B's first trip to MOAB

Last fall, I got this crazy idea to sign up for the Moab Canyonlands Half Marathon. Whit decided to do it with me, so we made a trip out of it and took our husbands along. It was B and Joey's first time to Moab, so we tried to squeeze everything we could within 1 1/2 days. 

First Stop: 

Arches National Park and a hike to Delicate Arch

After the hike, we met up with my dad and jeeping crew for some lunch at Milt's before heading out on the husbands' first jeeping experience.

Second Stop:

Fins & Things Jeep Trail

 

After our jeeping adventure, we said goodbye to dad and friends for the night. We checked in to our hotel, then ordered out some Zax pizza and pasta for some good carbo-loading before our big race the next morning. 

Third Stop:

Moab Canyonlands Half Marathon

6:45 am came too early. Whit and I got up, got dressed, and headed out the door to load onto the bus that would take us up the canyon to the start of the race.

This time, we ran for someone special- our mom.

This race was definitely a learning experience. 

1. Always bring a jacket to the start, especially when you will be waiting for 2 hours before the race starts.  

2. Don't wear new pants to a race, because chances are they will fall down and you will spend the ENTIRE 13.1 miles pulling them up and re-pinning. 

Within the first mile, I was completely frustrated and so was Whit. I don't know what happened, but my frustration led to discouragement and discouragement led to anxiety and my motivation was shot. 

By mile 6, I started to cry. 

I prayed and prayed the Lord would help me gain back my momentum and allow my body to keep pushing, but I struggled. Feeling bad about slowing my sister down and sensing frustration, I argued with her to keep going and I was going to slow down. I later learned she bawled as she left me, but it turned out to be the best thing for both of us. I started running 1/2 mile, walking 1/2 mile, until positivity returned and I had my momentum. I FELT AWESOME! When I reached the last 1/2 mile of the race, I saw Whit at the turn and I yelled out "You came back for me!". She started to cry and asked how I was doing, to which I replied "I feel great!"

Running across that finish line was the best I have ever felt 

at the end of a race. 

I was strong. I was positive. I made my goal of breaking 3 hours. I finished.

Word: Don't underestimate the power in SLOWING DOWN. 

It could be the key to getting you across that beloved finish line,

which is the ultimate goal anyway.

(One of our biggest supporters, 

wishing he could be on the other side of that finish line.)

What a fun trip! 

So glad B could experience a place that was such a big part of my life growing up.

Until next time...peace out Moab.