Top of Utah 1/2 Marathon

Herro everyone!

I haven't posted for awhile, life has been very crazy needless to say. I did find some time, however, to fit in a half marathon to gauge how the marathon in two weeks is going to go. Thanks to Natalie Steadman, who was unable to run the TOU 1/2 Marathon today due to an injury, let me have her spot in the race. And I'm VERY glad she let me have it!!

I was unsure of how today was going to go, but chose to stay optimistic anyway. And even I surprised myself! Last year I ran it with Aubrey and our finishing time was around 2 hrs 49 minutes...not great, but we finished. Then I had the chance to visit Darcey in Arizona this last year to do the P.F. Chang's Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon with a finishing time of 2 hrs 45 min. Well, today I ran and ran and ran. I ran until mile 8, when blisters on the insides of both feet started to appear...and man, could I feel them! I didn't prepare myself as well as I should have, so I didn't use precautionary Body Glide on my feet like normal, an anti-chaffing product made for runners and this very problem. I had to make it to mile 9 before getting any help, however, so I kept running as much as I could. I finally made it and put some vaseline on my feet - which helped, but the blisters were already there and made the next four miles painful (a good lesson to learn before running the marathon!) I thought earlier in the race that I was going to be able to run the whole 13.1 miles as I was feeling really good, and I even had a faster than normal pace going, but after the first vaseline stop I had to stop again and stop to walk when it got to be too much. Oh well. I did improve my time, finishing in 2 hrs and 28 min this time, and my goal was to do it under 2:30:00 - so I'm satisfied. :) Maybe the next half I can cut down 15-30 minutes...???

Two weeks from now I will (hopefully) have completed marathon number five in Indiana. I'm excited and nervous as always, but look forward to the experience nonetheless. :)

May I suggest this next time we go to the Wind Rivers!

OR...This....

Syracuse Bowl

I guess Logan has been trying find his way to the local bowling alley for a very looooooong time. He made it with Papa and friends last Saturday and we all had a great time.

Scouting for the Deer Hunt in Cache Valley

Last Friday I got up about 4:00 am in the morning and went with Uncle Dave and Justin to look for some deer hunting spots for their annual event. Here are some interesting scenes:

Windrivers 2009

This year I entered from the Northern end of the Windrivers and the Green River Lakes Trailhead. This is the head waters of the Green River. The picture is old Squaretop and the Upper Green River Lake.


It rained on me most of the first day - creating more beautiful scenery.






One thing you just can't get away from in the way of civilization is those fly boys.



After the trip's early rain, there was nothing but gorgeous weather, including cool nights with some frost to decorate it all.

Brought back again by popular demand, another fabulous self portrait.

The marvelous views:
One of the reasons I trouble myself to hike these trails.


On the way out would you believe I saw two unicyclists on the road?

Baby sea turtles

Last night, Rob and I got to see some baby Loggerhead Sea Turtles get released into the ocean! Here is one video I took of a cute baby turtle:

One baby's journey from Darcey Burgon on Vimeo.

Go to our blog to see some more pictures and videos!

Leadville or bust!!!

Just for fun on Wednesday we headed for a day of mountain madness in Leadville. We stayed at the Mountain Hideaway B&B. Rather rustic, but full of interesting paraphernalia (see the stuff on the ole barn).

(To see picture detail in large format just touch them with your mouse)



A local sculpture!!!

A backyard playhouse I'll bet Logan, Emma and Dallin - even Savannah would love.

We took our bikes and rode the Leadville Mineral trail. A bit steep for us flat landers, but really fun. This trail started in Leadville, rose about 800 ft. above town in a 12 mile loop. Along the way there were turnouts to learn about the mining and local history. Actually, they were just much needed rest stops, at least for the uphill side of the trail. It was really lots of fun with lots of excellant scenery.

Back in town we found a mailbox that I know someone in the family might like.
What do you think Matt?

Many of the houses were painted with fun colors.

On the way home we skipped Eisenhower Tunnel and went over Loveland Pass - It was raining lots with snow mixed in - in July.

We also stopped in Central City. Hadn't been there since they turned in to a gambling town. We didn't belong.


Also took a short side trip to the Moffat Tunnel. Someday we're going to take the train and go to SLC through the tunnel.