Half Marathon Fun

Top of Utah: 23-August-2008: 1:27:59

When I am in good running shape I feel like me.
I feel strong,
true,
comfortable, and
complete.

Oftentimes when I run I learn something new about myself.

Tonight I learned that even though we can't change our past,
we can change the future.

And if we could go back in time to change our past, altering one small decision or one very large perspective, it wouldn't do any good because we'd still be the person we were back then, becoming the person we are now.

We can gain wisdom from experiences we have had, and constantly mold our future into what we ultimately desire.

Family Reunion Fun

This is a rare occasion having all of the Price siblings together in one room at one time. True to form they all sat around a table when they got a chance and told family stories, and each one tried to be funnier than the last. I don't know if they tried, but it sure got funnier. This is the night before the reunion. Kristen got tickets for us all to go see "Indiana Bones" at the Desert Star Theatre. Thanks Kristen, it was a blast!

I love this guy!

Taylor and our sweet, little niece Jessica at the Price family reunion. We were able to feed the horse grass and he fed right from our open hands. I think this was a first for Jessica. She thought it was pretty cool.

My Lucky Day

Look at that great rainbow taken the night before my race.
This must mean LUCK!

I found my pot of gold (Taylor) at the end of this rainbow:)

Thanks Taylor and Mom for being my #1 supporters. Despite the unorganized beginning of the half marathon, I was able to wedge my way to the front to get a somewhat legitimate time as I crossed the finish (what sort of big race doesn't do chip timing??? --must be Utah County), and earned my second fastest time in the four half-marathons I have done! Probably because I ran this race a lot smarter than my last two. Thanks Taylor for coaching me and giving me lots of great advice. I've got that 1:23 in me dying to come out. I know it!

cherry pickin'

While at my sisters the other day, just on the brink of rain, Ambree and I decided to bike 3 meters across the street and pick the cherries the cherry picking machines missed. (I was assured they were "free game"). So she got on her bike and I got on her little scooter and we biked across the street. She found some on her level and picked them. By the time I got out my camera I had to have her re-enact the first cherry pick. This is the face she gave me:

And by this time the rain was falling hard and we were darting from tree to tree, taking cover when we got a chance. As we were running she asked, "Auntie, why does it rain?" And I answered:

"When Heavenly Father is so happy he sends us rain."

I think she likes the rain just as much as I do.

Endless cherry orchards.

Bailey and Brielle-- with bears, blankies, and binkies.

Faces

The beautiful faces of my nieces... I took these priceless pics while playing in the park at a family get together.













If you can't tell by Brielle's laughing smile, my dad was making these girls laugh pretty hard.

Little Lexi lou showing off her big, blue, curious eyes; and Ambree showing off her sky blue smiling eyes. These girls make me happy.

A Late Vitamin

The other night I drank some Mountain Dew.

The night was just too great and I had to share it with someone and Taylor was busy with late night homework-

I find myself in my running shoes sharing the night with the glowing white full moon, suspended from strings in the darkened sky.
Usually I like the back roads but because of the hour I find comfort in the company of cars whirring by and the lights they provide.
I am led to the main building on campus sitting high upon a hill amazed at the level of activity at such a late hour, the glowing white "A" shining bright like a beacon.
Past the Christ Lutheran Church with the glowing white sign that reads something about Jesus and forgiveness, and 'Everyone welcome. Sunday 8:00-9:30 AM',
Reminding me of the Catholic Youth hostel we stayed in during our visit to Alishan, Taiwan--a city of one single train leading up to a most beautiful sunrise where the sun jumps when it first appears--what with the large cross on the top and it set upon a hill as well.
And finally zigzagging my way back on the quiet quaint Logan streets, past the cottage that is straight out of the enchanted children's book, The Secret Garden.

I can't quite figure out why I feel so alive at this moment--It must be my thankful heart... the full moon... or the couple ounces of Mountain Dew.

I think I found my new daily vitamin.

Xango Echo Triathlon 2008

Nice bum shot!

Here's to you Taylor!!! This weekend he participated in the annual Xango Echo Triathlon. This is one of his favorite events of the season and one he doesn't like to miss.

This past summer has been a busy one for him--working many hours while taking a full summer load of classes including a very daunting calculus class. His evenings are filled with international calls for work during homework breaks, and a small run or bike when he can fit it in.

His training during the past month has been twice a week runs, and maybe 2 good bike training rides, but don't be fooled by his training-when the tri horn signals the start of a tri, something clicks inside him and he turns into a Tri Maniac. This year his swim was his fastest ever by four minutes. Wow! He hadn't even been in the water this whole summer. How did he do it.?.?! His answer, "Swim the entire time instead of doggy paddle." Maybe the new wetsuit helped too. And on the bike he's just a machine!

So as the horn blasted, I was a little worried considering his lack of training, but being the champ he is he pulled through to take fourth overall in the Elite division. Since they gave prize money to the top five we were pretty excited. Tay, you raced awesome and you inspire me to be a better person. Great job!!! I sure am proud of you! Way to work hard and finish strong!