Run Through the Lavenders Half Marathon Recap

I was very excited about this race this year and had been looking forward to it since Utah Valley Marathon.  I took time off from hard workouts after the marathon and then began training (with what little time I had) for this race as a key race.  You can read the full recap of the race on My Training Blog.  I will not rewrite it but it is totally worth the read! 

 Two short years ago this race was my first ever 5k so it will always hold a very special place in my heart.  It is the race that began this complete madness of a running journey for me! When I heard they added a half marathon this year I was thrilled.  The race begins in Goshen canyon and the first mile is on dirt trail. Next you enter onto the highway and weave around Mona Reservoir for 9 miles, finally finishing the final 3.1 in the lavender fields on dirt trail.  It is a tough course with 30% ran on trail and a net elevation gain. 

One of the many perks of this race is that it is only about 12 miles from my house.  There is nothing quite like running a race in your own backyard and I was even fortunate enough to have the famous Jake & Andrea stay with me Friday night.  I prayed that having them in my home would somehow make some of their speed rub off on me.  A far cry as I knew the next morning I would be toeing the line with the best of the best in the State of Utah.  Something must have worked because I ran this race much faster than I had anticipating finishing in 1:28:53.  Going into the race I felt I was in shape for 1:32 in perfect conditions.  But add in awesome competition (seriously the best in the state), determination, and a little confidence in myself and I completely exceeded my expectations.

The final kick to the finish!  I feel like I look a beached whale in this picture but the determination is written all over my face!

My finishing time was good enough for 5th place overall female.  I have never been so happy to finish 5th place in my life considering the Elite competition I was up against.

The Nephi Crew.  I love it when I see familiar faces at races and this was many of these guys first half marathons.  So cool!

Julia sent me this picture and I love it!  I feel so honored to be among those names and yes I still have tons of room to grow but I was not light years behind which is really exciting.



The top five women.  Kassi Harmon, Andrea North, Stephanie Talley, Jen Hughes.  What an amazing honor to be among such talented athletes.  Seriously if you don't believe me google these ladies or something.  They are legit and the coolest part is that they are all incredibly nice and very humble.



Andrea & I after the race.  Andrea is basically my running idol.  She is an incredible runner and such a nice person.

Julia and I after the race.  Julia totally freaking rocks and ran a half marathon the night before this race in training for her ultra.  She is incredibly inspiring to me!

Ashlee, Me, Julia, and Sara after the race.  I was so excited to finally meet Ashlee.  She is the absolute sweetest and totally rocked the race.  Sara ran the 5k and did awesome!

 

  This was such a great day and one of those races that I will never forget and keep going back to each year.  Young Living Farms really puts on an awesome event and the greatest thing about it is it just keeps getting better each year.  The race organization is flawless, the prize money for overall and age group winning is awesome, and the events afterwards are a lot of fun and family friendly.  I really cannot say enough good things about this race.