My first half marathon!!!!

On April 23rd, 2011 I ran my first half marathon! I did the "Running For Risa" event up at Hagg Lake, just southwest of Portland. My good friend, Rachel, and I got up early to drive up. We had to be there by 7:30AM to check in. The race started at 8:00AM. It was a fun drive up. Rachel and I talked a lot and my GPS took us the "back way" and we crossed the river on a ferry! That was an unexpected adventure.

I missed the turn around for the half marathon and continued on to the turn around for the full marathon at this one point so I ran an extra half mile or so. It wasn't my fault. The guy holding the one sign was holding it funny and I couldn't read it so I asked, "Is this where I turn around?" He said, "No, you just have a little further", and he pointed down the road. I ran down and turned around. As I was coming back I realized that no one else was running where I was and was feeling weird about it. Then when I came up to where the first guy was I saw all the runners turning around at him. As I ran by I said, "Hey I though you said this wasn't the turn around?" He said, "This is the turn around for the half." I said in exasperation, "I am a half-er!" His jaw dropped open and he yelled after me, "Oh! I'm sorry! I thought you were a full!" No worries, I just kept running. After adjusting my time we figured I ran the 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 8 minutes. I was a little frustrated but also super excited! Rachel told me that was an excellent time for my first half. I'll believe her, she's been running a lot longer than me. She is like a super woman!

The race was to help a girl named Risa who had cancer. It was to help pay for her medical bills and treatment. I found out that she and her family are members of our church and at the race there were LOTS of BYU t-shirts everywhere. There was also a very special spirit in the air. We also found out before the race that Risa passed away about a week earlier. That weekend was their family reunion. That afternoon was to be Risa's funeral. I cannot even imagine what a hard day that must have been for her family! It was a fun and exciting race, but also a sweet and somber atmosphere.

After we crossed the finish line there was a big lunch waiting fro us! They had amazing hamburgers, salad, desserts, drinks, etc. I have never had a hamburger taste so good! Everyone was so wonderful and nice. I am so honored that it was my first half marathon. It was the most perfect weather, a beautiful course, and helping out a deserving family as we honored their beloved daughter. It was a good day.