Being that I didn't run the Utah Marathon on May 19th - I was only a cheerleader - my commentary isn't going to have the same gut-wrenching feel to it that Morgan and Jillian's have; however, it was still quite emotional for me. Even before our family crossed the finish line, the tears started. There is something very moving about witnessing people overcome physical hardships, some which were very apparent, and pushing their bodies to the extreme to accomplish such a feat as a marathon. I feel the same way when I watch the Olympics every four years. I will post pictures chronologically of the marathon.
Bill and I, Jillian, Hailey and Alexis stayed in North Ogden with our friends from Sacramento, Jenny (Dennis) Hollingsworth and her husband, Brent, and their two kids. It was so fun to visit with them and get to know Brent -- thank you so much, Brent and Jenny! It turned out to be very convenient at 4:30 in the morning!
Here's Jillian, Bill and Hailey when I dropped them off at 4:45 a.m. to be bused to the starting line.
Whitney and Morgan arrived just as Bill and the girls were taking off in their bus. Bill was sure Whitney and Morgan had gone on ahead. So here's Morgan and Whit right before boarding their bus.
At mile 7 Whitney decided to break away and run at her own (faster) pace. She finished about 45 minutes before the rest of the fam. Whitney's time was 4 hrs. 19 min.
As the minutes ticked on, I started to get really nervous and anxious. I don't know how many prayers I said that they were okay and that they'd all finish. It was really getting warm - almost 90 degrees. Morgan in her red running skirt and yellow top was easy to spot, and then I could pick out the rest as they came into the final stretch. I almost couldn't see to take pictures because of the tears!
Whitney was waiting at the end of the barricade so that she could run in with her sisters and dad. Notice she's running in flipflops and holding her metal in her hand so it wouldn't bounce.
Ashley started videotaping just as the family appeared. She's running along with them and doing the commentary at the same time. Listen closely to the announcer. He announces "Morgan Olson, Jillian Busath (of course he doesn't pronounce it right -- big surprise!), Hailey Busath -- Team Busath -- the yellow girls!" I think they left off Bill's name - drat!
Here's a shot of Morgan and Jillian as they were approaching the finish line.
This is Hailey as she's crossing the finish line. Notice Whitney has a smile on her face -- she's been resting for 45 minutes! The finish time for Bill, Morgan, Jillian and Hailey was 5 hours 5 minutes. Go TEAM BUSATH!
....and finally, a slideshow of fun pics from the day - enjoy!
Bill and I, Jillian, Hailey and Alexis stayed in North Ogden with our friends from Sacramento, Jenny (Dennis) Hollingsworth and her husband, Brent, and their two kids. It was so fun to visit with them and get to know Brent -- thank you so much, Brent and Jenny! It turned out to be very convenient at 4:30 in the morning!
Here's Jillian, Bill and Hailey when I dropped them off at 4:45 a.m. to be bused to the starting line.
Whitney and Morgan arrived just as Bill and the girls were taking off in their bus. Bill was sure Whitney and Morgan had gone on ahead. So here's Morgan and Whit right before boarding their bus.
At mile 7 Whitney decided to break away and run at her own (faster) pace. She finished about 45 minutes before the rest of the fam. Whitney's time was 4 hrs. 19 min.
As the minutes ticked on, I started to get really nervous and anxious. I don't know how many prayers I said that they were okay and that they'd all finish. It was really getting warm - almost 90 degrees. Morgan in her red running skirt and yellow top was easy to spot, and then I could pick out the rest as they came into the final stretch. I almost couldn't see to take pictures because of the tears!
Whitney was waiting at the end of the barricade so that she could run in with her sisters and dad. Notice she's running in flipflops and holding her metal in her hand so it wouldn't bounce.
Here's a shot of Morgan and Jillian as they were approaching the finish line.
This is Hailey as she's crossing the finish line. Notice Whitney has a smile on her face -- she's been resting for 45 minutes! The finish time for Bill, Morgan, Jillian and Hailey was 5 hours 5 minutes. Go TEAM BUSATH!
