Provo Halloween Half Marathon

I'm not sorry that I'm late at putting these pictures up- hehe. I ran 13.1 miles yesterday and my quads are constantly burning and Jon has to help me up and down the stairs- so I have reasons for being late on this one. I am sorry that the post is a little lengthy.. but there are lots of pictures!! Enjoy!

This is us at our ward halloween party the night before.
Jon was Garth from 'Wayne's World'. "Party on, Wayne!" haha!
Happy Halloween!!!!

This race was one of the best races I have ever run. I woke up at like 5:30am and got ready and put all my gear on. Jon and I headed to the Riverwoods where the buses were picking up all the runners. They said the last bus was leaving at 6:45am. We got there a little after 6am and I waited for about 25 minutes until a bus finally showed up. This is probably the only thing I would've changed about the race. Tons of runners were in a line waiting and then when the bus came it passed us and ended up going to a different part of the parking lot. All the previous buses were stopping where we were all lined up so we were all confused and this just added to the mayhem. People were cutting people to get on the buses and I got elbowed by some chick (on purpose) but whatever, i'm over it.

Me before leaving the house and before the earmuffs went on!

Anyways, before I got on the bus I was in line and I was standing by an older woman (at least she looked older) and the whole scene reminded me of Napoleon Dynamite! She was like "can I touch your tutu?" It was a bit awkward. I was waiting for her to say "I like your tutu, it's real big and puffy". Then the lady I sat on the bus with was another awkward character. She kept staring at my tutu and then she started jabbering about the race start time. Heh, then there were some old guys in front of us singing "the wheels on the bus". It's amazing what kind of people you run into at 6am, most dressed in costumes and prepared to run in 30 degree weather in a canyon- hehe.

After the scary bus ride (imagine doing switch backs on a bus!) we got to Aspen Grove (above Sundance). They had one of the buildings reserved for us which was really nice. I went in and picked up my timing chip and got situated. There were even a few people who asked if they could have their picture with me- I looked that good! I ran into some people I knew and hung with them until the start.

Please don't judge me... I was making a "woo!" sound/face and um.. the picture
doesn't do it justice. Haha! I should've just gone with
the "thumbs up" ;-)

The costumes were AMAZING! Although, I have to admit- there were a ton of tutu's.. but mine was by far the best! The guy who won the costume contest was dressed as Wonder Woman! It was pretty great. There were a few "runaway brides" who wore wedding dresses with long trains (honestly.. how??) and one of my favs that didnt' win a prize was a guy who was dressed in a blue dress shirt, pocket protector, name tag that said: Bill and! he had a briefcase w/ a Microsoft sticker. Hehe.. he was Bill Gates and he ran the whole thing w/ the briefcase! Crazy!

The race ended up starting about an hour late (9am). It was due to the buses. The bus company were prepared for about 300 people and there were actually 800 people who ran this thing. So, we had to wait until all the buses got there. I was grateful though! A later time = a little warmer weather. Well, as warm as you can get at 7,000ft!

Wahoo!! I'm done!!

The first 5 miles were all down hill. It was intense! My quads are in agreement on that one ;-) I loved every minute of it though. The view of the mountains was unreal! It was so beautiful and breathtaking. Corny sounding, I know. I really mean it though. It is always so wonderful to see all of God's creations and being able to soak it all in. Anyways, after the first five miles, we ran on the side of Provo Canyon Rd. until Vivian Park and then we entered the canyon running/bike path and that took us back to where we got on the buses. They didn't have any mile markers on this course and I'm kind've glad. I just felt like I was just running and not in a race. I wasn't getting all caught up in "how many miles do I have left?" and I was just running and enjoying the scenery, other costumes (haha), my thoughts and music. At one of the last aid stations they yelled out that we were at 10.5 miles and I was like "woah! I only had a little less than 3 miles to go!" I kicked it into gear and finishing this time vs. my first half marathon was really awesome. My finish time was 2:02:04! Granted, we had the big down hill, but I ran the 2nd half of the race faster than the first half- go figure ;). I am so excited about this race. Even though my whole body is in a good amount of pain, I am really proud of myself.

After the race with my finisher's medal!

I also have to give another shout-out to Jon. He is my cheerleader and my most favorite person in the whole world :-) I told him he didn't have to come until the finish, but he insisted that he wanted to be there for the whole thing. I am so grateful for all his support. There are probably a million things he would rather be doing than go to a race- but he goes happily and cheers me on. I am so lucky to have Jon as my husband. I know of other husbands who were not so happy to be standing at the finish line yesterday and it made me sad when I saw how un-supportive they were. There were no "congrats" or even high-fives. I mean really! Your spouse just worked their butt off (literally) to run 13.1 miles and trained really hard for it and they're met with a grumpy husband way after the fact of finishing. Not cool.

I am hands down the luckiest woman in the world. I wish Jon could run with me, but due to knee problems, it just isn't an option. As much as I would love for that to happen, having him there supporting me is just as great. I love Jon and he needs as much recognition as I get- he's a real trooper putting up with my training, races and weird eating habits while I'm training. After the race yesterday we went up to Corn Belly's (a corn maze) and these next few pictures are from that :-) I love Jon- you are awesome and I know I thanked you like a billion times yesterday- but really, thank you for being there for me and helping me up and down the stairs, cheering me on and loving me no matter how I do. I appreciate all you do.

Jon before we started the maze

After a 3d fun house hehe- awesome glasses!

Here is a sign at the start of the maze... I don't think I could've run that fast
at that point anyways.. haha! I was very slow going (still am)
when we took this picture!

Sorry, we dropped the ball

So, here we are over a week after our "surprise Monday guest". Sorry to keep yal waiting so long. Here's the story:

I got a call on Monday (the 19th) at work from BYU confirming that I would be home around 7pm. They told me that they might be a little late, but they would be there. I got home from work at 6pm and Jon and I were really excited and nervous. Jon was watching Monday night football and he describes me as nervously awaiting a date- haha. We waited... and waited... and finally... around 8pm our doorbell rings! Jon opens the door and there stands Lamont Morgan Jr. He is one of the BYU basketball player. He's actually a really good player on the team and he's quite short. Taller than me- but not by much!! There he was with the guy next to him w/ a camera and we shake his hand and says something like "I hope we do you proud this season". He handed me the tickets and we said goodbye. 5 minutes after he leaves I look at Jon and say "I should've asked for a picture!!" I had totally forgot! I even charged my camera battery that day so I could. Oh well. Maybe some other day :-)

So, sadly, no big win of anything and I don't think you'll see us on tv any time soon... we weren't the most enthusiastic people haha... I wasn't screaming or jumping up and down. I just kept saying "thank you". Jo Sue, you're right- we used up all our luck ;-)

All in all, it was a good experience and even though we didn't win anything- it was really cool to meet a player! Wahoo!! Go BYU!!!!

2 cent check, free Zune HD and um.. a special guest??

This last week has been FULL of surprises. No, really. There are three events we'd like to share. The first is probably more comical than them all.

So, remember Comcast? I'm sure you don't... who'd want to remember that whole experience, right? Heh, well, apparently they took a little too much money from me. That's right. TOO MUCH! I got an e-mail about it saying that I'd be receiving a check in the mail to make up the difference. I was a little confused and I had totally forgot about it until it came. Want to know how much is "too much"? 2 cents. That's right. Two WHOLE pennies. They sent it in a check. The postage cost more than that! Do I even bother cashing it when they could've shoved two pennies in the envelope that they found on their lunch room floor? hehe... so.awesome. It really makes me feel remembered haha.

2nd. I am a contest freak. I enter any and all hoping to win something... hopefully more than 2 pennies ;-). I've won a few things here and there, but this time I won the "Big Kahuna" of prizes (at least in my eyes). Last week I had entered in a Buy.com contest on Twitter. They were having a 5 week "tweetnseek" contest and there was a winner each week all winning the same prizes. What's the prize you ask? A Microsoft gift pack that included: wireless keyboard w/ mouse, another wireless mouse, laptop cooling base, HD webcam, aaaaaaaannnnnnd....a 32GB ZUNE HD!!!!! They would have you answer a question and then they would select randomly from all those who participated. I entered every week with little hope- but I figured, "eh? why not?"

It was week 4 of the contest and the question was "What band/artist will you listen to first on your Zune HD if you win?" I think I answered Yellowcard and Relient K. Anyways, on Friday I got an e-mail from Buy.com saying I won. I read it a few times in disbelief. I quickly called Jon and he was ecstatic! He kept asking "you won??" Awesome. It arrived this week on Wednesday. I was so excited! The only thing is- I wish Jon could have a Zune HD too. I even offered it to him because he has been talking about wanting a Zune HD for so long now. Humph- but alas, he won't take it. I'm not complaining by any means- I just wish he could have one too. Don't you worry though- as I write this he has hooked the laptop cooler and the wireless keyboard and mouse to his laptop :-) I'm glad he's helping me use all the winnings.


3rd thing. This week I got a phone call from a 422 number.. aka: a BYU #. I missed their first call time and they didn't leave a message. It was a little odd. Later in the day they called again and I was able to get the call. It was the BYU athletic department. Why were they calling? Well, this year we have bought BYU basketball season tickets. It's our last year here and we really both enjoy watching them play.

Anyways, back to the call. They confirmed that I was a season ticket holder and then the next thing they said caught me off guard. They asked if they could send a "special guest" to my home to hand deliver my tickets instead of mailing them. I was just kind've shocked so I said, "Okay". Then... they asked "We will have a video camera, is that okay?" Again, what? Totally not understanding all of this so I said "okay" again. They said "Okay, how about Monday at 7?"
So, this Monday someone like Cosmo or who knows is coming to deliver my crappy upper bench tickets- hehe. Our seats are the cheapest. So, it makes me wonder- why send someone special to ticket holders who didn't shell out the big bucks? We'll keep you informed... I know you're all at the edge of your seats! Heh, maybe they'll say we won better tickets or something. Why else bring by a video camera? No one cares to see a special guest giving someone something they are already expecting in the mail, right? Fingers crossed!

Trip to Conference

As mentioned in our last post, we had the opportunity to go to General Conference last weekend. We really enjoyed ourselves. We attended the Saturday morning session. We got there, found our parking lot, walked a few blocks, got into the Conference Center and were in our seats 45mins before they started letting people on standby in.


We were able to listen to the Tabernacle Choir practice a little bit. You always know how awesome they are, but there are some times where they just go above and beyond and they are just incredible! Then the General Authorities started to slowly walk in and we were able to point them out. It was an interesting opportunity to see them in person. President Monson waved to the crowd along with his wife. They're so cute together :-).


We had the opportunity to hear some amazing talks. I really loved the talks by: Russell T. Osguthorpe and Elder David A. Bednar. They were so heartfelt and and powerful. I loved how Russell Osguthorpe pointed out people in his life who took the time to teach him the way he needed and who helped him to learn and grow. I have so many people in my life who really helped me get to where I am today. Besides my loving family, there were those who took me under their wings and led me in the right direction and I will be forever thankful for their service and love. I often ask myself if I would've made it to BYU without their love and support and I can honestly answer that I wouldn't have made it here without them.


Elder Bednar's talk touched me so much. It talked about being more diligent at home with love, sharing your testimony with those you love and being consistent in the things you do. I know these suggestions are self explanatory and I really won't get into them- but I loved how he talked about being consistent. When we have children I really hope that they will grasp this and will remember this. It's so important to develop good habits and to be consistent with them- even if you feel like you're failing at it. The home is our safe haven and it should be a place of peace, love and even order. I really hope I can continue to progress at this so that when we have children, we won't have to completely start from scratch.


There were other talks that really touched me, but I don't want to write a complete novel :-) Jon and I really had an enjoyable time and it was a great experience. We were able to walk around Temple Square a little and were able to go on a lunch date.

I'm so grateful that were able to have this opportunity as a couple- esp. before we move. All in all, a very good, spiritual strengthening experience.

A nice surprise

Yesterday, Jon came home from church after finishing all of his calling responsibilities and handed me this!
I cannot tell you how excited I am to go to a session of General Conference! The last time I had the opportunity to go was the April 2004 Saturday morning session. Every time I've asked for tickets since I've always gotten the "We ran out last month" response. I've just never had any luck! That goes for both Utah wards and my Stake back home.

Jon is the financial clerk for our ward and when a Bishopric member was handing him tithing slips the tickets were accidentally in the stack. Jon thought it was a little odd and handed it back to him. The Bishopric member then looked at Jon and said, "Would you like them?". Honestly, who would turn that opportunity down!! It was a very nice surprise :-)

That's one thing on our list of "things to do before we leave Utah" down! So, try and spot us on Saturday morning. Or... better yet... just pretend you saw us :-)

One Night in India

Crystal and I want to make sure to take full advantage of our last year here in Provo. We want to attend and see as many unique activities and places here in Provo as we can before we head to Texas.

Sometimes this isn't always so fun, like at the Latin-American festival in downtown Provo a month or so ago. I'm not a fan of mayonnaise corn on the cob or lucha libre so there wasn't too much else to catch my attention and we soon went home.

A couple weeks ago, however, was the India Fest in Spanish Fork. Loving Indian food and knowing there's a temple there we can tour during the festivities, we happily went.

Crystal looking over Spanish Fork....
"Edge of Town!"

Lots of people apparently had the same idea we had

The temple from a rather less-crowded angle


I just thought this was a cool picture. I'm on the 2nd floor of the temple


The temple grounds had a llama farm!
I'm really not sure the connection in the religion to llamas though...


A little too close for comfort....

Tiiiny little cows
"Zebuuuuuuuuuu...." I mean "Cebuuuuuuuu"

Using Crystal's height as a reference point:
She's 4'11" and the Zebu only came up to about her hip when fully grown


Anyone who knows us knows we won't let an Indian experience go by without trying some of the food! You didn't get to pick what you got, they just gave you some food to try and hoped for the best I guess.

Look's good, eh?!? Okay not so much. BUT! The red stuff was good, like a veggie tomato sauce. The green stuff....not so much. It was full of tofu and I'm definitely not a tofu man (true Texans eat beef). The purple thing was amazing - it tasted like a blueberry muffin. And the bread you see in the picture - it's not like normal naan or roti bread. It was hard/stiff like a cracker and tasted just like the old Bugles crackers (remember those?)

By going to Spanish Fork we were able to experience part of India for a night. We had a great time and look forward to trying to go to the festival of colors there later this school year.

Real quick

So, I heard about a half marathon that is going to be on Halloween in Provo! They encourage you to wear a costume (that you can run in of course). Okay, so I realize that this shouldn't be my motivation to do it... but I can't lie... wearing one of Beth's tutus during the race would be pretty fun :-) Anyways... So here is my dilemma.

On Saturday, November 7th I have already signed up to run the Snow Canyon Half in St. George. This Halloween Half marathon is the Saturday before that. Only a week in between both of them.

Do you think I should do it? Vote in the poll to the right. Let's see if peer pressure will sway my decision :-)

I promise I will try to keep all my running craziness to my other blog.

Oh and PS: Click Halloween Half if you want to do the race