Hurricane Half Marathon

I ran the Hurricane Half Marathon. I didn't train as hard as I planned on because I was busy with Karla's wedding and I got strep throat again. I did get the strep shot and I was much better about three days later. I was able to train sufficiently and I really enjoyed the race.
I enjoyed the amazing sunrise over Sand Hallow Reservoir. I tracked this race through all the smells. We started the race by homes and there was a nice faint smell of sage. As we ran around the Sand Hallow Reservoir intensified and was stimulating. I took in rich deep breaths of the sage smell. It was especially strong since it had recently rained. The desert was very peaceful and the sand dunes were beautiful with all the fresh undisturbed lines that had be formed from the previous day's wind.
The sun was shining so brightly that I didn't see the hill until I got to it. It didn't look that long, but it was. The first half mile of it was steep, but good and I was able to jog it comfortably. The second half of the mile was even steeper and my drive to get up the hill was my anticipation for the port-a-poddy at the top and I continued to jog it. After I passed the mile marker and saw that we still weren't finished with the hill I was surprised at how long it really was. I did make it to the port-a-poddy and then I felt great!
The smells changed then to rich compost smells and then, SMACK, it turned to strong manure. Admist all the farm area with manure there was a home with a long stretch of bloomed lilacs. The perfume of lilacs was so much better than any lilac lotion or perfume. It was awesome. They were so fun to run by.
As I ran into the more populated part of Hurricane the air was filled with different types of wood that were being burned in fireplaces. As we ran by the Church Orchard there was lots of car exhaust and then there was the sweet smell of victory as I reached the finish line. My time was 2 hours 27 minutes and I felt great!
I would definitely run it again.
I didn't think anyone was coming to see me at he finish line, but soon after I finished my mom showed up with the girls. It was a fun surprise. It was grateful to have a cheering section and feel their love and support. Thanks for coming!