My 2 Angels

As you know, I have been training for the St. George Marathon for the past few months, and have been running 20 miles almost every Sat. I always do my 20 milers up provo canyon as it is such a great run; always much cooler than the rest of the valley, good uphill climb, water and bathrooms along the entire way, and always a lot of people on the trail. I love this run. I have run it a hundred times and I am never bored with it.

So a couple weeks ago I was going away with some friends for the weekend and needed to get my 20 miler in before I left friday. There was no way to get it in before getting the kids off to school, so Thursday night was really the only option. I was extremely nervous all day Thursday. I get nervous before my long runs, but this was a little different. Somewhere inside me, I was scared, and I didn't know why. I kept thinking that I needed to call my brother and drag him along with me on the run, but I didn't think he would be too happy about coming home from work, and running 20 miles. So yes, I went alone.

I wanted to go early enough that I would finish before it got too dark. By the time ben got home, and I got to the start of the trail it was almost 6:30. It was also 100 degrees. Despite the heat, I ran very well. I felt strong the entire climb up the canyon, but there was still something bothering me, and I could not figure out why or what it was. I even found myself thinking about what I would do if I were ever attacked and how I would get out of that situation.

Because of the heat, there was virtually no one else on that trail, I passed one runner at the very start, and then a couple more at the very top. As I turned around at mile 10 and saw that the sun was indeed setting I knew I wasn't making it down the mountain in the light. Unfortunately the only thing there was to do was to run as fast as I could out of the mountain. So I ran.

I quickly made it down to bridal veil falls, which was almost deserted except for a group for guys. The only way to describe them is they were creeps. 100% creeps. There was one in particular that made my skin crawl. I am generally a very friendly runner and wave and say hi to everyone I see and pass. As I ran past them I waved and the one looked at me in a way that struck me with complete fear. I don't even know how to describe it, ecept that I knew he had bad intentions, I picked up my pace.

I was about to stop at a water station when suddenly those 4 creeps skate boarded right past me and stood in front of the water. Once again, glaring at me, and striking me with fear, I skipped the water. And was glad o be rid of them.

A few moments passed and they rode right past me again, then stopped, watched, scared me to death, I passed, and they followed. It was getting very dark at this point and I didn't see another soul on that trail as I ran. Yeah, I was terrified. This continued on the entire way down the mountain. Them following me passing me up, so close sometimes I could feel their clothes brush past me, and then stopping in front on the water and watching me pass. I was dying of thirst yes, but mostly I wanted to get out of that mountain. And as I neared each water stop, and as I saw them there in front of the water a very clear voice in my head told me to absolutely not stop, but to continue running. So I did.

I don't remember how many times they passed me, stopped and watched me run by, but it was several. I was about 1.5 miles away from the mouth of the canyon when once again I was closely passed by 2 skaters, who then when right in front of me and I realized the other 2 stayed just behind me. At this point I was gripped with fear as I realized I wasn't going to make it out of that canyon. I knew I would never see my babies or my husband ever again, and that it was only going to be a matter of moments before I was attacked. It was completely dark at this point and no one would ever see me. As I waited for impact I prayed. I prayed my heart out. Nearly screaming in my head for help. For guardian angels to come down and save my life. The guys were even closer and it felt like they were closing in, when I rounded the corner and there were my angels. A couple was walking down the path. I immediately stopped and walked right with them. The four guys turned around and took off. I was safe!

The man asked me if I was running, I said yes, 20 miles, but I still had 2 miles to go. His very next question was if I needed a ride to my car. I, of course, took that ride. They were very friendly and sweet. I don't remember his name, but hers was Joy. They asked me all about my running and said they would look up my results at my next race to see if I made it to Boston. They got me to my car, made sure I got in safely, and then left.

I once again prayed and prayed but they were prayers of gratitude. I think of all the times in my life when I have been directly in harms way, but have been delivered, unharmed and able to continue on. I am eternally grateful for the power of prayer and for that couple that saved my life that night. Wherever you are Joy, Thank you.