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

Warm up mile for personal training with Cyle.

I've been working on powerlifting with him and now that he is back from his neck surgery I'm back at it. We did power cleans and power shrugs. It had been a couple weeks, so I had to work it out a bit to get my form down again, but by the end I was killing it! :) Okay, maybe not, but to hear someone like Cyle be happy about what I'm lifting and my form and say: "YES! Rachel Moody, you are an athlete!" Kind of makes my whole week and makes me feel like I'm doing something worthwhile in life  and succeeding somewhere and that my effort and strength isn't all futile.

Finished up with boxing class (15 min of legs to finish off the class...ugh!) and then a good stretch session. 

The rest of the day was a bust. I had lots of plans with my kids, but doing prom hair and makeup for my niece Anna and my laziness took over. It was a fun opportunity to help her for prom. I always dreamed of having a party of girls over for dance hair and make-up, but I'd never gotten to even get close to that before! So, this was a fun opportunity for me :) 

Well, I love a race that starts late enough for me to sleep in! I got David off to skiing with my sister then got out the door to the race. I had a packet for Dave and Jonathan, so I couldn't be late, but I was. Stupid, regular me. Anyway, I parked further away from the start than I thought I had and ran a 1/2 mile warm up there and back. It was good to loosen up the legs a bit! I visited with the pace team, Melanie and Chad and then it was time to take off. 

As we lined up Dr Tom Boud found me. I have paced him every year I've done Riverton half. The first year  I paced 1:55 and it was my first solo pacing assignment. I was super nervous, but because I'd met him just a couple weeks before and he had casted my daughter's arm I knew I had to do a good job! He was barely able to keep up with me and I lost him the last couple miles, but then he caught me so we could finish together that first year. He was one of the people that made me love pacing! Anyway, he was running with me again this year and I found out that he had qualified for Boston and that he was headed there in a couple weeks for his first! It was great to chat about what makes Boston so great and what he should do there. I love running friendships! Even if I do only see some friends once a year :) 

I told everyone I'd been perpetually sick and broken the past few months and so I was doubful I could hold the pace, but that I'd do my best. 1:50 would be the longest, fastest run I'd done since October! I fell short of my 1:50 in St George too. I told Tom more than once that I should give the sign to him, because he was looking strong and capable. I did pretty good keeping on pace or better and faking it for the first 6 miles. But, then at the aid station before the hill I had to stop and drink before I could swallow my gu, because my throat is still dry and with the headwind I was parched and could hardly breathe my throat was so dry. When I walked for those 10 feet I still had 50 seconds in the bank, but I lost my group. They were being a good wind block for me too! I've done my share of leading the draft for the pace group in this race that this year they were kind enough to give it back. 

On the way up the hill I met my neighbor Victor. I've seen him running and have talked to him a few times. He is older (maybe late 50s?), but a great guy. He was worried about keeping up with me and I told him he was looking strong and great and would easily make it in at the pace! I stayed with him and leap frogged him while chasing Tom, the yellow shirt guy, the red shirt guy and the pink tank girl. They were my group before I had to drink. 

There wasn't another aid station until mile 9 and with the hills and wind and my throat, I really could've used more frequent aid stations. Just as we turned onto lovers lane I saw my running peep (I can't remember his name!) and asked if he had water. He got out a full water bottle for me and I held it while I ran for the next mile! I drank every drop and tossed it at the next aid station. I tried to grab a cup of gatorade, but I missed it when I tried to grab it off the table. The volunteers weren't handing it out, we had to grab it ourselves...ugh. 

I finally was able to start getting some speed back in my legs on the last mile. I finished with an AP of 7:55  for that mile. Jonathan met me about 1/2 mile to the finish (he was on his bike, he made the right choice and didn't run). I told him I was going to be 1:52...beause I'd been a couple minutes behind pace each time I had checked the last few miles. I didn't look at mile 12 though...missed the mile marker. I came in alone  at 1:51:35. 10 seconds per mile slower than I should've been. Those hills and the wind just killed me. 

I guess I should've been happy that after 3 months I can still pull off a near 1:50 with little to no training or speed work, but I'm not. Melanie finished 2nd overall female with an astonishing 1:31, Mike and Chad finished just in front of her. It was a rough day for Chad, I think the slowest he has ever run this course. Kind of like me I guess :P I hate to say I run with these people, because lets be honest...I don't! But, I love them like my family and I look forward to the miles I get to spend with them each week. So, I'm going to stop whining about it, suck it up and just enjoy the time I get with them. 

Overall it was a great race and fun to see lots of running peeps. I just wish I could run a normal pace for me again. That 1:50 wouldn't be a tough  pace, but that I could eaily breeze through it like I used to all the time. Sigh. It'll come back....

Nice and easy 6ish loop with Melanie this morning. Since I don't have to deal with all the kids in the morning (half are off on spring break), I can do some other runs now! 

It was a great run to just chat and she was patient with my 9:40 warm up mile, but didn't complain about the finishing 7:40s on the downhill either. Gotta love a good running friend!

I then went and played volleyball at the daybreak church. I told Amy Steen I would play with her team on Thursday nights, so I guess I might as well practice a little bit...

Then I took Melanie's twins with Adam to the aquarium. Adam was well behaved and the twins had a good time too. I really love hanging out with kids that age. They are so much fun! I wish I could perpetually be a 5 year old. Maybe just have permission to act like one for an hour a day :)

Tuesday morning with the Newtons. I got there on time and left before Chad came out with Mandy. They all caught up by 13400 S and then Chad was chatting with me, so I had company up the hill while I couldn't talk. Then Mandy stayed with me on the next hill. I'm telling you, I hate that I am so slow. Things are coming back, slowly, but they are. Just have to keep my attitude positive and not let my demons overtake me. 

I pretty much kept up on the downhill and then I sent them off on a fast final mile. I actually had a few sub 8 minute miles and only one mile at 10:00...exactly. So, almost a full sub 10 minute mile run. Someday :) 

The final AP was 8:45 for the run, 1:28:10 TT for the miles. I remember when I was mad that I'd run over a 1:25 on this course 2 weeks in a row...sigh. Gotta love being old and broken.

Then I did the last half of the boxing class and arms day. Man alive my arms were killing me! It has been a long time since my arms felt that sore. 

I got to watch Taylee this morning, so I took her to Lina's boxing class with me. I don't love Lina's classes, the technique is missing...but they are still a good workout. 

Taylee slept through most of class and then did great during the rest of class and while I ran a mile. Then she started needing a little more attention...So, I only  ran 2 miles and then did the 2nd half of Lina's weights class. More arms and abs. I guess I need it. 

Progressive run with the first mile coming in at 9:04 and then the next mile was 8:00. 17:04 for both miles. The .3 is for the laps around the building we had to take during class...might as well add it up! 

I had a silent goal in my mind. I wanted to run Shaggy Mountain under 1:15...I haven't done that in a long time since I'm so stinking slow lately. I worked hard, but I didn't think hard enough. I kept up better with Melanie and Chad than I normally do on the uphill (they didn't gap me as much), but I really didn't think I was going to make it. On the downhill I was keeping up well and then on the last flat I told them I had a secret goal and to not let me give up. They were good to wait for me and push me to the finish. I was pleased to see I'd finished in 1:11:37. I really didn't think I'd make it, but I did! Maybe I can still run after all....I had the last  1.2 miles at a sub 6 pace, which is always nice!

I then did boxing and leg day, regular mom day stuff, got off to work and then got home at 8PM and went to the rec center for volleyball for another 2 hours. It was a long day!

Got up early (which was hard after yesterday) and met Trina and Aubrey to run a good Friday morning loop. Wan showed up as well...so, whatever. We went all the way to the top of the cove, down Moody hill, around the middle school then back to Aubrey's house. Wan and I then did a short loop through the neighborhood and finished with 9.15 - not a ton, but a good start to a Friday morning!

Then I did my power lifting with Cyle and boxing class. Peggy wanted me to braid her hair and then Nikki wanted hers done too, so I ended up staying for their personal training class where they lift heavy with Cyle. I only had to pay $6 and I got a great workout. 

I met Smooth at her house and then we ran 3.3 to the start of The Burn up the Lehi side of Suncrest and the race was cancelled. Sigh...stupid police and crazy race director that won't return their call. Whatever. So, we ditched going up the big hill and hit Murdock canal trail for a few out and back miles and then to her house. Finished with 11.57 incredible miles with Smooth. That woman seriously makes running worth while for me. I wish I could run with her everyday!

Got home in time for boxing class at 10, technique class at 11 and then sparring was cancelled and so I got right to work cleaning. Craig joined me to finish it up so we could get to a nice afternoon movie with the family. I stayed up too late cooking and cleaning for my mom's birthday, but it is nice to have a clean house again!

I slept in enough to make up for my lost sleep over the weekend, then did an hour of volleyball and took Adam to school and then did a 5 mile loop on the Draper canal trail/Porter Rockwell trail. Slower than I expected, but my legs were seriously shot. 

Tuesday 10 with the Newtons. I met Mandy a little early, because she was only running 9 miles (attempting to taper for Boston) and then we waited for the group at the top of Emmeline. Mandy and I were able to run together the rest of the way and Chad and Melanie gapped us multiple times. They just get chatting and running and it kills me how slow I am! Sigh, but it was nice to have Mandy there this morning. 

I then missed boxing, because I'm babysitting and had to feed little Taylee, but I made it to arms class. She fell asleep there in her carseat so I got a nice shower and some work done at home before she woke up! 

A fun morning run with Kelli. I met her a lot closer to my house than intended, but we made a good loop of it. Then she had her beautiful Jaxson to babysit, so we visited for a minute (okay, okay, it was over an hour) then I ran home. A nice fun, easy run. Just the way running should be! 

Since we talked so long I didn't make it to the boxing gym, but I don't feel too bad about that :)

Another Shaggy Mountain run with the Newtons. I started early and I needed it. I waited at the top of real estate hill for them to catch up. I waited a few minutes for them and I probably shouldn't have. I couldn't really keep up with them anyway and I ran the majority of the rest of the run alone anyway. I really hate it when I can't keep up, even on the downhill. I miss the good conversations and the group jokes. But, I think I've decided to just give it up until I can run their pace again. That may be months, but it just isn't worth my mental energy feeling like a sack of moldy tangerines being left behind constantly. I miss the group. I miss running fast, but it isn't worth getting up early to have my spirit drug through the mud. I'm going to work hard to get back to it. I will. I'm not sure how, but I will. 

I missed boxing because I had to pick up Taylee on the way home and she was ready to eat at 9:00 when I was going to go. I fed her and got to the gym in time for arms class. 

Knowing I had a marathon to pace tomorrow I decided not to run. But, since Cyle is moving to Vegas and I'm losing him for training I want to do all the training I can until he leaves! So, I did power lifting with Cyle and then boxing class. 

I then ran home and got Adam and myself ready for the day. I took Adam and Andie to school, went to my 1PM counseling appointment, got a new pair of gloves from Cyle's shop and then went to the SLC marathon expo. 

Susan hired me to help her sell nuu muu running dresses, motivation bracelets and race dots. So I spent the rest of the day (from 3-9) on my feet.  I didn't end up eating until 9:30PM and didn't get home and to bed until after 11PM. Oh heavens. The night was much too short!

Lisa was wonderful enough to let me meet her at her home and then Dan drove us to the start. It was SO nice to sleep in until 5:10 and not have to ride trax! I need to make Dan a wonderful vegan treat for being so wonderful. 

It took a while to find the group, but we did and all went well and we lined up and were off. We had a few people with us at the start and through the first few miles. It is always fun to meet and chat with new people! Quite a few of them were from out of town and it was fun to hear their stories. I didn't shed my sweatshirt until mile 6. It was a cold morning. Yes, I was over dressed, but I swear I had been cold for the last 2 days! 

I did a gu at 8, 14 and 20. Some people were out on the course handing out oranges, red vines and strawberries. There was  a lot of good support out. Lots more than I remember from years past. The course is a good honest one and you don't get a ton of downhill. You certainly gotta earn it! From the U up to the avenues, down city creek, winding your way up through 9th and 9th and then Millcreek and then to 2300E and out to about 5200S then you get to turn and wind your way back into the city and down to 200E. You still get a few nice uphills in there too. Then the wind was coming from the North and the West, so you were basically fighting it the full last 7 miles too. I was REALLY happy that we had banked 2-3 minutes by then and that we were able to walk through aid stations as needed and keep closer to a 10mm pace than a 9:44. We gathered another big group around mile 20 and we pushed them through until Liberty park and mile 25 when we kicked them out and told them that they were on their way to a sub 4:15 and to go get it done. It was fun to watch them head off in front of us and the one or two that we would catch we would pick them up and give them a push forward. 

We were able to finish and watch a few stragglers that fell off the gorup finish. It was a great day! Pacing is always rewarding. Even if I felt like crap the entire time. Heck! It was a 9:44 pace and it killed me. I was so tired and just wanted to be done around mile 14. My back hurt, my feet felt like they had blisters, my hamstrings were tight, my gut felt crappy (literally sometimes), I felt light headed and overall just wanted to stop running. I have to honor the 26 miles of a marathon. I forget sometimes that even at a slow pace it can kick my butt and I have to be ready for it. I just did too much this week, stood on my feet too long the day before and didn't eat. I finished, but it wasn't pretty. I held it together, but man I did NOT feel good through this race. 

I got a burger on the way home that tasted like mana from heaven, which absolutely disgusts me. blech! I hate fast food, but I was just so hungry. I got home, showered, layed down on the couch and took a nap. I didn't wake up for a few hours, but then we went to play and eat and clean the gym. Oh man. What a day! 4:15 pace for a marathon wipes me out? Man alive, I have really just turned a new stone. 

A nice little afternoon jaunt on the Draper canal trail and Porter Rockwell trail from the kid's school. I can make a 4-9 mile loop out of this and for some reason it never gets old for me to run on. It is peaceful and challenging with the rollers. 

I was channeling my inner Boston as I ran in my jacket (despite the afternoon temps being high enough to wear a t-shirt) and thought about all those people I knew gutting out the miles at the running mecca. It was incredible! I ran faster than I have in a long time, except the first mile. My first mile is always slow. 

AP: 8:03 - 9:04, 8:05, 7:42, 7:34, 7:05 for the last .4

I did also play volleyball this morning before taking the kindergartners to school...but, that is just fun :) 

I didn't do the Tuesday 10. I figured after Saturday's breakdown I'd take it easy this week. I ran from my house up to the stake center, then I saw Chad and Mel rounding the corner at Butterfiled Park Way and so I took off assuming they'd catch me on the flat. I still waited at the corner of main street, but not too long. I then ran with them to the rec center before I turned and came back home up 13400 S 

I don't remember the pace right now, but it wasn't horrible. Better than it has been in a while. At least I got a good mile of chatting in with the Newtons. More than I usually get. 8:34 AP 8:57, 8:37, 7:43, 7:29, 8:53, 9:43, 8:41 (last .5)

I then watched Taylee for the day, because Kristy was sick. I had to feed her and so I got to boxing late, but I still got boxing and arms done. 

Nothing. Zilch. I just was a lazy head. Sometimes we need a rest day, right?

I asked newtons if they'd wait for me and run with me and not ahead of me...I didn't get any answers, so I took the silence as an answer that they didn't want to run slow even if I was trying to hit a good pace. So, I just left early like normal. No company for me. 

I ran the full loop alone. But I had my mace the entire time :) I did stop and wait, expecting the group to catch me at any turn, but I never even saw them. I finished and then walked back to the corner and saw Chad barreling down the street. He was hitting a good stride! Then Mel and Dave weren't very far behind him. They finished in 1:04 and I was 1:11:36 - so faster than normal, but nothing "fast" for me. Good thing I started early. We chatted afterward and it was nice to visit even if I don't get to run with them anymore. 

8:46 AP 10:26 (this mile was LONG!) 9:39, 9:51, 9:01, 8:17, 8:17, 7:36, 7:16, 7:10

I then got kids up and off to school and Kristy brought Taylee over. I then fed her and packed her up in the stroller and did a 5K (which we had to cut short, to 2.85) with byewing. My sister lives right by me now, but she always ditches me on her runs! It was nice to run with her, even at an 11:08 AP

I then did boxing and legs at the gym. Cyle announced that Saturday would be his last day...kind of bums me out. I am going to miss my boxing/lift coach. A LOT! 

I met Melanie at the rec center and we did our 10K loop. I had a great time visiting and running with her. I forgot my garmin, but I was already late so I didn't want to go back home. It took us a total time of 55:04 and had an AP of 8:35...I think anyway. I don't remember exactly and I don't want to do the math :P

I then did power lifting with Cyle - my last session. I really like lift. I like power lifting and it bugs me that I'm not going to have someone to do this with weekly that I trust and have a good relationship with and sees me as a strong athlete. Sigh...

I then did boxing class as well and since Cyle was doing a heavy lifting class at 11:15 with a small group I jumped in and did that one as well. 

A lot for a Friday, but whatever. I've got to get my last Cyle fix in before it is too late! 3 1/2 hour workout done before noon...excellent!

Well, I started out this day with great intentions. I wanted/needed to run the race for the sake of putting in an appearance, helping out and supporting the race. But, I wanted to be back by 10AM so I could do Cyle's last boxing and technique classes. The full started at 7AM and so I figured I'd start with them, do the half finish at 9ish and get home by 10. The problem was that I ran into Laura Western running the full. She is a slower runner, but I love the lady and so I decided I would run the first half with her and then just push it home. Well, about 3 miles in I was having a great time and the wind was pushing at our backs SO hard that I figured I might as well run the entire distance out with her and then have one of the other staff drive me back to the start. So I kind of cheated and ran with the wind at my back (which was often annoying how strong it was!) and never had to face the headwind. But, since I stayed with Laura the full time I was waaaay behind on time and then I had to have someone drive me (super slow dodging cars, runners and boy scout bikers) and I didn't get back to the start until the 2:10 pacers for the half were finishing. Sigh. I still attempted to race home and get to boxing. I was a little late for the 11:00, but at least I got one of Cyle's classes in. I worked with Whitney and I can't believe she is going to fight again. I guess in just 3 weeks. I really wish I wouldn't have gotten so many hits to the head and had brain issues so I could've fought with Cyle in my corner. Sigh...so many regrets. Oh well, it is what it is. Life will work out and all will be well despite all my whining! 

AP: 11:30 splits: 8:44, 8:44 (I spent the first 1.7 miles catching Laura) 11:08, 12:43, 11:59, 11:26, 11:36, 11:36, 12:36, 11:44, 12:11, 12:25, 12:25, 12:42 (last .20)

A great day. Sometimes company trumps speed....

Well, I did my normal Monday morning sleeping routine. Sad, but true. I was going to wake up earlier so I could get my run in and do volleyball, but I slept until 9:45 (after getting kids to piano and school etc all morning). So, I got dressed and got out for a nice little jaunt in the cool, overcast, sprinkling morning. My hands and ears were a bit chilly, but I didn't wear gloves which I think is a first! :D I'm horribly cold and always need 10X more layers than normal people. 

Not running with anyone, I tend to pick up my speed, change my course and add miles and race myself home. I went out on my 4 mile loop and turned it into 5.25 - not too shabby. My paces were decent, even on the uphill. Well, decent for me now. Slow for what I used to do. Maybe someday I'll get my nice speed back. 

TT: 43:23 AP: 8:17 splits: 7:58, 8:38, 9:22, 8:49, 7:01, 6:35 (last 1/4)

I then packed up Adam and went to play the last 20-30 minutes of volleyball. But, I got nothing. They finished early and already had the nets down when I got there. So, I took Andie and headed to school. Bummer! 

I did the Tuesday 10, but from my house. I left about 5:25 and met the Newtons at the top of Emmeline. It was 3.3 miles for me, so I was about a mile shy, which was right where I wanted to be. I did the loop with them until the rec cener (actually keeping up most of the time...well, they were slowing down too, but still) and then I cut back to 13400S and ran home. I hit 10.15 miles (our normal distance) just as I hit the top of 13400S - so my last 2 miles were all uphill. I still was just under 1:25 (by like 5 seconds, but still) and I was pleased with that, given my times I've pulled lately. 

I had 2 8:0X miles and 3 7:30ish miles in there and the rest...well, they were a little slower. But, to have at least 5 miles in a decent pace is nice for me. I'll take it. 

AP for the run was 8:34

I then got 15 minutes of boxing in and arms day workout. Always good times at the gym.

So I slept in again, but my sister invited me to go running with her, so I knew I was going to get out! We did a 4 mile loop and then I ran the 1/5th of a mile home. She is a little slower than my normal pace, but sometimes it is nice to slow down and have good company. 

Just as we finished Jerry called and asked me to pick him up from the hosptial, so I did that and then dropping him off I saw Kelli running by, so I got to chat with her for a minute too. A GREAT morning!

I then did house stuff and babysat Princess Taylee (almost 4 mo old) all day. After dropping her off I went to Mandy's yoga class. I was impressed and had a good time. I wasn't a huge fan of the music and I like a little slower pace, but she really did a great job. I'm going to try and get back there again!

Shaggy Mountain. I'm glad I waited for the group, because Corey came and so I had someone to run with and not just get left behind! He just went up the canyon and back, but Chad and Melanie were nice enough to let me tag along until the hill after the gate, where I slowed (as usual) and they took off. It was nice to visit with them for a couple miles. That last hill I started getting light headed. I think baby sitting has caused me to forget to eat. I need to eat more. I had a couple licks/swallows of an old gu I had in my water bottle case, but meh...I still felt pretty light headed when I got home. 

I then took a nap and picked up the baby again and missed boxing class, but made it to legs day. 

Now I just need to eat and play 2 hours of volleyball tonight...easy, right???

No miles, but I did boxing and arms class...I'm a little worried about pacing tomorrow so I want to have somewhat fresh legs...

A beautiful day! I was worried it would be cold or rainy, but it turned out perfect. I'd recruited Melanie to run with me when I was going to push Reese, but that couldn't happen so she had to run with me anyway! It was nice to have pacing company!

We got there and picked up packets, I gave shoes to Rendi and we took some pictures and then we were off. We had a good group and Paul started with us! That course is kind of a bugger with the twists and turns and ups and downs...the hills never end! But, thankfully a 1:55 pace was just what the doctor ordered for me. 

We lost Paul and another guy Matt that we had picked up around mile 10...we then grabbed Jeff who was struggling with calf issues. We were able to finish with a perfect cushion and then cheered in the guys as they trickled in. All of them made it in under 2:00, so I guess that is a successful race? Or maybe just good pacing :) 

We left shortly after since we both needed to be back (Mel had left her kids at home alone) so I got back to the gym in time to do boxing and technique. But, they changed it to ju jitsu technique and well...I don't really like it. Grappling is fun and all, but I want boxing. I want a sweaty workout on my own punching and dodging punches. Cyle made me love boxing and now I feel like it has been ripped away...sigh.