SERENITY NOW! Insanity Later!

Treadmill watching Mike and Mike in the morning.

(K-Ona:  82.38)

Mike and Mike and the treadmill.

(Landreth 4:  251.44)

TREADMILL and Sports Center.......... so lovely.   SG Half come hell or high water, oh wait high water already came and the course is altered.

 (Triumph 5-B:  100.7)

And the verdict is.......... treadmill.  Can never really get the headphones to stay put.  (Triumph 5:  340.54)

This is my PR for 2011

I will say for as much training I have put in ( 6 miles a week)  I felt pretty good about my finish and my body wasn't all beat up.  I set a goal to get to the turn that takes you to the finish before Dave lapped me and was a minute short as I got the slap on the rear just before the turn. It was encouraging and somewhat exciting :)   I was happy that I was able to run and not have to crawl the last few miles.  It was good to see people out and happy for Jeff and Sara to get that 5K in... Sara winning in her division and dwarfing my teenie finisher medal :)

So the race was steady as I didn't want to push anything - just get through it and see if my body could handle it.  Completed that one.  Side bonus was that I found some dude who wanted to finish together so I say "why not" and we ran in together.  Funny thing was we were one mile out from the finish and he was hardly moving at the time and was yelling that we could finish in 7 minute.  He really didn't grasp the time frame on his previous miles, I guess, as he was about 2 minutes off.   Happy for all who got out and enjoyed the day.  Was better than hauling chairs for Stake Conference.

Now it's time to go to the race plan and make sure Vis doesn't falter with the plan.

(Landreth 5:  213.51)

St. Julien Resort and Spa -

Just some treadmill work in a hotel made for a king.  Feeling some foot pain and didn't have much time so I just got something done.  I think something is better than nothing.  Later hung out with Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks hoops.  They were at the same hotel.

(Cumulus 8:  19.25)

St. Julien Resort and Spa -

Decided to take advantage of the workout area and run on the TREADMILL... AAARRRGGGHH!  Anyway, after the small run, I broke out into some swim laps as I couldn't leave without having tried that fantastic pool and monster waterfall jacuzzi.  Walked around like a big wig for no real reason at all.

(Cumulus 8:  23)

Trying to remember what it's like to run.  Did the parkway loop with Bum this morning and enjoyed the arctic winds solidifying my nostrils and sweat.  Good times.

(Landreth 4:  256.94)

A little better pace this morning on the parkway loop.  Bum and I enjoying the morning freshness.  (Kinvara:  78.3)

Hoofed it on the conveyer belt invented first by runners.

(K-Ona:  87.88)

Ramping up the training with some serious treadmill action.  (Fastwich 3: 64.00 )

Cold run this morning but felt good to be on the road.  Went the parkway with Bum and enjoyed the chit chat.  (Triumph 5-B:  106.2)

(Vis-Less)

Well it was nice and chilly this morning.  Got there early to see Carrie start the 9K.  Was good to see many friends out braving the elements.  Chatted with Mayor Ken while waiting for the half to start.

I really haven't prepared much so it was just going to be a nice and easy day with no real goals in mind.  It's just part of the training schedule to give me some motivation to train in between events. 

Started out real good and gave many high fives to all the peeps doing the 9K when we passed them.  The wind was a little discouraging but that was just going to be there so I had to make due.  I don't feel like analyzing each mile as it is not that important to me right now.  What is important is that I was able to handle the distance without complete breakdown. 

 The first stretch of 4 miles went fairly well and the pace was steady and the legs felt pretty good.

The next stretch of 4 took it's toll as there were a couple of climbs that slowed me down - was nice to seem some familiar faces racing hard.

Felt pretty good coming back from the Dam road turnaround, love that downhill.

Mentally the last few miles were tough as that long stretch of fields road seemed to go on forever. 

I enjoyed the finish and was happy to get a long run in today.  Feeling a little sore but that is to be expected given the amount of training.  Chocolate milk was a nice touch in the finisher feed zone.

(Triumph 5:  353.84 )

Parkway loop with Bum.  Nice and easy.  Had some foot pain but have just resolved to deal with it.  (Cumulus:  28.5)

Picked up some sort of pace on the Parkway this morning.  Just felt like I ought to do something since Vis is going all out this weekend.

(Landreth 4: 263.14)

Morning air was perfect as I ran effortlessly (yea right) around the parkway.  Waved at Steve as we passed each other by BluffView and it was nice to hear him tell me that it was nice to see me.  Good times.   (Landreth 5:  219.11)

Mile 3.62 to 6.0 = VISFULL

Nice run today.  Like the course and the temps were perfect.  I do the race to hopefully keep me motivated for some sort of training.  No real goals just wanted to feel good on the run.  Was nice to have Vis meet me and chat it up for a couple of miles.  No foot pain and felt good... goal reached.   Good day.

(Kinvara:  84.55)

Nice morning run around the parkway as usual.  Felt so so and the cool morning air was perfect.  (Triumph 5-B:  111.7)

I got the call:

Vis issued the call so we met up to run the red hills loop climbing monstrocity.  Starting at Vernon Worthen park then running up the hills to the parkway and over to bluff street and back to the park.  Vis ran like a gazelle and I was in full rigor.  Not the best run for someone just coming out of hibernation.  I did enjoy the weather, nice and cool moring.  Good scenery and great conversation and service rendered to some old lady trying to put her car in gear.  We simulated finishing the Ironman and the marathon.  Ankles hurt - I must be 40.

(Triumph 5: 360.44 )

Just a little 5K to try and remember what running felt like.  Nothing fancy, just a stroll around telegraph.  Trying to return.

(Blade Yellow: 103.3)

A little Washington Rec Center to get the legs moving.  Moved some weights around for some odd reason.  Now I'm sore.  (Fastwitch:  68)

Parkway loop in the nice overcast morning.  Wind moving west to east.  A little sprinkle on the downhill stretch of the parkway.  Foot pain coming and going.  So is my life.  Amazingly, I'm 3 days in a row.  (Triumph 5-B:  117.2)

Good run this morning out towards the Chevron/Green Springs and back.  Decided to sprint up the steep hill by the old 2 Lazy 2 and about exploded a lung.  Had to tone it down and  just cruised on in.  Nice morning.            (Landreth 4:  267.39)

Good run this morning.  Nice and easy as usual.  Ran through old town Dog Town and relived some childhood experiences.  Tried not to pass out as I attempted a steep hill again - survived.  (Cumulus 8:  32.75)

Pine Valley:  Evening run up to the reservoir and back.  Struggled breathing in the mountain air and my foot just won't stop flaring up on me.  Was nice to get out and enjoy the scenery and the temps were perfect.  (K-Ona:  92.13)

Just a jaunt around the parkway with Bum to see if my foot can handle it after being all chiropracted.  Not sure about it but doesn't seem to be better since it hurts. hmmm

(Landreth 5: 224.46)

Boise Idaho:  Took a run down along the trail system that parallels the Boise river.  Beautiful river and cool temps made for a great run.  Got lost on the return as I crossed the river and figured it would take me back to where I started.  Apparently there are only a few spots where one can cross and I missed the one I needed. Ran an extra mile to try and figure it out.  Foot kills and the chiropractics aren't really helping.  Some co-pays I won't get back.  Could have bought a new pair of shoes.  Going to need something different in a shoe - more cushion says the doc.  Good times had by all today.

(Cumulus 8:  37.75)

Coeur D'Alene:  Beautiful run towards the mountain. Just ran East until I hit big trees and came back.  Ddin't take long.  Cool temps made it great.  Foot so so as usual. 

(Triumph 5:  363.81)

Coeur D'Alene:  Just a jog to see the surroundings by my hotel.  Trying to find some time to get some excercise.  Foot isn't great.  Very nervous about having to up the mileage soon.  Beautiful run with trees around and mildly warm temps.  (Triumph 5-B:  120.8)

Forced myself to run around the parkway loop.  My training stinks and my running is just attrocious.  I may have to find something  else to do so I can lose 50 lbs and possibly my foot will come around.  (Landreth 4:  272.79)

Hwy 89 by Hatch:  Took a jaunt with cousin Tim this morning.  We decided to run on the trails by our family reunion site.  Nice scenery, temps perfect and fairly hilly.  Foot kills but that's just the story.  (Triumph 5:  369.31)

Pine Valley:  Ran out past the reservoir and back.  Might be my last run after tomorrow's doctor appointment.  He may just tell me to find another sport.  The pain just won't go away and I feel like a doctor needs to check it out.  (Cumulus 8:  43)

A little treadmill action to test out my foot after some heavy drugs.  Hoping to not have any issues.  So far so good.  Gradually going to increase the workouts and see what happens.  (Triumph 5-B: 125.3 )

Fully Embraced:

Ran the parkway loop with Bum this morning.  I braced up my foot and decided to see what happened.  Saw Dave run by and shouted 'hey'  that's always fun.  The foot seemed to be OK and not feeling much pain or any at all.  Need to work into this gradually.

(Landreth 5: 229.86)

Quickie out to the firestation and back.  All braced up and ready for my new goals for SG Marathon.  Turtle pace but moving nonetheless.  (Cumulus 8:  46.1)

Dreadmill at WCCC.. love that Dogtown rec center!!

(Kinvara: 88.95)

Hurts so good. 

Sometimes the best part of a run is when it ends.

Was nice to have Vis travel to dogtown for some interesting mileage.  Had a great run out to Green Spring area and around the parkway.  He gave me all I could handle.  I bribed him into stopping to bum some water out of some sprinklers and random hose bibs along the way.  I just need to remember that it's time on my feet.  Glad to have gotten something done today since I wouldn't have done anything if Vis hadn't called me last night.  The foot seems to be holding up but we'll see how it feels later today after the euphoria of getting 10 in this morning wears off.  (Landreth 4:  282.79)

Just trying to get something in this morning so that I don't feel guilty.  Foot is holding up.

(Blade Light:  106.4)

Warm up and cool down all simultaneously.  So nice.

(Fastwitch:  70.1)

AM stroll to see what morning looks like.  All felt good.  Survival mode.

(K-Ona Blue:  95:38)

AM Parkway.  Enjoyed a new twist on the course thanks to Vis for pointing out the warm drinking fountain option.  Foot numb.  Better than pain.

(Cumulus 8: 51.9)

AM:  Nice morning for a quick jog that takes longer than it should.  All seems to be holding together.  (Landreth 5:  234.16)

Nice morning out on the marathon course enjoying the traffic and all the headlamps.  Glad Vis was able to drag me out for a run.  Foot kills.  I hope I survive.

(Landreth 4:  296.79)

Testing the foot after Saturday's trauma.  Parkway jaunt with Bum.  Nice weather outside took my mind off the aches and pains.  Still in one piece.  (Triumph 5-B: 130.8)

Simultaneous warm up and cool down.  (Kinvara:  92.45)

Morning reminder of what running kindof is.  (Blade Light: 109.65)

Morning stroll with Bum along the Parkway loop.  Was nice to stop at Adventure's First Stop for a quick break and then off to the races.  (Fastwich 3:  76.2)

Green Spring Loop:  Bum wanted to get in a few extra miles this morning so we called this our long run for the week.  Dull foot pain but seems to be dealable.  My best week since after the marathon last year.  Maybe a little stroll tomorrow to maybe make a marathon mileage for the week.  At any rate the hay is in the barn.  Come what may and love it..... I heard that somewhere before.

(Triumph 5:  378.46)

Ran around the block since I thought it was 5:30am and it was actually 6:30am and I needed to leave at 7.  Bummer.  (K-Ona:  96.38)

St.George Marathon: Random thoughts as my time just really isn't that important.

It was a nice day for a run.  I was very nervous to see how long my foot would last.  My goal was to run for a bit and walk for a bit depending on how my foot feels.  I knew it would be a long day but it ended up being more than I wanted.

I started pretty good chatting with some friends at a leisurely 10 min mile pace.  That went on for a few miles and a couple of aid stations.  I took some ibuprofen and hoped that woul tone down the pain as the foot immediately flared up on me and was screaming for me to quit.  I decided to just deal with the numbing pain.  I did very well in taking in fluids and various energy items such as the Pepsi my dear sister had for me at Dameron Valley!  That was awesome and the cola just went down smooth.  It was fun to see students from my classes cheering along the way. 

After Dameron Valley the foot just needed to calm down so my splits increased a bit.  I believe I was doing something like 5min on and 1 min off or some combination thereof.

At that point, miles 13 on in.. it was just plain mind over matter as the pain was just flat was ridiculous.  I found some new friends along the way and have a new appreciation for those that set out to run a marathon and end up in the back end of the pack.  Found some friends puking and doubled over on the side of the road, laying down on the side of the road trying to get up, and just plain struggling to move.  I felt a little lucky that I could walk upright. 

Mile 19, enjoyed the brew that Vis had made for me and I had stashed with my ward at that aid station.  Was good to see some familiar faces and know that I only had 7 left ha ha.

Now the cramps started and it was necessary to stop and get some icyhot drenched on my legs.  It was almost obscene having the volunteers rub that stuff all over.  The body was just breaking down going into a full body dry heave at times.  Now I wasn't so lucky as I couldn't walk upright for awhile.  I finally was able to get some movement going and did some quick Math to set a goal for under 5.5 hours.  I usually end around 4 hours so this was unfamiliar territory.  The longer I was on my feet, the worse it was going to be.  It did get worse; however, I was able to enjoy some random popsicles from caring spectators and, of course, the cold wet towel.  The finish was anticlimatic as I just wanted to end the misery.  I was too late to get the PVHS fight song by Eddie Candland and company... will have to run faster to get that again.

This one took it's toll on me.  I've got some serious pain that needs to be repaired, removed, cutoff, or something.  It was nice to burn some calories today and have some icecream at the finish.  Ended up with just over 12 min mile averages which, looking back, was probably OK for being crazy enough to run this thing with an injury.

Thanks to all who volunteered and cheered (even though they didn't know me)!  I did enjoy the conversations along the way, the familiar faces, the random things others would do and say, the port-a-potties, the aid stations, the ibuprofen, the Pepsi, the Vis mix, the shouts of encouragement, the friendly smiles, the icyhot rubs, the shade, the sun behind the clouds, the determined looks on the faces of those in my time frame.. those looks actually kept me alive and determined, and also the friends I was able to see and make along the way.  It's the journey right?  (Cumulus 8:  78.4)

AM: A little run with bum after a couple of weeks hiatus. Loved the cool morning air. (Landreth 5: 239.56)

AM: Parkway loop with Bum.  A little chilly but felt good to get out.  (Landreth 4:  302.19)

I was actually pleased that I made it without much pain in the foot.  It was a cold morning.  Warmed up nicely as the race progressed.  Was good to get out and do something.  I need some motivation.  (Triumph 5: 381.71 )

Billings Montana:  Went for an after turkey run this morning.  The air was chilled but felt good.  The wind picked up so just decided to head home.  Good  thing as the wind chill was down right colder than I could handle.  (Triumph 5B:  132.8)

Did something this morning.  Better than nothing.  (Kinvara: 95.7)

Wow, it was cold and it sure felt like it has been awhile since I got out.  Well, it has been awhile so that's why my legs are stiff and sore already.  Nice jaunt at a mild pace around the parkway - tempted to stop at Maverik for breakfast but kept on running.  Good air, good conversation, good bye.

(Landreth 4:  307.69)

Christmas eve-eve run around the parkway.  Fat and out of shape.  Too many moving pieces that shouldn't be moving around.  (Cumulus 8: 83.8 )

Parkway loop.  My leg went numb and gave me pain.  I'm out of shape.  (Landreth 5: 245.06 )