Life is Good

Note to self: make sure you EAT first!!!  Dude, I can't believe I forgot that!

I ran half on the road, half on a trail.  It was really nice.  I got to see the sun set.  That was nice too.  Apparently Oliver, my 6 week old, did not appreciate my run though.  He decided to scream the entire time I was gone.  I guess you could say he is a mama's boy.

So, on the way out the door, my husband yells to me: "Run like the wind".  I tell him I'm not as fast as the wind... so he says "okay, like a bubbling brook".  I have decided, I'm more like a retention basin...  very slow, but eventually I get there.

This was my first "long run" since having Oliver, and it was nice.  I spent the whole time thinking about my mom's upcoming wedding, so it went fast.  I will admit, I'm a little sore now.

I felt awesome on this run! 

On another note, I found a partner in crime for my marathon training!!!  I'm excited!

I was suppose to run 4 miles today, but cut it short because it was so close to dinner time when I left and I knew my husband would have to leave for work right afte dinner.  The 3.35 miles felt really good though.  I think it was actually a bit chilly out.  I came home to a really unhappy new born.  luckily he hadn't screamed the entire time, but long enough for it to take me several minutes to calm him down.  He is definitely a mama's boy.

It was a really cold, windy day... and yet the wind stopped just in time for me to run.  Thank you wind!  It was much appreciated!

So, my training plan has me running 9 miles this Saturday, 10 next and 11 on the following (then a rest week).  Since I'm playing catch up and don't want to injure myself, I decided to do 7, 9, 11.  Hopefully this is a good "plan of attack". 

It  is beautiful outside.  The run felt good.  It took me 75 minutes (roughly), including the stop light time (I hit 4 of them).  Not too shabby.

I was suppose to run last night, but instead of making dinner... I decided to do left overs... and instead of just warming up left overs, I decided to make a menu and set up the kitchen like a restraurant.  I think dressed up like a waiter.  I took orders, gave them a starter salad, made their meals, refilled their drinks...  and left them a bill (I got 10 kisses, and 8 hugs).  And then I send them into the girl's room so I could clean up the kitchen and get it ready for Family Home Evening.  All that took away from my running time, so I went tonight instead.

I was suppose to run 3, but when I mapped it, it turned out I was a little shy.  I'm a little bummed to learn that... but I must say, my sprint to the finish felt awesome!  I got some serious speed.  And thinking about 2 weeks ago, when I started running/training for this marathon, speeding up to finish was a real stretch.  I did the best I could, but I doubt anyone would have known the difference.  So, having said that, I'm pretty happy with my run tonight.

Happy Tuesday!

Map My Run says my route was 9.91... but I figure, with the meandering sidewalks along the mile on Brown Road, I had to have hit 10.  My husband was impressed with how fast I managed to get home... so I'm pretty happy about that. :)

pretty good run.  My only complaint is waiting for those darn street lights.

So, my music stopped before I even hit mile 1.  Instead of jammin' out, I though about how amazing I want to look at my mom's wedding in August. :)  I am "giving her away" (walking her down the isle).

Today was the first Color Run Arizona, and it was coloriffic.  They didn't time the event, so it was really just a "for fun" run (with your closest 6000 friends... yes you read that right.  6000 runners for a 5K).  It was so fun... I loved it.  If only the color didn't taste like hairspray or something equally disgusting.

Here I am before with my two little girlies.

And after:

Next year I'm going to register Melanie to run the race with me.  (p.s. since it wan't timed, I just put in 28 minutes on the time, but it's just a random number)

It was a really good 3 miles.  I didn't have my music, so I did some thinking.  I'm thinking I may need to start cross training.  I know biking and swimming are good cross training, but those would take me away from home more than I already am.  Is Yoga cross training?

yoga yoga!  I don't know if it's cross training... but it's definitely stretching and feels good.  Having two little girls attempt to do yoga beside me makes it pretty funny too.

I did Yoga in the morning.

I was suppose to run 6 miles today, but it was crazy around the time I would have ran, so I opted to run on a treadmill at the rec center.  I have reminded myself why I can't run on a treadmill.  It was so hot there, and there was no wind being generated by my running.  And going NO WHERE is really hard for me.  I like to see progress.  Anyhow, 3.5 is better than nothing.  I then did some weights and headed home.  It was prefect timing, because Oliver was NOT happy when I got home. (poor little man)

I took Noelle and Oliver on my run with me.  Oliver was grear, and Noelle said I was "super fast".  That was encouraging.

I got attacked (but not bit) by a dog on this run.  I have never been so scared on a run in my life.  The owner of the dog kept telling me "it's okay" but wasn't grabbing the dog's collar.  It was chasing me, barking at me, growling, snapping... and wouldn't go away.  I am not ashamed to admit I started crying and screaming uncontrollably for the owner to get her dog.  It was the first time I honestly had wished for a tazor gun, and hoped a car would hit the dog.  But, I lived...

I'm mad at map my run.  I mapped my run, it said 3.13 miles, then I "saved" it and it saved it as 2.03 miles.  How annoying.  But, whatever.  It was 3.13 miles, and I know it.  And it was with my youngest two kiddos...  a double stroller... and headwind.  But I'll take that over a dog any day.  (I had nightmares last night.  Stupid dog)

pretty uneventful... which I'm happy about.  I did run oast a dog that looked like tiger, and my heart sped up, but this dog didn't do more than look at me. :)

I wasn't going to run today.  I dropped Melanie off at school and was being lazy... and then my cute little 2 year old says "mommy, going run run" (both my girls call my running "run run").  I said "do you want to go" to which she replied yes and get her shoes on... then went and found mine.  I have a good little coach.  I'm very lucky.

It felt like I was running on the sun.  Boy was it hot.  Next time I am NOT going at noon.  But, it was a good run.  I ran to my friends house (almost 4 miles) and then ran another 6 with her.  I was going to run home from her house, but looked at the clock and realized it was later than I had hoped, so I got a ride home instead.  I have a half marathon next weekend, so I'm happy I didn't push it.  It is a good recovery long run.

I'm ashamed to admit that this is the first day I went running this week.  It has been a little crazy, but that's not really a good excuse.  With the marathon in 2 weeks, I'm rededicating myself next week.  I have a half marathon this weekend and I'm excited!

It has been B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. out.  It was a good run.

While training for my April Marathon, I decided I wanted to do a half.  This was a last minute decision.  I signed up 2 weeks ago, and with the full intent to run, then hurry home, get cleaned up, and head to church.

I'm going to briefly run down to race.  We got there in time for me to find a spot in the starting shoot around the 9 min/mil pace flag.  They didn't give any warning to the gun... no count down or anything... just "bam!".  We all looked shocked and then (eventually) started running.  There is almost a minute time different between the gun and my chip times.  I started pretty solid, pacing myself behind a gal in pink.  I passed the half way at 59:33.  It felt really really good after the turn around.  I passed pinky, but she seemed to pass me again at 10 miles.  I called Brandon at 11 minutes to tell him I was "closing in".  And then an emergency pit stop happened (at mile 12)... and it set me back big time. LOL.  Such a bummer.  But I didn't have a choice.  I finally came in at 2:11:49.  (see what I mean about the set back?)  But... it's a PR, and I am really happy with myself.  I kept a pretty constant pace, I fueled up good, and I didn't drain myself.  I made it home, got me and the kiddos showered, and everyone was sitting in the chapel before church started (which is amazing because we only had 30 minutes frmot he time we got home until when church started). 

I started the day with yoga to help stretch some of my sore muscles. It really helped. I didn't do my run until after my husband came home because my kids are sick and I didn't want to torture them by making them go running with me. While on my run, I saw a girl running ahead of me. I decided I was going to catch up to her and pass her. She had about a 1/6 of a mile lead on me. I am proud to say I passed her right before we hit the 1/2 mile.

So, I am sporting some sexy cold sores. I'm thinking they are from my race this weekend. I'm also thinking I want them to go away! Besides Abreva, anyone have any advice?

I almost didn't go.  I was coming up with a ton of excuses.  But then I decided I better.  There would be no way to make up the miles.  I'm so glad I did!  It was a good run, and with the marathon coming up (I'm officially registered), I can't afford to skip just because.

I ran up usery's pass and a little bit of bush highway to get to coonsbluff, then back to bush highway.  There were a lot of long climbs, but I felt really good about them.  I got to pass several runners, bicyclist, and a troop of scouts.  My kids went hiking with daddy at coon's bluff and picked me up when I was done.  I ran the entire length, non stop... and it felt great.  What didn't feel good was sitting between the two toddler carseats with no room to even lean back while we drove home. hmm...  next time I'll convince the hubby to bring the truck, not the jeep (just saying).

Happy Leap Year Day!!!  I didn't run yesterday due to a horrible sinus head ache, but decided to still do my long mid week run tonight.  I started pretty sluggish, but by the end, I felt really strong.  Heres to hoping my sinuses start liking me again.

So, There was a marathon that ran THROUGH my neighborhood and I didn't know about it until it was started!  Can you believe that?!?!  Seriously, how did I not know?????  (In my defense, it was the 1st year, but still!!!)  Why do I have emails with racing events come to my inbox if they aren't going to tell me when there is a race so close I can actually cheer on the runners without going anywhere? 

Anyhow, I still ran my 16 miles, even though there was a marathon going on.  I did Usery's Pass, Bush Highway, Coons Bluff (up and back) and Phon D Sutton.  And it felt good.  There was some serious head wind on the way up Usery's Pass, but it didn't get the best of me.  I even sprinted to the finish.  And, I only stopped twice.  Once for the light at mile 1... and once at mile 12.5 to kiss Melanie's finger because apparently she got some cacti in her finger while hiking (the family was hiking Coon's Bluff while I was running... The girls really enjoy it!)

Good times.  Only 7 weeks until my marathon (one that doesn't go through my neighborhood... and that I have to go out of town to get to... can you tell I'm a little bummed by this discovery.  Next year!  Next Year)  I honestly think I am in good enough shape, I could have ran that last Saturday.  I mean, the only uphill in the race was actually going through my neighborhood, and I clearly know how to handle that.  sigh. o-well.

3.05 Miles with Noelle and Oliver.  I love that Noelle thinks I'm super fast, even if I'm super slow.

I need more sleep.  I gave decided

Noelle, Oliver, and I went a different route today, through the Red Mountain Park.  Noelle saw lots of puppies and duckies and was pretty happy.  And I had a pretty good workout pushing her. :)  Happy Friday.

P.S.  I'm a little nervious about my long run tomorrow.

According to my training plan, this is suppose to be my rest week, and I'm suppost to go 12.  Next week, I should be going 18.  Well, next Saturday I am speaking at a baptism in the morning and making/decorating a wedding cake for the evening.  running 18 miles just doesn;t fit into the day.  So, we decided to switch the weeks, 18 this, 12 next. 

Then my dad invites us to breakfast.  Instead of getting an early start to running, I started at 9 after breakfast.  It wasn't too bad, but it was hotter.  I ran up Usery's Pass, did a 2.5 mile there and back thingy North of Bush Highway, then ran up Bush to Coon's Bluff.  Originally my plan had been to run down coon's bluff, wave at my family (who were hiking/picnicing at the bottom), run back up, then back down.  That would get me my 18.  But with the late start, when I got to the bottom, I could tell they were just tired and ready to go.  I thought I'd yell to them "pick me up at the top" but some car came and stopped in a weird place, making me have to run over to tell them.  The girls came running over and were giving me hugs.  I didn;t have the heart to run off... plus stopping and starting is not a specialty of mine.  So there you have it.  That is my reasoning for running less than my original plan, but I'm not worried.  I still have 6 weeks until the marathon.

So, I love that my husband is so supportive of my running.  I was almost trying to talk myself out of it, and he says "you need to go running"!  And I did!  And I'm glad I did!

Thank you hubby!!!

so, after becoming a horrible running blogger last week, I decided I better start fresh again this week.  I had a good run today. 

so, how about this crazy weather?  I loved the rain last weekend.

Wow did this run not go the way I had planned!  Actually, so far, I could say that about the entire day!  Here's to hoping for a better second half!

Today was an adventure.  Noelle, Oliver and I did a little "off roading" with the stroller, came up close and personal with 2 very large, very loud geese, and saw some friends in the neighborhood.  Noelle sang to me while I ran, and is a great running partner ("Mommy runs super fast!"  It's far from true, but I love hearing it).

One of my favorite people, Ms. Lybi, asked me to run in this special 5K to help support the YWs in her ward.  I believe this fundraiser was to help them get to girls camp.  Of course I agreed! 

Originally I was going to run it slowly and the run another 12 miles afterwards, but last minute decided to run it like the 5k it was and see how I would do.  There was no way I was ever going to place when the first person in was in my age and gender bracket (that chiqa was amazing!), but I did come in 4th of my gender... and am super happy with myself... and, can I point out that I just had a baby 4 months ago?  Even *I* think I'm crazy.

But, I have also fallen a little behind on my marathon training.  I still plan to run it in 4 weeks; however, I'm thinking it's time to watch "The Spirit of the Marathon" to get my dedicatino back.  It's time to "do this thing"

Thank you, Ms. Lybi, for asking me to participate in today's 5K.  Not only did I get to see you (which I LOVED), and run, but I really enjoyed the race.  Everyone was so nice and clearly excited about the fundraiser.  Remember me if they do it again.

So, I was daydreaming while running, and next thing I knew, I was on my street and forgetting to sprint in to the finish.  I don't remember much in betwwen, only that I know I went on  my regular route.  Very funny.

So, I will have to admit to "sleep running" again... at least the first part of my run.  I seriously was side tracked, missed my turn (which I made up), and almost missed the light I was waiting for because I didn't realize the little green man was granting permission to go until it was almost too late.  Wow!  Not sure what is going on my with my mind, but it is definitely else where.  This could be percieved as good or bad... Good:  I'm clearly in the zone and not thinking about any running aches and/or pains.  Bad: I could potientally be running harder if I weren't day dreaming.  O-well.  I'm not really too concerned about my speed.  And I did manage to get back in the amount of time I told Brandon I would be gone, even stopping at all the lights, so it couldn't be too bad!  I'm so silly though.  Seriously!  
 

On another note, we have been blessed with fun girls in my house lately.  Not only mine, but friend's children as well.  Yesterday we had two cute little girls over for a play date (and I got to have a friend over too, which is extra special... Thanks Lybi!)  And today I babysat for my sister in law's sister (can you follow that?).  This little girl was too precious and my girls just loved her.  It has been fun.  I'm happy to say that we will be getting OUT of the house alittle bit the next few days though, which I think we all need!  ha ha!

I met a really nice man by the name of Harley after mile 3 and we ran together for 4 miles.  He is also training for a marathon.  He told me some good stuff... and next thing I knew, I was going down hill.  I didn't even realize we were that far.  He turned around and I kept on keeping on.  At mile 15.5 I met the hill I was dredding.  After I started up it, I decided to walk it (1/2 mile).  There was no point of giving myself a heart attack.  At the top, I started running again (more up hill).  I ran out of drink and had to fill up with water at the park and ride.  I used the restroom in Del Taco (which was not a good place to stop... the greasey smell in the place after running was awful!!!)  I would have used the restrooms at the park and ride, but it was locked.  Then I ran 2 miles to my neighborhood, walked a 1/2 mile to the park, then ran the last 3/4 mile home.  At that point, it actually felt better to ran to walk.  My hips hurt when I walked. 

Now to catch up on my conference. (and eat)

So, I'm having a hard time figuring out when to squeeze runs in during the week this week.  I have a little girl with a double ear infection, 2 doctor's appointments, a husband working late, and 3 very young children...  so, my miles may not look like those of someone that is running in a marathon in less than 3 weeks...  but it's the best I can do.  Next there is a season for everything.... maybe next marathon I'll be better trained.

We went on a family "bike ride" (Brandon rode a bike pulling the girls, I ran pushing the little mister).  It's 5 miles shorter than my mid week run is suppose to be this week, but I went.  And I got family time while I was doing it.  double BONUS!

Highlights of my run:

• The 40+ year old *sitting* on his skateboard, going down a hill, while talking on the phone (so happy I saw him in time, that could have been bad). 
• The bird that landed on a cactus that literally blended in.  If I hadn't seen it land, I wouldn't have even known that was a bird.
• seeing and waving to Harvey again (see last Saturday's run)

Not so "good times":

• rolling my ankle/foot at mile 3.  (It still irritates me, and it a little bruised, but not swollen.)
• All the bicyclists on the road weren't the friendlist.  They typically are.  I figure it's due to the bike race this weekend.  But still. 

2 weeks left.

So, I haven't ran since Saturday because my ankle has been hurting me.  But today I decided it was time to get out there again.  It was a good run with the whole family (Brandon and the girls biking, Oliver and I on foot).  I'm already mentally planning my next training plans for my next marathon.  I haven't picked the race, but I have a desire to do better.

It's probably not good if your husband kicks you out of the house to go running because you are too cranky. hmm... talk about getting an additude adjustment. ha ha!  Well, it worked.  I got out of the house for about an hour, and the run helped my mood.

brrr...  baby it's cold outside!  I love the change in weather!  1 week until my marathon.  Any last advice for the crazy girl that is running it?

This is my first post marathon run and if felt great.  I was pretty speedy too... which also felt nice.  I had a dream last night that I was training for a tri.  I mentioned the idea to my husband this morning, who lovingly gave me a look that I can only interpret as "sure, I'll start planning your funeral now, but I would prefer to grow old with you".  hmm...  I'll keep thinking about it.

So, it was hot, but it was nice to get out.  I still have my friend's garmin (I need to return that), so I used it.  I ran at a 9:06 pace.  Pretty nice considering the heat.

I'm debating.  I found a marathon I could do in October, but I'd have to train through the summer, and it's pretty brutal here.  My other thought is to find some shorter races in the fall and this summer work on speed and endurance.  I'm thinking if I go that route, I can set a time goal.  Any thoughts on the matter?  (I want my running buddies opinions).

Also, my husband says there is a tri. that he knows about this fall that is a small one and thinks I could do it.  That's an interesting idea.  I'm not a good swimmer, but he says the length isn't really anthing (he has done it with the scouts a few times).

A family bike ride/run.  It was fun!  And it wasn't too terribly hot out.  I'm thinking a sprint triathlon in August.  I found a reverse (run, bike, swim).  My only hold up is finding a pool to train in. 

Day 1 of my triathlon training... and I decided to start with the bike.  It felt nice to switch things up.  It was hot outside, but the air breezing by definitely helped.  I was suppose to meet up with a new aquantance and run/walk after my bike ride (she is new to running and wanted a partner).  I ran to her house, found out she wasn't home, and ran home.  We will call that my cool down.  It felt weird running after biking.  I better get use to that. ha ha!

I think the workout was a success though. :)

Okay, I'm a horrible swimmer.  This will take some practice, definitely!  If someone were to watch, they'd wonder if I were drowning.  But, on one was around.  This was good because I didn't drown; however, I suppose if I were drowning, I'd probably like company.  Anyhow, I'm okay with kicking, and I'm okay with doing the arms, but apparently doing them together is not my strong suite.  so I did mostly arms, but did practice both at the same time too.

And when I was done, I was dizzy.  Must. Swim. More. Often.