Bragging Rights

Apparently I will never get caught up on posts unless I actually sit down and… post. Who knew?

You will have to forgive me today, because I am about to brag. I know bragging is not very attractive, but perhaps after you hear what I have to brag about, you will not hold it against me. 🙂

Last month we went to West Yellowstone where we met up with Rob’s sister, Mary Beth, and her husband, Jim. I had considered changing names to protect the innocent, but I realized that bragging is absolutely no fun at all if nobody knows just who you are talking about. Sorry, guys. 🙂 So where was I? Oh yes, West Yellowstone.

Some time ago we decided that it would be fun to meet up in Yellowstone to run with Vacation Races. They put on 5k and half-marathon runs in about eight National Parks. Yellowstone worked out in easy travel distance for both parties, as well as for vacation days, so we signed up. Rob, Jim, and the twins were running the 5k together, and Mary Beth and I signed up for the half-marathon. This was to be her first!

Once we got there, Liam decided that he wanted to run as well, so we tossed him into the 5k group. The kids ran off and on through the spring, but they did not do any serious training. This was strictly for fun, though, so we were not too worried about it. They could have walked all 3.1 miles if they chose to.

Anyhoo, the 5k was on Friday night, so after seeing everyone cross the start line, Mary Beth and I walked over to the finish line. We were not sure what to expect, but we figured we would start looking for our people at about 40 minutes or so. Liam was about 10 minutes earlier than expected, followed closely by Nathan, who was followed by Rob, who was just in front of Jim and Catheryn, who came through together.

Our 5k gang!

They all got their medals, we then took pictures and gushed over how well they all did. Just as we were getting ready to leave, we decided to stay for awards, because as Mary Beth pointed out, there were not many kids in front of Liam, so there was a chance that he placed in his age group. Awards were given to the top five finishers in each age group. Well, as it turned out, all three kids placed!

Age group medals!

But the excitement did not end there. Rob rocked his age group, finishing 9th! And Jim placed in his age group as well!!! It was such an amazing night! I cannot begin to tell you how exciting it was to watch everyone run so well and have such a great time doing it. And to think, we almost left before the awards ceremony!

Way to go, Jim!!

Mary Beth and I were up next, running our half-marathon on Saturday morning. Mary Beth was running her first half, and I was so honored that she invited me to run it with her. The course was a little terrifying, high elevation, steep hills, rocks galore, but we were ready.

You rock, Mary Beth!!

It is safe to say that we did not place, or even come close, but it was such a fun time. The run was challenging, the course was beautiful, and the company was amazing. It is a run that I will never forget. Thank you, Mary Beth, for allowing me to share this experience with you!

And thank you to the race-course photographer who captured this moment that I will never forget…

“Act like we’re running!” -Mary Beth

Just when everyone thought they were done with the running vacation, it was time for one more 5k at the Fort Union Rendezvous. (I had to work so I got out of this one!)  Once again, everyone ran a great race and all three kids, Jim, and Mary Beth placed in their age groups! Rob was 5th in his, but unfortunately this race only awarded through 3rd…

Fort Union Rendezvous

I am just so proud of everyone! I love that we were able to get out there and run together. And that is why I love running so much. It does not matter if you are tall or short, fat or thin, fast or slow. All you have to do is get out there, put one foot in front of the other, and soon you will be crossing that finish line. It is a feeling you will never forget, and one that nobody can take away from you.

Thank you, Jim and Mary Beth!!! You two are amazing! And we love you dearly. So… where are we running next?