I had the time of my life yesterday. Running the Utah Valley Half was one of the highlights of my life. I can't wait to run it again.

All week I haven't felt great. Dizzy, queasy - I tried to stay hydrated and watched what I ate. Friday I really didn't feel good, I went and picked up my packet, walked around the expo and on the way home, drove the route. I was excited. It was all here, my training was great, my knee and IT bands were feeling good. I couldn't get sick. I said a ton of prayers, set out my stuff and went to be early still feeling sick. It wasn't a nervous sick.

I woke about 2:20 AM - yes, crazy isn't it. I got dressed and ready. I felt ok, not great but I wasn't puking. My husband - bless his heart - drove me down to meet the bus. I boarded the bus around 3:30 and arrived at the starting line around 4:15 AM. Crazy early.

Now a little side note. I was so nervous to be there alone. I didn't want to stand around with 2,000 other people waiting for an hour and a half alone. My husband's best friend from high school ran the marathon last year so I looked up his name to see if he was running this year - yeah for me - both he and his wife had signed up for the half. Heavenly Father has a hand in our lives, He is so aware of us, thank goodness. When I was sitting on the bus waiting, I was Sam and Sara standing in line to get on my bus - they ended up on the bus behind me but out of 2000 people, here were two good friends to wait with. I was so thankful.

On the side of the highway, we stood by fires built in barrels to stay warm. It was smoky, but warm. Around 5:15 AM, we walked toward the starting lines to get in line at the porta-potty. By the time we were done, it was time to warm up and get ready.

It was perfect weather. I couldn't wait to start. I didn't put my music on and I just enjoyed the sounds of the canyon. One sound I couldn't get used to was the sound of the rumble strip when cars ran over it - only one lane was closed - made me a little nervous.

This race was all down hill. A couple minor hills but nothing like what I had trained on. I had a great time until mile 6.5. I had to go to the bathroom -- have you ever had a pooh attack. I know that is not tactful at all but that's what it was. Thankfully there was a park on my side of the highway - I hurried and ran over to the bathrooms, waited in line, did my business and hurried back. I was so mad I had to take the time to do this but it was a little blessing.

As I started running again I looked up to see who I wanted to pass. About 25 yards ahead of me was a lady that I had talked to and run behind all winter. She was one of the people who have really influenced me to sign up for a half. I caught up to her and ran with her on and off for about 4 miles. We had a great conversation and it was nice to run with someone. Someday, I'll ask her name :) While I was running with her, I happened to find the dad and daughter from Weight Watchers who I knew where running. I ran with them for a while. It was so mentally refreshing to have those conversations. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

My run was going well, I was loving it. My feet did get a little tingly so I stopped and loosened my laces. It's amazing how much my feet swell. I made it up the hill at mile 10 and the home stretch was in front of me. I loved it. I felt to great. Mile 12 was approaching and again -- another pooh attack (sorry - there are just no other words) I hurried and got to the porta potty. Really? Mile 12? I was a little frustrated. I started running again, I couldn't wait to see my kids and husband at the finish. Then -- it hit me again. There wasn't a bathroom insight. No gas station. Nothing. I had to stop and walk. There was nothing else I could do. When I felt it pass, I started running again. I was determined to finish. It wasn't the strong finish that I had wanted. I was prairie doggin' it to the end but I made it.

I felt good all day but had constant trips to the bathroom. I'm sure it was the flu. I was blessed to not have thrown up the night before and I was blessed to make it to the finish.

I can't wait for my next half in August!