This One's for Marge

I like setting goals for myself, and one of the goals I had for myself post-baby was to get back in running shape so that I could run a half marathon. I laugh and tell people that I’m only half crazy, because I only run 13.1 miles instead of 26.2.

In mid-June, I ran the American Fork Half Marathon, a race that is focused on helping people who have been diagnosed with cancer. All of the race entry fees go toward helping people with cancer to pay for their treatments. Cancer affects so many people, and it was neat to see the stories and courage people have.

I chose to run in memory of my grandmother, Marge. She was diagnosed in 1990 with breast cancer and after chemo and surgery, it went into remission for about 6 years. She said she would never do chemo again, and so in late 1995 when she found out it had returned, she opted not to try any treatments, despite her doctor’s willingness to try. She never complained of great pain, although my mom and her sisters were sure it had spread to her bones before the end. Grandma Marge died on January 20, 1996.

I ran my sixth half on June 15. I finished with a time of 2:17:51.7, which was a new personal record for me. I felt great for most of the race, but hit a wall around mile 11 or so. It was really tough, but I’m happy with my run. I ran a 10:31 minute average pace, and I placed 1,455 overall (out of 1,876 runners), 889 in my gender (out of 1,203) and 229 (out of 279) in my age division. They had a mid-race mark coming out of the canyon at mile 7.5 and my split there was 1:17:43 (a 10:32 minute mile). I was 1:06:43 back from the women’s leader, who finished in 1:11:07. If you want to dig into more results, you can find them here.

Yeah, I’m never going to be that fast, and I’m good with that.

I’ve also never been so sore in my life. I was limping around the day after the race (happy Father’s Day, Jared!) and my sweet husband willingly picked up my slack because I was so stiff and sore. Stairs were particularly bad for me; apparently I didn’t train enough in the canyon to prep me for the downhill route of this half marathon. Oops.

But even with the soreness, I would definitely run this half again; it’s for a great cause. I was really moved during this race at all the placards they had on the side of the road that had quotes and other things about cancer. I loved seeing all the little “running in memory of” bibs on other runners. Such a great cause, and such a great course. The race also had stunning views down the canyon.

This was my silly pose for the cameras. I’m not sure what I was going for, but I certainly look … odd.

I’ve also learned that I look funny when I’m running. Not the smooth, elegant form that I think I look like, but … weird. Oh well. (There are more on our Flickr page if you want to peruse my weirdness.) However, I do like this photo of me pushing it to cross the finish line.

And here’s me, post race, still standing and still alive.

Jared actually missed me finishing because I told him when to come and then beat him to the finish line by setting my PR. Oops. (But only sort of.) I’m glad they came, if only to see that I made it.

I loved the race. It quite possibly has become the favorite of the other half marathons that I’ve done. Great race. Great cause. And hopefully, Marge would approve.