The Top of Utah (Logan) marathon was this past Saturday and I'm very pleased to say we completed it. I was extremely nervous all last week, didn't hardly sleep on Friday night but everything went quite well. My dad has run about 10 marathons so he couldn't sleep well either, very empathetic of him to share the nerves with us, so he was kind enough to wake us up before our alarms around 4:15 am. As a result we were on some of the first buses and had to wait around at the top of the canyon for an hour before the race started. It was freezing! Luckily they had a heated tent that hundreds of runners crammed into.
So anyway, Doug, my sister Erika, and I stuck together and kept a great pace for the first 13 miles. I got a side stitch at mile 13, which I battle quite frequently, so Doug walked a few minutes with me and talked me through the breathing to get rid of it. Consequently, Erika took off and we never saw her again. Up to mile 20 we kept about 8 minute miles and then we hit the wall HARD! The last six miles was a battle of walking and trotting, and it didn't help that we were just winding through neighborhoods- it gets a little annoying. We finally saw Dave (our new brother-in-law) at mile 24, which gave us another burst of energy. Doug hasn't been able to run very much the last two weeks due to his crazy schedule so I think he got really tired mentally here. At this point most of the "normal" marathoners hurt everywhere. Doug just kept describing the exact physiology of what hurt and what was going wrong in his feet and legs.
At mile 26, we saw Karla and Mariam and shortly after we saw the rest of the crew, my mom and Dad, Doug's mom, Laura, and our kids. We were both so excited to see Leah and Paige, they're such great supporters. They cheer and clap and get so excited for us. Doug and I ran in holding hands and I was crying (which makes it a bit difficult to breath).
Ten years ago I ran across the finish line of the Deseret News Marathon holding hands with my dad. Now I've run across a second finishing line holding hands with my hubby. I'm so lucky to have such amazing men who love and support me in my life. I love the special connection I feel with my dad, my husband, and my sister, that comes with accomplishing our goal, not just running the race but training for it as well.
So anyway, Doug, my sister Erika, and I stuck together and kept a great pace for the first 13 miles. I got a side stitch at mile 13, which I battle quite frequently, so Doug walked a few minutes with me and talked me through the breathing to get rid of it. Consequently, Erika took off and we never saw her again. Up to mile 20 we kept about 8 minute miles and then we hit the wall HARD! The last six miles was a battle of walking and trotting, and it didn't help that we were just winding through neighborhoods- it gets a little annoying. We finally saw Dave (our new brother-in-law) at mile 24, which gave us another burst of energy. Doug hasn't been able to run very much the last two weeks due to his crazy schedule so I think he got really tired mentally here. At this point most of the "normal" marathoners hurt everywhere. Doug just kept describing the exact physiology of what hurt and what was going wrong in his feet and legs.
At mile 26, we saw Karla and Mariam and shortly after we saw the rest of the crew, my mom and Dad, Doug's mom, Laura, and our kids. We were both so excited to see Leah and Paige, they're such great supporters. They cheer and clap and get so excited for us. Doug and I ran in holding hands and I was crying (which makes it a bit difficult to breath).
Ten years ago I ran across the finish line of the Deseret News Marathon holding hands with my dad. Now I've run across a second finishing line holding hands with my hubby. I'm so lucky to have such amazing men who love and support me in my life. I love the special connection I feel with my dad, my husband, and my sister, that comes with accomplishing our goal, not just running the race but training for it as well.
Doug and I finishing strong, well we weren't feeling very strong.
Erika running to the finish, with Karla and Laura on each side. She did awesome. She came in 15 minutes before us- knocked off over an hour off her first marathon time. She rocks!
We all look better than we feel in this picture. 
After downing a couple of chocolate milks, the best thing after a race is a massage.
10 comments:
I am so so proud of you both. And I seem to be tearing up as well. You are inspiring, both as a friend and a mommy! keep it up girla!
WAY TO GO GUYS! I have to say I got a bit choked up reading that one... Very inspirational! you guys are so awesome! We love you Doug & Amber! :)
Ahh, awesome! Way to go!! That race seemed like it came so soon. You guys are amazing; way to work through the pain together! How awesome to be able to cross the finish line in such meaningful ways!
Congratulations! NB told us you were running on Sat. I was thinking of you as I sat on my behind for several hours making a friendship bracelet.....
WAY TO GO!!! I am so proud of the Doxey's.
Congratulations! That is so awesome! Anyone that runs a marathon amazes me! Good work!
Thats so awesome, Amber. Way to go!
Congrats!! You two are amazing. It was inspiring. How lucky you two are to have each other!!
Doug... as someone studying to be a podiatrist... don't you think it's a little crazy to do all that pounding on your feet?! ;-)
Great job!
Still mad I missed you guys, but what an inspiration to me!! (not a full, but a half :)
Congratulations! I did that race along time ago - and it was tough! What an amazing accompishment!
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