Dallin + Sam: 26.2

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

26.2

Last week Cal & I headed to SLC so that I could run the Ogden marathon.

Maren went through the Jordan River Temple the night that I got there, and I was so glad to be able to go through with her. (Thanks to Alex & Jackie for babysitting).

Jackie & I stayed with Lisa and Liisa Frei at Liisa's brother's house the night before the marathon. I was kind of a wreck being away from Cal overnight/being nervous about the marathon. Mostly about being away from Cal for my first time. I took it way harder than he did though, and was an angel baby for my parents the whole time. It started pouring when we were on the bus driving to the start, and rained while we were waiting at the top. I was kind of worried about the weather, but (besides my shoes being wet) the rain was actually kind of nice. It rained almost the whole race. I loved the first 10 miles or so, then I hit a wall around mile 11. It made me soo nervous since I wasn't even halfway. I got a second wind around mile 16 and LOVED the last 10 miles of the race. It was so, so fun to have energy at the end and it is a really beautiful course. I felt great even the last few miles and had a much better experience than the last time I ran this marathon.

The marathon, however, was NOT the coolest thing to happen that day. My parents were waiting with Cal right after the finish line. I was on a high from finishing and was so excited to see Cal! When I made eye contact with him he said, "mama!" for the first time! His first word! It was epic. Naturally, I started bawling. It was so awesome. He was crying while he said it and I am pretty sure he doesn't know what it means, but still. Best moment ever.

I ran the first 5 or so miles with Jackie. I was proud of her for finishing without hardly training! She says she is going to do it every year.

Jackie and me at the finish line

Cal having a sleepover with his papa and grandma special

Waiting at the finish line with his foot up

Kassi is one of the best friends that I made while I was up at Utah State. We became great friends my freshman year and decided to live together the next year. We became really close while we lived together, then she left to serve a mission in New Jersey. She married an awesome guy when she got home, then, while she was 6 months pregnant, found out that she had a brain tumor. She had it removed the next day and later discovered that it is stated 3/4 cancer. It breaks my heart every time I think about it, but I cannot believe how much of a rock Kassi has been through this whole ordeal. She will have to start treatments right after she has her baby. I am in awe of how positive and upbeat she is. She is an inspiration to me and I am excited for her baby girl to get here. I was lucky enough to get to see her while I was in town and she got to meet Cal for the first time.