I'm not crazy...I'm just bored!!

Too tired to feel like I want to run and my SI joint on my back isn't happy either. But, I still finally got to the gym.

2 on the track, 2 on the TM. Too much talking to do more in my 45 minutes before Kindergarten pick-up. But I got something done, right?

Herriman Highlands Long run. This is out 10 and 8 mile loop combined, over 1700ft of elevation gain for the 18 miles, so it is climb, climb and climb some more. You do get a good downhill finish the last 6 miles though. 

Chad, George, Blaine and I met at the park and took off. I let the speedy guys go and made Blaine hang back with me :) around mile 3.4 I looked at my watch and I had 75 feet...nice. So, I synced the mileage at our next stop. I hate it when my garmin is off, but since it was the first 3 uphill miles I guess I can't complain too much :)

It was a fabulous run with great company. I just love this route and I swear I want all my friends to run it and see how beautiful it is...anyone who isn't my friend can run it and see how horrible it is and hate it! :)

AP: 8:53 splits: 9:35, 8:40, 9:00, 9:16, 9:56, 10:36, 8:44, 9:35, 8:05, 8:23, 8:06, 8:18, 8:24, 8:58, 8:53 (14.5 on my Garmin)

Gym morning. I've been tired all weekend and I really am NOT looking forward to daylight savings time change. 

2 on the track with Amy, just nice paced. 

5 on the TM in 41:30 AP: 8:13 started at 7.1 and then increased each general conference talk that ended. After two talks I was at 4.07 or so and decided to finish the mile and so I busted it out and finished at 6:00mm for the last .10

1 on the track to cool down.

Finished up with my PT training I need to start doing more. Band walk, big/little toe calf lifts, lunges and weighted bridge leg lift X3 with a sprint around the track and back raises between each section.

I'm emotionally drained. I had a crappy night last night and am on a hangover this morning. If my day wasn't so busy I'd have kept sleeping and not run, but I knew if I didn't get up and get it done it wouldn't happen. So, I got there...what else do you want from me? :) 

George, Chad and Ronnie were there for our Tuesday Ten. George kept me company and held back for the first couple miles, then at the top of the hill Chad drew the short straw and had to hang with me the rest of the way. George and Ronnie busted a move home. I'm serious, they were GONE. I guess I'm just lazy, but I don't like to kill it on group runs. I'm good just enjoying the run and chat. Crazy and unexpected I'm sure. Maybe if I challenged myself on runs like that more I'd be able to actually improve my times. Oh well. 

AP: 8:23, splits: 8:26, 8:19, 9:16, 9:33, 8:21, 8:25, 8:04, 7:53, 7:44, 7:52, 7:37 (last .1)

Went home and tried to warm up, but I knew I couldn't go back to sleep. Just as I got warm and cozy it was time to get kiddos up for Moms and Muffins. Which I wasn't excited about. I've waited and waited, because they've done dads and donuts, but never moms and muffins. But, I'm on such a bad hangover I didn't want to and I was grumpy. We read some Aesops Fables and had some sugary pastries for breakfast and everyone (other than me) seemed happy, so we will count it a success.

Got to the gym early thanks to the before school activity and spin class was certainly not one to miss today! In the 60 minutes I was on the bike I got 19.5 miles in, so with all the climbing she had us do, I was impressed with myself. She had us got to anaerobic threshold for as long as we could and maybe I just don't understand, but I was at a point where my legs were burning and I was breathing as hard as I could, but I sure as heck wasn't going to say I was there and couldn't handle more. I'd stick it out! Is it just my pride or should my heart/lungs give out before my legs in that situation? Hmmm, not sure...just throwing it out there.

Executive ordered rest day. Just too busy packing and getting ready for St George trip.

Herriman Highlands loop with the Newtons. New course PR for AP, because I didn't walk a single uphill!! Booyah!

Got ready for my weekend with the tri team in St George and headed off.

When we got here, Kristy and I had left too late to join the team ride, so we did a nice easy 20 by ourselves.

Weather down here stinks! We started with a morning swim and I think I got in about 2300 yds.

then the weather was still so bad we opted to run West canyon trail instead of ride. Good choice! Got hailed on!! Beautiful waterfalls down the red rock afterward though!! 11 miles with Di.

Sue and I did a little ride in the weather break in the afternoon, but she got a flat and we didn't have time to finish the 20 mile loop :(

2900 yds of swim in the AM as the storm passed.

Rode the Half IM course at noon. Holy bugger of a course!! I feel bad for anyone who isn't prepared for the HILLS on the bike...and run! Snow canyon at mile 43 isn't easy!!! Cross winds were so bad we decided not to rude the last few miles home down the no-shoulder hwy. cutting out downhill on the bike isn't cheating :)

We were going to do a short run, but were just too chilled and cold!

Woke up and did a 30 mile recovery ride with Brent, Sue and Di. What a great ride! Down to the river then out to the edge of the new St George developments and back. Felt great to be in the SUN and blue sky...finally!

Got back to the house and decided to do a quick little Turtle Wall run. I love that trail. Two miles to the wall and 2 miles back. I loved it! I was brave and went with a tank and shorts...oh, it was SO good!!! TANK AND SHORTS!!! Why couldn't it have been like that all weekend :( Forgot sunscreen and came home with a little permanent reminder to not forget next time I break out the tank and shorts! Kept the pace at 9:50, which for a good trail run after 100 miles of biking I'll take it!

After a quick stop at Smash Burger we headed home. I had a GREAT weekend at cycle camp. I know my running mileage kind of sucked, but getting in 100 miles on the bike was a good push for me and that was what this weekend was about. Getting my bike back. The company and hospitality shown to me was top rate! I am grateful to Brent for putting up with me all weekend and he and Sylvie being such great hosts. I've never had a better time in rainy St George :)

I also had a good time being with Sue and Di. Two ladies my same height. I like hanging out with the tall girls, makes me feel a little more normal! Pictures to come.

Since I didn't get my Sunday rest day and I am tired as all get out, I slept in and am taking a rest day.

Tuesday 10 with the newtons. Chad, George and Ronnie. I could still feel fatigue in my legs and cardio from the weekend, but gave it a good push! I hung with the guys until 2/3 the way up the big hill, then they pulled ahead. Chad again took my 'slow' pace the last 6 miles. I felt like I was hitting some good tempo paces and Chad would occasionally confirm it. The last mile it seemed we were catching George. Unbeknownst to me Chad decided we were going to catch him. His occasional pull and my mental game kept drawing him in. Finally passed him with maybe 1/5 mile to go. Felt good and pushed the last .1 to Chads. Overall AP was 8:04; most of the last miles were mid 7's. I'll post splits when I dump the Garmin on the computer. Definitely a PR for the course.

After a quick warm up and mothering stop at home for the kids I headed to spin class. Great push today and I even ended with a nice sweaty puddle when I was done.

2 miles on the track to warm up the legs.

4 Tm miles with 1/2 mile tempo pushes. I'm scared of this 10k Saturday!! I hate short distances.

.25 mile easy, .50 @ 6:53 (8.7) good push, but you can do more. Be a big girl and go faster.

.50 easy, .50 @ 6:49 (8.8) better, but not maxed yet...keep going faster

.50 easy, .5 @ 6:44 (8.9) I think you can do 9.0 next time! You should be able to do 10 repeats at this speed! Now get on with it slacker!! Can I put the TM down to 0% instead of my 1%? No! It is all in your head, just do it!! So, I plugged into some Eminem and went for it...

.50 easy, .50 @ 6:40 (9.0), .25 easy to round it out. Holy crap, I did it and could do it again. See?!? It just takes mental power. Now get out and get a new, accurate 10k PR Saturday.

Easy was at 9:53 (6.7) or faster (up to 7.2); TT= 31:00 for the 4 miles. AP: 7:45.

2 miles cool down on the track. Most of it chatting with Bill about Moab Saturday.

Since today is my 14th anniversary (I'm OLD!) my hubby came to the gym too. He was done then, but I wanted to finish out the 2 hrs of daycare I was now paying for. So, I did my PT/weight set!

Side walk, calf raises, lunges, weighted bridge leg raise, push ups, speed lap on track, back extension raises. 3X

On the speed lap I raced my husband. He always says he is a faster sprinter, but I've got the endurance. Well, I hate to say he is right! On these short little laps he can kick my trash, but he can only do it once :) today...a new day! I beat him on the fast lap!!! Schzam!! I finally got speed and endurance on MY side of the table! No, we're not competitive at all, why do you ask? :)

Another Herriman Highlands Loop for Thursday. I love meeting at my house and getting those 15 extra minutes of sleep!!

I could tell when I woke up that yesterday's workout left my butt and hammys sore! A trudge up the hills is what I got today. But, what doesn't kill us...right?

Although slow, I kept going and did do a couple power walks, but pushed some of the hills too. After about 4 or 5 miles I started feeling warmed up and ready to run. I really think I'm going to run a little warm-up on Saturday before the race. I can't hurt!

AP: 9:04; splits: 9:16, 9:40, 10:47, 10:29, 8:36, 9:02, 7:38, 7:26, 6:27 (last .16) I love those last couple downhill miles! I felt good and could talk and enjoy it. I pushed that last .16 and was happy to see the 6:27. Hopefully I can do a little more of that Saturday!

I was going to go to the gym and do spin, no TRX due to the race, but at least spin. However, my 8 miles showed me how horribly sore my legs are and that if I want any sort of speed in them Saturday I need to back off. I missed my gym friends, but I think I did what was best. Darn it!

Sleep and Travel to St George.

I like races that start a little bit later! Despite having to be bussed you can still sleep in and you don't have to dress like a snowman at the start of this race (thank you mother nature!)

Shorts and a t-shirt, ah! Such lovely weather. A slight breeze, but nothing you'd even notice. Perfect conditions for a race. My gut was doing carwheels, this is the first time I'd set myself up to race in a LONG time. Ugh, I wish it didn't stress me out. It is just the mental game, and I know it! I try to convince myself it is fine and won't be a big deal, but it rarely listens. 

Waited for Kim and Scott at the buses, but I got antsy and had to get on a bus. I had the most awesome bus ride up. The bus driver chatted at us and had a sing a wonderful song "Have a great day, have a great day, have-a-have-a-have-a-have-a Have a great day!" Set my gut at ease to be among happy, relaxed people. 

Waiting in line for the pop I spotted Marci Wood. We chatted and connected over running the 50K together next week. We were both ecstatic to find someone to share misery with! :) I am SO grateful for that happen-stance meeting. Found Kim and Scott and we all took off for a little warm-up mile. It did me good to get my heart and legs going before the race. Especially since my glutes and hammies were still sore from my dumb workout Wednesday! Idiot!

Made another pop stop and then it was go time. Marci was nice and let me throw my jacket in her bag since I was SO smart to forget mine. Lined up at the start and off we went.

Shortly after starting I spotted someone in front of me that I would've sworn was Lily if I didn't know better. Bright shorts, long dark hair, similar gait...but, it wasn't Lily. Then I caught up to her and caught sight of her eyelashes...a little more of the face and it WAS Lily!!! I knew it! HA! I often find people I know in a crowd that aren't really them, but this really WAS Lily. So, I ran right next to her and bumped elbows. We both were racing and had music in, so I couldn't say anything. It took a couple bumps, and I'm sure Lily was rather annoyed that this idiot wouldn't give her space, but she finally looked at me and recognized me. Hopefully she also instantly forgave me for butting into her space :) After a quick hello I was feeling good on the downhill and took off wondering when she would pass me back!

It didn't take but a half mile later that she pulled ahead. I tried to stick to her, but the course had flattened out and I think I pushed too much that first mile. The downhill is SO good though that first mile it is hard not to just push it out!! You pay for it in mile two though.

I was running strong and feeling good. I was paced out with people around me, but was slowly pulling in a few people in front of me. By the bottom of the canyon I had finally caught the girl in the white tank! I also got to see my awesome hubby cheer me on too! A rarity since he is usually stuck with the kids, but this weekend was just ours, so he had nothing better to do, but follow me around at the race...and I loved it!

White tank girl pulled ahead on the first uphill after the bottom of the canyon and I tried to regain it on the downhill, but I just couldn't, she'd taken a good lead on that uphill. It makes me mad, but I was pulling in some guys, so I couldn't complain.

The next part of the race is a flat and then your last BIG uphill push (you hit mile 5 marker 1/4 of the way up the hill), then you have a false flat for the next half mile. This is where I lost it mentally last year. After the big hill on the false flat I slowed way down and like 7 people passed me. I wanted to stay strong that stretch this year! When my legs started to whine I'd just put my effort into my arms and let them carry me until my legs stopped complaining and I could just focus on pushing. I ended up reeling in a guy that had been in front of me for a while. He was 30ish feet in front of me and I narrowed the gap to about 10 feet on that stretch. I was proud that I'd stayed strong and hadn't given up any position! It is the small battles that add up, right?

After the false flat you get .15-.2 of a good downhill then a turn at mile 6 marker with a flat into the finish. I pushed. I didn't have anyone to 'race' so I pushed what I thought was a good finish :) I like having someone to race that last stretch!

I was surprised when I saw the clock at 42:45. I didn't think I'd done well enough to get a 42! Excellent. My Garmin showed 42:50 and I knew my PR was a 43 something from last year, so I was excited to have a new PR day. Final times ended up 42:47.8 - 5th in my AG (last year a minute slower I was 3rd in AG...dang it!), and 14th overall. I was proud of the way I'd tackled the race and come out with a new PR. Afterward we always think we could've pushed a little more, but at the time I know I was doing what I could. I hope Des News goes well enough to take another minute off thanks to the downhill there :)

AP: 6:53 - my 10K PR AP is now 1 second faster than my half marathon PR AP...HA! better than 10 seconds slower, huh?

splits: 6:08, 6:54, 6:39, 7:02, 7:19, 7:27, 6:19 (last .21 recorded). That last uphill/false flat mile was still my slowest, but I'll take how I did mentally! Think I started out too fast? I need someone to pace me on a 10K! Or teach me how to pace myself!

Not knowing how to taper for a 50K. I'm assuming like a marathon, but with low weekend miles and all last week, I was ready to run :)

2 on the track.

3 on the TM in 24:00. Started at 8:20 and just went progressive until the last .15 was at 6:40 pace. AP: 8:00

1 on the track to cool down and enjoyed a little stretching before I grabbed baby and headed home. I had to get my oldest to the orthodontist to get her braces off :)

Figured I'd do the 10 mile Tuesday loop with the Newtons and then be pretty much done for the week. I wanted to keep it easy, so I just went with talking pace the whole time. Chad had burned up his legs running fast with the Lehi boys so George and Ronny put up with our slow pace for the first few miles, but then poured it on for the downhill.

I was surprised to see the AP at the end. Didn't feel like that hard of an effort. Hopefully that is a good sign of things to come.

AP: 8:22, splits: 8:51, 8:32, 8:49, 9:28, 8:29, 8:39, 7:43, 7:47, 7:36, 7:52. I swear I didn't try to push those last few miles. They felt nice and relaxed. I kind of like it :)

Went home and got ready for the day. Taper week throws a wrench in my normal schedule.

60 minute spin while reading runners world and fb on my phone. Heavy heart for a friend who lost her husband tragically last night. Tears were shed on the bike, good thing I was working out. Easier to cope that way.

30 minutes in the pool - 1500yds; 1000 pulling 500 free. 

Good taper day workout.

This taper thing is killing me! I've got some mad mental energy that I need to run out...Saturday can't come fast enough.

2 on the track

2 on the TM @ 8:34 @ 2% incline. Gotta get used to those hills. Sad how spent my legs felt.

Buffalo Run 50K Saturday...here I come.

Rest day.

Spaghetti and lava cake...dinner/gut loading to stave off mental stress of champions :)

True rest day...never even got out of my PJs.

Good night :)

Sometimes life hands us lemons...or tries to kill us....or simply demands only a finish. Today was one of those days. I didn't do a very good job of making lemonade, but I am alive and stronger and can cross the finish off the list. 

I'll have to back up a few days for you to understand my mind set (excuses) going into this race. I really had a ______ week (fill in any number of negative adjectives or expletives, I think they all passed through my head at one point or another during the race). Due to issues with my 8 year old son I'm ready to send to boot camp and a friend losing her husband and the rest of life I think my cortisol levels were at a record high and I didn't really do anything about them. I was tapering and emotional. Worry and stress, that was the name of the game.

Next add in what I sat and watched for hours on end unfold from my bedroom window Friday....SNOW! Lots and lots of snow. Cold, wet, slippery, I don't want to be running in Snow. Didn't help the stress/worry factor. I've never wanted to NOT even start a race SO bad in my life. I'd honestly almost given up before I started. Another not so good sign.

Because of my stress/worry I'd get to 4:30 or so in the afternoon and realize I should probably eat something. Yeah, fueling? hydrating? SO beneath me. I could hammer this baby out and just get it done with no problem. I knew I had the miles and climbing in my legs. I got a little cocky. People were talking about what they were packing and how they were prepping Friday night. Didn't do any such thing. Went to bed at 1AM for no good reason....woke up at 4:00 to get ready to go. Can you see this deck of cards getting ready to tumble yet? Because I sure couldn't at that point. I still thought I was golden...HA!

The drive up to Antelope Island was CRAZY! Out here in the South and West side of the valley the roads were horrendous. The snow hadn't stopped all night and I was trying to maneuver my little Honda Civic through 6 inches of unplowed snow all the way to the freeway. Getting on the freeway my tires weren't catching and I couldn't turn to merge. I came awfully close to smashing into a barricade. I decided at that point I didn't care if I was 2 hours late for the race, I was going to get there alive.

Luckily by 9000 South I could finally relax my grip on the wheel and breathe for a bit, by the the time I hit Murray it looked just like a simple little rain storm. Then came Davis County. Snow storm? What snow storm?!? Dry roads, clear skies, no snow in sight! Excellent. I was happy the lake effect snow had all gone SOUTH. The Island was the same, dry trails, clear skies....MIRACLE! It was cold, but I can deal with 20 degree temps, I didn't want to deal with 32 miles of wet, slippery, muddy, yucky trail. Things were looking up.

I went into the tent, met Kelli, saw jun just after he had finished a KILLER 100 mile race and was inspired with stories of how bitterly cold the night had been. Put on a few extra layers ran into Dave, Marci and Brad and after some chat time with everyone went outside and lined up to start.

Marci and Brad and I all started together, but we lost Brad when the trail went single track. The first few miles of uphill are always a good start to kick your butt. It was there I started noticing how fatigued my legs seemed. Already tired. No juice. Keep drinking, fueling...we'll plug in here in a few, right?

At the first time through elephant head (EH) aid station I took off my hat and just kept my visor and ear covers. Still too cold to drop anything else, but the rising sun was helping the cold factor...until you caught the wind :) I was finally starting to feel okay on the downhill after then and even on the switchbacks I ran almost the whole way! A LOT more than I did last year. See? Things were good. Marci's friend had caught up to us at this point and they mtn goated on the rest of the switchbacks while I power walked. I eventually caught them and beat them back to EH, but then we all took off together after a quick fuel stop.

It was on the bottom of that first loop I noticed how tired my legs still were. Even slight little uphills were kicking my trash. Marci kept pulling ahead and I'd eventually catch up, but my legs were shot. I just kept thinking about all the crappy crap that had happened all week. Lack of preparation. My legs hurt. No wonder, idiot. I can drop at the first loop and just do the 25K, right? easy. I'll do that. No, you can do this. You're keeping up okay with Marci. She'll slow down the second loop. You've got the endurance in you. Just finish up. Once more around. My legs hurt. I had a really ____ week last week. I didn't fuel right....

On and on and on this conversation ensued in my head. Looking back I should've told Marci to just leave me and run her race and plug into my ipod and get my butt moving, but I used poor Marci to try and pull me through.

I left the turn around aid station (White Rock) and started my second loop a little before Marci, but figured it gave me an excuse to walk until she caught up. My legs are tight. My feet hurt. I don't want to do this. Heaven help me. Here we go. Once more around this figure eight. Marci caught up and we made it up the hill on a run/walk program as we could and she would pull ahead and I'd use all my mental energy to force myself to run and catch up. She really pulled me through SO much! I don't know how to thank her for being my pure motivation at times. I knew if Marci could do it, I could do it!

Marci pulled ahead of me on the flat/downhill before the climb to EH, but I kept going knowing she'd wait for me at the aid station. She did. I NEEDED something other than gu/blocks/gatorade/coke in my gut. I had some oranges and a bite or two of PB sandwich. I was really cussing my hubby for eating all of my PB pretzels I'd planned on bringing at this point, but it was only a small voice :)

I thought that would bring me back...nope. Not even the downhill after that! I had to stop and get a rock out of my shoe and I just kept looking forward to the hills where I knew I'd have an excuse to walk, and Marci would too. On the approach to the switchbacks she picked it up and ran. I was beginning the height of my breakdown. Pity party for one. I never caught her again, but simply watched her fade off into the distance and would occasionally spot her FAR head on the trail when you could see the trail ahead. She was killing it. Our goal to go sub 6:00 after a 2:45ish half was going to be easy for her, I knew it.

So, now I have my full breakdown. I try to run, but figure it is futile. Anyone who knows me knows I don't give up easily, but I was done. I speculated about just sitting on the trail or sleeping on the side for a few hours. I would've given anything to just lay down and put my feet up. I didn't care that I'd be a quitter. Everyone would understand given my _____ week before, right?!? No one would tell me I was a pansy. You all would've been SO supportive of my decision to drop. I've got Boston, right? See the crazy I have to deal with?!?

Well, after a good couple miles of walking and contemplating and five women passing me (yes, I counted them all, because I knew there were only a handful of women in front of us when we started our 2nd loop and I was sure we'd place top ten!) I broke down. My mind went to my son. One thing I kept talking to him about was doing things he didn't want to do. We all have to do stuff we don't want to do. It stinks! I know. But, we do them, because we know it is the right thing to do, that it is what we've been asked to do and THEN we can do the things we want to do. Learning this lesson is what life is all about. Do what you don't want to do first, then what you want to do seems that much sweeter. I started crying. Full on sobbing. Well, the sixth woman to pass me came by at this moment. She asked if I was okay. I said I was fine, just emotional at that moment. Food? No, I'd just grabbed a block.

I'd realized something....I thought I'd given my all. I thought I was done. I didn't want to do this anymore. BUT, I had to do the thing I didn't want to do. This was my time to show my son that I too will do what I don't want to do first. I wouldn't give in. It would be hard, but I could do it. I'd trained for this and gosh darn it, I was going to prove to myself that I could finish and to my son that I would be willing to do the things I didn't want to do. It would be worth it.

I picked it up. I started running more and not just walking. I did still walk and my run was slow. My hamstrings were SO tight. Occasionally my knee or something in that area would bark at me. I'd ignore it. My feet hurt SO bad! I just wanted to put them up, or run on a cloud. But, I kept going. I got to the last pass through EH. Grabbed some fuel and liquid in my hand held water bottle and asked how many miles it was to the finish. Just under 5. I took my leg warmers and arm warmers off, threw them in the bag and set off.

Five miles, just five miles. Easy day run. I can do this. Beside the one last uphill it is really all downhill. Do it. You can do it. I plugged into my ipod (for the first time...why didn't I think of THIS earlier?!?) and told the voices in my head to shut up. I even reeled in and passed a few people including the 6th lady I'd embarrassed myself infront of by sobbing like a baby in a race! I guess I had my pride again :) There were a couple of horseback riders in front of me at one point and I cussed out loud at them (quietly and they were still far away) to move, because I certainly wasn't in any mood to deal with being behind horses at that point. I'd kick THEM if they didn't move :) Yes, I was not the most pleasant person at this point.

I rounded the last corner of the upper trail and could see the finish tent. It seemed MILES away, but I was going to do this. I could make it. I just plugged in and went. Until I got to the first little uphill. I saw it and thought, YAY! I can walk :) Looking for any excuse, really. A guy then passed me. Crap. Whatever. I followed him the last .3 mile to the finish and as I approached I saw jun on the road. He jumped up and down and yelled for me and was dancing around! I felt SO embarrassed that I felt exhausted and had this cruddy meltdown. This guy had just run 100 miles and was putting me to SHAME for my pathetic excuse of a 50K race! I wanted him to sit down and look as horrible as I felt :) I really appreciated the encouragement though. It really made my day to see him there and to get some cheers into the finish. I needed positive!

After crossing the line they gave me my mug and chocolate milk, took off my chip and I walked into the tent and collapsed on the floor! Finally. My dreams came true. There was no more gravity on my feet. I know this is a horrible thing to do and it isn't good for my heart and the fact that I felt like I was passing out after I laid down wasn't good, but I did NOT want to be on my feet any longer. A medical person came and asked me if I was okay. I said "yes, all my dreams are coming true! This is all I've wanted to do for the last 20 miles!" They chuckled and walked away.

I eventually made it outside and chatted with Marci, jun, Leslie, Neasts, Kendall, Matt and a gazillion other people I know I'm forgetting right now. I then went to the car and changed out of my wet clothes and into my dry, warm stuff and wrapped my blanket around me and headed back to the tent with my cup in hand. I wanted stew! After more visiting and fun conversations about the race we watched Kelli and Scott finish his 50 miler. Oh man. I was in awe watching the 100 and 50 milers finish. Those guys are amazing. Shortly after that I claimed my sunglasses I won in the raffle and took off for home. A long day, finally over.

When I got home I collapsed in bed and put my feet up. Craig wanted to go to dinner I told him to bring it to me...I wasn't moving. Well, he wanted Mexican. Shoot. Gotta go for the chips and salsa! So, my hubby may or may not have carried me to the car because I could hardly move :) My hammies were SO SO SO tight and my feet SO tender!! I still hadn't showered, but wasn't completely stinky. The people at the restaurant were nice to me anyway :)

After a good nights rest and some ibuprofen Sunday was manageable, but I still had some mental hang over. Still do to be honest. I'm going back next year. I'm going to prove to myself that I'm better than a 6+ hour 50K. I know I can beat that by 45+ minutes. It will take some good mental energy, but I think I'm up to the challenge. I will conquer that course! I'm not going to give up again. I will have a greater mental resolve and will bring my A game and not underestimate the course.

As some have pointed out, I still finished 5th in my AG and 13th overall, but I guess I really don't care. I know that I'm better than that. I know what I'm capable of and a 6:08 on that course isn't it. I have plenty of excuses, but it really just boils down to me. Next year, I will be there. Next year, I will conquer. Next year, no excuses. Next year, I'll prove to myself I'm better than that, because I am.

60 minutes on the bike to loosen up those hammies and calves. Feet feel better too. Still tender, but not bad. 

I tried to do a mile in my new shoes I'm going to be running SLC full in....HA! My first 2 laps were SO slow and hurt SO bad. 

I walked for .2 on the TM at an 8% incline. Felt better.

Ran 4 more laps before the fatigue and burning set in.

Walked a .2 more on the TM at the incline. Even better.

ran the last 5 laps of the mile. Finally felt good. Could've gone another mile, but I called it a good effort for the day.

Spin class.

Didn't do the 10 miler with the Newtons...I think it would've been a bad idea!

1 mile on the track and felt good.

2 miles @ 8:34  and 1% incline on the TM. I was fatigued, but legs are coming back baby! Almost feel normal this afternoon.

Trying to slowly increase the miles this week...and testing out the new shoes :)

1 on the track to warm-up; 2 on the TM at 8:34

30 minutes on the bike to break it up a little bit and get some extra cardio in.

1 on the track; 2 on the TM in a total of 16:00 - Started at 8:20 went progressive until I was at 7:30 at the end.

Feeling much better and seeing some life come back to my legs.

Met Kelli at the gym for some nice outside miles. Oh, how lovely it is! Just a tad on the cool side, but almost perfect. Sun, chatter and easy pace. I liked it :)

7.2 miles out and about...just wandering. Uphill start and downhill finish, just the way I like it. AP: 8:28 splits: 9:14, 8:55, 8:58, 8:39, 7:52, 7:56, 7:52, 7:47 (last .2)

Finished up the last mile on the track inside after getting our spin passes.

Spin was a nice hill push. My hill legs are shot, that simple.

TRX class to finish it all off. A good full body workout. The hamstrings hurt, but that is to be expected the way my legs feel :) Lots of good core!

Went and stretched for a good 10 minutes...especially those calves and hammies. Just over 2 weeks to Boston.

Tricked Kelli into running with me in the morning :) Since my kids are off track and on spring break I have a built in baby sitter and don't have to do TM at the gym...ahhh, I love it! A nice little 10 mile loop around the city, with a nice downhill finish. 

Still feeling a little tight and sore, but it is getting SO much better. 

AP: 8:27 splits: 8:44, 8:29, 8:42, 8:16, 8:49, 8:21, 8:57, 8:27, 7:51, 7:58

I was SO excited to meet Toby and Smooth at the JRP for a little run! I wasn't excited about getting up early on a Saturday, but I've been absent from my kids weekends for the last 3, so I really felt like I needed to be here for Easter weekend...here and present too. 

I woke up and half my throat hurt like it did when I went to bed and my body was achy and sore, but I'd done a good workout on Thursday. Second day soreness, right? I got ready and was just feeling off, but I figured it was just fatigue and everything else. Until I started driving there. I knew something was off. I just didn't feel right. However, I wanted to see my girls SO bad! It had been too long. I knew the pace would be fine for me keeping things easy and I could get through it. 

All my fears were confirmed when I hugged Smooth and she immediately said "your cheeks are warm. Do you have a fever?" "NO! No! no. no?" I knew this was the beginning of something horrible, and I was right.

Each time we'd stop on the run my joints and body would ache more. It was hard to keep up with their pace and my throat was killing me and I couldn't swallow while I ran. I still made it through and felt emotionally refreshed and renewed from such a great run! But physically, I was spent. I had to hop in the car and get home ASAP, so after a short goodbye I took off. I shivered all the way home. Cried from feeling so crappy and knew something was horribly wrong with me.

I suffered through what I had to do for the kids for Easter hunts and getting Lauren to her tri class at the gym (where she took first place girl again, of course!). There were tears (when I'm really sick and miserable I cry like a man!) and some forced yelling although my throat hurt like heck! I came home and curled up in bed (still shivering) and took some ibuprofen and went to bed.

A couple hours later I woke up functional and started trying to get Easter stuff done. It was slow and methodical, but I suffered through. The last hour before I could down more Ibuprofen was always the worst. Shivering, pain, aches.... blech. But, I knew I'd get through this. Through a lot of naps and rests and sending the hubby away with the kids :) I got through the day and we got Easter together around 11-12PM (after he was wonderful and gave the boys haircuts while I slept) and then went to bed...late.

The night was miserable. Sweating, chills, shivering, pain, can't breathe or swallow. I was miserable! My little 5 year old came in Easter morning to give me a hug and said "mom, I think I feel pee in your bed!" I laughed and said "no, sorry son that is just mom's sweat from being sick all night." I'm still not sure he believes me! But, I was pretty drenched. After the kids got their Easter baskets and ready for church (this was good times about 2-3 hours past my last Ibuprofen shot) I headed off to instacare.

What a nightmare that was. More sorry stories about Rachel acting like a man dealing with sickness. Yes, there were tears. Yes, I laid on the floor of the instacare waiting room. No, I didn't give a flying fart how dirty it was! Yes, I waited so long in the room that the lights turned off from lack of motion, because I just laid down in my blanket on the bench. Then, the doctor finally came in. Strep it was. I kind of knew it. Whenever I have a sore throat, fever and feel like I got run over by a truck it is strep. The doctor took pity on my poor pathetic looking soul and gave me a butt shot of penicillin to jump start recovery and prednisone to take down the swelling of my monstrous size tonsils. I was happy to think about it doing double duty and relieving all those little aches in my legs too! Silver lining, right? The butt short hurt like a mother! I've never had a shot SO thick. It took like 30 seconds for her to push it through, it felt like it was shoved right in a nerve and would inflate said nerve with each push of fluid and...well...my butt still hurts!

Finally got home and napped some more and when I woke up felt marginally better. Enough to attempt eating anyway. Bad mistake. It hurt SO bad...about 30 minutes after I'd finished. I stuck to popsicles, sprite and tea the rest of the day. Okay, so I had some pb m&ms too :) I did enjoy the first season of Arrested Development though!

So, that is my sob story about Easter Weekend. I got my running in, but it certainly wasn't the weekend I'd looked forward to at home for so long!

As a side note for me to remember, it was interesting to note that my HR was 110 and my pb was 140/90. My normal resting HR is 55ish and pb is 110/70. Crazy how hard your body works when you are simply fighting off an internal invader! At one point on Saturday night I took my pulse and it was close to 130. Crazy. That is a good low recovery run HR for me! I was running all weekend! :)