Returning with Honor

Splenda Daddy's mom is a saint.  No really, if we were Catholic, I'm pretty sure she would qualify.  I mean I know there are rules and stuff, but really - she's kind of up there with Mother Theresa.  I have never met a more selfless, kind, non judgemental, giving person in all my life. 

After Dave's dad died several years ago, she took some time to get on her feet, find her ground and her new single life. 

Then she surprised us all by announcing she was going to serve a mission.  Couldn't think of a better thing for her to do.  Sure her kids and grandkids were growing and changing, but she felt the need to be of service for a greater cause.  She spent 18 months in the Georgia, Macon mission.  LOVED IT.

She came home with stories and friendships and experiences that will be HERS forever.

So a couple of years ago when she announced she was turning in her mission papers again, it came as no surprise and more of something that we all expected. 

This time she was called to the Washington DC Temple mission.  That meant that she served in the temple and visitors center.  What a spectacular mission no?

The 18 months flew by.  Some of the kids and grandkids went out this summer after she was released and enjoyed a nice vacation.  Splenda and I missed out on that, but loved hearing about their adventures.

She flew in late at night a couple of weeks ago and what a fun thing at the airport! 

It doesn't matter if your returning missionary is a young man of 21 or wise Great Grandma in her 70's - the feelings of reunion are the same!



We had a family bbq - thanks to Darrell and Cassandra for hosting - and enjoyed a great time catching up with each other and her.  I think we had almost ALL her kids and grandkids in one spot.  Just missing the few in LV.

Great Grandson Colson - born while she was gone

Great Granddaughter Ella born while she was gone

one of Chloee's last weekend's here - so excited for CAKE!

Today was the day that she spoke in church and gave her 'report'.  What an amazing woman!  Raised 7 kids while hubby worked two and three jobs.  Ran her own flower business from her home.  Served in countless positions in her ward.  Babysat grandkids.  Lost her husband in her 60's.  And yet through it all, has the strongest testimony of Jesus Christ and exemplifies His life of service more than anyone I can think of.

Her talk was wonderful as always, and just to hear her share her love for serving and meeting new people was so inspiring.

It was also fabulous to have as much family around as we could - including her husband's family.

What a blessing for me to be married into this woman's family.  Splenda Daddy takes after her in so many ways, and has followed her example of service many times.  They both inspire me.  I can't thank her enough for raising him to be the person that he is.

I have a feeling this won't be her last mission.  Of course, she'll go right to work at home, wherever she is, but I kinda think that in another year or two, we'll get the word that her mission papers are going in AGAIN. 

The next place for Joy to land will count themselves just as lucky as I do.

An open letter to my Splenda Daddy

Dear Splenda Daddy,

 I am sorry.  I know it's been a hard week, and the culmination today was enough to make a grown man cry.

I know you loved Molly.  I remember when you first brought her home a little over two years ago.  You had waited so long and she was so beautiful and you were so happy together.

Did I mind?  Not a bit.  I was secure enough in your love for me, that Molly was a nice friend to add to our relationship.

But lately, I could see the frustration.  I could feel the tension.  The idea being bantered around that maybe Molly was due to move on to another relationship.  You went back and forth.  You would look at her.  Hear her growl and your heart said, "Keep her!".  But then, as you would shut the garage, and drive away, the idea of her just sitting there unused made no sense.

Her gas mileage wasn't feasible for commuting to work in.

Her comfort level for long road trips wasn't what it should be.

As an every day car, she just wasn't the type.

But, how pretty she looked.  How sexy she sounded.  How fun she was to wrap her out and spin her tires.

So for months now, you have vacillated between the 'for sale' ad, and the 'I'm keeping her' mentality.

Finally, earlier this week, you got a call.  From a nice guy about our age, who was ready for his first pony.  His first REAL man ride.  You knew the minute he came to look her over, he would buy her.  You knew it in your heart. 

It was sad.  We cried.  We told ourselves it only made sense.  Why would someone keep a brand new car in the garage to do nothing but sit in the garage?  Just didn't make sense.

Last night we took her out for one more quick spin.  Wrapping her out on the highway felt good.  It was our last lingering love fest.

Today, you drove her to the bank, met up with the new owner, signed a few papers and turned over the keys.

My heart hurts for you.  You will forever be a Mustang Man.  I know you like logic, reason, and fiscal conservatism.   I know that financially this just makes sense.  Why have a car payment on something you don't drive?  I get that.  But I really want you to have something you LOVE.  I would be willing to even sell my Cooper, a son, a....er.......I'll stop asking for a trampoline.

I think you should sell your cool Honda and get one of these

                  (2011 Mustang GT - V8 - same gas mileage as his Honda - do it baby, you deserve it)

So, my darling Splenda, I am sorry for the loss of Molly.  She will always hold a special place in our hearts.  I want you to be happy - so please get the car that you really, REALLY love and I will support you.

xoxoxox
M-Cat

Spiritual Sunday - The Language of Love

As we sat in church today, I noticed Splenda's hands.

I don't know if he felt me looking at them and so he looked at them as well, but when he saw the paint, he started to try to scrape it off.  I stopped him.

Anyone who has been around this blog the last little bit knows it's been a rough several weeks.  What I haven't shared is something that I didn't want to be mistakenly judged about, but in order to share the whole story, I have to fess up.

We have bed bugs.  Yep.  The disgusting little creatures that are literally everywhere across the globe right now.  In 5 star hotels to the local pay-by-the-hour motels in the seedy parts of town.  Everywhere in the US and across the world.  Right now, they are epidemic.  Let me clarify - they are NOT related to one's housekeeping.  You can get one hitchhiking from a hotel room and next thing you know, you are infested.

We didn't discover them until a little over a month ago.  Right before Christmas as a matter of fact.  Apparently they came with 'dawgs bed when we moved it out of the apartment he was renting.  He didn't stay at the apartment much, so he didn't know they were lurking there either.  I am betting they are all over in the carpets there and no one knows a thing.  They can live for up to a year.  They are pesky and difficult at best to get rid of.  Their bites aren't big, and are easily mistaken for a regular spider bite and so they can go undetected for long periods of time.  Needless to say, they suck.  On so many levels.  We are lucky that our case is not a complete infestation.  But if you have even one you have to act fast and drastic or you will soon be overrun.

When we discovered them, the first thing Splenda did was go right to the www to figure out the best and fastest way to get rid of them.  We have spend the last 6 weeks trying everything.  Freezing.  Heating.  Steaming.  The Yankee room was the first room we found them.  We sealed it off, started to treat it and thought we had them licked.

A few days later, a bite occurred in my bedroom.  Bigger guns came out.  Splenda disassembled every piece of our furniture while we moved into the Yankee room.  I have been living out of totes and sleeping on a mattress on the floor while he treats our room, bedding, clothing and furniture.

And of course, now that all the furniture is out, we ought to paint right?  So treating and then painting the room.  You know how long that all takes?  Also, tossed my mattress, got a new one, treat it, encase it, etc.
The past week, I have been on my very last nerve.  THE.LAST.NERVE.

Poor Splenda.  Between his job, which is hatefully busy right now, his calling as YM President, the added responsibility of Sissy, and my own health issues, he has had his hands full.  Not enough time to get everything done.  Yet, he saw how unhappy I was with our situation, and though tired as a dog himself, he stayed up last night finishing our room, and assembling the bed so that I could sleep in my own room, in my own bed again.

So as I looked at those hands this morning as we sat quietly in church, I was overcome with love for my husband.  I reviewed everything that has happened over the past 6 weeks.  The loss of Jill.  The new responsibility of Sissy.  The change in our life as we knew it.  His son going back to the Marine's.  The bed bugs that he has single handedly tackled.  He is exhausted.  He's tired.  He's worried.  He's overwhelmed. 
And yet, in his desire to see me happy, he worked long into the night to get our bedroom back to where I could sleep in it and live out of my dressers and closet once more.

The paint still left on his hands, is to me, the tangible symbol of how much he loves me.  I don't need flowers.  I don't need romantic nights out.  I don't need the words.  His actions have done it all.
I looked in his face a little later in the meeting and saw the utter tiredness and weariness in them.  And, the fact that much of that is because he loves me and wants me to be happy and comfortable is just overwhelming.  I am so loved by him.  He loves me.  He wants me to be happy.  He will do anything for me.
I whine, I cry, I bitch, I moan and he says nothing.  He just goes to work doing whatever it takes to make things right.  I married a saint.

As I processed my feelings the rest of church (I may or may not have let my mind wander during other lessons), I was overcome with a very humbling feeling.  Humbled that I would be blessed with such a wonderful husband.  A companion who truly knows what it means to put his wife's happiness above his own.  He exemplifies unselfishness and compassion.  I can only hope that I can learn to live worthy of him and become more like him.

Thank you Splenda.  Thank you for taking care of me, of our children, our granddaughter, our home.  For working long hours to provide for us.  Making sure things run at home.  Battling the damn bed bugs.  And for doing it all without complaint.

I love you more than the sea.  More than the ocean.  To the moon and back.

xoxoxox
M

Why yes, it IS all about WE

Monday marked the 26th anniversary of me and Splenda Daddy's wedding (is that correct grammer or should it be Splenda and I?  - I never know, but I bet Cheeseboy or Teaching Fourth will enlighten me!)

We spent Sunday evening in Park City enjoying the mountains that we both love so much.  Monday was spent purchasing Splenda a new bike and then cruising main street.  Dinner at our favorite haunt in town, browsing a few shops and then making ourselves come back to the valley and real life again.

TWENTY-SIX years.  That's like a whole lifetime in today's world.  I think of all the couples that we knew who also got married that year or soon thereafter and are no longer married.  Those that were in our circle of friends at the time anyway.  I guess, I can sort of understand why.  Marriage is certainly not all rainbows, kitten whiskers, and unicorns pooping butterflies.  It's hard sometimes.  Money, children, extended family, friends, work, church, hobbies - can all creep into your relationship in unhealthy ways. 

There are disagreements.  Sometimes out and out fights.  Differing views on everything from raising the children, to how to hang a picture.  But me and Splenda?  We've  faired pretty well I would say. We agree on most things.  At least the ones that we deem important.  We disagree on things that don't matter, thus we don't care.  We are committed to our relationship - there is no escape hatch or exit strategy.  We talk about, dream out, and envision growing old together.  We make plans for retirement and what we will do.  We play, we eat, we sleep, we talk, we discuss, we debate, we counsel, we worship, we lead, we laugh, we cry, we amuse, we, we, we.......it's all about we.  And it always has been.  From day one to day......whatever it is now.

I suppose if I were to take the WE out of our relationship, it would be a much different picture.  Maybe that is what is so hard about marriage.  Sometimes we forget the WE part.  Instead, the focus becomes ME or I.  When that happens, it's hard to keep the true vision of what a marriage relationship is all about.  Heaven knows there is many a soul out there in the world, who is doing their best to make a marriage work, but without the other half pulling their weight.  You can't do it all by yourself.  That's the cold brutal fact.  And for those, my heart aches.  I have found nothing to compare to the happiness in a successful, healthy relationship.

Lest anyone who stumbles on this and is reading with the thought that our marriage is the epitome of perfection, I say, push that thought out of your head NOW.  Perfect, no.  Near perfect?  Yep! 

I am one lucky, blessed girl to get the remarkable man I have.  Who knew that when I first met him and his mullet lo these many years ago, that I would love him more today, than I could ever have imagined possible.  That life could throw us so many curveballs, and yet we still find the fun in it all.  That even with unfulfilled expectations, plans averted, snags in our game plan, that we are still holding out strong and immovable.

I take it all back to that little two letter word...... WE

I am grateful for my Splenda who sees that vision too.  He treats me like a queen.  He loves me, he loves our children and our granddaughter.  He respects me.  Most importantly, he knows that WE has to exist or failure is a reality.

Happy 26 years Splenda!  It's been a fun ride, and I can't wait to see what the next 26 bring us!

Addendum to the Splenda's BD

Thanks BIL for sending me this pic.

circa about 1970 - thinking it's Splenda's 8th BD or so......

He's the cute one up front with the REALLY BIG watch!

Happy Birthday Splenda Daddy!

On this date back in 1962 (yep, he's old), I'm sure Splenda's daddy was clapping his hands with glee for the tax break that just occurred. AND for his newest son to add to his posterity.

It's rough having a birthday right between Christmas and New Year's. It's easy to combine presents or to overlook the BD completely, what with all the other celebrating going on.

We've tried to always keep his special day separate. No Christmas wrapping. No combined presents. And definitely a different sort of party.

This year was a little low-key. We, and when I say we I mean he, is busy with final home preparations for Elder L. We are kinda thinking he might need his room scoured, dusted, cleaned out for one last time before he comes home to roost for awhile. Splenda wanted to paint. So, by his own choice, that is what he spent his day doing.

We did sneak out long enough to go to dinner, but again, nothing fancy, we'll do that when he has ALL his sons here.

I asked Splenda if, when he was younger, he ever thought his life would be like it is now. Poor dude didn't have a clue.

He spent his young and teen years playing. Baseball, basketball, riding motorcycles and skiing. I tried to find some pic's when he was young.


One of 7 children, his dad worked two, sometimes three jobs to keep the family going. Mom raised the kids, and did a flower business from her home. He being a middle child, was by all accounts fairly easy. Easy going, peacemaker and more than anything SHY.

One of the first things I learned about Splenda was his shyness. His Mom told me that up until he was about 6 or so, he was fairly outgoing and had lots of friends. He did however, have an ARM! Kid could throw like you wouldn't believe. He hucked a rock at a girl and didn't get invited her to birthday party. That's when his mom noticed the shyness take hold.

Speaking of an arm. Their home was in a newly developed area. He was throwing dirt clods at the house behind theirs when he struck a window and broke it. As punishment, not only did his Mom let the police scare him, she then took him to an empty field and made him throw rocks until his arm ached. She's a clever one that mom of his!

Speaking of shyness. He remembers playing baseball, and with his good arm, and quick feet, he made an excellent centerfieldman. He remembers catching a very important fly ball, throwing it in, and then all he could see was the grass while he heard all the cheers. He was too shy to lift his head.

He made it through school with his small, tight circle of friends, and then worked while trying to decide what he wanted to do when he met me. (and if you laugh at this picture, you will have 7 years of bad luck. For reals)

Life as he knew it was over. A new chapter had begun, which did NOT include shyness. I'll save the other stories for another post, but for now......

Happy Birthday Splenda! You make my world go 'round and I can't think of another person I would rather grow old with!

xoxoxo

M-Cat

Merry Christmas 2009 from Splenda Daddy

The big reveal......

Let me preface by saying, that I really truly have the best husband in the whole wide world. For reals. No lie.

We have been together for 26 years (November 6th, 1983 is the day we met), and he has done nothing but treat me like a queen. Better than I ever deserve. If I wished it, he would make it happen.

You need a car cause yours is piece of crap and we can't keep it running? Drive my other one. Sure it's a completely restored 1969 Mustang Fastback, and your friends at school can't believe I am letting you, but go ahead honey, you drive it.

You want a fur coat because they are all the rage right now? It was a beautiful faux gray rabbit fur.

You've always wanted an Afghan Hound dog? Her name was Princess and we loved her.

And then we got married. I joked that he had to marry me because he would take a loss on his investment.
Of course, as with many a young married couple, we had our lean years. Very lean years. Years that our big splurge was a frozen pizza for Sunday football watching. Or our big night out, was to dinner at the Wendy's salad bar.

Now, in our stage of life, and after his careful diligence we can finally allow ourselves a few indulgences. And I must say, he still treats me like a queen.

You want to see Yankee stadium before they tear it down? That trip to NY was a memory of a lifetime. I cried when I walked into the stadium.

You've been my wife for 25 years? A beautiful diamond necklace you shall have.
The list could go on and on.....

This year I mentioned I only wanted one thing for Christmas. For the room that I have been planning on, saying I would do, would actually get done.

Friends, I welcome you to my own little New York Yankees clubhouse:






The last blank wall has a collage of posters and pictures, just waiting on frames. It's gonna be cool though. I can't wait to post those. Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Reggie Jackson. Derek Jeter. The old Stadium. Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera. This year's World Series Celebration. It's freaking awesome. And if you have ever been to the original stadium, this is how the concourse was painted. Yankee blue on the top half and the pinstripes down the bottom. The room is more than I could have ever imagined. In addition to the frames we are waiting on, I also have some NY bedding coming in the mail. So.cool.

As I watched him over the past couple of weeks take on this HUMONGOUS project, I have realized how much more I love this dude. He treats me better than I deserve, he shows more love and respect to me than I could ever repay him. Each time I walk down the hall and I see my room, I get goosebumps. Not just the NY logo that does it for me, but because of what went into the room. Him. Splenda. My whole freaking world. That room represents how much he loves me. It just doesn't get any better than this.

To quote a Yankee icon (with one word changed):

"Yet today I consider myself the luckiest woman on the face of this earth."

Lou Gehrig 1903 - 1941

1st basemen, jersey 4

Thank you so much Splenda Daddy!
Merry Christmas
xoxoxox
M-Cat

Red Rock Relay 2009 - 184 miles; 28 hours; 12 runners = An amazing experience!

Red Rock Relay - RRR 2009

You might remember when I posted about this relay experience. Ragnar was a blast and I had a great time with Team Insanity Prevails. They definitely broke me in for doing a large relay. Laurie, the team captain had sent out and email generating interest for the Red Rock Relay event, but at the time I was dealing with IT band issues, and not sure I could be ready.

Time moved on, I started feeling better and being the lucky duck that I am, got invited by a good friend, Lisa, at the gym to join their team Legally Dead. They also needed a driver and invited Splenda along to take that duty. Wahoo!! I can't even tell you how excited I was to do this! To do another relay, with more totally cool people (I guessed, I didn't know any of them other than Lisa and her husband Kris), and have Splenda by my side? Best.Ever.

Splenda and I headed down south Thursday night and crashed in a cheap-o hotel for one last good night's sleep before the ordeal. Let me say this. Beaver, UT is not a hip-hopping place, but the breakfast in the morning was superb, and honestly, where else can you see this in an gas station bathroom? Aren't they such team players?

The suburban picked us up at 7am and we headed right for Brian Head. I met Kris again, Lisa's husband, and also Kevin, the BYU track star, and Rocky the Bishop. Things were boding well with these guys, I was getting a good feeling!

We made it to Brian Head and hooked up with the rest of the team. Wayne for whom the team name Legally Dead has reference (he's an attorney), Shalayne, Julie, Jamie, Nathan, Tom, and Jared. We began getting the vehicles decorated, making small talk and getting psyched to start.








At 8:50, our first runner took off! Jamie made an impressive run to the tram. There the tram took her to the top of the mountain and her leg began by winding her way back down on the trail. She was great and in no time was handing the slap bracelet to Jared.

Jared's leg didn't get support since he was all trail in the back woods. We wished him well, made sure he had his water bottle and then drove up to meet him at the next exchange. Dude kicked it!! I was definitely feeling more than out of my league with these guys since so far, two legs in, they are killing it!

Jared handed off to Shalayne and I was crying a little inside for her. Up hill. The entire way. At an altitude that made it difficult to breathe. She was amazing! Ah, the blessing of youth right? She took that mountain by the horns and showed it whose boss!

Meanwhile,I started getting ready. Stretching, setting the podder playlist, gum, lucky baseball cap, and nerves. I had already swigged my Monster earlier, so my last task was to make sure my bladder was empty. I saw Shalayne head towards the exchange and now I was up. She handed off the bracelet in great fashion, and away I went.


Immediately, I felt the altitude. Who knew it could have such an effect? Really. Sucking air. I pushed and legs felt fine, just couldn't keep air like I usually could. Oh well, nothing to be done, just keep running. I would mention how far my first leg was, but now I can't remember, I think it was just under 6 miles or just over 6 miles. Something like that. Nothing too far.

Felt good, but not many other runners on the route. In fact, there were only 58 teams, so we knew going into it, there wouldn't be many road kills. It was a lot of running all by oneself. I past a dead deer, noticed the beautiful mountains around me and tried to enjoy what was going on.

By now, I had adjusted to the thin air, and was settling into a good pace. Not my fastest certainly, but a comfortable one. I did notice some dark angry clouds up above, but so far, they served a great purpose in keeping the sun off me.

I enjoyed them too soon. Next thing I knew, the rain started. Within a few minutes, the rain turned to hail. Yep. HAIL!! What the H? I was thinking, what is this stuff slapping at my legs? They weren't huge chunks, but pelting nonetheless. I was grateful I had my hat.



I turned a corner and saw a bunch of cars and white cones. YES! The exchange!! I am ready to get out of this crap! Unfortunately as I neared, it was clear that it wasn't the exchange at all, but a visitor's center. Talk about a psych out! But since this was just my first leg, still going on an adrenaline high, I shoved the disappointment aside and kept going.

Finally. FINALLY, I saw the exchange and Lisa ready for the hand off. She was donned in a rain poncho and set to go. We made the exchange, and I walked it off. Clearly the altitude kicked my trash. My average pace was only 9.11, and yes I was mad at myself. I am capable of doing better, and I was determined on my next leg to atone for my poor performance.


And what was everyone else enjoying while I battled the air and elements? This:






After a runner completes a leg, they earned a stripe. Basically a black marker stripe on their calf or arm. I chose both.
I think it complimented the ChestLick tongue fake tattoo I had already applied to my other arm. Such a rebel I am.

Lisa's leg was short and all downhill so we headed to the exchange to wait for her. By now, the hail had stopped and the rain was letting up a bit. She came in looking fantastic and handed off to Julie, our last runner in our van.


Julie had a wicked mean hill right off the bat, but once she got past that, she was cruising and looking great. The scary part of her leg was it was in a heavily traveled canyon with very little shoulder. Her every turn was frightening with the on-coming traffic. But she did awesome! Totally rocked!

We met at the next exchange with our second van. Now so far, the second van was just staying with us the whole time. It was so fun to have the WHOLE team there cheering you on. Rocky was quite the numbers cruncher and would let you know your pace so that was cool.

Once Julie came into the exchange she handed off to Kevin and off he went. I have never seen such a sight. The dude runs for the BYU track team. He is a sprinter, so these distances were a little more than he was used to, but he was giving it all he got. Road kills were coming!

We quickly made it to his watering point, and he was looking fabulous. I don't even think he drank water, but I could be wrong. We took off for the next exchange and he kept going strong. Funny little thing about Kevin. I quickly forgave him for his BYU'ness. I let him know I would still like him and we could be friends. After I saw him run, the deal was sealed. However, Once I saw what he snacked on post race? I had to re-thinkyes, friends, that is canned cranberries. Right out of the can. Straight up high fructose corn syrup. I think I threw up in my mouth a little. Really, what are they teaching our youth there at the Lord's school anyway?

When Kevin came in, he handed off to Nate. Nate had quite the hills to look forward to. NGL - I was so glad it wasn't me!! As Nate took off, we were talking to Kevin and poor dude! He was required to wear a reflective vest because of the traffic on the canyon, but he didn't have a shirt on underneath so that vest just rubbed and rubbed across his nipple. ARGGHHH!! The dreaded nipple chafing!!!

One really nice thing about having the second van doing thier legs, was that while we stayed with them and cheered them on, we could also take in the beautiful scenery.




After Nate's impressive run up hills, he handed off to Tom. Tom had more hills ahead of him. Again, I was so glad it was van 2 that had this portion of the race. The legs they had looked just plain awful!! But props to Tom, he did a fantastic job, before handing off to Wayne.

We were now high in a beautiful aspen country. It was gorgeous, but the skies were still looking ugly and nasty. Jared who was in my van is an archaeologist and works down in that area. This was his stomping grounds and he assured us that this was just afternoon heating and that by about 5 the skies would clear. We joked that we totally didn't even need a GPS system. We had Jared who was our JPS system. He pointed out all kinds of cool and interesting things that we either didn't know or didn't notice. It was great having him there.

The hills these guys were running now were called Diablo. And the devil they were! I can't imagine tackling those at that altitude! Seriously! Wayne finished his leg strong and handed off to Kris. Kris took off and at this point, they had been and were continuing to be on trail. Due to the previous rain, it wasn't too dusty, but the skies still looked bad. We kept teasing our JPS that he better be right about the 5pm deadline and that we were totally holding him to it.

A couple of miles into Kris's leg, after his support van had assisted, we passed him and was heading to the next support stop. All of a sudden a HUGE crack of lightening and the boom of thunder. The rain which had started a little prior now came in a downpour deluge! In fact, we were watching a runner in front of us when the lightening hit and I think it scared the crap right out of him! He ducked and then jumped into the nearest van.

We turned our van around and went back looking for Kris. With lightening, you want your runners OFF THE COURSE! It was pouring rain and hail. We passed a lady and offered her help, she waved us on. Props to her - I would have totally jumped in!

We found Kris who is a freaking machine! He was still running and running strong! Splattered in mud, slipping on the wet ground, but running strong. We asked him if he needed anything. He yelled for Gu, we Gu'd him and he kept going. Not even slowing a bit. No poncho, nothing. Just running. This will be one of my many memories. His strength and will during the hateful environmental circumstances.

Kris was finally able to pass off to Rocky. Rocky was the last of our twelve runners. Still raining, but Rocky took off and immediately was in a great pace. I tell you, these dudes are amazing. Every guy on our team, had tough legs but KILLED them!

After some support for Rocky, we headed to the next major transition and exchange. It would be time for our van to take over again. Rocky, came into a cheering crew of cows. They made me smile! They would moo at every runner who passed them around the corner!


I took the time to change my clothes and start getting warmed up since I knew my turn was now 3 legs away. Rocky, passed off to Jamie, and away she went. Again, she ran strong and steady.

At this point we were entering Zions National Park so there were some rules about when a runner could run and when we had to shuttle the vans. So there was some hopping in and out for the next two legs. It did give us time to enjoy some more beautiful scenery.




Jared lucked out with a quick one, and Shalayne rocked hers like nobody's business. Before I knew it, it was my turn.

By now it was dark. So I donned the reflective vest and attached a head light to my baseball cap. I warmed up, stretched and since this leg was rated easy, I was determined to quicken my pace and not embarrass myself again.

Shalayne passed off, and away I went. We were running up a fairly heavy traffic canyon. There was a wide shoulder, but now I was dealing with headlights in my vision. Ever since the Lasik, I still see some halos around lights in the dark. It gets better and will eventually go away, but I still see them. So, as cars came towards me, I just ducked my head for the few seconds until they passed, and then would look up again to watch where I was going.

The moon was full, but with the storms, it was hiding behind clouds for most of the time. It still was pretty when I would get a sneak peek and at this point, I was so enjoying my run! The temp was perfect, I love running in the dark, and there were enough runners that I even could garner a couple of road kills. And then........

See, here's the deal. Your support van can stop off the shoulder where you want them to and offer water and any other aid you need. I had asked my van to stop after 2 miles and water me, and give me an orange slice. A mile into my run, I began dealing with vans pulled off on MY side of the road. Not many of them were way off the shoulder, so I would have to run into the road to get around them. Worse than that though, were the stupid cars that left their lights on! And a couple even had their brights on or would flash their brights as I approached to see if I was their runner! WTC???? REALLY??!!! Any idea that is BLINDING???? For the love of all that's holy, I was started to get PISSED OFF!

As I passed more and more who were just lolly gagging about with their lights, brights, or even flashers going off in my face, I had HAD IT! I started saying something as I went by. "Please turn your lights off" "Hey, turn you lights off." After I had been blinded so badly that all I could see was dots all around me, I reached my breaking point. I passed a van who had their brights on and this time, I wasn't very nice. Unfortunately the beast in me came out and I screamed at them as I went past "Either turn off your damn lights or MOVE TO THE OTHER SIDE!!!!" I heard them yelling back at me as I continued on. I have no idea what they were saying since my ipod was loud in my ears. But I was steamed.

I think that anger spurred me on, because I could tell my pace was much much faster. I was hoping Rocky was around to give me numbers. I certainly didn't remember what time I started, so if he didn't have it, I wasn't going to get it. I was just so motivated to finish and finish strong that I really pushed hard. It felt great!!

Splenda and Lisa were there to water me and unfortunately, Lisa saw a side of me, that I am sure she wished she wouldn't have. Yup. I let one go. Expletive. A bad one. After I launched it, and passed. Silence. No words from Splenda. No words from Lisa. S.I.L.E.N.C.E. And I deserved it.

I approached the exchange and handed off to Lisa. There was a police officer leading them across the road, (their leg was to go back down the canyon I just came up), so once he had a spare minute, I let out a tirade! Poor cop. Whoever you are, I am so very sorry....... some other runners concurred that it was awful and that they also struggled with the lights being shone in our eyes so he radioed to someone to go talk to the support vans. I vehemently protested them being on the left side of the road, but was quickly reminded that there were now runners come down the other way, so they had every right to be there. Ooops. I was appropriately reprimanded.

I was still steaming when I got to the suburban so I just stayed outside for a few minutes. Cooled down, stretched, walked around a bit and then started feeling horrible for my behavior. Certainly not my finest moment. I finally crawled in the suburban, apologized to my teammates who looked a little shell shocked, and settled in the front seat. I wanted one last chance to spew my anger so I called the Shark. She listened to me rant for a few more minutes, validated my anger and then gloated she was eating an Iceberg shake. I couldn't have asked more of her. A true friend right? Gloating about her shake when you are writhing with anger. Love her.

Lisa tackled her leg in fine fashion and before we knew it, she was passing off to Julie, our last runner in our van. Julie had a great run, was strong and swift. She continued coming down the canyon so it was little harder in the dark and with the bank on the turns. She ended up really hurting her foot, which in turn hurt her whole leg. By the time she finished, she was really in need of a rest.

Van 2 had left us long before so they could get some rest before they started again, and now it was our turn to rest. We handed off to them, and Kevin to go run like the wind again, and we headed to the next major transition exchange which was a rec center in Hurricane, UT.

We got there about midnight. I wanted a shower, everyone else wanted sleep. While they headed outside to bunk down, I headed to the locker rooms and took a much needed, much loved hot shower. Just washing the sweat and stink off of me was a delight in and of itself, but I also took that time to rethink and review the past couple of hours. Had a little chat with myself about my reaction to the lights and my lack of self control. Will be better. Get over it, it's done. Move forward.

Then took stock of how I was doing physically. To be honest. I was hurting so bad. My entire left leg was in serious pain. No IT band issues like before, the knees were feeling fine. There was pain high in my inner thigh right by the pelvic bone that was excruciating. I could barely walk. I was really going to need to evaluate what I was going to do, but for now, I wanted sleep.

I found Splenda outside already asleep, I settled down next to him and tried to conk out. No go. My mind was racing. My leg and hip were killing me, I couldn't get comfortable, I couldn't settle down.

Within minutes, there were some flashes of lightening and cracks of loud thunder. I just started to think of our poor guys in van 2 who were doing their legs now and was hoping they were safe, when the rain started AGAIN!

I rolled over to Splenda who just took a raindrop on his face and opened his eyes. We quickly gathered all our crap and headed indoors. After some serious noise making and adjusting, we settled back down to sleep in a dark, cold HARD room. Splenda was out within seconds. I laid there. And thought. And thought some more.

My mind was still racing. My leg hurt so bad I wanted to cry. I gave up. I slipped out quietly, grabbed my Lortab and headed to the concession stand to purchase a bottle of water. I found a chair to sit in, took my drugs and waited for the blessed relief to begin. It was time to have a serious discussion with myself. Self, I said...... you know you are hurt. You are injured in some way that you don't know how to rehab. You are hurt enough that there is no possible way you can continue running. My heart hurt. It hurt bad. I cried.

After a few minutes, I pulled it together and formulated a plan. I loved this team I was on. I LOVED them! I didn't want to let them down and no way could I ask anyone else to take my leg. That just means they have to run more and EVERYONE is tired. I knew I could push through the 3.8 miles that was my last leg, but then I was going to have to be done for the season. No marathon relay on the 12th and even worse, no marathon on the 19th. I have been looking forward to, training for and planning on this marathon since early this year.

This was to be my summer of firsts. My first triathlon. My first half-marathon. My first Century Cycle ride. My first open water triathlon. My first marathon. I wasn't going to be able to meet my goals. That hurt. I had some more heart aching, and crying and inner talk with myself to reconcile to the fact staring me in the face. I was injured and there was nothing I could do about it. What injury was plaguing me, I had no idea, but I felt in my gut that if I kept pushing it, I was going to be seriously sorry.

By now the Lortab had kicked in and taken the edge off the pain. I went back into the dark cold room and laid down next to Splenda hoping for a little bit of sleep. We knew we weren't going to have much. Van 2's legs were relatively short, and they were all fast, so our respite would be quick. I last looked at my phone and the time was 1:58. Next thing I knew, Lisa was waking us telling us that we had 30 minutes to be ready at the exchange. It was 2:30. I think I might have squeaked out 20 minutes of sleep.

It was still pouring rain when we headed to the exchange. Jamie got ready and we watched for Rocky to come in. Here is it pouring rain, lightening, thunder, and the dude is running strong and SMILING!!!! I tell you, I love these guys!

Jamie took off and we headed out to begin our last 6 legs for our van. Julie was quite hurt herself and she was due to run last, but kind JPS, offered to switch her legs, and he took her last tough one, and she took the baton after Jamie's strong finish.

We were now in St George, the temps were okay but the rain had made it humid. Julie was on the nice running trail that is alongside Riverside drive in St. Jorge. I have seen this trail many times when I am down there for work, but never ran it. It's dark and I usually run so early, there isn't anyone else on the trail and I was just too nervous to do it. She started off strong. You couldn't even tell her foot was hurting, she just stepped up and ran like a champ.

We parked on the other side of Bluff street, where she would emerge from the trail. A police car kept circling making Splenda a little nervous. Jaime, walked back along the trail to meet and pace with Julie. And we then found out why the cop was there. Apparently someone had called in with a complaint of hearing an assualt take place on the trail and a strange man on a bike riding around harrassing the runners. I was glad Jamie had gone back for her. They emerged from the trail, we watered Julie, and she kept going.

This was supposed to be a very short run, but they ended up adding another mile to it. SURPRISE!! Auugh! Can you imagine? We finally reached the exchange, and realized she is going to be going farther than she thought. Hopefully, she'd pull through. She did, and did it well. The hand off to Shalayne went fine and I began my stretching and warming and getting ready. I was loaded on Lortab and ibuprofen and figured I will just do the best I can. It's a short leg, I can do it, and then be done.

Shalayne finished strong - she is amazing, and handed off to me. It was still dark, my headlamp was starting to fade, but the clouds were dissipating so I was getting some moonlight. I took off and immediatlely could see, this wasn't gonna be good. Every step was painful. I let the van water me at 2 miles and then they went on ahead to the exchange so Lisa could get ready.

I was now on the trail, completely alone in the dark. I got passed once, which further stabbed my already crushed self-esteem, but I really had no choice. I wanted badly to just stop and sit down on the side of the road. I figured when I didn't show up, someone would come looking for me. But, the competetiveness in me won out. I wasn't going to let my body win. No way, no how! I didn't care that I was barely jogging, and was likely posting a 25 min mile pace, I was going to finish.
I will say this, the moon was beautiful at this point!

I limped the rest of the way in, handed off to Lisa while profusely apologizing for my poor performance and headed to the suburban. I stretched, cooled down, and loosened up my IT band. Knees were feeling good. I was happy about that. But the whole inner thigh, pelvis thing was enough to make me cry. Even stretching hurt it. Weightbearing at all, was killer. I crawled in the suburban and we headed for the next watering site.

Now, in the meantime, Splenda had taken off with JPS's mom to be a volunteer at an exchange. Each team must provider two volunteers or be disqualified. They were given their volunteer t-shirts and assigned an exhange to work at.
So at this point, no Splenda in the car. I mostly stayed quiet and kept working things out in my head.

The 2 mile mark where we stopped to water her had a great aid station. We were suprised as there hadn't BEEN any aid station to this point. But these guys had water, gatorade, bananas, Gu, cookies, pretzels. Awesome! We indulged, watered Lisa, grabbed goodies for the way and headed out.

As we were waiting at the next 2 mile mark to water Lisa again, we noticed runners coming the opposite directions. Wha??? HUH?? We check our maps again. This isn't supposed to be a back and forth run. What in the world??? We noticed then that these runners bibs were a bit different. After asking one of them what they were running we realized that there was a completely different event happening and that wonderful aid station? Totally their's. We bogarted their aid station!

Lisa finished her leg strong. And hers really sucked. Climbing, climbing, climbing. At her exchange we hooked back up with JPS's Mom Loralei and Splenda. They were now done with their volunteer duties so Loralei could watch her son finish his last leg. Lisa passed off to JPS and away he went. Again, strong as an ox!

As we drove ahead, I was so glad that I didn't have this last leg. It was just a brutual continuation of what Lisa had just done. Climbing, climbing, and more climbing. JPS's first water stop though, he was looking great!

We moved forward to his next water stop. I got out of the car and about fell on my face. My left leg was of no value whatsoever. I could barely limp. I hurt and decided to take another Lortab.

After watering JPS once more, we headed to the next exchange and this was the last major transition. Our second van would now take over and finish up the last 6 legs. I limped to the exchange cheered on JPS finishing and Kevin taking off. Kevin had covered his nipples with duct tape to avoid the chafing. I think that's hysterical.

Our van loaded up and headed into St George for some breakfast. We settled for food from Smith's grocery store and then went back to the finish line which was at a school outside of Snow canyon and Tuacahn.
We found some shade, laid out our blankets and pillows and tried to sleep. Of course, Splenda was out in a second and happily snoring away.

I couldn't settle down. Couldn't get my mind to calm down or my pain to subside enough to relax. I settled for talking on the phone and watching other teams finish up. We finally got the call that Rocky was about 15 minutes out so we started to get up, gather around and watch for him to come into the finish. Once he rounded the corner, our team jumped in and crossed the line together.





What a great feeling!! We got our medals, did lots of picture taking, and then headed to the vans. Re-arranged gear and bodies. Some of the team was staying in St George for the night. Nate and Tom's wives had come so they were leaving with them. Kris, Lisa, Kevin, Rocky, Splenda and I loaded up, and met JPS and Loralei at the Golden Gorral for a post race protien and REAL food feast. It was a kick to swap stories, jokes and recap some of the more memorable moments.

All too soon, it was time to hit the road. They dropped Splenda and I off in Beaver, we got our car, made a bathroom break and headed for home. After a rest break, getting my car at Splenda's work in Spanish Fork, I went straight to the Instacare.

I had begun worrying about a pelvic stress fracture. It would explain where the pain was, and the weight bearing issue. It would also explain why it kept getting worse to the point of almost complete disablement.

Instacare did an xray but was quick to explain that stress fractures in the pelvis are rare, and do not show up on xray. The only way to confirm it would be bone scan, but no bone scan until we see if it gets better with other treatment first. Made sense to me!

He did a physical exam and his manipulation of my leg made me cry. And then, bless his heart, he gave me the diagnosis straight up without mincing words. "Your tendon is trashed. TRASHED." Complete rest for at least 5 solid days. No running for several weeks. Lecture on listening to my body, paying attention to pain indicators.....blah, blah, blah.

I knew all this. And luckily for me, I had already had my "come to Jesus" talk in that rec center back in Hurricanein the early morning hours. I had already hurtled the mental feat of not running for awhile. But NGL - I had held out hope for a miraculous different answer. He was emphatic on the rest. He said, "athletes like you tend to push through things and end up causing more damage." He called me an athlete. Me. I wanted to kiss him.

They gave me a shot of Toradal. Nice, strong anti-inflammatory. A prescription for more anti-inflammatories and the instructions for ice and rest.

I hung my head, thanked him under my breath and shuffled my way out to the car and drove home. Even though, I knew what he was saying was true and there was nothing I could do. Having someone else verbalize it stung like a thousand bee stings.

I got home to a welcoming committee of my Sissy! We crawled into her tent and she talked and talked. A little bit later, the doorbell rang and there stood my Shark with a big bag of Skittles. She KNEW! She knew I was in desperate need of sort-n-soothe. If I could have moved, I would have jumped on her and hugged her!

Final stats for our team:
1st place for van decoration (Legally Dead has it down to a freakin science. They rock!)
25th place out of 58 teams.
27 hours, 25 minutes.

It was an experience of a lifetime! The scenery was beautiful, the team was.....well I could rave on and on about the team and their wonderfulness ad nauseam. They were 12 of the best people I have met since Ragnar. Just being around them made me want to be a better runner, a better athlete, a better person. Having Splenda there to experience all this with me was priceless. Thank you, thank you, thank you Legally Dead for allowing me to come and play.

For now, I am following doctors orders. Resting, taking drugs, no running. I'll start back slowly and approach my training a little differently. I figure I've got all fall and winter to get my self back into racing form. I will do it. And then, I hope that Legally Dead might invite me and Splenda again.