a day away

Saturday was a much needed day away from home. No kids. No husband. No auction. No housework. No responsibilities. We left at 5:00a.m. and headed to St. George for the "Painters 1/2 marathon". (For all my non running friends that is 13.1 miles.) Coming out of the Gorge with a light covering of snow and fog hanging in the mountains I began to wonder what I had committed to do. We arrived in St. George to a frigid 36 degrees and overcast, but no snow and no rain. Carrie and I begged some stranger to roll down his window and snap a picture of us before the race started. We made it to the starting line 30 seconds before the start of the race. This was not because we weren't there on time, with plenty of time to stretch (Thanks Kody Okuda for your stretching expertise). It was the bathroom line that held us up and almost made us late to start the race. The story of my life!

It was a great experience. As always I am pleasantly surprised by how much my body can put up with. I had been nursing an IT band problem in my knew and hip for about 10 days before the race and I was a little worried about how I would do. Thanks to so many late nights with the auction, I only ran the Monday before the race. It was probably a blessing and allowed a little healing that I wouldn't normally have given myself.

I was very pleased to finish the race in 1:55:10! It is always more fun to remember the race than actually doing it! I'll admit it hurts, but the endorphins and sense of accomplishment are enough to make me do it again. . . .maybe.

After the race Carrie and I and another friend enjoyed a meal at the Olive Garden, followed by window shopping and actual shopping. Of course it wouldn't be a complete day away without a movie with popcorn and milkshakes for the drive home! (Hey we deserved after 13 miles, right?)Thanks for a great day Carrie. I enjoyed all the talking. To my sweet husband, thanks for keeping things intact here at home. I'm sure it makes you wish you could stay home everyday:)