Run To the Rock 10K

Last Saturday some of our women's running group from church ran the Plymouth, MA Run to the Rock 10k. As you can imagine it was a 6.2 mile run that ended at Plymouth Rock. We made awesome t-shirts to wear on race day. Sadly my pictures don't include Erica, but she ran the race with Emily, Courtney and I as well.

Emily won the prize for overall fastest girl in the 10K (she is SUPER DUPER fast!) Courtney and I had the simple goal of finishing under 65 minutes. I really wanted to finish under 60 minutes but wasn't sure if I could do it. I have been running pretty consistent 10:30-11 minute miles; I am no fast runner but I have endurance. I have been working on increasing my speed this summer, am I am happy to report that it appears my training has been helping as I ran the race in 59:17 which is under a 10 minute mile. Go me! Courtney also met her goal or running under 65 minutes and Eric ran somewhere in the 54 minute mile range, so we all did well.

Here are Courtney and I with our medals!

I just love races, and I feel like the 10k is such a perfect distance!
The Hartford Half Marathon is my next race in October.

It's Independence Day!

I love the 4th of July, it is on the top of the list as far as great days go.
I started the day off with a nice 10K with my friend Marci. Stef and Sue ran the 5K. I developed a bad cold the day before and slept about 3 hours tops the night before; I wasn't sure running in these conditions plus the huge altitude change would really work out. However Marci pushed me and basically told me to "suck it up" and I was able to finish the race. Marci and I got 5th and 6th place in our age group, not too shabby.

I ran so I could then partake of this for the rest of the day.
We had a big BBQ at my dad and Lori's house that day. Lot of my family from the Taft family came as well as three of Christian's sister and their families. It was great to be able to spend the day with 2 of my favorite things, family and food.

We got a 5 generation picture while there. My Great Gram Utella is doing so well! Good looking family if I do say so myself.

We had some fun running around and games at the park with all the cousins. We did races rolling down the hill, running, skipping, etc.

I love these women.
Lori is my Dad's better half, she is so generous and sweet all the time.
My Aunt Nean is always easy going and fun. She is my best shopping partner, we both love to find a good deal.
My Gram, is always caring and up for whatever. She has overcome so much this year thanks to her wonderful attitude and determination.

We filled up the kiddie pool. The cousins dominated at first and Berke observed them; when they left for the hot tub Berke made his move. He loved splashing Gram Taft and playing in the cold water.

Berkeley and his Great Grandpa Taft. Love this picture.

Can you believe this is only half of Christian's family? This is us with his 3 oldest sisters and their families. We are missing his parents, 2 younger brothers and his younger sister.
A pretty cute crew if you ask me.
(Isn't my Dad's backyard beautiful?)

The view from my Dad's house. I just miss these mountains; I am always amazed by their beauty when I go back to Utah.

Later that night we lit of fireworks, saw huge fireworks from the hot tub and just relaxed.