Merri Hackett

Four years ago I set a new PR at the TIMP half. I have been chasing a new half marathon PR ever since. 2018 I was coming off of an injury and tried to recover so I could hit 2019 strong. I have always loved AF Canyon and feel like I have a “home court” advantage there since my running crew and I live so close and we love to run in the canyon.

I felt strong training for the Timp half and decided to go for a new PR at the race. I didn’t tell anyone I wanted a 1:25, I just kept it in my head. My game plan was to make sure I fueled correctly and to not stop for anything. Timp was super organized and had plenty of porta-potties, which all runners love and appreciate! The water stations were all awesome! They were manned well and the volunteers were super cheerful and supportive.

With 1 mile left in the race, I decided to pass the closest girl in front of me and then not let her pass me back. I kept saying my positive mantras in my head and I was able to hold onto my 4th place finish and PR!!! The medals were amazing and I can’t say enough about the race photos. Those memories captured in the photo are the best and mean so much to us runners!!

I highly recommend any and all of the Runtastic Events, I’ve never been disappointed! I can’t wait for the next one.

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Mayra Banuelos

I’m really happy with this race. It was my first time and I really liked it. I loved the course and all the fantastic water stations and the volunteers. Every station made me comfortable and happy. The station in mile 5 was incredible, my tears was in there remembering my fantastic mom. The oranges, water and Powerade “awesome “. In this race I did my first faster mile and my first faster race. I’m really grateful for this race. I hope to see you every year 😉

 

 

 

 

 

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Lizz Ashby

Timp Half Marathon
7-27-19
July’s Half Marathon
3:04:04 (PR by 13:59)

This race taught me something… I’m not sure what to label it. Here’s what happened. I was running, finally feeling like I was running. It takes me about two miles to get my legs and lungs working together. Just after mile 3, I heard the voice of a person that has been mean to me at past races. I came to a complete stop and then started walking. As this person continued to talk with their friend, I pondered on what to do. I know I’m too sensitive. And this was early in a race. And I wasn’t exactly at my best mental health. I checked in with myself and discovered that I would be okay whatever happened. So, I started running. As I passed them, I felt strong. I was choosing me. I was doing what I wanted and it wasn’t going to hurt anyone else. That feeling freed me a little. I was loving the run! I would cheer for everyone I passed or that passed me. I wanted to add as much positivity to this experience as I could. Not just for me but for everyone. I kept going like this. Not noticing my time or how many miles I’d done. Then, I saw an orange shirt. I knew that shirt. That was the shirt of a trusted friend. Of someone that was cheering for me even if he didn’t know it. I pushed myself to pick up my pace. I saw the 12-mile sign. I saw that I was way under my current PR. I was shocked. I wanted to keep going and crush that PR! So I ran, caught up to him, and was motivated to finish strong!

 

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