for active, outdoors experiences, and having grown up in that state. However,
on this particular weekend trip to Bryce Canyon National Park I didn't even
enter the Park itself. Why? Because my quest was an entirely new and different
one: completing a Half Marathon Run. That's right - I ran 13.1 miles in some
of the most scenic country on the planet just for the accomplishment of running
and finishing the race.
It was my brother's fault. He is a runner. He actually likes it. So, at
Thanksgiving dinner when he was raving about the ease, beauty, and energetic
spirit of this race my 19 year-old daughter and I became captivated with the
notion of running this particular half-marathon. The goal was not be become a
runner and not to get fit or active. The goal was not to win, place, or show -
but simply to complete the course. In March, when we decided we would probably
really do this, I started training. Working my way up from three mile
jog-walks three times a week to 10 mile training runs (yes - still a lot of
jogging, but not much walking). This didn't happen over night, but gradually
over three months time.
We stayed at the famous Ruby's Inn, now a Best Western lodge in a complex that
includes basic amenities that campers and outdoors types crave - like laundry
facilities, heated pool, grocery store and gift shop. Plus on-site casual
restaurants and plenty of tourist information for those traveling to the
National Park. The restaurant staff was especially attentive and friendly to my
daughter and I as we carb-loaded the day before the race.
The weather at 6 a.m. the morning of July 17, 2010 was perfect - not too cold
for us when we decided to walk the 1/2 mile from our motel room to the race
starting point in our shorts and tank tops, but not at all on the warm side in
the pre-dawn at 8,000 feet altitude either. I paced myself well and completed
about 1/2 the race before the sun was high enough to warm things up. My
daughter ran straight for the first 8 miles before stopping for hydration, so
when she finally tired out I had the chance to "almost" catch up to her. Still,
she finished 12 minutes before I did. That's a huge difference for serious
racers, but not much at all for someone like me who just wanted to complete the
race, enjoy the canyon scenery and not endure much pain or aggravation. All
those things were accomplished, plus I had a great time just hanging out with my
daughter.
**********************
Sandra L. Abbey, Consultant
Skys The Limit- Travel
www.sandrastltravel.worldventuresdreamtrips.com
sandra.travel@skysthelimit-hr.com
520-591-6260
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