St. George Half

Road trip down to St. George!

Nothing like a Half Marathon in January!

Julie and Conz (above) have been such great friends to run with. Let me introduce you...

Conz and I started running together nearly 10 years ago, our freshman year at BYU. She's been an inspiration and faithful friend and steady running buddy since. We are neighbors again for a little while, and we have loved the convenience of it!

Julie and I began training for a marathon together in 2009 out in the DC area. She and I have been great friends since... there's something magic about making friendships through running! She is also an inspiration to me in many ways, and she most often comes up to meet Conz and I for morning runs.

There's nothing like a long run with these gals. I love running with them not only for the good workout but for the great company. They are both superb ladies. They are examples of loyalty, honesty and excellence in all they do.

This trip was also a team effort with my co-workers at the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). Jeff, Cary and Tonya often run on their lunch breaks. Last semester I had the pleasure of doing this occasionally with them. Unfortunately my schedule is quite different now so I don't see them as much anymore. They are such a joy to associate with, though. We did a race together in the Fall, and I hope I can join them in more of their team adventures in the future!

Brock and Brandon (Connie's husband) cheered us on just past the 8 mile marker. It was so nice to be supported by them. Brock is such a pro-cheerleader, in the most manly sense.

Meet Brock, my fiance, our cheerleader, and our team photographer!!! The best cheer came as I was running down the shoot, and he screams at the top of his lungs, "Go Jenni!!!! I want to marry you!!!" and the lady beside him (whose ear drums were swelling), asks, "Are you really going to marry her?" to which Brock informed her that we are engaged. Haha. I love Brock! I am one lucky girl.

Perfect Date

Saturday, January 8th

In a skirt, with snow boots in hand, Brock took me on an adventure date up Provo Canyon to South Fork Park. We did dutch oven cooking at this park on our first date exactly 4 months ago.

This time of year, the park was covered in at least 2 feet of snow, so the snow boots were necessary. Trudging through the snow, we made our way to the bridge that crosses over the river. Brock stopped so we could enjoy the beautiful snowy river and picturesque setting. This particular spot is between two of our favorite memories: dutch-oven cooking on one side of the river and star-gazing together on the other side of the river. Brock read me a really thoughtful letter, which made me think this was a celebration of our 4 months dating anniversary.

He soon pulled a wood box from his pocket, encasing a beautifully elegant ring and proceeded to get on one knee in the snow (yes, in the snow. What a man!), and he asked if I would marry him to which my response was an unquestionable YES. We are so happy to be engaged.

Next, Brock took me to a really neat restaurant up Mill Creek Canyon. Log Haven is the name (not a great name, we decided). Picture a huge fireplace in the lobby of the log cabin with dim lantern lit table settings. We both enjoyed Steak and Lobster with gourmet potatoes and asparagus, followed by an incredible Chocolate Lava Cake with hazelnut ice cream and kumquat sauce. The setting and food was a perfect celebration for the special day.

Our last stop of the night was back in Provo to another park at which we have had many special and fun times together. Snow on the ground has changed our memorable places, but they are just as special with more memories from today.

It was a perfect evening with Brock.

We are both a better person with the other, and we look forward to our journey together as we prepare to be sealed in the Draper, Utah Temple in April. Endless adventures are ahead of us.