Half Marathon x 2

While we were in Las Vegas, we ran a family race. It's becoming a regular thing we do when we go to Las Vegas. This one turned out pretty great. Pop and I ran the Laughlin Half Marathon and the rest of the crew ran the 5k.

Pop dragged me along the whole way and ended up finishing 10th in his division. I finished 5th in my division. Launce finished 4th in his division. Becca finished 5th in her division. Casey finished 3rd in his division. And Jason finished 1st in his division. Both Casey and Jason got finishers medals.

(Running the Laughlin Half, along the Colorado River)

I had a hard time during this race. It was hot, the scenery was stagnant, and it turned out to be a completely flat trail run (rather than road) which made it tougher. We ended up finishing in 2:29:38.2.

After the run, we started joking about doing another race the next weekend. Before we knew it, our joke became serious and Pop decided to drive to Utah on a whim. "Why not," he said. "I'm retired!"

So, we found this pretty awesome race hosted by Striders in Eden, Utah. This half marathon is part of their winter training circuit and ended up being the best race I have ever run in my entire life! When we started running the temperature was a little colder than I expected at 18 degrees, but by the finish time it was around 46. I didn't mind the cold once we got going. In fact, I prefer it. The scenery was soooo beautiful! We saw creeks, horses, cows, sheep, ponies, old barn houses, trees, mountains... sigh, loved it.

I also loved that Striders provided ice cold Gatorade and Blueberry Pomegranate Gu Chomps (my favorite energy booster) along the way. At the end of the race Roosters and Union Grill (my two fave Ogden restaurants) served us breakfast. It was also one of the best breakfasts I ever had in my life (scrambled eggs with mild jalapeno peppers and homemade salsa, fresh baked muffins, orange juice, fruit, and yogurt).

The best part of all is that we got a new PR! We blew our previous time out of the water at 2:16:47.4.

Into the Wild Blue Yonder

This past weekend, I headed to Las Vegas to see my dad retire after 26 years of dedicated service in the United States Air Force.

I had never been to a military retirement ceremony before, so I had no idea what to expect. It was pretty neat. It began sort of like a wedding processional. We (as the family and guest of honor) were asked to wait in a separate room while everyone else got ready. My mom lead the pack, then me, then each brother in descending order (oldest to youngest). My mom and I were escorted by a couple of really cute Airmen (this was my favorite part, ha!).

(Here's a picture of me and my escort that my brother snapped on the way out.)

We were taken to Pop's hanger. Our seats were labeled with our names and relation, in the front row of a sea of about 85 people.

Once we were in our seats, they asked each of us to stand to welcome the guest of honor. Pop was the last to march in right after his commander.

When we were all in our places, a member of Pop's fighter wing sang the national anthem, and the wing chaplain gave an invocation. Then we were seated and Pop's commander gave a history of Pop's career including his promotions, achievements, accomplishments, and individual stories about how he personally affected others' lives. Needless to say, this was a long one but it was still interesting to hear all that he had done with his career.

Every time Pop would get a new assignment, it would come in the form of "orders." After the history, one of Pop's colleagues who had worked with Pop on multiple bases, read his retirement orders. I could see Pop getting a little emotional about this time, receiving his last assignment. I know this is going to be hard for him because he loved his career!

After the orders were read, Pop was presented with several awards. Here's Pop after receiving his meritorious service medal:

And some more awards.

And Mom even got an award.

(Mom receiving her military spouse's medal)

Then Pop presented Mom, me, and Becca (my sister-in-law) with flowers to show his appreciation for our support.

(Becca, Mom, and Me with our flowers at the after party)

Then there was a flag ceremony, after which the color guard presented Pop with the flag. This was fun to watch. I wish I had thought to video it.


Then finally, Pop gave his remarks. I felt so proud of him!

After Pop's remarks, the ceremony concluded and we had cake and chatted with Pop's guests. We also went back into the hanger to snap some family photos with the airplanes.

(Becca, Casey, Me, Pop, Mom, Launce, Jason)

And just for fun:
Youngest to oldest. Tallest to shortest.

16, 23, 25, 27
6'1", 5'11.75", 5'10", 5'4" + 3.5 inch heels

Happy retirement Pop!