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...

 

A Day in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City? Yep, Utah.  Love that place.  In order to knock out Idaho, and to keep our travel expenses under budget, we flew in to Salt Lake City. Had our flight not been delayed, we had planned on seeing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform.  It's kind of a big deal to see the Choir and their Thursday evening practice is open to the public.  Both Greg and I were pretty pumped about this, but we just couldn't get United to share in our excitement...go figure.

The next morning, before making our trek to Burley, Idaho, we managed to kill a few hours at Discovery Gateway, the kids museum in SLC.  What a wonderful place! Best of all, Bridget got to be treated to her kind of fun, rather than boring old adult fun.

Had to drag her out of the place...but we had packet pick-up and she had a 1-mile race to run!

Stuck on the Tarmac, But Happy at 49 States

Friday and Saturday marked our completion of a race in 49 states. Forty-freaking-nine! In short, Bridget and Greg ran the 1-mile fun run on Friday and I knocked out a half marathon on Saturday. Even won my age group and, oh boy, is that a funny story!

After we get off his Tarmac and home to my computer, I'll write a proper post with pictures. Needless to say, we had an awesome time!

Love this

Columbus Half Marathon, Here I Come

I'm pretty excited about this race.  I've wanted to run it the last few years because many of my running friends rave about the course, the volunteers and the fans.  However, the last 3 years, I've been traveling during the month of October because air fares are at their lowest and I can knock out a few states in one month.  But this year, since I'm closing in on 49 states, I am free during October.  Yay!

I am following a formal training plan (Hal Higdon) because I need focus and discipline, if I'm going to do this right.  So far, all body parts are in working order and nothing hurts.  Let's hope that lasts!

So here's to training for 13.1 miles of fun and a PR!

Austin City Limits

Yesssssss!!!!!! We're going this year.  It's our second time at ACL and I'm beyond excited.  What a lineup - Cure, Depeche Mode, Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon, Muse, Atoms for Peace (I love me some Thom Yorke), Queens of the Stone Age, Franz Ferdinand, too many acts to name! Our hotel and flights are booked.  Now let's hope that we don't have the mudfest that we had the last time!

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!