The Other Half Moab Run. . .

My sis & I just visited Moab a couple of weekends ago to run in the Other Half Moab 1/2 marathon. We were supposed to go with our hubbies but things didn't work out so we invited a couple of girlfriends & made it a girls weekend. We hiked a few hikes, ate great food, laughed a lot & finished it off with the race.

That's actually me (the little pink dot) in the center of the delicate arch. It's so beautiful up there, I can't even describe it. We did another hike the night before in Canyonlands & saw the sunset. No one was around but us. It was probably one of the most quiet, peaceful moments I've had in my life. Nothing but your own thoughts & the wondrous scenery. We got some beautiful pics but my sis has those on her camera so I'll have to post them later.

This is us at some time in the early a.m. getting ready to board the bus to the starting line.

That's me finishing the race with the banner & time showing as I crossed. Not my best time but it was a tough run for me. It's amazing how emotional I always get as I finish a race like this. Not only because it was hard & I'm proud of myself for accomplishing it but I can't help but be grateful to be alive & healthy. As I ran for those two hours there were so many times that I just wanted to quit or to walk & the thought of mother would creep into my mind and urge me to keep on. I never want to have to live the way she has had to for the last 3 years. A prisoner in her own body, unable to communicate properly, unable to manage daily tasks that I most often take for granted. I'm alive. I'm healthy. And every time I choose to get up in the early morning when I'm dog tired to run or enter a race I know I'll never win, I'm making a choice to live. I'm making a choice to be around for my kids & my husband. It is so much more than just a race!

This is Meagan's favorite race because you get a medal as long as you finish! I teased her quite a bit about this, but in truth it WAS kind of awesome to get a medal placed around my neck as I crossed the line! :)

This is on the 3 mile hike they made us trek back to our cars after the race. As if 13.1 wasn't enough already! Thanks Meg & Cheryl for coming with us, you guys made it so much fun!