Half Marathon

I wanted to do a 1/2 marathon before the BIG one in October. I found the Emigration Half and talked Cole into signing up with  me.  I was going to be in town, so it seemed to work out great.  I have not been able to run due to all the smoke we have been getting from the Rim Fire in California, so I have not run...not even a mile in 2 weeks.  I knew this would hurt me, but I figured..Emigration Canyon is down hill. Maybe I will get a PR.  Lesson to this statement:  Check the course before you think you are better then you are.  The first 4 miles were ALL uphill.  I was not prepared for that!  On top of that, I thought I could PR when I haven't been running...HA.  Needless to say, I didn't PR, but I didn't do to bad. I came in at 2:10 which is pretty close to my normal racing time. 
 There was this girl that I played leap frog with the whole race and towards the end, I ran out of steam and she passed me for a final time.  I waved her good bye and focus on finishing.  I turned the corner and saw the finish line.  I picked up my pace and thought "can I pass her".  She was still pretty far ahead but I stared to SPRINT with all I had and passed her!!  I came in before her.  It felt so good...UNTIL..I got the race results.  She still beat me by 2 seconds!  Her chip time was 2 seconds ahead of me from the starting line!  ARRRGHHH.  Guess it goes to show that you need to train and believe in yourself even when you think you can't do it.  I am still proud of myself.  And Cole...he came in 4th in his age group.  He is amazing!  The race was pretty, and the grub at the end was nice.  The only thing I wish they had was a medal!!  I want something besides a shirt to say I ran a race.  Oh well...

 Cole and Sarah at the starting line

 Cole on the course (these pictures are small cuz I downloaded them from the official race photographer and this was all I could get).

Do I look I am going to die?  This was pretty close to the end of the 4 mile hike to the top

 Cole running towards the end

I am sprinting with all I have to pass that chick

Can you see me in purple trying to pass this chick.  Even though I passed her, she still beat me by 2 seconds!

Cole and Sarah at the finish line.