Yes, I've just completed my 33rd state or 34th if you count Washington DC. This was a maniac run believe me. I flew out Friday at 9am courtesy of Southwest Airlines. Jake took me to the airport, and I told him when he left I probably should have made out a will. Little did I know how scary it would be. When I got in the terminal they said high winds and rain wouldn't let planes land in Laguardia. I thought yes but by the time I arrive in Chicago it should be good. RIGHT! I put the tent up at Laguardia, and stayed there about 8.5 hours because all the flights were delayed. I prayed like crazy that I would have a chance to run the next morning. At 8:50 our flight left Midway in Chicago. I knew that I would be driving into the wee morning hours to make it to East Hamptons which is on the very East tip of Long Island. We arrived in Laguardia at 11:45 just enough time to secure my rental car. I left my GPS in Ruby, my car at home, so I had to rent one. EXPENSIVE is all I can say. I got out of Laguardia thank goodness for the GPS and found myself racing to beat the estimated time of 2AM on the GPS. Through the traffic, and windy roads, chasing a gorgeous crescent moon (I thought it was an eon sign until I was in the open enough to realize it was the moon) I arrived at Spring elementary school at 1:40AM. Well I couldn't sleep because I was full of adrenaline, so I just laid the seat back in the car and listened to the acorns drop on the car. That really scared me at first, but then I realized what was happening and my fear was dulled. I finally got to sleep around 3am, and woke up at 5:30 to be the first in line to pick up my race packet at 6am. They probably thought I was loony. I walk into the gym and asked where the beach was that we started at. Little did I realize we started and finished at the school. WHEW that was one obstacle out of the way. I needed a porta potty, couldn't find one anywhere finally ending up running through the school because of all the Gogi berries I had eaten through the nights journey. I barely made it to a bathroom. Whew, 2nd obstacle complete. Then I prepared for the race. I ate some Cliff bars, drank some water and waited for the race to start at 8AM. It was a beautiful morning. A cool breeze coming off the Atlantic. Sun high in the sky when we started. The race took us up and down windy foliage filled hills of Amagascott, East Hamptons and I think even South Hamptons. We ran along the Atlantic coast at times taking in the smell of the ocean.... INCREDIBLE... It was gorgeous to say the least. Yes I was tired, but the low altitude and beautiful scenery lulled me into believing I was a fast runner. My left foot hurt, and I had to adjust the shoe and sock several times, and then the Gogi berries made me stop one time, but other than the few stops I made, my time was pretty impressive 3:53. I could have had some seconds added on, but I can't remember. I am the Grand Master Champion once again however!!!! Afterward I filled up on ZICO coconut water which I now crave 24/7, bananas, and nuts. There was a post party at the Stephen Talk house that was a drinking party basically. I went to get my award which I come to find out after sitting there for about 30 minutes, will be sent home to me... The party had a ton of food, but I felt very uncomfortable since everyone was drinking, so I left went to the library and watched GENERAL CONFERENCE... I felt better instantly... No horrible pains anywhere, the medal and shirt were nice, but the goodies in the goodies bag were incredible. Beach towel, flip flops. beanie, head band, bags etc. WOW! THE THING THAT CARRIED ME THROUGH THE LAST MILES OF THE RUN WAS CHANTING ANDREW, MY TEMPLE TOKEN'S AND POWER IN THE PRIESTHOOD. When the announcer announced I was the Master Champion from Utah, a young couple came to the finish line and said we are from Utah too, but now live here. All I could say was POWER IN THE PRIESTHOOD! They said YES, and gave me a high five! Heavenly Father loves me and wants me to succeed, this I know...I give all glory to him and my brother Jesus Christ,
my Savior, Chosen Leader and Friend! I am now cruisin' through the islands here in New York. I just came from Sag Harbor, Shelter Island and am now at Greenpoint New York. I'm going to the Orient Point right now. Montoque was beautiful. The fisherman and lighthouse is a highlight of the journey. The poch shops in East Hamptons, and Sag are quaint yet expensive. Now to be ready to run Hartford Saturday.... Power in the Priesthood be with me...
