The Taylor Ranch: June 2011

I can't believe I did it!!! After 6 months of training, and running and running and running.......we finished the marathon.....all 26.2 miles!!!!!!

I am still surprised by how much fun I had....the race was a blast!!! The training was a little different story, but the marathon really was a blast!!! My cousin Tiffany and I decided we were going to do this... and I can't tell you how many times I cursed our determination, because there were more than 1 day that I thought "what in the hell have we done???" But we stuck with it, and drove back and forth from Ogden to Lehi to do our long runs together, and gave each other the pep talks we needed to get through another week....and we did it!!!

There are so many neat people that do these things....all shape, and sizes, and everyone that is there, is really rooting for you. The race seemed to go by so fast, we were having so much fun. I was so excited to see our family, all decked out in their pink "Team True Grit" t-shirts, with cow bells and signs....it is so powerful to see all those faces that you love,cheering you on

They were waiting at mile 19ish...and when I got there....there was Taylor...suited up in his running gear....I was so happily surprised, because he ran the rest of the way with me...pumping me up and telling me how cool it was!!!! It made all the difference in the world!!!

We came to the finish line and sprinted the last 1/8 of a mile in like were running from the law!!! My BFF Cally and her family were there cheering us on....It was INCREDIBLE!!!! I finished in 4:44... and happy as a clam!!

There are so many people I want to thank, because this is not something you do without help and encouragement from others.....

Tif..... I am so glad that you did this with me, I would have never stuck it out had I not had someone to help push me along.... All of those long runs are priceless to me, as hard as they were they were awesome to have done them together!!! You got Grit Girl!!! I love Ya!!

Taylor...... Holy cow....I am tearing up trying to write this....thank you for supporting me in whatever it is that I want to do!!! You have watched the kids, sacrificed a few ropings so I could go run, and even ran with me!!!! I love you, your the best!!!

My parents, they are amazing.....thank you for always helping, and for being there to cheer me on, in whatever I do. I am so proud that you guys are mine.... And so lucky to have such amazing grandparents for my kids!!!! We are the lucky ones!!! I love you!!

Lauri, Buck and T.J!!! I have the best family ever!!!! Laur, you have the most encouraging smile, and go get em attitude!!!! Just what we needed at the right times!!! Love you&Thank you!!!

And to my Big Girls!!!!! Jessica....you know how amazing I think you are!!! Thank you so much for thinking of me all week. For all of your GREAT tips, and helping me improve my running, by leaps and bounds!!!!!!! I am SO GLAD that I met you!!!!!! I love ya girl!!

Okay one more sappy thing. I know this is a long one, but hey, it might not ever happen again!!

This is for my kids, when they are older and looking back on these scrapbooks!!!

Tate, Whit & Reese.....You can do hard things!!!! So many times during these last 6 months I doubted myself, and wondered what I was doing. Half way though I wanted to quit, I had had it. But I didn't, I knew that it was hard, but in the end I was going to be so happy with myself for sticking it out, and not giving up!!! When you want to do something, YOU CAN DO IT!!!! No matter how hard, no matter how many cards are stacked against you..... You are stronger than you even know, and you just keep telling yourselves that!!!

FINISH WHAT YOU START!!!!

And you can do anything!!!!!

The day before the race..I came home and this was on the front window of my house!!!!

Thanks Jess!!!!

Oh and toenails are for sissies...I am down 2!!!