Cedar Hollow Turkey Trot - 4 miles

Jonny (around 28 minutes), Melody (around 32 minutes), Julia, Gabe, and all else pictured!

I guess I should have written about this race a little earlier. Here in March, I am finding myself forgetting our times. But I know Jonny was first place and I was fourth, after Drew and a fast girl. (So I am basing our times around Drew's. Thanks to his faithful posting I can see that he ran it in 30:17. We were all pretty close.)

Anyway, it was so so so cold (4 degrees Fahrenheit). The first mile was pretty rough. But we managed to warm up well enough and run a pretty decent race. The kids ran/walked/piggy-backed the kids race around the block. Gabe was so excited to run after Julia. I bet they will have fun with a few toddler trots this summer. Julia brings up the Alpine Days race quite a bit! 

Logan First Dam 5k

Jonny (19:17), Melody (22:50), Grandma, Dad, Mom, Amber, Drew (10k), Julie (10k)

It wasn't too cold of a morning, not by 10:00 anyway, to run this race. The kids stayed at Grandma's house with Katy, who so sweetly offered to babysit them. (Jonny brought them all over after the race to play at a nearby park and be in on the post-race festivities.)

Jonny was speedy as usual, and although a minute slower than my last race, I ran a pretty quick one too. Actually not only did Jonny and I both place second in our age groups, but so did Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Drew! (See full results here.) Unfortunately none of us won the treadmill in the raffle. But we were happy with the nice quality blue tech shirts. (We were not happy with the price of the race, though. $25. And that was the early registration price. If is wasn't a special, sleepover at Grandma's, family event, I wouldn't have payed that on principle! I am worried all of our favorite races are going to skyrocket in price, as some already have. We'll just have to be more picky, I guess.)

It's getting more difficult to find the time to run, now that it's too cold to go with the kids most days. But it is always helps to have a race to work toward. Next one up: Thanksgiving. Should be fun.

5K Cake Walk and Run

Jonny & the kiddos. This was a small race of about 80 runners. We were in 2nd for most of the race and ended up 3rd. Don't know the time, but it was pretty slow.

Oh, and we won this cake.

Mike's Mad Dash to Beat Cancer 5k

Jonny pushing Julia and Gabe (20:28), Melody (21:59), Grandma, Mom, Dad, Amber

This was our third year running this race at the AF Hospital. The course is a simple square, but it never seems too long. This year Grandmother was outside of her house cheering us on! I'm sure the kids loved that.

Jonny ran a super fast one, even though he's had an awful cold for the past two weeks. He came in third in his division and eighth overall. (298 runners in all, 10 year divisions.) I also came in third in my division and nineteenth overall. Grandma was second in hers, (Out of 6 60 and older women. She is 79. Wow.) Dad was second in his. And Mom was third in hers. Amber scored a raffle prize so we all came home winners! (See official results here.)

I knew I was running a pretty fast race when my first mile was 6:45. There was a girl running my pace, so I decided to try to keep up with her. As we ran I learned that Alexis, the speedy 10-year-old, is a fellow Manila Mustang. So we had a little to talk about! We ran together off and on until the last mile when she sped ahead and there was no catching her. But if it weren't for her, I don't know that I would've run my new PR. Jonny's cheering at the end also helped me to really sprint at the end. I usually don't have very much left by then, but when I saw that I could beat 22 minutes, I surprised myself by running quite fast through the finish line!

Hey, wait a second. I just realized Jonny set a new PR in this race too. This is his fastest 5k while pushing the kids to date. I guess he really didn't let a cold hold him back. Way to go, Love.

I've been looking at past races and noticing that my times are significantly faster this year- even when pushing the double stroller. I credit this to my half marathon training. Because I had worked up to running longer distances, I have tried to maintain some longer runs since the race. I run five days a week with the kids and do 3-4 miles most days and at least one 5-milers each week. I remember only running 2-2.5 daily miles with Julia a few years ago. So I guess it makes sense that my 5k times are faster. It feels good to set a new PR that is comparable to my Cross Country times. And Jonny just might get back under 19:00 one of these days...

Alexis, my Manila Mustang friend:

Beat Beethoven 5k

Jonny (19:08), Melody with Julia and Gabe (23:32), Dad, Amber, Cami, Drew, Julie, Mitton Family, Mike Baird

We did it! We all beat Beethoven. This is our third year running this race and it's still definitely one of our favorites. We love the music, the nice course, and the small crowd. Last year Rudi watched the kids so Jonny and I both ran solo. So I didn't quite remember how half the course is slightly uphill - something you definitely realize with a double stroller. But I had a goal to run this one a little faster than I thought I could. And I did! It wasn't easy, and I am even a little sore. Throughout the race there were two girls I thought I could catch up to. With that as my goal, I really picked up my pace at the last half mile, passed both girls, and kicked it into the finish line. It was quite exhilarating to run so fast with the kids. They may have even been a little surprised at our accelerated pace at the end! I placed third in Women 20-29 and fifth in women overall (out of 85 women). See the full results here.

I'm sorry I don't have Jonny's entire race story to record, but suffice it to say he came speeding in at third place in Men 20-29 and third in men overall (out of 66 men). Funny, he ran the race in the exact time he did last year. Now if he can just take a few seconds off he'll be under 19 minutes. Maybe next year, huh?

Lots of family and friends ran this one as well. It was so fun to see the Mittons at this race again. (Last year we were surprised to see them. And we had to much to talk about with Em's triplets being born that morning and all.) Todd, Mckay, and Abby ran while Allison, Alex, and their dog Molly cheered us all on. They were on the side of the road just as I started to really push myself. What great motivation! I love those Mittons.

Gabe loved the Mitton's dog Molly:

Mike's wife Candice and his twins came to cheer him on: Dad's first First Place
(So what if it was only out of two guys?!)

Julia took this picture of Daddy. I like it.

Alpine Days 5k and Toddler Trot

Jonny (19:10), Melody with Julia and Gabe (24:55), Julia in Toddler Trot (4:55), Grandma, Dad!, Amber and Brady, Cami, Mike Baird

Alpine Days is always a favorite, and this year was no exception. We continue to love Alpine for only charging $5 for a perfectly simple and fun morning race. This year they gave medals instead of trophies, which take up less space in my house so I am all about it!

It was Dad's first summer 5k. Mom is in Maryland so she wasn't able to see him speed through the finish line at 28:52! He may just have beat her - at least it would have been a close race. Can't wait to run more with Dad in the future. He told us, "These are the first tenny-runners I've bought in 11 years." I have a feeling his new shoes won't last that long. (We also missed Drew and Julie. But they are in England so we just don't really feel too bad!)

Jonny and I were pretty sore all week from the half marathon last Saturday. But we woke up ready for a good run. My quads were tight toward the end, but we made it under 25 minutes and placed 1st in women 25-29. (a new PR for a loop course with the kids.) Jonny ran his fastest time for this race and placed 2nd in his division. But it doesn't end there: Grandma placed 1st, Dad so close to 3rd, and Cami 3rd. We brought home the medals alright!

Then came the really fun part. Julia had been looking forward to her big race all week long. I don't know how many times we had to look at the calendar and count the days until Saturday after she begged and begged, "Me just want to run the race right now." She even jogged to the fire hydrant and back every day after my run. (She would always stop and stretch at the fire hydrant. Hilarious.) Well, the actual event exceeded her expectations. She loved the big crowd, wearing a race number, being cheered on by her running idol family members, the horn that set them off, even the cars lining the road. Being awarded a big lollipop and a "first place" blue ribbon (for all the kids, of course!) was elating. And she was quite the runner. It wasn't easy, but she ran around that entire block. This afternoon as we watched the race footage together, I said, "Julia, you are a runner!" You'd think that was the highest compliment she could have received. She couldn't stop smiling and saying, "Yeah, I runner! I runner!"

And to cap off a great morning, we all reconvened at Kneader's for some delicious french toast. We may just have to do that again next year.

There are so many pictures from this race, a slide show seems to way to go. And since it was Julia's first race, some videos were necessary. But first here are a few pictures to stand on their own:

Provo River Half Marathon

Jonny (1:28:09), Melody (1:52:02), Grandma Julie (2:57ish)

This was my first half marathon and Jonny's third. (I'm pretty sure Grandma lost count years ago!) Man, it was no walk in the park.

First of all, the training was challenging and tricky to fit in with two little kids and a hard-working husband who leaves for the office early in the morning. But we both managed to squeeze in some extra weekly mileage and felt pretty prepared for the race. That is, until I had some sort of stomach pain all week. Seems like it was a mild case of the stomach flu. Whatever it was, I felt awful and didn't know if I'd be able to race Saturday morning. But I prayed that I'd feel well enough to run and fell asleep hoping for that. I felt a little sick when we woke up at 4:15 but by the time we were in the car on our way to Provo, my stomach was as calm as ever. A miracle? I think so.

The race course down the canyon and past Bridal Veil Falls was gorgeous. The first three miles were quite steep and went by very quickly. The entire course was downhill except for the turn-around where we ran back up the canyon passing other racers going the opposite direction. The wind was against us and our legs weren't used to the uphill. So that was pretty tough. Luckily I had David Copperfield on my iPod to keep me distracted!

There were several water/gatorade stops that seemed to show up just when I needed them. All the miles were marked, which was helpful. Around 6 miles I remember thinking, "Man, I'm not even half done. Can I really do this!?" Then at 9 miles I knew I'd make it just fine, even though I could feel my legs really tightening up at that point. Next time I will have to do more downhill training for sure.

I came in under 2 hours, so I was thrilled. I was also a little surprised because I felt I was going so so slow at times. Plus, I was passed often by other runners. I guess I kept a decent pace, though. I think my next half goal will be 1:45. With better training, I think that is realistic.

Jonny was a superstar, as usual. Not only did he fly in under an hour and a half, but he was in the top 25 men in the race of 2,000+. Seriously, wow. He said he felt great - much better than he did during his half last summer.

We were so excited to see Grandma coming in under 3 hours - her goal. There's nothing like cheering, "Go, Grandma!" at a half marathon. She is amazing. Running a half with her has been a goal of mine for the past three years. And it was so fun to chat with her at the beginning and celebrate at the end. Dad even came to cheer us on at the finish line! It was quite the event.

I really did miss the kids, as running a race without them is very rare. But they had a blast at home with Katy. Next Saturday we'll all run Alpine Days together - if our extra-sore muscles will allow it! Yikes. That was some race.

Here is Jonny and his Top 25 Men poster.

Here I am pretending I was in the Top 25 Women.
Hey, I did make it into the top 25 in my age division (21st out of 158 total). Not too shabby.

P.S. Not to put a damper on things, but the shirts were pretty lame. They are extra cheap-o t-shirts that look like an Easter egg, featuring a tortoise and hare. I don't know why a half marathon wouldn't provide a cool tech shirt.

P.P.S. See full results here.

PG Strawberry Days 5k

Jonny with Julia and Gabe (just under 21 min.), Melody (22:59), Mom, Dad and Amber walking with Brady, Cami, Drew, Julie, Mike Baird

They really switched it up on us this year. The race was sponsored by the Fire and Police Stations so it was a new course, a higher price ($22.50, including the "convenience fee" online-the only method of registration), certificates instead of ribbons, and donuts at the end (Yikes! No fruit or bread). At first we were disappointed because we loved the old course - with the whole first mile downhill. And although today's course was a there-and-back, wasn't as scenic, and had no decline, we were surprisingly pleased with how quick the 3.1 miles seemed to go. And it was pretty fun to cheer each other on as we passed. It really was a good one and a great way to start out our sunny Saturday. Hopefully they lower the price next year and get some strawberries at the finish line!

Jonny ran bandit (we don't make a habit of this) but he would've placed in his age group had he crossed the line. I was 2nd in my age group and 4th overall. I had a good challenge at the end as a woman approached me from behind. I had a feeling she was in my age group so I pushed it as hard as I could and sprinted my best to the end. But she had more left than me! We talked after and sure enough, she was 29 and placed first in our age group and third in women overall. Ha! I was just happy to have had a reason to run my fastest.

Pony Express Days 5k

Jonny (19:09), Melody pushing Julia and Gabe (22:59), Mom, Cami

It's crazy that we've been living in Eagle Mountain long enough for this to be our third year running this race. (I sat out last year with newborn Gabe. But Jonny ran a great one!) Even though we didn't have to travel far, we had to wake the kids up early to be on time to catch the bus to the starting line. Julia thought the bus ride was "so way awesin," and we certainly didn't mind the downhill run it offered us.

We were surprised to see Dad, Mom, and Cami at the race! I had told them about it but didn't think they were going to come. Totally fun.

So as you can see from our times, we both ran a pretty awesome race. The kids and I definitely set a new PR. We surely owe that to the downhill course. There was only one slight uphill toward the end and I was able to keep my speed up quite well. Jonny beat his time from this race last year by almost a minute! He placed 4th in the age group (Men 21-30) and 8th in men overall. I placed 3rd in my age group (women 21-30) and 7th in women overall.

Julia and Gabe were very good sports throughout the whole event. Usually Gabe pulls Julia's hair and she whines about it. But they must have liked the speed because they were perfectly content. Of course Julia was commenting on passing dogs, flowers, hot air balloons, etc. (That means I have to respond/acknowledge everything she says.) I love my little running friends.

riding the bus

Gabe trying to escape - as usual

Linda Buttars Memorial 5k

Jonny pushing Julia and Gabe (26:48), Melody (26:36)

I vividly remember this race last year. I was extremely pregnant (walking the one mile) and soaking wet in the rain. This year we were hoping for blue skies. But Utah had other plans. It rained, snowed, and the freezing temperature kept our toes numb. The kids were as bundled up as could be, but we still felt slightly negligent hauling them out into the bitter cold. However frigid though, Julia would not want to miss a good race.

Jonny ran with the kids and took it somewhat easy as he has only been running a few times this spring. (I believe this is the first time I have come in before him. Even with the kids he always beats me. It was pretty fun to look over my shoulder and see them not too far behind. Julia's thumbs-up is a great motivator.) I felt like I was running well and was slightly disappointed to see the clock past 25 minutes as I ran in. (Under 25 is my goal when I run without the kids. I have always met it. Could it have been my numb toes or the biting wind that added the seconds to my miles? Not sure. But it's not a bad time anyway.)

Perhaps this was a tougher (slightly longer??) race for most runners because I came in 1st in my age group (out of about 19 20-25 years olds) and 7th overall in women. Jonny was 7th in his age group and 22nd in men overall. See the full results here.

We will probably do this fun race again next year. Maybe we'll be lucky enough to run in only one layer of clothing then? We will see...

These expressions are priceless:
Check out Gabe eying Julia's ice cream sandwich.
Her hands about froze off after eating that.

Warming up in the car after the race: