Talley Family

Summer Vacation - Part II

2010-10-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

It has taken a while, but we are back in the blogging business. I figured I better finish off the summer post. It really was a great trip. It was fun to see Kyle, Adrienne, and Hayden, to stay at Preston and Linden's place in San Francisco, and to spend a few days with Spencer, Mayra, and the kids.

We ran across the Golden Gate Bridge and back.

Ashy and Anna

Spencer and Mayra took us to a Redwood Forest. The trees were massive. Sam was a real pill - glad she finally fell asleep.

We went to this beach in Monterey where the chipmunks would eat out of our hands. They especially liked gold fish crackers.

Big Sur in the background

We were lucky to get Ashlyn smiling - for some reason she didn't want to meet the princesses, but Sammy loved seeing them all.

Small World was one of their favorites

Ashlyn stuck out her tongue at any character who scared her: Captain Hook, the Materhorn Abominable Snowman, the Ghosts in the Haunted Mansion, the Pirates in Pirates of the Caribbean, the aliens on the Buzz Lightyear ride . . .

Family Summer Vacation- Part 1 (Lake Tahoe)

2010-07-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

We decided this year to take a "real" family vacation (nothing associated with coaching or a race!) Our main focus and destination was Disneyland... but we wanted to make the most of the loooong drive too! First stop- Lake Tahoe. Beautiful place, nice cool temps and amazing running trails :)

Ashlyn found this homemade 'fishing pole' that someone had left behind on the beach. It consisted of a stick with a long string tied to a giant pine cone. We ended up having to carry it with us everywhere we went for the first two days!

Water temperature was frigid. But that didn't stop either girl from playing in the lake, at least waist deep, until we had to drag them out kicking and screaming :)

Rubicon trail- followed the lake out and back for about 11 miles

We brought Grandma with us although she may have ended up regretting it by about day 4 :)

We almost died in a near head-on collision as this semi truck came speeding toward us on the highway! (ha ha.. it was being towed, backward, by another truck)

4 YEARS OLD

2010-04-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Ashy!
(March 29)

Ashlyn had her first "friend" birthday party this year.
We played lots of games and had cake & ice cream.
Kids are pretty easy to entertain at this age :)

After the party we took Ashy & Sam swimming and then to Classic Skating.

More birthday festivities the next day with the Hansen family

And even MORE birthday celebrating with the Talley family!

She's pretty spoiled but she's worth it :)

Striders Half Marathon

2010-04-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Stef finished first at the Striders Half Marathon in Ogden Valley this past weekend. She has been training really hard this winter in preparation for the Ogden Marathon (May 15). Her time in the half was 1:23.35.

A few laughs from Ashlyn. . .

2010-01-17T15:42:00.000-08:00

This past year we started keeping track of the funny or interesting things that Ashlyn says and does by writing them down in a little book. These have been my favorite so far:

May 20, 2009 - "I think the sprinklers are playing with each other. . . they like to play with each other, huh?"

May 21, 2009 - " When I smashed the potato bug, it turned into a blueberry." (I think she meant 'touched' instead of 'smashed')

May 29, 2009 - Ashy told me today that she has a "boy hand" and a "girl hand" the boy hand she calls "he" and it talks in a low voice - it's her left hand. The right hand is her girl hand. It talks in a high voice and she calls it "she". (She also later named her feet her boy foot and girl foot - and she still uses that to know which is her right and which is her left).

June 2, 2009 - Ashy got into her car seat and said, "Thanks, Dad." I said "No, thank you, Ashy." And she replied "Aw, it was nothin'."

July 6, 09 - As I put Ashlyn to bed tonight we were talking about playing outside. I mentioned that she gets to play with bugs. This is how the conversation went:
Ashy - "Firebugs are friendly."
Me - "Oh, they are?"
Ashy - "And ladybugs are friendly too."
Me - "What about ants?"
Ashy - "Ants are friendly."
Me - "What about spiders?"
Ashy - "Spiders are friendly."
Me - "What about bees?"
Ashy (with a furrowed brow) - "Bee's aren't friendly."
Me - "What about flies?"
Ashy - "Flies are friendly - they don't sting . . . they just have tickly legs."

July 5, 2009 - Ashlyn was starting to eat an apple and she was talking to Stef. Stef said, "Ashlyn, that apple hasn't been washed." And Ashy replied, "Yes it has. I washed it with my tongue."

August 11, 2009 - We were outside and Ashlyn noticed her blow-up swimming pool was in the window well.
She asked, "Is that my pool?"
"Yes."
"How'd it get in there?"
"The wind."
After some thought - "That crazy wind."

August, 2009 - I'm a little scruffy because I haven't shaved in 5 or 6 days. Ashlyn was feeling my beard a lot today. When I put her in bed she felt it and asked, "Daddy, how old are you?" I said, "32." She thought for a second, then said "When I'm 32, I can begin to grow a beard too."

August 2009 - Ashy was looking at the cover of the photo album from our wedding:
Ashy: "Is that mommy?"
Me: "Yes, it is."
Ashy: "Is mommy married?"
Me (chuckling): "Yes, she is."
Ashy: ". . . Is she married to you?"

August 24, 2009 - The yellowjacket trap instructions according to Ashlyn (she was pretending to read them):
1. You just need to hang the bee house before the bees get us.
2. The bees will crawl inside so they can't sting you.
3. One more thing: "Love you always, thanks."

September 12, 2009: After the Wasatch 100 we were in Midway for the awards. Sandee Stapp was talking with Ashy. Sandee said, "Did you see your Daddy running a lot?" And Ashlyn replied, "Actually, he was mostly just walking."

September 13, 2009: Ashy was sitting on the bed looking at an add with some Halloween costumes. . .
"Dad, I don't think I want to be a bat for Halloween."
"Why not?"
"I'd be too scary for everyone. . . I think I'll be a ladybug."

October 15, 2009: When I came in the door from work today, Ashlyn ran up to me, full of excitement with her hands behind her back.
She yelled, "I gotta surprise for you!"
I said, "Hi Ashy. What is it?"
And she said, "Daddy, you gotta be patient."
It was just a doll she had found, but I loved the way she said it.

October 20, 2009: I was laying on the bed with Ashlyn tonight as she was falling asleep and I was typing a long text message on my phone. She looked at me and said, "Daddy, you're the best number pusher I ever saw." Then she gave me a kiss on the cheek.

October 27, 2009: I was doing sit ups and Ashy brought me a bottle of water.
She said, "Do you want some water? It's healthy for you."
She was also doing some sit-ups and she kept saying "These sit-ups are making me thirsty."
When I drank a lot of the water, she said, "Don't drink it all. Mommy would be upset. You will have to tell her the truth that you drank it all."

October 31, 2009: Ashy told me I can't go to Halloween if I can't talk nicely.

November 8, 2009 (Stef's entry): We were looking at the Christmas toy catalogs and Ashy asked me if I wanted to look at "the scriptures" as she handed me one of the catalogs. I said, "These aren't scriptures, these are toy books." Ashlyn replied, "I know, but they're called scriptures. That's toy book in Spanish."

November 8, 2009: The other night we went to Javier's (restaurant) and I bought Ashy some of the chocolate mint candies from the candy machines. She was eating them on the ride home and they were making her cough.
Ashy: "These are called coffee."
Me: "What?"
Ashy: "These candies are called coffee because they are making me cough."

November 17, 2009: As Grandma was leaving today Ashy was watching her pull out of the garage. She asked Grandma to honk the horn. After Grandma honked the horn, Ashy shouted, "Excellent!"

Dec 23, 2009: One of Ashy's favorite words right now is "snowtastic". When we go out in the snow she says, "That was snowtastic!"

December 30, 09: I came home from track practice this morning and went out to shovel the walks before Ashlyn and Sam had seen me. Ashy felt the carpet was wet and asked Stef, "Mommy, why is the carpet wet?
Stef said it was from Dad.
Ashy said, "Where is he?"
Stef said she didn't know.
Ashlyn went in her room for a while and came out with her magnifying glass. Stef asked what she was doing, and Ashy replied, "I'm looking for clues . . . It's the mystery of the lost Daddy."

January 10, 2010: Ashy looked at me this evening and said, "Daddy, your shows are very boring." (I was watching the Jazz game).

Sam is just starting to do some funny things as well. I can't wait until both of them are talking more to each other.

Christmas Pictures

2010-01-03T08:34:00.000-08:00

Remembering Halloween

2009-12-03T13:04:00.000-08:00

Wow are we SLOOOOWWWW at blogging these days :)
So, Halloween was over a month ago and it kind of ruins the Christmas spirit to see 'trick-or-treating' pics, I know. But we feel obligated to share some of our Halloween festivities and show a few snapshots of these cute little fairies we are privileged to live with :)

Ashlyn was Tinkerbell and Sammy was her pink fairy friend

Here we have the fairy girls, Minnie Mouse and her much younger and smaller partner, Mickey Mouse!
(aka Ashlyn, Samantha, Gabriella and Parker)

It was somebody's idea for all of the old folks to dress up as well.
Not too authentic but we get a 'C' for effort :)

St. George Marathon

2009-10-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

I know this post is a bit late, but I wanted to get some stuff on here about Stef's 1st marathon. She ran the St. George Marathon on October 3rd. I finally convinced her to try one last winter, and she set the goal for St. George. Her training was going really well until the last 2-3 weeks. She had run the Top of Utah 1/2 marathon and finished with a great time (1:20), but hadn't felt great since that race. Her IT Band was bugging her, and she was a little scared going into St. George, but ended up running extremely well anyway.
She finished in 2:51.35 which was good enough for 2nd place in her age division and 8th place overall (1st place overall was only 3:00 in front of her). It was a struggle, especially the final 6 miles, but she made it. And she is even talking about doing another one already, despite the fact that she was as sore as ever for the days following the race.

Here are some pictures:The drive down to St. George. Stef hopped in the back to feed the kids.

This is at mile 19 when I first started running by her. I couldn't officially run with her, so I would just leap frog and take pictures and shout encouragement.

This is around mile 20 - still looking pretty strong.

Her chip time was just a little faster than the gun time posted here.

Sam was really happy to see her mommy, even though she is trying to get away (above).

Ashy was just happy to eat the popsicles and play on the playground

Stefanie on the awards stand with the other top 10 finishers
(including her good friend Rosy in 5th).

Ashlyn & Sam at Region Cross Country

2009-10-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ashy and Sam did a great job supporting the Davis cross country team at the regional meet today. Ashy also did a great job entertaining. While all the teams were waiting for the varsity awards, Ashlyn was running across the stage getting cheers and laughs from all who were watching. (Davis swept all four of the races - winning girls and boys JV and Varsity).

Wasatch 100

2009-09-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

This is a long read - it might take as much endurance to read this as it did to run the race. Drink plenty of fluid and maybe go for a run in the middle somewhere to re-energize.
Let me know if you finish, and I will get you a belt buckle.

Part I:

Two years ago I made my first attempt at finishing the Wasatch 100 endurance race. At the time, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The race that year was one of the highlights of my running career. I had so much fun flying up and down hills with my pacers, motivated by texts and the support I received from my family, friends, and athletes. In the middle of the race, while my team was running at the BYU Cross Country Invite, I moved up into 5th place and was feeling incredible. I was motivated by how well the kids had run, and I knew I was going to finish strong. A group came to see me at mile 53 and really lifted my spirits. I had a ton of energy, and nearly every thought I had was positive—it was one of the funnest things I have ever done. . . for 70 miles. Then in the next 8 miles everything changed. I struggled the last few miles coming into Brighton Ski Resort (mile 75). The downhills had torn my quad muscles to shreds, and my knees were screaming in pain with each step. Still, I left the Brighton aid station around 9:30 pm in high spirits, knowing I was going to finish. Within a half mile I was throwing up and shaking uncontrollably. I could barely lift my feet, and for the first time I was scared I wasn’t going to be able to continue. The climb leaving Brighton is about 2 miles with 2,000 feet elevation gain to the highest point in the race (10,500ft). I made it about 1 mile in 55 minutes and could not go any further. I lay down on a flat rock for another 45 minutes—each time I tried to go on, my legs would give out and I would collapse to the trail. Each time I tried to eat or drink, my stomach would immediately reject the food and I would throw up. I was shaking, I was cramping, I was cold, and I decided I was done. Jed, my pacer, did all he could to try to get me to continue, but he eventually he was too worried about my health. I climbed on Jed’s back and he slowly carried me back down the mountain to Brighton. Every now and then I would try to walk a little, but it was a really slow, painful trek back to the aid station. I have never felt such intense pain. I had never pushed my body quite to its limit. When Stefanie came back to pick me up, I could not stop crying. I cried all the way to my bed—stopping occasionally to throw up on the side of the road.
I could not believe my own thoughts the next morning. I knew that I had to try the race again. Even after all I had been through that night, still unable to walk, the pain fresh on my mind and in my legs, I committed to myself that I would finish the race.
It took me over a year to get the courage up to register again, but I did it, and I got into the race through lottery that is held for entrants each year (can you believe that more people want to do the race than they can actually let compete?). I had figured out my two main problems from my first attempt: 1) I didn’t eat enough calories—my body just ran out of gas; 2) my quads weren’t strong enough—I needed to do more mountain running. A lot of people tell me that keeping their feet feeling well is their challenge, but I always boast that my feet can make it through anything, so I wasn’t as worried about that.
In preparation for this year, I trained in order to conquer my two main problems. I did more long training runs in the mountains on the course. After each training run my legs felt great. I was feeling little if any knee or quad weakness. Last time I had gone through many discouraging training runs where I thought about quitting before I started. This time I finished each training run with confidence. I was also learning what kinds of foods I could manage. My stomach was like iron. On every long run I was able to eat plenty of calories without ever throwing up or cramping. This was going to be my year. I set up my goal time as 23 hours and 15 minutes. I would need to set the same pace as last time, and then be able to finish strong from Brighton to the finish. I laminated a 3 x 5 card with my goal splits for each aid station on one side, and a picture of my family on the other side.
In the days before the race I was scared and nervous because of what I went through last time, but I was also confident that I would be able to feel so much better late in the race. I ate well coming into the race, I wasn’t having any injury or other problems, and I was ready for a positive experience. Plus I had tons of support from my family and friends, and I had some of the best pacers I could imagine lined up to help me through it.
I found myself excited and positive with 245 others at the starting line at 5:00am on Friday morning. I had run from the same trailhead with my cross country team all summer long, so I was very comfortable with the first portion of the race. As we started, I saw a few familiar faces and met a few new people, but mostly I was content to throw on my headphones and find my own rhythm.
The first 24 miles went by pretty quickly and with relatively few challenges. I had made it through the first monster climb up Francis Peak (5,000 ft elevation gain) without too much trouble, and I had made my way through a few groups until I found myself running in 9th place. I ran a lot of that first 24 with a friend of mine named Eric Storheim. I had met Eric at my previous Wasatch 100. He also dropped out of the race in 2007 because he was throwing up blood at mile 69. Through this first section I was eating a lot, and I was moving quickly. I was nearly 15 minutes ahead of last time’s split at the aid station above the Bountiful ‘B’ at mile 24. I sent out my first and only text update to my friends and team at this point letting them know I was doing well.
I started running into some stomach trouble when I left the 24 aid station. It was quickly getting hot, and I was suddenly beginning to feel nauseous. I had food in my hand that I knew I needed to eat, but everything began to sound very unappetizing. I tried a bite of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and had to spit it out because I couldn’t swallow it. I angrily chucked the rest of the sandwich into the bushes. I was still able to stomach some of my EFS drink (a high calorie electrolyte drink that tastes like a yummy caramel shake), but most things made me want to throw up. Still, I knew I had to keep the calories going in, so I forced myself to take bites of fruit, potatoes, cliff bars, candy bars, power gel, and jelly beans. With each bite, my stomach got a little more uncomfortable. I figured the problem would go away if I just gave it some time.
Around mile 30 was when I first started thinking about quitting. I knew the first time I would see Stef would be at mile 39. I began coming up with excuses to tell my family and athletes about why I had to drop out. None of the excuses really seemed good enough, but I was definitely not thinking positively, and I was definitely not having fun like I had before through this stretch. My stomach pain was getting worse and worse, and although I wasn’t slowing down too much, I was only focusing on the things that were going wrong. I sat down in some shade a little before the 35 mile aid station and I read some of the text messages I had been getting. Brad had said “Keep it up Stud. Thorbin will not be denied.” (‘Thorbin’ was a nick-name I had earned chopping wood at camp 2 years ago). I was not feeling like a stud—and was definitely not in ‘Thorbin’ mode. At least the text made me smile. Every text was uplifting and told me I was doing great and that I could make it and to keep going. People were also reminding me to eat and drink, but my stomach was fighting me on that one. The texts got me going again, and it helped a little when I ate a popsicle at the aid station. As I worked my way down the hills to the aid station at Big Mountain (mile 39) where I would see my family and pick up my first pacer, I had decided I would keep going, but I didn’t want to. I wanted to stop. I had never felt so much doubt. I was trying to fight it, but I felt weak and sick, and I let myself continue to think about quitting.
I have learned to fight through pain and self doubt sometimes in 5ks, 10ks, and even marathons when I am hurting early, but facing the pain with 70 miles to go seemed impossible.
Big Mountain is the first big aid station. It is the first time runners get to meet up with their crew. Stefanie was my crew. I have to tell you how awesome she was. She was so prepared with everything I needed at every aid station she was allowed to come to. She had the food I needed, the clothes I needed, and she had always prepared my pacers with what they needed to do for me. At Big Mountain I had to smile when I saw her and Ashlyn. It was the first time I had felt okay for a while. I talked with her about my stomach while she washed my feet and put some fresh socks on. Ashlyn was pretty funny. She asked me how my run was. Of course I lied to her and told her things were going well. She asked if I wanted to go to Grandma’s house with her. I desperately wanted to say yes, but I told her I still had some more running to do. They were both really positive which is just what I needed.
It was also a boost to leave Big Mountain with a pacer who was going to take me to mile 53. I chose to have Jed as my first pacer this year. I figured it was only fair to put him first this time because it nearly guaranteed him an opportunity to run some of the course with me without having to carry me. The way things had been going though, I began to think Jed was my curse and that I would never make it through a section of the 100 with him. Luckily things were still fairly manageable while I was with Jed. It was good to have someone to talk to because it distracted me from all the negative self-talk. I was still thinking about dropping out, but it wasn’t as bad. We made good time and were able to run most of the trail until right before the next aid station (mile 46). The stomach troubles were coming in waves. At one point the urge to throw up was unbearable, and I had to stop for a few minutes at the top of a ridge. I fought really hard to keep from throwing up. I was afraid that if I started throwing up I wouldn’t be able to stop and I wouldn’t be able to eat anything. Then I wouldn’t get the calories I needed to keep going. One guy passed us while I was sitting there. I think it put me in 11th place. I was still trying to eat, but I was already getting behind on how many calories I was supposed to be taking in. I was quickly putting myself in the same position I had been in 2 years ago, only it was much earlier in the race.
At the next aid station we ran into an old friend from Wasatch. Dave Hunt had passed me two years ago while I was laying on the rock above Brighton. He had given me some encouragement and told me he would buy me a beer at the finish line. He proceeded to cheer for me while he ran off in the darkness until he was out of ear shot. Dave saw that I was having troubles as we left the aid station at mile 46. He said he had a secret for me which might help. He slowed down a little to stay with us for the next mile where we went 50 meters off course to a cool spring. We completely soaked ourselves and filled up with some refreshing water. It did really help a ton. Dave left us – he would go on to run a solid 23 hours and 19 minutes. I felt much better the rest of the time with Jed—at least good enough to decide to go on past Lamb’s Canyon.
Coming into Lamb’s Canyon (mile 53) was nothing like last time. Two years ago, I had a huge fan club of my high school athletes waiting at the aid station. Because of the twists on the trail coming down to the station, the kids had been able to cheer for me for about 1 ½ miles. I was pumped when I saw them, and it carried me through the next 10 miles at least. This time it was much quieter coming into the aid station, and I had a lot of difficulty being positive because I still had half the race to go. I was only 15 minutes behind my pace from last time, so if I started feeling okay, I might be able to make some decent time, but I was so doubtful that things would get better. I have a picture from last time where I am choosing out some food that looked good to me to take on the trail; this time all food was repulsive and I only took it out of absolute necessity.
Coming into the aid station, it was great to see Stefanie again. She had Ashyln and Sammy with her this time. I really wanted Stef to just tell me that if I wasn’t feeling well, I ought to just drop out and go home. She wouldn’t even think of it. Her complete confidence in my ability to finish helped me through this aid station and the next two which would be much more difficult to leave. My parents were also there. The way I looked at them told them how much I was struggling. I can’t look my dad in the face at times like these. He is very emotional, and at this point he was very concerned about me. If I looked right at him I knew I would break down crying. My mom, like always, was trying to do anything she could to make things better.
It was also good to meet up with my next pacer, Caleb Ward. For all the hell that I’ve put up with from Caleb, he is still one of my all-time favorites. I really feel that Caleb would do anything for me. When I had a spot for a pacer, I couldn’t believe that Caleb was who came to mind. I knew he would keep me entertained, and I knew he would carry me if I needed it (physically and emotionally). Seeing him standing there quietly at the aid station, I was assured that he would give me his all again.
It was fate that I would also run into Roch Horton at this point in the race. He is now 51 years old. When I think of toughness, Roch comes to mind. I first met Roch on the top of a mountain above Snowbird during my first ultra-marathon, the Wasatch Speedgoat 50k. 20 miles into that race I had been cramping so badly and had definitely not prepared myself for the brutalities of mountain racing. I barely made it to the aid station at the top of the mountain (11,000 feet) and I said I was done and that I was going to take the lift back to the bottom. I had already made up my mind. I thought Roch would take care of me and tell me that I had done well and allow me to quit, but Roch gave me a bunch to drink, some electrolyte pills, and some tough love. His exact words were “You’re not even close to done. You have a great run going and there is no way you are stopping now.” He had so much confidence in me—I had to believe him. I left the aid station and went on to finish 2nd. The second time I saw Roch was at Wasatch two years ago. He stopped and gave his all to try to get me off of the rock above Brighton, but I couldn’t respond. He finished that year in under 24 hours as a 49 year old. This year when Roch came up to me I thought it must be some sort of dream. I hadn’t seen him in two years. He was there as the crew of the top woman runner who was coming up just behind me. He could see I was struggling, and went through a quick checklist with me: electrolytes, water, food. He put some ginger candies in my pockets and got me a bag of ice cubes—both, he said, could settle my stomach.
One of the things I love most about the group who runs ultra marathons is that they always look out for one another. I would have to include seeing Dave and Roch through this point of the race as part of what kept me moving and ultimately got me to the finish line.
As Caleb and I left my family behind, I told him I would have to walk for just a while. I had run most of the race to this point, but I figured I might just have to walk the last 47 miles. He was holding a ton of food for me, but I didn’t want to touch any of it. He had some McDonald’s fries, more EFS drink, a Luna bar, and some other snacks. I was right about Caleb keeping me entertained. My mind wasn’t really working, and Caleb and I had some weird conversation. I am sure he has never seen me like that before. I was complaining about a lot of things because that’s what felt good to do. I think I was being quite irrational. Caleb has promised to never tell anyone how odd I was being for that first 4 miles while we climbed to the top of Millcreek Canyon.
The race goes two miles up the road in Lamb’s Canyon, then a steep two mile climb through the trees followed by a steep two mile descent to the Millcreek Road. On the steep part of the climb, I was running out of gas because I hadn’t eaten the last part with Jed, and I hadn’t touched any of the food Caleb was carrying. I tried the ginger and tried the ice, but nothing was working. We were getting passed by quite a few people at this point, including the top 2 women. One of the guys who passed us offered me a Tums which he thought might help my stomach. He handed me a green Tums. Once it was in my hand, I had the biggest urge to throw up. Just holding a Tums in my hand made my mouth salivate and my stomach churn. I started breathing really deeply. It was the first time (of many times to come) where my breathing sounded like I was in labor or something. I was breathing deep and loud with each step. There was also a lot of moaning involved. I carried the Tums for 3 or 4 minutes then finally chewed it up. A few minutes later the pain and nausea was more than I could bear. We had nearly hiked to the top of the climb. We were moving slow, and I wasn’t even using my arms any longer. It was the worst I had felt. I sat down and told Caleb I could take it no longer—I was going to make myself throw up. I threw up about 5 times, each time cleansing my stomach a little deeper and each time a little more painful. It was mostly fluid, but I also saw some cantaloupe in there from mile 24. That was enough to keep me away from fruit the rest of the time. Caleb was great through it all. Had I been a girl with long hair, he would have been holding it back for me. He kept patting me on the back telling me I would be okay. I am positive that he did not really know what to do. I stood up and immediately felt this great relief and this rush of energy. We started flying. I ran the rest of the climb, then hauled butt down the steep trail into the canyon.
At the bottom of the trail, there was a river that ran parallel to the road. I had to get in for a quick dip. It felt great on my legs. In the last 75 miles of the race, the best I felt was during these second 4 miles with Caleb. I was also able to really eat without wanting to throw up for the last time in the race. I ate an entire thing of french fries, a Luna Bar, 6 ounces of EFS, and some peanuts, I also drank about 64 ounces of water. I knew I had to get it in while my stomach could handle it. It was nice to feel positive for a change.

Part II

I picked up Kenneth Richardson (Janae’s husband) at the top of Millcreek Canyon—62 miles into the race. It was just before 7:00pm, and I knew it would be getting darker and more difficult in the next stretch. I also knew Kenneth would be a solid pacer and that he would make sure I took care of myself. Two years ago Kenneth had paced me from Lamb’s to Millcreek and had been forceful about getting me to eat. At this point I was both grateful to be going with Kenneth, but also dreading the eating he would have me do.
Stefanie had warned him that I was having trouble with my stomach, and Kenneth created what he thought was the perfect plan. He set his watch to go off every 3 minutes. When the watch would beep, Kenneth would give me a bite or two of food to take in or something for me to drink. Three minutes may seem like a long time between bites, but I was with Kenneth for 4 hours and 15 minutes—that’s 85 beeps. It became incredibly annoying. He did give me some breaks when I really needed them, but for the most part we stuck with his stupid plan. Within a few minutes of leaving the aid station, I was already having the dreaded stomach nausea, and I didn’t want to eat. Ken would hand me things like cookies, peanuts, chips, cereal, pieces of candy, electrolyte pills, or the flask of EFS. Nothing was appetizing.
Before we finished the climb to Dog Lake, I had thrown up again, which brought some relief, but not as long lasting as before. I figured I would just go on with that cycle: eat what I could, endure the nausea for 90 minutes to 2 hours, throw up, repeat. Actually, what I really began planning was how I would get out of the race and convince Stef to take me home from Brighton. It would be a miserable ride away from Brighton, something like what I experienced 2 years ago, but it would be better than continuing for 25 miles feeling like I did.
Kenneth was so damn positive. It was really getting on my nerves. He kept talking about how good I looked, and how fast I was moving, and how well I was doing with the food, and how I would be able to finish, and how awesome I was, and how incredible it was that I would be finishing 100 miles. I just wanted him to shut up. I felt much more comfortable allowing myself to feel unhappy and afflicted and I didn’t even want to give the effort to make myself think anything positive. Each time Kenneth would say something uplifting, I would nod my head to appease him, but inside I was secretly making my getaway plan. I would make it to Brighton (even though I didn’t even really have the will to get that far); once at Brighton I would tell my family, my athletes, and my pacers that I needed to take about a one hour nap. I would tell them that after the nap I would get up and finish the race, but that I didn’t want them to wait around or to go to the finish. Then when I woke up, I would have Stefanie take me home. I couldn’t think of what I would say to any of them the next week when they asked about why I stopped, so I figured Stef and I could just move out of the state—then I wouldn’t have to answer any of their questions and I wouldn’t have to face them as a quitter. I was getting a bit delirious through this section. I had also resigned myself to the fact that Brad would give me crap again about paying for the entire 100 miles, but not finishing it all—not getting my money’s worth.
There were some definite low points when I was with Kenneth. I don’t know how in the world he kept me going. Possibly the worst single point in the entire race was the climb away from Desolation Lake. (Who organizes a 100 mile race that passes Desolation Lake at mile 67? Bleakness, darkness, emptiness, waste—all synonyms of desolation, and all descriptions of how I felt.) I will look back on that climb as the most mentally and physically challenging obstacle I had to overcome. Kenneth got me through it and I absolutely hated him for it. Just ask him—I told him more than once that I hated him. I really love him to death, but at the time he represented all that I didn’t want around me: the positive attitude and the food. The climb took us a good 30 minutes to cover just less than a mile. I said very little, but there was a lot of heavy breathing and moaning, and even some crying. Kenneth made me continue eating little bites. It was on this climb that he told me to put back my hand (he was walking behind me). I said “no”. He then demanded, “Corbin, put back your hand.” I still managed a quiet “no”. I was actually crying. He practically yelled at me, “Corbin! Give me your hand!” I gave in.
I can’t describe how much I despised that beeping from his watch. There were a few occasions when I knew the beeping was coming, and I would take off running. Kenneth thought I was feeling good and trying to make up some time—but really I was just trying to get away from him and his watch and the disgusting food. The only problem was that my run couldn’t have been faster than 10 minute mile pace. It was more like a 90-year-old’s shuffle. Kenneth stopped at the last aid station before Brighton to refill the water bottles (mile 70). It was the only aid station in the entire race where I didn’t stop at all. I just announced “54 in! 54 out!” (my race number) and kept moving. It was my chance to get away from Ken. I sprinted (shuffled) down the trail as fast as I could. It had to have been the fastest I had moved in over 30 miles. I thought about diving off the trail into the trees to hide, or maybe I was moving fast enough to beat him to Brighton and I wouldn’t have to deal with eating anything the next 5 miles. It hurt my knees quite a bit running down the mountain, but it was a pain I almost embraced because it was getting me away from eating. Kenneth’s just too fast—he spoiled my plan. I think he caught me in less than a half mile.
At this point I knew I would make it to Brighton, but was still working out how I would get out of leaving Brighton. I called Stef to tell her we would be to Brighton in about 40 minutes. I told her it had been the roughest section yet. I was doing a good job complaining to her and I was just waiting for her to tell me I should stop at Brighton. She wouldn’t say it. And Kenneth kept telling me to say something positive to her. He wanted me to tell her that I had done a great job eating enough calories. I couldn’t even say that one positive thing. I told her Kenneth wanted to talk to her. I tried handing him the phone, but he was like “You say it! Right now!” I had to cry to get it out, but I managed something like “Kenneth wants me to tell you I’ve been eating.”
The craziest thing happened a mile before Brighton, I started thinking I would go ahead and try to finish. Maybe Kenneth’s persistent positive attitude had rubbed off on me. For so long I thought I was done, that I wouldn’t make it, but I started thinking about my motivation to finish. A few things had gotten me this far, and they would inspire me to leave Brighton: 1) I didn’t want to ever run this dreadful race again. If I didn’t finish this time, I would have to try again. 2) I really, really wanted to order this shirt I had seen online. The front of the shirt says “Ultramarathoner” the back of the shirt has the question at the top: “You finished a marathon?” and below: “That’s Cute.” I couldn’t order or wear that shirt if I didn’t finish. 3) The belt buckle. Each finisher gets a Wasatch 100 belt buckle. I had missed out on it before and would have felt bad, but Meghan Hedquist and her mom had made me a belt buckle with “World’s Greatest Coach” written on it—possibly one of my all-time favorite race medals. This time I wanted to add the real thing. 4) The greatest motivation had to be the people who were showing me so much love and support. My family, friends, and athletes were pulling me along. Stefanie had done so much for me in preparing for the race, and she was doing even more during the race to keep me going. She was the perfect crew. I wanted to finish for her. I also wanted to finish for my athletes. In the final 2 miles with Kenneth he read me off about 40 texts from my phone: “Talley, you can do this. The whole team is looking up to you. Don’t let them down.” “Be positive, be patient and believe in yourself. Keep going, you’ve got this!” “Talley, you are the reason I did so well in my race! You’re amazing! Keep it going!” “At the beginning of the JV race today we yelled out ‘FOR TALLEY!’ It was like Narnia.” “All us girls ran for you today, Talley. We all wrote it on our arms. You can do it!” “Talley, this is your goal! You have worked 3 years for this day! You have this!” “Talley! You can do it. Be strong and eat food and drink your EFS stuff” (that one didn’t motivate, it just made me laugh). “You can do it, Talley! Pretend a bear is chasing you!” (I said to Ken that I would let the bear catch me). “We have total and complete faith in you.” “Talley, I, Cade Cloward, love you. Never give up. Everyone’s in pain with ya! Show them what’s up!” “Talley, you have been a continual reminder of someone who gives their best.” “Never back down, Talley” (why do I always have to tell them stuff like that? They were using my own motivation against me). There were others just as motivational. I was trudging down Guardsman’s Pass with tears rolling down my face because I was feeling so much love and support (shoot, I am crying even as I type up the texts). I was also crying because I knew it would be painful the rest of the night, but I knew I was going to give it a try. Looking back through my texts I found that I got 34 texts between 10:00 and 10:45. My athletes were really there for me when I needed them most.
They were literally there for me as I jogged into Brighton. The first kid I saw was Logan Petty. He was so energetic, I couldn’t help but finish up strong the final 100 meters to the lodge. There was a small group of my kids—mostly graduates—at the base of the steps at the Brighton Lodge. They knew I had been struggling, and I don’t think they really knew what to say, but it was sure a great lift to see them. I couldn’t talk to them right at first because I could feel my emotions were right on the surface, so I told them to give me a few minutes in the lodge, and to wait for me just outside. My family was up at the lodge. It was great to see them as well. My sister, Dianne, and her husband were there. Stef’s sister Brooke was there. My parents were there, and I could feel the hope and the concern they had for me. Brad and Amber were there; it was great to see them, but Brad wasn’t in his normal funny mood. I figured if I had Brad seriously worried about me, I must be pushing myself pretty hard. And Stefanie was there, once again positive and determined to keep me going.
I sat down in the back of the lodge with my back to everyone and cried. The lady at the food table asked if I was okay, then she asked me if she could get me some food—it made me cry even more. Then she asked if I wanted to lie down. It was the perfect opportunity to follow through with my secret plan. I shook my head, but I really, really wanted to give in and just climb inside a warm, comfortable bed. It took me three or four minutes to collect myself then I went in the bathroom for a few minutes to calm down and wash up. When I came out I felt much better. Stef changed my socks again. My feet, the one area I knew I wouldn’t have any trouble with, were torn up. I had blisters between most of my toes, and under quite a few toenails. My feet were the least of my concerns though. I put my shoes and my warm clothes on, and spent just a few minutes taking pictures and talking with my family and with Brad. Steve Petty was definitely prepared to take me through the final 25. Plus he was getting an earful of instructions from Kenneth: “Don’t let him throw up until at least midnight . . . Make him take little amounts of food at three minute intervals . . . make him say positive things about himself . . . He may start breathing funny, but give him some time and he will pull through it.”
We went outside and I saw the smiling faces of my athletes, and it gave me the courage I needed to start up the trail. I gave them all hugs, and we took a group picture, but I didn’t have the energy to say much. I knew if I started talking too much to anyone I would begin crying anyway.
I was really scared to leave Brighton. The experience from two years ago was not completely out of my system. I was afraid that things would get even worse than they had been and that I would not be able to keep my legs and mind moving. In my training I had told myself that I would come through Brighton and still have some strength in my legs. With the amount of ups and downs in the final 25 miles, I knew I would need something left in my legs. I was scared because it felt like there wasn’t much there.
As I left, Stef reminded me it was okay if I had to walk the rest of the way. She said she would see me at the finish. Her faith and love meant a lot to me at that point. I figured she probably wouldn’t sleep much because she’d be worried sick and probably waiting for the same call she got two years ago, but she didn’t give me one sign of doubt. Leaving Brighton I began to believe, just a little bit, that I would make it. Even if it took me all night.
It was good to talk with Steve as we left. I was energized by my family and friends, and we started the climb to the highest point in the race—Catherine’s Pass (10,400 ft). We broke the final 25 into 6 phases or challenges: Catherine’s, the steep downhill on the other side, the climb out of Pole Line, the long mellow stretch to Rock Springs, the “dive” and the “plunge”, and the final downhills to the finish. It helped to break it up into manageable sections.
Steve talked with me about how the team had performed at the Murray Invite. It sounded like they had done well. I couldn’t believe the JV boys had perfect scored (1st through 5th). Their performance inspired me and it was good to think about something other than my own struggles. Before long, Steve and I were at the rock—the same big rock I had laid on for 45 minutes with Jed before deciding to go back down to Brighton. It was huge mental victory that I made it that far and was going to continue. Steve took a quick picture of me standing triumphantly on the rock. Just around the corner we had an adrenaline rush when we heard movement off to our left. We both shined our lights over and there was an enormous bull moose about 50 feet away. It scared the crap out of me, but it didn’t really seem to react much to us—just sat there chewing its food. I think Steve wanted to ride it or something. He got closer and took a picture, but I just kept moving. I did have to stop and throw up near the top of the climb, but I had held off until after midnight.
The night was long, quiet, and dark. Looking back, I wish I had stopped a few times and enjoyed the stars and the other beauties of the mountains at night. At one point Steve was talking about the sound of the breeze in the Aspen leaves. My only thoughts were about getting through the night. Our progress was slow. I walked as quickly as I could, but I don’t think we were moving too fast. I would occasionally run for small periods of time, but couldn’t keep anything going. Little by little we made it through those later miles. It felt like the night would never end. Everything hurt. My stomach was still fighting the nausea, my feet were cramping and blistered, my knees shot pain with every step, I could feel the muscle damage in my quads getting worse (especially on the downhill), and my tired arms were hanging uselessly at my side. I fell four or five times, but they weren’t bad spills because I wasn’t moving fast enough to really eat it. Mostly I would just slide back onto my butt, or tip over into a bush. I felt bad for Steve because he had to listen to me moan and wince and complain, but he kept assuring me that he had helped people through much worse in search and rescue situations. It helped to know that if I passed out or if my heart stopped, I was in good hands.
I’ve never been through a night that difficult, and I can’t tell you how good it felt to see the light in the east as we staggered into Pot Bottom at mile 93. You would think that at mile 93 of 100, there would be a burning determination to finish it off. I just wanted to take a quick nap. The aid station volunteer is a friend of my dad’s and I knew I would see him there. He helped me into the tent and told me he would let me sleep by the heaters for five minutes. I immediately fell asleep as my body hit the ground. It was so peaceful and comfortable. He kept his promise and was back five minutes later. Rather than waking me up, he and another volunteer just stood me up. As I walked out of the tent I could tell feel a big difference in the way my stomach felt. I actually felt a little hungry. I ate a banana and a granola bar and was able to drink some water. Steve and I set off at our best walking pace for the final uphill in the race. We even passed another runner. I hadn’t passed anyone for as long as I could remember, but plenty had gone by me. It gave me a little satisfaction to see that he looked as if he were worse off than I was. He could barely bend his right leg, so it was just dragging behind him. I flew right by him at 3 miles per hour.
The final downhills of the race brought the most intense pain I had felt the entire time. Each step would shoot pain from my feet up through my knees and quads. I couldn’t move very fast, and was realizing I had no real “fight” left in me and that I would just finish up at my own slow pace. Four or five more guys went by me. The sun was coming up and it was great to know that I would soon be done. Then I was passed by a short, stalky lady who looked like she was too old to be kicking my butt in a 100 mile race. I told her my quads were gone and she gave some words of encouragement. She had a British accent, and it bothered me a bit that she seemed too cheery for mile 97. She was quickly out of sight, and I began to realize that I needed to dig a little deeper. We hit a slight uphill, and I started to run. The uphills didn’t hurt my knees and quads near as much. Then we hit the downhill on the other side. I kept running through the pain. I started clipping along at a pace that felt like 7:00 miles. My mind and body started realizing I was getting close to the finish. I started breathing hard and sweating quite a bit, but I kept getting faster and faster. I flew past the woman who had passed me a half mile earlier and I caught one or two other guys. As we hit the final one mile trail section that climbs down to Wasatch State Park, Steve and I were really cooking. He kept saying stuff like “Finishing strong, just like the Davis kids” and “This is awesome!” The adrenaline was really flowing, and for the first time in 73 miles I was actually enjoying myself. At the same time I was feeling more pain than I have ever felt before. With each step I would grunt or scream because of the intensity. “Oh! Aw! Grr! Ow! Eh! Hrm! Aw!” Pretty much every step for the final 15 minutes. I am sure I sounded ridiculous, but it helped me push through it. I was also punching trees if they were close enough to the trail. It was the weirdest feeling of pain and pleasure and accomplishment and punishment. It’s difficult to capture the feeling with words. I would have to run 99 before I could truly experience what it was like pushing through any pain to the finish.
We popped out of the trail onto the road for the final ¾ of a mile. I could see one runner within reach. We started gunning for him. Steve was still pumping me up telling me I was running with heart just like my athletes did, and it really fired me up. I grimaced through the final half mile, catching the runner just before we turned into the finish area at the Homestead. There was so much relief as I crossed the finish line and collapsed onto the grass. My legs were so happy to be done. I thought the finish would bring an overflow of tears, but I was too worn out to cry. I just laid there and felt 100% satisfied. It was a quiet finish. Stefanie was there, and Steve’s family was there. It was how I wanted it to be. I didn’t have the strength to talk about what I had been through, and Stefanie had been with me enough that she understood how I had been feeling. I was congratulated by Dave Hunt (see mile 46), and Eric Storheim (see mile 24). They had both showered and looked refreshed. It felt so good to be a part of that group. Two years ago I left the race feeling like I was a “road racer” who couldn’t hack it. Now I felt like a true “ultra-marathoner” (and I would get to wear the belt buckle and order my t-shirt).
My finishing was 27:20.51. I came across in 30th place. It wasn’t anything like I had expected. I really thought if I had had a good day, I would be able to run closer to 23 hours. I felt a slight disappointment at the awards ceremony that I wasn’t part of the sub-24 hour group, but I am trying hard not to confuse that disappointment with the desire to run the race again and prove I can run that fast. The final 25 miles took me 9 hours (about 21:30 per mile). It was the greatest suffering I have ever experienced, and it was all worth it. Since the finish, I have caught myself saying, “It was fun.” That is not what I mean when it comes out. It was not ‘fun’. But I can’t explain to people the way it made me feel. It was so challenging and so discouraging at times, but I did it. I finished despite thinking for so long that I wouldn’t have the strength or the will.
There are a few people who I need to thank. It starts with Stefanie. When I say that I couldn’t have finished without her, it is completely true. She was my rock during the race. She gave me inspiration, strength, food, prepared pacers, fresh socks, the right clothing, encouragement, and a well-earned kiss and hug at the finish line.
My pacers were incredible. Jed kept me moving and eating and drinking through some tough, hot early stretches. I was glad that he didn’t have to carry me again, but I know he would have if I needed it. Caleb made me laugh, put his hand on my shoulder as I threw up, listened to me complain about every possible thing I could think of, held all my food and water when I couldn’t stand to have it in my hand, told me stories about his first kiss, and gave me strength and love. Kenneth did exactly what he needed to do to get me to finish. I don’t think he particularly enjoyed torturing me with food and his positive attitude, but he gave me what I needed, not what I wanted. I love him to death and I would now do anything for him. I hope he runs the 100 some day so I can put him through complete hell. Then he will know how much I love him. Steve was consistent and assuring. He found a way to pump me up and keep me moving. He had just about anything I needed in his bag of tricks. The little things he did got me through the longest night of my life. I am honored to be friends with each of them, and I would ask the same people again if I was ever stupid enough to repeat.
My parents have believed in me and supported me for so many years of running. Any goal I have set they have been willing to sacrifice and support me to help me accomplish it. They have always shown interest in my running and coaching, and have been my biggest fans. I know it was hard for them to see me in such pain, but knowing that they were thinking about me and cheering for me gave me strength.
I need to thank my friend Brad Anderson for his advice and for listening to me and planning with me and encouraging me over the past 4 months of training. He helped me work through my fears and doubts going into the race, and his inspiring words helped keep me moving. Plus, the thought of him giving me a hard time if I dropped gave me something to work for.
Finally, I want to thank my TEAM. Both the kids I am currently working with and the ones who are on to greater things. They are extraordinary kids who motivate and inspire me through their willingness to work hard for one another and for me. They are committed, disciplined, energetic to the point of being obnoxious, and they make my job fun and interesting. They make sacrifices for each other all the time. They do their best to listen to me, and I am amazed at the faith and trust they put in my words. I love them all, and would not have made it through the difficult stretches without their encouragement. Their belief in me made it impossible to quit. I ran for them like they do for me so often.
Thanks to all for your support and interest. I appreciate all of the congratulations and encouragement I have received through email, text, facebook, and in person. I know it was a long story to get through, but I hope you can learn something through my experience—even if it is just that running 100 miles might not be the smartest thing you could choose to do with your life.

WASATCH 100

2009-09-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Here we go again!!! Corbin is getting ready to run his 2nd Wasatch 100 mile endurance race on Friday. He breezed through 80 miles of it on his first try back in 2007 and then Jed had to carry him down a mountain when his body quit before the rest of him wanted it to. Good thing Jed is amazingly strong :) On Friday, Corbin plans on completing the entire distance, even if he has to roll down the mountain those last 20 miles! His #1 motivation: the huge, decorative belt buckle he will receive upon completion of the race :) If anyone reads this, I beg you to please keep Corbin in your thoughts & prayers on Friday and early Saturday morning. We want our daddy back alive and in one working piece!!
Good luck honey! You already know that you are crazy.

Here are a few fun memories from his last attempt...

Mile 39, no sweat.. just dirty feet. Probably the first foot bath Corbin had ever had.

Mile 50-something. Ken paced from Lambs to Millcreek. Still feeling good :)

Brighton aid station- Mile 76. Mark's not laughing at Corbin's weight, he's just happy he's done running. Corbin and Jed still had 24 miles to the finish. Corbin just barely made the weight requirement by the way, although 3 miles later he was wishing he hadn't eaten that piece of ham.

Happy Birthday Sam - Part II

2009-08-31T18:54:00.000-07:00

For the second part of Sam's birthday, we spent a bunch of time with the Talley family. We camped in the backyard because the weather in the mountains was going to be terribly miserable. We even had roasted hot dogs on the fire and ate s'mores.
The next day we drove up to Park City and stayed in a condo for 2 nights. We celebrated with Sammy, and she was happy to share her cupcake with everyone around her again. She didn't hesitate to jump right in and get her hands messy with the frosting and cake.
On our final day in Park City we went to the Main Street Market. The most interesting thing there ended up being the hoola hoops. Ashlyn, Gabrie, Luke, Darcy, Kiley, and Grandma were all incredibly talented in the hip swaying activity.

Top of Utah 1/2 Marathon

2009-08-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

Stef ran 1:20.14 for the Top of Utah 1/2 Marathon this morning. It was good enough for 1st place (and $200). It also locks up a top 2 finish for her in the Utah Road Racing Circuit for 2009. I'm a proud husband (and coach).
She is going to be running the St. George Marathon on October 3rd. It will be her first marathon. Great job on all your hard work this year, Stef. Love ya.

Here's the article (there is even a picture): http://hjnews.townnews.com/articles/2009/08/30/sports/sports01-08-30-09.txt

Happy Birthday Samantha - part 1

2009-08-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

Although Sammy's 1st birthday is not until Saturday (08/08), we had our first party on Monday with the Hansens--she shared the birthday party with Grandma Hansen. We started with some swimming, then we went to the park, and then we had some sunshine cake. Sam was more interested in feeding everyone else, but eventually realized how fun it was to spread the cake all over her face (she had some help from Grandpa Steve on that one). Some of the cake ended up in her mouth. Happy Birthday Samantha!

4th of July

2009-07-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

This post is a little late - but we did enjoy our 4th of July holiday. We spent the 2nd of July with the Talleys doing some front yard fireworks. We were surprised that the fireworks didn't scare Sam at all.
On the morning of the 4th, Stef won the Murray 5k. And on the night of the 4th we watched some fireworks in Holladay with the Hansens. Good Times.

Lagoon

2009-06-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

Both Ashlyn and Sammy are growing up fast. We took them to Lagoon for the first time last week. They had a great time with their cousins, Ali, Anna, and Ethan, and with their Uncle Spencer and Aunt Mayra.

Happy Birthday Ashlyn!

2009-04-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

Yeah, we know it's a month late... spring is pretty much the busiest time of the year for us (well, mostly for Corbin!). We can't believe our little baby turned 3 YEARS OLD last month (March 29). This picture of her at 6 months literally seems like yesterday. She was the happiest baby I ever saw and so easy to take care of! She is the first of our two wonderful blessings... and we can't imagine life without her! We are so grateful for everything that happened to make it possible for her to become part of our family.
Somehow she just keeps getting cuter :) And her laugh is even more contagious now. We love you, Ashy! Don't grow up too fast.

The rest of these pics are of things we did for her birthday or on her birthday. The day before her b-day Ashlyn, Sam, Aunt Amanda, Grandma H. & Mommy all went to the zoo. I think Ashlyn would live there if we would let her :)
Ashlyn saw these two lion cub statues and she wanted Sammy to sit on the "baby" lion and herself to sit on the "big girl" lion. Couldn't pass up that photo opportunity :)

We celebrated Ashy's birthday a week early at Grandma Talley's house. I told her we were going to have cupcakes and she couldn't stop talking about it. The whole time we were there she wanted to sit by the cupcakes and she kept pushing on the plastic wrapping with her fingers (undoubtedly hoping one of her pokes would break through so she could steal a taste!). To this day when we tell her we are going to the Talleys she informs us that she wants a white cupcake when we get there.
Had to take a break in the birthday action for a quick shot of these two cuties! Even when Parker is crying he is adorable :)This was the actual, official birthday day. The Hansens came up to our house to celebrate. One of these days I'll learn my lesson- I don't need to buy her anything because Grandma Hansen has got it all covered and then some! What a spoiled but happy little girl!Ashlyn has known she was getting a princess scooter for her birthday since Christmas when I actually bought the thing on sale. I really thought she would forget that we had it but she's so dang smart! (must take after her mom).Can you believe I made this cake myself? Okay, it's not that spectacular, I know, but for someone who doesn't bake much (okay, at all) this was a proud accomplishment. Ashy wanted a pink cake with pink frosting but we compromised and went with a funfetti cake with the pink frosting (too much pink is not a good thing). Ashlyn helped me decorate it and then I had to spread back over the finger marks she kept leaving! No matter what I said she couldn't keep her fingers out of the frosting. I don't think she had more than one bite of actual "cake", but she ate all of her frosting :)

Stef's Running

2009-04-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

It has been a while, and we have a couple of posts we would like to put on here. Time is flying by so fast, and we are already looking forward to the summer - when I am done with school and track. This first post is dedicated all to Stefanie's running. She ran her first 1/2 marathon on Saturday, and although she insists it was just a training run, she did a great job - finishing in 1:32.08 - good enough for 5th place in the Striders Winter Training Series 1/2 marathon (out of nearly 200 women). It was a cold morning, and the last 3 or 4 miles were into a pretty strong headwind. The girls and I were proud of Stef and how well she ran. She also ran a great mile at the Simplot Games in February (5:31). I will add some Simplot pictures soon. I also recently added some Salt Lake 5k pics to the end of this post.

This is pretty early in the race (about 4 miles) coming out of the canyon that leads up to Causi Reservoir Ashy and I stopped to pet the horse. After the race - at Red Moose Lodge

Here are the Simplot photos:

This is the last time I was in the lead in this race. The later pics don't look so good.Ashlyn was there to support both of us.

Stefanie didn't want me to make a whole new post about this - so I thought I would just add on to the end of this one. She ran the Salt Lake 5k yesterday and finished 4th out of like 1500 women. My wife is smokin fast :) Her time of 19:02 was her best since the college days - way to go Stef. I captured a few shots near the end -

The Girls' First Photo Shoot

2009-02-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

Some of Mommy's Favorites

2009-02-07T22:17:00.000-08:00

Though it was hard to choose just a few, these are some of my favorite shots of Ashy & Sam from the past 2 or 3 months! Can't believe how fast they grow up :(

I promise I don't really let my 2 year old feed my 6 month old candy!

This is Samantha on her blessing day. She wore the same blessing dress that Ashlyn wore except in a smaller size :)

Ashlyn found a few items in our closet to accent her outfit.

They look like they got caught doing something wrong :)

She reminds me of one of those fuzzy haired things you put on the end of a pencil and when you rub the pencil really fast between your hands the hair poofs out everywhere!

Sam is in this major "spitting" stage right now. She is always making spitting noises.

We sure miss auntie Brooke!

Sam is finally eating (or mostly wearing) solid foods! I don't know how she got so dang chubby on just formula!! She also just got her first tooth :)

BYU Indoor Track Invitational

2009-01-22T22:15:00.000-08:00

I was at the BYU Invite with my high school kids ALL DAY on Saturday, and the highlight of the meet was the coaches mile. Stef entered, and it was her first mile race since college. She ran an impressive 5:44.10 - and now holds the meet record for female "coaches". Way to go Stef :)

Here is the link to the results - http://results.runnercard.com:8081/Results/ViewResults.html?class=server&meetid=1727

2009-01-15T21:52:00.000-08:00

I did it again - signed up to run the Wasatch 100 this next September. If I get in the lottery, this will be my year to finish (or die trying - I'm sure Stef doesn't want to hear that).
Here is what happened last time:
http://corbinandstef.blogspot.com/2007/09/wasatch-100.html

This picture is at mile 49 with 2 of my incredible pacers - Steve Petty and Kenneth Richardson

Snowshoeing in Lambs Canyon - New Year's Day

2009-01-04T20:06:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn was not really with us. I just really liked this picture of her first ever snow angel.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T12:53:00.000-08:00

Weber State Freshman Year - Part 2

2008-12-14T13:13:00.000-08:00

Stef and I met on the cross country teams at Weber State my freshman year. It happened to be her sophomore year, and I felt like hot stuff when I started dating an older woman. Here are some pictures of us with our teams from that year. I have a lot of pictures of Stef from cross country, so I will start with those. Most of my pictures came from indoor and outdoor track.

Coach Blaisdell and the 95 Weber State Women's Cross Country Team - (standing) Cheri, Holly, Summer, Emilee, Nikki (kneeling) Stef, Jenny, Kathy, Heidi, Julie, and Molly.

Stef and the team at Pre-Nationals in Ames, Iowa.

Stef at the home meet - she ran 18:23 for 5k.

Stef warming up for the district championships - 18:07 for 5k

Stef with her family. I can't believe how young all of her brothers and sisters look. I like Brooke's shoes, and Amanda's pants, and Kyle's haircut, and Preston's sandals.

Stefanie, Summer, and Heidi at the Weber indoor meet.
This is from a 3000m race in Pocatello. It was a breakthrough race for me. I finished 3rd behind 2 BYU all-americans. The Weber guys you can see in the picture are Bob Evans, Warren Jones, Joe Wilson, and Robby Duncan. I've always loved the ISU track.

This is one of my favorites from that year - We found these 4 random toilets outside the minidome in Pocatello. It was perfect for Scott Thredgold, Joe, Andrea, and me.

This picture of Scott, Jeremy, Joe, and me was taken after Joe's baptism - I think.

I have always liked this shot at the starting line of the conference 3000m in Bozeman, MT. They crowded 24 of us onto the 4 laned track. It ended up being a really competitive field.

These 2 shots are of Stef with her goofy friends - Andrea, Emilee, Jenny, and Summer.

The first steeple I ever competed in. It was at Long Beach State University. This also marks the beginning of the original Weber 'Rat Pack' of Joe, Jeremy, and me. We finished within seconds of each other throughout this season.

The rat pack with Nate Kennedy after the Long Beach steeple. I think Nate qualified for nationals in that race. The rest of us ran around 9:20.

One of my favorite memories from college track was taking water jumps at Long Beach, Stanford, and Oregon the day before we would race. At Weber we had the reputation of being the best steeple chasers, and we usually had 5 or 6 guys running the steeple, so we knew we were studs when people would stop to watch us practice the water jumps. This picture has Robby, Jeremy, Joe, me, and Harmer (missing our 2 best steeplers from that year - Bob Evans and Nate Kennedy) You can't really see it here, but Long Beach would always put gold fish in the water jump.

This was taken at the hotel pool after the steeplechase at Stanford. Bob and I had also run the 10,000 meters the night before. We both ran prs - Bob's was good enough to break the school record and to lap me with a mile to go.

These pictures were both taken at Boise State. I think we raced there twice that season - neither time was very memorable for me. In the picture below, those fellas behind Stefanie are checking her out.

Stef says she is the one who took this picture. It is at Hayward Field in Eugene, OR - my first trip there. This was one of those days before the race when we looked like studs practicing our water jumps. The next day in the race I ran a season best 9:05, and this track became my favorite all-time track. Everytime I raced there in college I ran a pr for the steeple. In this picture - (standing) Donovan Bergstrom, Bob Evans, Warren Jones, Matt Harmer, Lee Lorenz, Rob Christensen, Coach Hislop (kneeling) Robby Duncan, me, Jeremy Tolman, Joe Wilson, and Nate Kennedy.

This was on the water jump at the Utah Collegiate Championships at East High (U of U's track). I thought I had the race won, but Ted Hanson (SUU) came back to beat me in the final lap.

Not a very fun 5000m at Utah State.

This was from the 10,000m at the Big Sky Conference Championships in Tempe, AZ. We raced at midnight, and it was still 95 degrees. I think that is Jeremy in the race with me. He paced me through the first 5k or so. It wasn't the last time Jer paced me to a good race. I finished 6th here.

This was after my last race as a freshman. Jeremy and I ran at the Junior Nationals in the Steeplechase. We were picked to go 1-2 (I had the fastest time of the year for 19 and under). Jeremy finished 1st and earned a trip to Sydney, Australia with the US junior team. I finished 4th and was left home to get ready for my mission. It was a breakthrough race for Jeremy who went on to finish 2nd at NCAAs as a Junior.

This was taken in Strong's Canyon at the end of that year. I think I am the one who took the picture. Stefanie and her roommates - Haley, Darcy, Emilee, Jessica, Jenny, and Andrea.

Weber State Freshman Year - Part 1

2008-12-10T21:56:00.001-08:00

I originally got this idea from Brad (scanning old pictures and posting them), and I was thinking that December 13th will be the 13th anniversary of our first kiss :)
Then as I was looking through some pictures I started thinking about that entire freshman year at Weber State and how Stef and I met and started dating (it was her sophomore year), and I thought I would post a few of the old pics. Part 2 will be some running pictures of Stefanie and I from that year.

This is from our very first date. I asked Stef to Homecoming which was the night she got back from a cross country trip. In the picture with us (l to r): Bob & Andrea, Nate & Rob Christensen's cousin, Chris & Julie, us, Jenny & Zeb, Haley & Joe, and Darcy & Scotty.
This was from a girls choice institute dance. Stefanie didn't want me to know how much she liked me, so she asked my roommate Scott. Emilee, one of Stef's teammates, asked me. It was a fun dance, but I have to admit, I was pretty jealous. This picture also has Jenny and Zeb, Darcy and Scott, Summer and B.J., Haley and Chris, Bob and Andrea, and Heidi and her date.Halloween - we all dressed up as doctors with scrubs Stef 'borrowed' (stole) from Ogden Regional. In the picture along with me and Stef: Jenny Mortensen, Haley Wallace, Joe Wilson, Keith the trainer, Emilee Merrik, Bob Evans, Lee Lorenz (superman), Scott Dickey, and Andrea Balderas.

This is early on the night of our first kiss. The picture was taken at Joe's Christmas party. It was the night before we all went home for Christmas break - I knew it would be my last chance for a while. The entire night I was thinking about how cute Stef looked and how I wanted to walk her to her apartment that night and have my 2nd kiss ever.

At one point that year, Stef and 3 other girls in her apartment were dating 4 of the guys on the team. This picture is in Stef's apartment - me & Stef, Scott & Jenny, and Jeremy & Haley. Missing from the picture were Bob & Andrea.My 19th birthday - with a cheesy grin. We are feeling old now that we are in our 30s.
This is the night of Joe's baptism. By this point, Stefanie and I were officially dating, and she was letting me tell people about it :)Stefanie and I at the temple - after general conference. Things were getting pretty serious by this time. This picture is a foreshadow of things to come :)
The last day at Harrison Heights. Summer, Emilee, Stef, Jenny, Jeremy, and me.These two pictures are from one of our last dates before my mission. We hiked up the White Pines Trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon (I think that is what it is called). It was a memorable night. I miss that 'Fartlek' t-shirt. It is on my t-shirt quilt that Stef gave me last year, but I can't actually wear it anymore.

Nike Nationals, Portland, OR

2008-12-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, Stefanie and I made a quick trip up to Portland, Oregon to watch the Nike High School Cross Country National Championships. The Davis girls qualified last year and finished 9th. This year they barely missed qualifying as a team, but a mom of one of the girls volunteered to drive the team up to compete in the open race (the 'other' race). Our top runner, Candace, qualified as an individual so she ran in the Championship Race.
It was a quick trip, but Stef and I had a lot of fun, and the girls ran well. Thanks to Colleen for staying at our house with Ashlyn and Samantha.

This is the track on the Nike Campus - it is a 5 lane, 400m track with trees on the outside and trees on the infield. We have started referring to it as 'the track' when we talk about Portland.The girls after the race (Emily, Katie, Meghan, Talya, Candace, Lizzy, and Jessie)

Thanksgiving

2008-12-04T21:34:00.000-08:00

We have a lot to catch up on. It has been a busy month, and our computer crashed, but now we are back in the blogging business.
Thanksgiving this year was a lot of fun. We spent Wednesday with the Talleys. It was entertaining to get the 3 babies together, and Ashlyn had a great time playing with Izzy and Gabrie.
On Thursday morning we ran a 5k in Riverton. It was Stef's first race since the pregnancy - She did outstanding. She and Brooke ran the entire race together. It was a tough battle, but Brooke ended up with the stronger kick and took home the 1st place prize (a jar full of chocolates). They were the top two females in the race, and were only beat by 3 males (including me). Amanda and Matt also came to run the 5k. It was just one of the first races in Stefanie's, Amanda's, and Brooke's quest to run their 1st marathons next fall. Matt will probably give one a try soon after.
The real highlight of Thanksgiving was the football game. For the first time in history, the Talley family went home with a victory. For the first 7 or 8 years of our tradition we lost annually to the Poole family (friends of my parents). Last year we lost to a neighborhood team. But this year was our year, even with Dad playing with a bum knee and Stef missing the game to watch the kids. We took down a group of the Hansens (including Kyle - the ex-Skyline football star). They are anxious for redemption and would like to make it a yearly challenge - with the hopes of bringing Preston and Linden in as their secret weapons.
Here are a few pictures from the past few weeks (I wish I had some from the actual football game):

Halloween Festivities

2008-11-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn was a "pumpkin witch" (as she called it- I think because the costume was orange).

Sam decided to be a kitty cat- but she looked more like a "cat burgler"! Her little black hat was so tight on her head that most of the time she cried when we put in on :( So this was a lucky picture with her 'almost' smiling.

Mommy & Grandma took Ashy & Sam to "Boo at the Zoo" the weekend before Halloween. I sware there must have been a million people there so we didn't do much trick-or-treating (the lines to get candy were ridiculous!!) But Ashlyn could have cared less about the treats. She just wanted to see the animals. She also got to ride the train and the "music-go-round" as she calls it.

I can't keep track of how many times we dressed the girls up in their costumes this year! (ward party, the zoo, grandma's house and the actual holiday, of course) . These are the 4 surviving Talley grandchildren (the little ones anyway). Em, Alec & Isaiah weren't in costume. The other 5 grandchildren are all victims of their parents' selfish needs to live in other states :)

Lots of Smiles

2008-10-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

Samantha turns 2 months today! She has been growing quickly. She can really pound down the milk. We like her chubby cheeks and chin. She has started smiling quite a bit, but mostly in the morning when Stef is there to see it.

Ashlyn has been a great older sister - she loves giving kisses and helping with Samantha. But she has also been a very sympathetic crier. We can't keep her from getting sad every time Sam cries.

Ready for the winter.

This is a picture from the merri-go-round at the State Fair

Some Family Pictures

2008-10-08T21:30:00.000-07:00

We were at Dianne & Kiley's baby blessing - I guess I could say Parker's baby blessing and we took a few family pictures in the Newbold's back yard and some other pictures with the family:

Grandpa, Darcy, Alec, and Sam

Stefanie, Sam, Dianne, and Parker:

Ashlyn at the Zoo with Jill & Joan

2008-09-10T20:53:00.000-07:00

Two of the moms from the cross country team, Jill Hedquist and Joan Hansen, were nice enough to take Ashy to the Zoo with them and their kids. It appears that Ashlyn made some friends and had a great time.

Samantha - 1 month

2008-09-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

Sam is over a month old already. It has been a busy month with the start of another school year. Our 2 beautiful girls are keeping us busy and happy (and tired).
Ashlyn has potty-trained through the whole process and we are so proud of her. She has been a great older sister and is anxious to help us and to play with Sam.
Sam is eating a lot and putting on some weight. She has developed her first talent - crying. Every now and then her hair looks a little bit red - mostly either in the sun or when she is really angry.
Thanks to all the support we have received from family and friends. We love you all :)
Here are a few more pictures from the hospital and the first few weeks at home:

Samantha Pictures

2008-08-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

After the epidural

I finally arrived

First picture with Mom and Samantha together

I picked the little green bow - it fell out not too much later

So far, Samantha loves to sleep by Mom

Of course the only picture where she is crying, I am holding her.

Our first family photo

Ashy holding her new baby sister

Samantha and Grandma Hansen

Samantha and Amanda

Samantha and Matt and Amanda

Samantha and Grandpa Hansen

Samantha and Grandma Talley

Samantha and Grandpa Talley

Samantha and Kyle and Hayden

Stef had to go through the hard stuff, she still looks way better than I do.

Samantha Colleen Talley

2008-08-09T14:55:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would nearly miss something like the birth of our little girl. I am lucky that I didn't miss it. This past week I have been going back and forth between our cross country running camp in the Uintahs and home with Stefanie and Ashlyn. The doctor assured us that it would be safe for me to be in the mountains without cell phone service because Stefanie was going to go to her due date (next Saturday) or beyond. I was positive we would at least make it until Monday when we had planned to induce. Just to be safe, and to help Stef not to feel too worried, we decided it would be best if I came back from camp in the middle of the week.

We went up to Marsh Lake (20 miles south of Mt. View, WY - back into Utah) on Monday morning. I called Stef a few times Monday and a few times on Tuesday, even though my car had broken down and Brad so kindly drove me the 15 minutes down the road to cell phone service. I came home on Tuesday night and spent Wednesday and Wednesday night with Stef. We saw the doctor on Wednesday and he once again assured us that going back up to the mountains would be safe.

Well, my car had been fixed in Mt. View, but it broke down again when I got it home. I should have taken it as a sign, but instead, I borrowed Stef's mom's car and went back up to camp early Thursday morning. After a 25 mile hike/run on Thursday, I went back down and called Stef. She was still doing fine, and we decided I would call again early on Friday morning. I never made that call.

I went to bed around 11:30 on Friday night and quickly fell asleep. The next thing I knew, I heard an unfamiliar voice outside my tent, "Corbin, are you in there?" I wasn't used to being called 'Corbin' at camp - it is always 'Talley' or 'Coach Talley'. Plus, this voice was a lot deeper than any of my kids'.

I was a little shocked, but I said, "Yeah, I am in here."

The voice said, "This is Sheriff Taylor from the Uintah County Police Department."

I immediately began to wonder what the boys had done to get the sheriff up there. Then I heard Steve Petty's voice, "Caleb really did it this time." Steve was one of the adults up at camp with us.

I asked, "Are you serious?" But I could here the joking in his voice.

I looked at my watch and saw that it was 3:35 in the morning.

The sheriff asked if I could come out of the tent, and I started wondering if it was about Stefanie, but hoping that one of my kids had done something wrong. I would even rather have heard that I was getting arrested or something than hear that Stef had had the baby without me.

In a daze, I slipped my pants on and stepped out of the tent. The sheriff said, "Corbin, your wife is in labor, and she called the sheriff's office to have me come and get you."

I couldn't believe it, I kept saying, "You've got to be kidding me." But I immediately threw my stuff in my bag and started down to my car. I asked the sheriff if he knew anything else about it, but he said he didn't. He did say that Stef had called the Mt. View, WY police, but they had dispatched it to the Uintah County, UT sheriff and he had driven over from Kamas. I couldn't understand why they had sent someone from 2 hours away instead of driving up 25 minutes from Mt. View. At any rate, I was in a panic.

Steve and Sheriff Taylor walked me to the the car. Steve said, "We don't have to tell you to drive safe." And the Sheriff added "Safe and fast."

I started down the dirt road and the sheriff was driving down behind me. I wanted to go 80 miles per hour, but I was worried and kept it around 40 through the bumpy part of the road (the speed limit was 30).

All kinds of thoughts were racing through my mind. What time did she go into labor? I hope she isn't in too much pain without me there. I hope the baby isn't born yet. I can't believe I am missing this. Is Stef ever going to forgive me? I really want to see this - I want to cut the umbilical cord. About the only positive thought I remember having was that she would have a lucky birthday - 08/08/08. I was getting pretty frustrated and realized I maybe shouldn't have risked missing the birth. Maybe I shouldn't have been so confident that the baby was going to wait for my schedule to be ready. As I drove down the mountain I was hoping that I could still make things right. That I could still get to the hospital in time.

Although the road remains dirt most of the way down to Mt. View, it opens up into a wide, smooth dirt road where I knew I could drive pretty fast, but I wasn't sure how fast the sheriff would let me go. I was driving 55 by this point, and the speed limit is 35. I was relieved when the sheriff came racing by me and flipped on his lights for a second as a sign for me to follow. Pretty soon we were racing down the mountain at 75 miles an hour. This was more like it.

As soon as I was in cell phone range I called Stefanie. She answered on the 1st ring. It was just after 4am. She sounded like she was okay, just anxious for me to be there. She was surprised it had taken them so long to get to me, but I explained the whole Uintah County Sheriff's office thing. She was at the hospital with her mom, Colleen. They had been there since 2:00am. Steve, Stef's dad, was asleep at our house with Ashlyn. The contractions had started not too long after I had talked with her and began getting really painful around 10:00 or 11:00pm. After calling the doctor they had decided to get to the hospital, so Stef had called her mom at work and both of her parents headed up to help. She couldn't figure out how to get ahold of me and had thought about calling one of the kid's parents to drive up and tell me, but then they had the idea of calling the police department in Mt. View. That was at about 1:00am. Stef knew which camp site we were in because we had driven up together 3 weeks earlier.

I was just relieved to hear her voice and grateful that the baby had not been born. She had received the epideral and was feeling a lot better at this point, but described the contractions from earlier in the night as the worst pain she had ever experienced. My heart sunk because I wasn't there to support her through this.

The sheriff escorted me down to Mt. View, but I was on my own after that. I drove as fast as I could to Evanston and had to stop there to get some gas. I stopped at a truck stop and decided to take a quick shower. I didn't want to show up smelling like camp fire mixed with sweat and dirt and rain from the run the previous day. I felt disgusting. I wanted to show up fresh and clean. So I bought a razor and was in and out of the shower as quick as possible, then back on the road. I bought a pack of gum because the only thing I could remember Stefanie asking for was that I made sure I had a pack of gum with me because she doesn't really like gum enough to have her own whole pack but she might want a piece or two during the process. How pathetic is that? My wife is in labor without me, and all I bring to her is a pack of gum which she may or may not even want. I had plans to do so much more for her, but I figured I had more time. (Lesson learned).

I pulled into McKay Dee Hospital just before 6:00am, and ran up to the labor and delivery floor. It was so good to see Stefanie. She looked beautiful laying there in her hospital bed with all sorts of tubes running into and out of her. She also looked happy to see me. I really was surprised how understanding she was. Most women would have probably killed me for missing the roughest part. She figured I would beat myself up and that was punishment enough.

The monitor showed her contractions and the baby's heart rate. The contractions were coming every 3 or 4 minutes. Stef said she could feel when they came, but it wasn't really painful any more. She was diliated 4 centimeters, but her water had not yet been broken. They were waiting to hear from the doctor on how to proceed. I was still shaky after the intense drive. It had been a fast drive, but felt like forever before I got there.

At about 7:00am, Dr. Julia (our doctor's partner) showed up at the hospital. We had a casual conversation about running because she was on her way up to Weber State to do some running and we knew she had run marathons. She broke Stef's water and was gone within a couple of minutes.

The following contractions were a lot more intense, although still not painful. I could just see that they shot up really high on the monitor. With each contraction the baby's heart rate would drop for a while then climb back up. But after about 15 minutes, the baby's heart rate was dropping too low - she (the baby) was in a lot of stress. The nurse came in and seemed worried, so I began to get really nervous. It was funny because Stef was so calm, and the nurse looked over at me and said, "Quit looking so nervous." I think my eyes were as wide as they have ever been.

I called my mom because I hadn't told her yet, but that phone call only lasted a few seconds. The baby's heart rate was down in the 90s (it had been steady in the 160s). I told my mom I would call her back. The nurse and 2 other people quickly rushed into the room. They gave Stefanie a consent form to sign and in 2 minutes we were in the C-section room preparing for surgery. I got to wear some scrubs, a hat, foot covers, and a mask. Colleen had to stay in the other room. I bet it was hard for her.

Stef and I were both pretty scared at this point, but she kept her cool really well. The nurses were quick at getting her ready. The anasthesiologist gave her a higher dose of medicine through the epideral, and the doctor showed up - he was glad to see I had made it back from the mountains. I wondered if he thought about how he had told me I would be fine to go only 36 hours earlier, but I wasn't mad at him - he has been a great doctor the entire time.

It all went so quick after that. They strapped her to the table, set up a sheet so she couldn't really see what was happening, scrubbed her stomach, then started cutting. I could see, but I didn't really want to watch that much. Stefanie was shaking quite a bit and I was doing my best to comfort her. They were stretching her out and jamming instruments into her open stomach. Within no time I looked over and saw a head coming out and the body was right behind. She started crying - Stef and I were both already crying. I didn't get to cut the cord because they cut it and then rushed her into the other room.

I did get to see the doctor pull the placenta out, and that was not the most pleasant sight, but I didn't seem to care. They immediately started sewing Stefanie back up. Besides the shaking, she was in good shape - strong and alert and not complaining at all. I know she was just happy to have the baby here. I was just so glad I didn't miss it.

I got to go into the other room with the baby as they washed her up and did some quick evaluations. She weighed in at 6 pounds, 6 ounces, and measured 19 inches long. I felt so blessed and so proud to be a new dad, and it was a sweet feeling to carry Samantha in to see her mom.

It is now Saturday afternoon, and as I sit here typing this, Stefanie and Samantha sleeping peacefully in the bed next to my couch. I could sit here and watch them all day. The last 2 days have been tiring but amazing. It has helped me realize how much I love Stefanie and how lucky I am to be with her. I am so proud of how strong she has been through all of this - not just the labor and the birth, but the pregnancy and the 8 years of infertility and deciding to adopt and Ashlyn's adoption and then finding out we were pregnant (our own little miracle) and everything else we have been through.

Stef's mom brought Ashlyn over to see us last night. Both Stefanie and I had commented on how much we missed Ashlyn yesterday. Ashlyn was still a little unsure about everything, but she was soft and loving with her little sister and said she wants to bring her home. I really am glad that things have worked out the way they have for us. We are now blessed with 2 beautiful girls. I couldn't be happier.

Thank you to all of our family and friends for your support and your love.

Next post (hopefully tonight) - some pictures of Samantha and Stef.

Island Park Cabin

2008-07-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to spend a few days with Brad & Amber and Jed & Sara and their families at the Wallin's cabin in Island Park, Idaho. The cabin was perfect (other than the thousands of killer mosquitoes), and we had a great time. It was especially fun for Ashlyn to be with all the other kids. Jed and Sara have 3 girls - Abby (7), Brooke (5), and Kallie (2). Brad and Amber have 3 boys - Ethan (8), Spencer (6), and Ben (3). They all took really good care of Ashlyn.
We had fun swinging in the swing, playing in the river, going on hikes, going into West Yellowstone, playing Cranium, sitting at the campfire, and having marshmellow fights. I also enjoyed a few nice runs with Jed - Brad was jealous because he was injured and couldn't be part of our 'cool kids club'.
It was nice to get away. I think that if I had the opportunity (and the $$), a cabin like this one would be my ideal recreational investment.

All the kids on the porch - the final day at the cabin (l to r) - Ben, Ethan, Spencer, Abby, Kallie, Brooke, and Ashlyn.

Ashlyn and Abby

Ashlyn and Brooke

Stef and her cute pregnant tummy

Brad wouldn't stop throwing things at me. Here he is pictured looking down from the loft (look at the rage in his eyes). When he threw the ball, he missed so bad that it hit the picture on the wall and knocked it off. The frame cracked and Brad blaimed Kallie and Jed had to take the frame home to get it fixed. But I got the best of him in the marshmellow fight (see the Anderson Family Blog for video). It was somewhat of a cheep shot, but I nailed him right in the lip. Plus I can throw marshmellows with a lot more force than he can.The Andersons

The Johansens

Here are the kids on the dock at Big Springs. There were huge Rainbow Trout hanging out under the bridge. We brought cheese for the kids to feed the fish, and the fish seemed to really like it. Good thing we had plenty of cheese. There is no fishing allowed in the springs and people aren't supposed to get in the water, but Jed did try to get some fishing done by throwing his kid's shoe in the river and going in after it - trying to get close to the fish. Brad later threw his kid's shoe in but I heroically chased the shoe down and saved the day.

Ashlyn playing with the salt at the pizza place in West Yellowstone.

Ashlyn petting the buffalo right before she bonked her head trying to walk under the buffalo.

Ashlyn would not get off of the swings. Above - she experienced her first 'underdoggy' and wouldn't stop requesting them (I was getting warn out). Below - on the tire swing at the cabin. It was hard for her to learn to take turns.

Stef with Ashlyn and Kallie (the 2 of them liked to hold hands and play together).

Ashlyn is already looking like a distance runner - hair flowing in the breeze.

Brad and Jed were catching tons of fish and I was left to play with the kids in the creek.

On the porch right before we left the cabin.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEFANIE!

2008-07-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to put a quick Birthday wish up here for Stefanie. Ashlyn and I love you so much and we are lucky to have you in our lives. The new baby girl (Samantha? Lydia? Esther?) is going to love having you for a mom.
Love ya.

4th of July Festivities

2008-07-07T21:40:00.000-07:00

We started off our holiday celebration on July 3rd at Grandma Talley's house. It was too hot to do anything outside except swim. Thank goodness Ashlyn still has her cousin Gabrie to play with :)

After we finally forced both girls out of the pool, we walked over to watch the Riverton city parade with Uncle Luke & Aunt Kellie. It didn't take long for Ashy to figure out what the whole point of a parade is... picking up all the candy you possibly can off the road.

The next day, July 4th, we got up VERY early to watch Dad win a 5k race in Kaysville (but we forgot to take pictures!) Then we spent the rest of the day with the Hansen side of the family. Ashlyn finally got to go to the zoo (she had been talking about seeing the "animals" for days).

That big black thing in the window is a gorilla!

Ashlyn was pretty fascinated by the giraffes, especially the little baby giraffe.

Riding the zoo train with Grandma Hansen.

Fireworks at the Talleys... Ashlyn only got one sparkler because Corbin & Kiley did all the rest!

Watching the "big" fireworks with the Hansens. Matt is showing off some of his "skills."

Grandma Hansen bought like 500 glow sticks so we had to come up with some creative ways to use them all :)

Matt & Amanda's Wedding

2008-06-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

We finally got rid of Amanda on May 14, 2008 :) (just kidding!) The Hansen family gained a new member- Matt Sanchez. We think he's pretty cool... he has been in the Jazz locker room and interviewed many of the players! Matt is going to be in sports broadcasting when he grows up :) Amanda & Matt are really good together and we're excited to watch them transition into the "blissful" reality of marriage.

The only time in your life when you can shove food up someone's nose and have them smile lovingly back at you!

Somehow, even though I'm the oldest, I ended up being the shortest.

We had a 'little wait' after the temple ceremony while Amanda was changing and fixing her hair. We used up our camera battery taking pictures before we even saw the bride & groom!

Ashlyn always wants to stop and smell the flowers.

Ashlyn loves her aunt Brookie... who is currently going to med school in "noy" (Illinois). According to Ashy, Brooke is "mart" (smart).

Even though she's wearing a fancy dress and flowers on her wrist, Ashlyn has not yet figured out how to "act like a lady."

Ashlyn and her two cousins, Hayden & Finn.
Impossible to get them all to smile and look at the camera at the same time!

Happy Anniversary

2008-06-05T20:34:00.001-07:00

Probably the single greatest day of my life was 9 years ago this Sunday (June 8th, 1999). Looking at the pictures I remember how beautiful Stefanie looked and how wonderful the day felt. I can't believe 9 years have already passed - but I also don't remember life without her. She is even more beautiful and amazing today. I am lucky to have found someone who understands me and is willing keep working on me.

And some of our engagement pictures. I hadn't looked at these in a while, I like them because we both look so young (not that 31 is old).

I love you Stef. Thanks for 9 incredible years full of love and understanding. With many years ahead of us I am sure there will be more good times and difficult times, and I wouldn't want to share them or face them with anyone else. Thanks for staying by my side.

Memorial Day Weekend In St. George

2008-05-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

We are in St. George with Stefanie's family (mom, dad, Brooke). We spent most of today (Saturday) at Zions National Park. We took Ashlyn on a hike to a waterfall, and she walked over a mile - it is the farthest she has ever gone. It was slow moving, but she handled it just fine. I was impressed. She seems to really like trail-running :)

Getting into stuff

2008-05-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a long time - it was a busy month with track stuff, but here are some recent pics of Ashlyn (and Gabri and Kiley) being cute.

Getting her hands deep into my scalp.

Getting all of her diaper stuff into her new bed with her.

Getting into Dad's underwear drawer.

Kiley getting into his girly side.

Getting into Gabri's birthday cake.

Getting into Hayden's birthday cake.

Getting out of her clothes and into the Gunn's swimming pool. (Doesn't Stef look so cute?)

Gabri getting into the drawer.

Ashlyn's 2nd Birthday - March 29th

2008-04-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Ashlyn!!

2008-03-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

A few things I love about Ashlyn:
- I love the way she grabs my face with both hands on my cheeks when she really wants my attention. The other night she wanted to watch Finding Nemo, and I was watching the Jazz game, and she kept grabbing my face and making sure that I was looking directly at her instead of at the TV, and she would say "Nemo . . . Nemo . . . Nemo". I couldn't resist; we watched Nemo for the 4th night in a row.
- I love how she is so loving with everything around her. She loves to give hugs and kisses to show her affection. It doesn't even have to be a living thing, it can be inanimate objects like flowers, books, bananas, blankets, anything.
- I love how smart she is. She can already count to 10 on her own, and she can identify almost all of the letters in the alphabet.
- I love the face she makes when she is sad. She has a frown that makes me melt. She doesn't have to cry, all she does is frown and say 'hug'.
- I love how she has last minute requests which we need to follow before she is happily going to bed. "banky" (blanky), "prayer", "hug", "kiss", "love you".
- I love her laugh and her smile.
- I love her cute little running form.
- I love her dancing (and she is even starting to sing a litte).
- I love her energy.
- I love how she wants her independence and wants to do things her own way.

Two years ago today we got the call that she had been born. I wish I had written more at the time, but this is what I found from my journal -

March 29: The baby was born and our lives were changed forever. We were still calling it ‘it’ because we didn’t know if it was a boy or girl. Andrea and Tyler invited us to visit them at the LDS Hospital the following day (Thursday). The news of the birth brought some of the best feelings we had ever had (along with the announcement telling us that we had been chosen). I was hoping that we were going to have a girl. The time that I had been spending with the girls track team really made me want a daughter of my own.
March 30: Stefanie picked me up from the boy’s day of the Super Meet (track) at Davis High a little early and we impatiently drove down to the Hospital - where Stef had spent the day working. It took some control on Stefanie’s part to not find out any details about the baby. When we arrived at the door to Andrea’s room, we stopped for about a minute to really prepare ourselves. Going into the room and seeing the pink blankets and the pink signs, we knew that we were parents to a sweet little girl. It felt like a dream. We were able to spend a few minutes holding her, and she was the most adorable, innocent, beautiful, perfect thing in the world. I remember holding her and not being able to take my eyes off of her. I know that we were talking to Andrea and Tyler and their family, but the only thing that I could focus on was the baby’s cute little face and hands and breathing and everything else about her. We left the hospital feeling so wonderful, but still a little nervous about placement the next day. We were definitely anxious to bring her home. We had decided to call her Ashlyn Michelle. I actually wanted her middle name to be Elizabeth, but I am glad that we went with Michelle–it is both Stefanie’s and Andrea’s middle name as well.

At the hospital - March 30, 2006. One day old.

1st Ride in the car seat on the way home from the agency - March 31, 2006. Two days old.

We are having a Girl!

2008-03-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

March 21st - We found out today that the baby is a girl. The ultrasound was pretty exciting. I have to admit that I was thinking it would be a boy, but Stef was sure it was going to be a girl. I am glad we are having another girl. I think Ashlyn is going to love having a little sister.

When we found out, I sent out a mass text “We are having a GIRL! Couldn’t tell if she has red hair. Now all we need is a name.” These are the responses in order:

“Name her Seth” - Seth Gutzwiller
“I knew it! I am so excited! You can have ‘Grace’ if you want, that is how much I love you guys. Yay! I can’t wait.” - Dianne
“YAY! CONGRATULATIONS STEF AND COACH TALLEY.” - Erica Christensen
“Melissa” - Jeff Agnello
“Aww! That is so exciting. I hope she does have red hair! Do you have any ideas at all for the name?” - Corinne Johnson
“YEAH! Another girl! I am so happy for you guys.” - Darcy
“Congrats!” - Joel
“Congrats! Rogina sounds good.” - Buhrley
“Congratulations! She’s gonna be a cutie.” - Kelsey Valentine
“Jan . . .” - Spencer Anderson
“. . . ette” - Spencer Anderson
“Oh really! That is way exciting! Congrats! I will give you permission to name her Marissa. Ha ha just kidding. I have no idea, when is she due?” - Marissa Eddy
“Congratulations! There are so many good girl names.” - Kim Eddy
“No way! That is so exciting! You have 3 choices for a name: Youlondia, Crasanthimum, or Elizabeth. Just kidding.” - Lizzy Wallin
“Talley!!! Congratulations again!!! She should be called ‘red girl’ after her father :) I like Shaylin or Shandra though.” - Ryan Thomas
“It’s a girl! Name her Jami!” - Jami Dixon
“BROOKLYN!!!” - Brooke Jensen
“Matty” - Matt McFadden
“Yay Talley!!! If she has red hair, I vote you name her Lauren :)” - Lauren Johnson
“Isabelle, Kimberly, Kaylee, Elizabeth . . . that’s all I got right now.” - Erica Petty
“Awesome Dude! Let’s get together and celebrate with you!” - Bob Evans
“Oh that is so so exciting :) You should name it Brit. Ha ha. JK.” - Britin Storey
“Congrats. Bradiffer, Bradalina, Bradgirl, Bradnotboy, Bradjan, are available.” - Brad Anderson
“Oh that’s so exciting! Congratulations :) Sandee Rae Talley like I said :) Ha. Or Sandee could be a middle name!” - Sandee Stapp
“Lisa, Michelle, Alyssa . . . “ - Erica Petty
“Congrats. You should name her Davis :) JK” - Jamie West
“Name her Caleb!” - Caleb Ward
“Hey, so I thought you couldn have a children? Congrats though!” - Jeff Agnello
“Josie. Congrats.” - Joe Wilson
“Thanks for the text! Congrats on the girl. We are excited for you.” - Robbie Allred

Ashlyn's Cousins

2008-03-11T21:38:00.001-07:00

Ashlyn and Izzy after a dizzying game of "Ring around the Rosies". We like to sing it: "Ashlyn, Ashlyn, we all fall down."Gabriella is almost ready to run around with her 2 older cousins.

Here we are at Finn's 1st birthday party. (Ashlyn says "Hinn"). The cake was pretty tasty.

This kid is not a cousin, but he has a cruel dad, and I couldn't resist posting the picture.

Trip to San Diego

2008-02-26T20:11:00.000-08:00

Stef and I took Ashlyn on a quick trip to San Diego. We drove down to St George, stayed a night with Lyn and Jill Bridges (parents of some of my former athletes), drove the rest of the way to San Diego, spent a few days, then drove back to St. George for 1 more night, then made it back to Layton in time for Parent Teacher Conferences. After 26 hours in the car in 5 days we were still a happy family. This must be true love. Ashlyn was a surprisingly well-behaved traveler. I think I was much more fussy about being in the car than she was. Of course, she had Elmo, Big Bird, and some Care Bears to keep her entertained. Stefanie and I created this numbers game where we had to find numbers on signs or license plates in order from 1 to 50. It took us all the way from San Diego to home (we got bored at times and put the game on hold). I gave up around 38, but Stef finished it up to 50. The game was more challenging than I thought it would be. Our only rule was that we couldn't use the mile markers.
The Bridges were excellent hosts. Some day they are going to make the best grandparents (they loved spoiling Ashlyn). Ashlyn had a great time playing on their stairs, eating their yummy food, playing with McKay, and playing with McKay's dog, Stone.
Going to SeaWorld on Saturday was the highlight of our trip. The weather was perfect - a nice change from the Utah weather this winter. Ashlyn wanted to swim in every pool we saw - sharks, killer whales, and polar bears didn't scare her at all. We also saw fishies, penguins, Shamu, the dolphins, beluga whales, walruses, turtles, clydesdale horses, birds for chasing, and lots of other kids (Ashlyn loves giving hugs to random kids). One boy kept kicking her when she would try to hug him, but it didn't phase her at all. When we were watching the Shamu show Ashlyn kept saying "Ashy" which is what she says when she wants something. We weren't sure if she wanted to keep one of the whales or just jump in and ride the whales.
We were going to go to the zoo on Sunday, but it was so rainy that we decided to sleep in and then do some shopping instead. We will have to save that for another trip. We are happy that she is so interested in animals.
Here are some pictures from the trip:

This is Stone - he's got the deepest bark, but Ashlyn made friends with him right away.

Ashlyn with Lyn and Jill

On the Bridge's stairsLucky for us, her nap time was during drive time each day

While Stef was asleep . . .

I got bored and played with the camera.

This bed is perfect size

Ashlyn after swimming

Stef and Ashlyn at 'Old Town' in San Diego. Felt like we were in Mexico.

Stef liked the way Ashlyn wrapped her blanky around her like a cape

Arriving at SeaWorld

Getting ready for the Shamu show

Would have been a better picture if Shamu were jumping out of the water right then

She was pretty captivated by the whales

Ash and Dad with the Horsey

Ash and Mom with the Horsey

I know this picture is dark, but I love the grin she is giving

Looking at the white beluga whales

Good thing there was glass here. The polar bear would not have appreciated Ashlyn scratching its behind

This walrus was forever long

Ashlyn wanted to get in and swim with it.

In the polar bear cave

She had a lot of fun chasing the pigeons; we brought this one home with us.

Ashlyn actually wasn't that fascinated with the penguins like we had hoped

Going into the Shark cave

Going deeper into the Shark cave

Difficult to get her to smile

We took Ashlyn on the sky ride overlooking the bay

It was really high and scary

We tried to pet the dolphins

but they got us all wet.

Actually, Ashlyn got it in the face and I got it in the back. I was holding her, and turned around so that the splash wouldn't hit my face.

Her favorite souvenir was this dolphin bath toy

At TGI Fridays on Saturday

Recent Ashlyn Pics

2008-02-26T19:51:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Milk Mustache

Socks on the hand in the morning

With Dad's Ipod

In the seats at Simplot - about the only time she wasn't running around on the trip

Swimming with Mom

2008-01-25T22:00:00.001-08:00

Ashlyn and Stefanie went swimming at the Aquatic Center in Clearfield. It has been a while since Ashlyn had been swimming. Here she is modeling her new suit:

New Year's Eve at the Anderson's

2008-01-25T21:40:00.003-08:00

Brad and Amber put on a great New Year's Eve party. The other partiers included: the Atwaters, the Johansens, and the Schoenfelds. It was by far the latest Ashlyn has ever stayed up. I think it might have been the latest I've ever stayed up. The highlights of the evening included:

The guys clobbered the ladies in the music game (I think Brad knows the words to every song).
Ashlyn crawled inside of Spike's cage all by herself and closed the door to the cage; she nearly fell asleep before we found her.
I didn't think that Brad's water torture would be that bad, so I took it like a man, with my shirt off, laying down on the frozen driveway. It was much worse than I anticipated.
Stef's favorite was the 'chocolate fountain' that Sarah brought.

Brooke's Temple Night

2008-01-25T21:31:00.000-08:00

Although it was too cold to get pictures at the temple after Brooke went through for the first time, we still got a few pics at dinner. Not sure why Brooke isn't in any of the pictures. . .

Matt ordered a salad and 1/2 a turkey sandwich.

2008-01-16T13:01:00.001-08:00

I got a new camera for the track team, and took a few practice pictures with Ashlyn. She was cooperating and saying "cheese" (unusual). We have a few post-Christmas pictures that will be posted soon.

I like Stef's cute new haircut

Christmas 2007

2007-12-26T15:36:00.000-08:00

This was Ashlyn's first Christmas where she kind of knew what was going on. It was a lot of fun for us to shop for her and to watch her un-wrap and play with her presents. Both of our families spoiled us quite a bit, and it made it a pretty happy Christmas (I love giving and getting stuff). We spent Christmas Eve with the Talleys and Christmas Day with the Hansens.
Both of these pictures were taken on the night we went tree shopping 3 weeks ago.
Grandpa is testing Ashlyn and Izzy on their alphabet knowledge
High Five. Ashlyn can identify: I, S, T, O, N, M, P, B, A, L, R, U, E, and F
Ashlyn stills loves babies. She was having a good time pushing Gabri in the swing.
And giving Gabri kisses on Aunt Kellie's lap. Gabri gives some pretty juicy ones. Ashlyn and Izzy listening to a Christmas Story. I think Izzy wants a bite of Ashlyn's corn.After getting done sitting and dancing on the box, Ashlyn decided to open her basketball hoop from Grandma and Grandpa Talley. (Dad can't wait to play with this toy).

Christmas Eve at the Hansens. Here is Ash's Pony from Grandma and Grandpa Hansen. She is a little afraid of riding it to start with, but I will give her a few lessons and show her how to ride.
Kyle, Adrienne, and Hayden. Hayden is about where Ashlyn was last year: really interested in the boxes as tools for standing and in the colors of the ribbons. He'll be a Christmas pro next year.
Amanda with Ashlyn. Ashlyn loved this bus that Stef put in her stocking. Stef got it at a work white elephant party. Amanda's favorite gift has got to be her engagement ring - way to go Matt. I just wish Amanda was marrying someone I could beat at Madden 2005.
We got her this baby that talks and makes sucking sounds when Ashlyn puts something in her mouth. This will get her ready for when she has a little sibling.
Here is Ashlyn sharing her keyboard with Hayden. She loves to dance to the tunes that play on the demo. Kyle called her "Lord of the Dance". She gets her moves from me.
Ashlyn had a lot of fun with her cousins Hayden and Finn. Both of them are going to get to know Ash as the kissing cousin.
It took her a while, but Ashlyn finally got through the many presents she had under the tree. She was a little more interested in the toys than she was in the clothes, even though she got some dang cute clothes.

Overall Christmas was a pretty special one this year. Stef, Ashlyn, and I are blessed with great families and friends. We really love the holiday season because of the time we get to spend with them. I love Stefanie and Ashlyn so much, and really feel like I lucked out in life. We are looking forward to an even better year in 2008. Is that possible?

Old Running Pictures

2007-12-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

The Rat Pack at the base of Wheeler Canyon Trail - Jeremy, Me, Joe
The Salt Lake Tribune took these pictures of Matt, me, Joe, and Trevor working out at the Olympic Oval before we went to the 2004 Olympic Trials Marathon

Here I am running my first marathon - Deseret News 2003. This is around mile 22 - this was the most painful marathon of them all. (Not including the 2 ultras).
Finishing the St. George Marathon in 2003. 2:21.31 - still my pr.
Curtis, Matt, me, Joe, and Trevor at the Olympic trials in Birmingham, AL. February 2004
Finishing the Deseret News Marathon in 2006 - probably the most painful last 400 meters of any of my marathons.

Wasatch Back 2004

At Weber State before the 1st ever Wasatch Back Relay - Jace Nye, Me, Trent Hooper, Bob Lambert, Todd Gilbert, Nate Long, Nick Fisher, Nate Kennedy, Mark Jolley, Matt Harmer, and Spencer (Missing = Jason Schoenfeld)Nate Long at the starting line (18 other teams started earlier in the day - 22 total teams)Nathan handing of to MattMatt handing off to SchoenerMe running against Chad Durham, from the BYU team. We pulled away from them after this (they had 5 women and 7 men on the team). Bob Handing off to TrentNick Fisher and Jace Nye.Stefanie and Maddie (our support crew)

Wasatch Back 2005Mark handing off to Jed
Schoener handing off to Joel
We lost to BYU by under 3 minutes in the closest finish in Wasatch Back History. It was a long, hard fought battle. Top Row: Nick Fisher, Trent Hooper, Mark Jolley, Jed Johansen, Jason Schoenfeld, Me, Nate Long, Riley Cook, Matt Harmer, Bryant Jensen, Joe Wilson (missing = Brett Ferrier).

Thanksgiving Morning Turkey Trot

2007-11-27T21:10:00.000-08:00

Nothing can compare to the feeling of cold at the 2000 NCAA Cross Country Championships in Ames, Iowa, but this year's Thanksgiving morning Human Race 5k in Draper wasn't exactly warm. We got ready for the 8:00 am race in 20 degree weather, and although the sun came up during the run, the temperature didn't change much.

Before the Race began - we are still pretty warm here.
Here is Stefanie with about 100 meters left in the race. Her face and hands are numb. If you look closely you can see that her fingers are bending in all different directions.
Stef tried to stop her watch (there was no official timing or results), but her hands stopped working because of the cold. I had her at 19:18. She was the first female to finish and they even gave her a $50 gift card to Ikea (whatever that is). 2nd place (me) got nothing.
Brooke always has a solid finish. I really like the purple, bright orange, pink headband, and striped gloves combination.
Matt, Amanda's boyfriend, is happy to be finishing. (He actually beat Brooke by about :15 - in case the order of photos is misleading)

We told Amanda that it isn't actually mandatory to Trot like a Turkey in these races, but she said she thought it would help her run faster, plus it for sure looks cooler.
Stefanie's hands were so cold after the race that she was actually crying (irrational fear of frostbite). I shouldn't have laughed at her.
What a cute picture of Amanda and Matt.
Here is the whole group, minus Preston & Linden, who were also in the race. I tried to take their finishing picture, but some kid's big head got in the way (I didn't post that picture).

After the race, we hurried out to Riverton for the annual Turkey Bowl. Only this time we weren't facing the Pooles (they chickened out for better weather in Vegas). Instead it was the Talleys (Dad, me, Justus, Luke, Stefanie, and Kellie) against Brooke and Amanda and the Larsens (Bishop and his 2 kids). We kept the losing tradition alive. 54 to 47. That has got to be 8 years in a row. The team was really missing Dianne and Kiley.

Can you say . . . St George Marathon?

2007-11-21T12:44:00.000-08:00

Stefanie has gotten back into running this year, and she is getting pretty darn fast.
Here she is working out at the new track in Syracuse - Ashlyn loves to go play while Stef runs.
Upcoming races: Human Race 5k (Thanksgiving), Simplot Coach's Mile, Moab 1/2 marathon (March), some of the Utah Circuit Races in the summer, then possibly the St. George Marathon (October). This from a girl who said she will never run a marathon. Needless to say, I am excited for her :)

Halloween Party

2007-10-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

The neighborhood had a little "trunk-or-treat" party at the church. Ashlyn is a ladybug, so Stef and I decided to be bug-catchers. Ashlyn is getting the hang of asking for candy. She says "eat" which means 'treat'. She was also the best dancer at the party.

Family Pictures

2007-10-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Brad, we were able to get some pretty good family pictures at Mount Ogden Park.