Triathlon!!!

 On Saturday Aug. 13th, 2011 Ty, Shayla and Garrett competed in their very first triathlon. They swam 2 laps, biked 2 miles and ran 1/2 mile. They did amazing!!!

 Getting pumped up before the big race--they were nervous and excited and ready to go. We had been training by biking and running around our neighborhood, and swimming at the YMCA.

 Here is Garrett in the pool for the swim--I didn't get many pictures, mostly videos. 

 Shayla right before her heat started...I loved watching her swim. She was pretty nervous about the swim, but once she started she loved it. She did mostly the backstroke so I could see her face and she had a smile on it the whole time.

Ty actually took 1st place in his division (10 and under)!!!

All of them did their very best and really pushed themselves.

We were so proud of them!
If you'd like to see more pics, click on this link:http://gallery.me.com/briteideaphoto#100784&view=mosaic&sel=0

The Wasatch Back!!!

The Wasatch Back is one of the toughest Ragnar relay races around (in my personal opinion and the only one I've ever run :) with 192 miles of some of the steepest climbs around. Doing it as a family was a fantastic experience and a great ending to our Hacking Reunion. 12 runners, 2 vans, 192 miles, 32 hours=bonding, blisters and memories for a lifetime.

Decorating the van for the race--Team "Hack the Back"

I got to be the first runner-starting at 5am in Logan. I was so excited to run through my old town past familiar places. It was FREEZING cold that morning, so I was so glad when the race started and was making great time when I took a wrong turn (with a whole pack of other people) and ended up running uphill 1/2 a mile before someone told us we were going the wrong way. Not good for morale at the start! Luckily it got better from there and was a fantastic experience.

Brad giving Tyler some support during his first leg. One of the best things about the race was having the van support, cheering, giving water, gum, encouragement. It was such a team effort.

Curtis (wearing a sombrero to get a free burrito) handing off to Holly. Whoo-hoo!

Some of the beautiful scenery along the way

More beautiful scenery?--Brad rubbing his chest hair for good luck :)

After all 6 of us in van #1 had run, we got a little break to "sleep" a bit and rest up for our second legs.

Angela came in and ran one of the hardest legs in the middle of the night when Emily's knees gave out (I can't believe you ran as much as you did, Emily!) She ran the whole way and did fantastic. You are amazing, Angela!!!

So fun to do as a couple. I got to hand off to Tyler each time--I was always so glad to see him.

This leg of the race was called the "Ragnar" and to quote from the RagMag "in mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits and favored by the gods" would run this leg. Fours miles with an elevation gain of 1700 feet. Alex, you are the Ragnar!

We came up the pass to give Alex some support, cheer, give him water, etc., but couldn't find him among the runners. When we got to the top we realized we must have driven right past him. Later when I looked at my pictures I found I had taken a picture of him when I randomly stuck my camera out the window and took a picture of the snow. So here's the big cheer we meant to give you--Whoo-hoo!!!

Taylor--the superstar of our team!!! Only 13, he had 3 of the hardest legs of the race and ran them like a rock-star. Way to go, Taylor!!!

The team: Jay, Rob, Holly, Taylor, MariKai, Curtis, Emily, Brad, Tyler

Devin, Angela, Alex, Leilani (supporting cast: Natalie-the Whatchamacallit was the best I've ever had!)

Running does not come naturally for me, but I love it. I love it the most after I'm done (all those natural drugs--endorphins and all are great!), but I love the way it makes me dig down deeper than I thought I could, and break through the barriers I set for myself. It is a spiritual experience for me because I am usually praying my heart out just to make it through. I hope I will be able to run my whole life.

The "bum" team--our nemisis. We passed them, they passed us and so on throughout the race. They ended up beating us, but we'll be back. Next time you can be sure that the bums will be behind us.

Polar Dash

I ran a 5K on New Years Day in 7 degree weather (-15 with the wind chill). It was awesome! I was so terrified I'd be cold i wore too many layers and was "sweatin' hot" (a phrase Shayla coined and is commonly used in our house during the summer). I was afraid my feet would freeze so I put those hand-warmer packs on top of my toes between two layers of socks and it worked like a charm!


I love the race-day excitement and it's fun to be with so many other crazy people running in the cold. My goal time was 27 minutes, and I barely squeaked in at 26:51. I was so glad I made it! And they had great finishers medals to boot, so all in all it was a great way to start the new year!

Just a cute photo of the kids. I was trying to get a good one of them after church in their cute clothes, and this was the best I could do. Yes, I'm a budding photographer :)

Track

Last night was Ty's first track meet. You would have thought it was the Olympics he was so psyched about it. Even though it rained off and on all night, everyone had a great time. He competed in the 100, 200, 800 meter dash, softball throw (discus), and long jump and earned three 1st place ribbons, and two 2nd place. Way to go, Ty!
Checking out the competition

Shayla, Garrett and Grant entertained themselves with their own races!

Race Day!

Tyler, Ty, Shayla, Garrett and Grant participated in a fun run at Como Park. It was a bitter cold day (temps in the 30's-40's with 20mph winds) which made it a bit miserable, but once they got running, they had a good time (I think). Ty ran his mile going all out-- I think he runs it in a bit over 7 minutes. Yeah, in my dreams I run a 7 minute mile :) While they were doing their run, I was running my 1/2 marathon. The wind was a bit pesky, but the temp was actually nice for a run. I came in at 2:08:08 and had a good time.

Shayla and Garrett had a 1/2 mile race and Shayla took off running while Tyler had to drag Garrett along. Grant was the lucky one in the stroller. Doesn't he look thrilled?

They loved their first race and can't wait for the next!