After being diagnosed with thyroid cancer last summer I was told I wouldn't be able to have a baby for at least a year. We were disappointed but thought, OK, we'll just put those plans on hold and it will be fine. I also thought since I couldn't have a baby, maybe I should run a marathon. I mean, why not right? Cancer one year, marathon the next, baby the next after that. Bring it. I set out to convince my friends to run one with me because I knew I didn't want to train for a marathon by myself. It turns out a marathon is a hard sell, who knew? Thankfully my good friend Courtney thought a marathon sounded at least interesting so she started training with me and she was with me through it all.
We decided to do the Top of Utah Marathon because it's in Cache Valley, which is convenient and it is in September, so we had all summer to train for it. September in Cache Valley is beautiful and pleasant, it is just perfect. But look at those clouds on the day of our race, not so pleasant...Just before the race started the rain started to pour on us! Thankfully they had a tent for us to hide under. The rain let up just as the race was starting but don't worry it came back, and then back again, and then back again, and again!
The race starts and Hardware Ranch and winds down Blacksmith Fork Canyon and into Logan. I loved the start of the marathon. It was so relaxed and happy; people were like we have 26.2 miles, we don't need to sprint to the finish! At mile 14, right when we come out of the canyon, both of our families were there waiting to cheer us on!
They were there again at mile 20! They were so nice to cheer us on, even in the rain! While we were running Isabelle said, "What in the heck are they doing in the rain?!" We were running like crazy people, that's what.
Do you see how soaked we were? There was rain, hail, thunder and lightening; it was quite the day! We were dripping, sopping wet. We would not have been more wet if we had gone for a swim in the river! We were soaked through. It made things interesting and we kept saying, at least we aren't hot!
The finish line was a beautiful sight, can I just tell you. I was so grateful and thankful to see it!
Kevin and the girls have been so supportive through all of my marathon training. Kevin's gone to work late more than he would've liked so I could get in a long run. He knew how important this goal was to me and he helped me achieve it. I couldn't have done it without his love, support, and encouragement.
I couldn't have done it without Courtney! We have been with each other through it all; blisters, sore knees and feet, worn out muscles, even the infamous runner's gut! She was awesome and I'm so thankful I was able to run it with such an amazing friend.
Now I am officially a marathoner! And it feels really good.
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