Pioneer Day Classic 5k

Jonny pushing Julia and Gabe (21:46), Melody (24:07), Grandma, Mom, Cami, Drew, Julie, friends Mike Baird and Troy Wilde

I believe this is our first time running two races within one week. We did okay! Well, actually we both ran quite well. Jonny pushed both kids for his first time and still came in THIRD in his division. And I was really surprised when I saw the clock at the finish line and I was making it under 25 minutes! (That is my usual goal, but as this was my first solo post-Gabe run, I had set a goal for under 27.) I was even more surprised when Dad called me from the awards ceremony with news that I had won first place in my division. Not bad, out of 26 20-24 year olds! Mom won third in her division, and Grandma was first in hers. (As usual! She is generally the only 78-year-old at the race. Incredible.) Although Drew was running bandit, he came in just a few seconds before Jonny and the kids. So Jonny rightfully handed over his third place medal to Drew. Way to go, Chino. Don't worry, Julia still has my medal to play with. Oh, and Cami ran an awesome race as well, cutting off 4 mintues from Saturday's time. Click here to link the full results.

Mike and Troy, two of Jonny's buddies from work, decided to run this one last minute. Way to represent, MarketSplash.

This race was a festive way to start Utah's holiday. Beginning and ending at Timpview High School, it was uphill most of the race. I didn't notice it too much, maybe because I wasn't pushing the kids! Jonny said the gradual incline and hill were not so fun. But Gabe was an angel again and slept the entire race. (After a week of fussy running. Wow.) Julia was SO excited for this race. (I guess last week's Logan race made a big impression on her.) She had been talking about it all day Thursday. She woke up at 4:30 this morning, perhaps in anticipation?! She loves to recall who was there and what she ate and how she went really fast. She's a funny girl.

I guess Gabe isn't too thrilled about getting these pictures taken. Actually, Jonny and Julia don't look too excited either!

"This is the Race" Hyde Park 5k

Jonny (20:25), Melody pushing Julia and Gabe (29:18), Grandma, Clark, Brenda, Jacob, Mom, Cami, Drew, Julie

We stayed overnight in Logan to run this race early in the morning. It's not easy to get two kids up, fed, and ready to cross the starting line at 7 am! Grandma was sweet to go early and get us all registered.

Weeks ago when I mentioned to Grandma that we'd like to run this race, she warned me about "the hill." I wasn't too worried - I run a couple hills with these kids every day. Oops, or "Boops," as Julia says. It was QUITE a hill that lasted nearly a mile and grew steeper toward the top. I shuffled along as I pushed my two heavy kids (Julia: 28 lbs, Gabe: 14 lbs!) and was grateful for the Rocky music playing at the top. (Naturally, I did a Rocky cheer when we finally reached it.) Phew! The hill took everyone by surprise, except the locals. I was happy to see that despite the hill, we three made it under 30 minutes. Next 5k we hope to shave a few minutes off of that time. We'll see...

Jonny ran another great 5k. The hill didn't slow him down too much and he came in first in his division and fourth overall. Good work, Honey! Grandma was first in her division, and Mom third in hers. Also a notable fact, this was Cami's first 5k race. She did awesome and we're thrilled to have her as "part of our elite racing club," as Grandma put it.

They gave out so many prizes after the race. No, none of us won the treadmill, but both Jonny and I won other prizes! His number was called for a free Ipod and mine for $50 to the local aquatic center. Ha! (Any who visit Logan are free to use the pool gift certificate, which Grandma has on her mantle. It is so hot this summer, I wish we could've taken a dip while we were there.)

Oh, and thanks for Dad for riding his bike to the top of the hill and cheering us on. Julia thought that was very exciting.

One more excellent thing about this race: Gabe slept the entire run. I was so relieved. Sometimes he has a hard time falling asleep for the first mile or so and he fusses. No tears during this run! Great job on your first 5k run, my little man.