Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured

No run today, had to be to work early.   Had a nice drive in the snow......:(  At some point I am hoping winter will end.   

I have been looking forward today for a long time. I have been wanting to get in a good quality long run. It seems like with the holidays and travel it has just been really difficult. We headed out early to avoid traffic and ran a loop around the "big" block. Our plan was to repeat this 3 times and then add on a little at the end. During the second loop there was another close call with a car and I 'd had enough. We finished the second loop as planned and then wove around the neighborhood until we had reached our goal. We had 3.5 separate long uphill miles and then mostly flat with a few down hills. We used to run the loop one time and call it good and haven't run it at all in the last 3 months. I could really tell our training has paid off because the hill on the first loop was almost easy and the on the second loop it was more difficult but nothing like before and then our third hill was slow but not to bad considering it was in the 9th mile. I wish our overall pace had been a little faster but we felt very comfortable the entire time and could have added on and felt great. 

Ave pace 9:04

Happy Running!

Great run today in the snow!  It was nice to be outside today with the light snow falling.  It felt like we were really pushing today and going at a pretty good pace, however it was not so.  The roads were slick and we ended up with an ave. pace of  9:08.  It felt a lot faster than that but I think that  it was because of the conditions.  Off to a completely insane day at work.

Happy Running! 

Today I accomplished to goals I have been thinking about over the past month.  The first was to run 7 miles in under 1 hr.  Today at the 7 mile mark my time was 58:57 (I pause my watch at traffic lights, I hope that is okay).   I probably would not have even known but I checked my watch with 1/2 a mile to go. YEAH!! I felt great at the 7 mile mark and the ran home what I thought was an easy mile but my split was 8:20 which I consider a fast mile for me. (Time to re-evaluate what is fast for me) The other goal I accomplished was to run a sub 8:00 mile.  I really did not think that this had happened today and thought that it would take more time but when I ended my work out, my Nike + ipod thing mentioned that I had a new personal record for the mile.  So before sitting down here I sent my work out to Nike and mile #3 was 7:36 - I had no idea I could run that fast.  So today was great!!!!

Ave Pace 8:27

Happy Running!
 

As soon as we headed out today my legs told me today would be a recovery run, nice and slow.  That was okay with me.  We warmed up for 1.5 miles and then I let Paula go ahead.  I tried to keep the space between us the same.  This was working out really well for me because it wouldn't allow me to pick up the pace or push it more than I should for a recovery run.  At mile 5 I looked up and she was way ahead of me.  I picked it up and with a little help from Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" this child of the 80's caught back up to her.  We finished up and then I added on to give me 8 for the day.  

Ave Pace 8:54

Happy Running!
 

I met up with Paula and we decided it was too windy and cold.  Went home, changed clothes and headed to the rec cntr.  We ran 3 on the indoor track and then I finished up with 3 on the treadmill.  Nice slow pace for tired legs and sore knees.  I would like to get in a few more later today, but I never know what my crazy life might bring.  

Ave Pace 9:00

Happy Running! 

No run today, giving my tired legs a rest before the 10K tomorrow.  Ate Cafe Rio yesterday for lunch and a shake last night........tummy not feeling so good.   

I feel a lot better going into tomorrow's race than I did the 5K.  I know what to expect.  I am dreading the monotomy of the course though.  There is not much out there to look at.  My PR in a 10K is 52:09 and that was at the Spectrum 10k last year.  That course is mostly down hill and fairly easy.  The SLCTC course is flat as a pancake.  Which is okay, but I like hills.  You work hard getting up them and then you get to go down :)  I am going to say:  Gold - sub 53:00, Silver - sub 54:00 and Bronze - completion.  I need to be more aggressive in my goals but this is a big "mental" test for me so we will see how it goes. 

 Good Luck to everyone running tomorrow!!

Happy Running!

 

This morning was not a perfect race preparation morning.  I slept late because I had been up late working the night before.  Got up, checked the weather, decided what to wear and then it started to unravel.  My husband is out of town again and my kids were fighting over crayons (why can't you ever have enough).  Couldn't find my socks, any socks.   I have tons of running socks and could not find a matching pair.  Paula showed up and dropped off her daughter who was going to watch my kids and I ran out to go and then realized I had forgotten my gloves and ear warmer.  Ran back in, grabbed my stuff and this time we left.  

 We met up with Kim and her husband early and visited with her and Brent & Sylvie.  We headed out to line up and were ready to start.  I had a rough start.  I could not get going.  Finally, got into a rythm at about the 1 mile mark.  The had an aid station at around 2 miles and I went to grab a drink and ended up with gatorade.  I have not had good experiences with gatorade in the past and new better than to drink it but I did.  Took only a couple of sips and then about 2 mins later, up it came.  I still felt okay and really felt pretty good until about 4.25.  I really started to fade here.  I was tired and had no fuel.  I hung in there and started feeling a little bit better at about 5.75 and then started to push a little towards the finish.  At the the 6 mile mark, I could feel a girl just a step behind me so I picked it up a little.  She did too.  It became a sprint to the end and  it was very close at the end.  I was in the chute first so I am saying I beat her. 

After I finished, I went up and met Kim and we cheered in Jennifer, Paula and Sylvia.  The FRB was well represented today.  Everyone did really well and it was great to get to meet  them and visit for a while.
 

Today we ran on the shoulder of the road, the DRY shoulder of the road!! I had forgotten what is was like.  It was a beautiful thing!!

I had a difficult time getting going this morning.  The first couple of miles were rough but as we hit the 2.5 mile mark we had a good up hill stretch.  I told myself to really push it up the hill.  I felt much better after I had done that.  I felt great until we hit about 8 miles and the last mile was pretty slow.  My stomach was starting not to feel so well and I was needing to get home fast. Made it home okay. 

We had only planned on 8 today so 9 was a pleasant surprise.  Felt good most the time and Paula ran awesome today!!

 Ave Pace 8:55

Happy Running!!

Yesterday after I got home and started getting ready for the day my Achilles tendon started bothering me.  I wasn't sure why or what had happened but there was definitely a nagging feeling, no pain.  By last night it wasn't too bad so I though I would see what the morning brings.  I got up and it felt fine so I thought that I could probably run, but just take it really slow. 

We headed out and warmed up incredibly slow (11 min pace) and I only felt it when I was headed up a short but steep hill.  The rest of our route would be flat or slightly downhill so I told Paula to go ahead and I would stay behind her. (this to prevent me from going to fast).  I felt good the rest of the run and did not seem to have any issues.  When I got home, though I could definitely feel it as I stretched.  It almost feels like a burning sensation, so I am wondering if it is just inflamed.  I am not really sure how to deal with this do I a) continue running and go by feel,  b)  do I take a few days off to give it some rest   c) some option I do not know about.   I would probably pick  A but I really do not know if that is best and I do not want to turn this nagging  into a bigger injury. 

Ave Pace 8:59

Happy Running!

 

No run yet today.  Paula called and had to cancel so I got up to head out on my own and my achilles was a little sore.  I decided to rest it a little more today and then re-evaluate tonight.  I am not as concerned as I was yesterday morning.  It felt pretty good all day yesterday, so I think with a little rest, stretching and massage I should be okay.  

We went to the fitness center and ran on the treadmill to avoid becoming human snowballs.   A very uneventful 7 miles.  The good news is that my achilles did not bother me at all.  YEAH!!  The rest day did my body good.  My family is heading to St. George tonight and I am coming down tomorrow.  I am sooooo ready for good weather!!

 Happy Running!!
 

No run again today :(  I had to be to work early and then I am leaving for warm, snowless St. George!!  Hope everyone has a good weekend!!

Happy Running!! 

I ran today with the St. George club.  The guys and Marcie started out and I ran with Linda.  We had a good run from Utah Hill into St. George.  I was a little nervous because of the hills we were seeing as we drove out.  They weren't too bad.  It was all going well until mile 13.  At miled 13 I was getting a little tired but doing okay and then at mile 14 it got really tough.  The last two were definitely very difficult for me but overall I am very happy with the run.  It was my longest run ever and our ave pace was 8:04.  We were around 7:55 until the last two miles.  A big THANK YOU to Linda for sticking with me the entire time and encouraging me along.  Another THANKS to the club and Marcie for letting me tag along.

Happy Running!!

I ran today with Christi.  We had a great run through Santa Clara Heights and Ivins.  It was nice to chat and visit.  As you all already know, she is GREAT!!  My legs are very sore from Saturday's run so a little active recovery helps. Back home to the frigid north today:( 

Ave Pace 8:52

Happy Running! 

Good run today back in the cold!  It is amazing how fast I became wimpy.   My legs felt pretty good, my calves are still a little sore from Saturday but not too bad.  It was good to be back with Paula, she is great.   

 In other news, my husband comes home tonight and is town for almost a whole week!!!

Ave Pace 8:31

Happy Running!
 

Today was one of the days that I hate. Running was a chore. I was not happy about going out, I just went because I knew that consistency pays off. The first 2.5 miles all I could think about was turning around and going home, then Tim McGraw's "How Bad Do You Want It" came on my ipod and gave me an attitude adjustment. It was small at first but the run was better from there on out. Glad it is done, hopefully tomorrow is better.

Ave Pace: 8:32

Happy Running!

Oops!  I stated wrong yesterday when I said my husband is in town for a week, He is actually home until March 6th!  I almost died from shock!!

We decided to give the cars a break from us today and stayed in our neighborhood.  This made for a pretty crazy run, winding in and out of lots of little streets.  The snow was not too bad, just lightly falling and very wet!  Paula and I went 7 and then I ended up adding on 1 more mile to make it 8 for the day.  I had a much better attitude today and that in and of itself  is an accomplishment.

Ave Pace 8:50

Happy Running!

Another Friday, another no run day.  I have really got to get up to six days a week.  I usually have to be to work early on Fridays so that does not help. 

Taking today off also as a rest before the 15K tomorrow.  Hoping to finish under 1 hr 20 min.  and feel good.  The races every other weekend are taking its toll.  Not physically but mentally it has been a lot with work and family.  I will be glad when it is over and there will be a few weeks before the Spectrum 10K. 

 GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE RUNNING TOMORROW!!

Happy Running!

Today was the last in the series!!!  The weather was a little warmer and occasionally we had some sun which made it even warmer.  Lots of the same people from the previous two races but the total number of runners was smaller.  I had a good start and settled into my pace really easily today.  I felt great up until mile 7.  At mile 7 my knees really started to bother me and my legs really became tired.  The last two miles were pretty difficult and similar to the last two miles of last weeks 16 mile run.  When I got to the 9 mile mark I was so happy to only have .3 left.  I felt really good about my time today, I was right on with "Sasha Science".

In reflecting back over the series I am really glad that we signed up.  It has given us a good idea of were we are at and what we need to work on to develop over the coming months.  I really need to focus on longer runs and continue to build up my endurance for races like today and the half marathons and marathons.  

It has been great to see all the bloggers at every race and the FRB has been so well represented.  Visiting and getting to spend time before and after the races is the best part! 

Happy Running!
 

Nice run today in a light drizzle.  It was warmer than I had expected and I ended up taking off my fleece at about 1 mile.  My knees bothered me quite a bit the first couple of miles and I almost went home to give them some rest.  They ended up doing okay with a twinge here or there.  I look up online, the most reliable source ever, and it doesn't seem too serious.  I am going to go up to the running store tomorrow and get some more (better) advice. Anyways, good run and busy Monday!

Ave Pace:  8:32

Happy Running! 

Today started out as such a good run. My knees were feeling much better and we were moving right along until 4.5 miles.  All of a sudden I had this pain right behind my knee cap on my right knee.  It did not work it self out so we walked for a couple of minutes and everything seemed fine.  We continued on and there were little twinges but nothing serious until 6.5 miles.  I had to stop at a stop light and when I got started the pain was back and I could not run on it.  So for the next .5 we walked and I tried to jog on it but would only make it a few steps.  Finally we were able to go again for the last .5 at a very slow pace and made it home.  I am going today to the running store for some advice but I think a day of rest is probably in order.  

Another Rant:  I understand that I am putting myself at risk by running on the shoulder of the road or in the road, however,  when I am in a lit cross walk and crossing with the "little green guy" I have the right of way.  Today was the second time that I have almost been hit by a car turning left while I am crossing in the cross walk.  Pay attention!!  I had to get it off my chest, because all I can do at the time is stop and stare at the car that is still oblivious to almost taking my life.  Maybe I am a little dramatic but seriously!?!

Ave Pace 8:47

Happy Running!

Taking a rest day to give my knee a chance to feel better.  I went to the running store and they recommended a shoe with a thicker sole.  I will give them a go tomorrow.

 Happy Running!

Cheryl,

I did not get your email, but saw your message.  We were planning on coming tomorrow, but because of my knee I am not sure if we will make it.  Could you let me know your plans for next week?

Thanks

Booo...........  Got up excited to go out and see how I felt.  Ran with Paula for 1 mile.  Here's the deal - Left knee same ( but I think with time and better shoes it will feel better ); Right knee, (this is the one giving me major grief) mostly better except for when I turn, then the sharp pain comes back.  Right arch of my foot up to the inside of my ankle - on fire.  After a mile and still not feeling great I am thinking a few more days rest will let my body heal.  I am hoping that I will be okay for the Spectrum 10 K in two weeks.  If anyone has any suggestions, I welcome them.

Happy Running and Resting? 

Went out today to test and see how I felt.  We had a pretty slow pace, 9:40, but I felt okay.  My arch is still sore off and on and my knees felt pretty good most the time.  There was just one instance that I had the sharp pain.  In thinking through all of this more and understanding a little more of what is going on, I think this all relates back to my tight calves about a month ago.  The tight calves pulled on my foot creating Plantar Faciitis.  This in turn is causing my gait to be off which is hurting my knee.  I all but 100% confirmed this today when I did just that and that is when I go the sharp pain.  So today I will continue rubbing my legs down with the "stick",  and icing and rolling my baseball under my foot. The plan is to take it easy again tomorrow and then work back up next week.  Enough of my whining about my "injuries"

Today is 80's day at my work.  We have been planning for almost two months and have been very excited.  I was supposed to go to the DI last night and get my costume but because of kids and baseball practice and movie nights (no school in our district today) and a work crisis  it did not get done.  So I am left to peg my pants and flip up my collar.  I want my pink high heels with socks  and big bows and really, really big hair.  Not happening. 

Happy Leap Year & Happy Running!