I finished the 2011 St. George Marathon! Yes...all 26.2 miles!

October 1, 2011 began as my alarm went off at 3:45am! Oh man, I was so tired, was I really doing this? Yes, I was, but this year was the first that all of my siblings were running it and my dad. It was going to be great! Yet, we were all pretty unsure how we'd all do since we all didn't train as well as we all would've liked to. I started off ok, but May was rainy, June had our family trip to NY/Boston and then July had a trip to Lake Havasu, AZ and a Church History tour at the end. August surprised me with an Operation Smile trip to China and so that left me with just September to train, oh and I worked in between all those events! So to say the least, I was afraid I'd need a wheelchair after the race. Well we all piled into my dads car and drove down to the park next to the St. George Temple where the race finishes. We parked and boarded a bus which took us up to the start of the race. The bus, in my mind, is a fun time to sit back and think about what we are all doing. Here are a 100+ random people, boarding a bus at 4:15am on a nice Saturday morning, and the only thing we have in common is that we are all crazy, marathon runners! I may never see any of them again in my life, but the fact that we shared that bus ride together will live forever.

Once at the start, my dad unzipped his duffel bag and unveiled his 3 camping pads that we blew up and then laid on to rest. Everyone starred at us and thought, "man I wish I had one of those", I just know they were! It got close to 6am and with the race starting in just 45 minutes, I decided to head to the line of porter potty's, literally, there are hundreds of them! The line was too long for me to wait in patience, so I headed for the treeline, as was everyone else! One the race route, if someone has to go, they just veer off and go. Yet, it still strikes me funny to see a woman take drastic measures and squat right off the side of the road with only a bush to cover her. Pretty much there was no cover, you just run past and don't look! We all packed our belonging bags with our clothes and threw them into the Uhaul van and then headed to the road where everyone was lining up waiting for the gun to go off. As the gun sounded, my siblings and dad headed out with the 4hr pace runner, while I waited for the 5hr pacer. I found her and started off just ahead of her. I kept a pretty steady 10-11 min. mile for the first 7 miles until I met Veyo Hill. I walked/ran up Veyo Hill and after that was able to pick my pace up again but it had definitely taken a toll on my legs. I was thrilled though that my knees weren't bothering me! At mile 15, a little girl was holding a mostly empty ice bag out, I took a chunk of ice that fit in my hand. Huge! But oh so good, it was the best treat besides the rootbeer popsicles I had at mile 24. The chunk of ice melted in my hand for the most part and as it did, I was able to bite off pieces and chew them. I would then wipe my hand on my forehead to cool myself off. The heat this year was pretty hot, which I think affected a lot of people during the race. I don't think they cooled themselves off enough. The announcer at the start of the race said it was the warmest morning in their 35 years of running. That gives you a little idea of how hot it was the rest of the day.

At every aide station, which was at every odd mile, I took one Gatorade cup and two waters. I would drink the Gatorade which was mostly cold, but the water was always warm, so gross after you've been running and so I'd dump the rest down my back! Oh that felt so good! There were also a few mister stations and some kids with hoses out, so I took every opportunity to cool myself down that I could! My dad met me at the 1 mile marker, he called my mom to tell her I was on my way in. I told him I was feeling ok and that I could keep going, so he could go find our family friend Natalie Ellis and his sister Kathy Beddes. All in all, it was a great race! I felt good after, didn't cramp up like last year, and was able to walk around the condo after my nap without too much difficulty. And I finished in 5:18:54!

Running down Snow Canyon...my average mile was 12 minutes 10 sec. Average speed 4.9 mph!

I placed 4773rd overall with 927 runners behind me...placed 1998th in women with 545 runners behind me...and I placed 224th in my age division with 58 runners behind. I was ahead of about 12% of the male runners. And out of the 5700 runners who finished, 45% were women and 55% were men.

The aftermath of an aide station at the St. George Marathon. Cups, goo packets, orange slices, banana peels cover the street. I always feel so bad throwing my cup on the ground, but can I just say "Thank you" to the volunteers! They are amazing and pick up after us lazy marathon runners! :)

A random runner and one of the great signs seen on the route, the humor keeps you moving!

I'm searching for my family as I came down the shoot, but I never saw them...yet they have a picture to prove they were there! I'm so glad they yelled my name, even if I didn't hear it, I love the support!

Dad and his kids! His dream, to have all his kids run the St. George Marathon with him someday! He introduced us to one of his friends on the bus that morning and his friend couldn't believe we all consented to run. Haha, it's crazy, but awesome! Oh and check out the dude behind my shoulder, creepy!

The Utah State Fair 2011!

 

I haven't been to the fair in years, I think the last time I was 10 or younger and cheered my dad on in a Dutch Oven Cookoff! I do remember his rolls tasting delicious! In my three years up in Salt Lake, I've yet to experience the fair, but I wasn't going to let this year get by me. I woke up after sleeping from my night shift, drove out to the fair with my friends Sarah and Jessica and kept my fingers crossed that my request to be on call would be granted. Within the first half hour, close to 5pm, I received a call from work that I had been canceled! Whooot, whooot! Now we were free to enjoy every inch of the fairgrounds!

First stop, gazing at the tractors and the animals!

The cute goats, but wow do the boys stink! Jessica, having grown up with animals, was the one to share such many treasures of farm knowledge with us!

The dairy cows!

Cedar, the 4 year old male steer, who weighs 2,460lbs and stands 5'10" tall at the shoulders! He was ginormous!

Cattle, mooooooo!

And of course the pigs! I love this pig who has his butt in the feeding pail!

Oh don't forget the ducks who Monday-Friday eat your fingers, Saturday your hands, and Sunday your toes! Basically keep all extremities out of the cage, always! They were cute though, they all had handkerchiefs tied around their necks and clothes draped on them!

Sarah and Jessica preparing to go down the GIANT SLIDE! $2 and totally worth it! Where else can you sit on a potato bag and slide down a giant slide? Answer: Only at The Utah State Fair!

The view from the Giant Slide!

The view from below after we slid down the Giant Slide! Fun huh!

How do Sarah and I measure up? The height of a horse is measured in hands, one hand equals four inches. I'm 17.5 hands and Sarah is 18! That proves that I am 5'10" and Sarah is 6'!

Every year they have a new sculpture, sculpted from butter! Yes, butter! It was amazing to see. This year they held a contest, and an elementary students idea won. They sculpted The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Also was the Queen of England, a bridesmaid, and the cute little girl who at the balcony of the palace covered her ears during their first kiss!

We toured many art galleries and this was one of my favorite paintings. I love the abstract design of the mill and I love their brownies!

Ok this was our highlight of the night! We saw this and eventually came back to do it! Yet we stood waiting for 5-10 minutes debating the fact that it was $8. We finally decided we would regret doing it and gave in. I mean when else can I be in a huge bubble and walk on water.

Jessica is on the right, she was the first to get in a bubble and discover it wasn't so easy to walk on water. We more like...rolled!

Sarah in her bubble awaiting the air to be filled and zipper closed!

And the treat to top the night! A funnel cake! Sarah and I shared one and wow, it was delicious! Cinnamon and sugar on top, soft bread, done just right! I can't wait for next year!

Just another day at Costco!

Last Tuesday, September 13, 2011, I had just finished a session at the Bountiful LDS Temple with my Grandparents and after a great lunch with them at Chuck-A-Rama, I headed over to the Costco within the same parking lot. THOR was being released and I wanted to buy it! After purchasing the movie, I was waiting to give my empty box to a guy who would then exchange it for the real thing within the locked gate (that's where all the expensive stuff is kept). I hadn't been standing there any longer than 10 seconds when I heard a lady yell, "catch him, he's going to fall". I quickly turned my head and saw an elderly gentleman staggering and just as quickly as I had turned, he passed out and fell to his right side. I couldn't get my feet to move fast enough, but soon enough I was at his side and frantically assessing him to make sure he was ok. My first impression was he was sweaty and unconscious. After working with pediatrics for 3+ years, the problems usually associated with the elderly and not with kids have escaped my thoughts,but I found myself frantically recalling them from the recess of my brain. A heart attack was next in my thoughts. The gentleman came to after 10-15 seconds of calling his name and rubbing his arm. I asked him if he knew his name, where he was at, and if he had any pain in his chest or anywhere. His answers were, "Richie" with a smile up at his wife, "at Costco, on the floor", and "no, I just ran out of gas"! I loved this guy, what a cute old man! His wife told him he was on the way to the bathroom, but didn't make it. He also knew the season was "sometime in early fall...September", he said. I was relieved he was alert and despite his Alzheimer's condition his wife said he had, he was correct. I asked a sales associate if they could bring him some water. I assumed he could still be having a heart problem, or the sweat was related to being dehydrated. A policeman was on the scene in minutes as well as an EMS team. I asked if I could stick around to see it all played out. The policeman was very nice, thanked me for my response and said I could stay as long as I liked.

The EMS team performed an EKG, which turned out normal. His blood pressure was low, as expected, 100/49! That alone screams dehydration. His glucose was 122 and all other vitals were normal. The EMS team gave him the option of being taken to the hospital for further evaluation since their skills, tests, and knowledge couldn't explain his episode nor his low blood pressure and sweat. Or he could be taken by his wife to the hospital, which would be Against Medical Advice (AMA). Another option was inserting an IV at the scene and administer some fluids. It was at this time that I left, thankful he was ok. I don't know why these things always happen to me. This was my third response since becoming a nurse. I'm just glad I've been able to be there for these people, at the right time and place.

I went back to the gate, gave my receipt and empty movie box to the guy, who exchanged the case for THOR and I was off. As I left the building, I turned around and took the picture above to show what I had just experienced. A life saved!

Smiling with the kids in Kashgar, China!

Wendy, our Pediatrician, with her favorite patient! I was lucky to capture this moment during her examination!

Look at those cheeks! On the left is one of the local nurses talking with this mother.

We all had a great time with this little man. He took the handle off a door and used it as a gun, probably not a good thing to be encouraging, but he had a great time pretending to shoot us!

Oh my cuteness! Isn't he just adorable?!?

I brought this light toy with me and brought it out for Julia to show this little girl! I love how the light reflects back in Julia's face! The little girl was awestruck!

What a smile!

I just love the moment I captured here. The mother in thought and the little guy staring at someone next to me. Their fabrics are beautiful! I love the combination this mother is wearing!

My roommate Natalie brought this cute stitched doll from Australia. She had a special one for one girl and one boy. This was the lucky girl and she was thrilled to receive it!

Oh I love his smile! I love how engaged the fathers were in their child's care!

This was my best friend! I wish I remembered his name, but I'll call him "my little man". On the last day, I decided I was going to give my light toy away to a special child. This little guy was screaming, just upset at something. I decided he was the one and right after I gave it to him, he stopped crying. A miracle toy! I showed him and his mother how to light it up and for the rest of the day, he had it in his hand. Even when I walked them down to the OR, he was still carrying it! The next day, our last day, I was worried he might have lost it in the OR, but to my surprise he was holding it in his bed! He looked great and was happy with his toy!

 

Oh, such cheeks! I love his outfit, the cute beanie! I believe it was worn because they are Muslim but still, it looked cute on this little guys!

"My little man" later the same day I gave it to him, holding his new toy!

I saw this little guy and busted a smile, "what is on your head little man"? Through the help of interpretation, I learned he had been crying and after mom put this net bag on his head, he stopped! Whatever helps! I had to get this picture, such a cute guy!

"My little man", so precious!

This little guy was not one of our cleft lip/palate patients but he did come to have a consult for his nevus (a large mole on his right face). His father brought him to have the surgeons give them advice, which is to go to the capital of the province and receive care. Yet I don't know if that is realistic for this family, which breaks my heart. He was so cute. I found my bottle of bubbles and decided to see if he was interested in playing with me while he waited for the surgeons to come see him. Oh did he like them, he was jumping up and down popping bubbles! We had a great time, about 15 minutes! In the end, I left his dad with my bottle of bubbles!

We met this little guy on our first day in the city, after our tour of the hospital. We noticed his arm but didn't think he was a candidate for our surgeries. Little did we know, his dad had him open his mouth, and he had a cleft palate. We saw him a few days later, such a cutie!

I loved this little girls outfit! A red sequin, silk dress, complete with pearls! A beautiful girl!

This little guy was also another special patient of mine. He had his cleft lip repaired on day 1. His Grandpa was always with him. I just loved them! He looked great after surgery!

The Great Wall of China!

The Great Wall of China! This has been on my bucket list for years and I was thrilled to be able to check it off! I was not going home without seeing China! And the Great Wall, to me, has always = China! A quote I found in a book states, "If you haven't seen the Wall, you haven't seen China!" I was scheduled to fly back home on August 23rd, but I decided to call the travel agent to find out how much it would cost me to delay my flight a day. She quoted me $250.00 USD, which I decided was worth it, and I paid it! After I made that decision, I suddenly became very nervous and scared. I actually trembled and couldn't get to sleep that night. I knew a friend from the mission was also staying a few extra days, but I was afraid he would leave in the morning without me being able to tell him I was staying an extra day and then I would be in Beijing, CHINA, all by myself, and that scared me. I remembered him saying before we headed to our hotel rooms that he was sleeping in, so I knew I would be able to catch him. I set my alarm for 8am, showered, got ready, and went down to his room. I knocked on his door, heard him stumble to the door, and finally he cracked it open. "Hi Marco!" I had to quickly get in why I was at his door at 8:45am. He was excited to hear I was staying as well and told me he had set up to meet our friend Iona in the lobby at 10am. I walked back to my room and laid down til 9:45am and then headed to the lobby at 10. I didn't know what they had planned to do, but I was hoping it was the Wall! I met Marco downstairs, but no Iona. We actually had to call her at home, she was so tired, she slept in. She arrived around 11am and we discussed possible ideas. I told them of my strong desire to see the Great Wall on my only day there. Marco was going to still be in Beijing for another few days after I left so I was hoping he'd be flexible and go to the wall with me. Iona works at the Marriott Hotel we were staying at, so she talked to one of the receptionist, and came back to report that they were calling a car for us to rent for $600 Yuan and he would drive us there and back. SWEET deal! I was so excited, it was really happening! Marco was okay with changing his plans to see the Forbidden City and travel to the Wall with me instead. Iona also came along, which was nice, to have a Chinese tour guide, as well as a translator!

This picture and the one above are actually one in the same! Can you tell? The picture above is one I took at the Wall. It was a very misty, hazy day. It rained while we were on the Wall! Yet the top picture, one in the same, was obviously taken on a beautiful day! I loved just gazing at the Wall and thinking, "wow I'm really here...I'm at the Great Wall of China"! It always feels so surreal when you're at a place that you've only seen in pictures or movies and thought I'll never go there! I also loved how the Wall winds its way across the mountain ranges like an endless, slender dragon! The Wall, built originally to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire against intrusions by various nomadic groups. The Great Wall stretches from Shanhaiguan in the east, to Lop Lake in the west, along an arc that roughly delineates the southern edge of Inner Mongolia. The most comprehensive archaeological survey, using advanced technologies, has concluded that the entire Great Wall, with all of its branches, stretches for 8,851.8 km (5,500.3 mi). This is made up of 6,259.6 km (3,889.5 mi) sections of actual wall, 359.7 km (223.5 mi) of trenches and 2,232.5 km (1,387.2 mi) of natural defensive barriers such as hills and rivers.

China and two flags representing the Great Wall at Mutianyu, China. Mutianyu, located 55 miles north of Beijing, is far less touristy than other sections of the Great Wall. I was grateful Iona was taking us to this section vs another. There were cable cars to take tourists to the top, but we choose the 1,000 step path to the wall itself. I bought a shirt that states, "I climbed The Great Wall of China." And we did! Yet the best part, besides experiencing the Wall itself, was riding the Alpine slides to the bottom. What a blast!

A sign describing The Great Wall - at Mutianyu.

A woman selling art, shirts, chopsticks, dolls, and fans to the tourists and visitors!

Stairway to Heaven! It felt like it, but this is where we earned half of our shirt, "I climbed The Great Wall". The other half was earned on the wall itself, there are some serious inclines and stairs on the Wall.

The Great Wall! Literally, a wall, when standing below. I believe this wall did its job of keeping enemies out!

Stairs leading to the entrance of The Great Wall!

Looking out on the Wall from one of the windows in a watchtower!

The Great Wall! A couple sitting down, enjoying the vista!

This is a section of stairs we encountered after coming out of one watchtower. I was surprised to see how steep they were as we climbed to the next section of the wall to walk.

This stairway out of a watchtower was very interesting, the bricks have sunk in certain areas over the years. I wonder if it was one flat upward path years ago and the sunken areas have now allowed foot holes or if there were always foot holes but now disguised by the sunken bricks? Intriguing!

Iona told Marco and I, the mortar used to build the Great Wall consisted of sticky rice. True! It's a fact on a website, "slaked lime, the customary ingredient in mortar, was combined with the rice to form a bond so tight that now, 600 years later, weeds still cannot grow between the bricks in many places! The usage of this substance has since been proclaimed one of the greatest technical innovations of the time. The sticky rice helped several important Ming Dynasty relics (tombs, walls, pagodas) survive natural disasters and has helped preserve the Great Wall to this day!

This cute little boy told his mom he wanted a picture with Marco and I! She walked over to us, asked us if her little boy could have a picture. We were surprised but said yes, I was flattered! I am white...and tall! She gave her camera to Iona and joined in. I couldn't help it, I had to have a copy, so I also gave Iona my camera! I love her hair and her animal print outfit, so stylish! :)

I was also surprised to see canons on the wall. I figured they shot bows and arrows but didn't think about canons!

We climbed up the steep part of the wall on the left and to that watchtower, #14. I couldn't stop taking pictures, after every turn, there was a new element of the Wall I wanted to capture and take home!

Okay, hilarious, right? I saw this guy and couldn't help it but ask him if I could take his picture! I don't know if he understood me, but he sure did a great job posing!

The sign directing us to the slide! Slideway, as they call it!

The Slideway! I made the wise choice and put my SLR camera away before the ride down, yet I also made the mistake of letting Iona go first. She had never rode a slide like this before and as such, she had the brake on the whole way down. I flew down and had to slam on my brakes so I wouldn't rear end her. I would stop periodically and then allow myself to fly before I caught up to her again. Marco was behind me doing the same once he saw how slow she was going. We had a blast!