September 9, 2017

When my alarm went off at 4:30 a.m., I stumbled into the bathroom.  Only then did I hear the rain pouring against the windows.  I tiptoed back into our room, parted the curtain on the door, and looked out into the backyard.  Sure enough, there was water everywhere. It was a huge relief to crawl back between my warm covers and snuggle down into the pile of pillows.  But deep down I was terrified of what this would mean for my marathon training.  I forced myself back up onto an elbow to check the weather for the morning.  I was super frustrated to see rain covering St. George all morning. The thought of 18 miles on the treadmill seemed absurd.  And that's what was running through my head as I settled back onto my pillows and tried to sleep.

Two fitful hours later (I never sleep restfully anymore), I got up and peeked outside.  No rain!  I checked the forecast and it looked surprisingly clear until about 11:00 a.m.  As quickly as I could, I geared up to go.  My knee was still tight, my stomach felt heavy, and I was facing daunting route.  It's not always easy to plan for 18 miles.  You have to run really, really far.  And with some of my favorite trails under construction I had to be even more creative.  Plus, running 18 miles alone can be boring.  I knew I needed some variety to my run.  But as I set out, I questioned the difficulty of my route!!

Setting out for 18 miles...

My knee hurt a lot the first few miles.  It was mostly stiff and sore.  By the time I reached Maverick on River Road (almost three miles), I was ready for a bathroom.  I came out of the gas station feeling much better, but I just couldn't think about how much farther I still had to run.  And from here on it was six miles uphill.  Some of it straight uphill!  I had to get all the way up to Red Hills Parkway, and then continue along on the trail for 2.3 more miles UP! until it met up with Highway 18 -- and the marathon course.

Emma had made me a new music playlist, and so far I was loving it.  I just turned up my music, settled in to a good pace, and took step after step after step up along River Road.  The weather was beautiful and cool.  The sky was cloudy and gray.  The air was dry and fragrant.  I turned on 100 South, cut over to the road Swig is on, then ran STRAIGHT up to the Parkway.  It was super tough.  My legs and lungs were burning by the time I got up there.  I stopped for a drink and turned to admire the view!!  It was spectacular.  I thought I had made it up and now I would run along for a few miles. What I didn't know was that it continued its uphill climb for another few miles!!!  But it was through the most beautiful country.  For a while, all civilization was blocked from my view.  It was just me out in this vast red rocked country.  I didn't meet any other runners up there until the very end.  I was startled to happen upon a sleeping homeless person.  But I wasn't afraid.  There were cars passing on the highway, and it was broad daylight.

Up on top of the world!! Feeling great...six miles done!

Amazing Grace popped up on my playlist.  I sang along a little and let my heart just swell with happiness.  I was having so much fun, enjoying some beautiful sights, sounds, and feelings.  I felt so thankful to be able to run and see the world.  My knee was feeling good, my stomach was feeling fine, I knew I could keep going for a long time.  It was amazing!

It's been an uphill climb, but I am overwhelmed by the beauty.  Having so much fun on this run!

Just a bit past 8 miles I started my downward trek back into town.  I ran the last four miles of the marathon course.  Lots of memories came flooding back from the time I ran it with Greg.  I was getting tired and sore.  I stopped at Town Square to fill my bottles and use the bathroom.  I was drenched in sweat and my knees both stiffened up when I stopped.  So as hard as it was, I just got started again, gritting my teeth a little to get going.

And then I ran and ran and ran.  I finally made it back to Maverick on River Road, but I turned toward the Summit.  I needed the long way home.  Pretty soon I was out in the cornfields of Washington.  A whole flock of little sparrows burst up out of the field and fluttered above my head.  The air smelled of freshly mown hay and rain-soaked field dirt.  I finished off my gatorade and could do nothing more than hunker down and focus on taking steps.  I've noticed in moments like this, my body becomes an agent of my mind. It no longer sends the tired signal.  Everything starts to ache, but my mind just ignores it.  All I can hear or think is: Run.  So I do.  I just keep taking steps.

Finally, finally as I am nearing 19 miles, I am heading down my street.  Since it is more painful to stop, I just keep running to my house.  I contemplated running to 26.2 and calling it good. Ha!  But then I saw all my kids out on the sidewalk, decked out in BYU shirts, waving and cheering for me.
I raised my arms to cheer along with them.  And then my breath caught in my throat.  I almost started to cry.  I slowed to a stop, walking about a little.  Lance was saying, "Goodness, goodness, Mom, you are home!"  It was super cute.

Still alive...19.2 miles!  

I feel so much gratitude in my heart when I accomplish a goal like this.  It was a huge confidence boost for me.  I feel like although seven more miles seems like a killer, I think I could have made it.  I just have to RUN.  Step by step.  I've got this!!  (And Stalee kicked butt by running 22 miles!! Wahoo!)

YAY!!  See those knees.  They will not be able to bend in an hour or two. :)

After a quick shower, I took some lunch and went to Owen's first soccer game.  It was the cutest thing ever.  He score a goal and we cheered and screamed.  Greg is such an awesome coach for these little ones.  It is so fun.  Owen was thrilled!

GOALLLLL!!!!  Owen had a great time at his first game.  Sweaty, tired, and super thrilled!

Then we relaxed, napped, watched football and rested.  We ordered some Benja's Thai food for take out for dinner, then swam in our pool, showered and settled in for the BYU vs. Utah game.  BYU lost, and I went to bed before it was over, but I could hear Greg and the girls out there cheering to the very end.  I was super tired but I secretly loved hearing it.

What a fantastic day to be alive!