A.M. - Rang in Thanksgiving with a nice running date with my wife at the Thankful 13 Half Marathon in Lehi/American Fork. The last time we actually ran together was last Thanksgiving at the Human Race 5K. My sister in-law came to our house early this morning to stay with the kids. We got down to the race at ~7:15 and got signed-up. It was windy and cold and I was beginning to think I was severely under-dressed, but by mile 4 I felt dressed perfectly. At the start, I saw Walter, a few ward members (Angela Scott, Kendra Davis, Jamie Ross), and a few other familiar faces. There seemed to be a fair turn-out, but not a ton of people for the innagural running of this race. Most folks probably had the same idea we did... burn a few calories running a half marathon this morning and feel more justified this afternoon as we gorge ourselves! The start and finish is at the MATC which is close to Thanksgiving Point. The first mile is running in a west/north direction on Ashton Blvd and Executive Pkwy. Then you go over the train tracks and start going south. The remainder of the run is through neighborhoods, mostly on the Provo/Jordan River Parkway Trail. At around mile 6.5, you do a little loop and start heading back north along a similar, but not the exact same, route as you had come out. The course is mostly flat with a handful of rollers and a few sections of moderate climbs/descents. Lots of turns and winding around. To race it, I definitely wouldn't dub this a PR course. Especially on a windy day like today. I haven't seen what the winning time was yet. Linds did a great job. Her goal, given today's conditions, was to break 2 hours. She set the pace the whole way. My job was to provide the moral support. The first 7 miles were real consistent at just over 8 minute miles. Miles 8-12 were considerably slower because of the strong headwind. The last mile was faster. We ended up coming in about ~1:51, well ahead of the goal. Great morning. Lots of fun to do a chill run and be with my wife. So grateful for her, my wonderful family, and the whole host of other blessings in my life. Happy Thanksgiving! | 