Here we go again~

Met with Michelle and Ali this morning at 10:30 for a run. Yes, you all heard me right, I put Michelle, running and 10:30 all in the same sentence.  I was actually shocked when I heard about this run, because Michelle (and Ali for that matter) are always the early birds up and out.  In fact, if you read Michelle's post from yesterday she actually said that she "slept in" until 6:10, WOW!! I aspire to be like her.  Anyway, we met at 10:30, which was heavenly, and headed out for a run.  It was nice to get up and out (especially given the late night last night, etc).  We just kind of improvised and chose our course as we went along.  The weather was perfect, skies were blue and the roads were clear, Yeah!  What more could you ask for? What a great way to start a New Year!!  I am so thankful that I can run. 

Tyler had gotten up and gotten out before me so I completely lost track of time while he was gone and got carried away cutting my boys hair, and doing stuff in my house so when it came time to get dressed, I was in a rampage running through the house to get out of the door and I forgot my watch so I had to look at Michelle's blog for our pace (thanks Michelle).   Have a good day ya'll~

Avg. Pace: 8:01

Tyler left my house at 4:45am this morning to go fishing so no running for me.  I was actually kind of glad to get a day to sleep in because we have had some very late nights and adding early mornings to the mix have only caused my cold to come back :(.  So, instead of running, I got up, got my boys breakfast, then organized the pantry, did all of my ironing, cleaned the laundry room, cleaned out the fridge, went through my kids closets and organized new clothes (clothes that were too small, etc), cleaned the entire house, then balanced my checkbook!!  It was 5:00pm before I even got dressed for the day.  SO, all in all, I feel that I got my workout in.  Then I went to a late night movie with my friends and didn't get home until midnight again, so yet another late night.  Wow, I am really making the most of this Holiday break, it has been lovely!!  I fear how I will perform next week when reality kicks back in but will savor the memories of these past few days!!  

So, considering the very very cold temperatures (I think they said 3 degrees where I live this morning), the Heidi's and I opted for a little indoor workout session rather then running.  Heidi W slept in (it's okay, she deserved it) so Heidi C and I did a little strength training.  Now, I can't tell if I am shaking because my muscles are tired or because I am freezing to death.  It was great to get up and get back to a somewhat normal routine today.  Here is to Monday and getting back into the groove. 

I guess a new year bring change right?? So, this morning I attended a spin class for the first time in about 3 years. I have to be honest, I am not a person who does well with change. I am completely comfortable with what I have been doing in regards to exercise (running, working out in my basement, etc). But given the weather conditions and the yucky roads that have come with them, and the fact that all of my workout buddies have been going to the gym (I don't care for the gym), I opted to shake things up a bit this morning with a spin class. Now, to be even more honest, the fondest memory of me and spin class is when I was about 6-7 months pregnant with my 2nd child. I attended a spin class and it about put me into labor. No kidding, It was horrible. I literally cramped and didn't move from the couch for hours after the class. Then, I attended maybe 2 classes after I had the baby and it was pure and total pain, I could not figure out why I was doing that to myself. It hurt, I felt like I was going to puke or that my heart was going to jump out of my chest, my legs hurt, my butt hurt, my head hurt. So, needless to say, due to these fondest of memories, I was a little hesitant to attend again this morning. However............... I LOVED IT!! I have to admit that I was a little proud of myself. Yes, I felt the burn. Yes, I felt my heart race but I could handle it. And so I am assuming this is because I am in better shape, RIGHT??? (this is where you are all supposed to be shaking your heads up and down saying, right!). Really, it was a lot of fun and when I was done, I could feel that my muscles had been worked, and I felt so good! So, maybe change is good from time to time. It was a great way to start my day, I feel like I am still on a high from it! Have a great evening everyone!

I recruited a new one to come and do strength training with me this morning.  My friend Tiffany lives pretty close to me and so was so gracious to come down and work out with me this morning which I needed because it's the motivation I need to get out of bed.  So, we did the usual workout video that I have grown to love.  It was a great morning.  

Did I mention today is day #7 with no sugar or soda??  Just thought ya'll should know! Pretty proud of myself here, ha ha~

I am not sure if there are many more things as beautiful as the Riverbottoms on a foggy winter morning.  I know that sounds like a Hallmark card, but seriously!!  It is breathtaking.  I love how the branches on trees ice up and how the clouds just lay low and hover around all of the trees.  There is sort of a magic to it.  It was just what I needed after a pretty rough week.  And, Today was my first day "running" all week.  Tyler took the earlier shift so I met up with JaNae at 8:30 which was so fun, being I haven't ran with her for weeks.  We had planned on going 10 miles but at about mile 3 JaNae started getting some stomach pains that she tried fighting through until about mile 7.5.  At that point, we were going to turn down a side street to add on some mileage but she was ready to go back to her car (which I think she needed to, I do not run well when I don't feel well), so we parted ways and I turned down the road intent on getting the full 10 miles. As I started adding up the mileage that would take me back to the car, I realized that this wouldn't get me to 10 miles either, so I pretty much improvised and just kept going around until I knew I would hit 10 miles.  However, I was feeling really good so I decided to take another side street that took me around, adding on an additional mile.  So, all in all, it was 11.5 miles.  It felt really really good to get out and run and again, enjoy the views that come this time of year.  Now I am off to plan my Young Women Lesson.  Happy Saturday!!

Splits: 8:46, 9:12, 9:03, 9:19, 9:27, 9:08, 9:30, 8:48, 8:18, 8:10, 8:00, 8:01.   

Went to the eventful spin class again this morning with Tiffany.  We actually met a little early and made a few laps around the track while we were waiting for class to start.  The spin class was a a little harder today but I liked it, and like that its a good workout.  They also incorporated some weights in at the end for arms, etc.  Tiffany and I then stayed after and did some abs too. It was a good workout, and a good morning.  I look forward to the next class. 

Tiffany came over this morning for some strength training.  We just did the video that I have been doing.  It was good to get up and get the morning started off right.  Also, as a confession, I have completely caved in the "no sugar" department.  I went a full 7 days with no sugar or carbonation and after a few consistent stressful days at work, I caved.  And, I have caved several times since. There, I said it, I admitted it, it is off my conscience.  However, Just in the sugar department though, still no soda for almost a month now.  What can I say? Sugar is the only thing that carries me through sometimes.  I am going running in the morning so I look forward to that!!

Went out with the Heidi's for the 5 mile square preparatory for the Painters Half Marathon.  It was cold, but fun.  It'd been a awful long time since I had ran with them so it was very nice to visit!! 
Avg Pace: 8:35

JaNae was willing to come over to my neck of the woods this morning so that we could get a few miles under out belt and loosen up for the big Painters 1/2 tomorrow.  It was very nice to sleep in a little later then usual and as always, to run with JaNae.  Good morning. 

Avg Pace: 9:01

 

So, My first "go" at the Painters 1/2 marathon.  It was a great run and a great way to get some miles in but I have to admit, it was a little hard for me.  At least harder then I thought it was going to be.  I had no plans how I wanted to do at this race, no strategies, so I don't know why I act surprised, I should have figured it would hard for me given the way I have slacked at my training lately.  But, to break it into little tiny reasons, here are some of the reasons that I think why: (1)We didn't get into St. George until late Friday night and so after making a few stops (One of which was my highlight: we stopped and visiting Kelli and Scott, Smooth and her Hubby, Marion and her hubby, met Leslie and her sweet husband, saw John and his girl friend Kelly, who was a sweetie, and Mary Ann and her friend.  It was so fun stopping and seeing you all, thanks for letting us crash to party for a bit oh and Kelli, thanks for the wonderful Mint Brownie, it was yummmmy!!), Anyway, then I went to the grocery store late and ended up getting to bed late too.  (2) I had an upset stomach all day Friday and so I hadn't eaten very much that day or taken very good care of myself so I just felt out of energy.  (3) I haven't been running near as much as I need to be (4) I left my arm band to my i pod at home, along with my head phones, so I found some head phones at Albertson's but ended up having to hold my i pod the entire race, not that big of a deal, but just a little annoying.  (5) I was feeling good at first so I think I went out too fast not understanding the course or what was to come.  (6) Did I mention that I haven't been running much??  
No, I don't mean to sound unhappy or dis-pleased with my time, I just wished I could have felt better at the end.  I started with the Heidi's and we were right together until about mile 2 when all of a sudden I tried to find them and couldn't.  I felt really bad but didn't dare look too hard for them and get distracted so I just let my legs take me. I felt awesome, my stomach ache was going away, I had my music going and all was well up until about mile 5. I had planned on taking my first gu at 6, but decided, due to the water stop, that I would take it now and try to get a little added energy. So, I did.  Then I felt reasonable until about mile 8 and that is when I hit "the wall".  I really didn't feel well at all and I started psyching myself out a little bit.  I struggled through the gradual inclines, taking my next gu at 9, and just tried hanging in there as well as I could.  Michelle N came up on me at about 11 and was running strong.  I wanted to keep up with her but I just didn't have it in me.  So, I fell back a way just hoping I would get a second wind and soon!!  Anyway, I made it past 12 and my dear hubby came and found me.  I told him I needed him to talk me through to the end.  I had no idea about the course change and was not prepared for the end.  However, I kicked it up a notch at the very end and finished strong so that was good.  All in all, my time ended up just 2 minutes slower then Hobble Creek, which in my opinion is a much easier course.  So, I have to feel happy about that.  I feel great today, no soreness or anything.  I hope that I can train a little better and run this race a little stronger next year.  It was sure fun seeing so many fellow bloggers and meeting new ones for the first time.  It was great putting faces to names (Teena and Julie for instance, so fun to meet you).  For now, I am glad to be home and excited to get to bed. Night night.

Avg. Pace: 7:55

It has been hard to do much of anything this week because Tyler had been gone on a golfing trip (yes, he has it tough, Golfing in Vegas in 72 degree heat, LUCKY. He came home with a sun tan!!!) and because of the air quality we have been having. So, Tiffany so graciously agreed to come over this morning for some strenght training. It felt good and was needed. I actually feel like I am going to be a little sore so that is good. Then, I know I worked hard enough to fatigue my muscles a bit, YAY!

Tyler took the scouts ice fishing this morning so I had a neighbor girl come over to watch my kids while I went for a long run. My friend JaNae is running a marthon in AZ in 3 weeks so she wanted to go for a longer run then I would normally do on a Saturday, but given the low miles (in other words, NO MILES) this week, and my very limited opportunities to run with JaNae lately, I wanted to go out with her and get some good miles in today. The weather was so fun this morning. It was perfect temps and we would get an occasional drops of rain here and there. It reminded me of Fall weather except for the ever present snow and slush off the sides of the road. But it was really fun to be out running. I felt really good except for my sciatica has been giving me fits for a while now and it really took a toll on me today. I am not sure what to do about it. I think I may need to go get it checked out. For now, I am trying to stretch it really good throughout the day to keep it from flaring up. Hope it works.

Avg. Pace: 9:00

So, being there is over a foot of new snow at my house, running was not an option this morning so I opted for the Spin Class with Tiffany.  It was really early and it semi kicked my butt this morning, but a great alternative given the fact that my sciatica is still very sore from Saturday.  In the past "it" (yes, I am still talking about my sciatica, I should give it a name or something) usually worked its way out after a day or so, but not this time. I think I may have to go see a physical therapist or something for it (which I am not happy about).  Or, I need Marion to demonstrate her "fishes" yoga move she was talking about to stretch it out :).  So, we did the spin class, then some weights and abs, and then walked one quick lap around the track and followed it up with some stretching.  Tiffany is very fun to talk to and I have enjoyed working out with her.  I enjoy this class although it is very exhausting and I want to quit from time to time.  I love the feeling when I get off the bike and my legs are all wabbly and tired.  Lets me know I have worked hard.  Anyway, it was a good morning and beat getting wet in the snow!!  Have a great Monday!! 

Yeah, I got to meet with the Heidi's this morning! It has been a long time since I had the grace of working out with these fine ladies, so I sure enjoyed my morning doing some strength training in my basement.  We pretty much lifted some weights, talked, did some lunges, talked, did some more weights, talked, stretched, talked some more, then talked some more.  Could you ask for anything more to start out your day?  I think not!  Thanks Heidi's.  

Woke up at 4:55am so that I could to to spin again with Tiffany this morning. Oh, it is painful but I am always glad once I am up and going.  It makes it all the better when I walk in the door at 6:45 and know that I am done for the whole day, YAY!!  So, we "spun" then did extra weights at the end and walked once around the track to losen up and cool down and........... chat, of course.  Then it was time to head home.  So, then I got home and got my kids up to do scriptures and when we got done, I all of a sudden got VERY VERY TIRED.  Like that feeling you get when you are 16 in History class and the teacher is boring you to death and you just want to lay on your desk and fall fast asleep.  You know what I am talking about right??  Anyway, I was that tired.  I sat there for a minute trying to fight it (or trying to find a way to just get a few more minutes/hours of sleep) before realizing that it was not a reality and that I just needed to jump up and get breakfast started.  So, the morning went on as so... and I am feeling fine now but hope that it doesn't hit me mid-day!  I guess we will see.  Good morning none the less.  Now, back to work. 

So this morning I met up with Ali and MacK to run.   I had planned on just going 6 since I haven't ran this week and my sciatica is still giving me fits.  We met at 5:00 which worked out great because Tyler wanted to go once I got home.  However, Ali and MacK wanted to go 9-10 so they were gracious enough to pretty much work around my mileage today, and carry on after me.  (Thank you guys so much for sticking with me).  So, we ran 5.75 and then I took a .25 mile cool down before heading home.  It was so nice to get in the car to come home and see 5:52 on the clock, nice feeling. So, I came home and woke up Tyler to go, but he had a really bad head ache (probably because he partied too hard yesterday for his birthday :)), so what did I do???  Got in the shower and then climbed back in bed of course.  In all honesty, I was completely chilled to the bone and needed to warm up, so what better way then climbing back in bed and cuddling with your hubby right?

It was a good way to start the day and a good way to prepare for a long run tomorrow.  

Avg. Pace: 8:20

Tyler took the early shift today so I met up with Heidi and Sue (seesuerun) at 7:30 for a run.  It was nice to sleep in a little bit and was really nice running with these ladies.  This is the first time I have ran with Sue and I may have to say that she is one of the sweetest and most humbled runners I have ever ran with.  Really!  What a sweetie. Mix sweet little Heidi into the mix and you couldn't ask for a better equation for running.  It was cold this morning and a thick haze that made breathing a little harder, but all in all, it was a great run. Tyler had worked up what was supposed to be a 11 mile course for me (thanks Ty), little did I know that I messed up the end and cut of .75 of a mile off putting us at about 10.25 total mileage (including our walking which I stopped my garmin for).  Now, it's time to get my Saturday started, I have a very messy house that needs to be cleaned. Have a great Saturday everyone!

Avg. Pace: 8:26 (some good steep hills in there).