Utah Fun

My parents picked me up from the airport and after a delicious lunch, they took me to my favorite place in the entire world.

Now that's love.

After wandering the aisles and getting delicious goodies like pumpkin butter, jelly beans, pumpkin soup, yummy cereals, and four different kinds of crackers... We reluctantly checked out. I was so tempted to fill my entires suitcase with TJ's food and ship it back to Alaska, but somehow decided not to. I don't know why because it's probably one of the smartest ideas I've had in a while. Luckily I will have another opportunity when I'm in Salt Lake City to go, so there's still a chance...

We drove from Vegas to my parents house in Southern Utah, and I quickly proceeded to fall asleep on the couch. I don't know why all flights out of Alaska have to be at 1:45am. I don't think I've ever flown during the day from Alaska- sure would be nice! I crawled into bed at 7:30 and found this on my pillow:

Have I mentioned how much I love my parents?

My thoughtful hubby took me on a surprise trip to my favorite running store, Skinny Raven, the day I left. I think pregnancy is making my feet grow or maybe my shoes are shrinking... So lately I've been getting blisters on the ends of all my toes. I decided it was time for new shoes and the guy at Skinny Raven sold me on these awesome new shoes:

The Adidas Energy Boost. Not only do they look awesome, but they feel great too. They're a neutral shoe that is full of new technology that I don't want to bore you with...  But basically they allow you to gain more energy from each step instead of it being released into the ground. And believe it or not, I can feel a difference when running in them! They also have a seamless top and toe box, so that means less rubbing and chafing. Less blisters? I'm sold.  

I took these bad boys out for a run on the trails near my parents house and remembered how much I love running outside. I've had to use the treadmill more than I like since starting my job (I don't like running alone in the dark at 5am!), so it was a very nice change to be outside soaking up the vitamin d.

Our adventures the last two days have involved a trip to Zion (but we couldn't get out of the car because of the government shut down) a fun show at Tuacahn Theatre, eating lots of yummy meals, and shopping! 

On our drive to Zion... The Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Now entering the park!

Who says you can't take great pictures from a moving vehicle?!

Stunning.

Blurry... but Tuacahn Theatre is right in the middle of the red rocks! So beautiful!

The real reason I am here in St. George is to run the St. George Marathon. Ha! Just kidding... As much as I am dying to run in the race, I know it's not good for baby. But that doesn't mean I can't pick up my bib and race loot! And who doesn't love a race Expo?! My mom and I went there last night and even though it made me sad I couldn't participate, it was so much fun to see the other runners with their faces shining in that "racer's glow." I watched as they got taped, bought and sampled all kinds of blox/goo, and walked around more than they should be :) I got my free samples of clif shot blox too. I call it sympathy carbo-loading. 

When I got home, I poured out my goodies on the bed and was immediately thrilled to find this:

Why yes, I will be getting a free froyo this weekend. Don't mind if I do.

The best part of the weekend is coming up... The arrival of my big sis!!! Wahoo! 

St. George Marathon!

Pure joy.  

26.2 miles.  Thank goodness it's not 26.3, because THAT would be crazy!

St. George is one of the most beautiful places I've visited.  Red rocks, canyons, stunning mountains, amazingly nice people, and running paths unlike anywhere I've ever been.  I must be an Alaskan because mountains make any place THAT much more beautiful.

The best part about my arrival to St. George was seeing my parents and sister for the first time in months, and my amazing cousin and uncle for the first time in FOUR YEARS!  Can you believe how quickly time flies?

My family! 

It was so amazing to see all of their smiling faces :)  And not to brag, but I had the best cheering squad at the race. :)

Best support squad ever!

So blessed.

My quick weekend trip started at the Marathon Expo to pick up my bib and runners packet.  There is something so amazing about an Expo.  Looking around and seeing other runners who share the same crazy obsession, vendors selling running gear that "I swear I'll use every day," free bite size samples of goo (who doesn't want a spoonful of sugary slime at 6pm?), and vendors promoting upcoming races that you can't wait to sign up for (but somehow quickly forget after the marathon when you can barely walk!).  I love the expos.  Another fun fact about Brittany is that I love freebies.  Free candy, pens, stickers, pads of paper, powerbars... all things I will likely not use/be allergic to... you name it, I love it.  Hence my love of expos.  Amazing.

Saturday morning, my alarm went off at 3:30am. Just a mere 3 hours after I fell asleep.  Luckily, nerves and excitement helped me get right out of bed as I threw on my runner's outfit that was neatly planned the night before :)  My training buddy and running-partner-in-crime, Dennis, was also running this race, so we met and rode the bus to the start together.

Greatest training partner ever!

WHAT A FUN STARTING LINE!  It was about 45 degrees at the start, so the race had fire pits with free coffee and hot chocolate (both of which I didn't partake in... not exactly a good pre-race idea).  The bonfires however, were amazing.  It was like a giant camping trip with a bunch of runner friends.  Aside from the 26.2 miles of running, it was my favorite part!

Clearly I was making a fashion statement.

Free space blankets for all! 

Camping with 7000 new friends.

Where's the s'mores?

The race itself... well... it was amazing!  Miles 1-10 were definitely warm up miles, but as my coach told me, "it's dark out, so they don't count." There was a nasty hill from miles 8-11.  But the moment I stepped at the top of the hill, the most beautiful sunrise spread across the sky.  Quite the reward.

Yes, I am that girl who takes pictures while running.

 My legs felt like bricks at mile 13, but luckily by mile 16 I finally felt amazing and started to pick up speed.

And yes, Dennis runs while looking backwards for the perfect photo op. :)

I can't say I've ever negative split the second half of a race... but I did for this race!  (Negative split means running the second half faster than the first half).  I took the first half out in 1:37 and the second in 1:31. With a total time of 3:08.04, a best time by 8 minutes and a 5th place finish in my age group.  :)  I'll take it!

Almost there...

High five!

The advantage to the course is that it is primarily downhill after mile 15, with the exception of a couple of small hills and flat stretches.  I can't say I've ever averaged under 6:50 for the last 10 miles of a marathon!  What an awesome course!  Now... that's not to say it wasn't painful.  My legs buckled multiple times on the downhills and my quads were on fire, but it was nothing I couldn't mentally power-through.  Hopefully I can get in the lottery again next year!

We did it!

Wahoo!

The rest of my weekend was spent recovering.  With lots of delicious homemade recovery foods from my Mom :)

YUM.

And of course, there was bocce. 

A classic Italian family tradition... Bocce! Perfect post race fun!

And Utah favorites...

Read the label. - Polygamy Porter... Why have just one?  haha

And lots of love. 

Sisters = best friends

My gorgeous cousin, Maria!

First time we've all been together in a year and a half!!

Now... onto Nike Women's Marathon in just 2 days!  Eek... what did I get myself into!