January 2011

St. George Half Marathon
January 22nd was the St. George Half Marathon and it was nice to just getaway to warmer temperatures (about 30 degrees warmer than slc). I went down with my friends, Michelle and Justin, and we all had great runs. We drove down the Friday before and hit the Dixie Center for the expo and packet pick-up. As we walked through the expo, I spotted the Red Rock Relay tent and pointed out that I was wearing their shirt from the last race. The guy told me that since I was supporting their race and all that I could try to win a free hat if I could hit a target from a certain distance with a nerf gun. Let's just say that I need a little more practice with nerf guns because I missed (however, I almost hit a few people and I think that should count for something). I did get free chapstick and it's always fun to talk to race directors/event coordinators to hear about plans for the next race.
After the expo we headed to Cafe Rio for dinner and then to the hotel. We ended up at the Wyndham Wingate which we got for super cheap and it was way nice. It was kind of fun having a room all to myself...now that's every mom's fantasy vacation!
The next morning I met up with Michelle and Justin for breakfast at 7 and then we made it to the start of the race by 8. We got to hangout in the Dixie Center until five minutes before the race start (which was 9), and I have to say that it was such a nice change to use indoor plumbing as opposed to a port-a-potty. The race started on time (always good) and it was a pretty congested start (there were over 1500 half marathoners). I swear the first mile went on forever and I think it was because I felt trapped inbetween so many runners. The course had us running on the street, through neighborhoods, and eventually we made our way to a trail which we had to loop around and run twice. There were a few hills, but that's always good for training purposes anyway. I finished in 1:41 which wasn't my fastest time, but I was honestly just happy to finish (that is my goal for every race...just to finish). I did have to stop and tie my shoe during the race, I ran without music, and there were a couple of other things I ended up doing differently before/during the race. The good news was that even making a few changes didn't affect my run so I was pretty happy with that, too. Michelle and Justin had great runs and both set pr's (Michelle did a 1:42 and Justin did a 1:21). After the race and talking with some other runners, we dashed to the hotel to get in a quick shower, checked out, then drove Justin to a starting point along the iron man bike course so he could ride one of the loops (which is like 44 miles). He is doing the iron man race in May--all I can say is I admire the amount of dedication and training that takes. While Justin was riding, Michelle and I grabbed lunch and shopped at the outlets. The temperature was in the fifties and did reach sixty that day--so much better than slc. After we met up with Justin and picked him up, we started to head back home so we could get back around 7ish.
Kyle was great and met me at my house just after I got home, then we picked up Hayden and had dinner. We were all pretty tired so we called it an early night just before 10.

Jungle Jim's

On MLK Jr. Day, Hayden and I went to Jungle Jim's (it was Hayden's first time). He loved it--he did the jeeps, carousel, swings, bumper cars, and the play area with the slides and stuff.

Some of the kids had a hard time figuring out the bumper cars, but Hayden caught on pretty fast.

Bob's 50th Birthday

For my stepdad's birthday, Bob, we went to Rodizio Grill in American Fork. It was so yummy and everyone loved it! Above is a pic of the birthday boy with Gage.

Here's our group: Bob, Gage, Brooke, Travis, my mom, Hayden, me and Kyle

Hayden's Art Work

Above is a picture of part of the pre-k bulletin board. The teachers had three of the kids draw their heads to be in the picture and Hayden was one of them. Hayden loves art and draws everyday. I am hoping to find a drawing class for young kids for Hayden to take during the summer...if anyone hears of anything let me know.