that I hate the training part, but the actual race is WAY fun. You really should try a 5K or something (3.1 miles) sometime and see what you think-- you might like it more than you think!

Amanda and Andy Hansen said...

Can you run a half marathon while pregnant? That is so cool that your family ran, I'm impressed.