Half Marathon and a Train Ride

"Got my hands up, they're playing my song and now I'm going to be ok. It's a party in the USA!" Yep, that's Miley Cyrus and that's what I finished my half marathon listening to on Saturday. I mean who wouldn't want to jam out to that song? The girl can rock and I was inspired. And I needed some inspiration because I missed a turn during the race and ended up having to run an extra 2 miles. Ooops. I was happily running mile 9 when suddenly I came upon mile marker 13 and heard someone say "the first of the 1/2 marathon runners are coming in" Ah, yeah I don't run to win. I run to finish without stopping and maybe hit a time goal. I mean there's people out there decked out in their top-notch running garb. But me? No. I don't win marathons. So needless to say I was told I missed a turn (and 3 miles of the run) about a mile back. Awesome. Nothing like adding 2 extra miles to a half marathon. But continue I did and finished my half marathon or should I just say 15 miles (grrr) in 2 hrs 7 min 32 sec. The best part was seeing my stud-ly husband and 2 kids a little before the finish line cheering me on!



Lukas even ran the last part with me and got a medal at the end. Which he proudly wore the rest of the day and told as many strangers as possible that "I won the race!"



Since we were down in the lovely Cottonwood area, we planned that Jeff and Lukas would stay after the race and take a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad. Being a typical 2 1/2 year old boy, Lukas adores trains. He was in total awe of this train, whom he so fondly named Thomas- you know because he was blue. During the 4 hour trip on the train, the kid made friends with every person on the train, told them all that he won the race and showed them all the coloring books and snacks mommy had packed him for the ride. Good thing he's so cute and good thing the majority of riders were elderly couples who seem to always take a liking to this very outgoing and friendly blonde child of mine. He's already asked when he gets to go again, which means I think he loved it!



There's Thomas in the background! And Lukas handing his ticket to the engineer. How fun!


Love them. And this is a typical picture of Lukas. Boys...


Since Daddy was taking so many pictures of him, Lukas wanted to make sure he got a good one of Daddy too. Thanks, dude.

Well those were the highlights of our weekend. The rest was spent laughing about how I almost won the half marathon, Lukas telling us about the tunnel the train went thru, a baby shower for a dear friend, fellowship at church, and rest. Thank you, Lord, for rest. Hope you all have a blessed week.