The "First" AF Canyon half, and a "First" for a few!

Saturday was our annual half marathon event. Every year we add a few more runners to our group. However, we really missed our patriarch that got this whole running thing started for us. Boom was out this year due to his hip surgery, but we hope to have him with us "running" next year.

Jordy...This is her third year that she has ran the half marathon. Every year she is more determined and betters herself every time. She has been doing tri-athalons as well. Sure love her!

These two are our "first timers" this year. They both trained really hard this year. We are so proud of them for sticking with it and finishing. Another check mark off their "Bucket List". We hope that they will stick with us and with running so that they can run again next year. Sure love them too!

This spring when we were deciding which half marathon to do this year, we asked Shea and Kyle if they were going to do it with us. Kyle was all over it, but Shea....hmmmm! let's just say she wasn't having anything to do with it. I told her that I would love to have her with us and that I would miss her if she wasn't, but told her if she would committ and stick with her training, that I knew she could do it. I also promised her I wouldn't leave her and that we would finish together. I stuck with my promise. The last 4 miles were rough for her, but I wouldn't let her quit. Most of the last miles I held her hand, and coaxed her along. Now mind you, I am not a great runner, but feel like I am a great Mom and I don't leave my chicks behind. I know she would be upset at herself if she didn't finish or if she didn't give it her all; but she did both and I am so proud of her that she did it. It reminded me of my own Heavenly Father...he doesn't let us quit, he may give us the option of free agency, but He is always with us. For this I am truly grateful. Thanks Shea B for letting me be your Mom and be there every step of the way.

My great friend and running partner finished earlier, but wanted to run in with us because we run together every day. We are a team. She is a great friend and I love her dearly. I thank her for making me want to get up and exercise and for being there for me ALWAYS!!

Kyle finished so much earlier that our fan club had anticipated, that this is the only picture we have of him running. His little bum pat helped Shea B get to the finish line. Haha! loved it! Kyle finished in 1:45. His new nickname "Speedy Gonzales"

Wating for runners to come in....We have a great fan club. Gege is in the front of the pic, and Mandy is in the middle. We are hoping that Mandy will join us next year, and we could even run a later half so Logan could join our group as well.

Kim came in at 2:13. Her cute kids are in the background taking her picture. Way to go Kim!!!

And still waiting....Boom is my biggest fan! The little boys, J and E, came to watch as well as Pop. Thanks for your support everyone. It is so fun to come across the finish line knowing what you have accomplished, but also having those you love most there to share it with you.

Jordy finished in 2:02. So proud of her. She is such a great example of acheiving her goals, making the best of life, and always being happy and making us all smile. Great job!!

The AF Canyon half was a beautiful run. It was awesome as we came out of the canyon, still in the shade, but we could see the sun on the peaks and mountains ahead of us. We truly live in such a beautiful place. I think we take for granted its beauty and don't take advantage of what we really have. I will definitely run this race again. You may have noticed that we all have a dark blue ribbon pinned to our shirts. All the proceeds of this race goes to Cancer Research. The dark blue ribbons signify "Colon Cancer Awareness" We dedicated this race to a great runner that we love, that started it all for us, and that would be so proud of our families accomplishments today. John H. "Buss" Whittaker. Thank you for your example and for your legacy. We love you!