AnY dAy NoW!!

Hey there! Just read the update from August 24 . . . almost two weeks later! oops. I can't wait to come visit. I'm counting down the days! I'm so excited to see you guys and meet my little niece. Love you guys!

Linds

Last update on this blog

Sorry about the long pause between posts! We're not really using this blog anymore because Mark decided to do a website instead, and we just didn't update that minor detail on this blog. Sorry about that! (And I would like a copy of the USATF steeplechase from Coach Burhley so I figured I better put something on here!! :) Anyway, our website if you want to check it out is: www.easysite.com/markandlinds It's still in the beginning stages, but Mark has done a really good job with it so far! Now I'll kinda give one last update on this blog. Right now I'm in Osaka, Japan with the rest of the USA Track and Field team preparing for the World Championships! I flew in on the 15th and except for the heat and humidity it's been great so far! Every time I go out for a run I'm just dripping within the first 5 minutes. I thought I had felt humidity before, but this is unlike anything I've ever experienced before! It's amazing to me how completely soaked I will be after a run. Until you experience it, it's really hard to describe. Anyway, I race prelims on Saturday the 25th and finals are on Monday the 27th. Mark, my Dad, and Coach Pilkington all get to come and will be here from about the 23rd-28th so that will be absolutely wonderful for them here! I can't wait for them to get here! Then I'll fly home on September 2nd, get Labor Day to somewhat recover, and jump into my final semester of school where I will be student teaching at Fremont High School. I'll miss the first week of the semester, so I have plenty of school work to do here to make sure I'm caught up. (I'll be lucky if actually get any of it done though!) Mark is doing great! He's been taking a summer math class that he's been doing excellent in and between work, school, and my traveling we barely get to see each other! It's been a fun summer though and I can't believe it's time for school to get going again. I definitely am not ready for that part, but I am ready for the graduation part in December!! Well, this will most likely be our last post on here, so check out our website and keep on keepin' on! Mark and Lindsey

quick update

Hey everyone! Yes, I realize that we haven't posted anything for about 3 weeks now and I apologize! It's definitiely been a crazy, fun, exciting month! As I'm sure you're all aware by now, after the NCAA Championships I signed with Nike and took 3rd at the USA National Championships which qualified me for the World Championships in Osaka, Japan at the end of August! So much has happened in the past few weeks, but everything has gone so well and things have just been amazing! Mark and I have been incredibly blessed with everything that's going on and we are so excited about what's ahead! We are going to really start focusing on where we want to live when my parents move back in the middle of August. We've looked at an apartment down in Ogden and really liked it, but we're still keeping our options open for a little bit so we can find somewhere that will be the best for us. It'll be fun to be in our own place for a while! We have loved living in Morgan in my parents house! It's been such a good experience for us and we can't wait for them to move back!! It'll be nice to have them around again! Anyway, hope all is well with everyone!!

Here Comes Nationals

Lindsey and I leave for Nationals Tuesday. I am driving out there with my nephew Jake and my Mom so that will be a nice drive. Lindsey will fly in earlier that day. There is quite a few of the family that is going to make it so that will be fun. Lindsey's parents are flying in and it'll be nice to see them. Lindsey feels ready and excited to race. It does take a lot of pressure off knowing that this is not the last of her running. She will be running professionally after college. In about three weeks she has US Nationals and then two weeks after that she'll race in Belgium. Here is a link to an video interview Lindsey had after winning Regionals. http://www.flocasts.com/flotrack/coverage.php?c=44&id=3210

Here is to the few that actually read this blog

I realize that we have been weak at keeping up on our blog, but oh well. Well, Lindsey and I are doing well. Last week we were able to talk to Jared and Angela for Mother's Day so that was fun. Except that Angela called us around 5am. They both are doing really good. Jared and I talked for a long time. I think we mostly made fun of each other more than complicated, but that's how we roll. I head up to Eugene, OR this weekend to watch Lindsey run at Regionals. I love that drive! It is so pretty up there. Lindsey and I would love to live there, but other plans keep us here in lovely Utah. We do love it here though. Lindsey feels ready for Regionals and as usual I am more nervous than she is. I was telling Lindsey about a week ago that I was already starting to get nervous for Regionals and Nationals. I have been dealing with the sprinkler system the last few free days I have had. I got it done though and they are running great. Lindsey is doing some student teaching (PE) at Mt. Ogden Jr. High and really enjoying it. I know she's a great teaching. They kids love her and can you blame them!? I just started the summer semester so that's a kicker, but life. I am trying to get into the St. George Marathon right now. I decided to run it again, but the registration is over. If any of you know how I can slip in let me know. My sister Becky is trying a few things, but we'll see. Anyway, I'll try to keep up on it a little more. Stay faithful to us!!!!

Record Breaking Race

Lindsey had a great race last weekend. We were at Stanford University (Palo Alto, CA). She ran the 3,000m. Steeplechase and in doing it broke the NCAA Steeplechase record. That time ranks her 3rd in the World and just 100th of a sec. off of 2nd place. So this last week has been an exciting one for us. She has had many interviews and tomorrow night (Monday 7th) channel 5 News is going to interview her. It's has been tough having to answer the same questions, but it's still fun. I just thought Iwould add in the links to the interviews so you can just read them yourself. Steeple Chics http://steeplechics.com/interviews/landerson05022007.php Runner's World http://dailynews.runnersworld.com/2007/05/a_brief_chat_wi_1.html Standard Examiner http://www.standard.net/live/sports/103215/

she finally updated the blog!!

Hi everyone! Sorry that it's been so long since we last wrote!! I take full responsibility for that. Mark asked me to write something about a month ago, and I'm now just doing it, so please forgive me for not writing sooner! Anyway, a lot has happened with my running this past month so I'll just start from the beginning. We started the outdoor season with a meet at Stanford University where I ran the 10,000m. I ran a 33:16 which broke the old WSU school record by 1:27 and qualified me automatically for nationals! But now's the fun stuff . . . two weeks later I raced the steeplechase at the Mt. SAC relays where I ran a 9:46.00 which broke the old WSU school record by 8 seconds, qualified me for the olympic trials, is the fastest collegiate time so far this season, is the 4th fastest time in the world so far this season, is just a few seconds off of the all-time NCAA steeplechase record, and is a huge PR (personal record) by about 35 seconds. Needless to say, it was a good race! I can't really described how I felt afterwards, but it was absolutely wonderful!! I finished 3rd in the race behind two post-collegiate professional runners. The girl who won was from Jamaica and ran the 3rd fastest time on american soil, making my time the 5th, and a fellow American runner took 2nd and barely passed me at the end. I've been training through this week and will race the Steeplechase next weekend at Stanford University so I'm very excited about that!! So now you're updated at least with running! I must say though that I am so lucky to have Mark! He is the best supporter ever! I can't even count the number of hours he's spent driving to all my track meets!! He will never know how much it means to me to have him come! Our semester is almost over and both Mark and I can hardly wait. We have one more week of classes and then finals the next week and then we'll get a break for a little bit before Mark starts summer classes! I will just have student teaching in the fall and then I'll graduate in December! At least that's the plan! Anyway, thank you all for all your support and I'll try to keep our blog more updated!! Mark does such a good job and you know that it's my turn when we get behind a month!

A Broken Face

How do I start this one? Well, I had a SERIOUS accident this last weekend!!! I am still going through the recovery process and it's been painful. Lindsey tells me the pain will pay off, but what does she know. She hasn't had the kind of pain that I am going through right now. Anyway, we had some friends over for a barbecue and games. After a good meal of burnt chicken (what can I say... I enjoy talking not paying attention to our dinner). As all our friends know when you play games at our house there is always a consequence for the loser. Well, I lost the first game and had to drink a shot glass of Vinegar. Which is actually quite tasty, if you have an iron stomach, no taste buds and sense of smell. After a while we decided to play another popular game at our house, "5 Hunting Hounds." This is were you turn off all the lights in the house and everyone hides from the person who is it. When someone is touched by the person hunting they have to follow him/her while the other people who are free try to free the caught persons by touching them without the hunter knowing. I know it may sound confusing but the rules are not the important things. Anyway, I was hiding until I felt it to be a good time to free some prisoners. Before taking off I had envisioned in my mind a stealthy, fast, and good looking hero (myself) coming out of hiding to free those desperately in need. I felt like the best way to do that would be to crawl, since I was so good at it up until age 16 when I learned to walk. So I took off on all fours with lightning speed. See, Lindsey and I are the quickest at this game because we know the house so well. We know how long the hall is, how big a room is, the number of stairs, etc. So as I took off at lightning speed in my mind I knew exactly where to turn to go through the door. But just as I was about to turn the corner the corner of door frame hit me so hard in the forehead I stopped dead in my tracks. I felt like it was a cheap shot by the door frame, but I was in too much pain to fight back. As the frame stood and laughed at me all I could do was cry and curse the whole Wood race. After a little while I could feel my left eyebrow crying with me. I was just about to thank him for his support until I realized it was blood not tears. My pride started to hurt even more, my eye was swollen shut, and I was swimming in blood. I staggered over to the light switch so I could get a better look at the gash that had ruined this beautiful face. As I looked into the mirror I almost fainted. As I gained back my composure all I could do was scream for I knew the modeling agency I work for would drop me faster than Ricky Martin changing into leather pants. I was broken, done! So as you can imagine, the night was over along with my life. I didn't want anyone to see the pictures we took of my face, but Lindsey said it's important for the healing process. So I included one for you. I just ask that you please delete the pictures after you have looked at them. Till We Meet Again, Mark "The Wood Won" Anderson

All-American

It's been a little while since I have last updated our blog so here goes. As most of you know Lindsey took 7th in Indoor Track Nationals which was 5th in the Nation and that earned her All-American honors in the 5,000m. Her goals for Nationals were to become an All-American and break 16:00. Her time was 16:00.77 so we are very excited about that. That time ends the Indoor Season being ranked 18th in the World. She had a great Indoor season and I know she'll continue that on into Outdoor. Here's what the WSU paper had to say about Lindsey on the upcoming Outdoor season; "Standout: Lindsey Anderson has breezed through the cross country and indoor track season with phenomenal performances in different events. She is expected to have a stellar finale to her WSU career in the outdoor track and field season." She runs at Stanford March 30-31 next weekend. So I have an 11 hour drive ahead of me. It gives me time to prepare for my upcoming season in work and school.

Nationals a Stones Throw Away

Nationals is just around the corner for us. Lindsey leaves Wednesday morning at 5am and I will be flying out Friday morning. It will be fun to have so many people there to watch her. We are both very excited about that. Her Dad, grandparents, and my sister along with her family are all flying out to watch. I have to fly into Tulsa (as does Lindsey) and then drive 2 hrs. into Fayetteville where she races. It won't be bad though. I'm excited to see something new and have an enjoyable drive. I really enjoy driving and am thankful for the opportunity I have to drive so much to watch Lindsey race. She feels ready and excited. We found out that the meet will be on ESPN2 March 13th at 12:30pm. Even tough most of you will have already heard how she did, it will still be fun to watch her race. Every professional meet Lindsey and I watch on ESPN they always show the 5,000 and 3,000 meters races, but usually go to break because of the length of the race, but you are usually able to watch 1/3 of it. Maybe after she wins ESPN will beg to be able to interview me. I was down in Monticello this last weekend with my brother to do the triathlon. It was fun to be down there with him, but the triathlon itself was the worst thing I've ever been a part of. It's still a sore spot to me. Maybe I'll get over it and will tell the story. But one thing is for sure. I hate to road bike. It is unnatural for a body to be in such a position on a bike. For those of you that have ridden a road bike you'll know that it's MUCH different than riding a mountain bike. It's not a comfortable position. On another note... my brother-in-law Jared broke his wrist and just had surgery on it in the MTC. He had broken it while home snowboarding, but just thought he had sprained it. Hopefully he'll get over it quickly and get back to what's important.

Fun Last Week

I went and shot at Weber for the second round. It didn't go as well as I was hoping. There were 4 of us and I came in second. I got to shot last and with a shot left I had a chance to win it, but came up short and so all four of us shot again. The first guy made three and the next two weren't even able to shoot the rest of their shots because they couldn't have been able to match him. When I shot last I had one last shot to tie him. The announcer got the crowd in it and I shot. Once it left my felt like it was in, but it rolled in and out. It was a bummer but oh well. Throughout my life I have been a lucky one when it comes to winning things. I have won a total of 3 bikes, hats, shirts, Barenaked Ladies (the music group unfortunately) tickets and eat lunch with them, a movie, glasses, and many more things. So it finally looks like one person can't win everything despite what my brother Brad and brother-in-law Jeff say. This last weekend I went down to Santaquin to train with my brother Scott for the Triathlon we are doing in March. It's a 42 mile cross-country ski, bike, run. The last two weekends I have gone down to Santaquin where he and I have skied up Santaquin canyon and back down. This last weekend though it was ice which made it hard to control when coming down. We found ourselves not being able to stop or turn good. Well, I'll let the picture speak for itself. These are not the only injuries either. There are some that you probably wouldn't want to see and yes that goes along with my pride, which I am thankful is only on the inside.

Lindsey runs at Big Sky Conference this weekend up in Bozeman, Mt. She is excited and feels ready. Mom and I are driving up to watch. It's always nice to travel with Mom because we get to really have some good talks. Here are some things written on Lindsey on the WSU website. “At the first of the year I thought we would be in the middle of the pack with injuries and athletes we had to red-shirt, but the last couple of meets we have really stepped up and are on an upswing. We have put ourselves in position to win this week if we perform well. Our distance runners have been very solid and we will need them to do a lot of good things this week, led by Lindsey Anderson who is having a phenomenal season. Our hurdlers are performing well and we need them to help us out as well as our field events. We don’t have the depth that we normally do but we have the group than can get the job done. The key will be having more ups than downs.” Lindsey Anderson leads WSU women’s distance runners The Weber State women’s team will have seven seniors competing at this week’s Championship. They will be led by Lindsey Anderson who leads the Wildcats into the conference meet. The Morgan, Utah native is having an incredible season at Weber State. After leading the Wildcats in cross country Anderson has been a force in the indoor season. She leads the Big Sky in the two events she will compete in, the 3,000 meters and 5,000 meters. She posted a school record in the 5,000 meters and the second best time in the 3K. Big Sky rankings Entering the conference meet the WSU women’s squad leads the Big Sky in two events and has ten spots in the top three of an event. Lindsey Anderson leads the conference in the 3,000 and 5,000 meters and is third in the mile. Wildcats in the national rankings WSU senior Lindsey Anderson has the fourth best time in the nation in the 5,000 meters and ranks 21st in the 3,000 meters and both times are NCAA Provisional qualifying standards.

My Worldly Wife

Lindsey has come back home with an impressive weekend of racing, again. As I sat home doing homework, eating chocolate, and watching days of our lives Lindsey was up in Seatle, WA running. Weber just sent up 5 runners (3 men 2 women) up to Seatle to run as the rest of the team went up to Poor Pocatello. No offense to the Winn's. While up there Lindsey ran a great race in the 5,000 meters. She placed 2nd with a time of 16:11.08. With that time she holds the Weber State record, she beat the previous record by 58 sec., 2nd all-time in Big Sky Conference history, it also placed her 3rd in the Nation, and 16th in the World. She wasn't aware of how she ranked in the World until today when her two coaches told her of the good news. They were very excited along with Lindsey as you would guess. It is crazy to me to think that she is ranked 16th in the World. I think the only time I was ranked in the World was........ NEVER! Lindsey would love to give autographs for a small price and a signed document promising that you will not sell it to a thrid party. Lindsey, her coaches, and I all know at Nationals she will run under 16min. which will lower her record time even more. I am so proud of her. She has put so much hard work into running and everything she does. Even without her running she is an amazing person. As for me I am just preparing for my halftime shooting which is on Wednesday. So really not much with me just trying to brag up my wife in hopes of sponsorship from Autoliv, WA Consultants, The Daily Herald, or any other businesses willing to pay our bills. Here is what was written on the Weber website: "The Weber State men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams split up and competed in two meets Saturday. Most of the team was at the Mountain State Games in Pocatello, Idaho while five Wildcat distance runners competed at the Washington Husky Classic in Seattle." "At the meet in Seattle Weber State senior Lindsey Anderson continued to add to her incredible senior season. The Morgan, Utah native set a new Weber State school record in the 5,000 meters by posting a career best time of 16:11.08 in the event. She finished second in the event and the time breaks the WSU indoor school record by 58 seconds. The time is an NCAA Provisional qualifying time, just missing the automatic qualifying time and ranks as the second best time in Big Sky Conference history. Earlier this season Anderson posted the second best time in WSU history in the 3,000 meters." “We just had a tremendous day all around,” said WSU head coach Jim Blasidell. “We had a lot of great improvements and tremendous performances. The highlight again was Lindsey Anderson who was just spectacular with her performance. She was competing against some of the best runners in the nation and that time will get her into the NCAA Championships."

"Put Me In Coach I'm Ready To Play"

It looks like we have another Collegiate Athlete in the Anderson family. I guess I don't really have to tell you that it's me because I bet you all figured that anyway, and no not because the Anderson's are a family of two either. The other night Lindsey and I went to the WSU basketball game and as we walked in you could sign yourself up for a drawing. They drew out three people to shoot. So Lindsey and I signed up. I asked the girl standing what it would take for her to draw my name. She asked my name, but I didn't give it to her I just laughed. About 5 min. left of the first half the announcer called my name. I went down on the sidelines and received the directions on how this whole shooting thing would work. We would shoot 5 shots just in from the three point line and the person of the three that made the most moved on to the next round. In the next round the winner would shoot with two other winners for a diamond bracelet from a local jewelry store. My competition was a woman and a guy both in their 20's. I eyed them down and started talking trash right off. I figured the more I got in their heads the easier the win would be for me. I told both of them that I had won Nationals in this competition and that I had hundreds of diamond bracelets at home. They just smiled and laughed, but if they only knew how serious I was. Anyway the half ended and now it was my turn to shine. I was to shoot first and I felt ready. I got in position and looked up at Lindsey and thought to myself, "I am now going to finally show her what a stud she married." I could now hear and see the crowd freeze as to not miss a second of history being made. I felt the pressure of the ball, licked my finger and tested the air, dribbled once, and released the ball with grace. As the ball left my hands I just knew it was going in, that is until I saw it hit the side of the backboard. I then got the rebound and prayed to myself that Weber State was a blind school and the crowd was as well. As I look up at Lindsey hoping that she never saw it I could hear the announcer say in the background "That was way off" and then a chuckle from the crowd. I went on to making the next one, then a miss, a make and another miss. While shooting I also heard the announcer say, "Mark Anderson is the husband of Lindsey Anderson Weber State track and field star." It was awesome to hear and it made me so proud. I LOVE being known as Lindsey Anderson's husband. Well, I ended up winning it despite only making two. The other two people didn't make any so I lucked out or my trash talking paid off. So now the next round is Feb. 14th where I will shoot against two other winners. I told Lindsey since it is Valentines day she can count seeing me shoot as a movie, one of the track runners won a year supply of tacos from Taco Maker so maybe I can get some tacos, and a diamond bracelet. And all it will cost me is a little humiliation (missing another shot off the side of the backboard). I am now expecting a call from Weber's Basketball Coach Randy Rahe any day now. I hear they are in need of an outside shooter. I must tell you though that it's quite nerve racking shooting in front of such a big crowd when all eyes are on you. I now can't make fun of people who miss a layup for a prize while in front of a big crowd. I will keep you posted on my next half time shooting experience. Hopefully I will come back with a diamond bracelet. Lindsey rarely wears jewelry so see it soon on eBay. It'll be sold to the highest bidder so start your bids now. Also Lindsey was highlighted as the Runner of the Month for Striders Running here is the website if you would like to read it: http://www.stridersrunning.com/runner_spotlight

Lindsey Running Off With A Few Records

We just got back from Bozeman, Mt. Where Lindsey ran great. Jared (brother-in-law) and I drove up Thursday night and slept at Shelly and Jim's. Shelly and Jim are always so happy to have us up there. It makes it nice because we are able to split the drive up and don't have to spend money on a hotel. And from what I have learned from Trendwest that is like throwing money away in the dumpster. Thank you Trendwest and thank you for the San Diego tickets and $50 as well. The next day we drove up to Bozeman. Lindsey had a night meet which means that Jared and I got back to Shelly and Jim's around 1:00 a.m. Lindsey had a superb race. She only ran the 3,000 meters and started the track on fire. I tried to tell her that it was my good looks that started the fire, but she just gave me that smile that says "I love you, but let's be serious." Anyway, she won the race by 58sec. and lapped everyone else in the race. When she lapped everyone the announcer said, "Anderson has now lapped the field." You could hear a chuckle in the stands. Well, with the win she qualified for NCAA Nationals with a Provisional time, ran the 2nd fasted time in Weber State History, 8th fastest in Big Sky Conference history and is currently the 3rd fastest time in the Nation. How NCAA Provisionals work (in Indoor Track) is each runner has to run a qualifing time to go to Nationals. If there are not enough runners that run the qualifying time then they add in the runners that have run a Provisional time. Each runner who has run a Provisional time is numbered by their time. Lindsey's coaches all think she will go to Nationals with her Provisional time if she doesn't end up running the National qualifying time. Her current time is 8 sec. away from National qualifying time. She has sure ran well to start off the indoor season. She has a lot of meets that are close so with a few hours of driving I am able to watch her. In two weeks she will be heading up to Seattle, WA with a few of the Men Milers and Coach Pilkington to try to qualify for Nationals in the 5,000 meters. She feels like she has a great chance for Nationals in the 5,000. I am so proud of her and the hard work she puts into everything she does. It is still amazing to me that she currently has the 3rd fastest time in the Nation. That is so crazy to me. I think the last time I was in the top five in the Nation was when I entered all those "Tallest Midget" contests, but those days quickly once they realized I was taking growth hormones (I did get a hairy chest from them though). I have added on some quotes from the WSU Website and the Standard Examiner on the meet and Lindsey; The Wildcat women won seven events and picked up five new conference qualifying marks. WSU also recorded 26 seasonal best performances. Once again the Wildcats were led by senior Lindsey Anderson who had a record setting performance in the 3,000 meters. Anderson won the event with a career best time of 9:38.50, which is an NCAA Provisional qualifying time and is the third best in the nation this season. The time also ranks as the second best time in Weber State history and the eighth best in Big Sky Conference history. Anderson won the event by 58 seconds. So far this indoor season, the Morgan, Utah native is undefeated in three races in the 3,000 meters and the mile. “It was a great meet for us and we made a lot of improvements,” said WSU head coach Jim Blaisdell. “Lindsey’s performance in the 3,000 meters was just tremendous. She lapped everyone in the field and that performance will give her a chance of getting into the NCAA Championships and she continues to run very, very well. The rest of our distance runners were also just outstanding again. We made a lot of good improvements and we are a much better team now than we were before the meet. We had several athletes performing for the first time and they did a good job. I’m very pleased with our performances and were we stand.” http://departments.weber.edu/athletics/Track/Recaps/MSU%20Dual_01-27-07.htm .

Lindsey racing in the 3,000 meters.

Lindsey's #1 Fan's usual look.

Quick Correction

Just a quick correction from Mark's blog . . . I want to qualify for Nationals in the 3000m and the 5000m. It would be amazing to qualify in the mile, but my chances are much better in the 3000m and the 5000m! I had no idea Mark had written that blog, so that was sweet of him! Isn't he awesome?!

Lindsey Starts Her Indoor Season

We are officially back to Indoor Track. It's now the beginning of the last. This will be Lindsey's last Indoor season for her college career. It is sure a bitter sweet for both of us. During the Indoor season I drive up to Pocatello a lot, even though I hate the drive it is a blessing that I am still able to only drive 2 hours to see her. Last night Lindsey ran well. Coach Pilkington had her run the mile. She usually doesn't run the mile (it's usually the 3,000 m. or 5,000 m.), but with her workouts going like they were he wanted to see her mile. She won it with a time of 4:58.53 which qualifies her for Big Sky Conference. Then with not even a two hour rest she won the 3,000 m. with a time of 10:02.24. Both of these times are personal bests. She looked really good throughout the whole race and she said she felt good as well. She has a goal of Nationals in both the mile and 3,000 m. which I am sure she will do. My sister Shelly, her husband and kids came down to watch as well. Lindsey and I both love it when family and friends are able to make it to her races. Lindsey and I are so thankful for all the support we get from all of you. It really means a lot to us, especially Lindsey. For those of you that don't visit the Weber University website I have attached two different sites. One is Lindsey's profile and the other is the article on last nights meet. http://departments.weber.edu/athletics/Track/Profiles/Anderson_Lindsey.htm http://departments.weber.edu/athletics/Track/default.htm I am adding her schedule per request from my brother Brent. I will be writing after each race letting you all know how she does. 2007 Schedule Indoor Track http://departments.weber.edu/athletics/Track/Schedule.htm

Update on the Anderson's

Well, it's been a while since we last wrote so hopefully those of you who read this blog haven't given up on us! We've been busy with the holidays and are finally beginning to get back into the regular routine. We had a great Christmas! It was nice to relax at home this year and spend time with both of our families. During the break Mark did some Extreme Sledding over our hill on a water knee board (he had nothing to hold on to either) with my little sister. He has expressed to me a few times that he is still feeling the pain and bruises. But I am sure he would say that is was all worth it. You know Mark is always looking for an adventure. My Mom took some great pictures. Here is a trip down frame by frame (these pictures look blurry to me so I hope they are clear for you).

We also had an awesome New Year's! Paul and Diana invited us to spend the weekend with them in St. George so we left on friday, Dec. 29 and came home monday, Jan. 1. We were spoiled the first night to stay in a Trendwest Penthouse! It was so nice and it even had a private hot tub on the balcony which we all enjoyed! While there we went to a Trendwest presentation after telling them about 100 times "no" we came out with $50 and two round trip tickets and two night stay in San Diego. So it was well worth it. Then we stayed in the Ore Condos (thanks Richard and Shauna) for the rest of the trip which were also awesome! There was a heated outdoor pool so even though it was a little cold outside we were still able to go swimming which was a blast! On saturday we spent the evening at First Night and met up with David! Although we've heard it's been better previous years it was still a lot of fun! While we were there we also went to Snow Canyon and played in the red sand and climbed on the beautiful rocks! We had so much fun and were so thankful to be able to spend that time with Paul and Diana and their family. School starts in less than a week and we're not necessarily looking forward to it. My first race is coming up and once that gets going I'll be gone almost every weekend on trips until about the end of June. (The indoor and outdoor track season is Mark's favorite time of the year j/k) I am excited to start racing again though! My workouts have been going really well and it'll be fun to see what happens throughout the indoor and outdoor track season! Speaking of running, I had quite the experience a few weeks ago on a morning run. Here's the story: I was running up Hardscrabble (a road by our house) when I had my very first near death experience on a run. I was coming up on a turn in the road when I saw a Llama up ahead on the opposite side of the road about 20 meters away. To myself I was thinking, "Oh cool, a Llama!" Little did I know what this Llama had in store for me. As I took a few more strides, the Llama started trotting towards me then all of a sudden it dropped its head and charged at me! As the words 'OH CRAP' shot through my mind (and no I did not swear) I took off up the side of a small hill next to the road. I got about half way up the hill then quickly switched directions and went back down the hill hoping to fake out the Llama in the process. Well, it worked, at least for a few seconds. So the Llama was at the top of the hill and I was back on the road. We stared at each other for a few seconds as I slowly started running again hoping that was the end of it when all of a sudden it dropped its head charged at me again! So I took off on a dead sprint towards the closest house. Fortunately there was a house to the right of me, but unfortunately the driveway was about 30 meters long, so I kept sprinting up this driveway. Yes, it was the longest 30 meters of my life and I'm positive it was the fastest! I had plenty of time to picture what this Llama was going to do to me. I figured he would first knock me off my feet then start stomping on me everywhere. When I finally made it to the front porch I started banging on the door and ringing the doorbell, like a madwoman being chased by a Llama, but nobody was home. Luckily, the Llama got about 10 meters away from the porch and wouldn't come closer. So the Llama and I sat there for a while staring at eachother. There was no way I was getting off that porch! Finally after a few minutes it slowly started making its way back towards the road, turning around every so often to make sure I was still there on his way down. My plan was to wait for a car to distract him so I could get away. After a few minutes a car came around the corner and slowed down because of the Llama in the road. As the Llama was distracted I snuck through the yard hiding behind bushes (more like weeds) and stuff so the Llama couldn't see me. Once I was out of sight I took off towards home looking over my shoulder every so often to make sure the Llama wasn't coming. I don't think my heart rate ever dropped the rest of the day. I think that was the most scared I've ever been. The one thing that I am thankful for is that it was light outside, about 9:00am. I don't even want to think about how scared I would have been had it been dark outside when all this happened!! So that's my near death Llama experience! It's funny to me now, but I wouldn't wish that same experience on anyone! We hope you all are doing well and that you had a great holiday. Happy New Year Everyone!

Back to Life

We are now back to our regular routine of work and school. Finals are coming up for Lindsey and me so we are busy finishing up assignments and preparing for tests. I am in a basketball league every year and it just started up again. I felt quite good about my play especially after not playing for a year, but there is something that just doesn't seem right. If there is anyone out there 25 years and older maybe you could help me with this dilemma. After waking up the day after my game I felt pains in my back, knees, ankles, legs, arms, and even my aging mind. I just don't get it, I remember like it was yesterday that I could have canon balls shot out of a canon at my gut and wake up the next day and do it again. Now I can't even surf through the channels without getting pains in my thumbs. So once again if there is anyone 25 years or older out there that can help me understand this new (old) body of mine that would mean a lot to me. Anyway, we did win our game and had a fun time. I have always enjoyed reading so I have added "Recent Books Read" on this blog. It's just a list of a few books that I have recently read (bet you could have never guessed that) and enjoyed. Each of the books shown now are recommended by me, unless of course you don't like them then I don't recommend them. So please feel free to read these books. Our next post we will be discussing current serious matters that we are dealing with. Should we still be at war? What can we do to prevent Global Warming? What prescription drug is Rush Limbaugh on now? Who is the bigger rocker Vanilla Ice or MC Hammer? You know, the issues that are affecting us today? Please leave your comments on any other issues that may need addressing.

First Few Days In Germany and Paris

We made it after a long flight. Lindsey was able to sleep a few hours while I only got in 20 min. But I did get a lot of good reading in. I am reading a great book right now, "Three Weeks With My Brother." Lindsey's family picked us up at the airport and we drove 6 hours to Germany and spent that night and the next day there. Our hotel was a block away from the Germany Temple which was a beautiful as ever. We were going to do a session with Scott and Sherilee, but I forgot my recommend so those two went on without us. I took a nap as Lindsey went on a run. Lindsey and I were figuring out all the places she has run now; Germany, France, Catalina Island, Utah, Arizona, California, Oregon, New Mexico, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and on the Pacific Ocean (a cruise). The location of the Germany Temple is interesting, but they just don't have the open on the hill land to build on. The next day went to Heidelberg Castle in Heidelberg crazy enough. Then went to an American Cemetery which was very humbling. I can't remember the name of the cemetery off the top of my head. We went to Normandy last time which was amazing, but this one really got to me. It holds about 16,000 soldiers. I got a little teary eyed while there and also while I read an article my father-in-law wrote for a paper about this particular cemetery. Then today Lindsey and I took the train into Paris and spent the day there. Since this is our second time here we went back to the few things that we wanted to see again. We spent some more time in The Louvre Museum, had another look at the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, and went on top of a skyscraper to get a look view of the city. It was amazing to us to see so many buildings and historical things all at once. We enjoyed seeing the Eiffel Tower at a different angle. Last time we were here we went up the Eiffel Tower and looked around, but we enjoyed this one a little better because the crowds were there. The Louvre is one of my favorite places here. I am just blown away that something like a painting or statue can be built of painted in the 1400's and still be here today for us to see. I have also had a fascination with Michelangelo and his life (not because he was thought to of being gay though). So far it has been a great trip! It has especially been nice to spend time with Lindsey's family. If it weren't for them (Scott) this trip would not be possible. We feel so blessed to be able to visit Paris for a second time. I will post some more things of our trip for those of you that care.

+ Heidelberg Germany

The Louvre Museum - Sculptors by Michelangelo

Eating lunch in front of Notre Dame

Just a little windy up here!!

A look out on Paris with the Eiffel Tower in view.

A beautiful as ever!!!! Lindsey not that tower of metal.

Much smaller in real life than you would expect. I do want to note as well that what I am doing in this picture is highly illegal... shhh.

Just a great shot.

Any Other Blogs

If any of you have a blog you would like me to add to my "other Blogs" please let me know.

Rules To Our Blog

RULES #1 You must check our blog daily unless we receive a written waiver from your parents. #2 You must go over what we have written in our blog for Family Home Evening at least once a month, more than once is even better. #3 Because of Lindsey's running speed you must send an email specifically to me to remind me that I will never be able to catch her, even on a bike. #4 Since you will now know Lindsey and me more intimately we expect presents on our birthdays and on Columbus Day. #5 Send Money!!