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

So this was a "race" but no one was taking registration or recording results or anything...so it was an underground race? So, I'm not doing a race report. 

O.U.Ch (Oquirrh Ultra Challenege)

So they set up an "everyone contribute" aid station at the parking lot at Yellow Fork and you do the 6.6 mile loop on the main road and a little side jaunt up the hill to the rock. Really vague, I know...but IYKYK. So it ends up being a perfect 7 mile loop, perfection. You can do the loop whenever you want and how ever many times you want. 

I didn't want to start early enough to use a headlamp so I started at 7am. The night before I found out Jill Wilkins was going to be there and so we made plans to do my first loop together! It was wonderful to see her. I got spoiled this week running with friends! Along the route we ran into Mike and Casey and oh it was a fun time! BUT it was slow. Usually a slow loop for me is around 1:30-1:40 for me, but it took over two hours! I was in spikes the whole time and I figured that it would get better as the day went on. It didn't. I've never run in such bad trail conditions! I couldn't even run downhill. It was slow going, icy or water flowing over slush or mud and uneven packed snowy surfaces or post holing. I seriously thought I would be done with one loop after the first. It was BAD.

I figured I would give it another loop to see if the weather would help the conditions at all. Nope, it felt as bad as the first. At the end of the second loop (the first two were counter clockwise) I slipped at the bottom of an icy hill and hit hard. I figured it was a sign I was done. I walked the last 1/3 mile to the finish to let my ankle relax and walk it off. Rubber ankles are great! :) 

I had bought a Redbull to drink and I wanted it but knew I wouldn't if I didn't do another loop, so I decided to give myself my Redbull and do ONE more loop. Three would be fine. I had already rolled my ankles multiple times and fallen multiple times and I could feel a blister on the bottom of my left big toe...but caffeine cures it all. Plus, I wanted to try the loop clockwise. So, I decided to do one more. 

Again, I was going SO slow that it was unreal and these loops were taking me over 2 hours each even with some downhill running when I could. But then I would roll my ankle on the uneven snow trail and fall into the piles of snow on the side. SO many times I fell, so many times. I got to see Rebecca, Kristyn and Bethany on that third loop and the hope that going up the opposite way would be great kept me going. I also finally introduced myself to Joshua Landvatter...the main Oquirrh Mountain Man! Oh, they had a sled with treats and some fun stuff at the top, the big rock, and I took a picture each lap. They also had fireball which was a fun shot for many participants :) The downhill running in the clockwise direction wasn't any better. But I was listening to a book "The Pursuit of Endurance" and got motivated to not give up and give in. Plus, I'd figured out that I could finish with daylight hours and still get home...so I ran ONE MORE LOOP! :)

I got back to the car, fed Daisy and got myself half of a G2G bar, another Redbull, liquid IV and lots of liquid and a pocket full of dots and I headed off clockwise to even out the times I did each loop. It was late and I was slow, but I kept moving and although my headphones had died and I recharged my phone at the car and put it on battery saver at the car, I had the book playing on the phone speaker to keep my brain busy. They had cleaned up the loop counter clockwise and I met them just below the big rock (half way) and stole a couple chocolate cinnamon bears out of the sled as I passed them. Then I had the downhill to finish off. The melting snow and uneven, slippery snow on the trail was again just horrid. I took a couple breaks to make snow angels in the snow on the side of the trail, it was fun. I fell another couple times, but I got it done. 

I knew that I would be super sore and that I was more than exhausted, but I had done my March Marathon. It has been a horribly stiff and sore last day, but I did it. I did a HARD thing. It was harder than anything I've done since my accident and it is going to take a while to recover. Not only just getting it done, but the elevation and trail conditions AND the fact that my brain can't process trails as fast as it used to so it was mentally exhausting, I got it done. It seriously was SO hard and I'm proud of myself for working through it all and getting all 4 laps done despite wondering if I would do 2 the first time around. 

Daisy and I are stiff and sore and moving rather slowly today, but I did it. Not much worse for the wear and I feel proud of what I was able to accomplish in those 9 hours...NINE hours, but it was worth it. 

Oh heavens! I have never been this sore...I swear!! I walked a whole mile and shuffled around the rest of the day. 

So, I walked slowly on the treadmill while I waited for spin class, then I did an hour of spin class. It wasn't at the exertion level I normally would, but just moving the legs was good! The teacher did a fun workout...BYU track workout from last week because her son runs with BYU. 1 mile, 800, 1 mile, 800, 400, 400, 1 mile. She changed them all to times we would push pace/hills but it was fun to do. I could actually walk down the stairs afterward...with only a little hanging on! :)  

I had a work drive to Vernal to prep for DINO so I didn't do anything, but getting in and out of the car SO many times over and over again did some healing for sure! 

Well, I did it! I actually got out and ran. It was cold and raining, but I'd told the group I would meet them at the high country gates and run the last couple of Shaggy Mountain with them. I felt like I could actually run and when I looked at my times it was slower  than I thought, but dang it...I got it done! I can run again. 

Well, I was going to meet Rachel Small and run with her, but it snowed and we didn't want to deal with slipping. So I took Adam to school, came home and had a little nap before I headed off. Gave the snow enough time to stop and the roads/sidewalks to melt. I did my 'long' run for the week since I'm going to meet Rachel tomorrow and do the 6 mile loop. I actually felt like I could move my legs and like I was working...and I was! I did an AP of 9:44 which for me lately is amazing. I just did the Monarch Meadows loop from the house and even got to see a couple friends along the way. Daisy was feeling better and ran wonderfully with me as well! 

Well, I met Rachel Small and we did my Porter Rockwell loop to Draper canal trail and back from Wheadon Farms. It was a lovely day...a little chilly, but warm enough I had to take my 2nd long sleeve and gloves off after a couple miles. It was a wonderful run and I felt almost strong again... at least like I could move my feet! 5.67 miles AP=9:41

Then it was time for Wolfpack pre-season practice. I got a Roxberry and then met at the Draper Park. Daisy was barking too much so for drills I put her in the car, then we did our 20 minute run. I prefer to be in the back of the pack on the way there, then let all the kids pass me and I stay at the back again. That way I know I have all the kids! So I ended up running 2.33 miles and I honestly pushed myself on the way back as I was chasing the fast kids and my legs were done! It is interesting to feel that top out pace that I used to feel at 7mm...but I was still out there doing the work! 2.33 miles AP=9:25 (8:58 was my 'fast' mile!)

Then I went to athlecare and recovered a bit before going to uniform fitting for Wolfpack...a full day for sure! 

Well I took a nap before starting this one today and I was glad I did! It was actually sunny and warm. Just a long sleeve shirt! I did my SMH run with the long way home to make it 6 instead of 4. It has a lot of uphill so I didn't expect to get a decent pace...but I actually ran almost well. I'm sure my luck will run out tomorrow, but I'm happy I'm actually running sub 10mm AP this week instead of my normal slog. 

AP=9:27; 9:54, 10:14, 8:39, 8:26, 9:41, 9:48 

Tuesday TEN! Chad and Kristyn said they were going to join so I got to start at Chad's house. Kristyn was late, I'm slow and I have Daisy poop stops the first mile, so I left early. But she caught me at mile 3 while I was waiting for the stop light. Chad decided to sleep in and skip the run. 

Kristyn and I had a great run and she pushed me well! As usual, my starting and uphill miles were slow, but I got my feet under me and hit some decent miles. Sad that over a 1:35 total time for this run is fast now...I used to run it slow under 1:30! Sigh... But, I'm out there getting it done. 

Then I took Adam to school and went straight to the gym. Walked a couple miles on the treadmill and then did my lift class. It was harder for me than it usually is! She had some crazy moves I wasn't used to. 

AP: 9:32 - 10:32; 9:51; 10:39; 10:53; 9:12, 9:28; 8:44; 8:27; 8:59; 9:09; 8:46

Easy recovery day. I didn't realize how sore my legs were from lift class yesterday; but at 1/4 mile in on the TM I felt like I had to stop...so I took a quick 5 second break and then did it again at a mile. It took me until 1.5ish miles to finally feel like I COULD run! I ended up doing two 1/4 mile pushes and then one 1/2 mile push with same recovery. Ended up my AP at just under 9:40 - can't complain too much. 

Then I did my spin/lift combo class. It is always good and has some fun people in it too! Lots of core and my triceps were shaking, so I guess it worked well. 

Shaggy Mountain! I got to run with Kristyn and Chad. I left early and they both caught up to me, Kristyn at the gate and Chad at the top of mother hill. I actually ran fairly fast for Shaggy Mountain, so I was excited that I did well on my anniversary run :) 26 years with my husband...I'm not even that old, so how can I have been married that long?? 

Went to watch Craig rock climb later in the morning and we went to lunch at CHOM before picking up Adam and heading home and feeding boys frozen pizza. A HUGE celebration! hahahaha

It didn't feel like I was going as fast as my AP said...I truly thought my pace would be over a 10mm. But, I had an AP of 9:41! I just did my route on the trail to 6400, then to the trail behind Amy's house, to the lake, around the lake (pit stop at Harmons) then the same way home. But, I wanted water on the way home so I went up 5600 W to the 7-11 instead of staying on the trail and then took Herriman Main past the cemetary to 6400 and back home through Hamilton park. A perfect 16 mile loop! I may have to use this one over and over. I really enjoyed it and it is uphill home, but it is as flat as miles come out here and I get to use Harmon's for my pit stop. Plus I can buy Daisy a  treat...AND she pulls me toward the ducks all around Daybreak Lake, so my pace is faster! hahaha

Angela met me at my house and we ran up the canyon to the yellow fork parking lot where her running group friends were meeting and then back down. She worked hard on the uphill, because she doesn't run uphill regularly. So she did have some walk breaks, but she really did a great job! We saw her group at the top and then they took off for their 18 mile run and we took off to go back to my house.. I loved the downhill roll, as usual. But earning that downhill is always sweeter. 

Then it was time to head off to Wolfpack preseason training. 

I always like to be the back of the pack...so they start and with Adam coaching he could be with the lead group. We go out for 12 minutes then turn and go back. I wait for the lead group to pass me on their way back so I'm again the last one in. I got back to the park at 2.8 so I took a little extra loop to round out to 3. I'm still slow compared to the kids, but my legs could handle a little more speed this week than last week and I ended up with my AP at 9:33 with hanging with the slowest kid on the way out.

It was a great finish to a great week! 

Adam didn't have school today so I got to sleep in and then go on a run with my boy! It started out slow and he was saying he should name the run "hard run for mom, easy run for me" - I told him to just call it "Easy run with mom" then it would cover all the bases. We did the SMH loop with the long way back. I tricked him into doing  the long way home by telling him I wanted more downhill miles :) It was fun to have him with me and by the time we got back home he said he would name the run "death run" hahaha, poor kid. I can still out pace him in distance. Not for long, but I'll take what I can. 

AP: 9:21

I did the Tuesday ten loop from my house. I was supposed to have company, but by late evening Monday everyone had cancelled. So, I did the loop from my house with just Daisy. I was impressed that without feeling like I was trying I hit a 9:42AP. Nothing incredible, but good enough for me. 

I then went to Tae Kwon Do class with Rachel Martinez and the 20 minutes I was waiting for them a full inch of snow accumulated on my car and the road. It was crazy! The weather was fairly decent while I was on my run, but I was doubly happy that I got up early and got it done after seeing what the storm REALLY brought. 

Kylee Brough had contacted me last week and we set up this day to run together! It was fun to see her after a few years. We chatted along and I was thinking we would do 4-6 miles, but we got carried away and before we knew it we were at 4 miles and we decided to turn around. Then we ran into Kandi on the JRP as we went back home. It was a wonderful morning and I was impressed with my AP of 9:33 and I was chatting the whole time!

I woke up to a message in the group that Kristyn was sleeping in and I was going to be solo on Shaggy Mountain. I was grumpy about it, but got up and did the full loop anyway. It was slow, but I just plugged along and had a good run. I'm kind of sore from Tae Kwon Do on Tuesday - so I got out and got it done! Sometimes that is all it takes. 

I did go to Tae Kwon Do again with Rachel and Alex again - it really is good cross training! I just don't want to pay for it. 

This run started out slow. I didn't want to do it. I wanted to go home and take a nap! So I just decided to start and go from there. One mile at a time. I started at Wheadon Farms and the weather was actually nearly perfect. 40ish degrees, just gloves and ear coverings and a long sleeve shirt. Little to no wind, which going around the point of the mountain is a HUGE win! I went 6 miles and got to Cabelas in Utah County. It was kind of fun and I want to explore even further than that some time! I then went back, but stopped at Maverik for GU, water and a treat for Daisy. Then I did my 6 mile loop from Wheadon Farms, but didn't go back to the car because of the side-trip to Maverik. It ended up as a great run and I felt strong when I was done and had reduced my AP from 10:05 at mile 11 to 9:55 at the end. So I had a nice fast finish. 

I did my Monarch Meadows 7 mile loop in the morning, after a nice rain storm, and it was again great weather. A little cold, but once you started running it was great. I couldn't believe the families out with little 8-10 year old kids playing soccer at the parks I ran by. I took the long way home and finished with 7.38 miles. 

Then it was time for Wolfpack. I dropped off Adam for his HS practice at Riverton track, then went to Draper Park. I ran 2.77 miles with Wolfpack and actually ended with an 8:20 mile for an AP of 9:11! I was warmed up and cruising. It was hard, but I don't want to admit that! I actually passed a couple kids on the way back and that was worth it :) 

I did my regular Monday route! I haven't for a while because of the muddy/snowy trails, but the weather has been warm and dry...so I tried it! I actually ran all the uphills and felt fairly strong doing so. I ended up going rather slowly, but it is all about how I feel! Then I hit the downhill and didn't push my pace, but enjoyed the roll! The run was over quickly and I truly enjoyed being out on the trails listening to my Marco Polo messages from Becca and Amy.

I had company on the run! Mandy and Chad started with me and although I wasn't able to totally keep up, I held on closely. Mandy turned at mile 3 and Kristyn caught up to us then. I was able to keep them insight for the next couple and actually got to run 1+ with Kristyn and chat. I was actually doing a decent pace AND talking. It was downhill, but still - it made me happy! I finished the route with an AP of 9:20, which for this route lately is a good pace. Someday I'll be able to break that 9mm barrier on this course again!

I met at Rachel's house and we did the 7 mile trail loop. It is so nice to be able to get back on the trails and have some decent warmth! There were still some big patches of snow on the trail that we had to posthole through or slip on the ice off the side of the mountain :) We met Lydia at mile 4 and ran the last few downhill miles with her and it was a wonderful time to chat with the ladies. I've been spoiled this week! 

Regular Shaggy Mountain Thursday, but again I got company! Mandy started with me and kept my pace decent on the first uphill miles. She did say that she was good to walk some of the hills last night, so I let my brain take over and walked some of the dirt hills. But I still kept a decent pace! Chad scared the crap out of Many around mile 4.5 as he ran by and caught up. I thought I had heard his footsteps and he was on her side, so I was lucky and didn't get the poop scared out of me! It was nice to have people to chase and run with and last week I missed my sub 8mm by 1 second, so I didn't let myself slack and pushed to hit it. I got it on my last full mile: 7:49! I was so excited, it has been a long time since I've run that fast. My AP was 9:51 for the run and now I have the goal to get my total time under 1:20 - I remember when I could easily hit sub 1:10 on this route...sigh. Someday, maybe. 

I met Kylee and Lydia to get some of this long run done, so it was nice to actually have some company. 

We were meeting at 14600S and JRP (not my choice, my 20 miler in March last year my car got broken into at this trailhead!), but at 9am and I got there shortly after 8. So with Daisy stops, I did 4.25 and went back to meet them. Lydia then did 3.5 out South with Kylee and me. But we continued on to 5 miles and turned and went back. I had a great time having company and chatting on the run! 

Then after dropping off Kylee and getting some fuel at the car, I went out for 6 more to complete my run. It was nice to only have to go 2.8 out! It seemed SO much less than 3 or even 5. I got it done and even got to walk some after to get to the car, so a nice cool down. 

As far as I know, my car didn't get broken into this time...but I didn't have my cards or wallet in there to take, so I guess if they got in they didn't want the dog food, blankets and water :) 

Went to athlecare afterward and had them release my high hammy and did the cold tubs. All in all a great long run! 

Got up despite being up until 1:30am and did my 7 mile Monarch Meadows loop. Daisy pooped right after heading back, so I had to take a re-run to the park to throw it away, so the loop ended up being 7.5. 

Adam was late getting ready to head out to Wolfpack, so we got there late, but I still got 2.5+ miles in to even out my mileage for the day. 

A good run all things considered.

Then I got to officiate at Timpanogos HS for USATF - my first time! yay! Unimportant, but a fun thing. 

Met Rachel at Wheadon Farms to get a fun run in and I knew the loop that would be a little longer. Luckily neither one of us got caught by the Animal Conrol officer who decided to come and patrol for off leash dogs between me getting there and her arriving! 

The loop ended up being 8.6 miles - much further than expected, but we got it done! Rachel had to run off and take Max to track practice, but I finished up the last .4 to get myself even mileage for the day. A 9:32 AP for the run wasn't too shabby - we did the hard way back along Porter Rockwell, so it was all uphill!