Canyonlands Half Marathon

There’s really nothing better than running a half marathon in one of your favorite places with your best friend.  On March 16th, 2013 I had the opportunity to run the Canyonlands Half Marathon down in Moab with my best friend Katherine.

Katherine and I made a deal with my dad that if we beat his time, he would have to pay us the money we spent to run the race.  The time to beat was 1:49.

The race ran along the Colorado River through the canyon and ended in the city of Moab.  I loved every moment of this race, but it was rough.  Around mile 6 I saw a sign that said “Endure Joyfully” and I laughed because that’s what my friend Gary would always say to me (and I later confirmed that he had placed that sign there).  It was just what I needed.  

By the time I got out of the canyon there were about two miles left and I was struggling.  I just wanted to be done!  But of course I kept running in hopes of a good time.  I had about one mile left when my good friend Gary was on the sidewalk cheering me on with a sign saying Go Tiego!  That definitely gave me a push on that last mile and was perfect timing.  He was super awesome to come cheer me on considering the race was in Moab!  I finished strong.

Katherine and I at the finish line

Now if you remember, my first half marathon I got about 2 hours for my time and I wasn’t really happy about it.  This time, although I did not beat my dad’s time, I got 1:52! That means I cut off 8 minutes and I’m pretty proud of that.  Gary even gave me a prize: a shirt that said “I don’t have to outrun zombies, I just need to outrun you!”.  Awesome.  

I am so grateful for running and the people who support me as I race.  I don’t always get people cheering for me, so it was nice to have my parents, my best friend (who ran with me), and my friends Andrew and Gary all there.  

I’d recommend this half marathon to anyone.  The scenery is gorgeous (Moab is one of my favorite places) and the course isn’t too tricky or hard.  Also, the weather was great for running.  

Now on to more running.  I have goals to reach.

Runaway Girl

Tiegan Hatch

Bib Number: 1255

Chip Time: 1.52.41

Female Age group 20-24: 21/150

Overall women: 277/1295

Overall: 774/3190

Don't Fartlek Alone

What is a fartlek?  If you don't know what a fartlek run is, check out this link to a defintion: Fartlek.   

Although it says that the run is usually solo, I prefer to run with someone.  My friend Katherine and I are training for the same half marathon and our schedule has us running a fartlek every thursday for 6-8 miles.  For the past two Thursdays we have done a fartlek together.  We motivate and push each other to reach a higher potential.  If I didn't have her running with me, I probably wouldn't run as fast.

We both noticed that Katherine is a stronger sprinter at the beginning of our run and I am the stronger one towards the end.  It's actually a great because she pushes me at the start and I push her at the end.  And so far, it's been really helpful.

We alternate who picks when the next sprint will be and how long.  It's been a really good balance with some short sprints and some longer ones.  Every time we are done, I feel like we really worked hard throughout the whole run and never gave up on ourselves or each other.

So don't fartlek alone.  Grab a friend and push each other.  I don't think I would understand my true potential if I didn't have my friend with me.  

Runaway Girl

P.S. Stay tuned for a post on the half marathon I did about two weeks ago!