Thanksgiving day race and other stuff

Sorry for the lack of creativity in the subject line :) I'm still waiting on a cute pic hubby's cousin took of our family on Thanksgiving, but we all ran the International Thanksgiving Day Run in Orem. It's a great 4 mile race hubby's family owns. I met up with a friend Jonathan whom I ran the first 2.5 miles with at a solid 6:50-7:00min/mi pace. I was feeling great, so took off and ran the last 1.5 pretty fast, not sure how fast though. I finished the 4 miles in 26:47, good enough for 1st in my age group which meant I won a turkey! Yep, we have a nice 10lb Norbest turkey in the freezer. One of the more useful prizes I've won :)

I kind of want to do a few more shorter speedy things like this to enjoy my speed before it may give way to endurance with IMSG looming. I am actually curious to see what happens to my short speed as I work more slow twitch muscles than fast twitch. I'm not convinced I'll lose it. We shall see!

Anyway, the hubby who has only picked running up regularly since June or so came in only 4 minutes behind me at 30:59. Way to go babe! I was surprised to see him so soon. That's not knocking him, that's giving props. I better watch out ;)

And our 6 year old daughter and 3 year old son ran this year too. The 6 year old had her first race experience here 3 years ago and it wasn't a good one unfortunately. She felt pressured and shy with all the other kids around, and I got really upset and played stage mom. I learned a lot about both of us from that experience and I've become super relaxed and supportive with them now. Her success that day came from finishing the 1/2 mile with no crying, no coaxing or bribery from me, and only 3 10-second walk breaks. Way to go Mckayla!
And this was our little guy Talmage's first race (well he did do a fun run back in the spring, so maybe not, but still) and he had a great time. Smiled along the way, and seemed to enjoy his 1/4 mile. He's a sweet happy little guy.

Great way to start the day for sure! No running for the baby yet, but next year I'm sure she'll make her debut ;)

In other news, IRONMAN St George is now under 5 months away! It's open for Volunteer sign up now too. I went on a ride last weekend with friends and it was harder than I would've like it to feel. I've been taking a college class and it's sucked my time dry this past month - 2 more weeks to real training back - yay!!!

On said ride, my friend Te Koi let me try some of his Mint Chocolate -I dare say the word.... GU. Now if you know me at all, you know I DON'T use GU! I'm a Hammer girl all the way, but this stuff is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! They only come out with it once a year for the holiday's and it taste just like an Ande's Mint - Yum! Random information - gram for gram, Ande's Mints have twice the calories the Mint Chocolate GU does. So if the craving hits.....eat a gel??

Hope everyone out there is doing well! Add on the layers (of clothing, not holiday food which = pounds) and get out and enjoy the sunshine and brisk temps!