Chilly Ride

Friday night we took our moto up Weber Canyon and headed towards Kamas to meet my family for some family time. Luckily Dave made me bring my winter coat and packed my gloves for me because the ride back wasn't as pleasant as the ride there. It was almost as cold as my start in Lotoja two weeks before. We were chilled to the bone, literally. It took us sweats, layers of blankets, snuggling, and hours of our space heater blasting on me to warm up finally.

We stopped at Devil's Slide to rest our bottoms This is me when we arrived home. My muscles weren't working properly.

Amazing Support

I forgot to put these up on our last post! The night before we headed up to Logan, we had some door bell ditchers and this is what they left...

Thanks Cora, Jonas, Brit and Cris!!! It made our night of hecticness!!!

LOTOJA 2010

Well it has finally come and gone and I couldn't have been happier with the outcome. Each year I have been apart of Lotoja in some way I have never been disappointed and this year wasn't any different.

We arrived at the check in early Friday evening and didn't have to wait long to sport our Lotoja stamp-tats. We purchased some sweet merchandise and new socks. Sean Bradley, the b-ball star, was even there and was sporting the Lotoja gear (yes, he rode the race...we're not quite sure if he finished it in time though, being 7'6" has got to be rough on a bike). The Lotoja atmosphere is always one we enjoy.

Saturday came quick with waking up at 4:50 a.m. I felt loved because the whole gang got up with me to go cheer me on even though they didn't need to really be up for another little while. It was quite a chilly morning and didn't really feel the real cold until I turned the corner after the starting line...I about died of the cold! My fingers pretty much froze. I learned too lessons there-1. train in the cold and 2. cough up the money for warm gear even though that stuff gets pricey. Luckily that first leg to Preston flew by and I could pass the paton onto Bridget. My last 81 mile leg came way too quick in the afternoon. When Bridget got to me all I was thinking was- she's done and I'm not even halfway! It's funny how quick those rides go by though. There were some parts that dragged a little but the scenery was beautiful and Bridge and my parents would pass, then stop; pass, then stop so I saw them a lot. Bridge hopped on for the last 15 or so miles with me to cross the finish line as well as pull me to the finish line...I was pooped and my body ached! She was a life saver. We finished in 11 hours 36 minutes. We think we might have won our division...still pending. I also averaged 19.3 mph without the stops...my best average! Pretty sweet!

The boys came in 45 minutes after us. They beat there goal of 11 hours by 10 minutes. It was fun to see them finish cause we couldn't see them the rest of the way.

It was a success because we've got just about everyone in our family and extended family with the Lotoja bug now. So it continues...

5:40 a.m. Right before I took off...Go Cranker Sores!

Getting in line to start

And I'm off...my legs were shaking so bad!

Bridge rocked the mountain climbs!

At the top of the last hill climb...I was pooped!

We did it!

Dave after he finished

Go Cranker Sores!

1 Week Down & 1 Week to Go

I survived my first week with the little tikes, and boy, do I have stories! I have some adorable 6 year olds in my class and I am way excited for the year to come. I am feeling deprived of sleep, energy, and time. All week I was staying late hours and then speeding home to get a ride in before dark. Then I would try to get other things done around the house, church calling stuff, as well as a minute on something of interest so I ended up going to bed late every night. It killed me. By Wednesday, I was beat and when Friday came I was trashed. I wanted to cry but didn't have time to. It's all good though. I knew it was going to be this way and I think the way I wanted this job so badly is helping my spirits too. I already feel well recovered and I still have Monday to finish the recovery to start a new week. Good thing I went to church today, it reassured me that I love children and I can play such a vital role in their lives.

1 Week to Go! Well just 5 short days now, til the big race. I can't believe it is finally here. I am so excited for Saturday. I'm not so much as nervous about being able to do it as I am about the other racers around me. I have put my heart, soul, and every ounce of energy I could into training. I've got to admit that I couldn't be more proud of myself then I am at this moment in my life. I have pushed through fears, doubts, struggles, and much more to get to where I am right now. I feel so very blessed to be able to meet some really big goals in my life. This includes teaching. Yesterday, I completed my first 100 miles and did it in 5 1/2 hours. It felt amazing! I hope I can sleep this week!

I am grateful for all the strength and support I have been given, especially over this last year.

Cranker Sores CLIMB!!! (that's for Bridge)