After finishing my 13 mile run, I scurried over to Saratoga Springs for the Utah State Taekwondo Championships. Last year, at the Utah Open, I competed in individual forms and sparring, and ended up walking away with a first and second place finish. I was quite pleased I placed in both categories, but I knew that was nothing compared to the championships. Utah State had competitors from all over Utah, Idaho, and California, and it is a national qualifying event. Just to give you an idea of the magnitude of this event -- for sparring there were three matching running at all times. Each match is two minutes long, and sparring still took over four hours to complete!
To add to my stress, I wasn't even positive I was going to make my first two divisions. The half marathon started at 9:00, and since I was pacing the 2:30, I had to ensure a finish with two minutes of 11:30. My first Taekwondo division started at 11:00. Eek! But it all worked out in the end. Even though I came hustling through the doors close to noon, I still made it in time to compete in all three of my divisions.
So now that you've heard more than enough back story, time for the results! In individual forms I missed the first place position by a fraction of a point (boo!), and placed second. In group forms, two of my fellow U of U teammates and I took home a first place win, and in sparring I took first! Woohoo! All around it was a successful event. I feel silly admitting I was bummed about my one second place finish, but I'm sure it's safe to say none of the other competitors ran a half marathon beforehand. I don't plan on attending nationals this year, but it's fun to know I could if I wanted to. :)
**SLC Marathon in two weeks**
**Florida in three weeks**
**Chicago in five weeks**
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