Launch Team 2020

Launch Team 2017.  2018.  2019.  2020!  Our family has been participating for so long that it feels a bit commonplace.   I need to remind myself that kids running half marathons is anything but ordinary.  The hard work and commitment demonstrated by these youth is remarkable!

This summer both Talia and Eli trained with Launch Team to run the Big Cottonwood Half Marathon.  As always, training is hard.  I think I enjoyed this trail run through Millcreek canyon more than the kids did.  So beautiful!

Even though the run from the Capitol to the U is farther with more elevation gain, they enjoyed it more in the company of their Launch Team friends.

Go Eli, go!

Victory!  And then another four miles back.

Celebrating the end of our Emigration Canyon run.

Little Cottonwood Canyon.  Launch Team really gets you out and about.

Our final training run through Cottonwood Heights with celebratory ice cream at Handel's.  Here's Eli running with Kim Black, Launch Team's amazing organizer.

At last, race day.  While the actual race was cancelled due to COVID-restrictions.  They still arranged for Launch Team to have an actual race experience, running all the way from Brighton to the Ledgemere picnic area.

A chilly start!  (Blurry too.  It was actually quite dark still.)  

Eli and I were running buddies for the day.

It's kind of hard to run and photograph at the same time.

Meanwhile, Talia ran with a couple of her favorite running coaches, Tara and Nikol.  These gals are fast!

Such a stunning canyon!  For me personally, this was my first experience running down Big Cottonwood, and I loved it.  

Talia crosses the finish line.

Launch Team just wouldn't be the same without Coach Tara supporting us year after year.  Thank you!

Eli and Talia, we are so proud of you both, particularly your dedication even when it's hard.  While I believe Launch Team made this race experience as great as possible under the circumstances, it's still challenging to run thirteen miles without the adrenaline of people cheering around you.  In these extraordinary times, you've accomplished something extraordinary because you are just that...extraordinary!

We love you!