AP 9:22 Catherine's winding down for Ogden in two weeks. I was really pleased I ran this far, this fast today. We went down the South jetti, which we've never done. It was awesome to be surrounded by water on either side, the wind whipping up the waves and splashing us. The sky was grey and it rained the whole run. We were loving it and kept pretending that we lived in Seattle or Portland. Then I remembered how it was 8:00 a.m. and they were starting the Provo Half Marathon at that moment. I really hoped for the sake of Jenn, Marion and Michelle (and Josse & Ericka) that today was going to be a calm day. But man, it rained, and pelted the whole time. I ran home, grabbed a thermos of hot chocolate and the Snuggie (sure laugh) and got quick to Center Street to position myself close to the finish. First Jeff Mc came in--sailing in ahead of anyone--with no perceivable emotion on his face. He was so focused and intent coming across that finsih it was inspirational. Meanwhile, 5 minutes later came the next runner, then MaryAnn, then Michelle and Tyler. I did as Michelle instructed--yelled loud at her to get a move on and push hard to the end. She championed that last .10 and came in a minute under her expected 1:24. Even in the crappiest weather ever--she sailed right in looking ever the elite. I got to meet Melody too, who had come in third. Those girls make winning a race look easy and natural. That's when you know they're good at it--when it looks easy. It makes me want to run faster. I stood and cheered for all the other elites on down to the 8-9 m/milers coming in. Michelle and I waited a bit, but then Michelle took off to find Marion and run her in. When they came in, I was a little worried--Marion was really concentrating. But once she stopped running she recovered herself. I was great to see her come in. I missed Josse & Ericka, and also Jenn. but I had such a great time cheering for everyone. It was much funner to cheer at the race than to run it :) I have now cooked 5 hours straight and am looking forward to sharing my Chilean Pastel de Choclo and flourless chocolate torte w/ganoche at the party. I've had the best day. Running in the lush cool rain w/Catherine on the jetti, feeling so strong, then seeing my friends achieve their running goals, and then cooking with the same sense of intensity and fun with which I started my day. My kids & their friends ran in and out of the house, and my best neighbor friends came to sit in the kitchen and talk to me while I cooked for hours and hours. And now I get to go to a party and play guitar hero. I Love today. | 