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

booo...I'm sick of not running now, but was threatened to not run today. Doctors orders. I didn't think I'd have to say anything or make a big deal about it, but I guess I do. I've had a neuroma in my R foot for a couple weeks (around SLC half) and I honestly didn't think there was anything I could do for it. After getting fed up with the 'rock in my shoe' all the time I started researching what I could do and I found out I could get a cortisone shot - awesome. So, I called and made an appointment for Monday afternoon. I thought I'd be able to run through the shot and it would be no big deal...nope. Doc told me that if I run on it while I can still feel the pain of the injection that I can risk rendering the shot ineffective. Crap. So, no running today; however, the good news is this afternoon it feels SO much better! I walk without feeling it. I'm excited! So, the day 'off' was worth the pain free Ogden...definitely. 

I did do spin class today, again, and Allison really is an awesome teacher. Great workout! I did nix some of the standing climbs because it bothered my foot a bit. 

Took Adam to his swim class and had a great time!

Can't wait for tomorrow's run. I finally am missing running and want to get back at it!

Aaahh, nice to see some miles back!

Met Chad and Paul for a good morning run - okay, I used them, I'll admit it. I knew the pace would be fast, that I'd keep up and that if I was meeting someone I'd actually get out of bed. But, don't we all use each other this way? I hope the answer is yes!

7 mile loop from Chad's house UP to my house then a beautiful 3 mile descent back down...awesome! I love not having to run uphill home. It did feel kind of weird running by my house, but driving to the run. Oh well, it was worth the downhill finish and the 20 min extra sleep to not run down there.

The most exciting thing on the run was the mouse that tried to attack me and eat me. He ran out into the road right by me - I screamed like a girl (yes, at 5AM) and it kept running next to me and trying to cut in front of me. GET AWAY! It finally dropped back...Chad and Paul were just laughing at me. Yes, I'm a girl.

AP: 7:57 splits: 8:29; 8:22; 8:18; 8:33; 7:24; 7:23; 7:16; 7:22 (last .15) - the 100+ft/mile uphill was the first 4 miles and honestly I'm darn proud of those splits for my uphill times! I don't always keep a good pace uphill, but those ones make me happy! Then the three downhill...well, after you've put so much effort into running the uphill, it is hard not to give at least 80% of that effort and run fast downhill. Again, I just felt good!

Quickly went home, showered and went to a doc appt with hubby at 7AM, then home and got kids off to school then back into gym clothes and off to the rec center. So, I'm calling this my AM and PM workout :) a 3 hour break is good enough to do that, right?

6 miles on the TM - 8:06, 8:06, 8:00, 8:00, 7:53, 7:48 pace until the last .3, then went progressive to finish at 6:58 for the last .10. TT: 47:50, AP: 7:58

Nice MP tempo for 13.15 miles, just a little broken up. Felt good though, and even on the TM I was talking to my neighbor and laughing. This is a good sign - especially since I was at a 1% incline (okay, so I dropped it down to .5 the last 3 miles).

Masters Swim. Got there late (started the run later than normal due to normal kid issues) so I only had 30 min to swim - I think I did 1200 yds...with some chatting involved :) did my timed 200 at the end of class in 3:35. Which isn't my best, but for the end of a hard workout...I won't complain! I used to do 3:45-4:00 on my speed trials, so I'll take it!

Urban Trail loop with what is becoming a nice big crowd! I love having lots of new stories and fun to throw around. I actually kept up today and didn't get too far behind...just on the daybreak hill, but that doesn't surprise me. I did make everyone stop a couple times for a drink - this cough/cold that is hanging on makes my throat dry. I really love this loop...and the people I get to run it with!

AP: 8:51 splits: 9:46 (I really can't believe this was SO slow!), 9:08 (the hill..how was that faster than the first mile?), 8:44, 8:23, 8:52, 8:26, 8:46, 8:42.

Came home, took Lucy on her 2 mile loop - that poor dog drags SO slow after about 1/2 a mile. I gotta whip that puppy into shape! Then got kids off to school and went to the gym.

Spin class. Did intervals of strength, endurance, speed, agility (jumps). Excellent workout!

Then I did some arm and core weights with Kelli - she always does the best workouts, so I just tagged along for 20ish minutes.

Went home and mowed the lawn, watered all my new plants, fertilized and round-uped the yard. Whew! Now I have my Saturday chores taken care of. Blech...still putting off bathrooms that MUST be done today....ugghhh....

 ****Brent of BSRools is embarking on his Ironman Saturday! Feel free to send him a little FRB love, I don't think it would hurt :)****

SATURDAY RUN: I'd like to do a good hillish long run, with MP tempo after your legs are nice and tired from the uphill :) So, I wanted to see if anyone would like to meet at In N Out Burger at 12600S and Bangerter Hwy at 6AM on Saturday. We'd run up to Yellow Fork Canyon and then turn and come back. I do SO much better with company :) Also, I can put out water at mile 4, 8 and 12 (4 and 12 is the same spot) for anyone who would like to come. Let me know if you are interested...it will be fun!

I wasn't sure I could do it - like always. I was tired, worn out from running crazy all day yesterday and a tough racquetball game 9-10 last night. But, I knew I wouldn't regret it, I just had to do it.

Tackled the hi country hill loop -over 900ft of gain in the loop, 200-250ft/mile for the first 3 miles. My wonderful hubby went to work late so that I could sleep in and run in the daylight when I wasn't afraid of the mtn lions eating me. No, really. They take down horses that live in hi-country frequently, so they certainly wouldn't hesitate to nab me in the breaking dawn. I can't find my mace and Lucy can't run that far anymore, so I'll only go with someone else or in the light. 

Anyway, just went out to tackle them. Felt decent (for hills) on the uphill and then when the downhill hits it is just amazing! A friend that lives on the upper loop I'm too much of a pansy to tackle yet, (but will!) drove past and kept me company for about 50 yds. That was a nice break in the toughest part of the climb.

After the toughest climbs you get a little reprieve before hitting an Ogden like hill for about 1/2 mile. I decided on the break I was going to push and try to tackle it like I want to tackle Ogden. I didn't look at my pace, just kept the effort where I thought I could maintain the Ogden hill. You do get a good 100 yd downhill, but then it flattens out - just like heading to the dam at Ogden, so again I went to Ogden in my mind and just tried to keep a comfortably hard pace. I was happy to see the splits for those miles come in at 7:56 and 7:32. I really can do this...I can and I WILL! My confidence and resolve is growing daily.

There are 2 other short, but steep hill climbs on the way home and I resolved to tackle them with a good pace as well and I did. I really felt good heading on home, the only way I get downhill home :)

Got home and kids were ready to go to school and hubby headed out for work (until probably midnight tonight...whatever). Now I've got a day to fill with family fun and housework again :) That is what I get for being lazy the first few days of the week!

AP: 8:30 splits: 9:20, 9:32, 9:28, 7:56, 7:32, 7:35, 7:24 (last .3)  -I think this is by FAR the fastest I've ever run this loop. The slowest split only 9:30? I'm usually a LOT closer to or over 10mm.

***DON'T FORGET ABOUT MY AMAZING SATURDAY RUN! A gradual uphill (2-3% overall) for 8 miles, then you turn and get to run MP (if you want) back down. Best 'last run' for a full I've ever done! Let me know if you're coming and I'll drop water for everyone at miles 4,8,12 - Meeting at In N Out Burger on 12600S and Bangerter Hwy at 6AM. *** c'mon guys...I need some company :(

I was SO excited to have such a big group this morning! Paul, Kelli, Amy and Kim all came to tackle this run with me. We started late (and I'd told everyone we'd leave early, but it was MY fault I we were late!), but headed out at 6:05, dark and COLD! I only had a running skirt and a t-shirt. SO bitter cold, I left my stinky jacket that doesn't zip up on - it was a pain, but I was thankful for it. 

I really wanted to pull sub 9mm up the hills, but I barely missed it! 9:00 for the climb to the top, but I think that is the fastest I've EVER run those hills in my life, so I'm not going to complain. I did drop my jacket at mile 4 when we stopped for a quick water break, but I was nearly warm by then.

After using the pop at Yellow Fork we headed down. Goal was to run MP miles on the downhill grade after burning them out and having fatigued legs from the climb. A shorter run and tempo, but hopefully more realistic. Paul humored me and said he'd run MP (7:45 -7:50 was my goal) with me. Well, the miles down the canyon kept ticking away 7:25-7:35; crap Rachel. SLOW DOWN! But, I then decided to just go with it. Now my goal was to not lose pace. Hold it. You set it, now hold it! No falling off pace when the course doesn't have such nice downhill.

We again stopped half way down (mile 12) for a water break and did a re-group. I thought for sure that next mile would tick in slower...nope, hangin' on! All right girl, you can do this. I then decided I was just going to run comfortably hard. I can talk and not feel like I'm gonna die, but still pushing pace. Miles still came in on time! Finally the last 1/4 mile I was done. D-O-N-E. As we turned to go to the cars my garmin said 15.81...last .2 stretch to the finish. Hang in there and give it your all. Still had to do a turn, but then we clicked 16. Whew!

I was happy to see that my AP had pulled down so much and that I'd exceeded my MP goal. This is starting to sink in. I CAN do this...and I WILL do this. My body can do a 3:30, I just need my mind to let it. Perfect 'lucky' run in the bag. Now...taper time baby! Let the madness begin :)

AP: 8:15 splits: 9:23 (why such a slow start, I swear it was faster than that! blech); 8:56, 9:01; 8:38, 8:40; 9:02; 9:09; 9:09 (1200 ft of elevation GAIN at this point, the last 2 miles were the worst at 200+/mile); 7:24; 7:26; 7:28; 7:36; 7:24; 7:36; 7:26; 7:35; 6:52 (last 31 feet recorded...see I tried to push a strong finish). I think I like running downhill :)

As a side note, this morning has been crazy! I got home, sent dad and boy #2 to soccer; showered, got me and 3 other kiddos to the game; went to flag football clinic to make sure son #1 could do 11:00 clinic instead of 10:00 assigned time; back to son #1's soccer game to drop off all the boys with dad; took daughter to volleyball to coach while dad finished #1 soccer then took him to flag football; had back to back volleyball games (lost one, won one); dad got back with 3 boys to watch last volleyball game; then volleyball pictures...then, finally...HOME! Then to clean out the car from the mess of the morning transitions (between cars and uniforms and blankets and treats etc) and now, finally at 2:15 I finally get to sit down! WHEW! I don't know how you "soccer moms" do things. It takes 2 people, 2 cars and a lot of coordination to run a family of kids to their crap ALL day on Saturday. Luckily, when we got home the neighbor wanted to take the 2 oldest swimming and baby is napping now. I might just get a few things done before I have to leave again at 4:30 for a tri clinic and work. Nap anyone?

Slept in. Man, the best thing about a taper is the sleep in excuses I can come up with!

6 miles on the TM - 50:30  AP: 8:25 first 4 at 8:34 while I chatted away about yummy cake and Ogden nerves with Wendy. She left, so I plugged into the ipod and picked it up. 8:27, 7:47 w/a fast .2 finish at 6:58 - all at 1%

Then, I had decided to skip spin and run first because I have a book I'm trying to get through. It is a good book...it is time! So, I went to the spin bike on the track and did a good push 65% effort for 50 minutes while I read. I miss spinning and reading. Makes both things a lot easier and more enjoyable.

Planked it out to finish it all off 90/90/90 - now off to quell this tornado that is ripping through the house from the weekend....

Happy 5th Birthday to my 2nd oldest son! 

I was glad to have company on the early morning loop. Got me out and going this morning, but I'm tired now! On the run I had toyed with the idea of running a few tempo miles after the HS, but decided I'd decide when I got there :) So, we just took it nice and easy and had a wonderfully relaxing run until 12600S and...THE hill. I hate that hill. Just so you know. Every time we've run up it I feel like it sucks the life out of me and the flat/slight uphill for the next mile feels like drudgery. Well, we started running up it and the same ol' thing happened, but then I caught myself. "Rachel, what in the crap is wrong with you?!? You CAN run hills and this thing is a baby. Short and Sweet then it flattens out. Why do you chicken out of it and let everyone pull so far ahead each time?!? Pull your head out and let's go!" So, I did. I charged ahead and put my money where my feet were :) Left everyone (but Chad, until he let me) behind and I felt like a gazillion bucks. It wasn't going to get me today. No way! I like this new found mental toughness and belief in myself.

After about another mile and about in front of the HS I was feeling tired. Why the crap did I feel so tired? This is way too hard of an effort for out 8:30's! Crap. HA! Then Paul told me the last split was a 7:55 (on his watch). Oh, well now that makes a little more sense. At least it made me feel good that I wasn't killing it for an 8:30! This was the beginning of the downhill and I decided since I'd accidentally hit MP that last mile we should just go for it. Paul stuck with me and just let me beat myself into the ground :)

It was harder than I would've liked it to be, but afterward it didn't seem all that bad and I realized that I need to give myself some credit. Most people don't go out and bust out a 4/10 mile tempo 3 days after a hard workout and have an AP just 15-20 seconds faster than their MP for their last two runs. I'm doing a good job and if it felt hard...great. Get used to it, the whole 26.2 miles of Ogden isn't going to feel like a party, but you CAN run that fast when you feel like crap and want to throw up (bad dinner choice last night...I don't think curry likes me). Confidence. I'm finding it everywhere now.

Finished nice and strong along the last flatish mile. I really can't complain much at all about this run.

AP: 8:17; splits: 8:47, 8:36; 8:24, 8:24; 8:29; 8:39; 7:58; 7:47; 8:02; 7:48.  Oh, and the hill was in the 8:29 mile - BAM!

Bought some balloons to surprise my birthday boy at home. He was already up, but I think he liked them! Got all kiddos off to school then went and did Spin class (new teacher and it was GREAT to have some different workouts. I really liked a few of them! - tough class, good times). Then met up with hubby after his workout and we took baby boy to his swim class. He loves the water!

That is all about my workouts....but only the beginning of a CRAZY day.

home, showered, spotlight and pick up birthday boy, get older boy from school, pick up 3 friends and go to chuck e cheese (heaven help me I hate that place!), hubby took car to get brakes done (made appointment at dealership across the street and told 1.5-2 hrs, perfect!), played and ate kuk-e cheese pizza (I did salad bar and just a piece of kuk), hubby went to get car since no updates, oh, they just started working on it. WTHeck?!? GRRR! Never cross a mother scorned, especially one with 6 kids all running around chuck e cheese with no tokens and disgusting pizza! Since I refused to spend another dollar at that dump the kids had fun treasure hunting all around and found enough tokens to not only entertain themselves, but earn 50 more tickets each! See, a tight wad mother raises resourceful children :) A full 4 hrs after dropping it off we finally got the car, packed up and headed home (had to re-arrange with parents since their kids were now home 2 hrs later than promised!), had to miss volleyball practice (got some to cover coaching for me, but Lauren missed out), people started coming in and out like crazy while we were trying to do cake and presents and the phone was ringing every 10 seconds and AAAHHHH!!! mom's head was about to explode. finished with donut cake (kripy's of course) topped with bugs/snakes/frogs, packed back in the car, off to chick-fil-a for dinner (shove it down in 20 min or less!) then raced to get to "The Avengers" in time. Got sat down with birthday boy's fav treats, soda and popcorn. Baby who hadn't had a nap made life miserable for dad and I the whole time, finally fell asleep about 2 min before the credits rolled....awesome. Home by 9:30 and kids finally in bed and asleep by 10:30. whew...seriously, I'm SO glad this day is over. What a stressful rat race! too many things going on and going wrong. Birthday boy loved it though, so he went to bed a happily fulfilled 5 year old. Please don't make me go to chuck e cheese anytime in the near future...please!

oh, and could someone please tell me how to detox from this ONE horrible day of eating. I think my thighs grew 5 inches today. blech.

NOT in a good mood today. I just want to be done and sleep. best to just leave me to my own devices. Almost didn't go to the gym, but I sucked it up and just did it.

6 miles on the TM

3 miles @ 1% 8:34, 8:34, 8:27 (until .25 left and the nursery called me. I was SO ticked off I didn't want to deal with baby and his problems and I didn't want to have to take him and go only 3 miles in...grrr, I was just starting to feel better!!! So, I wanted to just finish the last mile before I went down there. 10mph pace (6:00) for the last 1/4 mile until I was done with the 3 miles - didn't feel too hard!). Luckily it was only a diaper change. I really might have just left him there and ran away today if it was anything else!)

3 more on the TM @ 1% - 8:20, 8:13, 8:00 with another pickup the last .25 at 6:58 pace. Walked a cool down to finish the show I'd been watching.

TT: 49:50; AP: 8:18

Don't ask me to do anything else today, I'm done. Dumb party hangovers!

Feeling better today, a good run with friends helped too. 

Urban Trail loop with George, Chad, Paul, Christine and Kim. You know what I discovered today? Hills are a lot easier on 'fresh' legs. That Daybreak hill wasn't nearly as bad as it usually is and my split on the hill was 8:30...nice. Amazing how you can run faster and feel better when you don't beat yourself to a pulp every day!!

AP: 8:41 splits: 9:03, 8:47, 8:31, 8:16, 9:06, 8:44, 8:49, 8:12.

I really need to slow down :) It's taper time and I'm lovin' the ease of speed!

now onto the x-training for the day: yard work and maybe a bike ride with baby in the baby seat on the back while brother is in school.

I'M FREAKIN' OUT HERE!!! SOMEONE TELL ME IT IS GOING TO BE OKAY!!!

My husband was just diagnosed with strep. Yes, I kissed him yesterday, why? I'm not sure :) I'm SO sad and upset I really don't know what to do. I feel like even if I get on antibiotics today (which it sounds like the doc will be willing to do) I'm still going to be kicked down a notch from trying to fight this thing. Please, someone save me...p l e a s e...

***Well, the anitbiotics were called in and I'll go pick them up momentarily. I refuse to get sick! Since hubby was home I got the lawn edged and mowed early so that the grass would be taken with the garbage today and wouldn't sit all week. Then did the rest of the misc yard work that needed to be done so that Saturday will be a free day.

The best part about hubby being home is that I put baby down for a nap, sent the 5yr old to play and took off on a bike ride! YAY! I finally got out on my bike again. I was going to do a short sprint tri at the gym, but with baby's bad behavior recently I was lamenting having to take him again this week! Thank you daddy - sick days are welcome...just as long as you aren't sick! :) So, I did a 24 mile bike ride instead.

This is the same ol' loop I've done before, and my goal was to not stop, but keep pace. I did end up having to stop a few times for construction, and accident and lights, but otherwise I carried on. I don't know how crazy people like Brent can ride 20mph! I tried to keep a good uphill pace, but the downhill was hard to pedal too! I had a crazy headwind on the downhills and I would get tired pedaling downhill. How crazy is that?!? Anyway, on the flat without a headwind I could pull a 20-22, but it was a comfortably hard push. wow. Maybe bikers aren't such cheaters after all :)

I had an average of 16.2mph for the ride, topped out on one downhill at 35.6mph - yeeehaaw! I was just glad my average was faster (just barely) than Jake can run a marathon...hasn't always been that way!

A beautiful, amazing, wonderful, needed run with Smooth, Karen and Slick (for a bit!). I really needed just a nice, easy relaxing run with some good peeps. Kept reminding me how much I enjoy running for the social aspects of it all. 

Thanks ladies for listening to me unload all the family secrets :) I can't wait for Ogden! It is always a party at the top!!!

AP: 9:18

I still had my watch set to bike from yesterday. I realized this and changed it about 2.5 miles in, so I can't give true splits. But, we did 8:40's and an 8:16 on the way down the last couple miles - excellent!

slept in. I really need to get to bed earlier! 5 miles on the TM - 4 of them just chatting with Wendy and Emily. I was going to do 6 with 20-30 min of easy bike while I read, but I got called to the nursery. I was afraid it was baby being a turd, so since I was at exactly 5.0 miles I just called it. Luckily he just HAD a turd :) but, it was late enough it wasn't worth going to the car to get diapers change him and still get done on time. whatever...so I just left. I'll do 6 tomorrow instead. 

TT: 42:30 AP: 8:30 splits: 8:34, 8:34, 8:34, 8:34; 8:20 all at 1%

I'm going to be a bad blogger this week, so please keep me updated through comments here. On my mother's day gift from my son he said my hobby was "computer" whaaaa?!? not running...computer. I think I need to shut it down :)

man alive sometimes this taper thing kills me! I'm ready for it, just bring it on!!! ugghh...waiting. 

Had good intentions of going to bed last night, until my 5th grader's History Fair report took over life! Since when did a child's project become a parent's burden? I guess maybe it is my fault since I didn't let her use the computer more (we password protect the computer) to get the final draft done earlier. Lots of editing to do...and adding to get to 4 pages. Final project was sheer perfection -for a 5th grader, even if I did have to stay up until 1AM to help her. I'm a hands off mommy (lots of help and support, but I will NOT do things for you!), so I don't do much...ever :)

Still got up early to meet Chad, George, and Paul and RunGR8 for their morning loop. Nice new scenery, 5 mile loop. I saw the first mile come in at 8:30 and figured I was good...kept the effort similar, but ended with an AP of 8:00 after 5 miles. Those boys make me run too fast! Yes, I'm blaming it all on them - no responsibility on me at all, I was just keeping up and chatting and enjoying the perfect weather. We even had a good uphill mile in there, what the heck guys? Can't I run slow? :)

Since I got kicked off the TM early yesterday I wanted to get one more in. Paul took me on a loop (this is his 'hood) and it ended up more like 6.7...so I decided to finish off my .8 so that I can save my .2 for Saturday :) Again, I ran too fast. This wasn't supposed to be a tempo! I don't know if it is a good thing or a bad thing that I'm running so fast and it just feels nice. I won't say it is easy, but it feels more like what an 8:20-8:30 pace usually feels like. I guess tapers really do work :)

AP: 7:59 splits: 8:29, 8:01, 7:55, 7:46, 7:52, 7:57, 7:50 (.8)

mixed bag of emotions today. tired, sad, frustrated, confused, doubting...I don't know what to make of it. Well, maybe I do, but it is nothing the men on the blog would like to read about :) I was afraid this would happen after getting my mother's day gift from myself, but I'm still just driving myself crazy about it. PLUS, I need more sleep...lots more sleep. 

decided at the last minute to wake up and get my run in. Did the 2 mile loop with Lucy to keep me slow and it sure helped, but my legs felt like bricks and didn't want to move. after one mile, like clock work Lucy started dragging. Poor girl she must be going through a mid-life identity crisis :)

came home, got my oldest son up and the other 2 were sleeping, and I ran while my daughter biked to choir practice at the school. came home again, got oldest son's stuff ready for school then had just enough time to do one last mile.

did some pick ups to prove that I could make my legs move - just 3 Fartleks between well spaced light posts on my outdoor TM.

I really need to snap out of this...energy drop, emotional crud...who knows where I can get a hormone shot? and a nap?

AP: 8:09 splits: 8:28, 8:54, 7:49, 7:25

One more day of running...a rest day...then, the big day. *relaxing* *breathing* *I can do this*

Last run :)

Took Lucy to relax and enjoy myself and not go too fast. I was dragging the poor girl home the last downhill stretch that I wanted to pick up for fun. She is only used to 2 miles :)

Massage this afternoon to pull all the built up crap out of my legs and then I'm just waiting, waiting, waiting for Saturday. I'm SO excited, I just can't wait!! If ANYTHING goes wrong, you'd better just be ready to hear it from me. I'm not taking any excuses this time - I'm gonna do this! Watch out baby...I'll see YOU in Boston :)

AP: 8:45 splits: 8:32, 9:08; 8:35 - finished the last 1/3 in the low 6's, felt good! but Lucy almost got road rash from being drug so far. Poor middle aged girl.

If I am still standing at the end of the race, hit me with a board and knock me down, because that means I didn't run hard enough.

"Even when you have gone as far as you can, and everything hurts, and you are staring at the specter of self-doubt, you can find a bit more strength deep inside you, if you look closely enough." - Hal Higdon

"I'm going to work so that it's a pure guts race at the end, and if it is, I am the only one who can win it." - Steve Prefonatine

"I run with my head, my heart and my guts, because physically, I don't think I've got a great deal of talent or ability. I started at the bottom and worked up." - Steve Jones

Enjoy your pain - you've earned it!

Just a little motivation for y'all ... and me! later dudes.

does the smile on my face say it all? 

More to come later - yay for the 'big girls' 2nd in Athena, but 9th in my AG isn't too shabby either! :)

***********************************************************************

Friday afternoon I said good-bye to my family and headed up to Ogden, dealt with some traffic, but I was enjoying the 40 new songs I'd downloaded :) Met Toby at the expo, grabbed my number, double checked that they had me listed Athena, looked around (blah expo this year) and headed off to check out the course with Toby. It was nice to see where we'd be going since they'd changed it just a bit from previous years. We went to dinner at Slackwater Pizza and Pub - and I can just say YUM! Then we drove to THE hill on the course and decided it wasn't all that, so Toby drove me back to my car and we went our separate ways to sleep. I really had a wonderful evening visiting with Toby and chatting out all the race nerves. She has been SO great to put up with me during this training cycle!! Thanks for everything Toby!

I stayed with my Uncle in Farmington and I hadn't been to his new home there, but he was excited to have me stay. I felt SO bad when I got there - he made me sleep in HIS bed and he slept on the couch! I didn't realize the other bedroom was his storage room. He said he usually falls asleep on the couch anyway, so I told him I'd be outta there by 4:15 and he could sleep the rest of the night in his bed :) What an awesome family I have!!

I woke up to a text from bye-wing sending her love and support, it made me smile - even at 3:45 in the morning! Then I got a text from hubby who was just going to bed after working from home all night, poor guy! He had a whole Saturday of kids to do starting in just 5 hours. I slept the first 5 hours of the night, he got the 2nd 5 hrs :) Then, my secondary alarm went off...glad to know everything was in place. Didn't have to do my hair, because I'd had my neighbor do my fancy crown braid again. I LOVE it, out of my face, off my neck and people rarely forget the amazon with the basket braid on her head as I fly by :)

Ate a yogurt on the way to the race, met Smooth, Toby, Chad, Kelli, Karen, Maynard and lots of others at the Marriott. When we got to the buses a beautiful empty bus pulled up right in front of us! Score, it must be our lucky day! We all climbed on and Toby and I got the short seat...not the short bus, but the short seat :) Great chatter all the way up! The worst part of the marathon for me was over...the bus ride!

It is always fun to hang with the other crazies at the start and to chat out all the nerves and to send good wishes while we are all still standing and smiling! Made a couple trips to the pops and on the 2nd one Toby got out her sharpie. She had told me she was bringing it, so I was prepared with my motivation. So, onto my R arm went this: "The task in front of you is NEVER greater than the strength within you." in sharpie! I'd heard of people doing this, but thought it silly...let's just say I've changed my mind about that. Just typing the quote out still brings tears to my eyes knowing how much it helped me along.

I didn't realize how close it was to start time, because normally the line is out on the road by the field so you can see it, but this time it was down the road! I almost missed it! Stuffed my bag, said good bye to my ladies, tried to hand my bag to the big brothers truck until they said "oh, you don't want that back?" wait? what?!? Toby had also convinced me to run without my cell phone, so I'd put that and my car key in my bag. I NEVER put anything in my bag I wouldn't mind losing and now you're not going to give it back? I quickly realized that this was the donation truck and I needed to go one more down. Whew...crisis avoided! Then I ran to the start. Shoot, 30 seconds...crap, 10 second count down and I'm still at 5:00 pacers!! I was running in the grass on the side of the road (which is ironic, because I'd worn bags on my shoes to keep them dry while waiting and now was running in 8 in deep, wet grass...nice) trying to get up to the 3:25 pacers, but just couldn't get there in time. I went over the mat with the 4:00 guys and took off.

Mile 1: 7:08...yeah, too fast, but you see, I have this mental thing with pacers. I hate them. I know, I know, I pace...BUT I hate pacers they play mind games with me. If I can't keep up, I give up. I have a really hard time running my own race and going faster/slower when needed around them and I get easily discouraged. So, I wanted to catch up to the 3:25 guys (fastest pace group), and be in front of them and hopefully stay there if all went well. I figured A+ game on I could finish with 7:45-7:50 AP, so this seemed reasonable to try. Then, they wouldn't psych me out! On my way there I passed the 3:35 guy (no 3:30) and I said "no offense, but I don't want to see you again for another 3 1/2 hours." The people around him started chuckling about "what? we're not good enough for you?" made me laugh...but guess what? It kept them away! When I got to the 3:25 group I saw Kim and told him he'd chosen a good group. I stayed there, then I started singing "super bass" under my breath and the guy next to me glanced over. "yes, I'm singing for y'all" I said. Then I saw him glance at my bib on my skirt and I can't remember what he said, but then said "I'm Preston" HA! Well, I'm glad he cheated on my name, because I would've felt bad if I'd have been running with him and not said anything to him. To my credit, he was wearing a different shirt than at Thanksgiving point :)

Mile 2: 7:35...still a little fast, but I was having a great time chatting with Preston, watching Kim fade into the crowd in front of us (he couldn't let a girl beat him...so he took off :) ) and we pulled just slightly in front of the 3:25 guys which is right where I felt good! I think Kelli passed us this mile too...flying by and I was just happy she had her ipod :)

Mile 3-8: 7:46, 7:40, 7:45, 7:47, 7:46, 7:48 - honestly, couldn't give you play by play here. I was just enjoying the company, the run and the beauty. I had my arm warmers covering my garmin, so I couldn't see and wouldn't psych myself out about pace I was running. My goal was to enjoy it and run by feel. I knew this. I know what it takes to get to the end and how to run comfortably hard. One point when Preston glanced at a split I asked "that wasn't faster than 7:40 was it?" "no" "faster than 8:00 though, right?" "yup" - I didn't want to know the number. I was in a good zone and just wanted to stay there. He then said we were TMing the mile splits. THAT was awesome news!

Mile 9: 8:02 - first Gu stop, so the run was faster, but I actually stopped to choke it down and make sure I got some water IN my mouth to wash it all in. I decided to use whatever they gave out for the first one... YUCK! I didn't even look until it was in my mouth...espresso or something flavor. Whatever, wash it down and go on. Caught back up to Preston and enjoyed the rollers, lake and view!

Mile 10:  7:36 - I think this is the mile where I lost Preston, I don't know how it happened, but just all of a sudden he was gone. I didn't know how or where he was, but figured he was right behind me, but I never saw him again. crud. Then I had another bad thing happen this mile. The dumb 3:25 pacer caught me. what the heck?!? My splits were well below 7:50's and I figured they were just ahead like always. So, I finally asked after trying to keep up with him for a while and feeling like it was a little too hard. He said they were 3 seconds ahead of time. What?!? I was SO confused. Finally I said something about how confusing that was, because I knew my splits were lower than a 7:50 pace. Gun time? nope, chip time pacing. okay, fine...what time do you have?!? 1:15:30...ahh, I'm at 1:14:30...makes sense now. I was a full minute ahead of them. It still jarred me a little that I couldn't keep up with him like I'd wanted to, but when I knew I still had a minute I just plugged on and tried to run my own race and not let them in my head.

Miles 11, 12, 13 (13.1) - 7:50, 7:46, 7:48, (1:41:30) - these miles were lost ones too. I kept telling myself...look, you're not losing the pacer, he isn't getting that far ahead. You CAN still see him. Relax, run your race. I passed Shelly here who was doing a relay and she said "you are flying. can you keep it?!?" I simply said "I feel good, I feel really good!" and I did. I really felt like this was MY race! Goal for the half was no faster than 1:42...either I'd blow up from going out too fast or have really underestimated my abilities :) I figured 30 seconds wasn't too far off, I was feeling great! Dropped my arm warmers knowing the hills were coming up and now, I could see my Garmin...

Miles 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 - 7:57, 8:13, 8:05, 7:41, 7:43 The hill, which is a hill, but compared to Veyo or the hills I run at home? nah. I know what it takes to get up that bugger and it isn't bad. Short and sweet. Peak and enjoy the rollers and flats till the dam. I still hit it in 8:13...not too shabby.  The next 8:05 was my next gu stop at mile 15ish, I had my jet blackberry - my secret weapon gu :) I don't know why, but my body responds really well to the 2X caffeine in that one. I'm really proud of the next two miles on the flat/rollers being what they were. I had a mental battle here, but reminded myself of when I'd run the half prego (35 weeks along) 2 years ago: I was exhausted and wondering why in the crap would I do this to myself? I shouldn't be running a half, I'm pregnant, carrying a viable life at this point! I should just stop and take the bus down. But, I told myself that I just had to get to the dam, if I got there then, I could re-evaluate and see how I felt and if I wanted to quit. I started loving the downhill and finished SO strong! My best miles were the last few! Remembering all of that reminded me that all I had to do was get to the dam and then the easy part would come. I'd fought so hard to this point, and I knew that the task in front of me was NOT greater than the inner strength. This was mine! I still can't figure out how the 3:25 guy kept getting further away, there was even one point I wanted to time how long there was between us, but I forgot :)  I passed Kim again before the last aid station. I knew his foot was bothering him, but I still harassed him a bit :) I crossed the dam and FLEW (dropped to a 6:30ish pace for a bit) down that first hill of the canyon...aaahhh!!! I had made it.

Mile 19: 8:01 - seems slow, but I walked and popped my last GU here. Another jet blackberry, it was surreal to take my last gu - have empty pockets and be headed to the finish. It was almost over, and I was still feeling good and strong. A slight fatigue, but nothing bad! As I passed the mile 19 mile marker (theirs, not when my garmin went off - I know my watch is always .2 or more over and when splits started getting off I timed by THEIR mile markers, not trusting my watch. I knew better!) I noticed my time was 2:28:3X - no way! no way! I had 7.2 miles in front of me and if I simply ran for one more hour I'd be done WAY ahead of my 3:30 goal, not to mention that 7.2 mph is and 8:20 pace (thank you TM running), I was still hitting paces better than that. I had this thing IN THE BAG! No one could take this now. I was feeling good and on my way! Today was my day!!

Mile 20: 8:06 - doesn't seem too bad, huh? oh trust me...this was the beginning of the end. cue tears and frustration! My knee just froze on me about half way through this mile. I couldn't figure out what what going on. It felt like my patellar ligament, just below my knee, and the darn thing wouldn't allow me to bend it. I tried to fight through it "it is all in your head, quit this Rachel! Just forget it and run" then my knee would buckle when I'd land on it and my arms would flail and it was all I could do to stop my momentum and not fall down. I shouted "NOT NOW!" the frustration was immense. I'd just had my high and knew I'd conquered and now this?!? what the hell?!? I went to the side and stretched (simple quad stretch and banging it with the side of my hand did the trick) as I watched people I'd worked hard to pass fly effortlessly by.

Mile 21: 7:55 - I'm really surprised at this split. You should see the graph on my garmin :) it is up/down/up/down/up/down - nothing consistent. More flailing as I tried to do a strong hip drive through, but then I figured the only way I could run was with a straight leg. If that was how it had to be, then it had to be. So, I ran with my left leg in a good stride and my R leg straight...no bending. I couldn't bend it. There would be times I could feel the pain subside so I would start bending it a bit and try to relieve my left quad, but it would quickly come back, so I would go back to peg leg.

Mile 22: 8:53 - much more stopping and stretching here. walking through aid stations and this is where Teena passed me. I really had thought she was in front of me. No way do I run faster than that girl! So, it really surprised me when she passed me and said "is that you Rachel?" "yeah, my knee won't bend." She gave me some encouraging words and took off looking amazing! My goal was now to keep her in sight. I knew I was slowing down, but you see...I had this thing on my arm that kept telling me I could do it. I would remember that even though this task had now changed, I could still do this. It was great, but you know what?!? this fight and strength inside of me is greater!! Screw you stupid knee...I don't need you! Then, I thought about Amy . Ever since I'd read about her knee I had thought about dedicating this race to her. I wasn't going to say anything until I'd completed the goal, because what if I failed her? What if something happened and I didn't get it?!? What kind of idiot would I be then? I'd look SO foolish. Well, I'd finally decided to tell HER what I had in mind. Friday morning I'd texted her this:

I run because I can. When I get tired, I remember those who can't run, what they'd give to have this simple gift I take for granted, and I run harder for them. I know they would do the same for me.

I then told her that this race was for her. Her motivation and determination to get to Boston and run despite the pain in her knee was what I needed. Little did I know how much that would really come into play during my race! Amy had run 26.2 miles on a bum knee that she shouldn't even have EVER run on, let alone run Boston on. But, she had defied the odds and not only qualified for Boston, but run it! If she could run 26.2 miles in horrible pain for that honor...I could do this. I CAN. I can run, and this was for her even before my knee decided to be dumb. Buck up Rachel...run. You got this!

Mile 23: 8:13- how in the crap I was still pulling off these fast miles I don't know. If you only knew or could see how I was running you'd probably pee yourself laughing. No joke. It was at the end of this mile, well their mile 10 mark for the half marathon, that I saw 3:03 on my watch. Really?!? All I had to do was run a 30 min 5K. I was limping along at a good clip and few people were passing me, I was keeping pace with most people around me and Teena was still only maybe 50 yds or so ahead. I could see that bright green! :) Here we go... dig deep.

Mile 24, 25: 8:22, 9:05 - I walked twice in mile 25. The pain in my left inner quad was so much that I had to relax it and give it a break, it was doing the work my knee couldn't, but I was getting there. Every step closer to the finish.

Mile 26: 8:38 - I passed where Toby and I had eaten dinner the night before and I knew I was close, SO close. Just keep on going. I usually am so exhausted and that stretch down Grant street is horrible, but this time it was different. I saw the finish. I knew it was there and I knew what I had done and how hard I had fought. I KNEW that I'd found that strength deep down to conquer the task ahead of me and for once, it hadn't beaten me. Nothing could stop me now. I kept my eyes on that finish and plugged away.

Last .20 (.36 on the garmin, pretty short for Ogden :) ) 2:55/8:06 AP - When I passed that mile 26 marker I looked at the garmin - 3:28:16. Could I do it? Could I get to that finish in less than 2 minutes? yes, lets do this...give it all you've got and leave nothing out here! As I ran through the crowds I started passing people and I would put my arms out in a call for a little more support and noise. No talking at this point...I couldn't. But, I needed some cheering to get me there, and they responded well! When I got to that final chute I put my hands up in victory! I knew I'd done it! I had my BQ and honestly that was all I was thinking about. I'd done my 3:30, my goal I'd trained for - even with the last 6+ miles of pain and limping! I'd given myself enough of a cushion that nothing COULD take it away from me. Yes, I could've ideally finished 3:26ish, but who freakin' cares?!? At this point, I didn't. I finished with my arms and head held high. That task in front of me was nothing compared to what I brought out of me! I'd found that inner strength and punched a hole in the wall with it! :) Booyah! I looked at my watch and saw 3:30:03...crap. three seconds? shoot...I really hope I waited more than 3 seconds to hit stop on my watch. that would really suck to finish JUST over 3:30...crap. This now makes me laugh!

I walked to get some water and at the first place I grabbed a handful of ice and threw it down my bra. yeah, I was hot. I'd thrown a lot of water over my head those last miles, but that felt good! I grabbed a bottle of water and dumped it on me and in/on my face. Spit some out and just stood there. Coke?...ahh, I'll take one of those. Well, I guess I must've attracted some attention just standing around throwing water on myself and not walking, but honestly I thought that was the end of where you had to walk and that you had to go onto the grass right there like in past years. So I'd stopped to be able to cool down and get a couple extra water bottles before I had to go onto the grass and walk back if I wanted more water. Well, an official came up to me and asked if I was okay "yup! I'm good" still elated. "Do you need anything? ice?" "I'd love some ice for my knee." "okay, there is some back here, let's walk on over." "you okay?" "yup! never better." "okay, I'll just lean on YOU then." hmmm? I'm fine...aren't I? got the ice and he said "you sure you're okay?" "yeah, I'm good" "well, why don't we walk on over here and they'll get you taken care of and get that ice wrapped on your knee." "okay?" then he lead me into the med tent. If I would've had any strength left I would've run away...I don't like the med tent! I didn't want to be there!! But, I guess I looked like death or was wobbly as I walked or something, because that guy wasn't taking my "I'm great" answers for all the Reese's in the world! So, I got my first trip to the med tent...awesome. It was dumb and they couldn't find anything wrong with me. HR, BP and everything were normal...for crazy people that had just finished running 26.2 (or .36) miles. They poked around my knee, but couldn't find anything horrible there either. See?!? I said I was okay. I sipped my coke and enjoyed my time on the lounger, then headed out to see my peeps and talk to them!

Ran across a few of them and then decided I wanted some chocolate milk. So, I headed back into the corral, because I now realized that the ending chute lasted much longer than last time and I'd missed it ALL. They didn't want to let me in "no re-entry" well, I told them they'd drug me into the med tent and hadn't let me get any chocolate milk and I wanted mine! The security guard looked at me with a look of disbelief. THEN I waved my yellow slip that the med tent had given me "MED TENT!" He finally relented and let me back in - heck yeah baby, don't mess with me! As I went to get my chocolate milk I saw Toby and was elated to hear about her sub 4 that I'd been telling her she'd get! Then we saw Karen and I heard about Smooth. crud. I hate bad news :(

After getting our bags and me having a full out cramp in the foot of my arch AND my belly (I call it my hernia cramp and get it from time to time - a long vertical line just to the R of my belly button) that sent me to the ground hollering in Utah cuss words (I'm sure everyone thought I was an inspiration to run a marathon at that point) we went over to the results/awards table to see official times!

Got to be there for the awards for overall and masters and watch some awesome peeps claim some big checks - size and value! :) Then, the wait began for the division awards. I'd switched just a few weeks ago to Athena. I'll never weigh less than 140 pounds, I think my bones and organs weigh that much!  But, I'd noticed the top finishers were around 3:30...well, shoot. That is my goal, could I take home an award? Is it worth claiming 'big girls'? I'd decided it was and so I waited...and waited...and waited. They do a strange thing in Ogden with Athena. They register you in your AG and Athena. If you take a prize in both, you get the prize for both (as the 1st place Athena did- man that girl is amazing, Kelli knows her and so as we waited I got to chat with her...for an hour or so. LOVE her! She is just like me, tall and proud - not 'big' but just big :) ). So, I didn't know if I'd won an Athena prize or not. Britta (the 1st place) had finished in 3:11, so when I heard that I figured there was no hope. When they finally handed out prizes at 1PM they still didn't have Athena results and someone had to go get them. What the heck?!? Anyway, after another 15 minutes of waiting - GREAT news. I'd taken 2nd! I got a trophy :) I'd already gotten everything I'd wanted for the day and that was just the topping to it all! Happy to be a big girl :) The top 10 in my AG sure didn't hurt my feelings either, but the trophy...that was awesome - and worth the wait!

I know this is a little novel and if you don't read it - no worries. I think it is all for me anyway. If you do read it, congrats on getting through it all and thanks for coming along on my epic journey with me. This is certainly a day I hope I never forget. Unless it is because I eat too much; you know they say that people with higher caloric intakes are at a higher risk for alzheimers, right? Then, it would be worth it!

I am just amazed and grateful for ALL the support I've received from all of you, my peeps! :) My phone got so many text messages it wouldn't receive any more - okay, some of that may be due to the fact I have too many pictures taking up too much memory so I can't store too many texts, but still. I am SO elated this weekend. You work so hard for something and dream about it for so long. I still can't believe I can put that BQ after my name!! The best part is I couldn't have done it without all of you! Keeping me motivated and going, I love this blog. Sometimes I wish I could marry it :) Okay, maybe as a second marriage, I love my husband too much to divorce him. My family has been through so much dealing with me to achieve this! The first thing my husband said is "now can you relax a little?" HA HA HA - no. SGM is coming up and I'm going to fix this knee problem and get my 3:20 I know I should be able to hit. Find your limits...then exceed them. I know I can. If SGM is faster and I don't have the knee problems taking 4 min (which should've been closer to my finish time) shouldn't be a problem or out of my reach? right? oh yeah. Onward and Upward baby...watch me, just watch me :)

BEAUTIFUL day up at Snowbird with the family. Big breakfast, swimming, a couple hrs of hiking/walking, dinner and games. SO happy to just relax, sleep in and enjoy the beauty of it all!!

For all y'all who actually read ALL of my report - you deserve a medal! :)

Spin class - I asked the teacher to be nice, but he wasn't. luckily, I can adjust my bike to whatever level I want :) Saved by a poopy diaper with 5 min left of class.

Masters swim - new teacher, good workout. love doing the no impact cross training. my legs feel almost functional...until I go downstairs :) 1300 yds with a finishing fast 200 @ 3:35, not fab, but hey the way I feel today I'm not going to complain! My endurance is gone :)

What's grosser than gross? digging in your swim bag to pull out your suit to hang it up to dry and you grab the wettest thing in there and it is your shirt from spin class...nice :)

I ALMOST feel normal today. Not a ton of soreness, more like after a long hard week of training. So, I feel like this is good recovery. I still will hold off on the running for a couple more days, but I have to admit it is killing me!

I'm so grateful for my running peeps :) A funny conversation led to one of the best 'runs' I've done in a long time this morning. The regular Tuesday crowd: Chad, Paul, George, Christine - met at the lake and we walked the 3 miles around the lake (I wore my flip flops to discourage any attempt to run) and then all partook of the delectable dunford donuts and chocolate milk. Chad earned two for being less than 120 pounds :) It was great to get a good shake out walk and rehash the race in all it's glory! Poor George, I don't know if he is now scared to death to do a marathon or really wants to - it could've gone either way. We all told him that he definitely could do SoJo this fall!

Went to the gym and did spin class - maybe I wasn't trying as hard as normal, but Allison didn't kill me like she normally does. Controlling my own resistance is awesome :)

1500 yds at masters swim with 1000 of that pulling. It was nice to float the legs and still get a good workout! I learned how to stroke correctly with my arms...wow, a couple inches makes a HUGE difference. Proper form is good in all sports :)

Anyone have fun plans for this weekend? (yes, runs or rides)

I'm feeling SO good. Almost like I have fresh legs - it is KILLING me not to run, but then I sleep in and all is well :) 

Spin class again, good effort, but boring class. 

1 mile on the track - don't be mad, I just had to try :) I kept it nice and easy. No time, just had a good little run.

30 min on the elliptical @ L8 - watched the NCAA indoor track and field finals. Wow, the only race I watched was mens and womens 3K. The men's time was 7:48 and the Women's 9:15 - holy smokin' smokes! wow! It was neat to watch them and yell at them to dig and not give up :) hope everyone around me was wearing headphones.

finished with what is going to become a MUST DO after every run. no questions asked. I struggle with these and I think a lot of my dumb injuries come from not doing these few, simple exercises. side to side band steps; lunges; big toe/little toe heel raises; one legged squats (off a stair - one leg straight going down and focusing on knee stability). I just did one set and it only takes like 3-5 minutes. This MUST become apart of my everyday routine to strengthen the weak stability parts of my legs or I think I'll end up with crap like I did in Ogden again and I don't want that! Find a way and make it work.

*******

So, this has nothing to do with running, but I just had to share since y'all are my peeps that support and keep my spirits high. My dad passed away 5+ years ago, Just over 4 years ago my mom remarried a great guy. He wasn't my dad by any means, but he was a really nice and generous guy. Always thinking of others and never complaining about a thing - even when he was in terrible pain he'd say: "if I felt any better I'd have to dance naked in the streets!" Yesterday afternoon he passed away from a 10+ year battle with blood cancer. It is hard for me. I feel a little removed from the situation, but then now worry about my mom again being alone. I worry about how things with his 3 children that were SO close to him are going to pan out with my mom still wanting to live in their father's home (her name is on the title, just well, you know...). I worry about my kiddos. My oldest daughter remembers losing grandpa and now she loses Don, and my 2 older boys (baby doesn't realize much, he's only 23 mo) have really only known him as grandpa so they're losing someone special and important to them. Just a lot of heartache, frustration, worry and helplessness right now. So, don't get mad at me if  I run :) it is my therapy after all! :)

Urban Trail Loop - didn't know how well/if the legs would fare on the run, but was willing to wake up at 4:15 for some company and a little shake out run. 

Had a great time chatting with Chad, George and Christine. We just went easy the whole time and it felt GREAT! Christine took off at 4 miles to cut it short, so I had to then keep up with the boys, but since all the hills were over it wasn't too bad.

Stopped at the Rec Center to do my strengthening stuff as I've prescribed for myself daily. I could then also use their stretching machines. Enjoyed a few minutes there as well.

AP: 9:08 splits: 10:00 (ha! no wonder I was feeling good), 9:35, 9:11, 8:58, 9:10, 8:40, 8:52, 8:41 - nice little unintended almost progressive run.

Anyone have a good Memorial Day run planned? I'd like to do a nice group run (no races...too poor and too tired from Ogden) if anyone is up for it.

Met some of the Tri group up at Corner Canyon for a trail run. Awesome stuff! I need to find a way to weasel into the boys club and make them slow down for me, because I'm really liking trail running!! 

I had no idea where we were going, so I ran in the back letting others lead. We went from the equestrian parking lot to Ghost Falls, then up to Jacob's Ladder. When the garmin hit 3.0 miles we turned and headed back down. I know the Garmin was probably off, but whatever - it was the only tool I had with me. 1400ft of gain and kept the uphills around a 12mm. Not too shabby for my first real trail run! The downhill, well that is always fun :)

I think I'm going to go to the rec center and read/bike then do my exercises and top it all off with a good lawn mowing. Hoping to find time for a nap.

What a lovely morning! I was grateful the rain stayed away and that I got a good run in with QP :) I had to take her on my new favorite Urban Trail Loop. Due to family obligations for my husband and soccer games we still had to get up early, but it was worth it! 

I thought I might need my gloves or a long sleeve shirt, but when we got there it was actually perfect temps. Absolutely no complaints about the run, and the beautiful scenery that I actually got to SEE (it wasn't dark) was really nice!

AP: 9:53

Had a lot of stress to get out this morning.

21.5 miles on Queen of the Hill ride from Infinite Cycle in Riverton up and over Camp Williams to Saratoga Springs and back. 16.2 mph average.

Got home as quickly as possible and changed into running shoes and headed out for 12 with QP. Ran down the trails to Kelli's house, picked her up and let her take us on the Mtn View Corridor that will open next Saturday. I've been wanting to run it forever! So, this was my final chance before it opened. They will have a bike path, but it won't be quite the same :) LOTS of hills. A giant one to start, then rollers for the next 3 miles. We took the 'easy' way back. I was easier, but man alive for going downhill it didn't seem like it. Good SGM practice! Then we finished at Monarch Meadows Park with 12, walked to Kelli's house and she gave us a ride home. Thanks for the awesome run ladies! Dream come true for me! AP: 9:42

Well, that got the stress out and I was a much more pleasant person to be around for the birthday dinner, viewing and ice cream afterward :) ice cream makes everything better...especially Leatherbys!

Tomorrow...funeral. Let's just say there aren't enough miles....

Met Chad and George early for our typical 10 mile loop. I started out with the disclaimer that I hadn't been running fast lately and I liked it. Well, I guess Chad decided he needed to change that :) 

I didn't notice the pace until we turned on 12600S (and my garmin was dumb for the first 1.5 miles and so I only have after that), made it up the hill and we were hauling. I wasn't ready or asking for a MP tempo this morning (especially after yesterdays ride and hills), but I stuck with it. I had a moment of mental weakness, ready to just drop behind - I can't run this fast. Then I thought "you idiot, you can run FASTER than this, and it is only 10 miles and the hard part is over!" So, I just buttoned myself to Chad's shoulder and kept up with him and decided to NOT think about how fast I was running, but to just enjoy being out. Seemed to work well. The downhill 1.5 miles later didn't hurt either.

After a mile or so of silence on the run I told Chad that since he was the only one not breathing hard and he was the one forcing us to run so fast he had to do the entertaining and tell us stories. I was glad. I got to know Chad a little better - he had a fun weekend :) I guess if I shut up and listen to others talk once in a while I might learn about THEM!

I did stop for a drink at the lake with just like 1.5 left, but it helped that last little bit finish strong. I felt great when I was done and happy that I hadn't wimped out mentally or physically.

Funeral activities and birthday dinner for my husband the rest of the day. I really hate funerals, they are just SO emotionally exhausting...I need a nap!

AP: 7:55 splits: 12:18 (first 1.5), 7:44, 7:57, 8:26, 8:17, 8:13, 7:56, 7:58, 7:29, 7:20 (last .50)

Slept in...I needed it! 

Spin class, good hard sweaty workout. Did a lot of HIITS...I hate to admit it, but I like them :)

Decided 1/2 way through spin class I wanted to do a brick before swim. A quick transition and then 2 miles on the track at a good pace. So, I stopped, changed shoes, wiped down the bike, grabbed my stuff and hit the track as fast as I could. Timer was 3:00 on the dot. Started the run.

The run actually wasn't too bad. I could feel some fatigue in my legs but it wasn't terrible. First mile: 7:34, meh...I can do better, it is only 2 miles then you get to swim. So, I pushed a little harder on the next one and I finished in 14:34 for both miles, second one was a 7:00 on the dot. Nice.

As I was walking my cool down lap, to then go swim I heard my name called...crap, nursery. Adam's been so good lately I thought it was just a poopy diaper. Nope. No swimming for me, and another write up for Adam.

I copied the masters workout on my phone with full intentions to come back during nap time. Well, about 1:00 I abandoned that idea. My kids have been through a lot with family in town, funeral craziness and dad and I going out a lot with family and friends and for his birthday. My home is a disaster and who do I think I am? I can't just be satisfied with a 1:15 workout? I HAVE to do that extra swim? Why can't I just put my kids and family first and clean up the house and get the stuff done I need to here? I don't need to abandon them for a swim, it doesn't really make sense. Just stay home, love them, play with them, mop the 2in deep scuzy floor and stop trying to be athlete of the year with 5000 workouts a day. Just be a mom and be here, they won't always be around.

So, guilt trip mommy is staying home and burning probably as many calories mopping the watermelon my kids spilled ALL over the floor last night while dad and I were out than I probably would be if I went swimming. Happy Wednesday!

Urban Trail Loop. Someone ate too much spinach yesterday, because the run was a lot faster than normal, but I won't complain :) It started out same as usual, but then I started whining to Paul about how the hill was not my friend and well, internal dialogue kicked in and I had to kick some trash on the hill. Then, the last mile I was just ready to have it over with...I guess :)

AP: 8:24 splits: 9:22, 8:56, 8:10, 8:12, 8:34 (going up and around a fence, I stop and walk the steep downhill, but never stop the watch), 8:05, 8:15, 7:35.

Then I went to the rec center and got my swim in from yesterday, but there is a masters class AT 6:30...perfection. So, I did their workout. 1500yds in the 40 min I was there (including instruction time, talking time, rest time etc).

Went back for spin class at 9 - then Fartlek only has to be in the nursery for an hour and he usually behaves that long, and he did! Glowing reports today. Spin class was one of the toughest I've done. I'd heard Kelli talk about it before and wanted to try it - I'm glad I did!! Increasing intervals by 30 seconds alternating sitting and standing AND increasing resistance. You start with 30/30 (sit/stand), then 60/60, 90/90...you get it. Amazing. Sweating all over tarnation!

I'd decided to do a mini-brick again. So, I'd set up my stuff and shoes to be ready for transition. I got to the track ready to run in 1:55! Did just one mile, but hard effort - ended up 6:53...nice. Even on deader than doorknobs legs. I like it :) I'm going to try to do these more often, even just one mile to get the legs used to transition.

finished up with my runner's exercises. Forgot about them this week.