Deseret News Marathon 2009

So I just finished running the Deseret News Marathon with my good friends Laura and Margaret. This was my first time running this marathon in particular, 11th marathon total for me. Laura was brave and chose this one for her very first marathon ever and I am so proud of her! She did awesome and finished with a great time. I have always steered clear of this one because it is known to be one of the most difficult marathons. Today was the 40th year of the marathon and I made the decision last year that I would be on that course today. The reason it is so difficult is because of the uphill and downhill in the canyons and the heat. The marathon was started 40 years ago to pay respect to the pioneers and runs through the treacherous canyons and the heat to remind us of what they went through as they enetered the Salt Lake Valley. I am honored to have been a part of history today and feel so content with my finish time and how good my body feels right now after a nice 10 minutes in the "tub of torture" (ice cold water to help get the lactic acid out of my muscles). It really helps with sore muscle pain and recovery but it is no fun at all. Craig is studying for the bar exam full time but took a few hours away from his study time to come and support me! What a great guy! I am so lucky and so proud of him for all his hard work! He takes the bar on Tuesday and I have no doubts whatsoever that he is going to do a great job!! He has spent the last 2 months in his office from 6am until 10pm studying, outlining, practicing, and memorizing all the different subjects he will be tested on! Well, Happy 24th and hopefully we are all taking a minute today to remember the pioneers and the many sacrifices they made!!!