SoJo Run

After our Spartan Race and Dirty Dash I realized a few things.  1:  I like the thrill of a race and the competition factor, and 2: I am not (very) motivated to exercise unless I am signed up for a competition of some sort.  So, I didn't hesitate long after the

Dirty Dash to call around and see if anyone would do a half marathon with me.  Oh, that's the other thing I've not just realized, but have known about myself for a LONG time: I don't like to exercise or train alone.  That's why I was calling around.  I couldn't get any sisters to commit, but I found a dear friend, Suzanne, willing to train with me!!!  Yay!!  I signed up for the SoJo Half Marathon in South Jordan, UT.  My brother-in-law Jordan signed up soon thereafter, and Suzanne officially signed up too!  Robyn and Kelly committed to do the 5k. 

Me, Suzanne, and Jordan pre-race (it was barely light)



Robyn and Kelly pose before the 5k



Suzanne and I--you can tell she was having alot more fun than me!  She's done a marathon before and a half.  She claims it's a lot easier once you've done it before.

So, I learned something I never knew before, but was to my great benefit during this race.  The Athena division.  This is for taller women who need a separate division!  actually, the requirement is to weigh over 150 lbs.  Let me just tell you, if I weighed 150 lbs, I would be emaciated!!  So, I gladly signed up for that division and it was the best thing I did.  Robyn wisely signed up for it also.  It is not as large a division, nor as competitive, therefore, better chance of placing!! Which we did!  I placed third!  Robyn 1st, and Jordan 2nd.  Although Jordan was in his age division and must be a natural runner because he just went out and ran and was barely sore the next day.  What would that be like?  I was really happy with our time, and VERY glad when the race was over. 

I did it!!!  I was crying at the finish line I was so tired!

Suzanne was so awesome to run the whole race with me, even though I know she could've run so much faster.  She was a great trainer and we did all of our long runs together for about 12 weeks before the race.  And, since I placed in the top 3 I get in next year's race free--so I guess I'm doing it again!

Really, I ran the whole way. I promise I am not walking here.

The best cheerleaders ever!!  They were there all along the way!  They really kept me going!



yum!  Pakistani food after the race with the girls!

So, if there's anyone out there who wants a running challenge, join us at the SOJO October 2012!  That gives you plenty of good weather time to train.  It was a good experience, and I am glad to say that I did it.  I can hardly believe that I did.  Someday I will do a marathon.  Maybe after my kids are a little older.  It takes a lot of time to train for a marathon.  It took long enough for the half!