Saturday, May 2, 2009

Marathon Memories


Well, I did it! I ran my first marathon on April 18, 2009. And yes, I am still very much alive and very much still running. I thought my first marathon experience was awesome! I ran the first 4 miles with my friend Stacie and then the last 21 ½ I was solo. My wonderful husband found me when I had just a half of mile to go. He helped me finish my race. He was so great; he encouraged me to push it and run faster and helped me to a sprinting finish!! My official time: 3:57.03. Yay! Going into it I did not really set a goal for myself, but I am very pleased with my efforts. My brother Mac came in from California and he and Pfeiffer ran the ½ marathon. Both of those guys did awesome too!! My sister came down from Boise to help support. She, my mom and Little GB found me during my run 4-5 times to cheer me on and give me little extra boosts. Mac had sign made (see pics) and they would hold it up and Ann would yell “Keep going keep going” (which is a little joke from when we were young.) My brother Jed was working as an EMT in SLC that day and he spotted me a couple of times and the pictures are courtesy of him. (and my sister in law Bella) Thanks Jedders and Bella! I stripped my fuel belt at about mile 23 and gave it to him! Whew it was nice to be rid of that thing. My finishline support was so incredible. My parents, husband, sister, son, brother, sister –in-law and family where there to cheer me on! I could hear them yelling and it helped! I could not have completed this milestone without their support! I have the greatest family in the whole world!! Everyone helped, from my Dad getting up at the butt-crack of dawn to give us runners a ride to the starting line, to my brother’s sign, my sister’s cheering, to my J-Dawg’s awesome running mix, and to my mom watching little GB while I trained! They are so awesome! I am truly blessed. Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment! Thanks again guys! I love you all!





7 comments:

brandif10 said...

Way to go. I am in awe of people who can run that long and love it! Keep up the good work!

Beitler News said...

Kayla, you rock!! That is awesome! Brent has run a couple of marathon's and half marathons but I haven't gotten the running bug yet! I think I am going to train next fall with Team In Training for the Nike Women's I will be doing the 1/2!! Wow, that is great! Congrats, and I have to agree you have a pretty cool family!!

lizwagz said...

YOU ARE SUPERWOMAN!!! I cannot even fathom the idea of running around the block let alone 20+ miles :} You do have such a great family.

Hendrickson Clan said...

Thats Awesome! Way to go! I know you've put in ALOT of hard work getting ready for this(I see you run by my house quite often). GOOD JOB! P.S. You do have a GREAT family! ;)

Rosalie said...

Wahoo! That is so cool! I am so happy for you! You are amazing! Congratulations! What race is next? Boston? New York? The Western States 100? You can do anything now!

By: Amanda said...

It always did make me sick of how much and how easily you could run. Good job!

Bry and Meliss said...

Holy Toledo Kayla! Good Job!!! That's a MAJOR huge accomplishment...one I guarantee I will never do. I'm not a runner. I did a stinky little 10K last year and almost died. Just the thought of 20+ miles sends me into my grave! I'm super proud of you, WAY TO GO!!!!