K9/9K Dog Run - February 26th, 2011

Cynthia & Stephanie in our cute "Dog Town Shorts"

Excited ( and nervous) to get going!

Warmed up and ready to race!

Cynthia at the starting line!

Stephanie starting at the back of the pack!

Cynthia at the finish line!!

Stephanie crossing the finish line!!

Today was our 9K race. It was pouring and cold and very windy. I finished it in 1 hour 3 minutes. It was so painful. I had a side ache and my shins and knees were hurting so bad. At mile 2 I didn't think I could do it. The rain was hitting my face, and I felt like crying. I kept telling myself"Why am I doing this?" It is not worth it, and when I didn't think I could go another step, something awesome happened. I was listening to my ipod and a song came on that my dad loved. We played it at his funeral. (Streets Of Laredo) Just as the song came on, the sun peeked out from behind the raincloud for a few seconds. I looked up and I felt that my dad was there telling me I could do it, so I quit thinking about the pain, and cold, and I continued on. I am glad I finished. We came home and got in the hot tub, and relaxed the rest of the day. I am thankful that Stephanie runs with me. (She finished the race before me) I hope I haven't damaged my shins for good. I am going to see a Dr. this week and get treatment for my shin splints.

Beautiful Snow Canyon - February 21st, 2011

At the end of my run!!

Sand Dunes

Lava Rocks

Moss Covered Mountain

Beautiful!!!

Snow Canyon

Contrasting Colors

Black & White

I've been running for about 6 months now, and we are training now for a 9K next weekend. We try to run different places every week. Today we decided to run through Snow Canyon. I got dropped off at the top entrance, and ran all the way to the road leading to Tuacahn. ( a little over 5 miles) I was alone this time because the rest of the group went and started farther up the road. They thought they would catch up to me because I figured I would walk a lot of it, but I ran the whole way (except to stop and snap pictures) It was a beautiful winter day. I was feeling good. My shins had been bothering me so I didn't know if I could do it. I made it fine, but by that night I knew I had hurt them worse. I am so glad that I had grabbed my camera at the last minute. I took over 50 pictures as I was coming down. Here are a few of my favorites.

Emily's 3rd Birthday - February 6th, 2011

Emily with her #3 doll

Opening her presents

Sam, Emily, & Ali

They love the sand!

Emily & Izzy

I can't believe our youngest granddaughter is 3 already. She is such a fun little girl. She is so talkative, and pays attention to details. She loves to help me do housework. She knows where everything goes. It must be in its place. I love it. She is in dance lessons and is so fun to watch. For her birthday, they took out some lawn and put in a big sandbox and put in a playground with slides, etc. She calls it "her park". The kids are having so much fun playing outside.