Pure Insanity

My alarm goes off at 3. I don't want to get up. I might not, until my mom sticks her head in and asks me if I am ready. "I think so". I get up and get my stuff on. All of these questions are going through my mind. "Did I hydrate enough yesterday?", "What is waiting for me today?", What would I have done differently?", and most importantly; "Am I going to finish?". We get in the car, and we drive down to the finish line. Swarms of people are getting there already. I get out of the car and say goodbye to my mom and dad and tell them that I will see them in a while. I make my way to the bus and realize that in this moment I am very alone. I wait in line. People are chatting with each other about other marathons that they have run and what they expect from this one. I finally make it onto the bus and sit next to a man from San Diego. It was his second marathon and he was able to calm my nerves a bit. He said; "Pace yourself. It doesn't matter how many people pass you. It's only about you." The bus dropped us off an hour later. It was 30 degrees at the starting line. I wanted to hop back on that bus and go home. People would understand right? I couldn't do it. I was here for me. I waited in the cold for a while until the fire department came and lit a few fires. For two hours I sat next to a fire trying to warm myself up. No one was talking. I over heard someone who said that it was about 6:15 and they were getting in line for the bathroom. Now, there were probably 200 porta potties at the starting line, but the line to use them were about 20 deep. I was incredibly lucky to be able to talk with a really cool old man from Canada. We talked about schooling, marathons, where we both came from(ski towns), and were able to express our concern about the upcoming day. As the time arrived for me to use the porta potty, a loud siren went off. I had no idea what it was. Is that the ten minute warning siren? I heard someone say that the race was beginning. I went the the bathroom expecting to come out and everyone to be gone. I had forgotten though that 6500 people were running today. I was able to throw my sweatshirt into my bag and drop it off at the U-haul and to make my way to the start line.

I past the start line and the adrenaline was amazing. I could already see a mile up the road the first police road block and it gave me something to look forward to. There were so many people running that it was difficult to pass anyone. I approached the first road block and the police officers were cheering everyone on. It was something else. We rounded the corner. 2 miles until the next aid station. "Keep pace with those in front of you" I thought. We kept winding through the roads and I was feeling great. We were coming up on mile 5. I was still feeling fresh, but if I wasn't, the next sight would have given me a boost of energy. It was the first place where spectators could come and cheer on marathon runners. Who knows how long they had been there. The leaders were long gone. But this group of about 150-200 people were still sticking around. As we came up on them, they would wander out from behind the police barricade and stick out their hands for you to give them a high five. Some would be holding signs. "You can do it. Don't give up." It was amazing. I thought that it was so cool. It would only get better too.

I am getting ready to approach mile seven when words of wisdom come flooding to my head. "From mile 7 to 9 1/2 is a huge hill. Pace yourself". It was the words of someone behind me on the bus. I came around the corner and saw it. "Yikes" I thought. We started climbing, and at this point everyone is starting to slow down. This hill was a beast. I made it over the hill and kept on my way to mile eleven. Still feeling good. Not great anymore. For the next few miles I would do great. Nothing holding me back.

Approaching mile 13(half way) that all changed. The change in the heat along with the brutal climb of the hill starting taking a toll on my legs. At each aid station I would take a cup of gatorade, a water, and a slice of banana that the wonderful volunteers handed us. But, it didn't seem to help. My legs were cramping. After mile 13 we began the decent of the race. My legs were hurting bad coming up on mile 16, until I saw another group of wonderful people waiting to greet runners. Both sides of the road were packed. A group of old men were in the back of a pick-up truck playing music. It gave me the strength I needed to keep going.

As I got up to mile 19 though I was really starting to struggle. My legs would begin to cramp every few feet I would run. So. I would run, have to stop, stretch and keep going. I truly think that if it wasn't for the next two events I would have hopped on that shuttle and taken it to the finish line. We were approaching a bridge where spectators were standing over the bridge, and along it cheering people on. Something about it just makes you want to run past them. I decided that I was going to stretch so that I would be able to pass them and not look like I was going to die. As I was stretching, a man in a white LIVEstrong shirt came up to me and said; "come on baby, you got this. It's yours". I didn't even get to say anything. He had already run off. I finished stretching and began my run toward the bridge and mile 20. All the runners were taking the inside lanes of the freeway as the road was curving to the right. There were a group of spectators to the left and I could see one little boy(may 2 or 3) standing off to the side. One hand waving at everyone and one extended like he wanted a high five. How could I possibly pass that up? I took a detour and took the outside lane. My legs were killing me, but I had to give this little kid a high five. As I approached he had a huge smile on his face. I was so tired that I was barely able to bend down far enough to give the little guy a high five and keep going. But you know what? That event helped me keep going. From then until about mile 23 I didn't see another person unless it was a runner. It was not fun. I wanted to quit at this point. At mile 22 I came up to an aid station and had to stop for some medical treatment. "What do you need?" asked the medical guy. "My legs are dying and cramping" was all I could get out. He took some bengay and slapped it on my legs. "You're this far. You can do it. I know it" he said as I ran off.

Spectators had lined the streets with signs. They kept me going. From mile 22 to 23 that's all I did. Read those signs. Here are some of my favorites that kept me going. "So easy a caveman could do it?". "It it were easy, wouldn't dad be doing it?" "If you walk it's still going to hurt." Those signs helped me go. Not fast. But I was running.

The best sight in the entire world happens at mile 23. You come around a corner and overlook all of St. George. And, there is a hill. My shins were hurting so bad as I was running down hill that I wanted to walk. I didn't, because as I was getting closer to the bottom of the hill, I could see spectators again lining the streets. They had shut down Bluff street(the main street in St. George) and people were all along the way. I could hear the cheers from them. Were they really still there 5 hours into this race? I began to get emotional. These people were all here to help me. It was amazing. I loved it. I don't know why I wanted to cry every time I passed them but I did. Along the street I ran. Marathoners who had previously finished were telling us that we were almost there. "You can do it".

I came around the last corner at about mile 24.5 and I saw my sister and dad walking my way to see where I was along the route. Amazing sight. So glad they were there. It was truly emotional for me to see them, and later towards the finish line. The encouraged me to keep going. I rounded a corner and saw my mom, sister, and dad running to tell the others I was almost there. At this time I could barely run. I would run for a few blocks and have to walk. I was coming up on a corner when a lady who I had just passed came up and said; "3/10th's of a mile left". I decided I could do it. I began to run and came around the corner to see my sister, brother, Spencer, Michelle, mom, and dad all right before you get to the finish line gates. I stopped to give them a high five and was about ready to lie down right there and cry. I turned toward the finish line and began my last run for the day. I wanted to just collapse, but people in the stands were cheering and I could see the workers at the end cheering me on so I kept on going. I crossed the finish line, received my medal and felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. I thought about the route that I had taken to get there. It's amazing to me still that it happened.

I still have a hard time walking, but it's getting better. I truly enjoyed the experience and I think it helped me become a better person. People ask. "Do you think that you'll run another one?" I answer them saying. I am not sure. I feel like it's my off season and that I am Brett Farve. "I'll let you know".

Countdown to Insanity

Thursday: 6:00 am-

I wake up to get ready for class. I am feeling pretty good. It hasn't sunk in yet that I am leaving later that day to run my first ever marathon.

Thursday: 1:45 pm-

I say goodbye to my classmates who some wish me luck during the upcoming weekend and I head home to finish my packing. Socks: Check. Shorts: Check. Running Shoes: Check. I am good to go.

Thursday 4:00 pm-

My mom and dad arrive at our house in Salt Lake to pick me up and to begin our Journey. The ride down isn't too bad. I feel pretty good. A movie(Tommy Boy) helps me relax and to keep my mind off of what is about to happen. We arrive at my grandma's condo later that evening. I am still feeling really good. Watch some t.v before I retire for the evening.

Friday October 2nd 8 am-

I awake and it starts to hit me that today I will check in and get all the info I need to help me get through 26.2 miles of pure insanity tomorrow. "What do I need to do to get ready?" I think to myself. I get up and try and see what's going on. My brother is still asleep and my parents are out for a walk. I start to meander through the condos' in the neighborhood. Anything to keep my mind from wandering. Alex finally wakes up.

10 am- Things start to get moving. We're getting ready for the day. My sister, her boyfriend Spencer, and Michelle are all coming down for the marathon today. We hop in the car and start making our way to the Dixie Expo Center where registration will happen. On the way over to the Expo center I start to get nervous. Not nervous about the race itself but rather, to check in. Weird. I know. We pull up and there are hundreds, even thousands of people who are walking in. We eventually find my bib number and I am able to receive my packet along with timing chip and shirt. We decide to mingle through the booths and to see what is there.

12 pm- We head to Costco to get things for the pre race meal that evening. We decide on spaghetti as it should be a good pre race meal. We head home and things start to get real. My family did a great job of trying to keep my mind off of things.

5 pm-

My sister and crew(who were now speaking in southern accents) arrive, just in time for dinner. We have a nice laid back dinner. I would keep getting messages from people. "You ready?". I have to say that I felt ready. I wanted it all to be over. That's what I was ready for. I didn't know what to expect. I wasn't worried about running, but what would happen at the start line? What happens if I don't finish in the alloted time given? Things like this are going through my head.

7 pm-

We head back to the expo center for my sister Courtney to pick up her running shirt although she wasn't going to run in the race, and to register everyone else to do the Mayor's Walk the next morning. After we left the Expo center we decided to head out and drive the course of the marathon. This is where it gets interesting.

We arrive at what will be the finish line the next morning. The road is already closed off. It's weird to be there at that moment. I felt that I was in a movie. You know, where the football player is standing in the end zone looking up into the empty seats where he will be playing the next day? That's what it was like. A man was practicing how he would finish. I wondered to myself. "Am I going to finish?". We get into our cars and decide to follow the course. We get on the road and we're driving, and it all feels good. I started to get a little uneasy because that car ride lasted for 45 minutes though. I was imagining myself running this route in less than twelve hours. "This is going to take forever" I think to myself. We finally arrive at what will be the start. We get out of the car and it's a crisp 45 degrees out. The starting line is illuminated with Christmas lights, those big lights used to due construction at night, and the workers still trying to get it ready. All the flags from each country and state that had runners representing it were blowing in the wind. I have no idea what to expect.

10 pm-

We get home and I decide that it's time for me to go to bed. I have to be up at 3:15 to catch the bus. I tell everyone that I will see them at the finish line, and head to bed.

Pre Marathon BBQ

Well; the time has officially come and there is really nothing that can be done to change the training that I have done. The marathon is less than a month away. I feel good. I feel confident(that I'll finish in the alloted time), and that it will be fun. I am still not sure if I can wrap my head around the fact that I will be running what is equivalant to the distance from Park City to The University of Utah, but, I am hoping that along the race my legs and mind will just shut off I wont feel the pain. It's been a quick six months. People ask; "do you think that you will run another marathon?" I have to answer honestly: "I'm not entirely sure yet". I have heard one of two things from people who have run marathons. Either they absolutely love it and want to run more, or, on the other hand, they hate it and never want to run again, let alone another marathon. I am hoping I like it. I am hoping that I still want to do another one later in life.

So with that all being said. I would like to invite you all to our home in Salt Lake for a pre marathon BBQ on Friday September 25th. It's a time for everyone to come over, check out the house, and just have some fun. Enjoy good food and friends. So. Hopefully you all can make it out to that, and I'd really love to see everyone there. If not, we'll have to get together once I get back, and I recover of course. So. Hope to see you on the 25th!

ONEfight Kick Off! Saturday the 5th

Dear ONEfight members, fans, and supporters:

This Saturday (September 5^th) we will be hosting our inaugural event to kick off the launch of the ONEfight organization. I’d like to take a moment to discuss with you a few key points before you show up Saturday evening. First off, we truly appreciate you in taking the time to even think about our event and for those of you who attend, we appreciate your effort and support toward a great cause. We understand that as college aged students our funds are limited. We’ve tried to reduce the cost to you as much as possible and feel that we’ve done a good job. We ask for your understanding on a few key items. First, this isn’t a “party” that you might be accustomed to. It is a fundraiser to help us gain support. It is also a time for you to get together and meet others of our group. Because this is an event rather than a party we are limiting what is brought in. We cannot allow outside beverages to be brought in. There will be drinks here at the house and we will make sure that we have enough so don’t worry. We need to do this because as stated before, rather than a party it’s an event to get to know each other, and to support a common cause. To do so; we as an organization, feel we need to control products that enter our home and to control as you say the peace.

As far as the pricing goes here is what we’ve come up with. We understand that many would like to come and to drink. To accommodate, those who wish to drink may do so at a price of two(2) dollars upon entering. All others who wish to attend will pay a “cover” charge of a dollar (remember, this is a fundraiser). Once in, we have set up a (root)beer pong tournament. Don’t want to drink? You can play with root beer. We’ll charge two(2) dollars a team, or one(1) for individuals to enter the tourney. Games will be decided depending on how many teams are signed up. We are currently working on t-shirts and would love to have them available at the event for you. Those in attendance(whether the shirts are ready or not), will receive a discount on purchase price. We’ve decided; however, to include a VIP pass to the event. For ten(10) dollars you get, entrance(including drinking), entrance for two into the tourney, and a t-shirt. So, for coming to the party and receiving the VIP pass, you get an additional discount on the t-shirts. Questions? Please send us an e-mail.

We again appreciate your encouragement and for all that you do. Please invite friends to the event. Although the title is a fundraiser we do want to make you aware that this will be fun and enjoyable. If you have any further questions please let us know what we can do to help. Thanks again and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday evening.

Ryan Smith, Alex Smith, Blake Barcus, Austin Peterson.

Always a time for reflecting

As the school year approaches, I always find myself reflecting on life and the direction that I am heading. I wonder; sometimes to my very good, patient friends, if I am doing what I really should be doing.
I am starting my second year at the University of Utah and would have to say it is one of the best decisions I have made was to come to school here. I am at a university with a great business department, who has the needs that I have for my education. I am living in downtown SLC and have come to find that I am definitely a city person. I love it.
I have gotten into running and become totally addicted to it. I am going to run the St. George Marathon in October and it is my first. I am just going for a finish for this one. But in the years to come, I'm sure times will improve. I feel great about myself and the added health because of running is just great.
I have switched my major from Business Administration to Business Management and Entrepreneurship. What do I want to do with that you may ask? Well. I want to start and run my own company. I am not entirely sure what that is right now but I hope one day that I will. I figure that if I have an idea that I should run with it for a little bit to see if I like it. If I do I keep going. If not, then I let it go. So far, I have tried getting a transportation company going. I haven't given up on that one. I still like it. I just need some more resources and income.
My current kick is on an idea from someone up in Logan. We were talking about the LiveSTRONG band that I was wearing, and we got on the topic of what a great organization it is. We started wondering if there was an organization that existed that encompassed everyone that has ailments or that has to overcome a difficulty. We weren't sure that there was, so we thought someone should. For the last 6 months I have been talking with people and trying to come up with a way to make that idea work. Its so incredibly tough. There are skeptics, and people who say that it can't be done. What do I do? I think of the person who gives me a lot of my inspiration to keep going. Lance. What would he do. Well... He would probably cuss someone out and then dominate at it. So. I keep going. Our little organization doesn't have a world class athlete who has the power to persuade political leaders, or to get interviews with the most powerful people as well as having the backing of Nike to help fund his organization. So, here is what I have so far. I just am going to do what I can to raise awareness about other people's troubles in every day life. I want to start a ONEfight "team" to help me with this. I figure the best way to raise awareness is to do the things that we love. I will raise awareness by running. I'm trying to get shirts (both running jerseys, and regular t-shirts) made so that people can start asking questions. From there we can raise awareness and bring hope to those who are down in the dumps, suffering from disease or just need a helping hand.
I'm not really sure where I am/was going with that. I just felt like I needed all of the blogging world to hear about this. Hopefully they take the time to read. And for you reading right now... Join my team. Follow our blog. Join our facebook group. Add your ideas and suggestions. I don't even know if this will work, but I need to try until it doesn't. It doesn't have to be running marathons, or doing a triathlon. It can be anything that you want to do. Something you love. You love walking? Love walking with a group of friends? Get a t-shirt and promote your very own cause and raise awareness. Love to just do 5 or 10 k's? That's AWESOME. DO IT! And promote awareness. Love riding your bike? Well. You get the idea. You want to join the team? PLEASE do! Have a race or something going on that you'd like us to be apart of? I'd love to come down and run a 5, 10 k with you. Want to do a half Marathon or Marathon? Give me some warning but again I would love it. Any other ideas? PLease... Let us know. Let me close with a quote from the man who brought one world issue to all of our minds with his campaign (LIVESTRONG)
“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.”

I'm back

I'm sorry that I am the worst updater of all time. I want to be better. And we all know it's the thought that counts right? I sure hope so. So... Summer is almost over. Can you believe it? The time has really flown bye. I guess about a month in Europe can make any Summer go by a quick rate right?

School starts the 24th and I have to say that I am super excited about it. I am looking forward to heading to class, and just experiencing the college life while I can. However, ask me in a month or so if I still like it and I'll let you know. Ha.

We moved into our new "pad" and we've been working on making it livable. We live on the corner of 400 South and 1300 East, so it's close to campus and will be easy to get to class and of course the football games. Hopefully we have a good year. GO UTES!

Other than that not a whole lot is going on with me. Just trying to stay motivated to go out and go running. I can't believe we're about 6 weeks away from the St. George Marathon. I am actually really excited about it and am not necessarily ready for it to be here, am ready to have it over with. They say that after your first marathon one of two things happen. 1) You hate it more than anything: and, if you continue running at all, it's short distances (5 and 10 K's), or 2) You become even more addicted to it and have to run more marathons. I am kind of hoping for option number 2. I have honestly come to love running. Who would have thought right? I was SO opposed to running even two years ago. There is just something about going out and running off your stress, taking in the sights, and just feeling good about yourself. I love the way I am beginning to feel as I gain an endurance and hey, if I start looking better then that is a plus as well.

Other than that though kiddies, not a whole lot is going on. Enjoy summer to the fullest this last week and a half for you U students, and a bit longer for the school down south, which shouldn't be named, and I'll be updating soon.

St. George

It's 4:00 am. I am standing in the parking lot waiting to board the bus. I am not really sure what to be expecting. Probably because it hasn't happened yet. Those are the feelings that I am anticipating while I await to board the bus to the starting line for the St. George Marathon. I usually get a few questions when people find out that I will be running in the marathon. "Are you excited?" I will answer with an enthusiastic; "Yes!, But I am sure the nerves will kick in once the time draws near."

Well. I guess the time has finally drawn near because yesterday I got nervous! I guess it all started about 2 weeks ago. How did it happen? It went something like this. My phone made the famous ring when I receive a text. I walked over to my phone and picked it up:

Court: "I can't run in the marathon."

Me 2 Court: "What?? Why?"

Court: "My stomach hurts when I run and I wont make it...... Are you still going to do it?

Wow. Am I still going to run in the marathon. I now have no motivation to go and run every day. I come home and am exhausted and sore. But I responded with one word. Yes. Why? I have absolutely no idea. It's just something so big in my life. "Hey, did you know that he ran the St. George marathon"? That's what I imagine people saying. Ha. I wish!

My next set of nerves hit yesterday as I was reading over all the rules and what to expect papers again. It hit me that this is real. It's real and competitive and this is my first marathon. I just keep telling myself, "you're not doing this for anyone else but you." "This is just a you against yourself race. Who cares what happens."

So that is what I will do. In two months, and at 4:00 am on October 3rd, I'll board that bus by myself, and in my mind will be the only one running in the race. I'm sure I'll be chatting with you before then... And I'll let you know how things are going. Till then....

Ryan