Races With Emily

In the last few years, Emily has gotten into running and entering races. Last fall, September 2015, she signed up to do a half-marathon in Zion National Park.  Norma, Brian and Whitney decided to join her in doing that half, but I wasn't sure about traveling all the way to Zion's to participate in a half-marathon, but I noticed there was one right in our backyard--the Smoky Mountain Half-Marathon.  As I spoke with Emily about it on the phone, she said that if I sign up for it, she would be terribly tempted to join me. It was to be in a few short weeks, but I signed up and she did, too!

I walk a lot, long and often, but after signing up, I was anxious about my ability to do a half. I'm really glad Emily did it with me. As I started the race, I was so tempted to stop and take pictures because the path was so beautiful, but thought I'd better not--if I was to finish the race in the time allotted!  About half-way through the race, I realized "I got this" and was able to push myself to go faster.  And what a feeling of accomplishment when I crossed the finish line! It was something I had not anticipated!

After the half marathon, we raced in a couple races held at Tennessee State Parks.  Below you can see us at Rock Island State Park.  Note we both placed in our Age Division! And Roland is a wonderful cheerleader for us!  Thanks for coming and supporting us. And, Emily, thanks for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and participate in these races--I love Tennessee and running these races races with you made me some mighty fine memories.