Kick some pioneer booty!

The first marathon I ever ran was the July 24th Pioneer Day marathon in 1996. My time was 3:52. Back then I was just jogging every day about 7 - 10 miles. This will be the first time for me doing this marathon again and the first time I've actually trained sort of smart for a marathon. So, It's kind of a special race for me. (For those of you that read this blog and aren't Utah natives, The Pioneer Day Marathon is on a State Holiday commemorating the pioneers settling in Salt Lake and I think it's the day the Utah got statehood? Anyone?) I tried to upload the map of the course, but it wouldn't let me for some reason. The course follows the route that the Pioneers took when entering the valley, down Emigration Canyon. I am from pioneer stock, so I run with a full heart for those people that sacrificed so much and experienced so much hardship so that I and my family could enjoy living in such a beautiful safe place as Utah.

July 24th is special to me for another reason. It's my mom's birthday! She passed away in 2005 of Ovarian Cancer. I would like to say I'm running in her honor, but she really thought that the whole marathon business was a stupid waste of time. I kind of take after my dad when it comes to masochistic athletic endeavors. At 72 my dad tore all the ligaments in his shoulder playing tennis. I suspect I might go down the same way. My mom was more of the book worm and symphony attendee. I try to do those types of things in her memory in hopes that she sees how grateful I am for her bringing so much culture into my life as early as I can remember. I work for the Art Around the Corner Committee, which collects sculptures for the outdoor exhibit around St. George City. I know nothing about sculpture, nor do I have any desire to own any... but I'm sure my mom is very proud that I hob-nob with so many talented people! She had us all well traveled as well. That was a great blessing as I was growing up to have experienced different cultures and have open eyes and mind to how the rest of the world lives. I really hope to give my kids that same gift. My daughter was born since she passed. We kind of named her after my mom. Her name was Sally, which originally was a nick name for Sarah. My daughter's name is Sarah. My mom told me if I ever named a daughter Sally she would haunt me. Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you.