PRs and BQs--Big Cottonwood 2022!

Holy mackerel!  So many exciting things have been going on lately that I simply can't keep up.  Time to skip ahead and fill in some current events.

So, Big Cottonwood!  Last Saturday was Revel's Tenth (and possibly final) marathon down Big Cottonwood Canyon and through Cottonwood Heights.  While the city council's decision to block future races is discouraging, four Wheelers supported Revel by running their hearts out.

First up, we have Justin and Jason!  These two brothers ran the full 26.2 miles at a ridiculously quick clip.  Despite waking up at 3:30 am, these two are still smiling.

I thought this picture was photoshopped, but this was the actual sunrise above the smokey haze.

One of the things I appreciate about Revel is that they give you all your race photos.  I had to work the day of the marathon, so I missed out on all of the fun.  These pictures help me feel connected, even though I couldn't be there in person.  

Check out Justin's new kicks.  These babies are fast!  (I'm sure all the training up Millcreek Canyon contributed too.)

Now for my handsome hubby.  Lookin' good babe!  Funny but true story: at the end of the race, Talia looks at Jason and says, "So that's where my shirt went!"

Hangin' with a pacer.  The guy with the sign may look old, but I promise you--if he was running with this crew, he was smokin'.

Watch these brothers fly!

Jason and Justin ran together for the first twenty miles before Jason slowed down a tad.  Those last miles are so painful and challenging--both mentally and physically.

Hang in there, honey, you got this.

BQ!  BQ!  Even after slowing down a smidge, Jason still finished four and a half minutes ahead of the Boston Qualifying Time.  In fact, this was just eight seconds shy of a Personal Record.  Congratulations, love!  Meanwhile, Justin finished just under three hours, coming in third in his age division.  These Wheelers are quite remarkable!

When you are so tired that drinking your milk feels like too much work.

A closer look at the source of that pain.  Ouch!  Runners are a rare breed.

On to prettier sights, here's Talia running the Big Cottonwood Half.

Oh wait, just kidding.  Here's Talia.  (I just thought the first picture was hilarious)

Participating in her fifth Big Cottonwood 13.1, Talia is a veteran.  I sure love my bounding gazelle.

This amazing girl rocked the course.  Way to sail, ReddiWip!

Her results? She beat her previous course record by over ten minutes, running a sub-eight minute mile that placed her third in her age category.  So happy for you!

Last but certainly not least, Eli.  This cool dude likewise ran the race of his life.  Even more, he had so much fun!  And isn't that what it's really all about?  I'm so grateful to Launch Team and the great coaching they provide for these budding runners.

Running will leave you dog-tired, but it's worth it!

Ultimately, Eli came in hot on Talia's heels, beating his own PR by a full ten minutes.  Fantastic work, Cheezstick!

So many thanks to the Wilhoits, Susie, and Charles for cheering everybody on!  There's nothing better than a cousin hug at the finish.

So much cause for celebration.

Congratulations all!  Way to bring out the joy in running.