And Now It Was My Turn to Race

Let me tell you, I was not half marathon race ready...but hey, am I ever? Nope.  When Greg first asked Bridget and I to join him on a trip to SLC for business, of course I searched to see if there were any Idaho races.  And yes, there were two - one in Burley and one is Mesa Falls.  I opted for Burley because it was closer and had a kids event. The downside is the shortest race distance was a half marathon...ouch! But it all worked out.

The night before the race, I was hard pressed to find a pasta experience.  However, we checked Yelp and Stevo's was highly recommended AND they had the best potatoes in Idaho.  Don't have to twist my arm.  Greg had the largest, messiest baked potato topped with so much yumminess that I don't know how he was able to sleep through the night.  I had the BEST rainbow trout sandwich I have ever had. It was a win in our book!

The Fairfield Inn opened their breakfast at 5:00 a.m. for the Triathletes who had to get set up early in transition.  I had a nice 8:00 a.m. start time so I was able to sleep a bit longer and didn't have to rush through my bagel and PB.  There were only about 10-12 of us racing the half marathon - most of the girls were there because their spouses were competing in the triathlon and they were killing some time.  Met several nice people, one of which is a park ranger in Zion National Park.  What a cool job!

We had a hot hot hot sunny day, but the race volunteers and small town experience made this race one of my favorites.  And would you believe, I was FIRST in my age group and won an award? (Shhh...if you don't tell anyone, I was also the ONLY one in my age group.)  My award was a slab of granite that was so heavy I could barely carry it through the airport.  Oh, but I did with pride (and sore arms)!

And just like that, Bridget and I together raced through our 49th state!

And Idaho Makes 49

Unbelievable...just unbelievable to think we're this far into our little family fitness challenge.  Along the way, I co-opted the kids into racing with me (or even racing their own races) and it's been wonderful seeing them excited when they cross that finish line and realize how strong their bodies and minds are.

Friday evening in Burley is not a hoppin' kind of place or town.  The people are so friendly that they almost compete for best customer service with South Dakota.  I simply can't say enough wonderful things about the Fairfield Inn hotel staff or the townspeople...or the race organizers...or the race volunteers.  Everyone made this race experience wonderful.

So not to be shortchanged on knocking out states, Bridget lined up at the kids 1-mile race alongside Greg.  The race organizers had the animals from Madigascar lead the kids in pre-race exercises before hand.  So fun to watch.  And then she was off (with Greg racing by her side). I managed to snack some great pics of Bridget finishing before Greg.  This was super important because they had bet (at least a week prior to the race) that if he beat her, then she would have to eat whatever he chose and Bridget would have to give him kisses and hugs.  If Bridget won, then she could eat whatever she wanted whenever she wanted and watch whatever show she wanted whenever she wanted.

I'll let the pictures below tell who won...

 

Hello, Miss 49!

I just registered for the 49th state! I can't believe we've accomplished so many states in such a short period of time.  What started out on a bar napkin as a silly challenge has turned in to some of the best family memories and fun with my husband and two kids. 

Later this month, I'll be tackling Idaho.  I'll be running/walking a half marathon and laughing the whole way as I check off state 49 on a Saturday morning.  The evening before, my youngest will be running the kids 1 mile race, in which she will receive a medal.  I think one of the best things about this challenge has been seeing my two daughters take part in races and actually enjoy running.  I'm one lucky girl!

Now, Hawaii...you elusive 50th state...it's time to start thinking about you!