Jazz-4 Rockets-2.

This season has been one of the best ever for me as a Jazz fan. Not only have I watched almost every single game, I have attended more in person than any season before. I would say that I am only a few more plates of ham and eggs and a few good rides away from being a season ticket holder. Brian and I bought the post season package and have gone to all the home playoff games which are a riot.

The Jazz took care of the Rockets in game 6 in dominating fashion. After the game as is tradition we went down to cheer on the players as they leave. I know that it sounds like we are 12 years old but the main purpose is for Brian and I to entertain each other. I was wearing my Ronnie Brewer shirt jersey and when he stopped, he waved me over to his car and signed it and John John's (Greg's youngest) Ronnie Brewer jersey. He was so nice and a great guy.


Ronnie in his Range Rover rocking a Rolex.


Then the night got epic. We were driving down the street I believe that it was West Temple when I pointed out Shane Battier (Houston Rockets star) and what looked like a trainer for the Houston Rockets walking down the street. I saw him try and flag a cab to no avail. I thought they must need a ride. We pulled over and asked the former Dukie if they needed a ride. He said that they were trying to find some beer. There was a 7-11 across the street and Battier said " let me run in here and grab some stuff and you can give us a ride back the the Grand America."

While making the purchase we waited in the parking lot and made the necessary adjustments for the 6-8 203 lb.man and his buddy to get in Brian's 2004 Toyota Tacoma. Please keep in mind that we already have 4 persons in the vehicle. The debate was made to give Battier shotgun but we thought for story telling purposes it would be better that they sit in the back seat.

The manager looking fellow said that he would ride in the bed and Battier hopped in the back. Shane was so nice and really spoke highly of the Jazz. We commented on how bad we hated that he nailed those three's at bad times. He laughed and said "that's all I got man." We took a hard right and heard the cargo in the bed slide across. Brian said " oh I am so sorry, I forgot about the trainer!" Shane replied "that guy is actually the president of our organization."

After all was said and done the fact that the President of the Houston Rockets rode in the bed of Brian's Tacoma produced the most laughs.

Shane and Michael in the Taco.



The crew with Shane Battier outside the Grand America Hotel.

The Big Finish.

2008 Salt Lake City Marathon.

Starting line 7:00 a.m.

I have waited a long time to check this one off of my list. I think that I was 18 years old when I originally set the goal to run a marathon. I then went on my mission and got "chubby" and sort of gave up on myself.

Every year that I see the marathon take place, I get emotional and say to myself, "next year I am going to run this." Well this year really was the year. I set my 2008 goals in November of 2007. Among them was to complete the 2008 Salt Lake City Marathon.

I started "marathon training" on January 1st and followed the "Less is More" plan that was in an issue of Runners World Magazine. I ran in snow, rain, sleet and wind. My wife carried the family load on Saturdays so that I might get my distance runs in. It was literally a family affair and I cannot thank my wife enough for all of the support that she gave to me.

Going into Mile 7.

The race itself was a wild event. I started very strong and felt great. I even set a personal record through 6 miles. Then came the winds!!! The course took us South from I-80 to 6200 South the entire time running into a wind that was reported to be 45 mph. BRUTAL!!!!! I hit my wall 4 miles earlier than usual.

My support team for the day included my Wife and kids, Mother-in-law, Mother (in town from Alaska), Dad and his wife Farrah, Greg, John, Brian, Cathy & Rob and kids, John Peterson, Dustin Tate ( he went late to the U spring game, now that is devotion!), Ben Wilkinson (ran 2 marathons on crutches), La La Canada (ran next to me for a mile or two) and many more friends that sent text's and emails. My sisters even chipped in and got me an hour long massage. As you can tell, I did not do this alone.

Brian and Cathy rode their bikes around town and found me just when I needed GU or ibuprofen or water or mostly encouragement. Greg rode next to me from miles 23 to 25 telling me the whole time that I was there and that I had made it.

Sarah and the kids made me medals with special notes on the back. I have the best family!

And then came the finish. I was about 1/2 mile from the Gateway where the race ended when I started to think that I had no gas left for a celebration. I thought " oh well, at least you did it." I then turned the corner into the Gateway, the entire stretch was lined with cheering fans. Still no emotion on my part. I was at the middle intersection of the Gateway, when I looked up and saw the word written vertically FINISH.

Then the emotion came, I started to clap and let out a loud yell. I am not really sure what I even said. I looked to my right and saw my beautiful wife cheering so loud. I started to cry tears of pure joy and relief. The adrenaline kicked in and I sprinted to the line. The announcer said "Mark Robbins 1133 from Salt Lake City" (I know because I have watched the video 5 times.) I crossed the line and Brian stepped out and gave me a huge hug. I could not contain the emotion. It was an amazing feeling.

I was much slower than I wanted to be. I haven't even checked my official time. My goal was just to finish. We'll worry about my time next year. :)

The Fat Lady Sang.

The marathon is over as you can see here. I finished a little slower than I would have liked but finished none the less. It was a great day!

More details soon.

What to wear???

Sorry it has been awhile. I have been ultra busy and out of town.

The marathon is this weekend and I need a little help. What shorts should I wear?

Navy Blue?


Grey?


Royal Blue?

My little "big" Jazz fan.

Last Tuesday Riley and I went to the Jazz vs. Charlotte Bobcats game. I had a friend give me her tickets on the twelfth row. I have been to 6-8 Jazz games this year. I am a huge fan and follow them very closely. Every time I go, I have to answer to Riley. She loves the Jazz and especially loves DWill.

I have not forced this upon her. She has a Jazz schedule in her room. If I don't know when they play next, she usually does. Her main goal of the night was to get DWill's autograph. I am usually pretty good about hooking things like this up. Riley was not able to get DWill's but did get her picture taken with C.J. Miles. She also got Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver to sign autographs on her ticket and Jazz shirt.

During the game, the Bear came and sprayed her with silly string. I hurriedly snapped this shot.


Her highlight however was giving Kyle Korver a "high five" as he left the court. Uncle Brian called immediately after and said that KJZZ showed the exchange on live TV. Riley was in heaven! The prospects of telling all the kids at school about her big adventure kept that toothless grin shining all night.

Cooperisms.

Cooper had one of those days today. The really good kind. The kind that makes you want to take him to work and show him off. When I came home from work, he ran up to me with a sun burned face, and said "welcome home partner!"

We wrestled and I tickled him. We played a game while we ate a few deviled eggs. Then for FHE we drove the marathon route. Towards the end it got a little long with traffic and red lights but Cooper was great the entire time.

When we got home I pulled him aside and said "Cooper thank you for being such a good boy today." He had a shocked look on his face, like I had really caught him by suprise. Then he said back to me "Why did you say that? Was it cause I was so Quiet?" It was really quite humorous. It reminded me of myself when a teacher complimented me, I was just so used to being told otherwise that when I was told that I was good, it caught me off guard.

I love my C Ja Diddles.