A Shift in Focus

It’s been about a month since I last made a post. The disappointment of not crossing the finish line was very tough. Words could not describe how down I felt about this. I worked very hard, built my body for endurance and I took all the right steps. I promise that my blogging will be more frequent…there is still plenty to discuss.

I was able to identify my actual injury: strained hip flexor. A couple of my doctors have recommended that I take some time off from long distance running. I will not run the LA Marathon this year. In fact, I will not start training for a marathon until later this fall.

Having said that, this is a great opportunity for me to become a gym rat. I’d like to drop about 20-25 lbs by the summer. It’s February, so there is enough time.  And for the record, just because I’m not training for a marathon, doesn’t mean that I will stop running and blogging about it. When I start training for my next marathon, I will be in great shape…at least that’s what I’m shooting for.

This year, I will take part in several 5k’s and maybe a half-marathon or two. When I go to the gym, I will build strength in addition to a strong cardio workout. This is my year. I know it.

My Best Friend

Tom Monson is my best friend. If you aren’t Tom, don’t be offended, because I don’t have just one best friend.

Tom and I have known each other since the first day of 10th grade at Cottonwood High School (Salt Lake City). I still remember. We were in Mr. Christy’s geometry class. Our seating was in alphabetical order, so Tom sat right by me. We quickly became friends because we had so much in common.

We were both into the same “stuff”–specifically, we were both big fans of the Utah Jazz, University of Utah, and the New York Yankees. We always hung out.

Just after high school, we knew that we would go down our own paths in life. I attended the University of Utah, and Tom went on a mission for the LDS (Mormon) Church. When he came back from his mission and attended Utah State, our friendship was still as strong as ever. We just weren’t able to hang out as often as we did in high school.

Several years passed, we both graduated from college and had jobs in different places…we were even roommates in LA. While Tom was in Nashville, I told him that I wanted to sign up for the AIDS Marathon training program. Tom was the FIRST person to donate money! He also booked a flight to come and see me run the marathon in March.

Along with my family, Tom spent a VERY long day in the heat to help cheer me on at the marathon. I saw them at various different points along the course. This motivation made the painful blisters and cramping legs seem meaningless.

After that long day, I told Tom that I want to run the San Diego Rock N’ Roll Marathon in June. Tom said he would be there. And he was.

I am very lucky to have a best friend like Tom. He has been there for me throughout many circumstances in my life. He has been at every marathon, every major holiday, every major success and every major disappointment. He is my go-to person when I need serious advice.

Next month, Tom will be flying out to Phoenix with me as I run the Arizona Rock N’ Roll Marathon. I’m lucky to always have him by my side. Running a marathon is hard, but it’s much easier having a familiar face in the crowd.

My family is always there to support me during my marathons, fundraising and such. Tom is no different.

Tom, you are an awesome person. Thanks for always being there for me. Now I get to embarrass you by pulling out photos from the archive…

Here is a trip down memory lane:

Summer 1998

At the LA Marathon…