Back in December Chad signed us up for the Salt Lake Half Marathon. I wasn’t exactly a fan of this plan because, as I pointed out to him, there were no Disney Characters or free Lululemon Shorts. He ignored me. We’ve been married for almost four years… he’s getting good at that.

My goal for the first half marathon was to finish. My goal for the second half marathon was to beat my previous time, which didn’t happen. I didn’t really view my third half marathon as a goal setting kind of run. Just something to do on a Saturday morning.

This was the first race I’d done “at home” so I had access to the race map and we actually ran several portions of the race course in the weeks leading up to it. It was kind of nice because no matter how fun the Disney races are, I’m never going to be able to practice those race courses.

But then, the week of the half marathon, Chad talked me into staying with him for the run, rather than running separately like we’d done the past two races. The night before the race, I went to sleep thinking that there was a small chance that I might cross the finish line in under 2 hours – which had been my goal since Disneyland.

I woke up with a little more hope. By the time we were driving to the starting line, I had decided to stick to Chad like glue the whole race. We sifted our way to the 9 minute/mile corral and wished each other luck. And then I started running.

We came to smash.

We smashed.

1:55:23 BABY!

It gets crazier… I’m now signed up for THREE more half marathons this year: Drop 13, SeaWheeze, and the Avenger’s Superhero.

Someone take away my running shoes before things get any crazier.

Event Specs

Event Managed by: Salt Lake City Marathon
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Event Expo: Yes, Quality of Life Expo
Expo Size: Medium, lots of booths are cash only (-0.5)
Race Start time: 6:00 am (+0.5)
Race Day Weather: 60-65 degrees
Race Features: beautiful views, unofficial street bar, unofficial raceside entertainment (kid dressed as a taco, dancing, etc)
Water Stations: 7 | Every 1.5 Miles
Energy Supplement Stations: Yes | Cliff Shot Station between miles 8 and 9
Race Course: Hills with some steep uphill in the first mile and mostly downhill or flat after that
Running with Traffic: No, roads are blocked for race
Finisher Medal: Yes
Special Category Medals: Yes

Half Marathon Rating: 10 out of 10