Half Marathon Hotties

Melinda and I completed our very first (and perhaps last) half-marathon on Saturday! That's right, we ran 13.1 miles! Below are some highlights and lowlights of our experience:

-The lines for the port-a-potties were crazy!! We were near the front of the line with about 5 minutes to go before the race, so everyone was on edge. I thought a riot was going to break out in the line next to me when the 3 guys at the front of the line were too busy talking and missed their chance to go in the next available johns. But wait – another opens! They still don't see it! While the people behind them are trying to get their attention, a girl from the middle of the line literally sprints in the port-a-potty and steals it! What a breach of decorum, but you have to admire her gumption.

-We loved all the onlookers cheering us on – particularly the cute old women who lived along the marathon route. It really helps to have people tell you you're doing great.

-We don't understand why people have so much gear for a race! Melinda and I brought only our essentials, but we saw people with jackets (these were immediately doffed within the first two miles), gloves discarded off to the side of the road, and one man running with a knapsack. Thunk-a-thunk on his back the entire time.

-I think the low point of the race was around mile 10 when the “elite” marathoners started passing us at a blistering pace. There's something innately depressing about the fact that someone did twice over what you've done, and in less time.

-Running into the Gateway is always fun – with people lining both sides of the street cheering you on. Nothing beats it!

-A shout-out to our friend Brooke who got us into the Huntsman Hometown Heroes tent, where Melinda promptly took advantage of the free massage.

All in all, you can't beat the feeling of accomplishment that comes after a race like this. It feels good to achieve something you've been preparing for the last few months.